Regarding the matter of the Demon Abyss, Yi Tianxing had his own thoughts. The most urgent thing now was to immediately return to Great Yi, summon his ministers, hold a discussion, and formulate corresponding countermeasures. At this moment, he even felt thankful that Haotian had held the Peach Banquet in advance, which caused the Demon Abyss to appear, providing a precedent. From now on, he could handle everything with ease.
Who said that Eternal must passively endure the invasion of Eternal Night?
Who said that the Demon Abyss must always be swept through by Eternal Night's demonic army?
Who said that Eternal cannot counterattack?
Counterattack — I can counterattack!
A wave of burning determination surged in Yi Tianxing's heart. The accumulation of Great Yi over hundreds of years was never meant for passively resisting Eternal Night's invasion. It had always been for the moment of counterattack — invasion? No, he would launch a reverse invasion.
Within Great Yi, countless soldiers were already eager, howling to unleash war against Eternal Night, thirsting to bathe in the blood of Eternal Night's fiendish demons, to forge supreme glory for themselves, and to win noble titles that could be passed down to their descendants.
Nine dragons pulled the chariot, swift as flowing light.
Driven deliberately to its limits, the war chariot reached extreme speed. Not long after leaving Lingxiao, it entered the territory of Great Yi, returning directly to Xuanhuang Immortal City and landing within the Immortal Palace.
Before long, Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai, Zhuge Liang, Liu Bowen, Jia Xu, and other high-ranking ministers of Great Yi entered the Immortal Palace one after another, arriving at the Hall of Knowledge and Action.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!!"
"May we ask, Your Majesty, has some great matter arisen? Why have you summoned us here in such haste?"
After seeing Yi Tianxing seated on the throne, they bowed in unison, then raised their inquiry.
They all knew that Yi Tianxing had gone to Lingxiao to attend the Peach Banquet. Yet as soon as he returned, he summoned them immediately. Clearly, something extraordinary had happened. Otherwise, he would not have made such a stir.
"Indeed. During this visit to Lingxiao, certain events occurred — events that concern the entire Eternal World, and also relate to our upcoming Peach Banquet of Great Yi's Immortal Court. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to first consult with all of you before making arrangements."
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly.
He then recounted the events that had taken place in Lingxiao Immortal Court. The ministers listened quietly, though when they heard certain key details, faint traces of surprise and strangeness appeared on their faces.
Especially the fact that Lingxiao had changed its governing system and, in an instant, brought the entire Zhongyu Tianzhou under its direct control — this made each of them fall into deep thought.
"That is the situation. A Demon Abyss has appeared in Zhongyu Tianzhou. Regardless of the reason — whether it was caused by some hidden agents of Eternal Night, or part of Haotian's long-laid plan — Great Yi must remain vigilant. We must prepare in advance for war."
Yi Tianxing spoke calmly.
"In this world, coincidences are not rare, but when they are too coincidental, they are rarely coincidences at all. The Demon Abyss's appearance perfectly complemented Lingxiao Immortal Court's reform. No matter how we look at it, there must be a connection. Haotian may not be colluding with Eternal Night, but he clearly possesses the ability to monitor its movements. He must have foreseen the change and deliberately timed his reforms with it, achieving a nearly perfect synergy. First, he stabilized the Immortals and gods with amnesty decrees; then, with the Demon Abyss, he secured Zhongyu Tianzhou. In one stroke, he completed his transformation. Afterward, Lingxiao Immortal Court was no longer aloof, but held far greater control over its territory. Fortune and destiny both increased as a result. Gains and losses are obvious — Haotian is the final beneficiary. Everything is in his grasp."
Liu Bowen spoke after a brief pause.
As top strategists, they always assumed the worst about others. The world held few real coincidences. By simply examining who benefited, one could deduce whether there was a direct or indirect link. To believe there was no connection at all was impossible.
And none of the ministers here would believe it either.
"Your Majesty's meaning is that, during our Peach Banquet, there may be an accelerated outbreak of demonic corruption, rapidly forming Demon Abyss and bringing Eternal Night's invasion." Jia Xu's eyes flashed with light as he slowly spoke.
"Correct. The Hydra has always hidden itself deeply, making it nearly impossible to find them. Moreover, there is also the Evil Dao Sovereign, who lurks in the shadows. No one knows what actions he might take. If he unleashes his strength recklessly, the damage to Great Yi could be catastrophic. Our Peach Banquet concerns the very face of Great Yi. Countless great powers will attend. If we fail to handle it properly, it will be Great Yi that loses face. In such a case, we must respond with caution. How many Demon Abyss will appear, and where they will appear — among Great Yi's thirty-plus realms — we cannot be unprepared."
Yi Tianxing's voice grew heavier: "Moreover, what I want is not passive defense. Eternal Night can come to Eternal — why can Eternal not strike into Eternal Night?"
"Your Majesty means that when the Demon Abyss open, we should seize control of the channels, take over the Demon Abyss, and use them as bridges to strike directly into Eternal Night." Jia Xu immediately grasped his intent.
This was no jest.
The moment these words were spoken, Zhuge Liang and the others changed expression. Yet soon after, excitement flashed in their eyes. If this could truly be done, Great Yi would inevitably become famous throughout the Eternal World, etched forever into history.
It would be the first time since the dawn of creation.
"Is there a way to accomplish this?"
Yi Tianxing nodded. He did not conceal his thoughts.
"It may not be impossible."
Liu Bowen's eyes gleamed as he replied: "Demonic corruption occurs naturally from the collision of the two worlds, as their laws penetrate each other. No one can stop it. But to accelerate it — that can be influenced. Though Eternal Night holds the initiative, we may still be able to borrow strength from the process of accelerated corruption to open additional Demon Abyss channels under our control. Once breached, if we seize them at the first moment, the ownership will be ours."
His voice carried excitement.
This would mean using Eternal Night's own power against them, shifting the stars, turning their weapon back upon them.
The key was how to achieve it.
"Borrowing the power of Eternal Night is no easy matter. Since Minister Liu proposes this, surely you already have a plan. Speak it — if it is feasible, this matter shall be your great merit." Yi Tianxing's eyes glimmered with interest.
"To influence the speed of demonic corruption, only the power of laws will suffice. We can use the Feng Shui grand formations to redirect that power. Though this cannot prevent the opening of Eternal Night's own Demon Abyss, it can allow us to channel that power to open our own Demon Abyss at chosen locations. In fact, with the Jiangshan Sheji Map, we already possess this capability. With Brother Jiang's control, it can be done."
Liu Bowen smiled as he explained.
The Jiangshan Sheji Map had grown ever stronger as Great Yi developed. After evolving into an Immortal Court, it had become even more formidable, capable of regulating spiritual energy and geologic veins across the land.
"Excellent."
Yi Tianxing nodded. "If we can open Demon Abyss under Great Yi's control, then whether we can hold them will depend on you ministers and our soldiers. Passively enduring attacks is not the nature of Great Yi. If Eternal Night dares invade us, then Great Yi dares to counter-invade. War — when has Great Yi ever feared war? This time, I shall let Eternal Night know — Great Yi is not to be trifled with."
His words carried a decisive, murderous edge.
If you dare come, I dare kill. Not only that, I will strike back, burning war in your very homeland. If you want war, then let us fight to the bitter end. If we must strike, then let it be so painful that Eternal Night trembles at our name.
It is not only Eternal Night that can launch invasions. Great Yi possesses that power as well.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Liu Bowen and the others' eyes burned with fervor.
It was precisely Yi Tianxing's indomitable spirit — his refusal to yield, his courage to fight and kill — that made them follow him unwaveringly. They firmly believed that one day, Eternal Night would be invaded by their hands. Now, the opportunity had arrived.
Of course, this would be an immense trial.
"If Great Yi launches an invasion into Eternal Night, it will surely draw the attention of their top powers. Some may even strike directly. We will need enough supreme experts to withstand them. At least cultivators of the Dao-Proving Realm must be stationed within the Demon Abyss to ensure stability."
Zhuge Liang spoke after some thought.
His mind already leapt ahead to the challenges of waging war in Eternal Night. First and foremost, they would face its top experts. Retreat was no longer an option. Within Eternal Night's territory, those great powers would face no restrictions and could act freely.
"Rest assured. I have already made preparations. Once the channels are opened, supreme experts to guard them will naturally be present."
Yi Tianxing smiled calmly, brimming with confidence.
Afterward, they deliberated for two full hours before the ministers finally departed the Immortal Palace.
Upon leaving, their expressions remained calm and natural, no different from usual. Not a trace of emotion could be discerned on their faces. Each of them was a seasoned fox, well-versed in hiding their thoughts.
Yet, in the days that followed, subtle changes began to quietly ripple throughout Great Yi.
In the shadows, undercurrents surged.
But on the surface, nothing seemed different.
Time passed silently.
Unknowingly, it was already the fifteenth day of the third month.
On this day, the entirety of Great Yi was brightly decorated. Countless eyes turned toward Xuanhuang Immortal City.
On the StarNet, vast numbers of Great Yi citizens living in Xuanhuang Immortal City activated their Starlight Bracelets, live-broadcasting the sights within and outside the city.
(End of Chapter)