The uncertainty of the Well of Gods and Demons meant Eternal Night could not guard against it, forcing them to remain on full alert. This in turn created maneuvering space—around the Well of Gods and Demons, strategists had ample opportunity to deploy their plans. This was not just a head-on clash, but also the beginning of a battle of wits.
Every link in the chain could decide the final outcome of war.
Yi Tianxing did not interrupt, silently listening to the many suggestions from his officials. Some opinions were refreshing and highly feasible. Unknowingly, the discussion about the Well of Gods and Demons lasted for more than an hour before a complete strategic plan was finalized.
"Your Majesty, this minister has a matter to report."
Xi Zhicai stepped forward.
"Speak!"
Yi Tianxing nodded.
"According to our investigation, within the territory of Great Yi, due to the spread of demonic energy, various regions are showing different degrees of change. Many lands have become barren, spiritual fields are beginning to lose their aura and degrade into ordinary farmland, and signs of wilting are appearing among vegetation without warning. Crop yields across the board are showing reduction. According to our estimates, this year's harvest will decrease by thirty to forty percent."
Xi Zhicai spoke with a grave expression.
The people regard food as their heaven. Without sufficient grain, the operation of the entire dynasty would be severely affected. Moreover, many civilians relied on cultivating spirit grains and vegetables to sustain their livelihoods and cultivation needs.
"Is this reduction happening outside the Immortal Cities, or within them as well? Have the internal Heaven-Earth Mansions been affected?"
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly and asked.
"So far, the problem is only outside the Immortal Cities. The Heaven-Earth Mansions inside the cities have not yet shown changes. However, if this continues, we cannot guarantee they will remain unaffected." Xi Zhicai shook his head.
The cultivation of Great Yi's spirit grains and spiritual herbs was divided into two systems. One was within the Heaven-Earth Mansions where citizens lived. Those dwellings existed in pocket dimensions, connected yet separated from the outside world. Furthermore, the Immortal Cities were fortified with great geomantic arrays that refined the world's qi. The aura entering the cities was already harmonized and gentle, which was what the Heaven-Earth Mansions drew upon.
"This must be contamination by Eternal Night's demonic qi. It has damaged the original world laws and aura of our realms. Former spirit plants and grains can no longer adapt, leading to reduced yields and even withering. Once Demon Abysses form, Eternal Night's laws and demonic qi naturally spread into their surroundings. The longer it lasts, the greater the damage. Reduction in yield is inevitable. This is a process of survival of the fittest. Those that adapt can continue, those that cannot will perish."
Song Yingxing stepped forward to explain.
This was the consequence of two worlds merging and colliding.
The impact was profound and terrifying.
The laws of both realms were fusing, permeating one another. Not only was the Eternal World affected—the Eternal Night World was also being reshaped. Influences came from all directions, until the laws of the two worlds were fully integrated and stabilized. Only then would those species that survived truly be victors.
This was the law of survival.
If the environment could not be changed, one had to adapt.
Previously, during the spread of demonic influence, the changes were mild and dissipated slowly. But now, with Demon Abysses abruptly appearing, the destructive force had risen to shocking levels. Species that might have adapted were now simply withering away.
"Is it possible to cultivate new spirit plants and grains adapted to this changed environment?"
Yi Tianxing asked after some thought.
"It is possible, but it will take time. And we need to see what kind of new environment results from the fusion of the two laws before adjustments can be made."
Song Yingxing nodded.
"Very well. Be ready to follow up on this matter. Everything will be decided as the situation unfolds. Since only the areas outside the Immortal Cities are affected, encourage the people to focus on farming within their Heaven-Earth Mansions. As for the rest, think of ways to minimize the damage."
Yi Tianxing nodded.
This was not something to be rushed—it was an inevitable consequence of two worlds merging.
Whether Eternal or Eternal Night, both faced the same.
Any life unable to adapt to the fusion of laws would be buried in history.
"Your Majesty, while this is indeed a calamity for the Eternal World, it may also be an opportunity for Great Yi to advance further." Liu Bowen suddenly smiled. "Great Yi possesses Heaven-Earth Mansions that can support its people. Thus, in essence, the pressure is not overwhelming. Though there are spirit fields outside the cities, they are not the majority. With our food reserves, even if our billions of citizens feasted openly, supplies would last a hundred years. Moreover, cultivation within Heaven-Earth Mansions and cloud realms continues as normal. Our geomantic arrays also minimize disasters caused by the merging of worlds. But other realms outside Great Yi will not be so fortunate."
If the disaster's impact on food and flora was eight parts, then the Eternal Heavenly Map of Great Yi could reduce it by two, the dynasty's fate could suppress another two, and the protection of Agricultural School disciples could cut one more. Thus, Great Yi only suffered about three parts of the damage.
Other realms had no such defenses.
For them, the devastation was at least five to six parts. Grain reduction and famine would be unavoidable, and the consequences immeasurable. Hunger would quickly lead to crisis.
After all, the vast majority of creatures in the world were ordinary. Very few could sustain themselves without eating. Even for cultivators, eating was a shortcut to cultivation—ferocious beasts required flesh, herbs, and grains to grow; savage birds were the same. Sun and moon essence could only replace part of it. Go too long without food, and one would simply starve.
If food shortages spread, realms outside Great Yi would face famine.
Famine would lead to chaos.
Instability in realms meant opportunity for Great Yi.
Though Great Yi also suffered, it still had ample grain. Heaven-Earth Mansions and cloud realms could farm, palace treasure-trees could one day open small worlds in their leaves to plant spirit roots, and the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower contained vast internal space suitable for cultivation.
While ensuring self-sufficiency, Great Yi could expand outward.
"We of Great Yi do not actively invade. But if others beg us to expand into their realms, that will be another matter."
The officials in the hall were no fools. They quickly understood the hidden opportunity, and smiles broke out across their faces.
Great Yi would not be an invader, but a savior.
This shift changed everything.
When one door closed, another opened.
"How are the surrounding realms?"
Yi Tianxing asked.
"Your Majesty, according to the reports from the Hall of Calamity, the surrounding realms have begun to show signs of demonic taint. Demonic qi is appearing everywhere, many beasts and birds are infected, becoming more violent and savage, fighting more frequently. Large areas are withering, trees are shedding leaves, crops are reducing. The outlook is grim—food supplies are clearly diminishing."
Tong Huang reported swiftly.
"Survival of the fittest is eternal truth."
Yi Tianxing smiled faintly. "We of Great Yi will not actively invade, but if others invite us, that is different. With StarNet spreading across Eternity, we can encourage people to display the prosperity and culture of Great Yi."
Some things needed proper publicity.
Now was the time to wait.
Time was the sharpest blade.
Events in Great Yi spread with astonishing speed. With StarNet, information transmission was countless times faster. The banquet's upheaval instantly spread everywhere.
Thirty-two Demon Abysses erupted in Great Yi at once, but instead of letting them grow into large Abysses, Great Yi turned the tide and opened nine Wells of Gods and Demons. The disciples' armies swept out, suppressing everything. These scenes circulated vividly across all realms, stirring hearts and making people wish they could have witnessed or joined in.
But within the Hydra Palace, the mood was heavy, the atmosphere deeply oppressive.
"Lord Xietian, what should we do now? The Demon Abysses are only medium-sized and cannot transmit most of our top demonic troops into Great Yi. Instead, Great Yi used this to open nine large Wells of Gods and Demons. At this rate, they are becoming a tremendous threat to Eternal Night."
Red Robe inhaled deeply and spoke gravely.
The fusion of two worlds was already set in motion since the last era. What could be influenced now was whether Eternity or Eternal Night dominated the merger, and that naturally depended on which side was stronger.
If Eternity was stronger, it would gain greater benefits. If Eternal Night was stronger, it would.
War was meant to weaken the enemy and strengthen oneself.
"Since Demon Abyss have opened, there is no reason to stop. The most important thing is to discover when Great Yi opens its Wells of Gods and Demons to invade Eternal Night. Once we know, we can immediately capture their coordinates and intercept them. The damage is already done. What we must do now is to compensate, or even use this to bind Great Yi's movements."
Xietian's face was cold and unreadable.
"Rest assured, my lord. Our sleeper agents have already infiltrated Great Yi's Immortal Palace. Once activated, knowing their exact invasion time will not be difficult."
Green Robe said with certainty.
(End of Chapter)