Chapter 0367: Destiny Overflowing

Moreover, the parts that had condensed into tangible form now exuded an aura of immortality and indestructibility, instinctively gathering the world's spiritual energy around them. It was as though an invisible force was pulling the energy toward the jade-like embryonic structure, causing layers of mysterious divine radiance to emanate from its surface. The elemental energy in this region was visibly denser than anywhere else.

A celestial city forged from Willpower Orbs was itself akin to a paradise—a sacred land of cultivation. Wherever it stood would naturally become a supreme treasure ground.

This was one of the miraculous effects of using Willpower Orbs to forge a Supreme Artifact—their fusion with the artifact's embryo naturally gave rise to endless fortune and transformation.

"Excellent. Now that currency is in circulation and fully accepted by the people, the accumulation of Willpower and desires has accelerated significantly. I'm receiving thousands of Willpower Orbs daily. Once this influence spreads, the output will grow even more. At this rate, more parts of the embryo will solidify each day. One day, I will forge a complete Celestial City."

Yi Tianxing was elated.

The expansion and growth of the Money Tree greatly increased the speed and efficiency of forging the Celestial City. It was a subtle but unstoppable process. The better Xuanhuang Town developed, the faster the city would be completed. This was tangible hope for the birth of a Supreme Artifact.

"As expected, the shift to a system of private ownership has greatly boosted civilization. The Pool of Fate has surged with Qi Luck. Any systemic reform that yields positive results causes Qi Luck to skyrocket. The growth rate now is over ten times faster than before. The Pool of Fate is already full!"

Looking into the Pool of Fate, he saw it overflowing with luminous white Qi Luck, with a golden fate-dragon coiled within, swallowing and exhaling the energy. Its body had grown longer, its scales finer, glowing with rich golden light. With each breath, its body absorbed ethereal insight and continued to grow.

This was an excellent sign—as the Fate Spirit grew stronger, it meant Xuanhuang Town's foundations were becoming more profound, and its Qi Luck more vigorous.

"The Pool is full. The Fate Spirit has reached the pinnacle of a Celestial Town. It can now break through to the level of a Celestial City, securing a new rank of Qi Luck. A whole new stage awaits."

"But breaking through is not the hard part—the hard part is the tribulation that comes with it. That's always unpredictable. Last time, the promotion drew the Undying Army. Though we repelled them, they were only limited by time. Had they stayed longer, the damage to Xuanhuang might have been severe. This time, the danger might be even greater. Full preparation is essential."

Yi Tianxing contemplated silently.

Even though the town had reached the peak of its current level, he didn't dare initiate the promotion lightly.

Just like before, the mere thought of promotion triggered an ominous sense of crisis from the void. Clearly, every step up in rank invited a trial—a tribulation that could not be avoided.

"The overflow of Qi Luck doesn't go to waste—it hovers over the Pool, gathering in the core space. Once the breakthrough occurs, it will become part of our deep foundation. For now, I'll continue implementing private ownership thoroughly. More importantly, it's time for my own cultivation breakthrough. The Sea of Divinity Realm is no longer enough to face the growing dangers."

He took a deep breath and made his decision.

Three months of uninterrupted cultivation—with the backing of the town's Qi Luck and the boosts provided by the Eternal Coins—had pushed his progress to astonishing levels. Resources were abundant, and with enough time, his true essence was increasing constantly, even without actively cultivating.

His Sea of Divinity was now covered by chaotic-colored true essence over nearly one-tenth of its area—ample energy for prolonged combat.

His foundation was incredibly solid. What he'd gained in three months would take others decades—perhaps a lifetime—to accumulate.

He was fully qualified to break through to the Life Aperture Realm.

"I must break through. While there seems to be little difference in combat ability between Sea of Divinity and Life Aperture Realm, the latter brings a fundamental change—an extension of lifespan. The Sea of Divinity caps at 300 years; the Life Aperture Realm allows for 600. Cultivation is, ultimately, the path to longevity."

Looking at the steady progress in the core space, and the overwhelming confirmation that private ownership had benefited civilization immensely, he knew the shift was correct. As long as the transition remained stable, Xuanhuang's Qi Luck would surely surge again.

Without delay, he exited the core space.

HOWL!!

Just as he returned to the surface, a sharp cry echoed across the sky.

Looking up, he saw a golden lightning bolt tearing through the air—it wasn't lightning, but Golden Roc. Over the past three months, it had grown again, now over a hundred meters long. Even more majestic than before.

Its gaze was so piercing that even seasoned cultivators would feel needles pricking at their backs. It was utterly terrifying.

"It's the Golden Roc, Lord Yi's battle pet and mount!"

"It's back! No one knows where it went these past months."

The townsfolk were unfazed. They were used to such sights.

Golden Roc landed on an arrow tower.

Yi Tianxing frowned slightly but stepped forward, leaping lightly onto its back.

"Don't leave me behind!"A green light streaked by as Green Emperor, eyes gleaming, shouted after them, trying to jump onto Roc's back.

HOWL!!

But Golden Roc flapped its wings without hesitation, carrying Yi Tianxing into the sky like a golden flash, leaving Green Emperor behind without a glance.

"You think you can leave me? I'm a flying dog, remember!"

Unbothered, Green Emperor conjured a gust of strange green wind beneath its paws, soaring after them. With a leap, it grabbed onto a feather on Golden Roc's tail, dangling behind like a stubborn vine.

Yi Tianxing said nothing. He simply watched the scenery below.

Upon Roc's return, a message had appeared in his mind—it was summoning him somewhere. Yi Tianxing had no hesitation. He didn't ask why; he'd know when he arrived.

"There are many nearby villages surrounding Xuanhuang Town. With our support—food, resources—they've established themselves well. Populations range from hundreds to over ten thousand. Still, they face threats from beasts and possibly foreign races."

"Destroying these villages would be unwise. Forcing submission would be unjust. At first, there may be no backlash, but over time, it could invite resentment. Reputation matters. Appearing too greedy or cruel would damage our prestige."

"Better to let things develop naturally. Deepen our influence step by step. If we play it right, we won't even need to fight—we'll subdue them without a single battle. That's true strategy."

Waging war recklessly was the act of a brute. In war, yes—but for empire building, such behavior was petty. Greatness required dignity. Without it, not even talented people would stay.

As for foreign races, war against them was righteous. But fighting fellow humans without cause would be unjust—unless a reason could be found.

He had no desire to see humans killing humans.

The real targets should be beasts and foreign races.

While Yi Tianxing contemplated, Golden Roc soared over countless mountains, crossing vast territory.

From time to time, he could sense powerful auras lurking below—terrifying beasts, no doubt—but none dared interfere. Roc flew too high, too fast.

Soon, the golden light before them shifted—and a towering mountain came into view. Jagged and steep, its cliffs were littered with strange rocks and cloaked in mist. It was unscalable—at least a thousand zhang tall. Strange trees and flowers clung to its slopes.

As Roc approached, it let out an excited cry and dove toward the summit.

Looking closely, Yi Tianxing saw a massive natural cave at the top. Just the entrance was several hundred meters wide, forming a flat platform around it—like a natural fortress.

"That aura—it's the Wind God Wyvern King."

As he drew closer, he immediately recognized the familiar energy—it was the breath of the Wind God Wyvern King.

Roc dove into the cave. Yi Tianxing leapt down and stood firmly at the entrance.