In terms of innovation, the human race was indeed formidable. But Yi Tianxing had never underestimated the civilizations of other races.
Every race had its unique expertise.
For instance, the Elves excelled in archery and magic, and their deep bond with nature was unmatched. They also possessed an ancient specialty:
🌿 Water of Nature – also known as Elven Holy Water
When consumed by women, it could:
Rapidly restore magic power,
Cause a natural fragrance to emit from their body, long-lasting,
Act as a high-grade perfume, custom-blended to one's body essence,
Enhance beauty and nourish the skin.
Just one drop could last an entire month.
Among female cultivators, it was highly sought after. Its market value in Great Yi could reach 100 Eternal Coins per drop—sometimes even 200 or 500 depending on scarcity.
For appearance, women would do anything.
Then there were the Goblins, whose engineering marvels were often:
Ingenious,
Highly functional,
And born from their innate inventiveness.
While they were greedy by nature, this made them more eager to integrate into Great Yi, since:
Eternal Coins were abundant,
And civilization was rich and prosperous.
Now, many foreign races admired the culture of the human race.
In fact, within Great Yi's territory, none of the alien races rebelled.All were eager to establish peaceful relations and negotiate a future together.
Still, no matter how anxious they were, the initiative now lay fully with Great Yi.They could only wait quietly.
The ministers agreed—making them wait was a wise show of strength.
Yi Tianxing then asked:
"How are our talent reserves?With large-scale expansion and city-building,can we meet the needs?"
Xun Yu stepped forward again.
"Your Majesty, rest assured.Our reserves remain strong.Past Imperial Examinations have selected 'geniuses of a city'.And now, with our Immortal Academies,we have enough top talents to govern each immortal city."
Only Great Yi had the foundation to sustain such massive expansion.Other dynasties would have collapsed under the administrative burden.
Yi Tianxing nodded."Good. Once this expansion is complete, hold another Imperial Examination.Continue gathering talent."
This wasn't just a policy, but a long-term national strategy.With so many new people joining Great Yi, many hidden talents would undoubtedly emerge.
"Wise and farsighted, Your Majesty," the ministers agreed in praise.
Yi Tianxing then addressed another matter:
"After settling our existing citizens,I will begin releasing the battle soldiers collected from the battlefield."
These weren't ordinary troops.
From the Evernight Battlefield, Yi Tianxing had recovered a Summoning Pool specifically designed to summon human slave soldiers with Han bloodlines. After conquering it, the pool produced vast numbers of war-ready humans daily.
Currently:
Over 20 trillion such soldiers were in suspended animation
Stored inside the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda,
Temporarily sealed with Time-type treasures.
They could be awakened at any time.
Though they had been redeemed and now possessed pure human bloodlines, their minds were often simple and singular in purpose.
If unleashed en masse into society, it could lead to unrest.Thus, their integration would have to be gradual:
Some would be assigned to the military,
Others would become citizens, treated with equal rights,
Careful placement was crucial.
At this moment, Jia Yucun spoke up:
"Your Majesty, the talents you asked us to look for—those gifted in mapmaking and geography—have been found.They now await outside the palace."
Yi Tianxing's eyes brightened.
He had previously acquired two divine treasures:
The Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经)
The All-Domain Geographic Atlas (万域山河图)
To fully utilize them, he needed exceptional geographical talents.Clearly, Jia Yucun had taken the task seriously—he oversaw the Celestial Records Hall, and talent-scouting was his specialty.
"Let them enter."
Soon, two men walked into the grand hall.They appeared somewhat nervous, like pilgrims in a holy land.Anyone meeting the Emperor of Great Yi would be, even if they were prepared.
One looked to be middle-aged, calm and refined, radiating a scholarly aura.The other had thick brows, bright eyes, a rougher appearance, yet also full of life and nature's presence.
They bowed deeply:
"This humble subject, Pei Xiu."
"This humble subject, Li Daoyuan."
"Greetings to the Emperor. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal blessings and boundless longevity."
Yi Tianxing's eyes flashed in surprise.
These names weren't unfamiliar. In fact, they were historic legends:
📜 Pei Xiu (裴秀)
Courtesy name: Jiyan
A noble from Hedong, descendant of famous ministers,
A mapmaking genius from the Three Kingdoms era,
Creator of the Yu Gong Regional Maps ("禹贡地域图"),
Known as the Father of Chinese Scientific Cartography.
His legacy rivaled that of Ptolemy in the West.
📘 Li Daoyuan (郦道元)
Courtesy name: Shanzhang
A geographer from the Northern Wei dynasty,
Writer of the legendary Commentary on the Water Classic ("水经注"),
Traveled and studied rivers, terrains, folklore, and geography,
Created a 40-volume masterpiece combining myth, observation, and scholarship.
Known for elegant writing and vivid descriptions.
Yi Tianxing was pleasantly shocked.He hadn't expected Jia Yucun to locate two of the finest geographers in history.
"Would you be willing to join my court,and contribute your talents to Great Yi?"
"We seek to map all of Great Yi's lands,gather data on its rivers, mountains, resources, and species.
Create for us:
A Great Yi Atlas (堪舆图),
A Great Yi Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经)."
Yi Tianxing looked at them both with great anticipation.
This would be a priceless contribution to the dynasty.
The two men exchanged a glance, eyes lighting up.
"We are willing!"
"Gladly!"
To contribute to such a grand endeavor—and to do so doing what they loved most—was the greatest fulfillment.
Yi Tianxing smiled.
"Very well.You shall be attached to the Celestial Observatory Bureau (钦天监).You will serve as Deputy Supervisors, ranked Second Grade Officials."
Pei Xiu will oversee the All-Domain Geographic Atlas (万域堪舆图).
Li Daoyuan will compile the Great Yi Classic of Mountains and Seas (大易山海经).
"Once completed, both of you shall enter the White Jade Tower as national heroes,honored by all people."
With a wave of his hand, two divine lights streaked out—bestowing upon them their respective treasures.
Though currently blank, these soul-bound items would one day become the most precious works of Great Yi.
"Thank you, Your Majesty.We swear to create the most complete atlas and record for Great Yi!"
Their eyes shone with enthusiasm and purpose.
Both men now stood among the court's ranks—even as observers, it was a rare honor.
Here, every discussion shaped the lives of millions.