The Immortal Delicacy Banquet officially began. One after another, maids, graceful as butterflies flitting among flowers, moved about, continually placing all kinds of delicacies on every table, while clearing away the emptied dishes. Each of these immortal dishes was dazzling in variety, impossible to keep up with. Without any pretense, everyone picked up their chopsticks and began to eat and drink heartily.
This banquet came but once a year—none would come in vain.
The dishes, personally prepared by the top culinary immortals of the Gourmet Hall, brimmed with essence and energy. Their flavor was beyond compare. Along with Du Kang's immortal wine, a single sip could make one forget all worries and become fully immersed in this wondrous sensation.
The banquet flowed like a river, with delicacies endlessly brought forth.
There were even all sorts of spiritual fruits, exotic foods, milk tea, coffee, desserts, and more—all appearing in turn.
The atmosphere of the feast was vibrant and lively.
Once a year, this was a chance not only to indulge but to raise cups and speak freely with colleagues long renowned. Yet, if one looked closely, one could see in the brows of the ministers not only anticipation, but also a trace of solemnity. Unlike past years, their hearts were not entirely at ease.
Dang, dang, dang!!
Unnoticed, the night deepened and the moon climbed to its zenith.
At that moment, the ministers of Da Yi all lifted their eyes toward the void, their gazes flickering with strange emotions. Eternal Calendar, one hundred years—it had been a century since the fusion of worlds and the birth of the Eternal World. They believed this was by no means the last century, but merely the beginning. The days ahead were long, and the war against Eternal Night would surely continue. This era was destined to have its conclusion.
This hundred years was also Da Yi's hundred years.
From a small village spanning only a few dozen miles, to now possessing more than thirty realms, it had grown into an immense behemoth, with citizens numbered in the trillions. A sanctuary for the Human Race to thrive had been carved out with blood and hardship.
The bitterness and difficulty—everyone felt it deeply.
This moment marked the turning of the old year into the new.It was also the darkest time before dawn.
"Not early, not late—the timing is perfect."
Yi Tianxing rose slowly to his feet and spoke:
"Beloved subjects, this feast ends here. Though somewhat rushed, it was a celebration nonetheless. Any regrets, we shall make up for another time.
Today, my Da Yi shall ascend to the rank of Immortal Court. You shall return to your immortal cities and reassure the people. This ascension will not be peaceful—it will surely be accompanied by iron and blood. I hope you will all stand firm. If we are defeated, Da Yi's name shall still be remembered for eternity. If we succeed, Da Yi shall become the Supreme Immortal Nation."
His words carried supreme majesty, like a world-dominating emperor, echoing like a heavenly decree.
"Willing to give our lives for Da Yi!!"
The ministers bowed and cried out in unison.
They departed in an orderly manner—not through teleportation arrays this time, but across Rainbow Bridges. One by one, seven-colored arcs cut through the void, making the dark night more dazzling. Countless city lords returned at once to their immortal cities, appearing in their mansions to take their posts.
At the same time, proclamations were issued, instructing citizens to prepare for danger.
"What's going on? The City Lord has returned. Normally the Immortal Delicacy Banquet lasts three days. Why has he come back immediately after New Year's?"
"A proclamation? What does this mean? With Da Yi's power, spanning dozens of realms, who could threaten us? Why at this moment—on the New Year of all times?"
The sudden proclamations left the citizens shocked and doubtful.
This was New Year's—the most joyous time in the realm. With Da Yi's strength, no enemy should dare provoke it now; that would be courting death. But the City Lords' abrupt return made it clear: something monumental was about to happen—something that could shake the heavens and earth. Perhaps it was linked to the Xuanhuang Sacred City… to the will of Da Yi itself.
Soon after, a single message spread across the realm, transmitted instantly through the Star Network to every citizen of Da Yi:
"At dawn, Da Yi shall hold the Heaven-Sacrificing Rite—to ascend as Immortal Court."
The message shocked countless citizens, leaving mouths agape in disbelief. But soon, disbelief gave way to overwhelming ecstasy.
In Da Yi, all knew well: above the Sacred Court was the Immortal Court. When a dynasty bore the word "Immortal," it was no longer mortal. Once ascended, they would be a Immortal nation upon the earth, and the people themselves would be Immortal citizens. To the mundane world, they would be immortals.
More importantly, ascension meant Da Yi would grow stronger. Their identity, their status—everything would rise with it.
Perhaps dangers awaited during the ascension.But… they did not fear!
At the end of life, death is all. To witness Da Yi's ascension to Immortal Court—even in death, they would be content.
Their recognition and devotion to Da Yi transformed, in this moment, into boundless fervor.
That night, lights blazed across Da Yi. Discussions echoed endlessly. Fireworks filled the skies until dawn. Stimulated by the news of ascension, almost no one slept.
On this last night, countless eyes remained open—no one could rest.
Dang, dang, dang!!
At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight pierced the heavens and shone upon the earth, the clear ringing of a morning bell echoed through the void.
"It has begun."
"The time has finally come. Da Yi will ascend to Immortal Court. We have waited far too long for this day."
The sleepless trillions of Da Yi all raised their eyes toward the void—the place where the Xuanhuang Immortal City stood. As citizens of Da Yi, they instinctively sensed the location of the Sacred City, a mysterious bond deep in their hearts.
Dynastic ascension always drew down tribulation. Success depended on foundation and strength—survive, and glory would follow; fail, and ruin would strike, with grievous loss. Past experiences had shown clearly: ascension was never trivial.
But the Sacred Court ascending to Immortal Court—this leap, none knew what calamities it might provoke.
What calamities awaited, no one knew. But all knew they would come. What the people did not know was that Da Yi faced not only heavenly tribulation, but also a deadly threat from the Nine Heavens Dao Venerables.
Only the highest ranks of Da Yi knew this truth. For the common folk, knowing would bring only despair, not aid.
Even so, Da Yi as a whole was already mentally prepared.
Countless strong cultivators turned their gazes toward the void.
There, the once-hidden Xuanhuang Immortal City revealed itself, emerging for all to see.
The vast and majestic immortal city filled every vision. Trillions of Da Yi citizens gazed upon it with feverish eyes, pouring forth infinite faith and willpower.
"It's the Xuanhuang Sacred City."
"It's finally beginning."
The people whispered in awe.
"It begins now."
At the same time, mighty beings such as Ancestor Minghe, already forewarned, cast their eyes toward Da Yi. At the sight of the Sacred City, they felt inexplicable shock. The immortal aura pressing upon them was immense—like standing before a saint, or even more terrifying.
The Battle to Defy the Heavens began now. Success or failure hinged on this single moment.
An unseen pressure pervaded heaven and earth.
From the Sacred King Palace, a rainbow light streaked forth, forming a colossal Rainbow Bridge in the void.
Yi Tianxing, clad in the Chaos Dragon Battle Armor and wearing the Heaven-Pacifying Crown, stepped onto the bridge one step at a time.
Sacred King's aura naturally radiated from him, sweeping swiftly in all directions. All who looked upon him instinctively shuddered, sensing irresistible majesty. At that moment, in every realm of Da Yi, as long as one raised their eyes, they could see his figure.
"It's the Sacred King!"
The citizens erupted in cheers.
"Trillions of citizens of Da Yi, today, our Dynasty's Fate Spirit has reached one million zhang in height. We command hundreds of trillions of people, thirty-three realms, all under our control. The land prospers, the people flourish. Today, Da Yi shall ascend… to Immortal Court!!"
Yi Tianxing's gaze swept across the four directions, as if encompassing every citizen within his eyes.
The people all felt as though he were personally looking upon them, filling their hearts with surging emotion and frenzy.
"Immortal Court!"
"Immortal Court!!"
Countless voices roared to the skies. This was not only Yi Tianxing's dream, but also theirs. To live in Da Yi was their pride.
Yi Tianxing himself could not suppress the heroic fire in his chest.
They had waited too long for this day. A hundred years had passed, and today Da Yi would step into the seat of the Immortal Court. Whoever dared block Da Yi's path—he would take their life. Even the Dao Venerables of the Nine Heavens would be no exception.
"Heaven-Sacrificing Altar!!"
With a single thought, Yi Tianxing's calm voice resounded like thunder. At the same time, all Da Yi citizens instinctively grew solemn, reverence rising from their hearts.
Shua!!
In that instant, the Heaven-Sacrificing Altar appeared, descending from the Sea of Merit Clouds in a blaze of divine light. It fell straight into the Xuanhuang City, landing in the central plaza.