This was not flattery, but a sincere admiration from the heart.
That admiration came from witnessing firsthand the lives of the people in Xuanhuang Town. It radiated from within.
That entire afternoon, they hadn't been napping in their rooms—they had gone directly into the town, personally observing the lives of the people, inspecting every detail. The more they saw, the more they understood, and the more deeply impressed they became by what they found.
Not only was everyone cultivating, but what was truly remarkable was the people's unwavering resolve. They were unafraid of death, ready to fight the enemy to the bitter end. This kind of courage and conviction was something rarely seen in the other villages.
Other settlements were often filled with despair toward the future. But here, in Xuanhuang Town, one could feel a longing for life and hope for tomorrow.
The contrast was stark.
Involuntarily, they had developed a fondness for this place.
As long as this town kept growing, it was destined to become a holy land for humanity—one that countless people would admire and pursue.
Moreover, after the public notices had been posted, they had personally witnessed the townsfolk's reaction. The desire to clash head-on with the alien races was burning bright in their eyes—it was nothing short of intense.
They had never encountered such a group of people before. The very sight had stunned them speechless. And once they entered the market district, the disparity became even more apparent.
"I wonder if the two of you would be willing to remain here in Xuanhuang Town and lend me your strength,"
Yi Tianxing said, taking a deep breath and speaking decisively.
"Since the fusion of the myriad worlds and the emergence of the Eternal Continent, countless humans have been devoured by the alien races, dying tragically in the wilderness. Back then, Xuanhuang Town didn't even exist—only a terrified group of helpless survivors. When faced with ferocious beasts, we didn't retreat. We took up our weapons and fought back with blood and steel. Step by step, with great sacrifice, we managed to build this sanctuary we call Xuanhuang Town."
"But Xuanhuang Town is still young. Its foundations are shallow, and we lack talent. I hope to gather brilliant minds and brave hearts, to make this town greater—to turn it into Xuanhuang City. A name that strikes fear in the hearts of the alien races. A true paradise for humankind. A sanctuary where we can thrive for all eternity."
This was his dream, his ambition.
Ye Zhiqiu and Lu Zhishen were visibly stirred. In their minds, they could already see the future Xuanhuang City: radiant with heroes, brimming with talent, a holy land for the human race. Their hearts swelled with excitement.
But Ye Zhiqiu soon shook his head.
"Brother Yi, when it comes to battle and arcane arts, I have some confidence. But strategy, governance, military leadership—those are out of my depth. I'd be of no help there."
"Yeah," said Lu Zhishen. "If it's fighting, count me in. This monk's spade isn't just for show. But when it comes to internal affairs or leading troops, I'd be more likely to make a mess of things."
They truly felt they had no real place in the administrative machine of the town.
"I'm not asking either of you to lead troops or govern," Yi Tianxing said with a smile. "That's the job of generals. It's a mistake to have laymen lead professionals."
"Instead, I plan to establish the Tower of Heaven (通天阁)."
"The Tower of Heaven?" Ye Zhiqiu's eyes lit up in curiosity.
"Yes," Yi Tianxing nodded. "The Tower of Heaven is meant for powerful cultivators like yourselves. You can consider it similar to a system of honored retainers—a place that welcomes the strong who don't wish to take official positions. Inside, you'll focus solely on cultivation. I will provide you with all the necessary resources. The only responsibility you bear is to protect Xuanhuang Town and humanity—to strike down any and all enemies. I'll personally oversee the Tower."
This was something he had been planning for a long time.
The idea was to gather elite experts who, though perhaps unsuited to war or politics, could serve as a bulwark against powerful foes—Xuanhuang Town's hidden strength.
The name "Tower of Heaven" reflected his ambition to cultivate warriors who could one day reach the heavens themselves.
It was the perfect place for people like Ye Zhiqiu and Lu Zhishen.
"Isn't this just like the honored retainers in the old imperial courts?" the monk said with a grin. "I heard back in the Song Dynasty, even the palace had martial experts on permanent duty. Outsiders didn't dare intrude lightly."
"I like it," Ye Zhiqiu declared. "I don't have anywhere else to go anyway. From now on, my life is yours, Yi Tianxing. Just don't screw me over."
The setup was ideal—freedom, resources, cultivation, no administrative responsibilities. It was a cultivator's dream.
"Count me in too," Lu Zhishen nodded solemnly. "This monk will gladly fight for the survival of humanity."
"Members of the Tower of Heaven will receive a monthly stipend—paid in Eternal Coins (永恒币). Missions will be issued regularly. Completing them will earn Merit Points (功勋点), which can be exchanged for rare treasures in the Myriad Treasures Hall (万宝殿) or techniques from the Scripture Pavilion (藏经阁)."
"And this Tower of Heaven isn't just a structure—it's a treasure building (异宝建筑)."
He explained that among the over a thousand artifact-type treasures (异宝) he had acquired, some were buildings. Until now, he hadn't revealed them due to timing.
This treasure was invaluable, a powerful building designed for cultivators.
"Is it like the Scripture Pavilion?" Ye Zhiqiu's eyes gleamed. He had seen that structure before and had been deeply awed.
Lu Zhishen also looked over with a mixture of surprise and excitement.
"Come on. We've had our fill. Let's go set it up right now," Yi Tianxing said, rising from his seat.
The two followed him immediately.
By now, evening had fallen.
Yet under the Eternal Lamps, the town was bright as day.
The sight of Yi Tianxing in the plaza caught the townspeople's attention.
"It's the Town Chief! What's he doing out there?"
"Isn't that Lady Cai with him? Is he taking her for a stroll?"
"No, this feels familiar. Just like when the Moon Well and Scripture Pavilion were first unveiled. Is he about to summon another artifact building?"
Curiosity buzzed through the crowd.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, a golden radiance flared in Yi Tianxing's hand—a pagoda emerged, glowing with divine light. It was a nine-tiered treasure pagoda, but only the first tier shone. The rest remained dim.
"Tower of Heaven, rise!!"
At his command, the pagoda flew into the sky, expanded rapidly, and descended onto the plaza. It embedded seamlessly into the earth, standing as tall as the Scripture Pavilion.
Two ancient characters gleamed across its surface—通天 (Tong Tian).
Golden runes and mysterious Daoist patterns swirled across the tower's surface. It was clearly no ordinary building.
"It really is a treasure! What does it do?" someone gasped.
"Even though it's not the first time I've seen our lord summon a divine building, it still shocks me every time."
The crowd buzzed with awe.
Ye Zhiqiu was stunned. With each artifact building Yi Tianxing revealed, the town's foundation only grew stronger.
"Who else in this world can summon artifact treasures like this?"
As long as they survived the coming calamity, Xuanhuang Town would soar to new heights—unstoppable.
"This," Yi Tianxing declared, "is the Tower of Heaven. From now on, we will recruit cultivators from across the lands. As long as your strength is sufficient, your talent outstanding, you may enter the Tower—regardless of your background. Only strength matters."