Great Wall banners

Several days later, Yi Xing finally woke up slowly.

He opened his eyes, a strange light flashing between milky white and pitch black before returning to normal. But in that calmness, there was a hint of clarity born from life and death, and a restrained sharpness. He felt an unprecedented ease and strength in his body. The weakness that had plagued him for years was swept away, and two opposing yet harmonious forces within him flowed slowly like the yin and yang of a yin-yang symbol.

He raised his hand, looking thoughtfully at the faint black chess piece mark on the back of his hand.

"How are you feeling?" Ming Shiyin's voice rang out from the side.

Yi Xing stood up and bowed respectfully: "Master, I am unharmed. On the contrary... I have benefited from this misfortune."

Ming Shiyin nodded slightly: "The Source Seed has completed your foundation, and the power of annihilation has tempered your will and 'Dao'. But remember, power is a tool, not a master. The path you have chosen is full of thorns."

"Disciple understands."

Just then, Gongsun Li ran over excitedly: "Yixing, you're awake! That's great! Outside... there are so many Great Wall guards outside!"

As the group arrived at the courtyard, they saw several tall figures standing there, led by Hua Mulan.

Besides Mulan, whom we've seen before, there are also:

• Li Xin: With his upright posture and calm demeanor, he exudes an aura of reliability like a mountain, representing the will of the high command of the Great Wall Guard.

Baili Shouyue: A handsome wolf boy carrying a well-designed sniper rifle, his ears twitching slightly, his eyes sharp and focused.

Su Lie: He is a robust man with a weathered face and a gentle yet firm smile. He is a solid pillar of the Great Wall.

• Shen Mengxi: A lively and energetic cat-like boy, he curiously jumps around the crowd, the bomb pouch at his waist jingling.

• Armor: Wearing a mask, silent and taciturn, standing to the side with his arms crossed, but his lone wolf-like temperament and the powerful aura he exudes cannot be ignored.

Hua Mulan clasped her hands and said, "Mr. Ming, Brother Yixing. The Great Wall is aware of the events at Longshan. Your efforts in preventing the catastrophe are a great achievement. We have come here on orders, firstly to express our gratitude, and secondly... hoping to establish a closer relationship with Yaotian to jointly address any future crises that may threaten the Great Wall and Chang'an." Her gaze swept over Yixing, with admiration and a hint of inquiry.

Li Xin stepped forward, his voice steady and powerful: "The Great Wall and Chang'an are as interdependent as lips and teeth. We wish to be the wing of the Yao Emperor."

This is a formal recognition and alliance intention from the Empire's strongest border defense force, which is of great significance.

Ming Shiyin smiled calmly: "Defending our homeland is our duty. Friends of the Great Wall, Yaotian welcomes you with open arms."