Yi Tianxing actually gave an answer—and such a firm one at that.
Yang Ye hadn't expected him to respond so directly. In fact, the more straightforward the reply, the less believable it seemed. If Yi Tianxing had tried to hide or obscure the truth a bit, Yang Ye might've actually been more inclined to believe him. But now, with such a clean-cut response, Yang Ye felt a flicker of doubt.
After all, the heavenly sound that had spread through the world earlier had broadcast Yi Tianxing's name. It wasn't exactly unknown. If someone were to impersonate him, especially in a world where information couldn't be verified easily, it would be nearly impossible to confirm or refute.
So when Yi Tianxing came clean, it actually made him seem more suspicious.
"Why would Village Chief Yi leave his own settlement and suddenly appear in my Yang Family Village? Did something happen to your Xuanhuang Village?" Yang Ye stared directly at Yi Tianxing, as if trying to read something from his face.
"My Xuanhuang Village is also located within this same valley. It's just on the other side of the forest—cross through it, and you'll reach us. I came to get a general understanding of the area's situation. I didn't expect to find General Yang's village here, so I decided to take a look. After all, we're all human. In today's world, running into our own kind is a blessing."
Yi Tianxing replied without hesitation, completely composed.
Indeed, in this Eternal World, all humans had been scattered across various regions. The world was simply too vast—so large that it defied comprehension. While humans were numerous, the total number of monsters, beasts, and other races surpassed them. Finding another human settlement nearby was truly something worth celebrating.
Every village shared a common problem: survival.
"Your Xuanhuang Village is really that close? In the same valley as mine? Then why would you leave it? Aren't you afraid that some beast or monster might attack your village and slaughter your people while you're gone?"
Even though he had prepared himself mentally, Yang Ye was still surprised by the information Yi Tianxing revealed. But then he grew indignant. Leaving the village unattended? That was sheer irresponsibility. It triggered a deep-rooted disapproval in his heart.
He had built Yang Family Village through blood and sacrifice, fending off beasts and monsters every single day. Not a single soldier in his Yang Army had ever complained. Every one of them feared doing less than their duty. And this guy—this village chief—was casually strolling outside like it was no big deal?
"The infrastructure and defense systems of Xuanhuang Village are fully established. Even if beasts and monsters attack, they won't break through easily. If danger arises, the villagers will light the wolf-smoke signal, and I can return at top speed. With Xuanhuang Village's strength, there's no way it can be overrun in a short time."
Yi Tianxing's voice was full of confidence.
In Xuanhuang Village, everyone trained. Most villagers had some level of cultivation. In peace, they were villagers; in crisis, they became warriors. Even women, after cultivation, had the strength to rival strong men. If push came to shove, they too would take up arms. It wasn't just a saying—the entire village was militarized. That was the true benefit of universal cultivation.
"I see."
Yang Ye finally relaxed, his opinion of Yi Tianxing slightly improving. His curiosity toward Xuanhuang Village grew.
His own Yang Family Village was on the brink of collapse. The villagers could barely eat. Yet this other village not only resisted beast attacks but had also built full fortifications. Even the chief could freely leave the village. It was hard to imagine.
"What's Village Chief Yi's opinion of my Yang Family Village?"
Yang Ye shifted the topic, clearly seeking an honest assessment.
"Do you want the truth or something polite?" Yi Tianxing asked with a teasing smile.
"I'm a soldier—a general. I hate lies. Naturally, I want the truth." Yang Ye frowned. As a military man, he had no patience for empty words and diplomacy. There was no room for deceit in military matters.
"Alright then. Your Yang Family Village—calling it a village is generous. It's more like a refugee camp. A large group of people huddled together, starving, freezing, and living in constant fear. What's worse, there's no spirit left in them. No will to survive."
"They wear blank expressions, their hearts filled with despair. They've stopped hoping. And when people lose hope, they become no different from the walking dead. Your villagers... are just waiting to die. In this kind of atmosphere, surrounded by this kind of people—this kind of village—destruction is inevitable."
"Those who don't fight for themselves deserve divine punishment."
Yi Tianxing spoke each word with precision, completely ignoring how his blunt assessment might hurt Yang Ye's pride. He painted the village as on the brink of collapse, with everyone in it about to die and rot in the wilderness.
"What do you mean by that?"
Yang Ye's face darkened.
"If people won't fight for themselves, if they won't struggle for their survival, then they deserve to die. Back in ancient times, when humans first appeared, they faced endless beasts and calamities. Yet no one gave up. Everyone wanted to live. Everyone fought for survival. No one surrendered. That's why the heavens favor those who never give up. 'Heaven moves with strength, and a gentleman should strive constantly to improve.'"
"You and your Yang Army can't protect these people."
Yi Tianxing didn't pull any punches.
His twist on the phrase "Those who don't fight for themselves deserve divine punishment" took what was usually seen as selfish and reframed it into a call for self-reliance and strength.
Yang Ye's expression flickered. He looked over the village's commoners.
Yi Tianxing wasn't wrong. These people did look like refugees. Many had no proper shelter. Most bore expressions of apathy and defeat. He couldn't argue against it.
He felt a pang of guilt.
WOOOOO—!
Suddenly, a military horn blared through the village.
"General! The wolves are back!" A soldier ran over, shouting.
"Let's go. Now!" Yang Ye's face turned grim. He shifted his gaze from Yi Tianxing and strode quickly toward the village gate. Blowing the horn meant something serious.
As Yang Ye's group rushed off, villagers who had been simmering meat in large pots all went pale.
"It's over. They're back again. Those beasts are attacking us again! What do we do? Last time, a giant wolf broke into the village. I saw it with my own eyes—several people got torn to pieces. It was terrifying."
"The wolves are monsters. Bigger than humans. Just one glance at their fangs is enough to make your heart tremble."
"I don't know if General Yang can hold them off this time. So many Yang Army soldiers have died fighting those wolves. And none of the corpses were even intact. It's been brutal."
"If the Yang Army can't stop them, then we're all dead."
Some whispered in despair, their voices shaking.
The fear of wolves had been deeply embedded into their bones.
Yet not everyone was paralyzed. A few villagers had a glint of fierceness in their eyes. Their hearts were pounding with the urge to fight, though they still lacked that final bit of courage.
They had the will, but not the spark.
"They're still waiting for someone to save them. They haven't realized the truth yet: in this chaotic world, you can't depend on anyone. You have to stand on your own. Only through strength can a village thrive. Even if some people have to die in the process, it will forge their spirit. The mercy of the Yang Army has only made the villagers weaker."
Yi Tianxing shook his head. There were nearly ten thousand people in this village.
If every one of them stopped fearing death and dared to fight—even gods and demons would retreat. If humans truly unleashed their fury, no wolf would survive—it would become the main course at dinner.
He didn't bother arguing further.
Instead, he turned and walked toward the village gate.
"Well-fed and warmed up—perfect time for a little exercise. Let's see what kind of wolves can push the Yang Army this far."
He moved with calm determination.
Each step was firm, steady, and full of purpose.
At the edge of the village, soldiers stood with tense expressions, gripping their weapons tightly—their only source of safety. But even so, their wills were unshaken. A lesser force would have broken under this pressure. These were elite troops.
Even if it meant death, they would still follow orders and charge.
"Good soldiers," Yi Tianxing murmured with admiration. These were rare elites.
The strength of a military force wasn't just in numbers—but in spirit and resolve.
Their unwavering will came from their belief, their military soul—their pillar was Yang Ye, founder of the Yang Army.
Spearmen took position. Archers drew their bows, arrows aimed at the outside.
Yang Ye stood tall in full armor, holding a long spear. Behind him, Yang Yanping stood to the left, also in armor. On the right stood a young man with sharp features, clad in heavy battle armor and holding two massive sabers.
Each saber had a thick back and a long blade, nearly as tall as a man. He carried them effortlessly, like they were feathers. His eyes were pure and honest—definitely not a schemer.
"Each of those sabers must weigh dozens of pounds, yet he handles them like nothing. Such strength... and such vital energy. That's innate divine strength. Among Yang Ye's seven sons, the second, Yang Yanding, was known for his monstrous strength. This one must be Yang Yanding."
A glint flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes. The pieces all came together in his mind.