The scroll in question contained the essay topic for the Imperial Examination. It would only be handed to the chief examiner moments before the exam began and was personally written by Yi Tianxing himself. Before that moment, no one knew the content, thus completely preventing any chance of a topic leak. The scroll was sealed, and only at this exact moment could it be opened. Anyone who attempted to peek beforehand would be committing a capital offense.
When the scroll was opened, Five large characters emerged: All Races Under the Heavens.
"This essay topic for the examination is—All Races Under the Heavens. You now have one day to complete your response. The literary section of the Imperial Examination officially begins!"
Upon seeing the topic, Bao Zheng's eyes flickered slightly before he decisively declared the start of the examination. Candidates now had one full day to draft and present their arguments.
"All Races Under the Heavens?"
All the scholars present were slightly stunned. The scope of this topic was immense—so vast that identifying a suitable entry point was extremely difficult. It wasn't that there weren't any points to start from, but rather that there were too many. Choosing the wrong angle could easily result in a low score, while the right entry point, coupled with a coherent thesis, would surely lead to a high evaluation.
This was why "cracking the topic" (破题) was so important—sometimes a single word held the weight of gold.
"What a brilliant topic—so many possible directions. But to truly understand the intent behind the Holy King's subject matter, I'll need to reflect carefully. Poetry is ultimately a minor path. These essays—concerning national affairs and the livelihood of the people—this is the true art of governance. A single phrase can affect millions and steer the course of the Immortal Court. This is the stage where I, Taibai, wish to shine. Compared to that, poetry is far too narrow. I must consider carefully—how do I best approach this?"
A white-robed young scholar's eyes gleamed with fervor. It was a passion from deep within.
To break open the topic properly, one had to grasp its deeper meaning.
"All Races Under the Heavens" clearly wasn't about listing the strengths and weaknesses of every race, but rather, to reflect on the relationship between all those races and the Human Race. To understand the greater form of unity amidst diversity.
"I've got it."
Not long after, he had already conceived a rough draft in his mind—and immediately began writing:
"Among all races under the heavens, many powerful clans stand tall. The Human Race is not innately one of them—our physiques are weak, yet we stand among the mighty.This is because there are two types of powerful races:One is born strong—physiques and bloodlines grant them overwhelming innate advantages. This is the power of blood and lineage.The other gains power through postnatal growth—adaptability and infinite potential."
...
The essay expanded from there, exploring not only innate traits and developmental potential of the various strong races but also delved into the current reality within Great Yi's territory, where humans and other races coexist.
The final conclusion was concise and powerful:
"Strong races are not to be feared. The Human Race is self-strengthening. Learn from others to surpass them."
By leveraging the human race's greatest strength—its adaptability and learning capacity—they could absorb and master the unique traits of powerful foreign races and convert them into their own foundation, thereby becoming even stronger.
The essay was brilliant and thorough, rich in examples and logic. Some even described methods by which powerful bloodlines of other races could be fused into the human body to enhance the human foundation.
Above the Examination Hall, radiant Auspicious Clouds began to manifest in the sky, changing constantly in the void.
Waves of Literary Qi surged from within the Gongyuan. For those with extraordinary talent, external phenomena became visible. One could see strange visions and omens throughout the entire hall—evidence of intellectual brilliance in bloom.
"Such flourishing Literary Qi. In our Great Yi, talent truly knows no bounds. I wonder how many will rise to prominence this time."
Bao Zheng's forehead bore a glowing crescent moon mark as he nodded in approval at the scene before him. The statues of sages and scholars of the Hundred Schools of Thought within the Examination Hall began to emit divine radiance.
Holy King's Palace – Zhixing Hall
Inside the Zhixing Hall, Huang Chengyan, Xun Yu, and others were present, observing the examination unfold. All of them showed satisfied expressions.
This Imperial Examination would undoubtedly bring forth a great number of usable talents, a massive benefit for Great Yi's upcoming expansions. Such reserves needed to be built continuously over time.
"Holy King, we heard that this time it was by your decree that the Holy Princes and Holy Princesses be added to the examinee roster. May I ask if this decision has deeper intent?"
Xun Yu asked carefully.
Yi Ziyang and the others had been last-minute additions to the candidate list—even the ministers hadn't known ahead of time. Clearly, it was a sudden but calculated move.
"My dear ministers, you must already be aware that since the Dragon Clan has joined Great Yi's system, our control over the major seas within our realm has been solidifying. However, this control is largely due to the Dragon Clan's influence. The fortune gained from it is shallow and unstable—a shift in the Dragon Clan's attitude could shake it all.That is unacceptable. Matters of national fate must not be placed in the hands of others."
Yi Tianxing's voice was calm and resolute.
"Thus, I've decided to establish Immortal Cities across the major seas—directly rooted under the ocean, roaming the vast waters.These cities will not be ordinary ones, but Royal Cities, Imperial Cities, and Emperor's Cities seized from fallen Destiny Dynasties."
This was already in motion. The Heavenly Works Pavilion and the Ministry of Works were rushing to refurbish and reconstruct those Immortal Cities. Rare materials and fortune from Great Yi's own reserves were being poured in to upgrade every city to the level of an Imperial City, regardless of its previous status.
It was a massive investment—but the return in national fortune gained from dominating the seas would be more than worth it.
A few more Imperial Cities? That was no bad thing.
"So the Holy King's intention is clear—if the princes and princesses achieve high enough scores, they'll be stationed at these Imperial Cities, sent out to govern the sea domains?"
Jia Xu's eyes lit up with sudden understanding.
"Wise and farsighted, Holy King," Huang Chengyan agreed."We cannot rely solely on the Dragon Clan's influence. That's nothing but scratching the surface. Should the dragons falter, the seas will fall into chaos. We must use our own hands to bring these waters under direct rule. This is a wise and necessary move."
When the seas were brought under control, Great Yi's national fortune surged. The True Dragon of Fate grew ever larger. With complete dominion, the continuous stream of fortune would only increase.
"The seas are vast. One Immortal City per region is essential. But these cities must be commanded by exceptional individuals. Ordinary governors aren't qualified to rule such cities."
Liu Bowen nodded.
Yi Ziyang and the others had all been tempered in the Divine-Demon Battlefield. They were dragons among men, with strength and identity enough to intimidate any resistance. No one would dare oppose their rule once they were dispatched.
"Yes. Apart from Xianhuang and the others, we will need more candidates. Liu, draft a list of qualified names."
Yi Tianxing smiled calmly.
This examination was a way to test their capabilities. The throne was not theirs to inherit as long as he lived, but he could offer them their own territories to govern—if they had the talent.
"Hong Yue, Jiao Jiao, and Yu Niang are all nearing childbirth. Others aren't far behind either. Now that we've taken in eight more realms, even the babies still in the womb can't wait.If it weren't for the fact that they haven't absorbed enough life origin yet, they'd already be out."
Yi Tianxing's thoughts flickered.
The new realms brought with them Heavenly Fortune Light, which hadn't been fully used yet. The royal consorts weren't ignoring it—they were simply waiting for their unborn children to mature further.
Only when their life essence peaked, and they were born under the light of national destiny, could their innate potential reach its highest state.
And Great Yi's conquests weren't stopping anytime soon.