"The academy system must be aggressively promoted and continuously expanded. Currently, the fully developed academy network only exists in the original five realms. The eight newly incorporated realms have only just begun building theirs. We need to accelerate this process—it will provide Great Yi with a steady stream of fresh blood."
Upon hearing the report, Yi Tianxing nodded to himself in agreement.
This type of system naturally required time to mature. After all, the newly conquered realms had only just started establishing schools and academies. Cultivating talent took time. Without enough years of accumulation, the intellectual and human resources needed simply wouldn't be available. It would take at least several years to achieve full results.
This was a long-term investment—a vital national policy that must be pursued relentlessly.
"Looks like the shortage of talent for future expansions will finally be mostly resolved."
Yi Tianxing mused silently to himself, clearly pleased with the development.
Furthermore, another imperial examination would be held next year, likely producing another batch of usable talent. Although the number might not be as high as this year's, it would still be significant. With this, the foundation of Great Yi was solidified once and for all.
From now on, there would be no more worries about a talent shortage.
Court Discussion: Assessing the Candidates
"This is Li Bai. A pity… not a champion-level talent."
Bao Zheng looked toward one of the cities, where Li Bai served as city lord. His essay in the literary exam had been excellent—precisely targeted and insightful. However, most of his talent appeared to lie in poetry and literature. In terms of governance, although not merely armchair theorizing, he barely managed to keep his immortal city running through sheer personal effort.
At best, he was a barely qualified city lord—adequate, but not ideal.
He was clearly a novice, with little real-world experience. However, if given time to study further or participate more in the StarNet simulation game"I Am the City Lord", he could likely improve significantly. Still, despite being the famed Immortal Poet, Li Bai simply didn't meet the standard for Number One Scholar (Zhuangyuan). The top candidate had to be an all-rounder with no obvious shortcomings.
"In poetry, no one present could match him—but this is the imperial exam, not a poetry contest. Even Li Bai is no exception."
"Who says women are inferior to men? This Feng Suzhen possesses astonishing talent. She has managed an immortal city with perfect order—truly a remarkable woman."
Xun Yu observed another female city lord, nodding in approval yet sighing inwardly.
Feng Suzhen's abilities and intellect were both first-rate. But her gentle, passive temperament, a trait often associated with women, left her lacking in aggressiveness—especially in matters of conquest. While she excelled in internal affairs and governance with feminine finesse, she wasn't suitable for the top spot.
"She's capable of maintaining order but lacks the sharpness to expand—thus, no chance at Zhuangyuan."
A New Star: Wang Lan, Son of the People
The most brilliant standout wasn't any historical figure but a young man named Wang Lan—a commoner born into an ordinary family within Great Yi.
Now twenty-seven years old, Wang Lan had progressed through the entire academy system—from elementary school to the prestigious Immortal Academy. His comprehension and insight were outstanding among his peers. He had a photographic memory and strong analytical skills, making him a true all-rounder.
Whether in literature, governance, or military affairs, he showed extraordinary talent. Even in civilian matters, he excelled. During internships offered by the academy, he had visited numerous immortal cities to observe real-world administration and the delicate balance of power with surrounding foreign races. Each visit brought him substantial experience.
By now, he had mastered many practical skills.
With exams starting, Wang Lan naturally rose to the top.
"A true genius of his generation."
He followed the path of scholarly cultivation. His current cultivation was already at the peak of the Life Diagram realm, with a solid foundation. If crowned Zhuangyuan, he would receive a flood of Wen Qi (Scholarly Vital Energy), allowing him to break through to the Dharma Aspect realm in one go—and continue advancing swiftly through real-world application of his knowledge.
"Wang Lan is truly exceptional. A pillar of the nation."
Bao Zheng said with great emotion, "After managing an immortal city for a few years, he could be transferred to the Holy Capital and even lead one of its major departments. This is a victory for our academy system. Even a commoner can soar to become a golden phoenix. Anything is possible in Great Yi."
From this point on, the influence of "famous historical figures" would decline within Great Yi. That was simply the natural trend of history.
Ten Days Later: The Results
Time passed quietly. Ten days after the imperial exams began, batches of candidates walked out of the examination compound. Their expressions varied widely—some joyful, others dejected.
Some were clearly confident they had secured excellent ranks, many aiming for city lord-level appointments.
"Who would've thought I, the great Taibai (Li Bai), would one day fall so far? Talented in poetry but utterly shallow in governance—I can't even manage a city properly! How embarrassing…"
Looking skyward, Li Bai covered his face with his sleeve in despair. To have fallen so low—how could the Immortal Poet endure such disgrace?
Soon, the final results were posted.
A massive ranking list was displayed in Xuanhuang City and simultaneously released on the StarNet.
Top Scholar (Zhuangyuan): Wang Lan
Second Place (Bangyan): Yue Yunfeng
Third Place (Tanhua): Zhou Bingren
Another massive list displayed the names of over one million individuals who had reached city lord-level competence. These talents were immediately added to Great Yi's Talent Reserve Center. As new territories were developed and new immortal cities established, they would be dispatched accordingly.
The sheer scale was staggering.
Fusu's Insight
Among the observers, Fusu had deep thoughts. He too had participated in the exams and directly experienced their intensity.
"This exam doesn't test reputation—it tests actual ability. Only the truly capable can rise. Fame means nothing without real skill."
Fusu had managed to bring stability to a test city, but because of his special identity, his name wasn't on the final list. Even so, he knew that even if he were listed, he wouldn't rank high—perhaps mid-tier at best.
"Great Yi… truly unfathomable. This academy system is the backbone of a Destiny Dynasty. When I return to Great Qin, I must promote it. It's the key to long-term peace and prosperity."
He saw no shame in adopting the ideas of a more advanced civilization—learning from others was the shortcut to self-improvement. The success of Great Yi's system was plain to see.
"The children of Yi Shengwang… each one a prodigy. Worthy heirs."
He marveled at Yi Ziyang and his siblings, all of whom had participated and stood out. Each could be considered a top-tier talent.
Time Passes – A New Year Begins
Soon, the Great Qin delegation departed, accompanied by Yi Ziyang, who was now serving as an envoy. He would travel to Great Qin to formalize an alliance—and possibly even engage in a royal marriage.
As the Eternal Calendar reached its 51st year, the annual Great Yi Immortal Delicacies Banquet was held as usual.
Fireworks lit up the sky the entire night, turning the heavens over Great Yi into a realm of eternal daylight. The eight newly annexed realms were now fully integrated—completely connected, inseparable.
Year 52 – Entering the Grotesque Realm
At the start of Year 52, a Great Yi Immortal City quietly entered the Grotesque Realm.
The Iron-Blood Great Wall advanced alongside it, pushing deeper into this strange territory. Within the city, a phantom sect gate materialized—not open to ordinary civilians but flooded with bounty hunters, sect disciples, and Tongtian Pavilion enforcers.
Surrounding evil spirits and grotesque monsters were captured and sealed into the sect gate. Upon devouring the first grotesque creature—a strange demonic orange—the gate transformed and evolved.
From that point forward, it became a true Sect Gate:
Sect Name: The Eerie Sect (诡门)
Outside of that, Great Yi remained calm and steady.
In the second lunar month, massive immortal cities began to appear across the major seas…