Yi Tianxing held no particular bias against Cai Jing.
The imperial examination system in Da Yi was fair, just, and transparent. As long as one could stand out through talent and merit, he would never suppress their opportunities or cut off their path to promotion. Now that the world was Eternal, where all beings were granted a new life, it was only natural to offer them a chance to start over.
Heaven gives one chance: rebirth.Earth gives one chance: reincarnation.And he, too, would give one chance: opportunity.
Take Cao Zhengchun, for instance—a historically infamous eunuch. Yet Yi Tianxing appointed him as the Grand Chamberlain. Nowadays, Cao was diligent and conscientious, never overstepping his bounds. As an experienced court elder, he was even more useful, having learned from past mistakes. Attempting to control court politics in Da Yi was tantamount to seeking death—there was never an opportunity for it.
So he gave Cao none—and Cao Zhengchun remained obedient and respectful to this day.
Likewise, He Shen had been appointed as a city lord and was performing admirably.
"When talents are placed in the right positions, the results can be vastly different."
"In my Da Yi Dynasty, no matter your former identity, I will give you one chance. If you cannot grasp it, then you will fade away. Cai Jing, I have given you your stage. I hope you don't squander it."
This thought flickered through Yi Tianxing's mind.
Many outstanding talents had emerged from this round of imperial examinations. Among them was Su Che—none other than the younger brother of Su Shi. Su Shi had secured the third-place title in the previous examination and was now serving in the Ministry of Personnel. After joining Da Yi and discovering Su Shi's whereabouts, Su Che had sought him out. Reunited, they lived in the Su residence together. While exchanging scholarly insights with his elder brother, Su Che also frequently visited the Immortal Academy, delving into the arts of the Hundred Schools.
He had been preparing for this examination all along.
Unexpectedly, he encountered another genius like Pei Ju—and just like his elder brother, Su Che too earned third place (Tanhua).
"It seems the Su family truly has a destiny with the title of Tanhua."
Su Shi chuckled and murmured quietly.
"Congratulations, Brother Su! Your family now boasts two Tanhua! A rare story in Da Yi—it will be the talk of the dynasty!"—Wu Yong congratulated warmly.
"Haha, thank you. Thank you."Su Shi returned the gesture modestly.
But since they were in court, there was no room for further pleasantries.
"Elder Huang, now that the examination is complete and we've identified numerous capable individuals, assign those suited for governance to the various Immortal Cities. They are to take up post as City Lords and begin operations immediately."—Yi Tianxing instructed Huang Chengyan.
In Yizhou, several Immortal Cities were still under temporary leadership, often lacking in true administrative talent. These newly selected officials would remedy the last lingering weakness in Da Yi's foundation.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Once the rankings are published, I will coordinate with the Ministry of Personnel to draft the appointments."—Huang Chengyan bowed in reply.
Yizhou was the heartland of the Da Yi Dynasty. It had to be flawlessly managed to ensure there were no concerns when expanding outward.
"Another thing: Da Yi has enjoyed a period of rest and recovery. Yizhou is now completely under our control. The people are settled, food and resources are abundant. We have obtained the sea chart of the Hanhai Sea. It is time to move beyond Yizhou and begin venturing into the sea, claiming new islands and continents."—Yi Tianxing spoke solemnly.
This age of chaos was an era of despair—and also one full of opportunity. In such times, those with talent could rise to the top and claim their place in the Eternal World.
The world was now ruled by strength. If you had the power to conquer and hold territory, then it was yours. Once the chaos ended and order took root, that kind of wild expansion would be impossible. Now was the time to seize every moment.
This period was critical for Da Yi.
Because Da Yi had the power to expand its borders and claim new territory.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Our army is ready at any moment to venture into the sea."—Yang Ye declared without hesitation.
"Indeed! Tens of millions of troops are eager for battle. They await only the imperial command to fight for Da Yi's glory!"—Cheng Yaojin added loudly.
"Very good."Yi Tianxing was pleased by the fighting spirit among his generals. This was the bloodline Da Yi needed.
"It is now the third month. We shall set the expedition for three months from now—on the first of the seventh month. During this time, the army will patrol Yizhou's seas and hunt sea beasts to train and prepare. All military supplies must be readied within this period. Immortal City construction must accelerate. Every island or continent we conquer will need them to maintain order."—Yi Tianxing ordered calmly.
These three months would be a time of strategic preparation, rest, and also growth. Hunting sea beasts not only trained the soldiers but also greatly aided their cultivation techniques, especially those tied to military cultivation arts.
It would also cleanse the surrounding seas and maintain the army's combat edge.
"Your Majesty, please be at ease. In three months, the surrounding seas will be pacified."—Yang Ye pledged with confidence.
Of course, pacified did not mean extermination. The sea was vast, and sea beasts countless. Total annihilation was impossible. But they could be suppressed—reminded through blood that this was now human territory.
This was about securing the home front—without stability in Yizhou, expansion would be meaningless.
After the court session, the results of the imperial exam were announced. The Golden List was revealed, and those who ranked highly had their names sung aloud to the world.
"Golden List Announced—Heaven Tours with the Zhuangyuan!"
As the final name echoed through the heavenly voice, a wave of triumphant pride spread.
Thunder rolled in the sky.
A heavenly chariot drawn by flying steeds began its celestial tour—a supreme honor reserved for the Zhuangyuan (top scorer). This was immortal glory, remembered for all time.
During the tour, golden laurels bloomed above Pei Ju's head. Petals of golden osmanthus floated down, fragrant for miles, dazzling and surreal, as though it were raining flowers.
It was a scene of divine celebration.
Following that came the official appointments.
Many capable candidates were assigned to Immortal Cities as city lords. Their abilities had already been tested through the exams.
Once dispatched, those cities quickly sprang into operation. Life was restored at record speed, and progress could be seen every day. Even the wilderness was gradually being reclaimed.
More and more human cultivators became bounty hunters—the fastest way for ordinary folk to grow strong.
Now, hunting sea beasts along coastal cities had become a massive trend. Some went deep into the sea; others defended city shores from beast attacks.
The Da Yi army also launched frequent campaigns, diving into the sea to engage beasts in bloody battles.
The surrounding waters were dyed red.
Sea beasts were no pushovers.
In sheer numbers, they far outmatched land-based beasts. They attacked the human cities fiercely, with no fewer than three beast tides per month, turning the shorelines into bloodbaths.
But through these bloody trials, the newly joined citizens of Da Yi were transformed. Their spirit, essence, and mindset were reborn. They realized: they were strong. Da Yi was strong. And they now had the power to control their own fate.
Unknowingly, three months had passed.
Within the War Soul Battlefield, the armies had assembled. Each regiment radiated powerful battle intent. Their hunger for war was palpable.
In the imperial palace, Yi Tianxing sat enjoying a meal with Cai Yan and his other consorts. Before them were plates of divine delicacies—mostly seafood.
Now that Da Yi had ventured into the sea, marine creatures were being caught in abundance.
Among them were giant lobsters—so large that a single one could fill an entire table.