Many ambitious individuals had already learned of the situation. Over this period, they had deliberately kept a low profile, quietly observing the mysteries of Xuanhuang City and the broader landscape. Not only did they investigate the city, but they also evaluated nearby villages and towns, walking among the people and understanding their lives.
Now, having confirmed that Xuanhuang City's potential was limitless, they were preparing to join its upper ranks—to become part of this rising era and carve out a name for themselves. As long as they could achieve results, their futures would naturally be boundless.
"My chance has come."
In the crowd, a young man in a green robe, with a longsword at his waist, looked at the public notice, a peculiar glint flashing in his eyes as he murmured. Resting one hand on his sword, he turned without hesitation and left.
The Hall of Talents was not opening immediately—it would begin accepting applicants in three days. It was currently under urgent construction. Once completed, the recruitment would commence. The hall's administration was assigned to Huang Chengyan and Wu Yong, responsible for the civil examination. For the martial trials, Wang Dahu and Yang Yanding would oversee the tests.
The hall welcomed not only scholars but also cultivators and those aspiring to join the military—people with talent and ambition.
All initial evaluations would be conducted by them.
In the crowd, many talented individuals who had long harbored dreams of serving a lord found themselves stirred by the notice. For them, the Hall of Talents was the perfect gateway to officialdom.
They had been wondering how to integrate into Xuanhuang City—now this hall was the ideal opportunity. A nearly perfect stepping stone. To miss it would be a monumental loss. Anyone with aspirations would not let it slip by.
"Xuanhuang City is rising, led by a wise ruler. The earlier you join such a lord, the more value you'll have in his eyes. If he establishes a kingdom, rises to dominate a region, then being a companion from his humble beginnings is akin to dragon-following merit. That kind of loyalty is priceless."
"If you've mastered the arts of letters or war, offer them to a ruler. Only by throwing yourself into Xuanhuang City can you gain fate, grow faster, and become stronger."
Those who had gone unrecognized, or who harbored great ambition, began to prepare—waiting for the Hall of Talents to open, ready to accept its challenge and hope for recognition.
To stand out from the rest and become a dragon among men.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, with Yi Tianxing and the army returning to the city, all of Xuanhuang became energized with an unprecedented vitality and upward force. Everyone wore expressions of hope, full of longing for the future.
Their confidence grew stronger by the day.
Meanwhile, the city grew increasingly lively due to the Hall of Talents. Many people rushed over via teleportation arrays from nearby villages and towns after hearing of the announcement.
That day, waves of citizens began converging toward the central district of Xuanhuang City.
That's where the Hall had been erected.
"What a grand Hall of Talents!"
"So majestic! It takes up such a large space. I heard it's recruiting both scholars and military commanders. A balance of civil and martial. They even built an arena platform—anyone confident in their strength can go challenge it. The defender is Young General Yang, Yang Yanding. They say he's a Body Refiner, incredibly powerful!"
Outside the hall stood a pair of giant stone lions, lifelike and radiating fierce energy.
On either side of the gate, a couplet was pasted:
First in letters, second in war
Though just half-couplets, their meaning was clear. Talent would be judged inside—those with the courage to step forward had the ambition to lead the world. The hall sought only the extraordinary, not the mediocre.
Without the pride of being "first in letters," don't enter.
Without the courage of "second in war," don't tread upon the martial arena lightly.
Among the crowd were all kinds—some there to watch the excitement, others true talents ready to enter the selection. Of course, their worth would only be revealed once tested.
"I will be the first to enter the Hall of Talents!"
While others hesitated, a young man in a green robe stepped forward, one hand on the sword at his waist. His appearance was plain, but his aura set him apart.
His stride was firm and steady—without hesitation, decisive and direct.
This alone proved his inner strength. Once he made a decision, he wouldn't turn back. A decisive character.
"I am here to take the examination."
He declared loudly to the guards at the gate.
"Please, go ahead!"
The guards nodded inwardly. Such decisiveness wasn't mere bravado—it either came from real strength or true ability. One with such confidence feared nothing.
They stepped aside without delay.
Once inside, he first arrived at a courtyard. At the front stood an arena, and on it, Yang Yanding stood holding a long saber, quietly waiting. Seeing someone enter, Yang Yanding opened his eyes, noticed the youth's sword hand, and a strange glint passed through his gaze.
"Will you challenge me? If you can last fifteen minutes, or defeat me, you'll pass the martial trial."
"I didn't come for combat."
The youth shook his head.
"So you're here for the civil test. Proceed forward; the main hall is ahead."
Yang Yanding looked slightly disappointed but didn't object. He closed his eyes again, his aura settling.
The youth nodded and continued forward.
Soon, he entered a large hall.
Inside sat Huang Chengyan and Wu Yong.
Seeing him, both men's eyes lit up. Just having the courage to be the first was enough to outshine the majority. With such daring, any task he took on would yield results. Success would only be a matter of time.
"Young man, are you here for the examination?" Wu Yong asked with a smile.
"Not for the test. I'm here to help Xuanhuang City and the City Lord solve problems and remove worries. Today, I've come to recommend myself."
The green-robed youth shook his head and spoke calmly.
"Oh? You're recommending yourself?" Huang Chengyan's eyes gleamed with curiosity. Skipping the test and claiming he could bring value to the city was unexpected. That alone sparked interest.
"Currently, Heavenly Virtue Hall handles internal affairs, keeping all in order. Externally, the Military Council commands armies like tigers and wolves, guarding the four corners and deterring alien races. The human population is growing by the day, stability is rising, and public morale is firm."
"Internally, Xuanhuang City now has the conditions for rapid growth. Given time, it can rise to glory and prosperity. Humanity will thrive."
"Though the city is nominally overlord to surrounding villages and towns, in truth, their armies have already pledged allegiance. In this chaotic era, military power is authority. Since the troops obey the city, these villages and towns are effectively bound to Xuanhuang."
"Given time, they will be subtly integrated, becoming one with the city. This method is an open strategy, impossible to counter. There are wise people in the city—no need to worry."
"Also, the City Lord's campaign has shocked the world, capturing Gnoll warriors and stirring human pride. Public support is unshakable. All the foundations of a rising power are now in place."
He spoke fluently, clearly understanding the city's situation, as if he had studied it deeply. His analysis made it clear: barring unforeseen events, the rise of Xuanhuang was unstoppable.
"That's a solid insight," Huang Chengyan nodded. "But others can see this too—it's not exactly exceptional."
"If that's all you have, your recommendation might fall short," Wu Yong said with a smile.
"Of course, there's more. The hidden danger for Xuanhuang City lies not within, but without," the youth said confidently.
"Oh? We're listening," Huang Chengyan said.
"Now that the internal affairs are settled, the greatest threat comes from outside the human race, from the many alien clans. Their menace hasn't diminished—it's actually growing stronger. There's a very real possibility of our territories being overrun."
"Are you suggesting that the City Lord's decision to campaign and fight alien races was unwise?" Wu Yong asked.
"Absolutely not. What the City Lord did was an act of heroism, defending the dignity of the human race. This war wasn't only justified—it brought honor and deterrence. Far from being a mistake, it was a great merit to our people."
The young man shook his head firmly.