Ding ding ding!!
Let us set aside the events of Yao Yue and Lian Xing being summoned to the harem to meet Cai Yan.
With the decision to hold the Grand Assembly, a series of clear and melodious chimes began ringing throughout the royal palace. The jade bells were crisp and penetrating, resonating clearly in the ears of every cultivator.
All officials of the Great Yi Dynasty began ascending the palace tree via the cloud ladders, making their way toward the Chaotian Hall—the very place where court sessions were typically held.
The Chaotian Hall was vast and open, completely devoid of any sense of confinement or oppression.
Civil officials lined up to the left, military generals to the right, quickly and orderly arranging themselves by rank and status. One glance revealed the full strength of the Great Yi's talent pool, which was growing by the day.
The hall was full—yet not overcrowded—proof that talent was being continuously unearthed across the dynasty.
As the court filled, many officials wore looks of joy. After all, not only had Yi Tianxing returned safely from the Divine-Demon Battlefield, but remarkably, not even the expeditionary forces had sustained significant losses. In fact, the army seemed stronger than before.
Without notice, generals like Yang Ye and others who had led the campaign arrived.
Along with them were those who had officially pledged allegiance to Great Yi, such as Zhuge Liang and Zhang Shun, all of whom were included in this assembly.
"His Majesty arrives!!"
A sharp-voiced attendant called out, his cry echoing through the hall.
At some unknown point, Yi Tianxing had already appeared on the dragon throne at the head of the hall. His arrival was completely silent—so much so that none present had noticed how or when he appeared. Many were subconsciously filled with awe.
"Long live His Majesty! May the King enjoy eternal life!"
All officials bowed in unison.
"There's no need for excessive ceremony. Rise, my dear ministers."
Yi Tianxing nodded and gestured lightly with his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Huang Chengyan and others stood upright, turning their attention to Yi Tianxing.
"The purpose of today's Grand Assembly is twofold," Yi Tianxing began. "First, to understand the changes within Great Yi during the five months I've been away at the Divine-Demon Battlefield. Second, to discuss that very battlefield and lay out plans for our future."
He turned toward Huang Chengyan and asked,
"Elder Huang, were there any major developments in Great Yi during these months?"
Huang Chengyan quickly responded,
"Your Majesty, with the Divine-Demon Battlefield opened, most powerhouses from the various races departed for war. Our Great Yi retained a significant force to maintain order. Though some foreign races tested our borders, none dared act rashly. As a result, we've had five uninterrupted months of development. All Celestial Cities have now firmly established themselves and continue to expand into the surrounding wilderness. The overall situation within our territory is exceedingly favorable. Now that Your Majesty has returned with the army intact, this serves as an even greater deterrent to our enemies."
Huang Chengyan went on to detail the developments of the past five months.
Although he skipped over minor incidents, the overall impression was clear: Great Yi was thriving.
Each Celestial City grew stronger daily, and commoners from across the wildlands were flocking to join the dynasty.
"At present, the population of Great Yi has reached 150 million, and it continues to grow rapidly."
Jia Yucun proudly reported.
For those scattered and suffering in remote villages and towns, the founding of Great Yi was a godsend. Entire settlements abandoned their homes to migrate into Great Yi territory.
Over just a few months, the population soared to 150 million. At this rate, reaching two hundred million—or even three to five hundred million—was just a matter of time.
"It seems we must continue expanding our territory and establishing more Celestial Cities."
Yi Tianxing nodded to himself.
Population was the foundation of Great Yi's strength. The more, the better.
According to the dynasty's development blueprint, each Celestial City was designed to accommodate 1 to 2 million residents. With 150 million people, at least 150 cities were needed—far more than currently existed. It was clear that expansion was not just necessary, but urgent.
"Your Majesty, we request permission to go to war and expand the borders of Great Yi!"
Yang Ye and other generals stepped forward eagerly.
"Our Human Race has claimed first place in the Divine-Demon Battlefield. Our elite soldiers have all undergone breakthroughs, becoming the strongest of the strong. Now is the perfect time to conquer more land and bring it under the flag of Great Yi!"
Xue Kunlun, usually quiet, added his voice. The timing was perfect; the army was unmatched, and neighboring foreign races were weakened.
"Indeed. Human settlements remain scattered across the wildlands. Every day, countless civilians fall prey to beasts and bandits. Expanding our borders would not only strengthen the dynasty, but also rescue our people. However, I believe such actions must be carefully planned."
Huang Chengyan raised a hand in caution.
"Oh? Elder Huang, do explain," inquired Qi Jiguang.
"Conquest is not difficult, but the aftermath is. Can we station enough forces to maintain order in newly founded cities? Each Celestial City requires vast resources and manpower. If we overextend without sufficient preparation, our current prosperity may be dragged into the mud."
He was right. War was only the beginning—governance was the true test.
Building a Celestial City required massive resources, and mismanagement could cripple the dynasty.
"Moreover, each city needs qualified officials—governors, administrators, and civil servants to manage daily affairs. Without a trained pool of candidates, chaos will follow."
Many generals, including Yang Ye, showed sheepish expressions. They hadn't considered these logistical issues.
"Our responsibility is war. The rest lies with the civil court. When His Majesty gives the order, the army will mobilize immediately."
Yang Ye bowed and returned to formation.
"Indeed. Expansion is inevitable. Our strength exceeds what most can imagine. Especially our army. Soon, all of you will see for yourselves."
Yi Tianxing spoke with confidence.
"As for the shortage of officials, I have decided—we shall hold a National Civil Examination (科举, Keju), open to all citizens of Great Yi. Anyone with the talent to pass will be eligible for posts ranging from city lords to civil servants. No favoritism, no restrictions."
This decision was long in the making. Now was the perfect moment to implement it.
The surrounding races had all suffered losses. Not taking advantage of this opportunity would be a grave mistake.
Launching the Keju system marked a profound shift in governance—breaking the aristocratic monopoly and giving commoners a chance to rise.
In Great Yi, there already existed schools, academies, and even the prestigious Undying (Immortal) Academy (不朽学宫), which cultivated elite talents.
But the Keju would open a second path to power—accessible to all.
Together, the academic track and the Keju system would ensure that no hidden talent remained buried in obscurity.