"By the Mandate of Heaven, the King of Great Yi proclaims:
The Great Yi Imperial Examination shall officially be held on the 13th day of the seventh month. All scholars under the heavens, whether noble or humble, young or old, are eligible to participate, so long as they aspire to serve the realm.
The written exam will take place in the capital city of Xuanhuang, within the Examination Academy (Gongyuan).
All major immortal cities will provide free teleportation services for examinees, with no cost for travel, food, or lodging. The Great Yi shall make all arrangements. We await the wise and virtuous to help govern the world."
Unknowingly, the seventh month had arrived.
This was the month Yi Tianxing had originally designated for the Imperial Examination.
Not only were aspiring individuals across the realm looking forward to this, even within the imperial court of Great Yi, anticipation ran high.
At the Immortal Academy, countless students were itching to prove themselves. Although they were qualified to directly join the imperial court due to their training, they still regarded the Imperial Examination as a stepping stone to greatness. Emerging victorious from it would establish them as true talents beyond doubt.
Direct promotion from the Immortal Academy was certainly a legitimate path to the court, and no one questioned it. However, the Examination was a gathering of all the outstanding talents under heaven, a contest among the best—something every high-minded scholar longed to experience.
"Draw your sword when you meet your foe—true skill shows in combat."
Without true comparison, no one believed they were lesser than others.
Thus, students from the Immortal Academy shared the same mindset: to compete against real talents and demonstrate their abilities before the entire Great Yi Dynasty. That was what they desired the most.
"Master both the pen and the sword, and sell your skills to the Emperor."
But what could surpass the glory of standing out in the Imperial Examination?
Rumors spread: those who passed the exam would become famous across the land, their names sung throughout the realm.
"Whoever becomes the top scholar (Zhuangyuan) shall earn the supreme honor of riding through the lands in triumph, touring the territories of Great Yi. We call upon all with talent to participate. The examination will be strictly just—no corruption or favoritism shall be tolerated. As long as one has ability, one will have the chance to rise. Let all worthy talents step forward, for the sake of Great Yi and the human race.
Long live Great Yi! Long live humanity!"
The imperial edict spread swiftly to all the immortal cities.
In every city, it was the topic of constant discussion. Almost no one was unaware of it. Instantly, excitement erupted among the people. They had waited a long time—this was the moment they had anticipated.
"At last! The official date is set. July 13—I will step onto the stage of Great Yi and become a pillar of the realm!"
"To serve Great Yi—I've long awaited this day. The King doesn't want mindless bookworms. And I—am no bookworm. I have trained in both culture and combat—now is the time to serve the empire."
"The King is merciful. He's arranged everything for us examinees—no need to worry about food or lodging. I can focus on preparing. I must do my best and honor the King's kindness."
"Let's go. There's little time left. I want to see Xuanhuang City, the capital of Great Yi."
Though about ten days remained before the official start of the examination, many candidates were already eager to head to Xuanhuang City. They wanted to see the capital for themselves. Many had visited briefly in the past to select cultivation techniques from the Sutra Pavilion, but had never truly experienced the city.
Now, from the moment the imperial edict was announced, any confirmed examinee could travel to the capital. Teleportation arrays were free of charge, and even food and lodging would be fully covered. Such an opportunity was rare—few would let it slip by.
To verify eligibility, candidates simply had to register at their local City Lord's Mansion.
There were no thresholds, and the exam was open to a wide audience. Anyone with a skill—or even just confidence—could participate. This opened the door to people from all walks of life.
Naturally, many had the self-awareness to know they lacked the ability to pass and chose not to attend. They understood that if everyone flocked blindly to Xuanhuang, the grand event might become a farce. That was something no one wished to see.
Instead, people hoped for a prosperous spectacle of diverse talents and ideas.
The teleportation arrays across the immortal cities lit up one after another.
Brilliant beams of light flashed, and large numbers of talented humans were transmitted to Xuanhuang City.
Thanks to these arrays, they bypassed the wilderness entirely and arrived safely and swiftly. There was no risk, and the journey took only moments.
"The capital has no walls—its grandeur speaks volumes. I'm in awe every time I see it."
"I've returned to the capital once more. This time, I don't plan to leave. The Imperial Examination is my ladder to the heavens."
"Let's check out the Examination Academy before the test. Getting familiar with the venue is important. I've taken exams before—I know preparation matters."
One by one, the candidates entered Xuanhuang City, marveling at its majesty.
"Excuse me, officer—could you please tell me where the Examination Academy is located and how to get there?"
Unfamiliar with the capital, most turned to locals for guidance. The most reliable source? The patrol officers of the Six Doors Department.
Many candidates approached the officers roaming the streets and alleyways.
"The Examination Academy?" the officer responded with a knowing smile. "Ah, you must be here for the exam."
"The Imperial Examination is a sacred event. For this occasion, the King personally bestowed a divine architectural treasure—the Examination Academy, to host the exam. Such a sacred site could only be placed in one location. Look up—see the first layer of the Palace Divine Tree's cloud canopy? That's where it resides."
"The King, in his benevolence, has even lowered a Cloud Ascending Staircase. All examinees may climb it to reach the first cloud realm, tour the academy, and prepare for the examination. Inside, you'll also find lodging for candidates."
"As long as you've verified your identity, you're welcome to enter the academy. Food and lodging are free. Everything is arranged so that you can focus fully on the exam."
These details were common knowledge in Xuanhuang. Every citizen was eagerly awaiting the grand event.
"It's actually atop the Palace Divine Tree's cloud realm?"
Upon hearing this, every scholar felt a surge of awe.
The Palace Divine Tree was one of the most famous landmarks of Great Yi. It housed the royal palace, the Six Ministries, the Military Cabinet, the Hall of Merits, and other vital institutions. All core members of the dynasty lived and worked there.
Its mysteries were often spoken of among the people—but few ever ascended it. Only court officials could access it, and even they rarely shared details.
Now, for the first time, they had the chance to set foot on the cloud realm of the Divine Tree—albeit only the first layer. Still, it was enough to stir excitement in every examinee's heart.
They soon gathered at the base of the massive tree.
Looking up, they saw a Cloud Ascending Staircase extending from the tree's first cloud realm down to the ground. Within the tree's protective range, flying was forbidden without permission.
So, one by one, they climbed the staircase.
As they stepped onto the cloud realm, they were inwardly surprised.
The clouds, though soft in appearance, formed a solid ground beneath their feet. Ahead lay an expansive area.
There, they saw it—a vast building complex, majestic and awe-inspiring.
The Examination Academy (Gongyuan).
The structure spanned a huge area and was divided into several sections. Rows of identical buildings likely served as dormitories. There were designated examination halls, practice fields, and training areas. The facilities were comprehensive and complete.
"This is the Examination Academy…"
Upon seeing it, many scholars gasped in shock.
Having experienced imperial exams in other realms, they were familiar with the typical shoddy, crowded facilities of old. Compared to those, what lay before them now was utterly otherworldly—everything before was trash in comparison.
The enormous main gate could accommodate hundreds of people passing through at once. The bronze doors emitted an ancient, solemn aura.
Looking inside, they could see statues—Confucius, Mozi, and other sages stood tall, gazing silently at the future of the realm.