When survival was set as the exam's core theme, the direction of the other nine subjects had already been determined—how the assessments would unfold.
Anyone can talk. Anyone can make beautiful speeches. But when it comes to actual execution, that's another matter entirely. That's why the saying "Easier said than done" has endured through the ages—it holds undeniable truth.
Armchair strategizing is something anyone can do.
Now, what Yi Tianxing wanted to see with his own eyes was these examinees' practical capabilities.
Could they implement their ideas in a real-world scenario? That would be the true measure of their abilities. Otherwise, it was all empty talk. Great Yi had no need for those who merely theorized—it needed people of action and substance.
"My husband, can we watch their examination scenes? I'm really looking forward to seeing how they'll govern a territory," Cai Yan said with a smile.
"Yes, an event of this magnitude—if we can't witness it firsthand, it would be quite the regret," Yao Yue nodded in agreement. This was the first imperial examination in the Great Yi Dynasty. In fact, it was the first across the entire Eternal Continent. Other powers were nowhere near the stage of launching such an exam system. That made this event incredibly significant from a historical perspective.
Though Lianxing and Nie Xiaoqian didn't speak, the longing and curiosity in their eyes made their thoughts clear. Their anticipation was impossible to conceal.
"That's easy. Through the communicator, we can enter StarNet together and head to the virtual examination space," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
For others, entering the exam field was impossible. But for him, it was the simplest thing in the world.
Without delay, they each connected to StarNet via their communicators.
Their consciousnesses emerged inside StarNet, first appearing within their own private virtual spaces—vast and empty.
But soon, a gate of light appeared in each of the four women's spaces.
"Step through the gate, and you'll reach the Imperial Examination World," Yi Tianxing's voice echoed from the gate.
The four women didn't hesitate and stepped in.
The moment they entered, the scene changed dramatically.
They found themselves in a vast realm, standing in the sky on a cloud. Yi Tianxing stood beside them.
"The wind, the clouds, the feel of the air—it's all just like the real world. Is this the virtual world? If I didn't already know this was all virtual, I'd never believe it. It's almost like illusion turning into reality," Youyue exclaimed in awe.
The wind, the clouds, even the trees, flowers, and grass—all felt real to both sight and senses. As if they were truly part of a real world.
"You can't sense any falsehood here."
Yi Tianxing said calmly, "StarNet has the ability to generate virtual spaces. I also integrated the Myriad Illusion Mirage Pearl into it, maximizing its power to conjure illusions. The result is a virtual world so real, it's nearly indistinguishable from the actual Eternal Continent. In this world, we've simulated the birth of living beings. It's a complete world simulation.
"There are humans, fierce beasts, foreign races, and various kinds of monsters. Just like in the real world. But here, humans are not like in Great Yi—there's no universal cultivation. There are cultivators, but they're not widespread. It's just like the areas outside our kingdom. This world gives the candidates a city under siege, under constant attack from beasts and aliens. Yet, it lacks materials and food. People are starving and dying."
"In this environment, to govern a territory truly tests one's capabilities. The people here have thoughts, will, and individual personalities. They are no different from real humans. That's what makes this trial so real. That's what makes it powerful."
This simulated city was like one that had fallen from an ordinary world during the Myriad Realms Convergence. Humanity was at its most fragile point, constantly threatened by death. Civil governance was collapsing and teetering on the edge of destruction.
To govern here was far more difficult than managing a well-established kingdom. In an ordered state, one could lean on laws and structure. But here—life and death were at stake every moment.
"It's hard to say how many will truly stand out from this trial," Cai Yan said with a light smile.
At that moment, they could see numerous examinees descending from the sky, each entering a Celestial City of their own.
Take Zhuge Liang, for example.
He descended in a ray of divine light, landing directly in front of a city lord's mansion.
The guards stationed at the gate brightened upon seeing him, then bowed respectfully. "City Lord, you're back. The future of our Crescent Moon City lies in your hands. Please, don't abandon us, the people of Crescent Moon."
Zhuge Liang listened carefully and watched the guards' expressions and tone. His mind raced.
"This is an ancient city. Judging by their expressions and words, they are no different from real human beings. Though I know this world must be fake, it feels too real. It's like a lucid dream. I've been made the city lord here—clearly part of the exam's setup. Governing a territory like this allows one's true ability to be fully tested."
He quickly understood the situation. He was amazed at the method, deeply impressed by Great Yi's hidden strength.
At the same time, a burning excitement surged in his heart.
This was the perfect stage to display his talents—to prove his ability in a way the world could not deny.
He accepted his identity without hesitation.
There was no point in dismissing these people as fake. If they were fake, there's no way this space would be used as the setting for the imperial examination.
"Don't worry. How could I possibly abandon the people of Crescent Moon City? This city is my home now. Even in death, I, Zhuge Liang, will stand with this city to the end!"
He smiled and instructed, "Post notices across the city. Announce to all citizens that I, Zhuge Liang, will not abandon them. I will rebuild Crescent Moon City alongside them, resist the enemy together, and forge a new home."
"Yes, City Lord!" The guards' faces lit up with joy. In their eyes, it was as if a beacon had appeared in their darkest hour. They had found their pillar of support.
Soon after, Zhuge Liang entered the city lord's residence and sent out guards to investigate the city's conditions. Reports flowed into his hands.
In warfare, one must act only after understanding the situation. The same principle applies to governance.
All of this was observed by Yi Tianxing and the others.
Just like Zhuge Liang, many examinees had entered ancient cities. Many of them quickly adapted and assumed the role of city lord. Without hesitation, they began their journey of governing a territory using different methods.
"Your Majesty, Ladies, you're here too."
At that moment, several figures appeared in the sky. Upon closer inspection, they were Cai Yong, Huang Chengyan, and others—the examination officials. Naturally, they had the qualifications to enter the virtual world and observe the candidates' performances directly to evaluate their scores.
Upon arrival, they noticed Yi Tianxing and the others and greeted them.
"Father, you're here," Cai Yan said joyfully.
"Of course. As chief examiner, how could I not come?" Cai Yong chuckled. Cai Yan had always been the apple of his eye—his pride and joy.
"Father-in-law, what are your thoughts on this examination? Have you spotted any exceptional talents?" Yi Tianxing asked with a smile.
"This ten-subject examination is a massive innovation. From now on, the talents we select won't just be theorists, but hands-on experts proven through experience. Especially with this virtual world, we're changing the entire Great Yi Dynasty. I look forward to seeing which ones will rise to the top."
He smiled, clearly impressed.
However, this situation could only happen in Great Yi. No other force had the treasures or technological foundation to replicate such a virtual examination. This ensured that mass replication was impossible, maintaining Great Yi's advantage.
Yi Tianxing nodded. "We improved the examination system precisely to identify true talent. But much of the burden still falls on you, Father-in-law."
Later, Yi Tianxing and the four ladies entered the virtual world, disguised in appearance and aura, walking through various cities and observing candidates firsthand.
Some examinees, it turned out, were completely unskilled in administration…
However, they demonstrated extraordinary talents in other areas.
For instance, one examinee, a forging expert, didn't understand governance. But he spread forging skills throughout his city and made it the city's core activity. He invented a boomerang-style spinning blade that, once thrown, would return in a curved arc—slicing through anything in its path. It was exceptionally sharp.
In battle against beasts, the spinning blade inflicted tremendous damage, helping the city resist attacks even without strong administrative structures.