The Heavenly Mandates were not to be tampered with lightly. Any change would cause fluctuations in the dynasty's fortune and fate, and such disturbances were rarely a good sign. Hence, the Heavenly Laws of any dynasty were considered sacred and untouchable, to be treated with the utmost caution. Even with the newly compiled Legal Code by Li Kui, there was still no decision to directly elevate it into the Heavenly Laws. That transformation was only fitting upon the dynasty's ascension into an Imperial Dynasty.
Nonetheless, there was now an urgent need to refine both the Legal Code and the Heavenly Laws.
The approach was to first implement the Legal Code experimentally throughout the dynasty. Problems encountered during this trial phase could be swiftly addressed and corrected. Only then would the legal statutes evolve into something truly fit to be enshrined. Li Kui's work had come at a critical moment for the Great Yi Dynasty—its importance could not be overstated.
"The Great Yi saved my life. The Legal Code I compiled was meant for the Great Yi from the beginning. If it proves beneficial, that's the highest praise I could ever hope for."
A joyful expression appeared on Li Kui's face.
He asked for nothing more. Just being acknowledged and valued by the Great Yi was the greatest reward for his efforts. His labor had not been in vain; it was finally being put to good use. That was what truly mattered.
Of course, scoring full marks in the Criminal Justice category and a high score in Enlightenment was an unexpected bonus—one that would serve as a powerful credential for his future career in the Great Yi's administration. Naturally, he welcomed it gladly.
"Li Kui… could it really be him? If so, then his success in compiling a Legal Code is no surprise. A leading figure among the Legalists, he is indeed a worthy opponent. To have competed with him in this examination is a lifelong honor."
Standing atop the city walls, Zhuge Liang heard the proclamations echoing from the void and showed a flicker of recognition.
The name Li Kui was no stranger to him. Yet, there was no hint of envy in his expression—only deep respect. Li Kui's achievement was based on true talent, even genius. The Legal Code he produced had no rivals in the Criminal Justice category, for without law, there could be no justice, no order. This victory was well deserved.
But the imperial examination encompassed far more than just that.
Zhuge Liang himself was nearly a universal genius—proficient in both military affairs and civil administration.
Take New Moon City for example: in just three years under his governance, the city had undergone a complete transformation.
Once a decaying and hopeless place, plagued by rampaging beasts and despairing citizens, New Moon City had become a beacon of stability. Upon taking charge, Zhuge Liang acted decisively.
He first studied the situation, then recruited respected local figures into his inner circle, granting them positions of power and responsibility. This quickly stabilized the morale of the people.
Next, he organized a city defense force from able-bodied men and had them man the walls. Outside the city, he dug traps and established kill zones to buffer against beast attacks. This strategic move minimized casualties and kept the threat at bay.
When it became clear that farming outside the city was impossible, Zhuge Liang ordered crops and vegetables to be grown within city limits, supplementing them with the city's existing grain stores. This ensured a smooth transition and survival in the early days.
Then came the promotion of cultivation. He distributed basic cultivation techniques to the populace, following the model of the Great Yi. The result was a steady and widespread rise in strength across the city.
He even developed the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow. Though it lacked the rune-infused arrows of the Great Yi, it could be infused with true qi or essence, and its destructive power was still formidable.
Infrastructure was rapidly modernized, and in the third year, he began military campaigns against surrounding beast territories, expanding the safe zone for humans.
He also founded an academy, not just for studying the classics but also for cultivation and martial training. In an age of chaos, knowledge mattered, but power was indispensable.
Economically, he established a secure trade route, connecting New Moon City with other human settlements for mutual exchange and prosperity.
In short, Zhuge Liang had demonstrated excellence in every category of the examination. New Moon City was thriving under his leadership, and he was preparing to expand military operations against beasts.
"Good. Li Kui is a legendary figure in Legalism—a pioneer in its development. To lose to him in the Criminal Justice category is a defeat I accept without regret."
Bao Zheng, dark-skinned and upright, stared into the sky and murmured to himself.
He was quick-witted and sharp-eyed, a master in the art of legal reasoning. He believed himself highly competent in civil administration, but with the unveiling of the Legal Code, he knew the Criminal Justice category was beyond his reach this time. He had no intention of competing in a contest he couldn't win.
Unknowingly, the three years passed.
RUMBLE!
A loud roar echoed through the sky.
Suddenly, Zhuge Liang and the others felt an invisible force lifting them into the air. A voice echoed in their minds:
"The three-year period has ended. All examinees will now exit the virtual space. StarNet and the examiners will evaluate your performance in each subject, scoring each out of ten. Those who were eliminated mid-way will also be assessed. Anyone who demonstrated exceptional skill in at least one subject will still have a chance to pass."
"Each of the ten imperial examination subjects has a passing threshold of six points. The candidate with the highest total score will be named Top Scholar (Zhuangyuan) and receive unmatched honor."
The voice belonged to Xinghai, calm yet imposing, radiating an aura of majesty that stirred reverence. In the virtual space, she was the supreme sovereign—a goddess of omnipotence.
"The examination results will be announced in three days, and will be displayed on the Azure Cloud Tower of the Examination Academy."
Though Xinghai could easily evaluate all results in a single day, the three-day buffer allowed time for final adjustments and confirmation by the lead examiners.
After all, passing the examination was no trivial matter. It conferred the blessing of Great Yi's national fortune, an intangible yet powerful benefit. From that moment, the examinee's destiny would be bound to that of the dynasty.
Swoosh!
With that final proclamation, all candidates were ejected from the virtual space by an invisible force.
When they regained their senses, they were back in the examination chambers of the Academy.
"It truly feels like waking from a grand dream…"
Zhuge Liang sat in quiet reflection, the sunlight unchanged from when they had first entered. And yet, his mind was filled with the vivid memories of three full years.
What they had experienced was no illusion. It had truly been three years. The knowledge, the growth, the tempered wisdom—none of it could be faked.
This was a rare fortune indeed.
To have lived three years longer than others—how could that not be a monumental boon?
Soon after, officers arrived to escort the examinees from their chambers.
They returned to their quarters, where fine meals awaited them.
Meanwhile, within the Academy, officials began to compile and evaluate scores, comparing them with the StarNet's automated ratings and submitting their findings to Cai Yong and other senior officials for final review.
The StarNet evaluations weren't final. Adjustments could still be made—particularly regarding morality and character. A candidate with poor ethics might lose points even with excellent performance. This was completely normal.
Candidates remained housed at the Academy but were not forbidden from going out. Most spent the next few days touring Xuanhuang City, or gathering in groups for networking and conversation.
On the second day after the exam ended…
Huang Chengyan entered the royal palace with a finalized list.
In the Heart of the Empire Palace, Yi Tianxing received him personally.
"My King, this is the final list of successful candidates from this imperial examination. Out of hundreds of thousands of examinees, many were eliminated along the way. Those who failed to score at least six in any subject were also disqualified. The remaining, who each displayed excellence in at least one subject, total exactly 66,666 candidates."
He handed the list to Yi Tianxing, wearing a look of satisfaction.
"66,666?" Yi Tianxing raised a brow.
That was… triple six. A rather ominous and interesting number. Too coincidental to ignore.
"Yes, exactly that number," Huang Chengyan chuckled.
"Good. Over 60,000 successful candidates in a single exam. That speaks volumes about the talent within our lands. With this fresh wave of officials and strategists, the Great Yi Dynasty can now finally begin external expansion."
Yi Tianxing declared resolutely.