Many talents are naturally gifted in strategy, such as Jia Xu and others. That's not to say they're useless beyond the battlefield—on the contrary, someone like Jia Xu would possess the talent of a prime minister in any era. Each of them holds unique political philosophies and could easily handle a variety of high-ranking positions. Undoubtedly capable.
However, the world is anything but peaceful right now. Though Yi Prefecture has been pacified, it is but a drop in the ocean compared to the vast Eternal World. Its significance is minuscule—barely even the tip of the iceberg. Even within the Hanhai region alone, there are countless other landmasses.
Constant warfare and continual expansion of the Great Yi territory is the only viable path forward.
In this age of chaos, standing still is courting death—a slow suicide. The moment others catch up, is the moment death arrives. Naturally, Yi Tianxing was keenly aware of this from the very beginning.
He had never once considered stopping.
As for the proposal to establish the Heavenly Strategy Office, none of the ministers in the great hall voiced any objection. After all, it would fundamentally bolster the true strength of Great Yi—why would anyone oppose that? Moreover, it was clearly intended to work in conjunction with the Military Affairs Cabinet. It was evident from the start that this matter was essentially a foregone conclusion when Yi Tianxing proposed it. There was no reason to deny it.
"Your Majesty is wise. The establishment of the Heavenly Strategy Office is indeed necessary."
"Yes. During the last imperial examination, there were many candidates who excelled in strategy but lacked talent in other areas. They can be incorporated into the Heavenly Strategy Office."
The officials in the court expressed unanimous approval.
This matter posed no threat to their own positions and would further strengthen the foundations of Great Yi. There was simply no reason to oppose it.
"Very good. Then the Heavenly Strategy Office shall be formally established. It will be similar to the Military Affairs Cabinet, existing independently from domestic governance. However, it shall have the authority to advise on state affairs. Jia Xu shall serve as the Head of the Heavenly Strategy Office, ranked at First Grade, and promoted to First Grade Strategist."
Yi Tianxing declared with a smile.
There was no one more suitable than Jia Xu for this role. He was a master of diplomacy, always wearing a pleasant smile and giving others the feeling of a spring breeze. Yet his infamous title of "Poison Strategist" said it all. His methods were subtle and deadly. Entrusting him with the Heavenly Strategy Office would pose no issue whatsoever.
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty. With me in the Heavenly Strategy Office, I shall surely offer my full counsel for the sake of Great Yi."
Jia Xu accepted with a smile and bowed deeply.
He accepted the position without hesitation.
"Wu Yong, you shall also join the Heavenly Strategy Office as a Third Grade Strategist."
Yi Tianxing turned to Wu Yong, assigning him a rank appropriate to his talents. Though not as capable as Jia Xu, he was nonetheless a strategist of considerable merit.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Wu Yong's face lit up with joy. He harbored no resentment over receiving the rank of Third Grade Strategist. In Great Yi, merit determined one's rise. This principle was deeply ingrained in everyone. Lacking ability meant being demoted—just like Zhang Yue, who, despite his previous high rank, had gracefully stepped down. To rise again, one had to improve themselves. Everything else was meaningless.
Yi Tianxing scanned the ministers before him and nodded inwardly. Though not every one of them was a legendary figure, the court was filled with talent—particularly among the military, which was teeming with fierce generals.
"My lords, the current glory of the Great Yi Dynasty would not have been possible without your dedication and service. I have always rewarded those who contribute, and you all know that well. The unification of Yi Prefecture is thanks to your efforts. But this is merely the beginning. Beyond Yi Prefecture lies the vast Hanhai—filled with countless islands and territories. And beyond that lies a central continent of the Eternal World—the Ancient Everlasting Realm. That land is vast and boundless. In comparison, Yi Prefecture is but the tip of the tip of the iceberg. That is where the real stage lies."
"The road ahead is long and arduous. Let us strive forward together."
"I shall establish the White Jade Tower. All who have made outstanding contributions to Great Yi will have statues erected there, to be revered by the people of the realm. Their biographies will be recorded in the Scripture Repository, and their names passed down through the ages."
As soon as Yi Tianxing made this announcement, the entire hall fell into solemn silence, only to be quickly followed by a surge of excitement. Many felt their hearts thump in their chests.
The White Jade Tower—white jade, symbolizing purity and flawlessness—would be an eternal honor for those of virtuous character and unmatched contributions. It would immortalize the great figures of Great Yi.
This was equivalent to the Lingyan Pavilion of the Tang Dynasty.
Even after the fall of the Tang, the twenty-four founding ministers of Lingyan Pavilion remained famous to this day—legends passed down through the generations. The pavilion immortalized their legacies.
To be remembered in history was a death worth dying.
Faced with such a chance for immortality, no one could resist. Not Huang Chengyan, not Zhuge Liang—none of them. This was the pursuit of glory and recognition.
Those who claimed to be indifferent only did so because the glory wasn't great enough.
"We are willing to die for Your Majesty!!"
The ministers declared in unison, their eyes burning with fervor.
Without a doubt, they would now be working even harder, each striving to earn a place in the White Jade Tower. None of them would let such an opportunity slip by. The future of Great Yi was now visibly within reach.
"The year's end approaches. On New Year's Eve, the Feast of Immortal Delicacies will continue as tradition. After that, we have grand plans for the coming year. Yi Prefecture is far too small for Great Yi!"
Yi Tianxing's voice was cheerful.
This would be the final court assembly of Eternal Year 8—a time to look ahead to what lay beyond.
With the call to dismiss court, the session ended.
But its impact was enormous.
The news of the assembly spread rapidly, rousing Great Yi to a new height of enthusiasm. Particularly, the announcement of the upcoming imperial examination was delivered via imperial edict to the entire realm. It appeared in all major immortal cities at once.
Countless newly assimilated human citizens of Great Yi were ecstatic.
Talented individuals were overjoyed.
"Finally, another round of examinations! The formal imperial exam will be in March. Before that is the preliminary test, which means after the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, it's time to prepare! March—I'll step onto the stage of Great Yi and become a pillar of the realm!"
"I've long dreamed of serving Great Yi. Without this dynasty, I wouldn't even be alive. I've trained in the arts of war and governance—and now I'll devote my skills to the empire!"
"His Majesty is truly benevolent. Under normal circumstances, the exam would be held every two or three years. But Great Yi is growing rapidly—it makes sense to hold it early. This is a chance!"
"The Ten Subject Imperial Exam—it's the perfect opportunity for all of us with technical skills to shine. Even craftsmen and farmers can earn official positions!"
Many of the new citizens once felt a subtle sense of inferiority—uneasy about their status compared to earlier citizens of Great Yi. But now, that invisible barrier had vanished.
The imperial exam was the perfect chance to fully integrate. Everyone was thrilled. It signaled Great Yi's equal treatment of all people—no discrimination, no exclusion.
In this atmosphere of joy, time passed quickly.
Unknowingly, New Year's Eve arrived.
The Feast of Immortal Delicacies had already been announced in advance.
From all across the realm, city lords began traveling toward Xuanhuang City.
That day, the light of the teleportation array never dimmed. Countless guests arrived, excitement glowing on their faces. After all, this was the legendary Immortal Feast—held only once a year on New Year's Eve. A true national banquet.
Without status, one could never attend such a feast.
Whoosh!
The teleportation array flashed.
A plump man stepped out, followed by a stunning woman whose bearing radiated regal dominance. Voluptuous and alluring, she walked with a mesmerizing sway, drawing all eyes in her direction.
"City Lord, this is the legendary Imperial Capital—Xuanhuang City. It's really floating in the sky… and it's so huge!"
The woman's eyes sparkled with awe. The streets bustled with activity yet remained perfectly ordered. The people walked tall, brimming with confidence and strength—a stark contrast to the oppressed humans she once knew.
"Haha, of course. This is the Imperial Capital of Great Yi—the ruler of all Yi Prefecture. How could it not be grand? Joining Great Yi was the best decision we ever made. I'm most looking forward to the Immortal Feast. They say it features every rare delicacy under the heavens!"
The City Lord of Xiaoyao City sighed in admiration.