This was a person with astonishing potential. His ability to detect weaknesses, once applied on the battlefield, would undoubtedly become a nightmare to enemies. Should he continue to grow, he would become a terrifying, invincible war general.
"What about Kuang Zhongtang?"Yi Tianxing asked calmly.
"Kuang Zhongtang's military strategies prioritize steadiness above all. His approach is seasoned and unshakeable. In defense, he is as immovable as a golden fortress—pursuing victory through stability. It's difficult to find any flaw in his deployment; he is an impenetrable wall when defending,"Zhuge Liang explained.
On the battlefield, offense is critical, but defense is equally vital. Attack strategies might fail—what matters then is how one withstands and preserves strength afterward. Kuang Zhongtang excelled at that. Though not lacking in offensive ability, he often turned defense into offense with exceptional precision. He was like a hedgehog—difficult to deal with. In all ten matches, he used this method and emerged victorious every time.
After carefully watching the recorded duels of the three finalists, Yi Tianxing sank into silent contemplation.
Each of the three had performed exceptionally—whomever he chose would be worthy of the honor.
"Your Imperial Majesty, please make your judgment."Zhuge Liang and Jia Xu exchanged glances and bowed in unison.
"First place in the martial examinations shall go to Yi Zixuan. Xue Rengui is ranked second, and Kuang Zhongtang third,"Yi Tianxing finally declared after a brief pause.
In the end, he awarded the champion's title to Yi Zixuan—not just for his potential, but to signal to the people that greatness is not the privilege of historical legends alone. With talent and dedication, anyone could rise to the top.
"Wise and just, Your Majesty,"Jia Xu said with a smile.
"How many qualified generals were selected during this martial examination?"Yi Tianxing continued.
"This time, for the first segment—individual strength—anyone scoring above six points passed the threshold. Even those who lacked command skills but had outstanding personal ability were deemed fit to serve as battle generals.
For the second segment—military command—anyone scoring above seven, even if personally weaker, was considered capable enough to join the Heavenly Strategy Pavilion as a strategist.
In total, 13,734 individuals passed. From those, the top 100 were selected, while the rest will be assigned to the army for further training,"Zhuge Liang replied.
"Tomorrow, hold a court assembly and bring the top hundred to the Hall of Heavenly Worship for official conferment."Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement and issued the decree.
The Next Day
The jade bell in the Imperial Palace tolled, its crisp chime echoing through the void.
Court officials proceeded in orderly fashion toward the Hall of Heavenly Worship. Among them were visibly anxious, expectant, and exhilarated figures—those who had stood out in the martial exams and made it into the top ranks. Their youthful vigor and ambition caught many eyes.
Even veteran officials smiled upon seeing them. No one seemed intent on suppressing or envying them. After all, these new talents would become the backbone of the military, and since Da Yi's system separated military and civil governance, most officials had little overlap or influence over military appointments. These new leaders would be future colleagues, not threats.
"The Emperor arrives!"
"Long live His Majesty! May His Majesty live ten thousand years!"
After a round of formal greetings, the hall settled into solemn silence.
"The martial examinations have concluded. This round has brought forth a great number of outstanding talents. I am greatly pleased. Opening the Sutra Pavilion and making cultivation techniques accessible to all was clearly the right choice. The surge of talent across Da Yi is the best reward for that decision.
Today, I will bestow official appointments upon the most exceptional among them,"Yi Tianxing declared. His voice was calm, but his presence—draped in a Chaos War Dragon Robe—radiated an effortless and awe-inspiring authority. The newly inducted candidates couldn't help but feel reverent and tense.
"Such overwhelming pressure... Truly deserving of the title Emperor."Xue Rengui thought silently.
"This is the ruler of the number-one Destiny Dynasty in all of Heaven and Earth... unmatched indeed."Yi Zixuan also marveled inwardly, admiration growing in his heart.
The others shared the same sentiments.
They had grown up hearing tales of Yi Tianxing's exploits—those legends were carved into their very souls.
"Yi Zixuan—step forward,"Yi Tianxing called out.
"I am here,"Yi Zixuan immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply with utmost respect.
"You ranked first in this martial examination. Your talents in both martial and military matters are exceptional. You have what it takes to lead an army. From this day forth, I hereby appoint you as Commander of the Rat Legion of the Twelve Zodiac Corps, with the rank of First Grade, and command over 500,000 troops."
Even with Yi Zixuan's composure, his body trembled slightly upon hearing the decree. This was truly a leap to the heavens—directly promoted to Legion Commander, a First-Grade rank. The magnitude of this shift was overwhelming.
"Your servant Yi Zixuan thanks Your Majesty. I vow to give my life for Da Yi and for Your Majesty!"Yi Zixuan responded with a voice trembling with emotion.
"Xue Rengui—step forward."Cao Zhengchun unfurled the imperial decree and read aloud.
"I am here,"Xue Rengui stepped out. His presence was sharp and upright, exuding calm intensity.
"By Imperial decree, Xue Rengui, having achieved outstanding results in the examination, is hereby appointed Commander of the Indigo Legion of the Seven-Colored Celestial Ark Corps, with the rank of First Grade, and command over 500,000 troops."
"I, your servant, thank Your Majesty. I vow to give my life for Da Yi and for Your Majesty."Xue Rengui accepted without hesitation.
After all, this was exactly what he had hoped for—becoming a general of Da Yi. The role of Legion Commander, commanding 500,000 troops, was prestigious and widely known.
"Kuang Zhongtang is hereby appointed Commander of the Orange Legion of the Seven-Colored Celestial Ark Corps, First Grade, with command over 500,000 troops."Cao Zhengchun continued.
"I thank Your Majesty..."Kuang Zhongtang also bowed and accepted the appointment.
Each of the Seven-Colored Legions had a Celestial Ark—extremely powerful in combat. Being selected to lead one was a great honor.
"Zhang Xianzhong is hereby appointed Commander of the White Tiger Legion of the Four Divine Beast Corps, First Grade, with command over 500,000 troops."
A middle-aged man, Zhang Xianzhong, stepped out. There was nothing special about his appearance—except for a chilling, unshakable murderous aura around his brows. His gaze alone made one feel like needles pricked their back.
He cultivated the Dao of Slaughter, and the White Tiger Legion was known for its ferocity—it was a perfect match.
"Zhang Xianzhong thanks Your Majesty. I vow to give my life for Da Yi,"he said coldly but firmly.
"What a terrifying killing general."The ministers exchanged glances and felt a hint of fear. Zhang Xianzhong gave them an even stronger impression than Yi Zixuan or the others.
"Hua Rong is hereby appointed Commander of the Metal-Fissure Legion of the Five Elements Corps, First Grade."
"Yang Zhi is appointed Commander of the Green Goat Legion of the Zodiac Corps, First Grade."
"Zhang Hai is appointed Commander of the Green Wood Legion of the Five Elements Corps, First Grade."
More names followed.
Beyond these, the rest of the outstanding candidates were granted preliminary appointments and would undergo further training before receiving full command. Most were battle-general material and were integrated into the army.
With each decree, fortune energy descended—but did not immediately activate. It was sealed within their bodies, to be refined later. This fortune would enable rapid breakthroughs and serve as a significant opportunity for growth.
At that moment, an official stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, this minister has a report."
"Speak,"Yi Tianxing said, nodding.
"The Heavenly Artisan Pavilion has successfully forged a new type of refined material. A completed product is ready. I report this to Your Majesty."Gongshu Lin's face was filled with excitement—clearly pleased with the breakthrough.
"Present it."Yi Tianxing's eyes gleamed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."Gongshu Lin responded immediately. In his hand appeared a piece of material—black and white, covered with intricate interwoven patterns that radiated profound mystery.
Cao Zhengchun stepped forward to present it.
"Excellent."Yi Tianxing took the material and immediately felt a burst of coldness followed by intense heat—it alternated between the two extremes. Yet the fusion was flawless—Yin within Yang, Yang within Yin.
"This material was refined using various components in a precise ratio. I have named it Yin-Yang Steel. It contains both Yin and Yang properties—hard and soft, resilient beyond compare. It is a superior material for forging weapons and magical treasures,"Gongshu Lin explained.