Having just witnessed several extraordinary female candidates in the Martial Examination, Yi Tianxing was increasingly convinced: many of them were not only beautiful but possessed genuine talent and military capability. Among them were true heroic women—not mere ornaments, but leaders worthy of commanding legions.
Thus, he saw no reason to hesitate in awarding an official legion designation to these women—offering both recognition and status. By honoring them with such a title, he hoped to promote deeper respect for women in Great Yi's military.
He said no more for now and continued watching the assessments unfold.
Inside the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower, time flowed differently thanks to the Time Pocket Watch. Time could be rewound, fast-forwarded, or paused. Inside, years could pass unnoticed, while only a short span elapsed in the outside world. Thus, even if someone trained or was tested within for decades, it would barely impact the present.
And so, the assessments pressed on.
Candidates entered the simulated battlefields one by one, freely demonstrating their military skill, strategy, and commanding presence. Zhuge Liang, along with others, continued scoring each participant based on their performance, command skill, and tactical ingenuity—constantly filtering and sorting the standouts from the rest.
Though only a day had passed in the real world, within the tower, countless battles had taken place—and true military prodigies had begun to emerge from among the thousands.
Yi Tianxing, having observed long enough, eventually departed with his consorts.
The following day.
City Lord's Mansion.
Zhuge Liang and Liu Bowen arrived together, a sealed memorial in hand, which they presented to Yi Tianxing.
"Your Majesty," Zhuge Liang reported,"The Martial Examination has concluded successfully. A total of 3,854 candidates participated.
Of these, 2,700 were eliminated—found to be lacking in true skill or commanding ability, little more than armchair strategists.
The remaining 1,154 showed potential, even if lacking in some areas. Many demonstrated courage and natural talent, and with cultivation and experience, they may yet flourish."
"More importantly," he continued,"we've identified eighteen top-tier talents—candidates who are capable of independently commanding entire armies.
Here is the list of their names, along with their performance scores, for Your Majesty's review."
Yi Tianxing nodded and took the document.
His eyes scanned the list of names, interest sparking.
"Zhou Yafu, Gao Chong, Niu Gao, Lan Yu, Shen Luoyan, Liang Hongyu, Fan Lihua, Qin Liangyu, Ni Huang, Guan Hai, Hua Xiong, Wang Botang, Shan Xinxin, Zhang Xiu, Jia Yuan, Jia Yan, Pang Shigu, Shi Jiantang."
"Interesting," Yi Tianxing said with a smile,"Among the eighteen, five are female generals. Each one a woman of substance—not just known names, but true military talents. It's rare to see them all gathered here. Remarkable."
"Indeed," Liu Bowen added with a smile."These five women are all exceptional in skill and leadership—worthy of admiration by any man. With generals like Hua Mulan and Mu Guiying already proving the worth of women on the battlefield, this group is more than qualified. With them, Your Majesty's Immortal Thorn Legion can be fully realized."
"Very good," Yi Tianxing replied."Summon all eighteen here at once. The sooner they are officially appointed, the sooner they can take command and begin forming their armies.
According to reports, White Crow City is nearing the region of the Well of Gods and Demons. Once we arrive, we'll scout the area and prepare for war.
Also, summon the existing military officials. Since they'll be working together from now on, it's a good opportunity to meet."
These eighteen had proven themselves in battle. Yi Tianxing had no doubts about their abilities. Great Yi's armies were already in place—these generals simply needed to train and lead them. The goal of the examination was always to reinforce the empire's strength and military might.
Not long after:
General Yang Ye and other senior commanders arrived and entered the main hall, paying their respects.
"Greetings to the Emperor."
"You may rise," Yi Tianxing said with a nod, motioning for them to stand at ease.
Soon, the eighteen chosen candidates entered the grand hall in turn. The moment they crossed the threshold, they felt an invisible pressure fill the space—an atmosphere of solemnity and divine authority.
Their hearts instinctively steadied.
Looking toward the figure seated above—their gaze fell on Yi Tianxing.
He sat like a true celestial emperor—his presence alone commanded the entire hall.
No one dared be disrespectful.
"We greet the Emperor. May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years!"
The eighteen generals bowed as one, their voices solemn and united.
They had already viewed themselves as subjects of Great Yi. Anyone unwilling to serve would never have participated in the Martial Examination. By joining, they had already accepted allegiance.
"You may rise," Yi Tianxing replied."Great Yi does not burden itself with excessive ceremony. Once you join, this land becomes your home.
All of you have stood out from thousands of candidates—you are each outstanding among men and women alike.
Before the Martial Examination began, I made a decree:
Anyone who proves themselves shall be granted command over an army—entrusted with the rank of Legion Commander, leading a force of one million.
Now, before I proceed, I must ask again:
Do you truly wish to serve Great Yi, and become one of its generals?"
Yi Tianxing's eyes swept over the group, his voice clear and heavy.
It was a formality, but an important one—military appointments were no trivial matter.
"We are willing!"
The eighteen responded without hesitation.
They looked at one another, seeing the same burning excitement in each other's eyes—the thrill of stepping onto the stage of destiny.
No one would give up this chance. It was far too valuable.To refuse now would be foolish beyond belief.
"Very well," Yi Tianxing said."You are all proven talents, and so I shall honor my promise. You are summoned here for official appointments and titles.
Let it be clear: this is a fast-tracked promotion, breaking tradition. Normally, one must serve and rise through the ranks before commanding an army.
But times are urgent. War is coming. The Well of Gods and Demons lies ahead. You are being given both an opportunity and a great responsibility.
With it comes danger. This is not mere status—it is war, and you may fall in battle."
"We are willing to fight for Great Yi!For the Human Race!If we must die on the battlefield, so be it!"
Their responses were firm, unwavering.
From the moment they stepped onto the Divine-Demonic battlefield, they had already accepted the possibility of death. To now gain the chance to command… they would embrace it fully.
"Very well," Yi Tianxing declared."Great Yi has several core legion types:
The Four Divine Beast Legions
The Four Ultimate Legions
The Twelve Zodiac Legions
The Five Elements Legions
The Myriad Calamities Legion
The Seven-Colored Legion
And the newly founded Immortal Thorn Legion."
"Of these, the Four Divine Beasts and Four Ultimates are complete.
But within the Five Elements Legions, three commands are still vacant—Earth, Wood, and Fire.
These three will be filled today."
"Gao Chong, step forward and receive your commission."
"At your command!"
Gao Chong stepped forward, eyes burning with excitement, and bowed low.
"Gao Chong, for your courage and valor, you are hereby appointed Commander of the Earth Legion of the Five Elements.
Rank: First Class.
You are granted the Earth Command Token, with authority over one million troops.You are endowed with military fortune and a stipend of 100,000 Eternal Coins."
As Yi Tianxing finished, a glowing Earth Token floated into the air and split in two—half flying to Yi Tianxing, and the other half to Gao Chong.
With the token came true command.
As he took it, a surge of Great Yi's national fate rushed into him—so potent it nearly shattered his cultivation bottlenecks. But along with it came a technique for temporarily sealing the energy until it could be absorbed later through cultivation.
"Gao Chong, Commander of the Earth Legion, thanks the Emperor for this honor! I pledge my life to Great Yi!"
His heart surged with pride. For the first time, he stood on Great Yi's stage.
From the side, Yang Ye and the other generals nodded with approval, silently expressing their goodwill.
"Guan Hai, step forward and receive your commission."
"At your command!"
Guan Hai stepped forward, equally excited.
"Guan Hai, for your courage and valor, you are hereby appointed Commander of the Fire Legion of the Five Elements.
Rank: First Class.
You are granted the Fire Command Token, with authority over one million troops.You are endowed with military fortune and a stipend of 100,000 Eternal Coins."