Lord of the Earth

early morning!

The first ray of morning light pierced through the sea of ​​clouds.

The "Fusang Purple Qi," containing the innate spiritual root of the Fusang tree, sprinkles the towering "Human Divine City" into the clouds. The city walls, forged from glazed divine gold and immortal stone, reflect thousands of rays of light, dyeing the entire divine capital auspicious purple-gold color!
This human "divine capital," which has undergone several expansions and been tempered by heavenly tribulations, is already as majestic as a mountain, stretching across a million miles of territory.

Within the city, pavilions and towers float above the sea of ​​clouds, their upturned eaves adorned with spiritual crystals, emitting clear, ethereal sounds when the wind blows; below lies the vast and boundless territory of the Immortal Dynasty, crisscrossed by dragon veins, with spiritual energy like mist; above are the phenomena of the laws governing the sun and moon traversing the heavens and stars circling around!

Cuckoo!
Ten golden crows, at the level of deities, flapped their wings formed of flames, swept across the sky, and their clear cries pierced the clouds, awakening this slumbering immortal capital.

The city was already bustling with people, shoulder to shoulder.

The "Heavenly Street," wide enough to allow thousands of carriages to travel side by side, was teeming with people. There were ordinary citizens dressed in official robes and exuding an air of extraordinary bearing, as well as outsiders in various costumes with curious expressions. Everyone's face radiated a vibrant and energetic spirit!
"Mommy, look! What model is that 'flying boat'? It's so fast!"

A child of about ten years old, with a faint golden flame mark between his eyebrows, suddenly pointed excitedly to the sky.

His little fists were clenched, and his eyes were full of anticipation.

A sleek, streamlined ship, constructed entirely of lightweight spirit wood and star metal, with intricate runes engraved on its hull and enormous wings of light on its sides, was silently and steadily gliding across the sky.

Trailing a faint glow from its stern, it slowly sailed into the "Myriad Realms Cloud Harbor" on the edge of the Divine Capital City. On the hull, the joint emblem of the Qianxia "Ministry of Works·Tianji Academy" and "Mo Family Mechanical City" was clearly imprinted!

Emerging from within, the harpies looked around with excited expressions.

“That’s a regular flight back from the Golden Wind Dynasty of the Golden-Winged Roc clan. It’s the ‘Soaring Serpent Boat’, the latest product developed by the Mo Family’s Mechanical City. It’s three times faster than the ‘Azure Dragon’ that your father rode back then.”

The young mother, holding her child's arm, smiled.

"Your father transported that batch of 'Ice Soul Heavenly Silkworm Silk' for the Merchant Alliance last month using one of these flying boats. I heard it's extremely sought after in the lands of the alien races, with each bolt worth hundreds of Heavenly Yuan Gold Coins. Those nobles and royalty would spend their entire savings to buy it, using it to weave clothing. Little do they know, the clothes they spend enormous fortunes to flaunt are merely ordinary clothes that every commoner in Qianxia can afford..."

The flowing hem of her long dress perfectly dispelled the chill of the sweltering heat. Her demeanor was elegant, and her every gesture and word exuded the composure and confidence of a citizen of the "Immortal Dynasty"!
"When I grow up, I want to be a 'escort master,' flying a spaceship to many realms, seeing all sorts of strange things, and escorting the most precious treasures for the merchant alliance!"

The child waved his fist, his eyes sparkling, as if he could already see himself roaming the eternal land.

"Then you must first lay a solid foundation in the 'Elementary School' in the capital, thoroughly study the classics of the philosophers, and delve into the art of investigating things. In the future, after passing the examination, you can enter the 'Imperial Academy - Institute of Investigation of Things' and become a 'mechanic' or join the army as a 'driver' before you are qualified to pilot a mechanical flying boat!"

The mother affectionately patted her child's head, her tone full of expectation.

"I will definitely become a courier!"

The child looked up at the "Tengshe Mechanical Beast" flying across the sky, his eyes as bright and determined as the stars in the sky.

Time flies, and the stars shift and the constellations change.

Fifty years have quietly passed since the day Qianxia ascended to the Celestial Dynasty and made the grand vow to "build a Heavenly Court, bring peace to all peoples, and usher in an era of great prosperity."

Fifty years is a period of decline for many mortal dynasties; but for a celestial dynasty with deep roots and boundless potential, it is a golden age of "showing its brilliance and swallowing mountains and rivers"!

In particular, after obtaining the "Haotian Inheritance", Qianxia's power increased by leaps and bounds.

Today, in the eastern part of the Eternal Land and even in the vast central core area, the name "Great Xia Immortal Dynasty" is an undisputed symbol of hegemony!

Especially benefiting from the "everyone is like a dragon" gift of heaven and earth after the ascension to the Immortal Dynasty, as well as the education and cultivation system that has been continuously improved over the decades.

With ample resources, even ordinary citizens in Qianxia could steadily enter the "extraordinary" realm after reaching adulthood.

Those with even a little talent can reach the "Saint-level" with the help of the Immortal Dynasty's resources and cultivation techniques, and roam freely in their respective regions.

Even the once one-in-a-million "Eternal Pride" level figures are now emerging like stars in Qianxia's vast population and well-established training system.

Its vast territory, prosperous fortune, and flourishing civilization have long surpassed the former "First Celestial Court of the Human Race," reaching an unprecedented peak!
As a result, a deep-seated confidence in civilization and a sense of pride in being a citizen of the Great Xia Dynasty permeated every corner.

Whether it was the new imperial examination policy being discussed on the streets and alleys, the new mechanical devices being studied in workshops, or the debates on the doctrines of various schools of thought and insights into cultivation in restaurants and teahouses, everything exuded a vigorous and energetic spirit, and a magnanimous attitude of "inclusiveness and embracing all rivers".

"Have you heard? A few days ago, I, Qianxia, ​​discovered a hidden, developing dynasty of destiny among the vampires? Legion Commander 'Yang Jian' led his 'God of War' legion and wiped it out in just three months..."

"Yes, the 'God of War,' who was once ranked first among the quasi-true gods of the first immortal court of the human race, is truly extraordinary. It is said that three quasi-true gods of the vampire race, who were in charge of the court, attempted to attack him while wielding the weapons of true gods. However, they were all killed in one battle by Commander Yang Jian. Even the avatar of a vampire true god who was hidden among them was suppressed by the 'Commander Qi Tian,' who came to reinforce him later!"

"Yes, the newly promoted legion commanders of Qianxia are truly extraordinary. A single legion is enough to destroy an alien dynasty! And those alien legions are also quite formidable... such as the 'Earth-Shaking Bull Demon Legion' under the Mighty Bull Demon King and the 'Great Roc Legion' under the Golden-Winged Roc King... they all have the strength to contend with a dynasty!"

"These past few days, it was thanks to these powerful individuals that we were able to quickly and completely eliminate the remaining alien races within our Qianxia territory..."

Inside a tavern bearing the inscription "Du Kang, the Saint of Wine," a large group of humans are discussing the current situation in the Eternal Land.

"Huh, why are so many flying boats and warships from different realms and dynasties heading towards the Jade Capital of my Great Xia today?"

"Have you forgotten? In three days, it will be the centenary of the founding of my Qianxia Kingdom. His Majesty has decreed that the first 'Immortal Dynasty Imperial Examination' will be held! Talented people from all over are eager to take the exam, strive for fame and fortune, enter the Immortal Dynasty as officials, and share in its destiny!"

"In the fifty years since we ascended to the Immortal Dynasty, the territory of Qianxia has expanded to the entire eastern region of the Eternal Land, radiating to 30% of the central region. Furthermore, with the help of the two tentacles of 'Sky Net' and 'Merchant Alliance', it has spread like a spider web across most of the Eternal Land... Even some hidden alien realms and ancient spatial rifts have been explored by Qianxia caravans and spies."

"However, too large a territory is also a problem. Now we need more outstanding talents to join us in this grand undertaking. This 'Centennial Imperial Examination' is of great significance. It is the largest and most extensive examination in the history of our Qianxia Dynasty. It aims to attract the best talents in the world and lay a solid foundation for the Heavenly Court!"

Three months ago, as the Qianxia Dynasty was about to celebrate its centenary.

A vast purple aura, bearing the imperial seal of the Celestial Dynasty, was used to issue a decree for recruiting talented individuals. This decree spread far and wide through the 'Human Race Heavenly Net,' which covers most of the Eternal Land!

The edict was concise yet carried immense weight, containing the laws of the Celestial Emperor and the destiny of the Celestial Dynasty:

"I, by the mandate of Heaven, rule over the eight wastelands, establish the Celestial Dynasty to bring peace to all people, and forge the Great Way to usher in an era of tranquility. Now that the world is newly settled and all industries await development, we are especially eager for talented individuals. Therefore, I hereby open the Jiazi Imperial Examination to widely recruit outstanding talents. Regardless of background, race, or time, all those who possess righteous thoughts and are capable of learning may go to the 'Divine Capital' or 'Jade Capital' to take the examination. The examination will test the highest level of understanding of the principles of Heaven and the ability to govern the country and bring peace; the middle level of understanding of various arts and skills and the ability to investigate things and acquire knowledge; and the lowest level of understanding of courage, bravery, and special abilities."

"The winner will enter the 'Golden Terrace' of Qianxia, ​​be granted an official position, be bestowed with resources, enjoy good fortune, and together forge an immortal heavenly court!"

At the end of the edict, not only was there the Daoist imprint of the "Immortal Emperor," who was equivalent to a true god, but also the faint radiance of the laws of eleven innate spiritual roots.

That is the foundation of Qianxia, ​​representing the most fundamental promise and unfathomable depth of the Immortal Dynasty!
One stone caused a thousand waves!

The imperial edict shook the eternal land and drew the attention of all races.

Countless reclusive human heroes, even alien gods, some quasi-gods, and even avatars of true gods... all turned their gazes toward the legendary "Great Xia Immortal Dynasty" and that radiant "Human Immortal City"!
This imperial examination is an extremely important event for the human race, and it will surely attract a large number of top talents to Qianxia.

"Exactly! His Majesty has even issued an edict not only to recruit unaffiliated cultivators, but also to accept outstanding individuals already belonging to other human forces. Once they achieve a ranking in the Immortal Dynasty's imperial examinations, they can enter the court as officials, enjoying the same treatment as local talents of Qianxia, ​​receiving official titles and treasures, and sharing the Immortal Dynasty's fortune!" "I've heard that as long as one truly possesses talent and ability, even core official positions such as Deputy Military Affairs Director or Deputy Political Affairs Director can be granted!"

"You should know that my Qianxia is a celestial dynasty. The position of Deputy Military Governor is equivalent to the level of a 'quasi-true god,' commanding a celestial army composed of a million saint-level experts. He wields immense power!"

"His Majesty's spirit is extraordinary... Only a celestial dynasty like Qianxia has such confidence. The celestial dynasty's fortune has long been stable, and there is no need to rely on monopolizing talents to improve its fortune. On the contrary, we need to use these outstanding people to help accumulate merit, pacify all races, and thus prepare for the forging of the 'Immortal Heavenly Court'!"

Everyone exclaimed in amazement, their voices filled with pride and admiration.

This is because Qianxia possesses ten innate spiritual roots, and the innate Dao charm he exudes is enough to nourish cultivators and stabilize their fortune, making him fatally attractive to even supreme gods and quasi-true gods.

This "Immortal Dynasty Imperial Examination" was the first of its kind held in the Qianxia Immortal Dynasty.

It is also a grand event to showcase the grandeur and profound heritage of all races after the dynasty's ascension to the "Immortal Dynasty of Destiny," and the first step in forging the Heavenly Court.

Its purpose is to attract talented people from all over the world and select pillars of society who are capable of serving in various official positions in the Immortal Dynasty, assisting the Immortal Emperor, consolidating the rule, and bringing blessings to all races!

Whether they were civil officials governing the country, military generals on the battlefield, skilled craftsmen, or knowledgeable in medicine, everyone had a place.

Therefore, the subjects of this imperial examination were extremely broad, covering all schools of thought and various professions: Confucianism tested benevolent governance and the Way of Heaven; Taoism tested self-cultivation and following the natural way; Legalism tested strict laws and clean governance; Mohism tested mechanical engineering and the investigation of things to acquire knowledge; Agriculturalism tested farming techniques and ensuring food and clothing; Medicine tested medical ethics and compassion, and healing the sick; Military Strategy tested military tactics and the art of war; and Commerce tested business management and national prosperity...

Even specialties such as alchemy, weapon crafting, talismans, formations, water conservancy, architecture, astronomy, and calendar systems have their own dedicated subjects, truly achieving "unconventional approaches".

Therefore, these days...

In the "Myriad Worlds Cloud Harbor" at the heart of Qianxia, ​​this divine city, thousands of sails have already gathered and tens of thousands of ships have assembled.

Candidates from different dynasties, regions, countries, and industries flocked to Baiyujing, forming a vast crowd that demonstrated the supreme appeal of the Qianxia Immortal Dynasty.

"The rivers and waterways of this human immortal dynasty are managed so well, brimming with spiritual energy, nourishing all directions... It's truly breathtaking."

On the deck of an ancient, blue-green ship, two people dressed in Warring States period attire stood side by side.

The first person wore hemp shoes, had a gentle and refined face, and a calm gaze like a deep pool. The faint image of a tamed river seemed to flow around him. The other person had sharp eyes like lightning, a resolute and decisive demeanor, and an aura of dispelling falsehoods and eradicating malpractices between his brows.

As they gazed at the vast and ever-changing territory of the Qianxia Immortal Dynasty, where laws intertwined like a web, they felt the overwhelming vitality, orderly structure, and unfathomable depth of its power. Their eyes were filled with awe and admiration.

"What a magnificent 'Great Xia Immortal Dynasty'! What a harmonious and prosperous society where 'all rivers flow into the sea'!"

The first person to praise it.

"Observing its waterways and city layout, it not only conforms to the principles of nature but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the principles of water management and governance, prioritizing the people's livelihood. What is even more remarkable is the scene of countless boats racing and talents gathering, with strict laws and regulations and vibrant vitality!"

The second person's gaze swept across the orderly and bustling Myriad Worlds Cloud Port, then turned to the distant "Suspended River," which resembled a silver dragon winding and coiling, and nodded slightly.

“Brother Ximen is absolutely right. This celestial dynasty’s water management goes beyond flood control and irrigation; it connects water veins with earth veins and spiritual veins, turning harm into benefit, nourishing all things, and nurturing civilization. Its design and ingenuity have transcended ordinary engineering and are close to the Tao.”

"What is even more valuable is that the imperial examination system, which is 'unconventional and selects only the talented,' opened a fair door for the world's talented people to advance."

He turned to look at his old friend, his eyes gleaming with determination and anticipation.

You should know that in their time, there was no such thing as the "Imperial Examination"!
“In the past, I dug the Lidu in Shu and divided the river, while my brother broke superstition and opened the Zhangqu Canal in Wei. All our efforts were to stop the floods, bring peace to the people, and enrich the region. However, my lifelong regret is that there were times when things did not go our way and many obstacles hindered us.”

"Looking at this Great Xia, as a newly established 'Celestial Dynasty'... its grandeur is magnificent, its laws are its foundation, and it values ​​practical achievements over empty words. It is precisely the stage where our ideals can be put into practice and benefit a wider world—"

The second person's tone became firm.

This person was none other than Ximen Bao, a capable official during the Warring States period who used swift and decisive measures to eliminate the outdated custom of "the River God taking a wife," constructed water conservancy projects, and diverted the Zhang River to irrigate Ye, making Ye a wealthy and prosperous city.

The other person is Li Bing, the famous governor of Shu County and the creator of Dujiangyan!

"I've heard that in this Great Xia Dynasty, those who have made outstanding contributions to the history of China can be directly admitted to the Golden Terrace without examination... Brother Li, although our contributions to the history of China are meager, we are still somewhat well-known. I suppose the Great Xia Dynasty should be willing to directly grant us high-ranking positions and generous salaries... However, having entered this gate, we must abide by this law. If we wish to establish ourselves in this glorious dynasty and be trusted by the people, how can we rely on past empty reputations or depend on His Majesty's special decree for selection?"

"When competing with the many talents of the Eternal Land, and determining the winners on this 'Imperial Examination' path, the right thing to do is to earn the rightful position based on true talent and learning!"

Ximen Bao's tone was full of pride, and Li Bing laughed heartily upon hearing this, his eyes gleaming even brighter.

"What Lord Li said resonates deeply with me!"

"I despise privilege and luck more than anything else in my life. Since the first immortal dynasty of humankind has established the imperial examination as the proper way to select officials, with clear laws and regulations, I and Li Gongzheng should devote ourselves to it and use our practical experience in water management and governance to meet the heroes of all the heavens and myriad realms! If we are not as skilled as others, we should study diligently; if we can stand out, then we can obtain this position with dignity and act with our heads held high, without being subject to any criticism!"

The two looked at each other, and a surge of pride arose within them. They both saw in each other's eyes a long-lost, soaring fighting spirit, a desire to compete with the world's most talented individuals.

"Prefect Li Bing and Grand Master Ximen Bao, I am aware of the ambitions of you two virtuous ministers. I greatly admire your past achievements and I am very pleased with your current aspirations. You do not rely on past merits but seek new methods, and you do not seek shortcuts but value the practical path. This is the true character of a national hero, and it is also in line with the original intention of our Great Xia in establishing the imperial examination system."

Suddenly, a gentle yet majestic Daoist voice, as if descending from the heavens, resounded directly through their souls.

"In that case, I will grant your wishes and abide by the laws of the Celestial Dynasty. I will wait and see in the Jade Capital to see how you two wise ministers will use rivers as ink and political achievements as a pen to write a new legend in this imperial examination!"

"At that time, regardless of the ranking, I and the Great Xia Dynasty will reserve seats to await a truly capable person who can govern the world and benefit the people!"

"This is... the 'Xia Immortal Emperor' of the Qianxia Dynasty?"

The two of them shuddered.

"We originally planned to conceal our identities and pursue an official career through the imperial examinations... but we never expected that our identities would be discovered as soon as we entered this Qianxia region... and even reach the ears of the emperor!"

“That’s right. I heard that Qianxia not only has the Embroidered Uniform Guard to monitor the four seas, but also the Book of Life and Death, a peerless treasure that can record the life of all living beings… In that case, it is only natural that he would know about our situation.”

Li Bing straightened his body and hurriedly bowed to the top of his head from a distance.

Emperor Qianxia's words not only affirmed his past but also respected and encouraged his choice to prove himself through the proper path of the imperial examination, demonstrating a magnanimity that was truly admirable.

"Thank you for your recognition, Your Majesty! Li Bing will certainly abide by the examination rules, do his utmost, and live up to Your Majesty's expectations and the learning he has acquired throughout his life!"

"Ximen Bao, you must take the exam with practical skills and strive for excellence. May Your Majesty and the laws of the Celestial Dynasty be your guide, and let your true abilities be revealed in the examination!"

Guided by the divine light of Qianxia, ​​the azure ship sailed smoothly towards this "human divine city" that held countless dreams. Li Bing and Ximen Bao's figures merged into the vast torrent of people heading to the examination hall! (End of Chapter)