Unlike the classical architecture of Guanghan Palace, Spirit Official Hall was entirely modern in style, shaped like a large ring-shaped stadium.
At the center was a spacious activity area, with tiers of viewing stands rising from low to high all around it.
There were only a few blue-clad staff members in the stands, each holding a Luban Counter as they inspected the place. Ding Hanzhen later told Lu Yao that they were patrol officers, responsible for security checks at South Heaven Gate and for inspecting the various equipment and facilities.
Spirit Official Wang stood at the center of the stage.
He was tall, wore sunglasses, and was likewise dressed in black with silver exoskeleton armor, but he did not have a helmet on. Instead, he presented the image of a powerful bald man with sharply defined features, looking vigorous and imposing.
Ding Hanzhen motioned for Lu Yao and Song Shiyi to sit.
"The Heavenly Soldiers do their combat training here."
Song Shiyi asked curiously, "Do people usually watch the training here too?"
"They do." The old man looked toward the drill ground ahead. "Two large-scale live-combat exercises are held here every year, called the Grand Assessment. When the time comes, Spirit Official Hall directly projects the Heavenly Generals and Heavenly Soldiers into certain specialized worlds, letting them demonstrate their actual combat ability. Sitting here, everyone can watch the whole process and subject them to supervision and evaluation."
"The Grand Assessment allows some Heavenly Soldiers to pass the evaluation and begin formal service."
"The people in charge of the 36 Palaces and 72 Halls also come here to select candidates. As long as they still have staffing slots, they can choose the Heavenly Soldiers they approve of and incorporate them into their local sequences."
Song Shiyi asked, "Can I choose too?"