In the Market District of the Spirit Province Mountain Gate, a group of Puppet Masters gathered in a teahouse, exchanging news of their recent affairs.
The thematic assessment for Puppet Master Grand Artisans was currently underway, so their conversation inevitably touched on it.
"Someone actually earned full marks in the thematic assessment!"
An astonished cry suddenly rang out, drawing everyone's attention.
"What, full marks? How many years has it been since we last heard of that? History has certainly seen its share of such great talents, but this is the first in the past hundred years!"
"What's his name, and where is he from? Does anyone know this fellow Daoist?"
Someone mentioned Li Chen's name. Few recognized it, but it still sparked a flurry of exclamations and animated discussion.
Meanwhile, in a square elsewhere, another gathering of Puppet Masters also brought up the matter, prompting another round of astonishment.
Among them were members of the Myriad Heavens Alliance who knew Li Chen. They were deeply moved by the news. "I never imagined Fellow Daoist Li Chen would quietly earn a perfect score. The chief examiners for these assessments are all Puppet Master Grandmasters, and full marks require the approval of all five. If even one of them thinks he falls short, he can't receive a score like that."
"I wonder what earth-shaking creation could have earned full marks."
"Want to find out? That's easy enough. Come on, let's pay him a visit."
"Let's all go."
At that very moment, the little building where Li Chen lived was already filled with distinguished guests.
They were fellow Puppet Masters who had come to congratulate him on passing the thematic assessment and earning the honor of full marks. Quite a few had traveled with him to Taiqiu Immortal City to take the assessment.