In Golden Light City, within the council hall of the Cloud-Penetrating Tower.
The Grandmaster Artisans and Grand Artisans of the Puppeteer Dao Path had gathered in full force to hear Great Elder Shen announce the final results of this Grand Artisan assessment.
Seated at the head of the hall, Great Elder Shen asked in a clear voice, "This time, you personally visited the frontline outposts and investigated local conditions. What did you gain?"
"There is no need to rush your answers. I have already reviewed everything you did in the lower realm and have some idea of what you are capable of doing and willing to do. Grandiose claims and empty words are meaningless. You would do better to say something substantial."
Everyone silently nodded at his words.
In truth, over the past several days, they had already formed some idea of what the final assessment would entail. Being asked to state their aspirations and strengthen their Dao Hearts came as no surprise.
This was comparable to selecting officials through the mortal imperial examinations, using policy essays to make one's views heard by the throne, yet it was even more solemn and exacting. For those in the cultivation world faced not examiners or emperors, but Heaven and Earth and the Great Dao!
One might deceive others and oneself, but not Heaven. Nothing in this world could escape the fate net woven by the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. Unseen, this lent their declarations a weight that would shape their future stature and achievements.
Simply shrinking back would not do. Anyone unable to shoulder the breadth of vision and magnanimity expected of a Grand Artisan could only be rejected.
Although they had vaguely guessed that the results might already have been decided, they still wanted to fight for a chance.