Three days into the Wave-Breaking Boat's return voyage, Green Wave Island's pale blue light barrier finally came into view. Zhou Tao handed Han Li the jade slip containing the patrol records and said, "This mission was a complete success, and you contributed a great deal. I've recommended you to Elder Sun for promotion to formal steward. Report to the Steward Hall for your assessment in three days."
Han Li accepted the jade slip, a ripple stirring in his heart. "Thank you for helping me advance, Steward Zhou."
"Your foundation in formations is solid, and you remain calm in battle. Your promotion was only a matter of time." Zhou Tao patted his shoulder. "The assessment is merely a formality. No need to be nervous."
Three days later, at the Steward Hall.
Elder Sun sat in the principal seat, his expression as stern as ever, with several Foundation Establishment stewards standing on either side. Han Li stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Li Feiyu pays his respects to Elder Sun. Please assess me, Elder."
"The promotion assessment consists of three rounds: practical formation work, theoretical questions, and crisis management," Elder Sun said evenly. "For the first round, repair the array disk of a Mid-Grade Dragon-Trapping Formation within the time it takes an incense stick to burn."
A steward from the Formation Pavilion brought out a damaged array disk. Its spiritual power channels were severed in several places, and its runes had dimmed. One sweep of Han Li's Profound Yin Spirit Eye revealed the root of the problem at once. He took out a talisman brush, dipped it in spirit sand, and set his fingers flying, completing the runes and clearing the channels. His movements flowed like drifting clouds and running water. Before even half an incense stick had burned, spiritual light shone