Chapter 69: Dare Not Relax Even Slightly

Yu Hao stared at Zhou Yi's back, wanting to say something but ultimately said nothing, then, annoyed, slapped his thigh and complained, "Looks like I'm the only unlucky one?"

After a day and a night of effort, Fang Yun devised a nine‑rank official system suited to the current development of the Human Race.

The system is like a meticulously woven net, orderly linking the various affairs of the Human Race.

At the top of the system, Xiang Ling'er and Shan serve as chief administrators, bearing the responsibility of guiding the Human Race forward.

Below them are left and right deputies and the heads of the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Rites, and other departments, each responsible for personnel appointments, financial management, ceremonial education, and other core areas.

As the rank descends to the ninth level, a complete and rigorous management structure is formed.

Of course, because the hunting party's numbers were limited at the time, the entire bureaucracy could not be fully staffed.

After all, the Human Race's development is still in its early stage, and talent reserves are insufficient.

They can currently only hold some key positions, supporting the preliminary operation of the Human Race's management system.

To make this system more complete, more newcomers need to join and develop.

In the first nine years, Fang Yun and Yu Hao, the two pioneers of Human Race culture, worked diligently day and night.

Through everyone's united effort, many members of the Human Race gradually emerged who could read and decipher characters.

Fang Yun and Yu Hao decided to retain these learned individuals, appointing them as teachers to continue passing on knowledge.

Thus a positive development cycle was formed.

Nine years slipped by silently; during this period, the Human Race underwent massive changes, and cultural education made notable progress.

Now, about forty percent of the Human Race can read and write proficiently.

At the same time, the White Tiger Tribe that came to learn the script is preparing to set out back.

Bai Tianyou led the remaining twenty‑plus white tigers slowly forward; wherever they passed, people automatically gave way, their eyes filled with awe.

Upon seeing Zhou Yi, the white tigers transformed into human form one after another.

Bai Tianyou stepped forward and respectfully said, "Human Ancestor, thank you for your help!"

Zhou Yi gave a gentle nod, then scanned his surroundings, and with a hint of puzzlement asked, "Where are my disciples?"

Hearing this, a flicker of hesitation crossed Bai Tianyou's face, but he still waved his hand in indication.

At the rear of the group, a youth cradling a small tiger slowly emerged; that tiger was Shen Ni.

The moment it saw Zhou Yi, it became very excited, leapt from the youth's arms onto Zhou Yi's shoulder, affectionately rubbing its face.

Watching the scene, Bai Tianyou sighed lightly and said, "As you said, after all these years he has changed little; he only learned to read, with no other obvious progress."

Zhou Yi calmly watched the little white tiger on his shoulder, showing no surprise. He tilted his head slightly, his deep gaze turning to the distance, and said:

"It's fine, let him continue to stay among the Human Race. True fine jade is often encased in stone; it needs time and careful carving to shine."

Having heard Zhou Yi's words, Bai Tianyou nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with his view.

However, his expression suddenly became a bit uneasy.

Zhou Yi keenly noticed this, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Anything else?"

Bai Tianyou inhaled deeply and hurriedly said, "Our White Tiger Tribe hopes to establish a long‑term cooperative relationship with the Human Race. During this time we have deeply experienced the Human Race's strength and tolerance."

Having witnessed many novel things and your wisdom, we sincerely hope to march forward hand in hand with the Human Race. In the future, we will send more cubs to study the Human Race's culture and wisdom."

In fact, the time spent together has deeply attracted Bai Tianyou to Human Race culture, leading him to propose cooperation without his tribe's consent.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi smiled and replied, "That's not difficult. After you return, communicate well within your tribe; come find Sui Renshi to handle the subsequent cooperation matters. Our Human Race has always been known for its tolerance, so rest assured."

After receiving Zhou Yi's definite answer, Bai Tianyou beamed.

The long‑standing heavy burden in his heart was finally released.

Bai Tianyou swiftly led the other White Tiger members away from the scene.

Shen Ni showed no reaction to their departure, still quietly snuggling on Zhou Yi's shoulder.

Zhou Yi stared at Shen Ni, a faint golden light flickering in his eyes.

His consciousness cautiously probed into Shen Ni's spiritual sea, finding it deep and remote, Shen Ni's awareness still wandering in a sleeping state.

This indicates that over the years, Shen Ni's behavior has been merely instinctual, like an innocent child.

"Little fellow," Zhou Yi gently patted Shen Ni's head, saying softly, "Play as much as you like; I'm curious when you'll truly awaken."

As if understanding Zhou Yi's words, Shen Ni nudged his face with its head, emitting a gurgling sound from its throat.

As time passed, the fine wine brewed by the Human Race unexpectedly eased tensions between the Wu Clan and the Demon Race, and the Vast Wilderness World entered a rare period of peace.

Nine years flew by, and Human Race society made a qualitative leap. The number of people who could read and recite texts exceeded sixty percent, and the cultural atmosphere grew ever richer.

The new generation has been educated from childhood; to meet the growing demand for learning, the number of academies expanded from one to thirty.

Fang Yun came to ask, "Human Ancestor, the current cultural penetration of the Human Race is quite high; can we consider beginning preparations for the imperial examination?"

Zhou Yi shook his head slightly and said, "Although more people can read, cultural sediment still requires time."

Passing down culture is like brewing wine; it needs years of accumulation to become mellow, and cannot be rushed.

Wait another eighteen years, and then the imperial examination system can be formally implemented, preparing to select talent.

Although Fang Yun felt urgency, he understood the profound meaning in Zhou Yi's words, and silently nodded before stepping away.

During the eighteen years, news of the imperial examination quietly spread among the people, becoming a hot topic of daily discussion.

In streets and alleys, one could hear people's enthusiastic discussions and anticipation for this system.

Within this period, the Human Race's population grew dramatically, and the old management system could no longer meet the new demands.

At this point, introducing the imperial examination system seemed especially timely.

Above the Great Mountain Ruins where Zhou Yi and others once lingered, a massive platform capable of holding ten thousand people was quietly built, which will serve as the venue for the Human Race's first imperial examination.

The imperial examination first conducted preliminary selections in academies across the lands, picking out a group of exceptionally talented students.

These students were then gathered in one place, undergoing stricter assessment by officials to evaluate their practical abilities and moral character.

Those who performed outstandingly will have the chance to step onto a specially prepared high platform.

At this moment, the streets were already bustling, crowds thronging.

Fang Yun and Yu Hao hovered in midair, expressions focused, eyes fixed intently on that high platform, not daring to relax in the slightest.