Chapter 0731 – Deification

Positions within the Heavenly Mandate are not like cabbages on the roadside—they require the support of fate and national destiny to emerge. In the future, the sheer number of immortal cities alone, all ranked at second grade, will place an immense burden on the entire Great Yi Dynasty.

Besides, a third-grade post is already extraordinarily high. This rank falls within the upper third-grade tier.

Its status is extremely elevated.

The blessing granted by such a high-ranking Heavenly Mandate Position (天地业位) is astonishing.

"Third grade is quite fitting—not too high nor too low—and it matches the status of an immortal city's lord perfectly," said Master Lu, nodding in agreement. It still belongs to the upper echelons of third grade, a highly prestigious level.

"I agree!"Jia Xu nodded in approval.

Then, the group resumed their discussions and planning regarding the Nine-Rank Official System (九品官制), gradually refining the framework of the entire imperial bureaucracy.

"Your Majesty, now that the official system has been decided, we cannot neglect the casting of the official seals. These seals are crucial—they represent both status and Heavenly Mandate Position," Cai Yong suddenly spoke up.

Throughout every dynasty, the official seal has been of paramount importance.

A seal signifies one's identity, status—in a Fortune Dynasty (运朝), it embodies a direct connection to the Heavenly Mandate.

It is absolutely indispensable.

During the initial founding of the Fortune Dynasty, things were somewhat rushed. Many essential items like the seals weren't properly prepared and now need to be addressed and perfected as the gaps are filled.

"Indeed. The official seal signifies one's Heavenly Mandate Position, as well as their official identity. However, with the presence of the Deification List (封神榜), the temporary lack of seals will not hinder the upcoming deifications. We can standardize their creation afterward. Master Lu, I'll entrust this task to you personally."

Yi Tianxing nodded. This was indeed an oversight that needed correcting.

Following another round of discussions, the Six Ministries under the Nine-Rank System were officially formulated.

Once everything was finalized, Yi Tianxing waved his hand. Upon the dragon desk before him appeared a list glowing with nine-colored divine light, radiating a unique aura that connected directly to the Great Yi's fate.

This was the Deification List.

"By royal decree: Cai Yan, Lady Zhaoji, is hereby conferred as Empress of the Great Yi Dynasty. May she be blessed by the Heavenly Mandate."

As Yi Tianxing spoke the words of deification, the Deification List shimmered and a line of text appeared beside him:

Empress: Cai Yan!!

Immediately, Yi Tianxing stamped the list with the Xuanhuang Imperial Seal (玄黄玉玺). The Deification List flashed with divine light, and a formless power surged from the void, merging into Cai Yan's body.

Cawww!!

At that moment, a crisp phoenix cry echoed from within her. Radiant light burst from her body, and an indescribable aura of nobility enveloped her entirely. This noble energy made her seem impossibly majestic.

As the Heavenly Mandate Position fused with her, the nation's destiny flowed into her body. The Empress's rank was second only to Yi Tianxing himself. Her newly conferred status instantly drew in an immense amount of fate energy. This fate feedback (气运反哺) only occurs during the founding of a Fortune Dynasty, or during future upgrades of the dynasty—each instance is unimaginably precious.

Already prepared for this, Cai Yan began circulating her cultivation method without hesitation, harnessing the fate feedback to elevate her cultivation at an incredible rate—like being launched by a rocket, so fast it was beyond imagination.

It was a feeling she had never experienced before.

"The Empress's Heavenly Mandate Position ranks just below mine, providing a twenty-sevenfold fate amplification. This feedback alone should allow her to achieve a major breakthrough in her realm. Within the Life Aperture Realm (命窍境), she's bound to leap forward significantly."

Yi Tianxing nodded silently in approval.

With such an overwhelming Heavenly Mandate Position and the destiny of the nation empowering her, it would be difficult for her cultivation not to improve.

Seeing Cai Yan being deified as Empress, Cai Yong nodded in quiet approval. A trace of satisfaction appeared on his face, and his gaze toward Yi Tianxing grew more affectionate. In a Fortune Dynasty, deifications are not mere formalities—especially not for the Empress. Once conferred, it is nearly impossible to revoke the title unless a monumental disaster occurs.

Her status was now irrevocable.

"Greetings to the Empress!!"

All the officials in the hall bowed deeply to Cai Yan.

"Everyone, rise. The Empress is now receiving fate feedback from the Heavenly Mandate. She's undergoing advancement through this blessing," Yi Tianxing said with a smile. "And not just the Empress—once each of you receives your Heavenly Mandate Position, you too shall receive fate feedback. It can help you break through cultivation bottlenecks and rapidly grow stronger. I hope that all of you will continue to contribute to the Great Yi, for the stronger the dynasty becomes, the more potent the Mandate Positions, and the greater the benefits you'll receive."

His words openly revealed the tremendous benefits of attaining a Heavenly Mandate Position.

"Fate feedback… this is no less than a divine revelation. Fortune Dynasties truly have countless advantages. This is the power of the system,"

thought Master Lu, nodding in agreement.

The other officials were equally thrilled—having toiled diligently all this time, some for survival, others for profit. Now it was finally time to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their excitement was obvious.

As Cai Yan accepted the Heavenly Mandate and fate feedback, a phoenix of light soared above the palace, filling the skies with multicolored brilliance.

Simultaneously, Yi Tianxing's words declaring her deification echoed across Xuanhuang City, and even across the entire territory of the Great Yi Dynasty, resounding in every human settlement within thousands of miles.

This announcement, carried by the power of fate itself, was heard not only in the sky—but in the minds and hearts of every citizen.

"This is… deification!!"

Among the countless commoners, those with some knowledge were deeply moved. This was the bestowal of a Heavenly Mandate Position. From now on, the Empress would share in the Great Yi Dynasty's destiny and reap endless blessings.

"By royal decree: Yang Ye is hereby appointed Grand Chancellor of the Military Cabinet (军机阁阁主), ranked first-grade."

The Deification List displayed the title of Military Cabinet Grand Chancellor – Yang Ye.

"Among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of War is hereby dissolved. Its responsibilities will now fall under the Military Cabinet, which shall oversee all military matters of the Great Yi Dynasty. The Military Cabinet is fully independent from the civil administration. Soldiers will be registered under the military and answer solely to the Military Cabinet, which will control all deployments, external campaigns, and internal defense. Aside from the King himself, no one may interfere with the Military Cabinet's operations."

Yi Tianxing emphasized this point again.

The separation of military and civil governance had been his principle from the start. Now, this principle was fully institutionalized.

The Military Cabinet would follow a separate Nine-Rank Military System (九品军制)—a complete and independent framework. No civilian officials could meddle in it, ensuring military affairs remained pure and incorruptible.

This would be a cornerstone of the Great Yi's continued rise.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Yang Ye stepped forward to express his gratitude.

However, his Heavenly Mandate Position didn't descend immediately. Though he had been deified, the blessing required Yi Tianxing's personal seal.

"By royal decree: Jia Yucun is hereby appointed Head of the Celestial Registry Hall (天籍殿殿主), ranked first-grade."

"Of the Six Ministries, the Household Department (户部) previously oversaw registration. This responsibility will now fall solely to the Celestial Registry Hall, which will manage all population and household registration within the Great Yi Dynasty. Every individual within the dynasty must be registered—no exceptions."

Earlier discussions had led to the decision to split responsibilities within the Household Department.

Population management was a critical national matter, requiring the utmost care. The Household Department handled both registration and taxation, but now the former would be handled exclusively by the Celestial Registry Hall.

Though its power seemed limited, in reality, this was a key pillar of state management.

Jia Yucun, having diligently led the registry, had no major achievements but no failures either. His work had been meticulous, and Yi Tianxing saw no reason to withhold recognition.

"Thank you, my lord."

Jia Yucun trembled with emotion, his joy and excitement visible to all.

"By royal decree: Master Lu is hereby appointed Head of the Heavenly Works Pavilion (天工阁阁主), and temporarily Acting Minister of Works. Ranked first-grade."

The Heavenly Works Pavilion had contributed greatly to Xuanhuang City's development—its inventions included the Enlightenment Lamps, rune arrows, rune bombs, crossbows, divine repeating crossbows, bed crossbows, and more. All had transformed city life.

Even paper production had come from this institution.

With such contributions, his promotion was well-deserved. The position of Minister of Works had no better candidate for now, so Master Lu would temporarily take the role. Though normally one person could not hold multiple posts, only one Heavenly Mandate Position would be granted regardless.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Master Lu nodded and accepted with a smile.

"By royal decree: Huang Chengyan is appointed Head of the Heavenly Virtue Hall (天德殿殿主), and temporary Minister of Personnel. Ranked first-grade."

The Heavenly Virtue Hall was an extension of the Ministry of Personnel. It managed the nation's officials and functioned much like a Lingyan Pavilion—only those with high virtue or great merit could enter.

Only someone like Huang Chengyan was fit to lead it.

"By royal decree: Cao Zhengchun is appointed Chief Supervisor of the Royal Palace (王宫大内总管), overseeing all palace attendants and staff. Ranked third-grade."

…

One after another, Yi Tianxing's declarations of deification rang out continuously.

He conferred titles only on the heads of major departments and founding contributors for now—many more deifications would follow through imperial edicts once the roster was finalized.

Across the entire Great Yi Dynasty, the sound of deification echoed—broadcast by fate into the minds of all citizens.