Chapter 151: Immortal Craft Dao Fruit Transforms Again to LV4, Divine Eagle Ridge Tang Clan Seeks Angel Investment [Seeking Monthly V
Snow drifted in the sky.
Inside the courtyard, all was silent, only the soft rustle of pure snow falling and rubbing against the ground could be heard.
Li Che exhaled a breath.
He gripped in his hand the Seven Yuan Divine Crystal, the only one he possessed.
The temple god's divine chess pieces were exhausted; upon opening the ascent, they lacked empowerment… their power greatly diminished.
Without the temple god's divine chess pieces, he felt insecure…
It was still half a year until entering the Golden Divine Hall.
Moreover, he couldn't possibly use the Heavenly King's divine chess pieces every time he opened the ascent, could he?
Thus, Li Che still looked forward to visiting that Guiyi Miao of the Fiery Eye Mystic Shock Spirit Ape.
But before that, he needed to convert all resources into an increase in his own strength.
Gripping that Seven Yuan Divine Crystal.
Li Che slowly closed his eyes.
Within his chest, the Dao Fruit 【Immaculate Heart】 throbbed violently, and instantly a tremendous suction burst forth from it.
Just like the feeling when he first absorbed the pale-white divinity from the Eight Extremes Divine Crystal.
That… the refreshing chill that makes one guzzle an ice-cold Sprite on a scorching summer day!
Boom—
It was as if a faint rumbling sound echoed and vibrated within his inner vision of the Niwan Palace!
The flawless divinity contained within the Seven Yuan Divine Crystal was immensely vast, like a ruptured dam wildly pouring out a torrent.
It surged into Li Che's Niwan inner vision, surging into the Immaculate Heart Divine Foundation.
Li Che even felt an illusion, as if his body were swelling, bloated like edema from being filled with abundant divinity.
And the long-dormant Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit, whose advancement speed had become ever slower after reaching level three,
its advancement speed began to quicken!
Li Che gathered his spirit, fully focusing on refining the Seven Yuan Divine Crystal.
2%……2%……2%……
Every two or three breaths, the maturity would increase by 2%, a speed that felt soaring!
Refreshing!
This is exactly that feeling!
It's intoxicating!
Li Che's eyes gleamed, his Niwan inner vision glowing!
The Immaculate Heart Divine Foundation was rapidly expanding, its aura continually rising!
Even the Seven Wheels Seven Emotions Divine Foundations were faintly trembling, cheering and leaping, as if wanting a share.
"Huu—"
"Huu—"
Within his breath, the exhaled airflow accompanying each inhale and exhale seemed to form a light mist.
Such rapid advancement is always brief.
His eyes opened and closed, as if a clear white stream of light flashed from the depths.
【Dao Fruit: Immaculate Heart (lv3, 39%)】
One Seven Yuan Divine Crystal was quickly sucked dry, turning into a transparent crystal stone that lay quietly in Li Che's palm.
"It increased maturity by 30%, a bit lower than imagined, yet the feeling of the Immaculate Heart Dao Fruit's lingering satisfaction……"
"The next Seven Yuan Divine Crystal should still bring swift advancement."
Li Che closed his eyes to sense the state.
The Immaculate Heart Divine Foundation had reached the level of a Divine Foundation's later stage, and its balancing and lubricating effect on the Seven Emotions Divine Foundations grew ever better.
The mutual coordination of divinity among the Seven Emotions Divine Foundations also achieved an effortless ease.
"But forging seven divine manifestations from the Seven Emotions Divine Foundations…… is no easy task."
"Li Qingshan forged a divine manifestation with such tremendous momentum; if I were to forge the Seven Emotions Divine Foundations…… the momentum would surely be even greater."
Li Che furrowed his brows, inevitably worrying about how he would handle his future breakthrough into a divine manifestation.
Moreover, once it was exposed that he possessed seven-wheel divine foundations, he feared attracting the attention of those with ulterior motives.
Danger would intensify.
Li Che's usually steady mindset naturally would not allow such a situation.
"Looks like, when the time comes, I can only find a remote, uninhabited place to secretly break through."
After gathering the remnants of the Seven Yuan Divine Crystal, Li Che let out a sigh.
"So poor……"
"If only I had more Seven Yuan Divine Crystals……"
"Isn't the sect leader supposed to hire the Ox-Devil and Horse-Face to assassinate Su Huaili? Why hasn't he acted yet?" Li Che couldn't help muttering.
He stood up and stretched.
He tore open the Qiankun space, taking out one after another Eight Extremes Divine Crystal, handing them to the neat and orderly seven avatars of the 【In-Painting Immortal】.
To let them cultivate their nature by refining the Eight Extremes Divine Crystals, thereby enhancing the divinity of the Seven Emotions Divine Foundations.
He then gave them a pep talk, after which they were used for developing the 【Guanyin Sitting Lotus Main Battle Tank】 avatar.
Li Che collected the divine wood carvings sculpted by the avatars, then walked toward the Cliffstone Treasure Pavilion of the Imperial Observatory.
Snow drifted down the long street, an unprecedented tranquility.
Li Che wore a bamboo hat, dressed in a dark robe, and walked down the long street.
Passing by the riverbank, the river surface seemed to have a gentle breeze sweep across, occasionally rippling.
Snow fell upon it, spun slightly, then melted and sank into the water.
The spring snow brightened the sky like a wash, suddenly recalling the clear river revealing sand.
The river snow scenery had its own unique charm.
Unfortunately, the Nine Dragons River does not freeze.
Otherwise, one could truly experience the feeling of loneliness— a lone boat, a straw‑cloaked old man, fishing alone in the cold river snow.
He arrived at the Imperial Astronomy Bureau.
He handed the finished wood carving to Shangguan Qinghong, asking her to help with delivery, and Li Che then planned to go into the workshop.
"Che brother, wait a moment—your second‑class guest scholar examination has been approved; the Imperial Astronomy Bureau's Dao City has already sent personnel, who should arrive in about half a month, so get ready."
Shangguan Qinghong reminded.
"Also, Junior Superintendent Gong is looking for you; she says, by order of the Director, today she will take you to visit Divine Eagle Ridge."
Li Che's steps came to an abrupt halt.
"Divine Eagle Ridge?"
"Yes, Divine Eagle Ridge… most of the spiritual wood resources come from Divine Eagle Ridge; Che brother, if you ever need higher‑quality spiritual wood, you'll also have to go there to seek it."
Shangguan Qinghong cracked melon seeds, laughing as she spoke.
Li Che was still preparing to ask some things about Divine Eagle Ridge.
The rarely seen Gong Yunli had already arrived, her elegant attire draped, her face lightly powdered, her chest broad, walking with hands behind her back.
"Guest Scholar Li, let's go."
Gong Yunli said.
The two exited the Imperial Astronomy Bureau's treasure hall, and a luxurious carriage was waiting outside.
The carriage bore the Gong family's insignia, an enterprise of the Gong family, one of the five great clans of the prefectural city.
Li Che slipped inside; the carriage interior was spacious and comfortable, prompting him to sigh at the opulence of these clans.
Gong Yunli also slipped into the carriage, sitting opposite Li Che, and began to boil water for tea.
After the two boarded the carriage, the driver immediately urged the horses forward.
The fine steeds neighed, their hooves striking the blue stone, echoing continuously.
"Divine Eagle Ridge lies somewhat far outside Jinguang Prefecture City… it will take some time to get there." Gong Yunli brewed the tea and handed a cup to Li Che.
She then held the cup and sipped it slowly.
"Junior Superintendent Gong, is Divine Eagle Ridge also considered a power of the prefectural city?"
Li Che took a sip of tea and asked curiously.
Having known little about it before, now that he was about to enter Divine Eagle Ridge, he naturally needed to do some homework beforehand.
"Divine Eagle Ridge actually belongs to the Divine Sect—the Dao City Divine Sect has its Dao City Divine Eagle Ridge, and each prefecture's branch sect has its own Divine Eagle Ridge."
"Divine Eagle Ridge is basically located near the mountain gate of the Divine Sect; the Yúnzhōu branch of the Qianyuan Divine Sect is in Jinguang Prefecture, so Divine Eagle Ridge naturally sits there as well."
"Strictly speaking, it belongs to the Divine Sect's forces."
"But in most cases, the major powers of the prefectural city regard it as an independent force."
Gong Yunli said softly.
"An independent force?"
Li Che narrowed his eyes.
Gong Yunli nodded, gave a soft hum, and said: "Divine Eagle Ridge… is more like a gathering place for woodcarving masters."
"Divine Eagle Ridge has a dedicated team of woodcarving masters."
"Divine Eagle Ridge has a dedicated team of woodcarving masters."
Gong Yunli took a sip of tea and gazed out the carriage window at the scenery.
"Is it the same as the woodcarving master guest scholars of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau?" Li Che raised an eyebrow.
Gong Yunli's long lashes fluttered as she glanced at Li Che, then shook her head: "Naturally not the same; the Imperial Astronomy Bureau's guest scholars can be woodcarving masters, or weapon‑forging masters, and so on…"
"Moreover, there is no restriction on identity; a few of Divine Eagle Ridge's woodcarving masters have passed the examination for third‑class guest scholar of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau."
"Furthermore, the ridge chief of Divine Eagle Ridge… is a first‑class guest scholar of our Imperial Astronomy Bureau."
After Gong Yunli finished speaking, Li Che involuntarily drew a deep breath.
"A first‑class guest scholar?"
Li Che well knew the requirements for a first‑class guest scholar, and they were not easy.
Third‑class guest scholars can be passed by woodcarving masters of the Ten Dukes Nine Luminaries level.
Second‑class might require the level of an Eight Extremes master.
First‑class guest scholar, however, requires the ability to carve a Seven‑Element divine wood carving!
Li Che couldn't help but recall the Seven‑Element divine statue he saw when Li Qingshan observed divine physiognomy.
It likely came from the hand of that first‑class guest scholar of Divine Eagle Ridge.
"That ridge chief… has a special status; when you meet him later, remember to be respectful."
Gong Yunli cautioned.
Li Che kept nodding, a Seven‑Element woodcarving master…
Li Che naturally ought to put on a good attitude; though he himself might not be able to carve a Seven‑Element divine eagle, Xixi's cultivation might require a Seven‑Element divine eagle.
Therefore, to avoid hindering his daughter's cultivation resources, Li Che must put on a bright, beaming smile.
"By the way, that Divine Eagle Ridge chief… his surname is Tang."
Gong Yunli thought of something and introduced it to Li Che.
Translation: Gong Yunli thought of something and introduced it to Li Che.
Gong Yunli thought of something and introduced it to Li Che.
Expert, mechanism technique.
Expert, mechanism technique.
……
Translation: …… (just ellipsis). We need to output exactly the ellipsis as is? The source line is "……". We should output the same: …… (three dots). Keep as is.
……
Same.
After the carriage left the prefectural city, it raced along the official road.
Translation: After the carriage left the prefecture city, it sped along the official road.
The coachman kept lashing the reins, and the fine horse grew ever swifter.
Translation: The coachman kept whipping the reins, and the fine horse's running speed grew faster and faster.
This horse may have a hint of demonic blood, making it swift and enduring.
Translation: This horse possibly has some demonic bloodline, fast speed and strong stamina……
About two hours later.
Translation: About an hour or so.
Racing like wind and lightning, the carriage finally arrived at its destination.
Translation: Under the carriage's lightning-fast pace, it finally reached the destination.
The carriage entered a small town.
Translation: The carriage drove into a small town.
Before a sprawling mansion at the town's center.
Translation: Arriving before a vast mansion at the town's center.
"We have arrived."
Translation: "We've arrived."
"This is God Eagle Town, under God Eagle Ridge."
Translation: "This is God Eagle Town, under the jurisdiction of God Eagle Ridge."
"Every God Eagle Ridge has such a town; here one can seek out woodcarving masters to order divine woodcarvings, purchase spiritual wood, and so on."
Translation: "Every God Eagle Ridge has such a town; here one can find a Wood Carving Master to order divine wood carvings, and also buy spirit wood, etc……"
"The five great clans, five great sects, the Jin Guang branch, the Town Temple Office, the Qin Tian Supervisorate, and the city lord's manor, among others, all have stations here."
Translation: "The Five Great Clans, Five Great Sects, Golden Light Branch Sect, Town Temple Office, Imperial Observatory, and City Lord's Manor, etc., all have stations here."
Gong Yunli introduced.
Translation: Gong Yunli introduced.
At the mansion's gate, Gong Yunli produced a letter of introduction and was ushered inside.
Translation: Upon reaching the mansion's gate, Gong Yunli took out the letter of introduction and was then led inside.
Li Che followed Gong Yunli down a corridor fragrant with various woods; looking ahead, he saw endless white mountains blanketed in thick snow.
Translation: Li Che followed behind Gong Yunli, strolling through a corridor scented with various woods; looking ahead, he could see the endless white snow‑capped mountain range.
The mountain range lay like a crouching dragon between heaven and earth.
Translation: The mountain range lay like a coiled dragon, resting between heaven and earth.
After walking a while and passing through the workshop area, workshops stood densely packed; many laborers could be seen in the snow, bare-chested, exhaling white vapor, carefully moving woodcarvings.
Translation: After walking a while, passing the workshop district, he saw workshops standing thick and dense, and also saw many laborers in the heavy snow, bare‑chested, exhaling vapor, carefully moving wood carvings.
Li Che couldn't help but glance a few more times, his eyes betraying nostalgia.
Translation: Li Che couldn't help but glance a few more times, a look of reminiscence appearing in his eyes.
Back then, he too was a laborer at the woodcarving shop.
Translation: Back then, he too was a laborer at the wood‑carving shop.
God Eagle Ridge is like a giant woodcarving workshop.
Translation: God Eagle Ridge was just like a huge wood‑carving shop.
"What are you looking at?" Gong Yunli looked at the halted Li Che, his cheeks flushed from the winter snow, and she felt curious.
Translation: "What are you looking at?" Gong Yunli gazed at the Li Che who had stopped, his cheeks slightly reddened by the winter snow, and couldn't help feeling curious.
Following Li Che's gaze, she saw bare-armed laborers hauling timber.
Translation: Following Li Che's gaze, she saw one after another bare‑chested laborer hauling timber.
These laborers have low cultivation; most are merely body-refining or tendon-training martial artists.
Translation: These laborers had low cultivation, mostly being mere martial artists who had only tempered their skin or opened their meridians.
"Junior Minister Gong, you don't know..."
Translation: "Palace Junior Superintendent, you don't know……"
"Back then, I was just a laborer in the woodcarving shop, carrying timber for the woodcarver; I bore the wood and timber on my shoulders, and that bore my family."
Translation: "Back then I was merely a laborer in the wood‑carriage shop, carrying wood for the wood‑carver… I bore the wood and timber on my shoulders, and that bore my family."
Li Che said with a smile.
Translation: Li Che laughed and said.
"At this moment, seeing such a familiar scene, I am overwhelmed with emotion."
Translation: "At this moment, witnessing such a familiar scene, I cannot help but feel a myriad of emotions."
After Li Che finished speaking, Gong Yunli's eyes flickered slightly.
Translation: After Li Che finished speaking, Gong Yunli's eyes flickered slightly.
The laborers are of humble, earth-born origin.
Translation: The laborers were of lowly, earth‑born origin.
Becoming a third-rank guest official of the Qin Tian Supervisorate…
Translation: Becoming a Third Rank Guest Official of the Imperial Observatory……
Indeed, that is quite extraordinary.
Translation: Indeed, it is quite extraordinary.
It can be called a miracle.
Translation: It can be called a miracle.
Gong Yunli also couldn't help but admire him.
Translation: Gong Yunli also couldn't help but admire him in her heart.
Suddenly.
Translation: Suddenly.
A gentle breeze stirred; Li Che's heart jumped slightly, and the Chess Sage Dao fruit within his chest trembled violently as a warning.
Translation: A breeze stirred, Li Che's heart jumped slightly, and the Chess Saint Dao Fruit within his chest trembled violently as a warning.
Beneath his black robe, his bones and tendons resonated, and his major tendons twitched.
Translation: Beneath his dark robe, his bones and tendons resonated, his major tendons twitching.
Expert!
Translation: "Expert!"
Grandmaster!
Translation: "Great expert!"
Li Che suddenly turned his head and caught a glimpse of a figure.
Translation: Li Che suddenly turned his head and caught a glimpse of a figure.
He simply stood in the corridor, his aura deep and solemn like a towering peak, while countless roaring dragons lay hidden within him.
Translation: Simply standing in the corridor, his aura sank and condensed like a massive peak, while within him countless roaring dragons lay hidden!
Gong Yunli turned sideways, bowed slightly, and said, "Junior Minister Gong Yunli of the Qin Tian Supervisorate, I pay my respects to Lord Tang of the Ridge."
Translation: Gong Yunli, however, turned sideways, bowed with clasped hands: "Imperial Observatory Junior Superintendent Gong Yunli, I pay my respects, Ridge Lord Tang."
Li Che turned around and looked at the burly old man who had appeared behind him.
Translation: Li Che turned around and looked at the burly old man who had appeared behind him.
He was very burly, even matching the physique he had when he unleashed the Dragon-Elephant Golden Vajra.
Translation: He was very burly, even matching the physique he had when he unleashed the Dragon Elephant Golden Strength.
He had a flowing black beard, sharp eyes, and muscles like twisted steel cords, constantly emanating a scorching, explosive aura.
Translation: His beard was dark and flowing, his eyes bright, his muscles like twisted steel cords, constantly emitting a scorching, explosive aura.
The lord of God Eagle Ridge, Tang Sanjia!
Translation: The Lord of God Eagle Ridge, Tang Sanjia!
Li Che clasped his fists and greeted the old man whose vigor belied his age.
Translation: Li Che clasped his fists, having seen this old man whose vigor belied his age.
The old man lowered his gaze to look down at Li Che, his slightly narrowed eyes holding a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.
Translation: The old man lowered his gaze to look down at Li Che, his half‑narrowed eyes holding a hint of inquiry and a hint of curiosity.
"Are you the genius God Eagle Woodcarver Master that Li Qing Shan spoke of?"
Translation: "Are you the genius God Eagle Grand Master that Li Qing Shan, that little brat, spoke of?"
"I heard you have also dabbled in and studied the Way of Mechanisms."
Translation: "I heard you have also dabbled in and studied the Dao of mechanisms."
Tang Sanjia spoke lightly, yet his voice resonated like a great bell.
Translation: Tang Sanjia spoke lightly, yet his voice resonated like a great bell.
Li Che's eyes narrowed: "Senior Li Qing Shan overpraised me; I am no genius, merely having some insight."
Translation: Li Che's eyes narrowed: "Senior Qing Shan overpraises me; I am no genius, merely having some insight."
Li Qing Shan had previously said he would bring him to God Eagle Ridge, but delayed it because he himself needed to break through the Divine Aspect.
Translation: Li Qing Shan had previously said he would bring him to God Eagle Ridge, but delayed it because he himself needed to break through the Divine Appearance.
But evidently, Li Qing Shan had mentioned him before this God Eagle Ridge lord.
Translation: But evidently, Li Qing Shan had mentioned him before this God Eagle Ridge Lord.
Tang Sanjia's eyes were sharp as an eagle's from ten thousand feet; he sized up Li Che, and a strange color flashed in his pupils.
Translation: Tang Sanjia's eyes were sharp as an eagle's from the high heavens, he sized up Li Che, and a strange color flashed in the depths of his gaze.
"Thousand Spider Silk?"
Translation: "Thousand Spider Silk?"
"Sleeve-mounted crossbow?"
Translation: "Sleeve Crossbow?"
Li Che was startled; he had hidden the sleeve crossbow and the thousand spider silk extremely well, never expecting the old man to see through at a glance.
"You study the Tangji Jianji Yaowu? This is the most widely circulated rubbing of the Tang Mechanism." Tang Sanjia said lightly.
Li Che smiled, nodded, and responded.
Tang Sanjia's eyes lit up slightly.
He greeted Li Che and walked side by side with him; Gong Yunli, for a moment, had to fall back a step, following behind the two like a maid.
Gong Yunli wasn't annoyed either; she just looked at Li Che with some curiosity.
I didn't expect Guest Official Li to be skilled in mechanism arts, huh?
Actually, he's quite good at hiding his talents.
Upon hearing Li Che was skilled in mechanism arts, Gong Yunli initially felt something was off, but after thinking it over, she found nothing wrong and couldn't figure out how Li Che could possibly be related to the Ox Demon.
Li Che caught a glimpse of the Young Supervisor Gong's clueless expression out of the corner of his eye.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Deputy Supervisor Lin commented that Young Supervisor Gong was big-breasted and brainless… which, frankly, lived up to the description.
Tang Sanjia brought Li Che and Gong Yunli to the reception hall.
He took a liking to Li Che, because Li Che's research into the Tang Mechanism was remarkably profound, which made Tang Sanjia feel… deeply moved.
"Just by relying on the Tangji Jianji Yaowu you can research this deeply; you obviously like mechanisms…"
Tang Sanjia laughed.
"It's a shame you're not a disciple of the Tang Clan; otherwise… I would definitely take you under my wing and teach you the Tang Clan's true transmission of mechanism arts!"
Li Che was also impressed by Tang Sanjia's understanding of mechanism arts: "The Tang Clan's true transmission of mechanism arts?"
"What's the difference between that and the Tangji Jianji Yaowu?"
Tang Sanjia laughed and poured a cup of tea for Li Che.
"The difference isn't big; the records in the Tangji Jianji Yaowu are ultimately superficial, lacking many details. Purely by rubbing, being able to manufacture the ninth-ranked 'Guanyin Blood Lotus' is already extremely difficult."
"As for the Wood Passage Crow and Bodhi Blood Tears, it's basically impossible to manufacture them."
"But the Tang Clan's true transmission of mechanism arts is different; it contains detailed manufacturing methods, plus… a complementary divine secret technique."
Tang Sanjia was not stingy with his guidance.
Since the Tang Clan's downfall, the reputation of the Tang Mechanism has plummeted; nowadays, there are too few young people who like mechanisms.
This guy… understands me!
Li Che's heart also surged; chatting with Old Tang about mechanisms, he gradually stopped holding back and fully explained his understanding of the Tangji Jianji Yaowu.
Even his recent research on the Guanyin Blood Lotus, Bodhi Blood Tears, Wood Passage Crow, and other mechanisms was shared in full.
There was a mutual sympathy among mechanism artisans.
After the conversation, Li Che also felt a sense of regretting not having met sooner.
His heart pounded, and a stream of light flickered before his eyes.
【Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (LV3, 95%)】
Seeing the Immortal Artisan's maturity rise so much all at once.
His eyes involuntarily flashed with an unusual hue.
Could this also increase maturity?
Perhaps…
This is probably the most superficial way of discussing the Dao?
Tang Sanjia's gaze toward Li Che grew more appreciative as he spoke up, interrupting Li Che's thoughts.
"Little Friend Che, do you know why the Tang Clan fell?"
Tang Sanjia lifted his tea cup and took a big gulp.
Gong Yunli munched on snacks to pass the time, after all, she couldn't understand what the two had been talking about for half a day.
She didn't even have a cup of tea to drink; now, finally hearing gossip she could understand, she couldn't help but prick up her ears and listen curiously.
Li Che was also curious and couldn't help but ask.
"Because of four words… 'possess the vessel and be self-important.'"
Tang Sanjia set down his tea cup and said lightly.
"The Imperial Court… set its sights on the Tang Clan's 'vessel,' helpless, what could be done?"
"That vessel is none other than… the Peerless Mechanism Beast!"
Li Che suddenly realized— a Mechanism Beast!
In the Tangji Jianji Yaowu, only a brief mention is made; obviously, this is the Tang Mechanism's true secret treasury.
"Yes, the Peerless Mechanism Beast, not an ordinary Mechanism Beast… Mechanism Beasts are excellent aids for investigating the strange gates of the Guiyi Miao, and also fearsome weapons of war."
"The Tang Clan was thus given the label 'possessing the vessel and being self-important,' and the old emperor of Da Jing sent troops to wipe them out."
Gong Yunli spat out the preserved fruit she had been eating.
"Sir, such rebellious talk shouldn't be spoken."
Tang Sanjia stared intensely at Li Che: "Little Friend Che, do you want to learn?"
Li Che's heart raced.
"Want to."
"But you can't…" Tang Sanjia shook his head regretfully.
Li Che: "……"
"Can't learn, you're just talking nonsense?"
However, Li Che became genuinely curious about the Mechanism Beast.
He had recently been researching the Guanyin Seated Lotus Main Battle Tank and hit a bottleneck; this Mechanism Beast might give him some inspiration.
Li Che pondered, and was not stingy either, taking out a design drawing of the Guanyin Seated Lotus Main Battle Tank from the cosmic space.
【"Senior Tang, lately I happen to be researching a mechanism, and I've hit a bottleneck, hard to break through; Senior, could you give me some guidance?"】
Li Che pondered, then handed the design drawing to Tang Sanjia.
Tang Sanjia raised an eyebrow.
The tea leaves in his mouth went slurp-slurp.
Afterwards he set down his teacup, nonchalantly taking the mechanism drawing Li Che handed over.
Although Li Che had some insights on mechanisms, after all he learned them from such foundational mechanism books as the Tangji Jianji Yaowu.
What difficulty could there be in the mechanism he designed?
He gave pointers in a split second.
This also made Tang Sanjia's impression of Li Che, a youth obsessed with mechanisms, extremely good.
If it were someone else…
Dare to hand him a drawing, and he would smash it with a hammer straight away.
He took the drawing.
Tang Sanjia's gaze fell upon it; in the next instant, his eyes narrowed…
"This…"
His eyes instantly turned deep and black, completely drawn to the drawing, unable to look away.
His mind and spirit were completely enticed by the ingenious conception on the drawing.
Li Che sipped his tea, not at all anxious.
Gong Yunli was rather dazed, merely marveling that Li Che's accomplishments in mechanisms seemed truly not bad, actually managing to immerse the Tang Ridge Lord in it.
Seeing the Tang Ridge Lord seemingly turn into a statue.
Gong Yunli cast an inquisitive gaze.
"What's wrong with the Tang Ridge Lord?"
Li Che glanced at her.
The big-breasted, brainless Junior Superintendent really is carefree.
He and the Tang Ridge Lord had spoken so frankly, yet Gong Yunli still hadn't guessed that Li Che was actually the Niu Mo.
Forget it…
Fools have their own blessings.
"Nothing much, probably just analyzing and researching…"
"Junior Superintendent, it's normal not to understand mechanisms if you don't play with them."
Li Che smiled gently.
Gong Yunli instantly objected: "Who are you looking down on?"
She stood up, went behind the Tang Ridge Lord, and glanced at the drawing.
"Oh dear—"
Gong Yunli hastily averted her gaze; her mind seemed to have taken in some complex knowledge she couldn't understand at all.
"Forget it, you guys talk… I'll go out for a stroll."
Gong Yunli shook her head, found an excuse, and slipped out to get some fresh air.
About the time it takes to burn an incense stick.
Tang Sanjia's burly body twitched slightly, his eyes fluctuated; after a long while, he let out a sigh of admiration.
"If I'm not mistaken, old man, this mechanism… is just a base, right?"
"And what it carries should be an improved version of the 'Guanyin Blood Lotus'."
Tang Sanjia returned the drawing to Li Che.
His expression was somewhat complex.
Fondness, regret, pain, sorrow…
All kinds of emotions, a mixed blend, so complex it's like stirring together soy sauce and vinegar.
What a fine mechanism genius!
What a pity…
What a pity, a softie!
Tang Sanjia tugged at his beard; the Tang Clan has already declined and collapsed, why does he still care about those rules?
He needs a mechanism genius like Li Che, and he needs him badly!
"Exactly, Senior truly has discerning eyes."
Li Che smiled.
"The lethality is huge… may I let the old man take a look?"
Tang Sanjia said.
Li Che startled; this topic is rather bold.
But he also seemed to sense a different meaning in this.
"Yes."
Li Che replied in a sentence.
The next moment he tore open the cosmic space and took out the embryonic form of the Great Snowslide Guanyin Lotus Bomb.
Roughly half-human-tall Guanyin Lotus Bomb appeared in the reception hall.
Tang Sanjia was instantly drawn in by just a glance.
A sudden feeling of tension and crisis welled up in his heart.
This half‑person‑tall Guanyin Blood Lotus actually poses a threat to him!
How is this possible?
Even ten thousand poison‑coated Guanyin Blood Lotuses couldn't harm a single hair of his.
This is no ordinary Guanyin Blood Lotus!
"It's truly made by remodeling the Guanyin Blood Lotus—you damn well are a genius!"
Tang Sanjia took a look and sensed something different.
"You actually fused divinity? Taking the explosive route?"
"The power is not bad."
If it can threaten him, its power is definitely not bad.
Li Che put away the Guanyin Lotus Bomb, smiling as he clasped his hands: "For now it's just a semi‑finished product; once the final product is out of the furnace, I can ask you for guidance."
"One word, and it's set!"
Tang Sanjia immediately agreed.
"As courtesy dictates… I don't easily show my mechanisms, but since you let me see your treasure, I will return the courtesy."
Tang Sanjia took out a gold‑skin book and handed it to Li Che.
Li Che's pupils constricted.
"\"The Tang Family True Transmission of Mechanisms?! Senior… this? \""
"Wasn't it said it shouldn't be lightly passed on?"
"\"Hahaha, I saw your great mechanism treasure and am returning a gift—reasonable, right? \""
Tang Sanjia stroked his beard.
Li Che smiled: "Reasonable, thank you for the gift, Senior."
Tang Sanjia shook his head, his burly figure seeming to shrink: "There's nothing left to hide, the Tang clan… is gone."
"Keeping this art and burying it with me in the yellow earth is worse than passing it to a talented youngster."
"If it helps you perfect this mechanism, it can count as my contribution to the Way of Mechanisms."
Tang Sanjia burst out laughing.
"Of course, the Tang Family True Transmission of Mechanisms contains records of mechanism beasts…"
"\"If you ever manage to craft a mechanism beast… I have a favor… I need your help. \""
Tang Sanjia became solemn.
Upon hearing that, Li Che did not immediately agree.
"\"Don't worry, it's just to have you help me… repair the mechanism a bit. \""
"Repair the mechanism?"
Li Che felt moved, hesitated no more, and nodded his agreement.
"\"Then thank you for the gift, Senior. \""
Tang Sanjia stroked his beard and laughed heartily, in high spirits.
"\"Little Friend Li Che, you may hang my name as the Divine Eagle Ridge Woodcarving Master on Divine Eagle Ridge; any spiritual wood you need, come find me. \""
oco
"\"Also, any spiritual wood you need for that mechanism, you can come find me. \""
"\"I will dispatch the most senior lumberjack to take you into the mountains to seek and cut spiritual wood. \""
"\"I'm investing in you! \""
Upon hearing that, Li Che was overjoyed.
In making mechanisms, spiritual wood is a major component.
Good spiritual wood beats metal.
In other words, this trip to Divine Eagle Ridge has found him an angel investor!
Tang Sanjia and Li Che hit it off at first sight; he truly likes this youngster who understands mechanisms, and is also very interested in Li Che's mechanisms.
He spares no expense in investing.
He sits atop Divine Eagle Ridge behind him, basically never lacking spiritual wood!
What's lacking is a mechanism master like Li Che who can make use of spiritual wood!
"\"I heard… Little Friend Li Che's daughter has become a true disciple of the Golden Light Sect under the Southern Vermilion Fire Gate? \""
"\"The divine eagle she'll need for her cultivation, I've taken care of! Tell her to just report whatever woodcarving she needs. \""
Tang Sanjia slapped his chest and burst out laughing.
Li Che is truly delighted now, as it solves the major problem of his daughter's future cultivation resources.
Naturally, he is overjoyed.
Li Che and Tang Sanjia then chatted for a good while about mechanisms.
Unfortunately, the 【Immortal Craft】 Dao Fruit did not further increase in maturity.
Obviously, Old Tang's understanding of mechanisms is rather limited, and has been squeezed dry by him.
However, Li Che doesn't mind, holding the advanced secret art of mechanisms, the Tang Family True Transmission of Mechanisms.
The improvement of the Immortal Craft Dao Fruit is no longer an issue.
When Palace Cloud Carp returned after strolling around.
He then saw an old and a youngster addressing each other as sworn brothers.
Upon learning that Li Che had become an honorary woodcarving master of Divine Eagle Ridge, also obtained a half‑price quota for purchasing spiritual wood there, and gained the qualification to enter Divine Eagle Ridge at any time to cut wood…
Gong Yunli went numb.
He looked toward Li Che, only feeling that Li Che was glowing.
Is this the legendary beauty trap?
Li Che selected several kinds of Nine-Yang Spirit Wood in God Eagle Ridge; Tang Sanjia's burly stature exuded an immense heroic aura, and with a wave of his hand he gave them away!
Until he sat in the carriage and returned to Guangfu Prefecture City.
Gong Yunli still felt a bit numb.
I don't really get it—how did Li Che conquer the ill-tempered, extremely miserly lord of God Eagle Ridge, Tang Sanjia?
……
……
Time passed.
Unnoticed, another three days passed.
Guangfu Prefecture, Falling Flowers Lane.
White snow drifted hazily, blanketing a thick layer.
On Li Che's body in the courtyard, a layer of white feathered robe appeared.
After returning from God Eagle Ridge, Li Che had been studying the Tang Family True Transmission Mechanisms; for three days he was almost in seclusion.
A gentle breeze blew past.
Li Che's pupils flickered slightly.
He slowly opened his eyes.
All the white snow in the small courtyard instantly evaporated, turning into countless rising vapors that hazily enveloped the whole compound!
In Li Che's eyes, a sudden flow of light sparkled brilliantly.
The next moment, a prompt appeared before his eyes like slowly flowing water.
【Dao Fruit: Immortal Artisan (lv4, 0%)】
……
A seven-thousand-word big chapter, at month's end begging for monthly tickets, recommending a bit—like the bland aftertaste after a climax, folks, throw in a wave of monthly tickets for flavor! Old Li thanks!
End of Chapter
