Chapter 127: A small shock from Aru Village

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Luo De's two Elementary School papers were successfully submitted.

Just after checking his submitted paper, Ju Leshi scolded him severely.

Luo De could do nothing about it.

He wasn't unable to write papers.

But the kind of paper he knows how to write is from his previous life, and in every way it is completely different from the Academy's paper format.

Some habits really cannot be changed just by saying so.

Nadixa again refused his request for help writing the paper.

Besides, Ju Leshi gave him little time, leaving no opportunity to learn how to write an Academy-style paper.

So Luo De could only grit his teeth and write it his own way, then grit his teeth and submit it, and as expected he got scolded.

Fortunately.

Ju Leshi is the same as Nafisi.

Although he mostly criticized Luo De's paper, he did not simply reject it like he would other students' papers; instead he personally helped polish it, revising it to meet the Academy's format, and then helped Luo De submit it to the reviewers.

All that remained was to wait for the review results.

During this period.

Luo De was not idle either; he ran around every day, preparing many materials and tools for making new alchemical potions, including a mini alchemy bench, various alchemical tools, and essential alchemical materials, all stocked in abundance.

He only stopped when he had spent all the funds Ju Leshi had given him.

He also went to check on the project that Qinnete had taken over before he left last time.

According to the original contract.

This project actually has little to do with Luo De anymore; all he needs is a research result.

So he said nothing, merely inquired about the progress, and then left.

Luo De still cared about this project.

"Study on the Feasibility of Mechanical Constructs Carrying a Vision".

If Qinnete's theory could be realized.

Luo De had a very bold idea.

Could he use his three Visions to create a multifunctional mechanical construct similar to Benben, Tamimi, or Kakata?

Every time he thought about it, Luo De couldn't help but feel excited.

If that mechanical construct could also communicate with him, that would be even better.

But being anxious now is useless.

Qinnete's progress here is not fast; after nearly a month, she still hasn't figured out the basic direction of elemental energy flow, and at least she must overcome this fundamental problem before discussing the next step.

As for Hafusai's side.

Luo De's new project is the one that, as vice dean, he approved and allocated funds for; Luo De doesn't believe he could fail to see its value.

Now we just wait for Hafusai to come and 'pick the peaches'.

Aside from these matters.

Luo De was busiest over these three days.

Probably it was Felusha coming to him to vent her grievances.

The scholar who returned after a hundred years of disappearance is still a scholar of great honor, a founder of classical mechanics.

By rights.

Upon Felusha's return, she should immediately have received the Academy's attention and a warm welcome.

Then the problem appeared.

After expressing initial concern, the Knowledge School's Wise Scholar Kawa Jia merely gave her an ordinary Knowledge School instructor position, and required her to follow the Academy's current rules, not only to teach classes on schedule but also to lead students in producing qualified research projects.

What upset Felusha most was.

The automatic irrigation sprinkler equipment project she applied for was rejected less than ten minutes after submission.

It seems the reviewers rejected it just by looking at the title, without even glancing at the content.

The reason for rejection was also simple.

It did not match the Knowledge School's research direction.

When Felusha went to inquire about this, the person in charge of review actually had a good attitude.

He also specially told her.

This is obviously Wonderful School research, which can only apply for funding at the Chahavara Academy; he also specially reminded her that Senior Felusha is now in the Knowledge School, so don't mistake the research direction.

This left Felusha greatly dissatisfied yet also helpless.

She could only, during breaks, find Luo De, who was busy with his paper, and pour out her grievances: 'These Academy blockheads, how after a hundred years are they still so rigid!'

"They say my academic output in mechanics doesn't count as Knowledge School scholarship."

"Do they even know what knowledge is?!"

"Who taught them to distinguish knowledge by school?"

"And they say this metric has already been included in the evaluation of Academy instructors! Humph, truly unreasonable!"

Whenever this happens.

Luo De can only silently listen, unable to voice an opinion on these matters.

This kind of systemic problem.

Unsolvable!

Unless Nadixa, after freeing herself, reforms the Academy and changes these sharply divisive rules, Felusha's vexing experiences will only continue to vex her.

Oh, there are also two other solutions.

One is to withdraw from the Academy.

One is to quit the School of Knowledge and join the School of Marvels.

Anyway, according to Fei Lusha's meaning, since she returned to the Academy, the School of Marvels has already sent several waves of people inviting her to the Chaha Faluo Academy, and even the sage of the School of Marvels personally went to the Shiluobodan Academy to issue an invitation.

To be honest.

If it were Luo De with his hot temper, he definitely wouldn't put up with this in the School of Knowledge.

But Fei Lusha never agreed to this, not even when the sage came to her door.

Her reason is just as simple: 'No matter what, someone has to take charge of those neglected fields and push humanity's wisdom forward a little.'

Therefore, for someone as stubborn as Fei Lusha insisting on her own way, Luo De initially gave her a couple of words of advice, but later he stopped advising her.

It's a pity that

No matter how full the ideal, reality always makes people unable to feel happy.

This is no exception.

When Luo De was about to return to A Ru Cun, Fei Lusha immediately dropped what she was doing and wanted to go along to A Ru Cun to relax.

In her words.

Rather than getting angry at the deadbeat officials in charge of reviewing finances at the Academy, it's better to go to A Ru Cun and listen to the children's reading voices.

At least those reading sounds can make people feel physically and mentally pleasant, so her mood won't be blocked for days.

Besides the temporarily joined Fei Lusha and the previously agreed-upon Sita Lei.

Besides Luo De, there are two more people traveling with him this time.

Shazaman and Dina Zeda.

Because of the magic scale disease, Dina Zede had basically not left the range of Xu Mi Cheng for several years already, let alone undertaking the hardship of traveling to the desert region.

But under Luo De's strong persuasion, and with his guarantee that he could alleviate Dina Zede's fatigue from long-distance travel, Shazaman ultimately still agreed to this.

His only demand was that he himself must go along.

Thus Luo De set out on this journey.

Finally there was a carriage to ride in, no longer needing to rely on two legs to cross the rainforest.

It was precisely because of Dina Zede's physical condition, with her stopping and going along the way, that her speed could not even remotely compare to Luo De's when he traveled alone.

They knew she was a patient of the magic scale disease.

Falurusan and Shetale also expressed understanding, without saying anything more.

Just like that.

This journey took nearly three times longer than before before they slowly left Kawanyi and officially entered the desert region.

The climate difference between the desert region and the rainforest region is enormous.

Although the climate at Kawanyi, located at the junction of the two, had already begun to show significant changes.

But when they passed through Kawanyi's city gate and officially stepped into the desert area.

The suddenly soaring temperature, the air that made the skin dry and unbearable, and the gusts that could whip up at any moment and strike the face like a blade.

Such a sudden change in climate still caused Dina Zede to quickly show symptoms of discomfort, and she began to cough violently.

In response.

Luo De had long prepared a countermeasure.

He then took out a leaf, handed it to Dina Zede and said, 'Put this on your body; it can alleviate your symptoms.'

Having said that.

He also turned back to explain to the others: 'The new research findings of the Plain Theory Faction can effectively isolate the influence of desert climate.'

And Dina Zede's change also confirmed his words.

She, who had just been coughing uncontrollably, grasped the leaf in her hand and immediately stopped; her formerly bloodless face also flushed with a healthy red.

"What, what is this?"

Feeling the familiar warmth, Dina Zede blinked her eyes and looked delighted at Luo De.

The same expression.

Also appeared on Shazaman.

However, unlike Dina Zede, he asked: 'Do you have more of this stuff? How much does it cost?'

The caravan of the Huma Yi family often needs to do business in the desert; having this kind of good thing that can greatly alleviate the adverse climate effects would reduce many unnecessary losses.

"These are just experimental products; they haven't been mass-produced yet."

"When the finished product can be mass-produced, I will notify you again."

Luo De casually found an excuse to refuse Shazaman, then gave Dina Zede a look.

Unlike the other people in the carriage.

Dina Zede had personally experienced Nadixa's power.

Although at that time it was only a voice communication in a dream, the familiar residual power of Nadixa on this leaf is something she would absolutely not mistake.

Seeing Luo De's gaze.

The doubt that Dina Zede had just been holding in her heart was instantly answered, and she immediately broke into a radiant smile, treating the leaf condensed with Nadixa's divine power as a treasure and placing it into her inner pocket.

After resolving Dina Zede's problem.

The carriage then set off again.

When the road built by the Academy came to an end, the flat and orderly new road funded by Duoli suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes.

The others were all fine.

Only Shetale's gaze suddenly froze.

「In the desert, when was this road built? 」

Hearing the question she muttered from her mouth.

Luo De laughed: "It was built by Mister Sangge Mahabadi."

"Mister Sangge Mahabadi?"

"Is that Dolly Sangge Mahabadi, who has collaborated a lot with the Academy?"

Setale is the Great Sage's assistant; she knows more than others, and this includes the name Dolly, which often appears around the Great Sage.

However.

Academy scholars have always looked down on merchants.

Setale, having stayed at the Academy for a long time, inevitably picked up the habit of looking at people through tinted glasses.

As for Dolly.

In her impression, Dolly is a very wealthy but ill-reputed profiteer.

Under the Great Sage's ideological indoctrination,

She also believed that without the Academy's indulgence, Dolly Sangge Mahabadi could never have acquired her current wealth.

Therefore, in this situation,

Dolly Sangge Mahabadi should be grateful to the Academy, rather than running around destroying the rules set by the Academy.

But now, besides illegally constructing the road,

She discovered that Dolly's people were even charging tolls to passing pedestrians and caravans.

This made Setale's dissatisfaction with Dolly rise directly to the level of a righteous judgment.

"Without permission, privately building the road and extensively collecting tolls, destroying the trade balance between the desert and rainforest regions, I will now write a letter to the Academy to report her actions."

However, what she didn't expect was.

As soon as she finished speaking, she was met with Luo De's slightly mocking gaze and smile.

"Come on, senior sister, gather your pitiful sense of justice."

This attitude, completely different from how they treated themselves at the Academy, left Setale stunned in place.

And it wasn't just Luo De.

Falulu Shan's expression toward her was also very strange.

It was the kind of expression that showed incomprehension yet seemed to have something to say.

Next.

Then Luo De looked at Shazaman, pursed his lips, and said: "Mister Shazaman, you are also a merchant; here you are most qualified to speak on this matter. So please tell this senior sister who has never left the Academy whether this road is good or bad!"

"Hehe."

Shazaman did not refuse, laughing as he said: "Miss Setale, you probably don't understand how difficult it was for us merchants and the desert region to conduct trade back then, right?"

"I know."

Setale furrowed her brows.

She herself came out of the desert; how could she not know?

"Oh? You know."

"Then why would you say you want to report this road?"

Shazaman's face showed some doubt, but he still earnestly explained: "With this road, our rainforest merchants and the desert trade routes can be easier and faster, transaction volume will be much greater than before, and it will also be more convenient for us to communicate back and forth. As for the toll issue, this road was privately funded by Mister Sangge Mahabadi, not paid for by the Academy, so what's wrong with her collecting money? Moreover, she hasn't demanded exorbitant prices; the tolls are fair and reasonable, the same as the standards set by the Academy in other regions."

There is still a sentence Shazaman did not say.

"We merchants have raised no objections; what right do you, an Academy person, have to spread boring righteousness here?"

Actually, there's no need to say it out loud.

Just by looking at his eyes, Setale knew he was definitely not thinking anything good.

However, Setale did not flare up in anger because of Luo De's and Shazaman's rudeness toward her; instead, she pressed her lips, lifted the carriage curtain, and seriously observed the vehicles and pedestrians going back and forth on this road.

This road is still under construction.

Currently, only one side is open for vehicles and pedestrians.

Between the lane for vehicles and pack animals and the lane for pedestrians there is a thick line of very bright color, and the vehicle lane is also marked with lines and some conspicuous bright text signs, effectively preventing people from randomly cutting in and causing accidents.

Just as Shazaman said.

When passing the toll station, no one raised an objection; everyone quietly queued up to pay the toll and then continued toward A Ru Cun.

Of course.

Here is stationed a group that looks hard to provoke at first glance, the gilded travel corps; judging by their attire, they should be Dolly's close associates, specially responsible for ensuring safety here, preventing anyone from causing trouble or disrupting order.

"This road-building style is not quite like that of the Wonderful Theory Sect."

After observing for a long time, Setale sat back down, did not bring up the reporting matter again, and her eyes inexplicably said a few words in a low voice.

Immediately.

She thought of something, suddenly lifted her head and looked at Luo De, asking: "Is this road your design?"

"No, it's not me."

Luo De shook his finger: "This road was designed by Ka Wei; I merely gave him some suggestions."

"Ka Wei."

Setale frowned slightly, thought a moment, and asked: "Is that the genius architect Ka Wei who graduated from the Wonderful Theory Sect?"

"Mm, it's him."

Luo De said meaningfully: "He is someone I specially invited to redesign and plan the village; moreover, Mister Sangge Mahabadi is also the investor I brought in for the village. What you see now and what you will see when you go to the village later were all built under her investment."

There's no need to go deeper into this.

Setale already understood.

Ka Wei and Duo Li are absolutely an important link for Luo De to obtain the Red King's grace.

They looked again at the road beneath their feet that seemed to have no end.

She merely did a quick calculation and was startled by the cost required to build this road.

Moreover, hearing from passersby, such a long road had actually been half completed in just half a year.

Planning, design, construction, and completion in just half a year.

These phrases together.

Sai Ta Lei, besides marveling at Duo Li's terrifying wealth, also marveled at her terrifying execution efficiency.

If it were changed to Xu Mi Cheng.

With the same workload, without three or five years, you couldn't even think of completing it.

'Bringing in wealthy investors to build a road for the village that would benefit descendants, bringing more prosperous trade?'

Sai Ta Lei didn't speak again, merely pondering Luo De's words thoughtfully, while full of anticipation for the impending A Ru Cun.

On this wide new road.

The carriage's speed was much faster than walking on the usual broken road.

It didn't take too long.

The outline of A Ru Cun appeared in everyone's view.

'This is A Ru Cun.'

The first to speak was Di Na Ze Dai, who had never come to A Ru Cun before.

Then the one who spoke.

Then Sai Ta Lei, whose eyes almost popped out, said: 'Is this A Ru Cun?'

'Yes, this is A Ru Cun.'

Luo De chuckled and said: 'How about it, Senior Sai Ta Lei? Isn't it somewhat different from your memory?'

'Not so similar?'

Sai Ta Lei moved her lips, not knowing how to describe her current feelings.

This is more than just not similar!

This is simply not even close!!

When Sai Ta Lei left the desert, this place was still a village that had only recently opened trade, and overall was so poor it was scraping by.

Now?

The first thing that catches the eye.

Endless verdant farmland.

'How much Fertility Blessing did they buy?'

Before she could finish speaking, Sai Ta Lei paused again, took a deep breath, steeled herself, and then asked Luo De: 'Are these also your doing?'

'That's right.'

Luo De chuckled and said: 'You've read my thesis; you should know that this time no one helped me—I did it all myself.'

Upon hearing this.

Sai Ta Lei felt a bit dizzy.

Growing farmland in the desert that rivals the scale of a rainforest region—just this alone would surely be enough for the Red King to bestow his grace, right?

The Academy's control over resources given as charity to desert dwellers is so strict that no one present knows it better than Sai Ta Lei.

Even saying.

Sometimes the Great Sages, when they want to devise some desert strategies, will first consult her, this native desert dweller, for her opinion.

So Sai Ta Lei is all too aware that A Ru Cun's ability to produce large quantities of cheap grain would have what a huge impact on the Academy's regulation.

'No wonder.. No wonder.'

There's no need to look at anything else.

Just seeing these farmlands left Sai Ta Lei speechless.

These things Luo De has done deserve the Red King's reward.

While acknowledging Luo De, at the same time a big question arose in her mind.

'Can I too?'

'Can I really achieve his level of performance to gain the Red King's favor?'

Recalling what she had learned at the Academy.

Then she felt somewhat hopeless.

The Bright Theory School she belongs to mainly studies the core of the starry sky overhead, exploring the connection between astrology and fate, focusing on disciplines such as astrology, astronomy, and divination.

No matter how you look at it, these cannot be compared to Luo De, who mainly focuses on the Life Theory School, in the matter of transforming the desert village.

Just as she was feeling gloomy, Luo De's words arrived timely.

'The Bright Theory School can go teach children, right?'

'You can also use your own astrology knowledge to help the village with weather forecasts, set up an astrology library, and even cooperate with Ka Wei to create devices for artificial rain.'

'There are many things you can do; it just depends on whether you want to do them.'

'Knowledge has no concept of "useful" or "useless"; everything I learn has its use. As long as it is knowledge, there is naturally a place where it can shine and give heat; it is impossible for the knowledge one learns to have nowhere to be applied.'

Luo De spoke at length, enlightening Sai Ta Lei, who was trapped in self-doubt.

At the same time.

He didn't notice.

Fei Lu Shan's gaze toward him grew brighter, and the curve of her mouth rose higher and higher.

When approaching the village.

The guard at the village entrance gestured for the carriage to stop, preparing to register and inspect it.

This rule is newly added.

After the new road was opened.

Although only one side was opened, it was enough for the trade volume between A Ru Cun and the rainforest area to increase severalfold.

Especially those black market merchants.

They even regarded this place as a paradise, truckload after truckload of contraband being brought in to trade.

In order to prevent the village from becoming a lawless no-man's land, and to stop the village children from continuing to follow these black market merchants and learn bad habits, Kantisi and Uncle Anpu discussed and then established a new rule.

A rule similar to that of the rainforest area, prohibiting contraband from being sold within the village.

"Huh, Tadra?"

"How did you get here?"

Seeing the girl in guard uniform who had stopped the carriage, Luo De directly lifted the carriage curtain, jumped down, and went up to greet her.

The other guards, upon seeing it was Luo De, all respectfully saluted: "Village Guardian Sir, you have returned."

Seeing this scene.

Setare recalled the scene of her first meeting with Luo De.

Recalling Luo De's words, she muttered to herself: "He really is the Village Guardian of A Ru Cun."

Setare's voice was heard by Faelu Shan.

This made her involuntarily ask doubtfully: "You aren't Luo De's teammate in the same project group, are you?"

All along the way, she had been wanting to ask this question.

Setare would startle at whatever she saw.

Her way of speaking was exactly the same as those annoying deadheads from the Academy.

Luo De had said.

He really dislikes people of that sort.

Moreover, the two of them don't seem very familiar, and Luo De isn't overly polite when speaking to her.

Originally Faelu Shan thought Luo De had brought a classmate to jointly research his new project, but seeing as they went along, Setare's coming to A Ru Cun seems to be for some other purpose; anyway, it's definitely not for academic research.

"Senior, I was merely invited to come, uh, to inspect A Ru Cun."

Setare thought for a moment, then found a wording she considered relatively appropriate.

"Oh, I see."

The reason was fairly sufficient; Faelu Shan had an epiphany, then raised her eyebrows and said: "Then you ought to have a good look—this village, ah, is the best and most beautiful village I, your senior, have ever seen; hey, the villages of the rainforest area simply can't compare to this desert village."

"."

Setare silently nodded.

Facts speak.

At least judging by appearance, A Ru Cun is indeed much prettier than many villages in the rainforest area.

It must be said.

Luo De really gave her a great shock, one that let her vaguely understand how to obtain the Crimson King's grace.

(End of chapter)