Chapter 302

Inside the courtyard, they were all disciples under Off Lu Ban.

Each of them was strong and powerful, wearing only coarse cloth sweat shirts on their upper bodies, and even though the night wind was slightly cold, they were still sweating all over.

The tools in the courtyard were also varied.

Some were grinding ironware beside the rollers, sparks flying...

Some were forging iron beside the fire furnace, the big and small hammers falling with clanging sounds...

There were also many clay pots placed on the ground, containing different liquids, some used for quenching, some used for soaking.

Besides this, there were also leather workers and carpenters. Although the courtyard was busy, it was orderly and not chaotic at all.

After seeing this, Li Yan couldn't help but secretly praise in his heart.

He had a good friendship with Proprietor Wan of the "Listening Pavilion," who was an elder of the Chang'an Craftsmanship Guild. Chatting in his spare time, he also had some understanding of this trade.

There are many types of craftsmanship, and although they are called the Eight Crafts in the martial world, in reality, there are far more than eight lines. For example, leather workers, paper-craft makers, etc., were not included in them.

Precisely because of this, it is also very difficult to have a grade division in this trade.

A Mystic Sect brick, stone, mud, and tile worker who has mastered the Off Lu Ban Method, although important, will not have a fundamental improvement in status, and will instead be guarded against by people...

But a craftsman who can lead a team to build large-scale buildings, even if an ordinary person, can also be called a master...

Leather goods made even more exquisitely can at most make one small-rich, but if one knows Mystic Sect secret arts, one can definitely carve out a foundation...

In short, this trade values scarcity more.

And being able to be called a master is not only looking at your technology, but also having the ability to manage a craftsman team.

After all, in this era, large-scale manual methods have already appeared, and speed and efficiency have also become the focus of measuring strength.

Just like this Off Lu Ban.

He himself is a Mystic Sect craftsman, skilled in forging various armors and weapons, and his subordinates include both leather workers and carpenters, all of whom have mastered Mystic Sect secret arts.

Being able to participate in the construction of the Star-Gazing Terrace, one can imagine his ability!

These subordinates and disciples of his are also extraordinary.

Li Yan and the two entered the courtyard, but no one paid any attention to them. Everyone was focused on the work in their hands, seemingly already immersed in it.

Hu Ming made a "shh" gesture. Li Yan understood immediately, closed his mouth, lightened his footsteps, and didn't disturb the crowd.

He saw earth dragon skin that had already been cut and divided, and a leather worker was brushing an unknown liquid on it layer by layer.

The lining leather had already become pitch-black and smooth...

He saw the gunstock of a new-style musket, which had already been built into a frame, and a craftsman was polishing earth dragon bone, preparing for inlaying.

This earth dragon bone had also been processed, smooth and delicate, possessing both the texture similar to ivory and the warmth of jade...

Of course, this was only outside the courtyard.

Several open rooms were also brightly lit with candles.

Several huge square tables were scattered in every corner, and some older craftsmen were holding tweezers and small hammers, processing some fine gadgets.

Sha Lifei was also among them.

This old brat was like a different person, eyes wide open, his thick palms pinching a small drill, drilling holes in a copper tube.

This scene was exactly like Zhang Fei threading a needle.

He was fully focused, and didn't even notice Li Yan's arrival.

Bang!

Just at this moment, a burst sound suddenly appeared in the distant fire furnace, and then charcoal smoke and fire gushed out, scaring the craftsmen into hurriedly dodging.

Off Lu Ban, who was also busy, hurriedly walked out. After seeing it, he cursed immediately: "This batch of jujube wood charcoal has problems. Blind eyes, didn't even look clearly when buying it!"

Having said that, he pushed away the somewhat panicked disciple.

He picked up a clay bowl from the table, filled it with well water, took a yellow talisman from his bosom, stepped on the pace of the Big Dipper, and chanted in his mouth: "Snow Mountain Master Snow Gate opens, Snow Mountain Master descends snow,... I serve the Old Lord, decree!"

Whoosh~

After the spell was finished, the yellow talisman burned without wind.

They saw this Off Lu Ban throw the burning talisman paper directly into the water, stirred it with his fingers, then drank two mouthfuls, and sprayed three mouthfuls into the air.

Puff, puff, puff, water mist surged.

A chill suddenly rose in the entire small courtyard, as if it had suddenly reached the cold winter months in this Duan Yang season.

And this Off Lu Ban's whole body was shrouded in a cold aura, and even his clothes and eyebrows were quickly covered in white frost.

He walked to the furnace mouth in two or three steps, ignored the gushing flames, actually reached out directly, pulled out an iron block burning red from inside, and without saying a word, picked up a hammer and forged it with clanging sounds.

This thing should be a component of the new-style firearm.

It had already become somewhat distorted in the fire furnace, but after his forging, it gradually restored its shape...

Snow Mountain Method?

When Li Yan saw it, he immediately thought of a famous mystic art.

This mystic art is just like its name, used to create low temperatures, and has been passed down in different Dharma lineages, with different applications.

For example, among the craftsmen of the Off Lu Ban Method, it is used to prevent burns, or to quickly cool down some things...

In the trade of eating dead people's food, it is used to help preserve corpses when the weather is hot...

In other Dharma lineages, it is used to treat burns and toxic sores...

Although it is an auxiliary mystic art with little lethality, because of its practicality, its reputation is quite loud.

After rescuing the components, Off Lu Ban threw the hammer to his disciple and frowned: "Don't open the furnace tonight, we'll talk tomorrow when there's suitable wood charcoal!"

Sha Lifei naturally also arrived in the courtyard. After Off Lu Ban finished his work, he leaned over with excitement and chuckled: "Brother Yan, you showed great power on Guishan, and it's spreading everywhere now!"

Li Yan laughed dumbfoundedly and asked: "Sha Laoshu Sha, how are you? Are you okay these two days?"

"What could happen to him?!"

Off Lu Ban also walked over and glared at Sha Lifei. "This brat is very cunning and has a thick skin; I couldn't drive him away even if I wanted to."

Sha Lifei didn't care at all and chuckled: "That's your generosity. Besides, I'm just helping out; I couldn't learn your skills even if you taught me."

"Hmph!"

Off Lu Ban snorted coldly, but didn't argue anymore. He turned his head to Li Yan and said: "Other things aren't ready yet, but the drawings have been drawn. If you want, follow me and take a look."

Having said that, he took Li Yan into another room.

This was clearly a rest room, with Off Lu Ban rulers, charcoal pencils, and other things on the table, and a pile of rolled-up drawings.

He spread out the drawings and explained them one by one.

"The leather armor was made according to your requirements, four close-fitting soft armors, and I used the gold thread weaving method. Although the weight has increased, it can protect the vital organs..."

"This is your full-body armor, the most troublesome to make; I have to wait until the 'Grinding Knife Rain' day to continue refining..."

"Four muskets were made, and according to Sha's requirements, each was modified..."

This Off Lu Ban is indeed extraordinary.

The "Thunder Fire Classic" they obtained only had drawings of new-style musket long and short guns, which were clearly the imperial court's standard weapons.

But Off Lu Ban made changes according to individual characteristics.

The one made for Li Yan is a pistol, and the loading method is a bit like a Frankish cannon, equipped with ten magazines, pre-loaded, and replaced during combat, which is much faster than flintlock muskets.

More importantly, this thing has huge power, the barrel is long and narrow, and it is inlaid with dragon patterns, excelling in medium and close-range combat...

The one made for Wang Daoxuan is also a pistol, but the barrel is much smaller, suitable for close-range self-defense.

As for Lu San, the mace firearm was sent over. This thing was already extraordinary, and the mechanism was very clever. Off Lu Ban modified it and also made it into a mother-child bullet loading method...

As for Sha Lifei, the long spear from the Commandant's Office was modified, its appearance was covered up, and the gunstock was extended to better match Sha Lifei's physique...

Besides this, there are some small gadgets.

These things can also use new-style gunpowder, such as the modified fire caltrops. Sha Lifei has been learning the production method these past few days.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master."

After seeing it, Li Yan was convinced and hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks.

"Alright, alright." Off Lu Ban waved his hand impatiently. "You've seen it, don't disturb our work anymore."

"Li Li Shaoxia, please this way."

Seeing this, Hu Ming hurriedly raised his hand, signaling Li Yan to follow him away.

Li Yan was helpless and had to hand over the gift in his hand. "Sha Laoshu Sha, inside are some zongzi and lotus leaf chicken, as well as some pastries. Distribute them to the brothers when you're free."

Sha Lifei gave a reassuring look, then took the things and continued to sit at the table and work.

!.

It could be seen that even with this excellent team, if they want to catch up with the "Grinding Knife Rain," these people have to work day and night...

"This time, I owe it all to Li Li Shaoxia."

Arriving in another room in the small courtyard, Hu Ming immediately cupped his hands. "The Prince's Mansion has already sent someone to find us, and we can go tomorrow to discuss purchasing that crystal."

"Oh, their movements are quite fast." Li Yan was a bit surprised, not expecting the Prince of Wuchang to let go so immediately after the Baotong Zen Temple side greeted him.

Hu Ming didn't seem surprised and shook his head with a smile. "This Prince is very shrewd and does things with his own measure. If I'm not mistaken, the Heir will be hosting us tomorrow."

"Us?"

Li Yan frowned. "I have to go too?"

Hu Ming nodded. "The Prince's Mansion also invited the Li Li Shaoxia. It seems this Prince of Wuchang is already helping the Heir build a foundation."

"The imperial court emphasizes the way of balance for the Mystic Sect, so even though my Tai Xuan Orthodox Sect is the state religion, His Majesty will not neglect the Buddhist school, and will instead rely on them heavily."

"The Prince of Wuchang believes in Buddhism, but the status of the Zen school in the three towns of Wuchang is already too high. If there are no accidents, there will definitely be changes after the Heir takes power."

"As for Li Li Shaoxia, you have already revealed your potential on the Guishan ring. The Heir of the Prince of Wuchang might not recruit you to the Prince's Mansion, but he won't ignore you either."

"Li Li Shaoxia, just go. Tomorrow's matter is already set, it's just going through the motions, and who knows, there might be benefits..."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and nodded. "That's fine."

He is not a fool, and Hu Ming's judgment should be correct.

As his small team improves, their status will naturally grow, and their client base will also change, which is inevitable.

The reason is simple: cost-effectiveness.

If it's a major event, local wealthy merchants will directly report it to the City God Temple, and the local Mystic Sect orthodox schools will choose to take action to stabilize the region.

And if it's a minor matter, ordinary shamans or Dharma lineage practitioners can solve it, so there's no need to spend a lot of money to hire them.

Therefore, the jobs they take in the future will be expensive, but they will definitely be more complex and dangerous.

As for encountering minor matters of the common people, it doesn't matter if they don't collect money, anyway they can't afford it, just treat it as chivalry and accumulate a reputation along the way.

Therefore, the client base they face must also expand.

Meeting the Heir in advance is just expanding connections...

The night was already deep, so Li Yan didn't return to the city but stayed at Yuquan Temple for one night. Early the next morning, he went to Wuchang with Hu Ming.

When they arrived outside Wuchang City, the sky was already dawning.

The city gates had already opened, and the pier by the river was even more crowded with people.

One long and narrow dragon boat after another had already been placed by the river.

These dragon boats had already been consecrated and dotted with eyes, and now they were being launched for the race, which also required some small ceremonies.

Seeing Li Yan looking up, Hu Ming smiled and said: "Li Li Shaoxia, don't be anxious. I've already inquired that the ones racing these few days are all from county towns and small forces in Ezhou, so it's not considered lively yet."

"After the 'Great Duan Yang' on the fifteenth of the fifth month, the strong from each group will be selected, and that will be the real dragon fighting and tiger struggling."

Li Yan looked, and sure enough, it was so.

Those dragon boat sacrificial ceremonies were all presided over by the elders of the villages and towns in each county, and the dragon boat styles were also a bit old-fashioned, which couldn't compare with the one from the Ezhou Chamber of Commerce at all.

And those watching around were also common people in the city.

Of course, in this situation, everyone knew that evil people might take the opportunity to cause trouble, so not only were there garrison soldiers patrolling the shore, but there were also navy warships on the river on alert.

There were even more people from the Law Enforcement Hall and the Commandant's Office hidden in the crowd, their gazes sharp, searching everywhere for suspicious people.

Li Yan also saw that people from some martial world sects were also sent out to cooperate with the imperial court in the search.

The power of the entire Wuchang had been mobilized. Coming openly would definitely be sending themselves to death, and he didn't know what method those evil people would choose to destroy the ceremony...

Without staying too long, the team entered the city directly.

Hu Ming's visit obviously also had the intention of building a good relationship, so he prepared two large carts of gifts.

Li Yan's heart stirred. He took the opportunity to return to the Chamber of Commerce, and after instructing Lu San and Wang Daoxuan to pay attention to safety, he took out an item from his luggage.

It was exactly that crystal dinosaur egg.

The spiritual charm of this thing had dissipated, but it could still be considered a treasure.

Everyone knows that the Prince of Wuchang loves to collect treasures. Depending on the situation, he would give this thing away or sell it, so as not to take up space.

Of course, it was still early, and after waiting for a while, they arrived at the Prince's Mansion after the Chen hour (07:00 to 09:00).

This was scheduled in advance, so the people in the Prince's Mansion were naturally prepared.

Hu Ming handed over the visiting card, and a steward from the Prince's Mansion immediately came to greet them.

Entering through the side gate, Li Yan finally saw the appearance of this famous Prince of Wuchang's Mansion.

This Prince of Wuchang's Mansion does not have a typical central axis structure; instead, one side has a huge lake, a horse racing and military training field, and a garden, while the other side has the main hall, ancestral temple, and shrine.

The rear hall and sleeping quarters occupy the latter half of the Prince's Mansion.

Its red walls and yellow tiles are magnificent, and among the towering tree crowns, one can vaguely see towering pavilions, flying eaves, and arched brackets, with palace rooms scattered and arranged in rows.

Li Yan and the others were not officials, so they were not taken to the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, but to the garden.

Along the way, they only saw beautiful gardens and lush flowers and trees. The lake surface was sparkling, and the water pavilions were by the pool, with elegant kiosks.

Entering a small building by the lake, the steward of the Prince's Mansion sent people to serve tea and smiled: "Please wait a moment, the Prince has something to do today, the Heir will be here in a while."

Having said that, he bowed slightly and retreated.

Li Yan drank a cup of tea, got up and walked to the window, looked out through the carved window, saw the flowers and plants flourishing and the lake water clear, and couldn't help but say: "This Prince's Mansion is indeed extraordinary..."

He has supernatural powers and can detect many secrets.

This Prince's Mansion looks beautiful, but it actually hides murderous intent...

Second update a little after twelve o'clock.

(End of chapter)