Lord of the Earth

"In China, since ancient times, although the skills of craftsmen have benefited the world, they have often been regarded as strange and frivolous skills, and were not worthy of being considered refined."

Xia Tian deeply understands Lu Ban's sentiments.

"In many dynasties, the social hierarchy was scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant, with artisans ranking only above merchants. Even those with ingenious creations would only receive meager rewards, and some were even conscripted into the military and treated as laborers..."

“A single dragon vein is enough to nurture a dynasty of great fortune. But what the master seeks are top-grade dragon veins of the Xuanhuang level, requiring nine in total… Such a feat is indeed beyond the reach of ordinary forces, even if they exhaust all their resources.”

The conversation shifted abruptly, and Xia Tian's eyes shone brightly.

"However, I, Qian Xia, am no ordinary person!"

"Master Gongshu, you should know that the Nine Tripods, the most precious treasure of our Chinese nation, are rightfully placed in the land of the Qianxia Dynasty, aren't you?"

Summer spoke with a hint of pride.

"The Nine Provinces Cauldron possesses an unparalleled divine power: it can regulate the earth's energy, gather spiritual essence, and nurture the 'Immortal Dragon Vein'! This vein is not naturally formed by heaven and earth, but is nurtured by the combined power of the glorious national fortune of our Qianxia and the divine power of the Nine Provinces Cauldron. Its power is pure and boundless, and its nature is gentle and peaceful, surpassing even the natural dragon vein! This is precisely what the master sought, the supreme core that can endow mechanisms with spiritual creation, perfectly drive the 'Dragon of the Azure Sky' and even the future creations of countless gods!"

Lu Ban's hands, which were adjusting the mechanism, suddenly stopped. He abruptly raised his head, and the light in his eyes, that of a technical fanatic, instantly blazed, as if he had discovered a priceless treasure.

"A Celestial Dragon Vein?! Born from the Nine Provinces Cauldron? Is Your Majesty truly telling the truth?!"

As a master craftsman, he knew all too well what a stable, powerful energy source with nurturing spiritual qualities meant—it would be the cornerstone that supported all his designs!

"You have no joke!"

Xia Tian said decisively, "Not only that, my Qianxia has a 'divine furnace' that can connect with the true fire of the earth's core, a 'star tower' that can draw and temper starlight, and a vast territory of five million miles, where all mineral veins, rare trees, and spiritual materials are registered. Master, you only need to speak, and Qianxia will provide all the resources of the nation to take whatever you want!"

He was outlining a grand blueprint.

"I know that Master's ambition lies in exploring the wonders of mechanisms. However, crafting a single divine artifact may not be difficult for Master. But I wonder if Master would be interested in personally leading the transformation of a vast, self-contained 'Immortal Mechanized City' with the Celestial Dragon Vein as its core? Or perhaps in forging a 'Celestial War Puppet Army' driven by the Dragon Vein, capable of directly fighting and even capturing top-tier deities? Qian Xia is willing to give everything to realize such a world-shaking vision for Master! Only such treatment is worthy of the title 'Sage of Ingenuity' of China!"

Lu Ban's eyes flashed intensely, and his breathing became slightly rapid: "The entire nation's strength? A celestial puppet army? Does Your Majesty know what kind of resources that would require..."

"How much the master needs, Qianxia will supply!"

Summer interrupted abruptly, her words ringing out like the clang of metal.

"The master's ingenuity is worthy of the world's finest materials and the grandest project! Master Qianxia's work is not merely for show; it will guard the frontiers, slay demons and monsters, and protect billions of humankind. Every one of your brilliant ideas will shine with the most dazzling and practical light on the battlefield between humanity and the gods!"

Lu Ban remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping across his vast divine kingdom, and seemingly piercing through the void to see the invincible steel legion driven by the immortal dragon vein.

But he was no ordinary man after all. After his initial excitement, he calmed down a bit and pondered, "Your Majesty's treatment is so generous, I... However, the art of mechanisms also requires fellow practitioners to exchange ideas and hone their skills to improve. I wonder if Qianxia is currently..."

Xia Tian smiled knowingly, realizing that the other party had already considered this, and then went along with it.

"Master Gongshu, do you know that under the 'Tiangong Academy' of Qianxia, ​​there is a 'Mechanical Hall' which has three deputy hall masters?"

"One is named Gongshu Chou, a descendant of Master Gongshu, who has mastered the true essence of domineering mechanical arts and is skilled in attacking and breaking formations; the other is named Master Mo, an elder of the Mo family, who is proficient in the mysteries of non-offensive mechanical arts and is skilled in the way of defense and repelling enemies."

Summer specifically pointed out the identities of the two people.

"The art of domineering mechanisms and the art of non-offensive mechanisms, one excels in offense and the other in defense, are like the debate between you and the ancient sage Mozi. They resonate in the past and present. Now, in Qianxia, ​​we can learn from each other, complement each other, and reach new heights together."

Lu Ban's eyes flickered slightly, clearly showing his concern for the inheritance of his skills and for continuing to compete with the Mohist techniques.

"Oh? Is that so... And what about the third one?"

However, he didn't rush to make a decision, but instead asked curiously.

"The third one..."

Xia Tian's tone carried a hint of emotion.

"His identity is somewhat special. He was originally the ruler of a Chinese dynasty, but due to his extreme obsession with craftsmanship, he felt that the imperial position had become a shackle. In the end, he chose to abandon the supreme position, hide his identity, and devote himself to the art of craftsmanship. Now, he has stepped into the realm of demigods with his outstanding talent and sincere heart, and has become a quasi-prodigy. He is studying diligently in the Hall of Mechanisms, and especially loves the 'Commentary on the Wood Classic' passed down by the master."

An emperor abandoned his empire for the sake of craftsmanship?

Upon hearing this, even Lu Ban's eyes flashed with disbelief and emotion.

This speaks volumes more than any words about Qianxia's respect and tolerance for artisans.

Summer, seizing the moment, shifted his tone to one of solemnity and seriousness.

"Master Gongshu, now that the gods have descended and are eyeing us covetously, humanity is facing a life-or-death crisis. My Qianxia clan wishes to gather the heroes of the world to challenge the 'Dynasty of Destiny' and fight for a glimmer of hope for humanity! You are the most skilled craftsman of our human race, your mastery of mechanisms is unparalleled throughout history. Are you willing to sit idly by and watch this golden opportunity slip away, and bear to see our human race's hope extinguished due to insufficient fighting strength?"

These words, for a renowned sage like Lu Ban who cared deeply for his people, were undoubtedly of immense weight and struck a chord deep within his soul.

Lu Ban took a deep breath, the last trace of hesitation in his eyes turning into determination. He nodded emphatically: "Your Majesty has spoken so earnestly. If I were to refuse again, wouldn't I be disregarding the greater good and unworthy of being a sage of our humankind!"

He looked at Xia Tian and said solemnly.

"Lu Ban accepts this position as a guest advisor! He will do his utmost, with all his knowledge, to help Qianxia forge a national treasure to defend against foreign aggression!"

"To receive these words from the master is a blessing for Qianxia and for the human race!"

Summer laughed heartily, feeling incredibly happy.

In this way, the number of outstanding talents in Qianxia has increased by one, reaching seven!

Next, the eighth person, Xia Tian himself also had a target.

Soon, summer arrived at the "Ling Shu Tower," the place that had once sparked a fierce battle between the Chinese camp and the United States.

Here, there is no soaring brilliance, nor roaring machinery, only a seemingly ancient "divine kingdom" floating in the air, imbued with boundless resilience and a will to protect!
Within the Divine Kingdom, the Mohist principles flowed like water, and the ancient concepts of "non-aggression," "universal love," "respect for the worthy," and "harmony" materialized: massive energy shields appeared and disappeared on the city walls, complex runes automatically outlined defensive formations in the air, and squads of solemn-looking "Mohist Knights" dressed in black patrolled the four directions, all exuding an orderly and absolute protective power.

A man in plain clothes stood on the city wall. He was not tall, but he seemed to be one with the city and as steady as a mountain. He looked down at the world he had created with his ideals. His eyes were deep and peaceful, and he seemed to be thinking.
"Master Mozi".

In summer, he bowed respectfully. [Mozi (Xuanhuang)]

[Level] Divine Spirit - First Heaven
[Supernatural Powers]

Universal Love and Non-Aggression (1. Universal Love: Expands the domain, forcing all units within the domain to enter a "non-malicious" state, greatly reducing their desire to attack and their lethality, with priority given to the enemy; 2. Non-Aggression: Within the domain, all defensive fortifications, protective formations, and armor effects are greatly enhanced)
Tianzhi·Minggui (1. Tianzhi: Invokes the laws of heaven and earth to quickly construct permanent or semi-permanent absolute defensive fortifications such as giant city walls, fortresses, and energy barriers; 2. Minggui: Creates a powerful army of mechanical constructs with the characteristics of "self-discipline", "enemy detection" and "cooperation" to protect specific targets or areas)

[Talent] Guardian Sacred Heart: Adhering to the concept of "non-aggression", when focusing on defense and protection, the speed of energy recovery, law mobilization efficiency and mechanism construction speed increase exponentially. The more and more important the targets to be protected, the stronger the temporary blessing of the laws of heaven and earth that one receives.

【characteristic】

Frugality and Valuation: This can greatly optimize resource utilization efficiency, achieve the best defensive effect with the least amount of materials, and quickly cultivate disciples (Mohist disciples) who are proficient in the construction of defensive fortifications and mechanical arts.

A master of logic: With ethereal thoughts, one can see through the logical weaknesses and operational rules of the enemy's offensive tactics, formations, and supernatural powers, and then defend against and break through them in a targeted manner.

Countering magical attacks: Possesses extremely strong natural resistance and ability to neutralize all spells, supernatural powers, and curses, and excels at setting up counter-magic arrays.

Ceasefire: Successfully preventing a large-scale conflict or repelling a powerful invasion will grant you a large amount of merit and good fortune, which will strengthen your cultivation.

Adhering to established rules: Once the defense system it personally sets up is completed, it will have the effect of "rule solidification", making it difficult to be forcibly broken by forces of the same or lower level, unless a specific "logic key" is found.

[Skills] "Mozi: The Book of Mozi's Secrets of Heaven" (includes a complete guide to the construction of absolute defensive fortifications, the secrets of mechanical creation and crafting, the technique of generating energy barriers, and the chapter on breaking the logic of laws, etc.)

[Description] The embodiment of the Huaxia people's way of protection, a sage who has elevated the concept of "non-aggression" to a divine level. Their very existence is the strongest shield for civilization; one person can defend a city, a single thought can protect a nation, and in their steadfast defenses, no law can penetrate!
"The city lord has come in person; I have failed to greet you properly."

Mozi returned the greeting with a calm and composed expression, as if he had already anticipated Xia Tian's intentions.

“I saw that the city lord just came out of that ‘city of technology.’ Could it be that he has come to invite me to Qianxia to take up the position of ‘mechanical craftsman’? I am afraid that my skills are not as good as Master Ban’s ingenuity and skill in attack, nor as good as Master Ou Ye’s sharpness and skill in cutting… Or perhaps, His Majesty wants to use his old rivalry with me to provoke me to come out of seclusion?”

Clearly, as the founder of the "Mohist" school in history, Mozi's insight into human nature and the depth of his thinking far surpassed that of Lu Ban.

In particular, the core of its academic theory is "universal love and non-aggression," and it has long since taken a detached view of illusory things such as "victory and defeat" and "fame."

Trying to use simple "reverse psychology" on him was pointless; these words were tantamount to silencing Xia Tian!
He truly deserves to be called the leader of the Mohist school. The school of thought he founded was once comparable to that of Confucianism. This insight alone surpasses that of purely "technical" figures like Ou Yezi and Lu Ban...

"Master, you've misunderstood."

Xia Tian shook his head and said calmly.

“My invitation to you, Qianxia, ​​is not merely for craftsmanship, nor is it intended to provoke pointless disputes. I deeply understand that the way of a master lies in ‘universal love’ and ‘non-aggression’, in ‘promoting the benefit of the world and eliminating the harm of the world’, and in practicing what one preaches and protecting the world.”

He paused and continued.

“In the past, I, Qianxia, ​​established a ‘Hall of Righteousness’ with the intention of gathering righteous people from all over the world to help the weak and punish the strong and uphold justice. However, as it has developed to this point, although it is willing to serve the people, it is inevitable that there are good and bad people among its members, their ideas are mixed, and most of them are scattered and unruly, making it difficult to form a system.”

A summer's reflection.

The Hall Master Zhan Zhao, the Deputy Hall Master Nie Feng, and Bu Jingyun are all heroes of their time, with Zhan Zhao having already reached the realm of "Demigod Pride"!
However, it was composed of many江湖人士 (jianghu figures) and 绿林豪侠 (outlaw heroes), not just various small groups in the city, but also frequently engaged in internal struggles in order to compete for "interests"!

Even a single prodigy or two near-prodigies would find it difficult to truly suppress them.

In the summer, the plan for this Hall of Heroes is not only to govern "chivalry," but also to shoulder the important responsibility of dealing with "hidden sects"...

"Hidden Sect?"

Mozi's gaze shifted slightly.

The Mohist school shifted from a prominent to a esoteric school of thought, demonstrating its natural interest in and unique understanding of these forces that, while detached from worldly affairs, profoundly influence them.

"Exactly."

Summer nodded.

"Our ancient human gods, in order to leave a spark for humankind, specially established hidden sects in the myriad realms... Their original intention was to preserve the human race and save humankind from peril due to the oppression of the gods."

"However, the ideas of these people have now turned against the gods."

"If this force is guided properly, it can become a sharp sword and a strong shield for the world; if left to its own devices, it may also cause harm to a region, or even be used by foreign races. The 'Hall of Righteousness' now has the responsibility to unify, coordinate, guide, and supervise all hidden sects and wandering knight forces within the Qianxia region."

"However, this matter is of great importance and is very complex. Only those who are highly respected, have lofty ideals, can distinguish right from wrong, and are proficient in organizational skills can be competent for it."

Summer's tone became extremely sincere, even carrying a hint of pleading.

"I wish to earnestly request the master to serve as the chief guest minister of the 'Hall of Chivalry'. Not to be responsible for specific crafting matters, but to use it as a foundation to practice the Mohist way! To establish the heart of chivalry for the world, to set rules for hidden sects, to formulate regulations, to guide the direction, to eliminate internal strife, and to integrate forces."

"Let the power of chivalry truly become a force of order that protects the weak, safeguards peace, and fights against external enemies, rather than a source of chaos that leads to violence, bloodshed, and the pursuit of revenge. Furthermore, let the ideals of 'universal love,' 'non-aggression,' 'respect for the virtuous,' and 'harmony' be transformed into practical rules, spread among hidden sects, and through them, influence the entire human race of the Eternal Land!"

"This is a great merit and a great undertaking! I wonder if the master... would be willing to come out of seclusion and offer some guidance to help us accomplish this great feat?"

Xia Tian spoke for a full cup of tea's time, explaining everything in detail, before finally looking intently at this "Founder of the Mohist School"!
This was actually his first time meeting Mozi, but for a wise person who knows how to weigh things, some things are enough to say once.

Mozi fell silent. He looked at Xia Tian, ​​his eyes no longer calm and still, but flashing with intense thought and consideration.

What Qian Xia offered was not a job, but a huge platform and practical path for him to put his lifelong ideals into reality.

Unifying reclusive sects, guiding chivalry across the land, and establishing a protective order—this is simply the grandest and most direct way of putting the Mohist philosophy into practice.

After a long silence, Mozi spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful.

"Your Majesty's request is insightful and deeply in line with the principles of the Mohist school. If Your Majesty truly wishes to put this principle into practice through the 'Hall of Chivalry' rather than merely having an empty name... I am willing to go to Qianxia to assume this position as a guest minister!"

The change in address reflects a clear shift in attitude.

"To hear these words from the master is a great blessing for the world and for humanity!"

Xia Tian bowed deeply, a great weight lifted from his heart, his joy overflowing. With this, Qianxia had gained another peerless genius to its ranks! (End of Chapter)