You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

The State Guest House, bedroom.

"These Yin-Yang masters really are cultivators of immortality..."

After returning from the Yin-Yang School, Lu Zuo began to read the "Great Yin-Yang True Scripture" given to him by Donghuang Taiyi.

The true scriptures record the incantations of the Yin-Yang school and the Five Elements Yin-Yang techniques.

Incantations are divided into eight incantations of the Yin meridian and eight incantations of the Yang meridian.

I won't go into the Eight Yang Meridian Incantations, as they are all methods to stimulate the body's Yang meridians and temporarily enhance combat power.

In addition to hypnosis, attack, and illusion, the Yin Meridian Eight Curses also include astrological divination incantations for prediction.

As for the Five Elements Yin-Yang Techniques, each one resembles a magical art or technique more than the last.

For example, the magnetic golden light of the metal element can control metals and can also draw a special energy from metals to enhance itself.

The Earth element, Huangtianhoutu, can use various earth-based techniques, such as burrowing into the ground and controlling sand and rocks to attack enemies.

"After mastering the complete Great Yin-Yang True Scripture, I wonder how much my internal strength and physical constitution will increase?"

After muttering something to himself, Lu Zuo pushed open the door and went to play happily with Zhao Ji in order to gain cultivation points.

dong dong dong...

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Lu Zuo felt a little strange, thinking to himself, "Could it be another female assassin sent by Lü Buwei?"

Squeak...

He walked to the door, unlatched it, opened the door, and then paused slightly in surprise: "Miss Xiangfei? What brings you here?"

"Aren't you welcome?"

Xiangfei walked in by herself and closed the door behind her.

Lu Zuo looked at her: "Is something the matter?"

"that……"

Xiangfei blushed and stammered, "You...I'm feeling a bit unsettled again. Could you help me with a love massage?"

this......

Lu Zuo chuckled lightly, "You're not just unsettled, you're clearly looking for a thrill."

"What are you laughing at?"

Xiangfei gave him a charmingly disdainful look: "I... I'm really a little flustered..."

……

The next day, early in the morning.

Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of the carved wooden window, casting a soft, pale gold glow into the bedroom.

The lingering fragrance of last night floated in the air, mingling with the crisp scent of the morning light.

"What do you mean?"

Lu Zuo looked at the bag of gold beside his pillow and murmured in confusion.

Xiangfei left early this morning, saying something like, "You're good, I'm very satisfied" before she left...

He shook his head, put away the bag of gold, counted it all, and then went out.

Today we need to find some carriages to carry the gold and pay the Gongshu family for their goods.

And for something like this, naturally, one should seek help from Zhao Ji...

.......

A short while later, inside a palace in Xianyang Palace.

"Mr. Lu, please."

Upon arriving at Xianyang Palace, Lu Zuo learned that King Zhuangxiang of Qin's condition had improved and he had recovered from his delirium.

Upon learning of Lu Zuo's arrival, he immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared to entertain this man who could rival a thousand soldiers.

Since it wasn't a formal state banquet, a round table was set up in a side hall.

"King of Qin, please."

Lu Zuo picked up his wine cup, tilted his head back and took a swig. King Qin and Zhao Ji, who was accompanying him, also each drank a cup.

"I have heard from the lady about the conditions that Mr. Lu offered."

The King of Qin put down his wine cup and said, "It would not be inappropriate to grant Shangjun to Mr. Lu."

"But three strikes seem a bit too few, don't they?"

"Furthermore, if Qin and Han were to clash in the future, how would you, Mr. Lu, conduct yourself?"

Lu Zuo pondered for a moment: "I can help Qin five times, but Han must have autonomy."

"Otherwise, I, Lu, will have no choice but to take my leave."

South Korea is also an extremely important base of the Lu Zuo, and it is impossible for it to be handed over to King Zhuangxiang of Qin.

"Oh, sir, please don't be in a hurry. This matter can be discussed slowly."

King Zhuangxiang of Qin quickly changed to a more tactful tone and said, "Since you insist, then so be it."

"Korea can be self-governed, and Sang-gun will also belong to you, sir."

"but……."

"Sir, you will intervene on behalf of the Qin state six times."

Lu Zuo smiled and nodded: "It's settled then."

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly felt a faint touch under the table, like a feather brushing against him, yet subtly connecting them.

He looked up and saw Zhao Ji lowering her eyes and dividing the roasted meat on the plate, her expression calm and serene, as if everything was unrelated to her.

That woman has some nerve...

How dare you seduce me in front of the King of Qin?

King Zhuangxiang of Qin was clearly quite satisfied with this agreement. A slight smile appeared on his pale face. He raised his cup and drank with Lu Zuo twice more, talking about the sights and sounds of Xianyang and the old stories of Han.

But after only a short while, he frowned slightly, raised his hand to touch his forehead, and his breathing became a little short.

"Perhaps he's just recovered from a long illness and can't hold his liquor..."

The King of Qin shook his head, his face showing obvious fatigue: "Please forgive me, Mr. Lu, I need to return to my inner palace to rest for a while. Let's call it a day."

"Madam, please see Mr. Lu off on my behalf."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhao Ji gracefully stood up: "Mr. Lu, please."

……

The two left the palace. Lu Zuo didn't know the way out of the palace, so he silently followed behind Zhao Ji, walking through the winding corridors of Xianyang Palace.

Upon reaching the gate of a somewhat secluded palace, Zhao Ji suddenly stopped, a faint smile spreading across her lips.

"Mr. Lu, we've arrived."

Lu Zuo looked around and said, "Madam, this does not seem to be the way out of the palace."

"Isn't it easier to talk here since it's quiet?"

Before she finished speaking, Zhao Ji suddenly exerted force and pushed Lu Zuo into the hall!

With a bang, Lu Zuo burst open the palace door. Before he could turn around, a soft, warm body pressed against him from behind.

With a bang, Lu Zuo burst open the palace door. Before he could turn around, a soft, warm body pressed against him from behind.

"Are you crazy?"

"This is still..."

Zhao Ji wrapped her arms around his waist like water snakes and said softly, "I don't care."

"In short, since the gentleman didn't come last night, don't even think about leaving so easily today."

Lu Zuo turned around: "I need your help with something."

Zhao Ji closed the palace door and piled up her hair: "Hmm, what is it?"

"Prepare a few carriages for me, and place them outside the city two days from now in the afternoon."

"Hmm, it's no big deal, no problem."

……

Three days later, outside Nantong City.

It was nearly noon, the sun was blazing, and the city gate was bustling with activity.

Farmers carrying loads, peddlers pushing carts, and merchants leading donkeys moved slowly, huddled together.

Two young soldiers stood in the shade of the doorway, leaning on their spears, chatting idly.

"Wang Er, have you heard? Yesterday, another batch of bronze Buddha statues were confiscated from Ci'en Temple. They were melted down and cast into copper coins, supposedly to make up for the wages that were previously withheld from the laborers."

A burly, dark-skinned soldier nearby scoffed, "They should have done this a long time ago!"

"Those bald monks, they're usually rolling in fat. When my mother was dying, she even donated 500 coins to Ci'en Temple for incense oil..."

"Our family was killed because of these bald monks!"

Another soldier said, "However, I heard that some monks from other counties are dissatisfied and have threatened to cause trouble..."

Bang!Bang!Bang!

Just then, a series of muffled, loud noises came from afar.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up in the direction of the sound.

At the end of the official road, dust rose slightly, and a huge, ferocious monster slowly approached.

"What, what is that thing?!"

Wang Er opened his mouth wide, and the spear in his hand clattered to the ground.

"A monster!"

"It's a monster!"

"It's heading towards the city gate!"

"Run!"

……

Inside the council chamber of the prefectural governor's residence.

Shen Luoyan was discussing the selection of a site for the new army camp and the repair of water conservancy facilities with Xie Guyan, Chu Yunlong, Lin Ruhai, Huang Ye and others.

Chu Yunlong pointed to a spot on the sand table: "This place is near the mountains and forests, making it easy to obtain materials. We can set up a crafts camp here, but we will need to allocate more iron and craftsmen."

Shen Luoyan nodded: "Regarding the iron materials, we still need to start from..."

"Report!"

Suddenly, a yamen runner came running in, panting: "Your Excellency, sirs!"

"Monsters have appeared outside the city!"

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone looked at each other, completely bewildered.

Monster?

What monsters are there in this world?

Shen Luoyan frowned: "Explain clearly! What kind of monster is it? How many are there?"

"Just one, its appearance... somewhat resembles the Taotie from the paintings..."

Shen Luoyan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Let's go take a look!"

……

At this moment, the soldiers on the city wall drew their bows and nocked arrows, as if facing a formidable enemy, while the common people kept their distance and spoke in hushed tones.

Shen Luoyan and the others quickly climbed to the top of the city wall and looked down. Even though they were mentally prepared, they couldn't help but gasp.

The giant beast was ferocious in appearance, resembling a lion, a tiger, and a dragon. It was cast entirely in bronze, with complex mechanisms visible at its joints.

Its movements appear slow, but in reality, each step is extremely long. As its heavy body moves, it leaves deep footprints on the ground, and the waters of the moat ripple with each step.

"What...what is this?"

Huang Ye's expression turned grave: "I've never seen this before."

"It's neither beast nor machine, what exactly is it?"

Snap!

Suddenly, a crisp sound came from the back of the giant beast, and a piece of bronze deck slid open to one side, revealing an opening.

A tall and straight figure leaped lightly out of the cave and landed steadily on the ground.

"Lord Lu?"

Along with the people who were spying from afar, everyone stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded at the suddenly vanished Prefect Lu.

Shen Luoyan: "Where did he get such a huge thing from in just a few days?"

Immediately, the crowd rushed down from the city wall and surrounded the Taotie, examining it closely and asking questions all at once.

"Lord Lu, what is this?"

"Where did you get it?"

Lu Zuo smiled and explained, "This thing is called Taotie, a domineering mechanical beast."

"beast?"

Chu Yunlong caught the key word and asked, "Alive?"

"no."

Lu Zuo shook his head: "The Taotie is a mechanical creation, a weapon of war secretly developed by skilled craftsmen under His Majesty's orders."

Shen Luoyan's beautiful eyes lit up: "Does Your Excellency mean that this item can be used in warfare?"

"Exactly."

"The Taotie is covered in heavy armor, making it difficult to be harmed by ordinary swords and arrows. It can break through strong formations and demolish city walls."

"It contains a sophisticated mechanism that can launch hundreds of high-speed rotating flywheels and saw teeth that can cut through gold and jade with overwhelming force."

It has such power?

Upon hearing this, everyone was both amazed and horrified, and somewhat unsure.

"but....."

Lu Zuo added, "The Taotie's uses are not limited to war; it can also be used for land reclamation, dredging waterways, and so on."

"I had already tried it when I came back, and I could plow about ten acres of land in an hour."

Ten acres in one hour?

Shen Luoyan exclaimed in surprise, "More than a hundred acres a day?"

"Sir, could you please show us what you've got?"