Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

"I was able to glimpse the internal mechanism of that cultivator's magic weapon, but unfortunately it has been completely destroyed, so I have no way to investigate it further."

"Hmm, it's alright..."

Xie Cangrong had long since given up on researching the Cloud-Piercing Boat. He picked up Gong Qiao's wooden kite box and played with it with great interest: "Is there a limit to this power?"

He knew that Gong Qiao had gained special power, which might lead the Great Xia Industrial Manufacturing on an unprecedented path, deviating from the direction of technological development he had envisioned.

Steampunk? Or mechanical engineering?

He couldn't even imagine the future.

Gong Qiao replied, "Yes!"

"Currently, it can only control objects weighing up to 100 jin (50 kg), and the structure cannot be too complicated. Furthermore, prolonged use will cause some mental strain."

Xie Cangrong frowned slightly upon hearing this: "Some losses?"

Gong Qiao smiled and said, "It's alright, Your Majesty. I can sense a special power in this world. I can absorb it to replenish my losses, and I will recover after a short rest."

"Oh?"

This is similar to what Chu Xiangyun said about breathing in the essence of heaven and earth to replenish one's magical power.

Although they talk about different things, they are essentially similar.

"Is there any way to enhance it?"

Gong Qiao smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, at first I could barely control this wheelchair and only sense its internal structure. At most, I could only control a ten-pound object. Now, after repeated deductions and refined control methods, I can control a hundred pounds. This strength can certainly be molded and strengthened."

She opened her palm and gently clenched it, her eyes sparkling: "The deeper I delve, the more I realize its boundless mysteries. I feel as if I've embarked on a broad and promising road, with no end in sight!"

The road ahead is bright, and she is full of confidence.

"it is good."

Xie Cangrong nodded slightly upon hearing this.

They are now walking a path that has never been trodden before.

While exploring and learning on your own may seem refreshing and unique, and offers the hope of overtaking others, the biggest challenge lies in having no clear direction, no guiding principles, and no way to become stronger.

However, since Gong Qiao is currently in good condition and has found a way to improve, that is good.

He asked Gong Qiao, "Do you know how cultivators practice?"

Gong Qiao shook her head: "I don't know."

Xie Cangrong shared the information Chu Xiangyun had previously given him with Gong Qiao: "Cultivators rely on cultivation techniques to breathe in the essence of heaven and earth, refining it into magical power to unleash supernatural abilities. When they cultivate to a certain level, they can break through realms and become even more powerful. It is said that there are twelve realms in total. At the extreme level, one can live as long as the sun and moon, wield supreme power, and become immortal..."

He told Gong Qiao about the cultivation process to give her some inspiration. Although their paths differed, the principles of breakthrough and becoming stronger might be similar. If she wanted to move forward, she might have to go through a similar process to the cultivator.

Based on the process of cultivators cultivating immortality, she might be able to create her own 'cultivation techniques,' build a cultivation system of 'mechanical arts,' and cultivate some talents suitable for her path.

Upon hearing this, Gong Qiao lowered her eyes and murmured softly, "Cultivation techniques, breathing in and out the essence of heaven and earth, twelve realms..."

She immediately looked up at Xie Cangrong and asked, "Your Majesty, if I were to have the opportunity to obtain a cultivator's technique, would you allow me to see it?"

"Of course."

"Um."

That was enough of that. Xie Cangrong seemed to remember something and asked, "Tomorrow I'm going to hold a banquet to celebrate their merit in bringing rain. Will you be coming?"

Gong Qiao shook her head: "Your Majesty, the Ordnance Bureau is very busy, and I have no interest in banquets and entertainment."

Gong Qiao has never liked noise, and seeing these cultivators once is enough for her.

Xie Cangrong had said that she only needed to focus on her research and manufacturing, and didn't need to get involved in those scheming and intrigue. She preferred being alone with Xie Cangrong like this. Compared to the banquet where every word was laced with hidden meaning, she preferred staying in the Ordnance Bureau to conduct her research.

Xie Cangrong laughed and said, "All you do is stay cooped up in the Ordnance Bureau all day. You need to rest sometimes! People who don't know better might think I'm some kind of cruel and heartless emperor who mistreats his officials!"

Xie Cangrong was not a heartless emperor?

Gong Qiao looked Xie Cangrong up and down, her gaze somewhat subtle.

Let alone our own officials, even envoys from afar were tricked and thrown out to do hard labor in the rain. And you say that's not heartless?

Ironically, he also has the ability to prevent people from complaining about him.

Gong Qiao didn't answer, only looking at him with a strange expression. Xie Cangrong kept smiling and said, "My dear minister, aren't you going to say anything? I have no way to back down now~"

Gong Qiao rolled her eyes. This person is so hypocritical!

However, she also gave a charming smile and said to Xie Cangrong in a flattering manner, "Oh dear~ How could Your Majesty be such a heartless emperor? I did it all voluntarily! Your Majesty is the most diligent in governing and loves the people the most, and is the most considerate of your subjects. Your Majesty is our greatest emperor of all time, an unparalleled sage ruler. Please don't say such things again~"

Extreme flattery and praise are nothing more than sarcastic sarcasm.

But Xie Cangrong actually quite liked listening to it, and he was the only one who could see this side of Gong Qiao.

He nodded in satisfaction: "Good~ good~"

"I am deeply gratified that you show me such respect, my dear minister."

Gong Qiao: ...

So, she simply couldn't do anything about this person.

Xie Cangrong was good at chatting, but Gong Qiao clearly didn't like to talk. Even with close and trusted people, chatting required a lot of her social energy. After a few casual words, she asked Xie Cangrong for her leave.

Just as she was about to leave, she seemed to remember something, pursed her lips, and stopped her wheelchair: "Your Majesty, I can stand and walk now. Do you still stand by what you said before, that you would take me on a horseback hunting trip?"

"Um?"

Xie Cangrong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily, "Of course! Whether you can walk or not, I'm willing to take you to amusement parks."

Gong Qiao's eyes instantly sparkled, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As the sunlight streamed in, Gong Qiao's figure gradually disappeared from sight.

Xie Cangrong averted his gaze and focused it on his palm.

The wooden kite and black bird made by Gong Qiao remained here.

The next instant, he narrowed his eyes, and an invisible force rippled outwards.

Gong Qiao has already left and no longer has the power to control the wooden bird.

But then, accompanied by a series of clicking sounds, the wooden box slowly unfolded its wings, transforming into the shape of a black bird, and soared into the sky.

Xie Cangrong looked up at the soaring black bird and murmured softly, "How interesting..."

……

On the other side,

"Senior brother, this Lieyang City is really much more lively than our Huayue City."

As dusk settles in the capital's restaurants, the atmosphere is vibrant with the clinking of glasses and the bustling noise of the crowd. Today, however, there are a few special guests.

Lieyang City is the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, and as its economic and political center, it is naturally exceptionally prosperous.

Lu Junfeng, unusually, lifted the restrictions, allowing Shi Yu and his three junior brothers to stroll around the capital. The completely different scenery and people were captivating, even for cultivators who sought transcendence, and they couldn't help but be enchanted by the bustling world.

The four men sat down, enjoying the delicious food and fine wine, and discussed this new and wondrous dynasty.