Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"Are snakes evil?"

"That's not the case." Lan Daoxing shook his head. "Zhuangzi said: 'Between the wooden goose, there are changes between dragons and snakes.' It means that we must adapt to the changes between dragons and snakes. Dragons certainly have the virtue of protecting life, but snakes are not all bad things."

"why?"

"Look at the rubber band on your hand—snakes drop treasures for you, don't they? The Romans often went there to hunt for treasures. Dragons bring prosperity and order, but snakes bring opportunity. There are fifty great ways, and forty-nine heavenly evolutions. Those that escape can also be opportunities. I heard that, Shangluo Heir, you've been to the Romans and helped them hunt for treasures?"

"Wait, that's, Yakon?"

"Yes." Lan Daoxing nodded. "Arkon is the serpent god. There's a scripture in Rome called 'The Acts of Thomas' and a poem called 'The Pearl'. It tells the story of twin princes from heaven who descended to the mortal world one after another to retrieve a pearl from a giant serpent on earth. The giant python entwined in the mortal world is the serpent god. The Romans called the other side of the serpent 'Iyon', and we call it 'dragon'."

"So that's how it is! Those are the Archons from the small world. I was wondering why they were the same kind as the Big Archons, and they even opened a portal. But no matter what, having four or five snakes is still terrifying."

"Ha! Ha!" Zhu Xianxun was frightened. "So move this door away quickly! I don't want a big snake to run out of the office one day."

"Don't worry, you can't get out. Just do it when you get out." Lan Daoxing pointed at the rubber band on Shangluo's hand, "After all, this is just a world within a pot. If a giant snake from any cave could break out, then the world would be full of snakes. Unless you enter its world yourself, you will be stared at by it."

"Then I don't want it. It's still a scary thing." Zhu Xianxi shook his head repeatedly. "Even if I don't go in, it can't stare at me, but a casual stare at me is still pretty scary. What about you, Shangluo?"

"This... this teapot is quite useful."

I have to say, the scenery there is quite nice. But there is an evil thing hidden in the beautiful scenery, so no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it is hard to appreciate it.

And the space inside seems to be underutilized. It's filled with water and tea leaves floating around. It's useless other than being a tourist attraction.

"Oh, what a pity." Shangluo sighed. "Actually, I was planning to use that tea leaf as a server for everyone to try out before entering the Pure Land. But there are so few quotas in there, and there are so many giant snakes, what should I do? But...eh?"

Suddenly, he touched his chin and said, "Brother, when we talked about building the spiritual network, we should first let the monks go into the Pure Land to test the waters, right?"

"correct."

"Then what do you think of this teapot? It has many islands inside, and each island can have different stories. There are also giant snakes and monsters inside. Isn't this exciting?"

"No, no, no." Zhu Xianxun shook his head repeatedly. He had shown the same determination to retreat at the critical moment as Zhu Ling had expected. He would never take risks unless absolutely necessary. "That's way too exciting in there! A giant snake blocking out the sun and sky, its tongue spitting out like the Milky Way. How can we have fun there? Should we go in and feed the snake?"

"How about going in as a trance? A Yin spirit?"

"That's fine, I have no objection. As long as it's safe, I don't mind. But why is it weird?" Zhu Xianxun thought again, "Aren't you asking people to work for nothing, to help you go in and clean the house?"

"Well, I'm providing fun for everyone! Isn't this fun? Look, everyone's playing Heroes Tour offline, why not play it online? You can even hunt for treasures!"

"But Yin spirits can't hold objects, so won't all the treasures you find belong to you?"

"Ahem. But everyone had fun, didn't they? Look, I volunteered my magic weapon for everyone to use. Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, I'm truly a loyal and patriotic person."

"Okay, okay." Zhu Xianxun waved his hand. "If you want to go in and play, count me in. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know. Although this is heaven's business and you're in charge, you can still ask for help if you need it."

"I do have a favor to offer you. Please wait a moment."

He reached into his bundle and pulled out the teapot—yes, he could take it out now, just as Master Lan had reached in to catch the snake. It seemed the power of the Sha Pill had blasted open a small space, but the true "Heaven in the Pot" existed only within the teapot. The rest of the space only had up and down, not past and present, so it could only serve as a pocket.

The embarrassing thing is that the space inside is not much bigger than the bag, just enough space for a set of tables, chairs and benches, but he doesn't have to go through the trouble of carrying it.

After taking out the teapot, he also pulled out the other furniture and piled them aside.

"The problem is this teapot. It would be quite scary if a snake suddenly ran out of this teapot in my storage room. Can you help me find a safe place where someone can take care of it at all times and entrust it to me?"

"Hey, hey, hey, I said lend a hand. You can't leave all the operations and maintenance to me. That'll cost extra. And I'm not the one collecting the money. You need to talk to Master Qiu's Quanzhen Sect about renting the blessed land and maintaining it. They're responsible for that. Oh, and here's his business card. Master Qiu asked me to give it to you after the meeting the other day. If you need anything, just contact them directly. Also, move this flaming gate with you when you move the cave. Where are you going to put it?"

"I'm going to go in there sometime. Let me think about it. I might as well put it in the Ministry of Thunder, or even under the Imperial Kitchen, so I can check the pot anytime. It seems like putting it in Wen Yuan's backyard would also be an option. It's bigger there, and it's close to my house. I'll discuss it with him later."

Chapter 310 Te Jiuwu's Wish

"Are you awake?" Shangluo lowered the newspaper when he heard some movement on the sofa opposite.

"Ah, I was eaten by a snake?" Te Jiuwu opened his eyes.

"No, Master Lantian has caught the snake. You are safe now."

"Oh yes, I still remember."

"It's been so long and I still don't know what to call you. I only know your last name is Wu. What's your name?"

"No, just call me Special Ninety-Five. I don't want anyone to know my identity. I'm afraid my family will know what I've become."

He had no intention of telling Shangluo at all.

"Do you need to take care of your family?"

"They were already doing well, so they don't need any extra care. Until I find a way to recover, just assume I'm normal. It's best to pretend nothing ever happened. So, just write me off as Special 95 in the written records."

"Okay. Then can I call you a fellow Taoist?"

"It's my honor, fellow Daoist." He smiled. His mood was much better than before.

"However, I still have some sad news to tell you. In the end, we still couldn't find out why you were in the Pot, so you will probably have to stay like this, but only temporarily. But we have already started organizing people to go in and explore. It seems that there are still many good things in there. We should be able to make some achievements in a few years."

"Thank you very much. Well, it's actually not that bad in there. I can only feel my illusory body outside, but inside it's no different from before. Every sense is incredibly real. I even feel like I could have a barbecue party in there—just like we used to do in the research institute. We would have a snack every once in a while, and on cool nights with heavy dew, we would have a barbecue party facing the desert. There was sizzling lamb roasting, which was bought nearby. It smelled amazing."

【Ah~~ That's really good~~ I want to eat it too. 】

"Another one who can't eat, right? Oh, right." He suddenly remembered a key question he hadn't asked:

"Fellow Daoist, what are your plans for the future? Although you are temporarily safe now, you may have to remain in the state of Yin Spirit for a long time. How do you plan to spend this time?"

"If possible, I still want to return to the research facility of Xuanzi No. 95. I am not afraid of anything now."

He truly had nothing to fear now. As a Yin God, he was quite stable. In some ways, he was no different from the Yin Gods on the Conferred God List. While it was difficult to improve, it was also difficult to sustain any damage. He didn't even need to sleep.

"As a researcher, I'm now well-suited to observe places that others can't go, even areas where even cameras would be disrupted."

"Oh, right," Shangluo reminded him, "you can indeed go to those dangerous areas—but there's a prerequisite: the cameras must at least be able to capture you. From now on, no matter where you go, you must at least remain 'under observation,' otherwise, something unpredictable might happen."

"what happens?"

"What will happen is 'unpredictable.' Because it's the same wherever you are, it's also the same wherever you are not. It's neither born nor destroyed, neither dirty nor clean, neither increasing nor decreasing. So by then, existence might become increasingly tenuous—but you can rest in the pot; it's not that hard. Just be careful when you go out."

"Is that so? Then if I were to observe the experimental reaction vessel."

"I'll have you filmed, that's all. Except in Huzhongtian, don't leave the camera or other people's sight. From just now until now, I've been having the Tianyi nobles film you."

"Just a reminder, the Tianyi nobles have been working too much overtime today, and they're very angry. They say you, the new guy, don't know the rules, but for my sake, they'll tolerate you for a while."

"Add more food, please. Add more food. How about a chicken drumstick?"

[Wait a minute. They asked if you like it?]

"For snacks, I quite like chicken legs."

"That's it. They'll only eat what you like. But they asked when we'll get off work. It's already past eight, and they have a social gathering with the other broad beans... ahem, the other heavenly soldiers and generals. They want to take your chicken drumsticks home to eat."

"Right away, right away, I'll be off work."

He looked at Te Jiuwu and said, "Let me first tell you about the arrangements. I'll find a way to get you in through the spiritual network. You can go back first." After saying that, he glanced at his watch. It was indeed time to get off work "soon."

"Well, I'll be going back first. Tomorrow morning I'll have the Royal Guards come and take care of your affairs. They should be escorting you back to the facility with cameras in hand."

"Okay, thanks. Could you please open the newspaper in your hand? I'm quite bored, and if you open it up I can read it—tsk, why do I always feel like a fish in an aquarium, separated from you all by a layer of glass? Forget it, forget it, when I return to Xuanzi No. 95 Institute, I'll find an assistant researcher to follow me all the time. Bye then."

Coming out of the basement of the imperial kitchen with the camera under his arm, Shangluo made a phone call:

"Hey, Captain Lu, are you free now?"

"I'm taking the princess back. She's waiting for the sugar-roasted chestnuts. What's going on?"

"Fellow Daoist 'Special Ninety-Five' is basically safe now, but he wants to return to the institute as soon as possible. Can the Imperial Guard arrange for someone to take him back? They'll need to keep an eye on him the entire time, or point a camera at him."

"Camcorder? A film one, please?"

"can."

"That's no problem. But film is quite expensive, and people need to sleep, after all. Do we have to keep the camera pointed at him when he returns to the institute?"

"No need. I will leave him a way to enter Huzhongtian through Black Stone. After returning to the institute, he can go to Huzhongtian to rest through fixed facilities. During the day, there will always be someone watching him."

"That's fine. It's a small matter. I'll arrange it right away."

"Oh, just one little thing—could I get a can of chicken legs?"

"." Lu Huaiyang was stunned for a moment, "Canned chicken legs? Do you need them urgently?"

"It's for Noble Tianyi. Can I take one back?"

"This is no small matter because there are no canned chicken legs."

"There has never been this?"

"Oh," Lu Huaiyang sighed. "You young people are so lazy and don't know the difference between grains. How can you cannify chicken thighs? Chicken bones are hollow, so processing them is extremely troublesome. That's why there are no canned chicken thighs. At most, there's chicken puree made from shaved chicken breasts."

Apollonia screamed, "It's over! I can't hold it any longer! They're mad! Think carefully before you agree to anything! They're going to rebel!"

"Wait a minute!" Although he didn't know how they were going to rebel, Shangluo immediately proposed a remedy. "Wait a minute! I'll find someone to make it now! Can we make it now?"

[Half an hour. They said they'd wait a little longer.]

Chapter 311 Jinling Hotel

"Wait, wait, let me look for it." He hung up Lu Huaiyang's phone and looked around.

It was already past the off-duty time, and there was no one in the palace area.Because the emperor himself lived in Xiyuan, there were not too many guards on patrol here.The entire Grand Palais and the surrounding streets are separated by a dense pine forest, which provides soft shelter all year round.Looking out from here, you can't see anything at all, only a building not far away is lit with golden palace lanterns, and there are several big characters in pavilion style hanging on it: Jinling Hotel.

Jinling Hotel, second floor.

"Ah, Miss Phaethon, I thought you weren't coming." Beside the dining table, Yanqiu was dressed almost the same as during the day, except that she was wearing a comfortable soft hat.

"I'm sorry. I'm really tired." Phaethon tried her best to maintain her demeanor. Although she was not physically tired, she was still mentally sleepy after carrying the camera from beginning to end.But she was very happy when someone invited her to dinner.

This was the first time someone had taken the initiative to befriend her, and it was when she had lost her divine nature. Although they were a little rushed and didn't say much, she still cherished this friend.

"You called me here to ask about the use of those shampoos?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Yan Qiu nodded repeatedly. "Also, this matter hasn't been finalized yet. I was thinking... could you be a consultant during my talks with Lan Fang Company? You're also a Qigong practitioner, right? I heard that Guoxing highly respects the opinions of Qigong practitioners. If we can get the assistance of another Qigong practitioner besides me, he'll definitely be very optimistic about our sincerity—and, your hair! Most importantly, your hair!"

"Hair? What's wrong with my hair?"

"You might not know this, but let me tell you a little story. I heard Guoxing and Jinshang were classmates and friends back then, but he didn't even know Jinshang's identity. Lan Fang had a sophisticated system for training Qigong practitioners. Guoxing grew up surrounded by Qigong practitioners, but he had no talent for Qigong. So, he and Jinshang worked together to create a 'spiritual liquid'. Guoxing tested the medicine on himself, and the effects were immediate, leading him to ascend to the Celestial Realm on the spot."

"Ohhhhh!" Phaethon's mouth bulged into an "O" shape. "Is it true? There's actually such a medicine!"

If there was such an elixir, she would be able to return to her previous state with just one sip.

"Indeed, he did. However, Guo's surname only lasted for a moment in the Heavenly Realm. After just a moment, his cultivation was completely lost, and he fell back into the mortal realm. Only his hair was forever changed. He had the white hair of a Heavenly Realm."

"It's okay if I have hair! You can't get that from this kind of medicine!"

"Which one do you want? Well, only Guoxing and Jinshang know this recipe. I've only heard about it—let me tell you, this is a little secret, and the number of people who know it is no more than a handful of chopsticks."

"Yes, yes, yes." Phaethon nodded repeatedly, "I will keep it a secret."

"So Guoxing has always been very interested in hair. He used his own hair to study how to restore himself to the celestial body he had at 'that moment.' Of course, Lan Fang's shampoo and skincare products are all byproducts of this research, as Guoxing seems to be trying to use these cosmetics to maintain the appearance of his hair."

"Does his hair need any maintenance?"

"Because he wasn't a true celestial being, his hair just turned gray. He then fell from that stage—so he needed to constantly replenish his spiritual energy to maintain his gray hair. Oh, and I heard that he had great results with those shampoos, just like you."

"Can I see him? Can I see him?"

"Huh?" Seeing Phaethon's excitement surprised Yanqiu. "Of course I can meet him. Guoxing takes this shampoo endorsement deal very seriously. He's making an exception and coming here as the leader of the Lan Fang Formula One team, to promote the team. I heard the Lan Fang cars are now covered in trademarks, as densely packed as patchwork quilts. He'll also meet with me when he comes to the capital. So, can I ask him to be my agent?"

"No problem!" Phaethon nodded vigorously, "Of course I am willing."

"Oh, that's great! But, will this take up your time? You seem to have some relationship with... with Mr. Shangluo?"

"We have an employment relationship, but I still have enough time."

She did the math. Although she was working with Shangluo and Golden Arches at the same time, she could still manage the work with Yanqiu.

"Then let's contact each other by phone."

"But I don't have the jade token yet."

"It's okay, it's okay." She waved her hand, "I've been ready for a long time."

She turned around and took out a panda doll from her bag.

It was exactly the same as her own "Fu Fu", but shrunk to the size of a fist.

"This is."

"It's called Fu Fu, and it's my Tian Yi Gui Ren. I have a big Fu Fu in my room, and this little Fu Fu is a replica of the big Fu Fu. You can hold it and talk to it, and Fu Fu will tell me. It's actually the same principle as the jade pendant. I set this up myself. Fu Fu only listens to me, but if it's you, it will definitely agree. Fu Fu seems to like you very much."