Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"Then what is this?"

"It's my birthday today. This is the employee meal sent by McDonald's. I packed it up and brought it back."

[Ah! Yes, today is August 12th, it's her birthday!]

Seeing Shangluo hesitate, Phaethon shook his head: "Apollonia must have remembered it."

"Yeah, she just remembered it. Sorry, if I had known, I would have prepared it for you. A 16th birthday is a very important birthday, right?"

"Forget it, forget it. I haven't celebrated my birthday since I was very young. It's the company and the bank that remember my birthday at this time."

"Then you won't eat?"

"Today is Saturday, and there happens to be a free employee meal on Saturdays. I'm already full, so I brought the other one to you. Well, consider it my treat. Isn't it said that birthdays bring blessings? I'll share some of the blessings with you."

"Thank you. I'll take it then."

He took the Coke and took a sip. It seemed like he had always been the one sharing blessings with others, and it had been a long time since anyone had shared blessings with him.

He raised his head and said, "I said, you can take the change and spend it as you please. You don't have to give it back to me."

"Really!"

"Yes, indeed. I believe you. Even without the change, I don't think our quality of life will decline. Moreover, I think this can improve your motivation. After all, I'm still very busy. It's not an exaggeration to say that I have a lot of things to do every day. I don't have time to take care of my own life. Hiring you to help me solve my time problems is quite cost-effective for both of us."

"Thank you, but I'm sorry! You trusted me so much, and I still betrayed you! I'm sorry!"

"Huh? What's up?"

“Actually, there’s more to today than just these.”

As she spoke, she brought back a huge oil-paper bag from the door. Inside it were five or six layers of peach cakes neatly stacked, and it was estimated to weigh about ten pounds.

"Oh my goodness! Where did this come from???"

"I won it in a lottery. You can enter after you go shopping. Sorry! I wanted to eat it all by myself, but you're so generous that I feel ashamed. I'll give you half of the peach cake!"

Before I knew it, there was a huge pile of food on the coffee table. So much that I couldn't finish it in a week.

"You're really amazing." He looked at the peach cake, then at the other food on the table. "Did you do housework at home before?"

"No, I have an automatic machine at home, so I don't have to do housework myself."

"Automata? What's that?"

"Eh? You don't have it? I thought you guys would have something this simple. A clockwork puppet."

"A clockwork puppet can do housework?"

"An Automata equipped with a 'Vulcan Core' will do. Don't you have something similar? You have Tianyi Guiren."

“No, no, no, these two are completely different.”

"Exactly," Phaethon replied, "because the underlying principle is the same: capturing the wandering light between heaven and earth, creating an artificial soul, and then incarnating it into a machine. However, the technical path is different. The Vulcan Core uses lightning to capture it, rather than using naturally formed beans like you do."

"Then is there any difference between the two in use?"

"Well, the Vulcan core is fixed, fixed from the moment it's manufactured. Once activated by lightning, the resulting artificial soul is bound to the machine itself. If the machine disappears, the artificial soul will shatter with it. These automata are also divided into levels. The higher the level, the more human-like they are. Lower-level automata can only be bound to fixed facilities and act as generators. The automata we use at home are quite advanced, and can almost fully realize human functions except for the inability to speak."

"So when you saw Tianyi Guiren, you weren't really that surprised?"

"It was indeed surprising before I understood the principle. After that, it became much easier to accept. However, our application of automata is quite limited. The Muses, which is responsible for reviewing technological ethics, has always opposed this practice, because arbitrarily using lightning to capture wandering light is a form of 'imprisonment.' So, it was only a matter of time before Columbia parted ways with us. They have irreconcilable conflicts with each of the Senate, the Oracle, and the Muses."

"This"

This is impressive, incredibly impressive. Just by listening to it, you know this is technology capable of changing the world, capable of supporting a world-class superpower.

"Let me confirm. What is this 'Vulkan Core' you mentioned?"

"That's the Syracuse Academy. Simply put, it's a degraded version of the Divine Machine. Mass-produced 'Vulcan Cores' come in various sizes, and when installed in a machine, they become 'automata.' Humanoid automata can function like humans, but their performance depends on the design of the puppet itself. A well-designed puppet can perform complex household tasks, including sweeping, washing clothes, cooking, and so on, as long as it has enough joints. Larger automata can perform heavier tasks, and what they all have in common is that they don't require energy."

"Are they, perpetual motion machines?"

Phaethon nodded. "Yes, that's the perpetual motion machine. It's the product of the intersection of human body transformation and the Philosopher's Stone."

"So they really don't need to input energy to use it?" Shangluo asked. After all, this sounded too incredible.

"Yes, indeed. But that probably doesn't count as input energy? Here's the thing: all Vulcan cores, when operating, cool the surrounding air. The lower the temperature, the slower the Vulcan core operates. So we typically use a water condensation system to maintain the Vulcan core's temperature, allowing large automata to operate while spitting out ice. Smaller automata don't require water condensation; room temperature is sufficient.

"So, it's impossible to create an infinitely large automaton, because that would instantly drop the core temperature to the point where it can't operate. Only when the size and output power are appropriate can the automaton operate properly—so, while it's true that no energy input is required, the task of 'dissipating the heat' is actually quite tricky. What, why are you looking at me like that?"

"It turns out that help is far away and right in front of us! Can you help me get one over here? The person I want to shake is you."

Chapter 336 Columbia Automata

"Ah! I understand." After listening to Shangluo's words, Phaethon nodded. "You thought you were invincible, but you didn't expect there would be opponents that even you find difficult. Or four or five of them suddenly appeared?"

"Actually, I don't have to look for you. But I don't really want to see Lao Shang right now. I don't want to see him unless there's no other way. This is a family matter, I hope you won't ask about it."

"I understand." Phaethon nodded. "My family situation is also complicated, I can understand. But the matter of automata may not be what you think - the Vulcan Core has a disadvantage, which is that it is very heavy. It is extremely heavy. It can only be used in facilities such as ships and factories that are not sensitive to weight. If used in a racing car, the power provided by the 'Vulcan Core' of the same weight is far less than that of a fuel engine of the same weight. For example..."

She thought for a while:

"For example, in the decades since automata were invented, their most common use has been for household chores. Because of the power limits of humanoid automata, they can only perform household chores, and only relatively light ones at that. Sweeping the floor, doing laundry, cooking, and the like."

"Is there a but?"

"Um, sorry, no buts. If this thing was truly that powerful, Columbia would have broken off relations with us long ago, without having to wait until the Lighthouse system was online. Perhaps it will be useful in the future, but time is not on their side—but honestly, it's really convenient for household chores. Many Roman senators have already replaced their human maids with automaton maids, and they're quite useful. It seems that at human scale, automata are quite efficient. They're not so efficient outside of human labor."

"Wait." Shang Luo blinked. "I mean, maybe. Is there a possibility that some automata have infiltrated the Romans? After all, you said they can perform human functions. So, is it possible that they are living in disguise as humans?"

"Unlikely. The reason I mentioned earlier: Automata sometimes possess intelligence comparable to humans, but they cannot speak human language. Furthermore, even if they infiltrate or even betray, the power of an automaton is no more than that of a human, or even weaker than that of an ordinary person."

"How weak?"

"That frail sixteen-year-old middle school girl who's dieting to stay in shape has only this much strength at best. A strong wind might even blow her down."

"But humans do use tools." Shang Luo looked at her. "Don't you think this is terrifying? A group of life forms with intelligence similar to humans, even if their physical strength is weaker than humans, they can still use tools."

"So that's why the Muse in Alexandria thought this technology was dangerous—and of course, Columbia thought it was dangerous to go into a nutshell."

"I think both of you are dangerous!"

"Then I also think your evil spirit is dangerous! That thing will explode! Your spiritual energy is also dangerous. What if a Long Aotian who says 'those who obey me will prosper, and those who disobey me will perish' suddenly appears to fight for destiny? Wouldn't it be a bloodbath and a river of blood?"

"Oh, that." After he said that, Shang Luo suddenly thought of another thing. "The person you're talking about seems to be me. But I don't intend to fight for destiny, although it seems possible. Maybe it's because I think that although this is not my own home, it is not a jungle where the strong prey on the weak. It is more like the home of relatives. So as far as my personal interests are concerned, there is no need for me to fight for "destiny" or "luck". After all, everyone is helping me, and if I help everyone, I can cultivate faster."

But what if it was someone else?

Spiritual power can activate a person's potential, with no visible limit, leading to an infinite path. While this absolute force is currently in the hands of the right people, it could also be in the wrong hands, transforming the world into one where cultivating the immortal realm is the sole priority, a world filled with shrewd and insidious practices, where everyone cries "those who follow me prosper, those who defy me perish," and where those without the talent for cultivating the immortal realm aren't even qualified to play a supporting role.

This is not impossible. Although the purpose of cultivating immortals is to achieve longevity, as more immortals have established their own society, they do not necessarily need to "long-term" mortal society.

so.

So, from the very beginning, you've been strictly adhering to the principle of 'cultivating Qigong practitioners as human beings.' Is that why? If Qigong practitioners evolve, it's no different from becoming another species. Just like automata, like those puppets driven by automata. They're just weaker, and Qigong practitioners are stronger. They can be human, or they can be non-human. So...

Apollonia paused. "So, the Pure Land is so crucial. Only with the Pure Land can we ensure that we all survive as one species, rather than being divided into two parts: celestial beings and mortals."

"But the Romans couldn't solve this problem," Shang Luo said solemnly. "I can see that Rome has indeed found the path to infinity—and found two at once. Although we here also know about spiritual energy in addition to evil energy, the degree of perfection is obviously not very high. But the Romans broke apart on their own without anyone touching them. I say, Miss Phaethon, which side are you on?"

"I actually prefer Automata because it's more fun, but I disagree with my own opinion. I'm Greek, I support the Oracle, and I'll always support Miss Apollonia."

[Humph, there are no red flowers for utilitarian praise! ]

"I'm serious!"

[Tsk, this isn't the first day I've known you.]

"But I really think that Apollonia is the key to saving Rome!"

Shangluo sat beside him, eating peach cakes. "You two have a really good relationship. Even though neither of you can hear, you can still chat back and forth. You're really good at crosstalk. Even if one of you gets drunk, the other can still carry on consciously."

"Alas," Phaethon sighed. "In short, the future is pretty predictable. Without the constraints of the House of Muses on scientific ethics, Columbia will probably be ready to take off like the starting gun. After all, they used to be the 'Western Rome,' and we, the 'Eastern Rome,' were inseparable and shared weal and woe. But now that the two sides have broken off, they can now do everything they were previously restricted by scientific ethics."

Chapter 337 Scientific Ethics

"So, that rocket they fired was the starting gun?"

Phaethon thought for a moment and nodded slightly. "I think so. The best-case scenario is that they succeed in launching the missile, using that salute to announce their presence. But this situation is also a declaration on another level: Columbia is about to start making its move."

"It's not a big deal if they exert their strength, it would be nice to add fuel to the world's development. But I'm afraid they won't just exert their strength—they might even go crazy."

The court's attitude towards the Colombians was very clear: it did not consider them separate from Rome. Until both sides formally made some form of "break", the court would not care about them.

If civil war breaks out between Eastern and Western Rome, the relationship between the World Island and the New World will have to be redefined. From the current situation, it seems that Columbia wants to maintain the current relationship, including the cabinet's decision to broadcast Gaius Pompey Magnus' speech. This at least shows that the court recognizes Columbia to some extent.

But that was a show of force. The imperial court didn't mind the world having another driving force, as there was already an agreement between the imperial court and Rome for technology exchange. But going crazy was another matter.

"I think Columbia needs to relearn what scientific and technological ethics are." Shangluo raised his head. "The Palace of Muse can't control them now. But as neighbors, I think we need to have some discussions about neighborhood relations. I'll ask the cabinet if they've done anything about it."

“What if your cabinet isn’t doing it?”

"Whatever the cabinet cannot do, the Ministry of Thunder will do. Whatever the cabinet cannot manage, the Ministry of Thunder will manage."

[Alright! Execute first and report later. Daojun has special permission.]

"."

"Did she say anything?"

"Is there any way to hit her on the head? Oh, yes, I have a hammer specifically for hitting her."

【Ah ah ah! ! ! 】

"Oh, forget it." Phaethon held his hand. "Her birthday is coming soon. Please let her go for now."

[Woo woo~~ Big red flower, big red flower for you! You still know how to care for your aunt.]

"Okay. I won't take out the hammer. However, I still want to try the automaton's technology. Eastern Roman magic is too ethereal, and the competition is a matter of the living world, so it's unlikely to be of much use. The automaton may be able to help me."

"Are you sure? I think there might be some power issue."

"Then do you know what determines power?"

"I don't know about that." Phaethon shook his head. "After all, this is not our decision."

"Then why not give it a try? 'Vulcan Core' is that the name, right? I'll go see if I can get a Vulcan Core. Since it's a degraded version of the Divine Machine, then eh?"

Shangluo suddenly thought about it: "How did you instill Youguang with those Vulcan cores?"

"Using lightning. Specifically, it's because lightning carries power from the 'higher realms.' The so-called 'light from heaven shines down.' Lightning is the fleeting flash of light that connects heaven and earth. Just like your Qigong practitioners, when they reach a certain level of cultivation, they will also attract thunder tribulations. Lightning comes from above."

"Then can I just force the Tianyi nobles in? Not really, I'll just let them use the stick-sending technique and live there directly. If there aren't any additional restrictions, they can come and go freely in there, and even perform more powerful functions."

"Huh???" Phaethon was stunned for a moment, "Is there such a thing? This seems to be possible."

"I think it's totally possible! Perhaps your power is low because the spirit infused into you by the lightning is too weak. Our Tianyi Guiren is very powerful!"

As he spoke, he clapped his hands twice, and the former young player pulled himself out of the backpack and gave a thumbs up in the air.

"Wait. Maybe it really can," Phaethon replied. "I use quite a few automatons myself. From what I've observed, all of them have very weak self-awareness, nothing like the strong personalities of Tianyi Noblemen. If a more powerful Tianyi Noblemen were stationed there, perhaps a compromise could be reached—and then there wouldn't be any need to worry about the alignment issue. How do you treat Tianyi Noblemen?"

"Like a relative's child," Shangluo replied, "or, like a Taoist child. Even immortals have a few Taoist children. Even if they just do odd jobs like burning the alchemy furnace for a while, they can still achieve enlightenment."

"Then I think you could have resolved the ethical issues right from the start. This might have saved Columbia. However, I should remind you that the Vulcan Core isn't something you can just imagine. It's likely they'll be bound together. You might need to experiment to determine what kind of reaction will occur between the two. After all, Rome doesn't have any kind of Heavenly Nobles."

"Wait a minute." Shangluo took out his phone. "No matter what, I have to go to Alexandria and try out a Vulcan core. I'll go after the preliminaries, but I'd better call and ask before going."

He dialed Zhu Xianxin's number.

"Vulcan core? I have it right here." Zhu Xianxun answered immediately.

Shangluo was a little surprised, but not that surprised. Zhu Xianxun always seemed to be able to pull out all kinds of treasures, so nothing was surprising.

"So, where is it? Can I take a look?" he asked Zhu Xianxun.

"In the warehouse, there's a writing clock. My mom said it's ugly and creepy, so I've kept it in the warehouse ever since. That writing clock was given to me by Victoria's father when I was still the crown prince. It's been in the warehouse for quite a few years now. Do you want to use it?"

He consulted Phaethon.

"No problem. The Vulcan core has changed very little over the years, so even versions from a few years ago should work. And since this is a state gift to the Ming Emperor, it must have been carefully selected, and its performance must be superior to ordinary models. Well, I think if you just take that one and use it, maybe it will work."

"Okay." Shangluo nodded. "Then I'll go take a look tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon."

"Okay, I'll have someone look for it for you. You can just take it when you get here. It's useless just leaving it in the warehouse. State gifts can't be given away casually, but it doesn't lose its status if it's with you, so I'll just leave it with you. Do you have a qualifying match tomorrow morning?"

"Yes."