Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"Do you have it?" he asked Apollonia.

[I don't know the principle of this thing yet. But if it is through the symbolic 'circle of light' to gather energy, then to achieve this level of power, it seems that you don't need such a noble metal as divine chromium. There are many kinds of divine power metals. You can ask Alexander to borrow some for use. With your current influence on Victoria, she will definitely agree.]

"Is it precious?"

[It is part of alchemy. It is not cheap, but it has been widely used in technologies such as automata. So I say, if it is you, it should not be difficult - this may become a true technical union between our two sides, which has never happened before. With the power of alchemy and fairy magic, the real heavenly soldiers may be born soon, and they are just one step away. ]

"Heavenly soldier, huh?"

[The real heavenly soldiers, like the army of the gods in heaven. They are invincible, unbeatable, and overwhelming. Their fighting force is so powerful that it makes people despair in both quantity and quality.]

"You know, this aura all over the sky makes me realize something: if it becomes easier to extract aura from nature, there is no reason why we are the only ones who think of this."

[What technological barbarians come to your mind? 】

"Those technological barbarians may be able to get a glimpse of the power of the extraordinary world from this change. We must be faster than those barbarians."

[You really are prepared for danger in times of peace.]

"I come from an era where we have to be prepared for danger in times of peace. I know a saying that would be outrageous here - if you fall behind, you will be beaten."

【why? 】

"You see, this is what you think is outrageous, but I think 'you don't think it' is outrageous. Because here, falling behind will not lead to being beaten. There are two meanings - first, the world's order is provided by the imperial court, and there is no such thing as the big bullying the small. Second, even if the barbarians have some tricks, they can't rank in front of the absolutely extraordinary world enemy countries. Even if they want to die, they have to queue up and draw lots."

"Yes, that's true. I can't imagine both China and Rome facing such a world of broken rituals and social order. The thought of it gives me a chill."

"The resurgence of spiritual energy—or rather, its spread throughout the world—has given those barbarians a glimpse into the transcendental for the first time. While this could also bring about a quantum leap for us, that should be prioritized slightly lower. Now that I am in charge of the Heavenly Court and the Imperial Court, my opinion is: declare war. If anyone dares to show their face, we will strike them to death until they wake up."

[So, you are different from Tianzi and Victoria. You put military reform at the top of your work schedule, right?]

"What do you think, wise Envoy Huiming?"

[I am smart and choose to trust your judgment. I bought your stock. I think you will definitely explode! ]

"Have you calculated it?"

[Intuition! My intuition is always accurate.]

"Then I'll lend you my blessing. Besides, we have to hurry up. The automaton of New Antioch made me realize the 'potential'. Those perpetual motion machines really could suddenly appear out of nowhere. So unlike the other two, I know I should prepare for a rainy day and get my umbrella ready before it rains."

He also conveyed his opinion to Fu Yuanshan——

"Well, give it a try," Fu Yuanshan replied, "This requires the cooperation of the court. However, as long as you show the power of 'informatization' a little bit, I can help you convince other people in the court - this can save you a lot of trouble."

"Then the easiest thing is to demonstrate the flying sword."

The flying sword was quickly moved to the testing ground - it was a small gadget that Shangluo had asked the Embroidered Uniform Guard to prepare in advance.

In short, it is a grenade with rotors installed. It looks like a pineapple and is about the same size as a pineapple. The two pairs of small rotors on the top provide maneuverability, and the pineapple shell below is currently empty and only has counterweights.

This thing is not much different from a children's toy. But because it is equipped with Tianyi Guiren, it can respond to external control commands and operate autonomously to a certain extent.

"Try it." Shangluo handed the pineapple to the infantryman in front.

The "pineapple" flew up into the sky with a whoosh, and flew up and down three times, as if it were an arm, and shuttled through the air like a flying sword.

"Snap." Fu Yuanshan stretched out his hand and grabbed the "pineapple" flying in the air. The aircraft struggled in his hand like a dragonfly, and the rotor tried to rotate. Finding that it could not escape from his palm, the aircraft stopped moving.

"But it's still too slow." Shangluo explained, "But this is just a model. If the plan can be implemented, then the rotor can be replaced with a circular light, and the explosives can be replaced with other more powerful things. Every bullet and every shell can grow eyes and wings. This is an absolute advantage in intelligence. Our firepower can be more and more accurate, more and more accurate."

"Interesting." Fu Yuanshan let go of his hand and the aircraft flew out. "It is indeed interesting. But it seems to lack persuasiveness?"

"How about this~" Shang Luo smiled slightly, "How about we have a competition. Senior Fu, how about you show your strength in the Foundation Establishment Stage and fight against the mortal soldiers? How many can you fight normally?"

"As many as you want will do."

"200." Shang Lu looked at him. "200 people, take you down. Do you believe it?"

"That's it?" He looked up at the pineapples flying in the sky. "I think I'm pretty radical, but I'm a little too conservative compared to you. If you can really beat me, I'll apply to transfer to your Heavenly Court. The gap in realm can't be made up by numbers. If a mere 200 people can take me down, there's nothing good for the Jinyiwei to stay in. It's better to change sides as soon as possible."

Chapter 895 General Bai Feng

"Ahaha! If you say to beat him, I won't be sleepy anymore! Why? Those celestial generals not only live long, but they can also fly and hide in the sky, and they are also shameless. The others are fine, especially that Fu Yuanshan, he didn't do anything, and then his cultivation dropped from the sky. Why? We have wanted to beat him for a long time!"

——Undercurrents are surging in various information channels in Shangluo, this is what he concluded.

When they heard that Fu Yuanshan was willing to be a target, everyone seemed very enthusiastic and even a little excited.

"So I'm so wicked." Fu Yuanshan touched his forehead, "It seems like everyone is not convinced by me."

"Senior Fu, are you angry?"

Fu Yuanshan looked at him - just one glance, and both of them understood each other's intentions.

Taking a step back and standing in an open area, Fu Yuanshan faced everyone:

"No one dared to say anything before, but now they are all out. It seems that they all think I am a soft persimmon." He smiled, but his muscles were tense:

"It seems that I have no choice but to let you all experience the true teachings of Sa Zu's Inner Heaven Gang Divine Xiao! Get up!"

[Wow! His fighting power is rising! He is really angry! ]

The turbulent currents of the wind vortex gathered under him, with occasional flashes of lightning. Fu Yuanshan's feet slowly left the ground, paused for a moment, and then flew into the sky like a rocket.

Surrounded by the power of wind and thunder, the people on the ground could only see a wind pressure ball rising straight into the sky, with a white air cone briefly exploding at the tip of the light ball - followed by a sonic boom pressing down from above.

The strong storm blew Shangluo's bangs into disarray. He reached out to smooth his bangs again and watched the wind pressure ball flying faster and faster until it disappeared on the skyline.

[Supersonic! He flew away at supersonic speed! ]

"I remember the first time we met, he was like this too. It was in Las Vegas. He punched through three floors and rescued me. Indeed, he has such a good temper that sometimes I forget he is a top-notch expert."

What magic did he use?

"The most basic wind control is what he taught me before. It seems that cultivation is not everything. Even the most basic wind control technique can unleash such great power as long as it is mastered."

Shangluo was thinking about whether he should hurry up and practice, when he heard a voice that penetrated the space:

"Shangluo, you want to train 200 juniors to fight with me, right? Then the fight will start now - find me first!"

"You're not coming to the arena?"

"Since we are going to fight, let's be serious - real enemies may come at any time and any place, and they will not fight according to the script. Those who are good at defense hide under the nine earths, and those who are good at attack move above the nine heavens. As for whether I am above the nine heavens or under the nine earths, you can find it yourself!"

Although these words were sent to Shangluo, Shangluo was not the only one who heard them. This voice echoed in the heads of everyone involved.

【Wow, he's so awesome? 】

"When we first met in Las Vegas, we already saw how powerful he was. However, the more you see, the more you learn. As I said before, numerical superiority is meaningless in the face of sheer strength. Not to mention a mortal army, even a few hundred ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators would be powerless against him. When to attack and when to retreat is entirely up to him. If such a force were to oppose the imperial court, he would likely be able to overthrow the entire cabinet in an instant."

[Wow, do you want to apologize? He's angry.]

"He's not angry, idiot. If he was angry, he wouldn't have to let the sound out for everyone to know."

【What is he going to do then? 】

"Show off your skills. He seems to have discovered that many people in the court do not fully understand the 'celestial being'. In fact, even a celestial being can be superior to all the ordinary military forces in the world - he wants everyone in the court to see how terrifying a celestial being who really enters a combat state is. On the other hand, if I can handle something that the court cannot handle, then this is the ability of the celestial court."

So you are playing a double act, right?

"Of course, I can't directly threaten the court with force, and neither can he. But if we work together, we can just use a confrontation exercise to let everyone know: it is the Heavenly Court that holds absolute force. When the emperor was here before, he stood on our side. Now the emperor is on vacation. Although everyone in the cabinet is quite sensible, the evolution of power has never been a dinner party. I can react immediately without thinking. The cabinet's lack of reaction does not mean that others will not react. We must take precautions before it happens-" He added:

"If there is a real confrontation between the Heavenly Court and the Imperial Court, or even the beginning of a confrontation, it will not be a good thing. Although this is not a dinner party, for the sake of unity and influence, even if there is a fight, it must be a fight without breaking up. Everything must be resolved before it comes to the surface. It will be too late when it comes to the surface and a fight breaks out."

[How did you discuss this with him? I didn’t see you guys discussing it.]

"One look is enough. Tsk, you Romans need to learn a little. In fact, it's not just the two of us who know about it. He has broadcasted the 'declaration of war' just now. I'm afraid everyone knows about it now."

Before he finished speaking, the phone rang:

"Shangluo." Lu Huaiyang said on the other end of the phone, "Lord Wen wants to see you. Are you free now? He wants to ask about General Fu, and he wants to ask if you are sure you can find him."

"The Minister of War will be here soon, let's settle the matter first." This time, Wen Ge Lao prepared a cup of tea. He was familiar with Zhu Xianxun's office and knew where the tea was.

Three cups of tea were brewed, and the other one was for the Minister of War.

"You drink first, and I'll ask Wen Yuan to come up and wash the cup later."

"So when we drink tea here, we have to wash the cups ourselves?" Shangluo thought there should be a few servants or guards here.

"Wash and soak your tea yourself. In fact, the emperor himself does the same. He doesn't like too many people coming to the second floor. So unless he calls someone, the Jinyiwei or other eunuchs will not come up. We old officials know the rules, so we will bring our own teacups."

After saying that, he took a sip of tea and said, "I need to calm down first. You and General Fu are playing too big a game. You want to show the power of the Heavenly Court in front of the court, right? Well done, I am thinking about how to find a reason to let you show up. This opportunity is great. Then, show them."

[Why do I seem to be the only one who doesn't understand what you mean.]

Chapter 896 Chasing the Wind

[Why do I seem to be the only one who doesn't understand what you mean.]

"What does Elder Wen think?"

"Of course I will accept the challenge - first of all, let me emphasize that this does not represent my personal opinion. I personally have a full understanding of the strength of the Heavenly Court and all the Qigong practitioners, because I was born in the Jinyiwei Army and have been exposed to it since I was a child. Although I don't have much cultivation myself, I know it all. But many people in the court still lack some correct understanding of this, even many Qigong practitioners are the same. In the final analysis, there are still too few Heavenly People."

The number of celestial beings is still too small. Even though everyone knows that the foundation-building stage is greater than the Qi-training stage, the court has only four foundation-building celestial beings under its control, and five including "Shang Tianjun". Most people may not see a celestial being in their careers, let alone see them display their martial arts.

It is normal for people who grew up in this peaceful and prosperous era where "everything is fine, everyone is drunk or full" to be ignorant of the immensity of the world.

This is actually a good thing. Jinei is in the golden age unprecedented since the ancient three dynasties, and the whole world is subservient to the power of the Red County Shenzhou.

Even Korea, which served close to the country, was considered a first-class power in the world, and even Ryukyu had its own navy. Not to mention the inner vassal states like Lan Fang, which could openly declare "the Hu people are gone, the Han Dynasty flourishes", and no one dared to fight back even if they launched a punitive war.

Living in such a prosperous era, everyone has great confidence in human creativity, so that most people's understanding of immortality is closer to superpowers. Rather than strength, it is closer to telepathy, or prediction, divination, fortune-telling, etc. They have never seen the true power of immortality, so they don't know "the height of the sky and the depth of the earth".

Therefore, Fu Yuanshan quoted Sun Tzu's Art of War and said, "Those who are good at defense hide under the nine earths, while those who are good at attack move above the nine heavens."

He wants to use his own strength to measure how high the sky is and how thick the earth is.

"So should I go first, or should the court go first?"

"My opinion is to let the court try first." Wen Zhong took a sip of tea. "If we don't let them try, they won't give up. Many people have seen General Fu fly out at the speed of a sonic boom today, and it seems that he flew north. If you give the order, the court will use the air force to start the search."

“Is this a military order?”

"Yes." Wen Zhong nodded. "Sending out the aviation forces should be the first step. We don't need your approval for now. The aviation forces in various places have already been dispatched."

Northern Zhili, Yanshan Garrison Command

"Shanhaiguan radar array reports that no target was found."

"Shahukou reported that no target was found."

"Simatai reported that no target was found."

Electric reconnaissance, or to use a more familiar name for Shangluo, it should be "radar".

Radar detection arrays in various places have been turned on urgently. The early warning detection stations deployed on the Great Wall and the large detection arrays deployed in military bases such as Shanhaiguan are all detecting a target - a human-sized target flying at supersonic speed and at an ultra-high altitude.

“How is it possible to find it?” The garrison commander of Yingtian, Duke of Wei Xu Weizhong, stood in front of the sand table, his whole body numb.

He was an insider of this matter and he knew what was flying in the sky.

Next to Xu Weizhong was Wan Xiangchun, the governor of Xuanda, who was a civil official. One of them was a military officer, and the other was a civil official. They were the commanders-in-chief of the entire Northern Zhili Royal Division.

"Mr. Xu, what do you think about this?" Wan Xiangchun glanced at him.

Xu Weizhong shook his head: "It can't be done. It can't be done no matter what."

"Then should we go to Xiao Yuxi Palace and ask that person to come out?"

"That's beyond the scope." Xu Weizhong shook his head repeatedly, "The cabinet means that we should figure it out on our own."

"How can we find a solution? The radar detector's performance is simply not enough to find such a high-altitude, high-speed micro-target. The target is not even made of metal, but a flesh-and-blood person. It will probably just be a noise point on the screen. Even if our people have sharp eyes, they can't see a pinpoint-sized point moving randomly on the radar screen."

"Wait for news from the plane." Xu Weizhong raised his hand. "Just because the radio reconnaissance can't see it doesn't mean the naked eye can't see it. If we're lucky, we might be able to see the general in the sky again. Just wait for a while."

"Kangsu 1 to Kangsu 4 report back. My fleet is searching over Yanshan Mountain, but no targets have been found yet."

"Zhe Weiyi and Zhe Weiqi report back. We have completed the first round of search over the Bohai Sea, and no target was found."

News from the air force also came back one after another, but just like the radio reconnaissance, they also yielded no results.

Xu Weizhong pressed his forehead and said, "If we can't do this, we'll be in big trouble. We can't find him, which means he could appear at any time, in any place, anywhere. Even if he appears behind us now, it's no exception."

"Hey, Mr. Xu." Wan Xiangchun lowered his voice, "I'm going to say something disrespectful. If there is a celestial being who rebels against the court, then we..."

"Of course, the higher-ups will take care of it."