Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

【What is the specific difference between you and them? 】

"The difference is probably that I value human life more than they do. There is one identity that I always keep in mind: I am a stranger. I am afraid that one day I will have to go back, and it is possible that I will have to connect the two worlds with my own hands. But the Conferred God War is entirely the business of Uncle's family. As a child living in Uncle's house, I can only help. I cannot take over and make decisions for this world."

[But because of your identity as a 'relative's child', you have gained a lot of unique conveniences. You can do some things that are inconvenient for people like you. For example, when the emperor is away, it is not legal for anyone to take his place. But as a relative's child, you can sit in his seat? ]

"That's right. So this is the interesting part - although I won't say much about major events, major events don't happen every day. But when things aren't that big, I, a relative's child, can say a few more words: after all, I'm also from this family, and we're all cousins ​​from the same clan. Everyone has to give me some face."

[You have a lot of face. You can decide almost everything.]

"I still say the same thing: everything I did was instructed by Daozu and Senior Brother in advance. Whether it was the Heavenly Court or the Imperial Court, I did not act on my own. I am a very conservative person."

[I believe that you are indeed very 'conservative' in many ways. ]

"But being conservative doesn't mean I won't work. What you said actually makes sense - although there's no need to be on the Conferred God List right now, the Heavenly Court does need some magical instruments to impress. Because if I just give the title without exerting my divine power, what's the difference between that and conferring the title of 'Great General of the Universe' on myself. The Ministry of Thunder must act like the Ministry of Thunder."

[Then how do you plan to establish this "Thunder Department"? 】

"Look, that's why I say Senior Fu is my good senior. When I dozed off, he immediately offered me a pillow, even beforehand. And he didn't just 'offer' me a pillow, he became my pillow himself - I sent out the Thunder Department's heavenly soldiers to knock him down, and the Thunder Department would be established."

"So that's how you stand! I thought you were going to make a declaration or something."

"The so-called cultivation of immortals is that the strong are respected - this is the truth. Although I have the vision of popularizing it to the world, I must also be able to show the strength of a strong person when necessary. Since I have to show my compassion, I also have to show my murderous side. The two are interdependent and indispensable. So there is such a senior who is willing to come out and be my target, and I am very grateful to him. This program is very effective."

[That's because you can't really kill your own family, so you have to find someone with thick skin to 'kill', right? If you have thin skin, you'll fall down before you can even exert any strength, and the show won't be very effective.]

"You really understand me more and more~ So Miss Huiming, have you ever considered coming out to help me share my worries? You are the one who is most eager to grow up!"

[No, I refuse. 】

"Huh? Why?"

[At first I was worried that you would abandon me, or often threaten me to do this or that. But you are a good person. In your own words, you are very "conservative". I am embarrassed to say: you make people feel safe. So I am not so anxious to come out. ]

"What about your own room?"

[Ah, how can I put it? I'm a lazy person. I have my own room and I have to clean it up. I might as well not have one.]

"Tsk, actually I'm still in need of an assistant right now."

[I think even if I come out, it's still 1+1=2. But if I don't come out and help you with your work around the clock, then you can get the effect of 1+1＞2. Besides, aren't there many people who are suitable to be your assistant? For example, Phaethon.]

"The time has indeed come. Moreover, I think Daozu seems to have some plans. If there is a chance, I would also like to ask about Phaethon."

Shangluo still cares a lot about the title of "Tiao Yu Shi". This is the third envoy after Chi Shi Shi and Hui Ming Shi.

This seemed to imply Daozu's own plan for the future of heaven. It seemed to be somewhat different from the Jade Emperor and Taishang Laojun in the traditional mythology system. Because Shangluo discovered that neither he nor Zhu Xianxun intended to cultivate a Jade Emperor.

However, the name "Bai Di" gave him some guesses.

[You said, if there is a White Emperor, will there be a Red Emperor, Yellow Emperor, Green Emperor, etc.? ]

"You and I are thinking the same thing. The system of the Five Heavenly Emperors is much older than that of the Jade Emperor. And now the Dao League has five sects, so maybe one of them will be divided into five sects. He said that he wanted me to be the leader of the Dao League. I guess he wants me to lead the Dao Sect as the White Emperor? I guess that's it."

Chapter 932 Promotion

"Are you talking about the Imperial Envoy? I am concerned about that, too."

The next morning, breakfast was still at McDonald's. During the short breakfast time, Shangluo also had a morning meeting with Phaethon.

Since Apollonia does not plan to come out of her "home" state in the short term and wants to continue to enjoy the sense of security in the house, she has to seek more help from Phaethon.

[Let me interrupt. Who do you think is more important, me or her? ]

"Nonsense, she has hands and you don't. She can help me get the package. Before you say 'which is more important', at least come out of the house first!"

Before he finished speaking, Phaethon on the other side raised his head and asked, "Are you scolding that guy?"

"Did you hear that? I was chatting privately."

"We are already so familiar with each other, of course I can tell what's going on by looking at your expression. Besides, my senses have indeed become more and more acute recently, which may be related to the increase in the concentration of spiritual energy. Ah, this feels really good. I feel that my strength is slowly returning."

"I almost forgot, you clearly have the basis of 'demigod-level' power, right?"

"I'm sorry you still remember. So what others think of as cultivation is more like retraining for me. I have a clear sense of whether I have made any progress or whether I have returned to my original level. I can indeed feel that I seem to be getting stronger every day recently."

"Then how long do you estimate it will take to recover to its original state?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, at this rate, it will probably take five or six years to recover."

"Too slow! Don't you think so?"

"You have to understand! The last time I reached this level, although it was a gift from the innate, it took me five years just to consolidate it. Now you want me to cultivate again, and five years is not a slow time. Look at how many cultivators can't reach the foundation-building stage in their entire lives."

"Isn't the current situation different from before?"

"No, I can feel that the power of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is limited. It can indeed allow more people to enter the Qi training stage, but it is still quite far from the foundation building stage. Because the Tao opportunity is limited - although I don't know if my previous experience can be regarded as Tao opportunity, I don't think I have any bottleneck. But for others, I am afraid there are really insurmountable bottlenecks."

"In other words, as long as you are given enough spiritual energy, you can actually break through?"

"Well, it's not impossible." Phaethon pondered for a moment, "I remember you gave Guoxing a foundation-building pill, a foundation-building pill that can help him gain Dao Ji. Just think of it as if I had eaten that foundation-building pill, because I think the effect is similar. But if you want to go to the next level, I'm afraid you still have to really find your own path - huh? What are you doing? Why are you standing up?"

While sitting and eating a hamburger, Phaethon noticed that Shangluo, who was sitting opposite him, had stood up. He walked around the table, came to his side, and held his hand.

"What are you going to do?"

"." Shangluo didn't say anything, but in addition to holding her hand, he also pressed her forehead with his other hand.

"I know what you're thinking - I don't want to be a medicine jar! I finally have the opportunity to practice, don't think about forcing me to take medicine! I don't have the idea of ​​taking pills to advance. Even if I do, I want to make pills myself, I don't want others to make pills for me."

"No." Shang Luo shook his head. "I see another route - Dan Ding Sect. If Dan Ding Sect is limited to refining medicine, it would be too narrow. Don't you think that weapon repair can also be considered a part of Dan Ding Sect?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Look, you once had the strength of the Foundation Establishment Stage, right? Let me ask you, if I can temporarily restore your strength to the Foundation Establishment Stage, can you exert your previous combat power? Just like the first time you saw me."

"The first time I saw you, I didn't even show my full fighting potential! I got tricked! That was simply attribute restraint!"

"I know. I mean, your true strength. You haven't shown me your demigod-level combat power yet, right?"

"I'm telling the truth." Phaethon put down the hamburger. "As long as you cancel the ownership of the Spear of Apollo, I can immediately use the Spear of Apollo to return to my previous level of power - of course, I won't ask you to do that now."

"Yes, I think you can."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I gave you the Spear of the Sun God as a tiger talisman. I have decided to send you out to capture Fu Yuanshan!"

"Me?! You want me to go?!"

"Are you unsure?"

"I'm really not sure!"

"Huh? Weren't your powers at the same level before? According to Roman's calculations, the foundation-building stage is the demigod level, right?"

"Even demigods have different levels of power! Senior Fu and I are totally not on the same level! He has been training at this level for decades, and his control over power is totally beyond my reach. He can make the entire air force go around in circles with just one move, and I don't think I can do that. I'm only 16 years old, and he has been training for more than five times longer than I have in my entire life! How can I possibly beat him?"

“It seems you are quite self-aware.”

"Just because I'm not strong doesn't mean I'm stupid. I know exactly what level I am at."

"What if I give you another 200 cultivators in the Qi training stage?"

"." Phaethon was silent. She stared at the hamburger and took another sip of Coke.

"Can you do it?"

"Stop it!" Phaethon slammed the table and stood up, while Shangluo stood face to face with him: "Now that we've come to this point, if I can't pay it back, I'm not myself. Besides, I won't let you think I'm a coward. But don't think that I was provoked by your provocation, I'm asking for the fight myself."

"Okay. So what do you need?"

"Spear of Apollo," Phaethon replied, "I need you to return the Spear of Apollo to me temporarily - not so that I can use it, but to return it to me along with the power. Just like holding the scepter to go to war, I need you to temporarily give me the real authority. When I come back from the war, I will return the scepter to you."

"Well, the Spear of the Sun God is now temporarily tied to the Mountain and River State Map. But it does look like a scepter." He looked at Phaethon, "How many troops do you want?"

"200 people and a dog will do. We need a tengu. Tengu are important because animals are faster at catching people."

"I'll send Lou Jingou to assist you, along with 200 celestial soldiers, to keep you in the scepter. You have three days to capture Fu Yuanshan. Can you do it?"

"I'm giving you a military warrant! If I can't do it, I'll work for you for free for another three years. But if I can do it..."

"what do you want?"

"I haven't decided yet. I'll decide after I return from the battle." She stretched out her hand and said, "Where's the scepter? Give it to me. This is the beginning."

Chapter 933 Destiny

[You promised him so easily, but you have to do the work. ]

"I know."

The two walked side by side in the "Eighteen Layers of Hell". This was a temporary place built in the winter, with nothing but rows of rooms. Since it was decided that Phaethon would go out, she would be in charge of inspecting the weapons.

Here Apollonia can use the meme's body to talk to Phaethon without going through the phone.

[Don't keep saying you 'know'. What if you can't do it? ]

"You have to do it even if you can't. I'm not like you. You came first and I came later. You don't owe him anything, but I owe him a lot. So when I encounter this kind of thing, I have to be more proactive, right?"

【Then you can just say it directly. 】

"I asked for the fight by making a bet, so that he wouldn't have any psychological pressure. After all, it was me who went there on my own, and he didn't force me to go."

[You didn’t care so much about other people’s opinions before.]

"The past was the past, and this is now. I used to be able to get everything done by myself, but now I'm in Aurora, and I don't even have legal documents to leave the city."

[You didn’t even care about the secular system before. You were completely in a supernatural world.]

"The Ming Dynasty has its own national conditions. Didn't you see that Master Sa had to buy a ticket to ride the subway?"

[You know what I'm talking about.] Apollonia stopped, [So, will you come back?]

"What do you mean?"

[Shangluo has returned the Spear of the Sun God to you, will you come back? ]

"What do you mean?" Phaethon asked again.

[Nothing, I'm just asking. After all, for you, you can go anywhere in this world, nothing can stop you. Unlike me, I can only be trapped in this meme body. You are a demigod who bears the name of Phaethon. You can leave anytime you want.]

"If that's what you're asking - I promise, I won't leave. I'm in love with the Great Styx."

[No need.] Apollonia raised her hand, [I know, don't get involved too much with the Great Styx. If you don't swear to the Great Styx, how can you convince me?]

Phaethon answered without thinking: "You know, this is the happiest time of my life. I sweep the floor at the Golden Arches every day, eat with him, chat with you, and go shopping from time to time. I have never had such a leisurely and happy moment in my life before - do you understand what I mean?"

[Of course. Sometimes, I understand you better than you do. And to be honest, I'm not worried about your subjective wishes. I just want to find a reason to talk to you about this matter. Nothing I say is superfluous.]

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Phaethon asked for the third time. Because she found that Apollonia was not looking for trouble, nor did she distrust her. Apollonia's meaning was progressive. It seemed that all her previous preparations were for the next sentence.

[You not only bear Phaethon's name, you also bear Phaethon's fate. Steal the sun chariot, scorch the earth, and burn yourself. This is your fate.]

"Haven't I already paid the price for my previous actions?"

[Have you really paid the price?] Apollonia looked at her. [That's why I asked if you are satisfied with your current life—it's because you are so satisfied that you haven't actually encountered any disaster, right?]

"Are you trying to say that I am destined to have this disaster?"

[You are destined to be shot down by the Emperor of Heaven when you exercise the power of the sun, and then fall into the waves. You were indeed shot down before, but as you said yourself, this has given you an unprecedented leisurely life - this is not a disaster at all, it is a vacation. Isn't it? ]

Phaethon was stunned: "So, my bad luck is not over yet?"

[How come your bad luck hasn't come yet? I've always wondered if being with Shangluo would have any price. Because I've always felt that the fate of the Shang and Zhou Conferred Gods War was waiting for us. For a cultivator like you who carries a doomed fate, you've really set a lot of goals.]

"."

[So, even if this is the case, you still want to go?] She looked at Phaethon, [It’s not too late to turn back now.]

"But someone has to go. Now he has no available generals around him, so someone has to go and take down Fu Yuanshan. We can't let the commander-in-chief go into battle himself. Then, wouldn't all our previous preparations be wasted?"

[Okay.] Apollonia shook her head, [I wish you a safe return. If there really is a Conferred God List, I don’t want to see you on it.]

"Look at it more positively." She touched Apollonia's head. "Look at the bright side. There is a 'God List' after all. Even if the path to becoming an immortal fails, at least there is a heaven to go to. If there really is a God List, then for someone like me who is destined to face a catastrophe, isn't it a good thing? After all, my strength is not gained through cultivation, but is innate. I have long been mentally prepared to return my innate strength to heaven."

[Hey, hey, hey! It's even more unlucky for you to say that! ]

"Oh my," she ruffled Apollonia's hair. "Why worry so much? I'm not that fragile. Fu Yuanshan is a senior, isn't he? This is a fight to the point, not a life-and-death duel. Why worry so much? When the fight is over, we'll eat hot pot together."