Before crossing over, Song Changsheng had read quite a few web novels. One thing that always puzzled him was how these worlds could have histories spanning thousands or even tens of thousands of years, yet remain so backward. Had no one ever thought of developing technology?
It wasn't until he arrived in the Ziyu Realm that he realized: this world had developed technology just in a different direction, with a different focus, using different methods. And yet, there were still many striking similarities.
Take communication, for example. In the Ziyu Realm, several methods had been developed: short-range communication jade slips, mid-range messaging flying swords, long-range transmission altars, and more. These methods varied in form but could convey written messages, voice, images, and even transmit objects or living beings across space.
Some of these technologies had already been achieved on Blue Star, while others were still far out of reach.
And that was just one example among many.
It became clear to Song Changsheng that the otherworld was not lacking in technological development; in fact, it was constantly evolving. The only difference was that its progress was cloaked in magical techniques and mystical arts.
Like the enormous machine sprawled before him, so massive it looked like a beast coiled on the ground.
Lu Tianchou had explained that this was a quasi-heavenly warship, not an ordinary flying vessel.
Heavenly warships represented the pinnacle of ingenuity from the artisans of the Ziyu Realm, boasting terrifying combat capabilities.
A true heavenly warship was at least Tier 3 and capable of going toe-to-toe with cultivators in the Purple Mansion realm.
On large-scale battlefields or during siege warfare, its destructive potential could even surpass that of a Purple Mansion cultivator. It was, quite literally, a weapon of mass destruction.
A single heavenly warship was a flying fortress enough to safeguard an entire sect for thousands of years.
In the Qi Empire's cultivation world, there were only three true heavenly warships, all Tier 3. The two most powerful were owned by the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Golden Crow Sect, undisputedly the strongest forces at the Nascent Soul level.
The third Tier 3 mid-grade warship belonged to Luoxia City and had earned countless military honors in repelling beast tides over the years.
Anything below a heavenly warship was considered a flying vessel.
But there were always exceptions. Tens of thousands of years ago, a monstrous genius among artisan-cultivators emerged and single-handedly created something between a heavenly warship and a flying vessel, a quasi-heavenly warship.
It was a strange, hybrid creation. When firing at full capacity, even a Purple Mansion cultivator would struggle to withstand a direct hit.
But the reason it was called a "twisted" creation was that it came with serious drawbacks: its speed and defenses were lacking.
In a head-on confrontation, it had one shot. If it missed, the warship would be reduced to scrap almost instantly.
Even so, Song Changsheng's eyes sparkled as he looked at the Black Star Ship. A quasi-heavenly warship… used wisely, it could even trade one-for-one with a Purple Mansion cultivator.
He examined it closely, exclaiming in awe, "Master Lu truly lives up to his reputation as the foremost artisan in the Qi Empire's cultivation world. He managed to build a quasi-heavenly warship."
Lu Tianchou lifted his head proudly, accepting the praise without a hint of modesty.
In terms of combat strength, he couldn't match other cultivators of the same level. In wealth, there were plenty who were richer than he was.
But when it came to the path of an artisan? He might not be the tallest among giants, but he stood at the top of the short ones, and a rooster, no matter how small, was still a rooster.
Song Changsheng already guessed why Lu Tianchou was showing him this warship.
Sure enough, Lu Tianchou pointed at the Black Star Ship and said, "Master Song, since you're passing through Xiang Prefecture, I assume you have important business. But the current situation in the Qi Empire's cultivation world is far from stable.
"You saved my daughter, and I have no way to properly repay you. This quasi-heavenly warship is the best thing I can offer. Please, accept it as a token of my gratitude."
Staring at the enormous vessel, Song Changsheng let out a wry chuckle. "It'd be a lie to say I'm not tempted. Truthfully, I do need this quasi-heavenly warship. Then I'll accept it thick-skinned."
Lu Tianchou burst out laughing. "You're refreshingly straightforward, Master Song. Anyone else would've put on an act, at least gone through the motions of refusing once or twice."
"Is that a compliment or an insult, Master Lu?" Song Changsheng smiled too. He could tell there was no malice behind the words.
"A compliment, of course!" Lu Tianchou laughed heartily, then waved his hand and stowed the Black Star Ship back into his storage pouch. He handed the black pouch to Song Changsheng.
Song Changsheng took it, unable to hide his excitement. A quasi-heavenly warship!
"Oh, right, Master Lu," he added, "may I ask how many spirit stones it would cost to hire you for a repair job? One of my flying vessels has a damaged power core."
Lu Tianchou's face darkened with irritation. "Master Song, what do you take me for? You and I are kindred spirits. Why are we talking about payment for such a trivial matter?
"If you're not in a rush, just stay here a while. Within half a month, I promise you'll have a brand-new flying vessel in your hands!"
Lu Tianchou's change in attitude made Song Changsheng quite pleased. Befriending a master craftsman wasn't just a personal gain; it was a huge boon for the entire Song family.
Under normal circumstances, he'd take advantage of this opening to stay longer and build rapport.
But at the moment, he had too many urgent matters to handle. He simply couldn't afford further delays.
"Thank you for your generous offer, Master Lu, but I have pressing matters to attend to and truly can't stay."
Lu Tianchou frowned slightly but nodded. "If that's the case, then leave the flying vessel here. You can pick it up on your return journey."
"I appreciate it, Master Lu. By all rights, since Miss Lu has only just recovered, this is not the best time for me to take my leave, but time is tight. I hope you'll forgive me."
"You're leaving already, Master Song? I haven't even had a chance to properly host you," Lu Tianchou said with a hint of displeasure.
Song Changsheng gave a wry smile and shook his head. "I have no choice."
"In that case, I won't press the matter. I'll escort you part of the way," Lu Tianchou said. Then he turned to Li Anmin, who stood nearby a bit stiffly. The stern expression on his face softened somewhat. "You've worked hard these past few days. I'll go see Master Song, and then go check on Xiu'er and keep her company for a while."
"Understood, Master!"
Li Anmin beamed with joy, gave a bow to the two men, and darted into the pavilion.
"You've got a fine disciple there," Song Changsheng remarked with a smile as he watched Li Anmin disappear inside.
With his experience, Song could easily tell that Li Anmin was quite talented, far more so than Lu Yuxiu. That was why he'd extended an olive branch earlier.
"You flatter him," Lu Tianchou said with a smile, stroking his graying beard. He was quite satisfied with Li Anmin himself. The boy's temperament was a little too mild, but that could be honed with time.
The two men walked out of the courtyard together. Dusk had already begun to fall.
"Are you sure you won't stay just one night, Master Song?"
"Time waits for no one. But in the future, if I get the chance, I'll host you myself for drinks. I hope you'll honor me then," Song Changsheng replied with a chuckle.
"Then I'll be waiting for your fine wine. The road ahead is perilous. Safe travels, Master Song!"
Just then, Song Changsheng leaned in slightly and lowered his voice. "Master Lu, during Miss Lu's treatment earlier, something unusual happened. I think you should stay on high alert. I doubt this incident was just a coincidence."
Lu Tianchou's expression turned serious. He already had a rough idea of what had transpired, and he didn't believe it was random either.
"Trying to lay a hand on my Xiu'er... He must have taken complete leave of his senses. If he dares show up again, I'll make sure he regrets it!"
A glint of killing intent flashed across Lu Tianchou's aged face. He wasn't some kindly pushover; whoever dared provoke him would pay the price, no matter who they were.
"This one's methods are sinister. Please be very careful, Master Lu," Song Changsheng said solemnly.
"Thank you for the warning. I'll be cautious."
"No need to see me off any further. I take my leave."
After exchanging bows, Song Changsheng led the Redfire Old Ghost and the others down the mountain.
Once they reached the base, the Redfire Old Ghost sidled up with a curious look. "Young Master, why did that old fellow change his attitude so suddenly?"
He had never liked Lu Tianchou, not one bit.
"I just did him a small favor. But we've already wasted enough time. We need to get moving," Song Changsheng said, not bothering to explain further.
"Uncle, is the flying vessel fixed?" Song Qingxi asked curiously.
"It would've taken too long to repair. We can't afford the delay, so I left it behind. We'll retrieve it on the way back."
"Then what are we using now...?"
Seeing her hesitant expression, Song Changsheng gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we have a new ride."
With a sweep of his wide sleeves, a massive object appeared before the group.
The Redfire Old Ghost's eyes bulged wider than ox-eyes. He shouted, stunned, "A Tier-Two top-grade flying vessel?!"
"Nope, it's a quasi-heavenly warship," Song Qingxi corrected him immediately.
"Young Master, did you rob that old man?" The Redfire Old Ghost almost dropped to his knees. A quasi-heavenly warship?! Just one cannon blast and he'd be vaporized.
Song Changsheng shot him a look of disdain. You used to run in shady circles, but do you think I'm some kind of gangster too?
"Don't overthink it. Master Lu gave it to me. Now let's get going, our next destination is the Heavenly Sword Sect!"
With a grand wave of his hand, Song Changsheng summoned the Black Star Ship, which roared into the air and streaked eastward like a shooting star...
Not long after Song Changsheng and his group departed, a blood-robed figure appeared at the base of Artisan Mountain.
His entire body was wrapped in crimson robes, and a writhing, foul-looking blob of blood-red liquid squirmed restlessly on his shoulder.
He stretched out his pale hands and gently stroked them, speaking in a thin, high-pitched voice, "Don't worry, don't worry. I'll avenge you. That sword-wielding bastard and that old fossil Lu Tianchou, I'll make them all regret crossing us."
As he finished speaking, a sudden vibration came from the communication jade at his waist.
He took it out and scanned the message. His expression shifted slightly as he turned to the blob on his shoulder and muttered, "The Patriarch has given new orders. Looks like we'll have to let them go... for now."
With that, his figure began to blur, growing fainter and fainter until he vanished completely.
At the same time, deep within the vast expanse of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains…
In the heart of a boundless, pitch-black marsh, countless demonic beasts had gathered so densely packed that the eye couldn't see where they ended.
From their massive bodies radiated waves of thick demonic energy, a sickly green mist that blotted out the sun and sky, sending chills down the spine.
Today, they had assembled here, waiting for a single command
A command from their king.
And once that command was given, they would bare their fangs and tear all enemies to shreds!
At the very center of the dark marsh, a massive vortex was slowly forming.
From within it, a gigantic horn pierced the surface, followed by a colossal head, rising like a mountain from the depths.
Its eyes gleamed like stars in the heavens, full of majestic power. Just one glance was enough to force legions of beasts to prostrate themselves in reverence.
SPLASH!
A towering wall of water hundreds of meters high shot into the air.
The monstrous creature within the whirlpool had finally revealed its true form.
It was a black flood dragon, stretching several hundred meters long. A sharp, sturdy horn jutted from its head, which resembled a dragon's, while its long, serpentine body glimmered with scales like sharpened blades beneath the scorching sun.
Raising its immense head, it unleashed a deafening roar. The overwhelming demonic aura surged out in waves, resonating with the entire marsh.
This was the strongest demon king of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, the ruler of the Blackwater Marsh: The Black Dragon Demon King!
"ROOOAAAR!"
A thunderous roar echoed from the horizon.
A gigantic lizard, its body crackling with lightning, soared through the sky. It measured over three hundred meters long, its body covered in rigid, armored scales. Its thick, powerful tail swung behind it, causing a series of explosive booms with every lash.
This was one of the oldest and most formidable rulers of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.
The overlord of Thundercry Mountain and the chief of the Thunder Lizard Clan: The Thunder Roar Demon King!
"You've finally arrived, Thunder Roar," the Black Dragon Demon King said, his voice like thunder crashing through the heavens. The sheer force of it vaporized countless low-tier beasts into a mist of blood.
"Old Dragon King," replied Thunder Roar respectfully, "the warriors of my Thunder Lizard Clan are ready and awaiting your command. With a single word, I and the hundred thousand demon tribes of Thundercry Mountain will march ahead and crush Luoxia City!"
"The time has not yet come. Wait a little longer," the Black Dragon Demon King's eyes gleamed with a chilling dominance. Even Thunder Roar, himself a demon king, dared not question the decision.
Roughly fifteen minutes passed before a raven with blood-red eyes soared down and landed before the Black Dragon Demon King. Spreading its wings, it spoke in a cold, raspy voice:
"Esteemed Black Dragon Demon King, both the Golden Crow Sect and the Heavenly Pulse Sect are in disarray. My master urges you to advance quickly. Once the plan succeeds, the Great Qi Dynasty will be ours to divide!"
The Black Dragon Demon King burst into thunderous laughter.
"A thousand years… I've waited a thousand years for this moment. This time, I will flatten Great Qi!"
"You," he turned his massive head to the raven, "go back and tell your master: I will now launch my assault on Luoxia City. As agreed, the Blood Demon Cult must give me their full support."
"If I don't see his sincerity on the battlefield…" his voice grew icy, "then don't blame me for breaking our little agreement."
The Blood-Eyed Raven replied calmly, without fear, "Your words will be delivered to my master exactly as spoken."
With that, it turned into a streak of crimson light and vanished into the distance.
Once it was gone, a hint of scorn flashed in the Black Dragon Demon King's eyes. Rising to his full height, his massive head loomed over the sea of demonic beasts below.
With a thunderous roar, he bellowed:
"Today, we march on Luoxia City!"
"ROOOOOAR!"
"ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!"
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