Green hills, setting sun, two or three thatched huts, flocks of immortal cranes.
Wang Jixuan looked at the simple dojo before him and did not know how to criticize it.
Nine Spirits Sword Venerable pointed at an empty patch of land nearby and said, "Build yourself a dwelling and cultivate here. The elders seem to all be in seclusion. Jian Wu said you should wait before paying respects to the ancestral tablets."
"Ah, yes."
Wang Jixuan asked softly:
"Master, would you like me to arrange a comfortable residence for you?"
"No need to trouble yourself."
"It's no trouble, no trouble," Wang Jixuan said with a smile. "This disciple has some modest assets. I certainly don't lack people to do the work."
As he spoke, a Stone Slab Wall flew from his sleeve and hovered in one corner of the open ground. A faint glow spread across it, opening a gateway to the Second Base.
Nine Spirits Sword Venerable peered through the gateway a few times.
Peony and Little Hua Ting, who had been waiting for some time, came out together. They performed Daoist Salutes with great elegance and said:
"Greetings, Sword Venerable (Grandmaster)."
Nine Spirits Sword Venerable nodded in response, then said, "Disciple, take your master for a stroll through this city-state of yours. This place seems rather extraordinary."
"Master, this way," Wang Jixuan said, raising a hand in invitation. "As it happens, this disciple has something concerning the Heavenly Dao that I would like to tell you in advance."
"Good."
Nine Spirits Sword Venerable entered the Stone Gate with his hands behind his back.
The sword cultivator watched the transit station ahead, admiring the ultimate beauty of its steel craftsmanship. A trace of curiosity appeared in his eyes.
"This is the Mechanical Civilization they speak of?"
"Yes, Master," Wang