Value

This is an era of imperial prosperity, and also an era of ironclad ships.

The embodiment of martial virtue in this era is the ironclad ship.

Possessing an ironclad ship not only allows for powerful firepower deterrence but also enables swift and severe sanctions against free-trading nations. Gunboat diplomacy is far more effective than any silk or tea diplomacy, and it can make the local natives docilely yield their wealth.

Ironclad ships are good stuff.

Lan Yi wants them too.

What he values is not the military might of the ironclad ships.

"As the most efficient and most acceptable means of transportation for humanity across the oceans currently, ironclad ships can help me quickly impose sanctions on Dongyang."

"A hundred verbal protests are not as effective as an ironclad ship landing with martial artists."

"I believe that if the rebellious son of Dongyang is to return to his father's embrace, he will need an incident like the White Ship Incident. I believe your country, as a responsible international empire, will not prevent another empire from punishing a rebellious son."

Lan Yi spoke freely with the two foreign captives before him.

If one could ignore the bloodstains on the captives, their dazed expressions, and the unconcealable deep fear in their eyes, this would have been a very harmonious afternoon tea.

Kent and Albert were captives of martial artists.

Before the Immortal Master Lan Yi, they were not qualified to sit down. They could only stand with their hands bound behind their backs, maintaining a posture of respectful and humble submission under the stern and cold gazes of two martial artists.

If gunboat diplomacy is the calling card of the empire in this era.

Then martial artist diplomacy is Star Han's death warrant, forcefully declaring its return to the competition of human civilization.

"Your Excellency, with your power, everything you say is the truth." As a hunter who had become prey, Colonel Kent shrewdly flattered in Chinese.

Such strength, such diplomacy...

Nong Jinsun, who was responsible for recording and explaining, felt exhilarated! Exhilarated!!!

When was the last time foreigners were this obedient?

Was it during the Zhu Ming or Li Tang dynasties?

Anyone who had personally witnessed the power and inscrutability of martial artists would not doubt it.

Star Han, which had suffered humiliation in this era, would surely shake off the mud, reclaim its crown, and reign supreme once more, becoming the Celestial Empire that all nations pay tribute to!

And all of this was the credit of this man, the Immortal Master Lan Yi!

"The empire will not give up," Albert muttered a phrase in his native tongue.

Then, to his horror, he saw the martial artist beside him, with a cold expression, raise his fist.

Not long ago, it was this fist that had exploded the head of the incessantly chattering Dongyang reporter here, splattering brain matter and blood all over their faces. The cause of death was speaking nonsensical bird language, which the esteemed Immortal Master did not understand.

Albert used to enjoy the thrill of enemy blood splashing on his face.

But when he became a captive, and the blood splashing on his face was from a head being exploded with a single punch, Albert could no longer enjoy it. This formerly self-proclaimed noble, brave, and gentlemanly old white man let out a pig-like squeal in his distress.

"Your Excellency, we still have value," Kent sighed inwardly at his foolish colleague.

This transcendent being before him was clearly a thorough Great Star Han supremacist.

Lan Yi raised his hand, and the fist raised by the martial artist was lowered.

"What is your value?"

"Mr. Albert is of royal blood. The empire would be happy to pay a ransom for him, as well as compensation for inadvertently offending you."

"And you?"

"The construction of ironclad ships, the manufacturing of weapons and ammunition, the training of crew members, and the hydrological data mastered by the empire – I can help you contact the empire to finalize all of these. And with my expertise in the affairs of various continents, I can become your agent, helping you and your Paladin army conquer the world!"

It's comfortable dealing with smart people.

Especially when that smart person has strong ambitions for power.

In Lan Yi's colorless eyes, which glowed with lotus circuits, the outward radiation of emotions from Kent contained waves that clearly represented excitement and desire.

"Then what do you want to gain?"

"Power!" Kent said without hesitation.

Albert looked at his colleague in astonishment. This was betrayal. He had betrayed the empire so easily. Damn it! Why did he have to cling to this foolish loyalty? He wanted transcendent power too!

A flash of white light suddenly appeared in Lan Yi's ear, and the ropes binding Kent were instantly severed.

"You will be in charge of all the captives. Weed out those without value, and keep those with value. In twenty-four hours, I want to see your work report."

"May I ask what specific kind of value is valuable to you?" Kent rubbed his extremely numb hands. If he wasn't mistaken, the thing that cut the ropes was hair, white hair.

"If you have scientific technology, sell scientific technology. If you don't have technology, sell your conscience. If you have nothing to sell... then pray you have good luck and some supernatural clues." Lan Yi said indifferently.

It could only be blamed on the generally low quality of Star Han in this era.

The illiteracy rate was a staggering ninety-seven percent.

Power plants, shipbuilding, modern management, qualified military equipment – none of these existed. To achieve his goals quickly, taking in foreigners as dogs was already within Lan Yi's considerations.

After all, for Lan Yi, who had experienced the prosperous era of the Dimensional Sea, race or even species was not important. Recognizing civilization was the primary way for psionic cultivators to distinguish fellow Daoists from enemies.

Lan Yi waved his hand again.

The two foreigners were immediately and efficiently escorted out.

"Wait a moment, I also want to sell my loyalty and conscience..." Albert's voice was cut off as the door closed.

"Immortal Master, you don't oppose science and technology?" Nong Jinsun closed his notebook, feeling a bit dejected. Lan Yi was even more knowledgeable than him, requiring no explanation for certain terms. In contrast, Nong Jinsun felt like an uncivilized savage in Lan Yi's presence.

"Why would I oppose science and technology?" Lan Yi retorted.

Well, you can't exactly say that everyone assumes you're a deity who emerged from deep mountain cultivation, and for personal preference and ruling stability, you'd favor martial arts over science, right?

That's what the Qing court did anyway.

It's perfectly understandable if you, Elder, were to do the same.

After all, your Bestowing Martial Arts is incredibly potent!

"Rifles rely on the combustion of gunpowder to generate thrust, propelling a metal projectile for damage. I have a Daoist Art called Steel Armor Divine Thunder, which is based on electrochemistry, ionizing steam to generate thrust, propelling a metal projectile for damage."

"...Are you saying your Daoist Arts are actually science and technology?" Nong Jinsun asked, not fully understanding.

"When science and technology develop to a very high degree, to those who don't understand the inner workings, it appears as Immortal Arts. The difference between advanced and backward isn't in the outward form of the technology, but in the understanding and mastery of the world."

Seeing Nong Jinsun still looking confused, Lan Yi felt a bit disheartened.

Such a backward Artificial Divine Realm.

For a psionic cultivator like him, it was lonely. A profound loneliness stemming from the lack of peers to communicate with.