"You're quite cute."
At that, a blush spread across her gloomy and fearful beautiful face, and she waved her hands wildly. "Eh… Eh? Chief, I absolutely wouldn't spout nonsense… Eh… Calling me cute or anything…"
Wait?
Xu Fu seemed to have hit a pause button. Wasn't he supposed to be punished? He was being called cute?
The Confucian scholars and alchemists also wore expressions of confusion. Wasn't the Chief going to deal with Xu Fu?
Consort Yu, standing nearby, watched Xu Fu flail his hands with a blank expression, lost in thought.
"So, why are you so afraid of me?"
Bai Ming reached out and pinched Xu Fu's chin. Xu Fu panicked, and before she could answer, Bai Ming spoke, "However, I don't care. When you work under me, it's best to put away your little schemes. Otherwise, I'll show you punishments more severe than Qin law."
Bai Ming released Xu Fu's chin. Xu Fu breathed a sigh of relief, but her heart quickly tensed again. "You all continue with what you were doing. Xu Fu, you come with me."
[You took Xu Fu away without mentioning anything specific. You simply had Xu Fu briefly explain her current work projects and related situations. Afterward, you took over the modification of Kuaiji Zero. After all, you had informed the First Emperor that the remains he dug up from Yin were merely discarded remains of his grand-nephew, and you were well aware of all the techniques and secrets within them.]
[Consort Yu watched the entire process. Only when you began working on Kuaiji Zero according to the First Emperor's wishes did she ask the question that had been on her mind.]
"What is your name, really?"
Bai Ming, without turning his head, continued working as his Gundam designer, contemplating what awesome additions to give Kuaiji Zero. In response to Consort Yu's question, he spoke enigmatically:
"I use a different name in each era. In this era, you can call me Xiang Yu, you can call me Xiang Ji, you can call me Bai Ming, Court Sorcerer, Master, Commander… Call me whatever you like. Anyway, for you now, my name is just a codename. Our time is not synchronized. When our time synchronizes, you will know what to call me."
Chapter Eighty-Six: Third-Generation Disciple of Chan Sect, Lúnyǔ Fusu
What would be the consequence of having a transmigrator, possessing vast theoretical knowledge along with talent in both demonic and martial arts, create this Kuaiji Zero?
Bai Ming pondered this, then gave up. Thinking too much was useless; it was more important to actually build it.
[Talent: Seek Pleasure Outsider, Activated]
[After a year, you figured out how to create a simulated sun.]
[In a certain month of 219 BCE, you installed a magical power source on Kuaiji Zero and thoughtfully added a magic cannon in the chest that simulated the principle of nuclear fission for energy storage.]
[Consort Yu tried to dissuade you from creating such a dangerous thing, but your reply was that the First Emperor treated you well, so you should show him your sincerity.]
[Consort Yu thought you were an idiot, unaware that the sincerity you spoke of was false. You simply wanted to see if your artificial human manufacturing technology could surpass your senior brother, Immortal Taiyi.]
[Afterward, you spent a long time contemplating transformation devices and created transformation gears. You then installed these magical artifacts on Kuaiji Zero, and it evolved into the Sea, Land, and Air Armament Quad-Transform: Simulated Sun Drive: Peace Under Heaven: Kuaiji Zero.]
[Then, at the First Emperor's request, you equipped Kuaiji Zero with a flashy giant crossbow as its standard long-range weapon. You thoughtfully attached the Pojun Star Power (invincible penetration) to this giant crossbow.]
[Coincidentally, Xu Fu was dispatched by the First Emperor to search for overseas immortal mountains and the elixir of immortality, but repeatedly found no success. Fearing he would be killed by the First Emperor, Xu Fu claimed that sea gods were obstructing the search, preventing any progress. Thus, the First Emperor took Kuaiji Zero to hunt the sea gods.]
[The First Emperor personally operated Kuaiji Zero, transforming it into a colossal cannon. With a single charged shot, he annihilated the sea god. The First Emperor returned extremely pleased and ordered Prince Fusu to become your disciple and study under you.]
[After much deliberation, you decided to burn incense and submit a memorial to ask.]
"Venerable Master, your disciple Bai Ming is filled with trepidation…"
Before he could finish, the smoke from the burning incense condensed into characters. The characters clearly read: "Roll yourself out and establish your own sect. You ask about such trivial matters. I never saw you filled with trepidation when eating beef."
Following the rather irritable words was a very conspicuous line – Guangchengzi was relaying the message on behalf of the master.
Bai Ming stroked his chin and began to calculate.
Although he was a second-generation disciple, within Yuqing Kunlun, the distinction between first and second-generation disciples was not very clear. It was more like first and second-generation disciples were all disciples of the first generation, with Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun as their master.
The division into first and second generation was only based on the time of entry. Third-generation disciples were those accepted by first and second-generation disciples, meaning they were the so-called second-generation disciples. Therefore, Fusu would be a third-generation disciple and a second-generation disciple.
By becoming Bai Ming's disciple, Prince Fusu became a third-generation disciple, and Consort Yu, as a witness, saw all of this.
The first bow was to the patriarch, the second bow was to the master, and the third was to receive the master's bestowed name.
After selecting an auspicious date, Fusu respectfully presented the six rites of betrothal gifts to Bai Ming. Bai Ming then lit incense and led Fusu to offer incense to the patriarch. Afterward, Fusu bowed to Bai Ming.
Then came the naming ceremony.
Subsequently, Bai Ming informed Fusu about the nearly a hundred peaceful monsters under his tutelage, as well as a guard dog. He specifically summoned Jinling and Pénghóu, bestowing Jinling the title of Jinling Boy under Bai Ming.
He also took out the Tome of Peaceful Monsters, infused it with magic, and awakened the two-tailed demon cat Matatabi within it, causing it to form a contract with Fusu to protect him.
"If you worship me as your master, I shall bestow upon you a Taoist name."
Bai Ming looked at the refined and gentle Fusu, pondered for a moment, and said, "However, my path emphasizes freedom and has few rules. It is said, 'Unfettered by all, preserving authenticity.' Therefore, I established my sect, named Preservation of Nature. You are the chief disciple, so there's no need for a courtesy name or the like. Let's keep it simple."
Fusu bowed and said, "As my master commands."
"There are Fusu trees on the mountain, and Qiaosong trees on the mountain. Fusu implies lush growth, and Qiaosong implies tall and upright. I shall name you Qiaosongzi," Bai Ming said, waving his hand. Seventeen light screens with different handwriting appeared before Fusu. "Your master has two main categories to teach you: one is the Taoist arts for self-cultivation, and the other is ritualistic Taoist arts. In detail, there are seventeen basic classifications. Which one are you willing to learn?"
Fusu asked, "Does my master possess a method for peace under heaven and stability for the people?"
"Yes, but it is very difficult to learn."
"This disciple is not afraid of difficulty."
Bai Ming said, "Then I will teach you the method for peace under heaven. Before that, I heard His Majesty the First Emperor say that you studied with the Confucians, is that correct?"
"Reporting to Master, yes."
"It's better to act than to choose a date. Today, I will first change your Confucian teacher and teach you a method for summoning deities. As for immortals and deities, they are eternally proven, regardless of past or future time. Therefore, the method for summoning deities and immortals is always effective. There is also this Profound Charm Incantation, which is used to build relationships with various deities. After you finish learning from Supreme Master of Taiji, I will teach you the method for peace under heaven."
With that, Bai Ming began teaching Fusu how to summon deities.
The deity I've summoned is called the Supreme Master of Taiji.
It's alright if you don't recognize him. Simply put, I've invited Confucius.
Consort Yu, standing nearby, watched Bai Ming instructing Fusu and secretly began to learn as well.
Soon, a burly man, nine feet six inches tall, appeared in the palace.
This man had twelve colors in his eyebrows and twenty-four principles in his eyes. He stood like a perched phoenix and sat like a crouching dragon. His strength could expand the nation's borders, and his heroic posture was magnificent.
Bai Ming bowed, "Greetings, Supreme Master of Taiji. I have taken the liberty of summoning you here because my disciple cultivates both Confucianism and Taoism, and I hope you can offer some guidance."
The Supreme Master of Taiji glanced at Fusu and readily agreed.
[As you have taken Fusu as your disciple, Chunyu Yue and others' favorability towards you has plummeted to freezing point. Fusu, in turn, now only feels a past teacher-student bond towards Chunyu Yue and the others. After all, they couldn't invite Confucius to be Fusu's teacher, but you could.]
[Your disciple Fusu has learned the Profound Charm Incantation, the Analects, and the Lúnyǔ.]
In 219 BCE, Xu Fu set out to sea once more. Meanwhile, the First Emperor embarked on an imperial tour of the counties and prefectures. He summoned over seventy Confucian scholars and doctors from Qi and Lu to Mount Tai to discuss the Feng Shan ceremony. Bai Ming, as Ying Zheng's personal orator and court sorcerer, accompanied the imperial tour.
Bai Ming brought only Consort Yu with him.
Though it was called an imperial tour, it was essentially an outing.
Consort Yu was quite enthusiastic about it. Previously, she hadn't truly appreciated the joy of being amidst mountains and rivers. However, after living in the Xianyang Palace with Bai Ming for over a year, revisiting the scenic spots brought a different kind of feeling.
Still, Consort Yu maintained her usual cold demeanor.
Fusu wished to accompany them, but he needed to oversee the nation.
The First Emperor knew that after the assassination attempt by Jing Ke, his wish for eternal life was only half fulfilled. The chief court sorcerer could do nothing about this, so he pinned his hopes on Fusu. This trip was intended for the Feng Shan ceremony on Mount Tai, symbolizing his ambition to conquer the world and encompass all under heaven.
The entourage traveled east to Mount Yi.
Zhao Gao, standing beside him, felt uneasy with Bai Ming present. He immediately advised, "Your Majesty's achievements surpass those of the Five Emperors. We should erect a stone inscription at Mount Yi to display the eternal merits of our great Qin, ensuring we do not repeat the mistakes of Duke Huan of Qi and Ji Sun, and leaving no room for criticism from the people of Qi and Lu."
The First Emperor showed no reaction to Zhao Gao's words, merely stating coldly, "Granted."
Seeing the First Emperor agree, Zhao Gao cast a slightly provocative glance at Bai Ming. Bai Ming completely ignored him, but Consort Yu felt an inexplicable irritation. However, seeing Bai Ming's lack of reaction, she suppressed it.
Zhao Gao, finding himself rebuffed, grew increasingly annoyed, believing Bai Ming and Consort Yu were feigning indifference and deliberately ignoring him.
Chapter Eighty-Seven: When Will Master and Immortal Consort Yu Get Married?
After the inscription was made at Mount Yi, Bai Ming proactively added protective magic to ensure the stone monument would be passed down to future generations.
The First Emperor's entourage continued their eastward journey.
Zhao Gao considered Bai Ming's actions to be completely unnecessary. Bai Ming said nothing, merely glancing at Zhao Gao, who was startled and stumbled back several steps, falling to the ground.
Bai Ming and Consort Yu looked at Zhao Gao with pity in their eyes. Zhao Gao's inner anger grew, believing Bai Ming had used some dark magic to make him fall. However, Zhao Gao said nothing at the moment, choosing to endure it.
[Zhao Gao's favorability towards you has turned into hatred. You also plan to find an opportunity to kill him directly. After all, your disciple Fusu is destined to become the Second Emperor of Qin. Zhao Gao, as Huhai's teacher, will undoubtedly stand in Fusu's way of ascending the throne.]
[The First Emperor's imperial entourage soon arrived at the foot of Mount Tai.]
"I wish to perform the Feng Shan ceremony on Mount Tai. What are your thoughts?"
The First Emperor half-jokingly voiced his thoughts. Bai Ming immediately responded, "I am a military man and not skilled in eloquent speech. I only know that Your Majesty has unified written script and chariot tracks, and your merits will last for ten thousand generations."
Bai Ming spoke quickly. Consort Yu didn't know what to say and could only utter dazedly, "Me too."
Zhao Gao quickly echoed their sentiments.
Many scholars from Qi and Lu cursed them inwardly as sycophants. They then exchanged glances and began to discuss. Finally, one scholar spoke up, "Your Majesty, if we are to perform the Feng Shan ceremony, we must wrap the chariot wheels with rushes to avoid damaging even a single blade of grass or tree on the mountain. Then, we shall sweep the ground before offering sacrifices, keeping it simple and not extravagant."
The First Emperor frowned slightly at this but said nothing.
Seeing the First Emperor's silence, the scholars and Confucian doctors began to speak volubly.
They spoke of frugality, choosing auspicious dates, preparing abundant offerings, and not repairing the mountain paths for fear of disturbing the mountain gods. Some even used their words to insinuate that the First Emperor was a tyrant, had altered foreign scripts, burned foreign books, acted against ancestral traditions, and was unworthy of performing the Feng Shan ceremony on Mount Tai. They demanded the release of the nobles from the six states to return to their ancestral lands before heaven would acknowledge him.
Bai Ming stood by, observing with a placid expression. The First Emperor's patience was gradually worn thin by the scholars' constant chatter. The First Emperor coughed once. Zhao Gao hadn't yet figured out the meaning of this sudden, seemingly unprovoked cough when Bai Ming acted.
Then, over seventy muffled thuds echoed, and the scholars and doctors lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
Bai Ming spat, "Blabbering on and on, such a poor and pretentious display. Can't you learn from the Supreme Master of Taiji, who was both bold and courteous?"
The First Emperor was naturally pleased. He had intended his cough to signal Bai Ming to scold them on his behalf, but he hadn't expected Bai Ming to resort to physical action. However, these literary scholars were still his subjects, and even if he favored Bai Ming, he had to put on a show.
Thus, the First Emperor declared, "Court sorcerer, these are all my loyal ministers. How could you act so rashly? You are fined a year's salary, and if this happens again, you will be fined for another year."
"This humble Taoist accepts the decree."
Zhao Gao watched the tacit understanding between the First Emperor and Bai Ming, his face filled with alarm. Since when did this street sorcerer have such high compatibility with His Majesty? Wouldn't his own position and favor be in jeopardy?
Zhao Gao decided to join forces with Li Si to deal with Bai Ming after this imperial tour concluded.
Seeing the resentment in Zhao Gao's eyes, Bai Ming then stated, "Your Majesty, the Qin dynasty succeeded the Zhou and should embody the virtue of water. To perform the Feng Shan ceremony on Mount Tai to inform heaven, we should repair the mountain paths, play music and sing, offer the three sacrifices, set up a banquet, and announce to heaven, rejoicing with heaven and earth. I, though untalented, am skilled in rituals and should share Your Majesty's burden with my disciple Fusu."
The First Emperor immediately said, "Excellent. This task will be entrusted to you and Fusu. Return to Xianyang Palace."
As for these scholars? They were no longer needed.
Zhao Gao's gaze became increasingly hostile.
[During his regency, Crown Prince Fusu was exceptionally diligent. Besides state affairs, he diligently studied the Analects and Lúnyǔ, practiced martial arts to strengthen himself, and absorbed demonic energy and sunlight to temper his body. Furthermore, during the First Emperor's eastern tour, he fully utilized the Lúnyǔ. Based on the principle, 'A gentleman has nothing to contend for; surely it must be archery!,' he stated that a gentleman would not argue with these wicked people and would certainly shoot them. With this, he slew the nobles of the six states and allowed them to return to their ancestral homes.]
[During this process, remnants of the six states spread rumors to destabilize the nation's foundation. Crown Prince Fusu used the Five Ghosts Soul Capturing technique to restrain their souls within the Xianyang Palace, awaiting the First Emperor's return for judgment. Upon hearing of this, the First Emperor fined you another year's salary, but he greatly increased the budget for repairing the mountain paths.]
Consort Yu said this was a special compensation for you. You knew it well, but only took a little. Then you bought Consort Yu several sets of luxurious new clothes and some food. Consort Yu hugged the clothes and food, silent, and you didn't know what she was thinking.
You began to accompany Prince Fusu in repairing the mountain path of Mount Tai, and started planning the magnificent spectacle of the Mount Tai Fengchan ceremony with him.
In the "Ping An Monster Compendium," there is a monster named Phoenix Fire, which is actually a beautiful, large bird engulfed in flames. You decided to summon it, letting it fly across the sky as an auspicious sign.
While Prince Fusu personally supervised, he asked, "Master, I have something I don't understand."
"Ask."
"I observe that scholars and alchemists like Lu Sheng and Hou Sheng don't seem to possess true cultivation like you, Master. Why don't you expose them?"
"Lu Sheng has a knack for finding treasures, and he is a person destined to face calamity in Qin. What do you think your master should do?"
Prince Fusu hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well... naturally, you shouldn't do anything."
"You also have a karmic tribulation," Bai Ming said. "If you cultivate my Way, you will be able to discern life and death and sense your own calamities. During your time overseeing the state, have you felt anyone who made you deeply uncomfortable upon seeing them?"
"There is indeed such a person," Prince Fusu replied. "My eighteenth brother, Huhai. Every time I see him, I feel that there will be a day when one of us must die. And Zhao Gao... when I see him, an inexplicable anger rises within me. If he weren't the Director of the Central Carriage Bureau, I fear I would have already executed him."
Prince Fusu paused and continued, "If I were to die in hardship, I imagine it would be because Zhao Gao did something treacherous behind my back."
Since Confucius's personal teachings, Prince Fusu had changed considerably.
While still refined and elegant, he was no longer as pedantic as before. Even his thoughts and temperament had become much more agile and lively.
"Alright, you understand now, so I don't need to say more," Bai Ming said. "First, we eliminate the main culprits, then we deal with other matters."
"Master, I have one more question."
"Ask, I'm afraid you won't ask questions."
"Then... may I ask?" Prince Fusu had already prepared to run: "Master, I observe that your relationship with Immortal Consort Yu is quite subtle. I wonder when you and Immortal Consort Yu will get married and have a junior brother or junior sister—"
Before he could finish speaking, Prince Fusu had already taken off running.
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