Third-Generation Disciple of the Chan School, Fusu of the Analects / I Wonder When Master and Immortal Consort Yu Became Husband and Wife

"You're pretty cute."

At once, a blush spread across her gloomy yet frightened pretty face. She waved her hands wildly. "Eh... eeh? Ch-chief, I absolutely won't spout nonsense... Eh... Me being cute and all..."

Wait?

Xu Fu seemed as though someone had pressed pause on her. He wasn't settling accounts with her? He was saying she was cute?

The Confucian scholars and Fangshi alike looked confused. The chief wasn't planning to deal with Xu Fu?

Consort Yu watched Xu Fu flail her hands around with an expressionless face, wondering who knew what.

"So why are you so afraid of me?"

Bai Ming reached out and pinched Xu Fu's chin. Xu Fu panicked completely. Before she could answer, Bai Ming said, "But I don't really care. When you work under me, you'd better put away your little schemes. Otherwise, I'll show you punishments even harsher than Qin law."

Bai Ming released Xu Fu's chin. Xu Fu let out a breath of relief, but her heart quickly leaped back into her throat. "Go back to whatever you were doing. Xu Fu, come with me."

You took Xu Fu away without saying what it was about. You merely had her briefly explain her current projects and the relevant circumstances, then took over the modifications to Kuaiji Zero—after all, you had told the First Emperor that the remains he had dug up from Yin were merely an abandoned shell left behind by his martial nephew. You knew every secret and technique within it.

Consort Yu watched from the side the entire time. Only when you began working on Kuaiji Zero according to the First Emperor's wishes did she ask the question she had been wondering about.

"What exactly is your name?"

Without turning his head, Bai Ming acted as his own Gundam designer, considering what outrageously awesome features he should add to Kuaiji Zero. In response to Consort Yu's question, he spoke like a cryptic riddler.

"I take a different name in every era. In this era, you can call me Xiang Yu, Xiang Ji, or Bai Ming. Court sorcerer, Master, Commander... Call me whatever you like. To you right now, my name is merely a codename. Our timelines aren't synchronized yet. When our time finally aligns, you'll know what to call me."

Third-Generation Disciple of the Chan Sect, Lúnyǔ Fusu

What would happen if a transmigrator with vast theoretical knowledge and talent in both magecraft and martial arts were tasked with creating Kuaiji Zero?

Bai Ming thought about it, then gave up thinking. There was no point overthinking it. Making it was more important.

The outsider's talent, Seeking Pleasure, activated.

After a year of study, you devised a method for creating a pseudo-sun.

In a certain month of 219 BC, you added a magical power source to Kuaiji Zero and, thoughtfully, installed an energy-storing magical cannon in its chest based on simulated nuclear fission principles.

Consort Yu tried to stop you from making something so dangerous, but you answered that the First Emperor had treated you well, so you ought to show him your sincerity.

Consort Yu thought you were an idiot. Little did she know that all that talk of sincerity was fake. You simply wanted to see whether your artificial human craftsmanship could surpass that of your senior brother, Immortal Taiyi.

Afterward, you spent a long time studying transformation devices and produced transformation gears. You installed this miraculous magical tool onto Kuaiji Zero, and Kuaiji Zero evolved into the Four-Form Sea, Land, and Air Armament · Pseudo-Sun Driven · Peace Under Heaven · Kuaiji Zero.

Then, at the First Emperor's request, you equipped Kuaiji Zero with an ostentatious giant crossbow for ordinary long-range attacks. Thoughtfully, you also imbued that giant crossbow with Pojun Star Power (Invincible Piercing).

Just then, Xu Fu, who had been sent by the First Emperor to seek the immortal mountains overseas and find an elixir of immortality, repeatedly failed to produce results. Afraid that the First Emperor would kill her, she claimed that sea gods were blocking the way and preventing her from finding any trace of the immortal mountains. Thus, the First Emperor took Kuaiji Zero to hunt down the sea gods.

With the First Emperor personally operating Kuaiji Zero, he transformed it into a giant cannon and killed a sea god with a single charged shot. The First Emperor returned in high spirits and ordered Prince Fusu to become your disciple and cultivate under you.

After much consideration, you decided to burn incense and submit a memorial asking about it.

"Master above, this disciple Bai Ming is deeply terrified and sincerely—"

Before you could finish, the incense smoke condensed into words. They read: "Get out there and establish your own sect. You need to ask about every tiny little thing? You don't act deeply terrified and sincere when you're eating beef."

After those rather irritable words came another conspicuous line—Guangchengzi conveys Master's message on his behalf.

Bai Ming stroked his chin and began calculating.

Though he was a second-generation disciple, within Yuqing Kunlun, the distinction between first- and second-generation disciples was not actually very clear. It was more accurate to say that both first- and second-generation disciples were first-generation disciples, with Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun as their master.

They were only divided into first and second generations based on when they entered the sect. Third-generation disciples were the disciples taken in by first- and second-generation disciples—so-called second-generation disciples. In other words, Fusu would become a third-generation disciple and a second-generation disciple.

By entering Bai Ming's school, Prince Fusu became a third-generation disciple, while Consort Yu witnessed the entire affair.

First, he bowed to the patriarch. Second, he bowed to his master. Third came the master bestowing a name.

After selecting an auspicious date, Fusu respectfully presented the six ceremonial gifts and tuition to Bai Ming. Bai Ming burned incense and led Fusu in offering incense to the patriarch, after which Fusu bowed to Bai Ming.

Then came the naming.

Bai Ming informed Fusu that there were nearly a hundred Heian yokai within the sect, as well as a hungry dog guarding the sect. He specifically summoned Jinling and Penghou, appointing Jinling as the Jinling Boy under Bai Ming's seat.

He then took out the Heian Yokai Compendium, poured magic into it, and awakened Matatabi, the two-tailed yokai cat within. He had her form a contract with Fusu and protect him well.

"Since you've taken me as your master, I should naturally give you a Daoist name."

Bai Ming looked at the gentle and refined Fusu, considered for a moment, and said, "My Dao emphasizes doing as one pleases. There aren't many rules. Its principle is 'No taboos, Preserve Truth of Nature.' Thus, I have established a sect called Quanxing. You are the chief disciple, so there's no need for any formal style name. Let's keep it simple."

Fusu saluted him. "This disciple will obey Master's instructions."

"On the mountain grows Fusu; on the mountain grows Qiaosong. Fusu signifies luxuriant branches and leaves, while Qiaosong signifies lofty and upright. You shall be called Qiaosongzi." Bai Ming waved a hand, and seventeen light screens bearing different writing appeared before Fusu. "I have two broad categories of teachings. One is Daoist arts for personal cultivation, while the other is ritualistic Daoist arts. Broken down further, there are seventeen foundational classifications. Which would you like to learn?"

Fusu asked, "Does Master possess a method to bring peace under heaven and stability to the people?"

"I do, but it is very difficult to learn."

"This disciple does not fear difficulty."

Bai Ming said, "Then I shall teach you the method of peace under heaven. But before that, I heard His Majesty once said that you studied under Confucian scholars. Is that true?"

"Yes, Master."

"Better now than later. Today, I'll first replace your Confucian teacher and teach you a method for invoking gods. Immortals and gods, once proven, remain proven forever. They are unrelated to the passage of time, past or future. Therefore, methods for invoking gods and immortals are useful no matter the era. There is also this Profound Resonance Incantation, which is for building connections with the many immortals and gods. Once you finish studying with the Supreme Master of Taiji, I will teach you the method of peace under heaven."

As he spoke, Bai Ming began teaching Fusu how to invoke gods.

The god to be invoked this time bore the title Supreme Master of Taiji.

It didn't matter if Fusu did not recognize the name. Simply put, he was invoking Confucius.

Consort Yu watched Bai Ming teach Fusu from the side and secretly learned along with him.

Soon, a burly man nine feet six inches tall appeared within the palace.

This man had twelve-colored brows and twenty-four patterns in his eyes. He stood like a phoenix perched and sat like a dragon coiled. His strength could force open the gates of a nation, and his heroic bearing was radiant.

Bai Ming saluted him. "Greetings, Supreme Master of Taiji. I rashly invited you here because my disciple cultivates both Confucianism and the Dao. I hope you can offer him some guidance."

The Supreme Master glanced at Fusu and readily agreed.

As you took Fusu as your disciple, Chunyu Yue and the others' favorability toward you dropped to rock bottom. Meanwhile, Fusu retained only the feelings of teacher and student from the past toward Chunyu Yue and the others—after all, they could not summon Confucius to teach him, but you could.

Your disciple Fusu learned the Profound Resonance Incantation, "The Analects," and Lúnyǔ.

In 219 BC, Xu Fu set sail once more, while the First Emperor toured the eastern commanderies and counties. He summoned more than seventy Confucian erudites from Qi and Lu to the foot of Mount Tai to discuss the Feng and Shan ceremonies. As Ying Zheng's imperial heckler and court sorcerer, Bai Ming accompanied him on the eastern tour.

Bai Ming brought only Consort Yu with him.

Though it was called an eastern tour, it was really nothing more than an outing.

Consort Yu was full of interest. She had once wandered the mountains and rivers every day without finding much joy in them, but after living in Xianyang Palace with Bai Ming for more than a year, sightseeing once again brought an entirely different feeling.

Even so, Consort Yu still wore a cold expression.

Fusu wanted to come along, but he needed to oversee the state.

After the Jing Ke assassination attempt, the First Emperor knew that his wish for immortality had been half-shattered. The chief court sorcerer was helpless regarding the matter, so he could only place his hopes in Fusu. The purpose of this journey was to perform the Feng and Shan rites on Mount Tai and proclaim his ambition to sweep across the world and encompass all within the cosmos.

The group traveled east until they reached Mount Yi.

Zhao Gao, feeling quite uneasy with Bai Ming at his side, immediately advised, "Your Majesty's achievements surpass those of the Five Emperors. You should erect a stone inscription upon Mount Yi to display the eternal merits of our mighty Great Qin, so that we do not repeat the failures of Duke Huan of Qi and Ji Sun. Then the people of Qi and Lu will have nothing to say."

The First Emperor showed no reaction to Zhao Gao's words and merely said coldly, "Granted."

Seeing the First Emperor agree, Zhao Gao shot Bai Ming a faintly provocative glance. Bai Ming ignored Zhao Gao completely, but Consort Yu felt inexplicably irritated. Still, seeing that Bai Ming had no reaction, she suppressed it.

Zhao Gao found no satisfaction in provoking them, and his resentment continued to grow. He believed Bai Ming and Consort Yu were merely pretending to be lofty and deliberately ignoring him.

When Will Master and Immortal Consort Yu Become Husband and Wife?

After the Mount Yi inscription was erected, Bai Ming personally added protective magecraft to ensure that it would be passed down smoothly to future generations.

The First Emperor's eastern touring party continued onward.

Zhao Gao believed Bai Ming's actions were entirely unnecessary. Bai Ming said nothing and merely looked at Zhao Gao. Frightened back several steps by Bai Ming's gaze, Zhao Gao accidentally fell to the ground.

Bai Ming and Consort Yu looked at Zhao Gao with pity, while Zhao Gao grew ever more furious inside. He believed Bai Ming had used some demonic trick to make him fall, but he said nothing at the moment and instead endured silently.

Zhao Gao's favorability toward you became hatred, and you also intended to find an opportunity to slaughter him outright. After all, your disciple Fusu was destined to become the Second Emperor of Qin, and Zhao Gao, as Huhai's teacher, would surely stand in the way of Fusu ascending the throne.

The First Emperor's eastern touring party soon arrived at the foot of Mount Tai.

"I wish to perform the Feng and Shan rites at Mount Tai. What do you all think?"

The First Emperor spoke his true thoughts in a half-joking manner, and Bai Ming immediately followed up. "I am a military man, poor with words. I only know that Your Majesty unified script and standardized axle widths, earning merit that will endure for countless generations."

Bai Ming spoke quickly. Consort Yu did not know what to say and could only blankly add, "Me too."

Zhao Gao quickly echoed them.

The many erudites from Qi and Lu cursed them as treacherous sycophants in their hearts. They then looked at one another and began discussing the matter. At last, one erudite said, "Your Majesty, if you wish to conduct the Feng and Shan rites, you must wrap the cartwheels in reed grass, lest you damage even a blade of grass upon the mountain. Then you must sweep the ground and offer sacrifice. It must be simple and cannot be extravagant."

The First Emperor frowned slightly but said nothing.

Seeing that the First Emperor remained silent, the many Confucian erudites began chattering all at once.

They spoke of frugality, selecting an auspicious date, preparing abundant sacrifices, and not repairing the mountain roads for fear of disturbing the mountain gods. Some even sarcastically accused the First Emperor of destroying the writings of other states, altering their scripts, and violating ancestral traditions. They said he was unworthy of performing the Feng and Shan rites on Mount Tai, and that only by releasing the nobles of the Six States to return to their ancestral lands could he gain Heaven's recognition.

Bai Ming stood to the side, watching his nose, his mouth, and his heart. With every sentence, the First Emperor's patience was worn away by the Confucian scholars' words. The First Emperor coughed. Before Zhao Gao could understand what that inexplicable cough was meant to signify, Bai Ming acted.

More than seventy muffled thuds rang out. The Confucian scholars and erudites lay scattered across the ground, groaning in agony.

Bai Ming spat. "What a bunch of yapping, sour-faced paupers. Can't you learn from the Supreme Master and be bold while still understanding propriety?"

The First Emperor was naturally delighted. He had intended that cough as a signal for Bai Ming to start berating them, yet Bai Ming had directly started beating them instead. Still, these pedantic scholars were his subjects after all. Even if he wanted to favor Bai Ming, he had to make a show of it.

Thus, the First Emperor said, "Court sorcerer, these are all my indispensable ministers. How can you strike them so recklessly? Your salary shall be docked for one year. If there is a next time, it will be docked for another year."

"This Daoist obeys."

Zhao Gao watched the tacit understanding between the First Emperor and Bai Ming with horror on his face. Since when had this wandering sorcerer become so in tune with His Majesty? Wouldn't that place Zhao Gao's own status and favor in grave danger?

Zhao Gao decided that once this eastern tour ended, he would join forces with Li Si against Bai Ming.

Seeing the resentment in Zhao Gao's eyes, Bai Ming said, "First Emperor, Qin replaced Zhou and should therefore embody the virtue of water. Since you wish to conduct the Feng and Shan rites on Mount Tai and announce it to Heaven, the mountain roads should be repaired, drums played and songs sung, the three sacrificial animals prepared, and a feast laid out. It should be proclaimed to Heaven, rejoicing together with Heaven and Earth. This Daoist has modest abilities but is skilled in ritual arts. I should assist Your Majesty alongside my disciple Fusu."

The First Emperor immediately said, "Excellent. I leave this matter to you and Fusu. Return to Xianyang Palace."

As for these Confucian scholars? They were no longer needed.

Zhao Gao's gaze grew increasingly malicious.

During his time overseeing the state, Crown Prince Fusu was endlessly diligent. Aside from state affairs, he studied The Analects and Lúnyǔ, practiced martial arts to strengthen himself, and tempered his body with magic and sunlight. While the First Emperor traveled east, he fully demonstrated the usefulness of Lúnyǔ. Taking "A gentleman has nothing to contend over; if he must, it is surely in archery!" as his basis, he said that gentlemen did not wish to argue with such troublesome people and would surely shoot them dead, then executed the nobles of the Six States and sent them gloriously home to their ancestral lands.

During this time, remnants of the Six States spread further rumors in hopes of destabilizing the nation's foundations. Crown Prince Fusu used the Five Ghosts Soul-Seizing method to seize their souls and imprison them within Xianyang Palace, where they awaited the First Emperor's return and judgment. Upon hearing of this after returning, the First Emperor docked your salary for another year, but gave you much more money for repairing the mountain road.

Consort Yu said it was specifically meant as compensation for you. You understood that perfectly well, but only took a small portion. Then you bought Consort Yu several sets of luxurious new clothes and some food. Consort Yu hugged the clothes and food in silence, once again lost in thoughts no one knew.

You began leading Fusu in repairing the mountain roads of Mount Tai and planning the wondrous spectacle for the Feng and Shan rites.

There was a yokai within the Heian Yokai Compendium called Phoenix Fire. In truth, it was a beautiful great bird wreathed in raging flames. You decided to summon it and have it fly across the skies as an auspicious omen.

While Fusu personally served as the overseer, he asked, "Master, there is something this disciple does not understand."

"Ask."

"I see that Fangshi and Confucian scholars such as Lu Sheng and Hou Sheng do not possess true cultivation like you. Why do you not expose them?"

"Lu Sheng possesses treasure-seeking skills, and he is someone destined to answer Qin's tribulation. Tell me, should I act against him or not?"

Fusu hesitated briefly before saying, "This... Naturally, you should not."

"You also bear a killing tribulation." Bai Ming said, "Since you cultivate my Dao, you will gradually comprehend life and death and sense your own calamities. During this period of overseeing the state, have you encountered anyone who made you feel deeply uncomfortable upon seeing them?"

"There are indeed such people." Fusu said, "My eighteenth brother, Huhai. Whenever I see him, I feel that one day, only one of us will survive. And Zhao Gao... When I see him, an inexplicable fire rises in my heart. If he were not Superintendent of the Imperial Carriages, this disciple fears I would have executed him long ago."

Fusu paused before continuing, "If this disciple should die amidst disaster, it would likely be because Zhao Gao did something while pretending obedience."

After receiving Confucius's personal teachings, Fusu had changed completely.

Though he remained refined and elegant, he was no longer as rigid and pedantic as before. Even his thoughts and temperament had become far livelier and more flexible.

"Good. You understand now, so there is no need for me to say more." Bai Ming said, "First eliminate the chief villain, then deal with everything else."

"Master, this disciple has another question."

"Ask. I'm afraid only that you won't ask questions."

"Then... this disciple will ask?" Fusu had already prepared himself to flee. "This disciple finds Master's relationship with Immortal Consort Yu rather subtle. I wonder when Master plans to become husband and wife with Immortal Consort Yu and give this disciple a junior brother or sister—"

Before he could finish speaking, Fusu had already started running.