Chapter 151: Snowfall and Mechanisms

The sky drifts with snow.

Inside the courtyard there was silence; only the soft rustle of Suxue brushing against the ground could be heard.

Li Che exhaled deeply.

He gripped the Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal in his hand—his only one.

With the Temple Spirit’s Divine Chess Piece exhausted and the Tower Ascension activated, the lack of a blessing had greatly diminished its power.

Without the Temple Spirit Divine Chess Piece, he felt utterly unprotected…

There were still six months before he could enter the Golden Divine Hall.

And he couldn’t possibly use his Heavenly King Divine Chess Piece every time he activated Tower Ascension, could he?

So Li Che was quite eager to visit that bizarre temple known as ‘Fire-Eyed Xuanjing Spirit Ape’.

But before that, he needed to transform all his resources into enhancements to his own strength.

He clutched the Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal tightly.

Li Che slowly closed his eyes.

Inside his chest, his Pure Heart Dao Fruit began to throb, unleashing an overwhelming suction.

It was just like the sensation he felt the first time he absorbed the faint, white divine energy from the Eight Extremity Divine Essence Crystal.

That feeling… like the bone-chilling rush of a gulp of icy Sprite on a scorching summer day!

Rumble—

It was as if a subtle roar echoed through the inner realm of his Mud Pellet world!

The flawless divine energy contained in the Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal was immensely powerful, bursting forth like water gushing over a shattered dam.

It surged into Li Che’s Mud Pellet inner world, flowing into the core of his Pure Heart.

Li Che even felt as if he were swelling up, waterlogged by the overwhelming divine energy.

And his Pure Heart Dao Fruit, long overdue for its level 3 breakthrough, which had been progressing excruciatingly slowly, suddenly began to speed up!

The rate of improvement started to accelerate!

Drawing all his focus, Li Che immersed himself in refining the Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal.

2%… 2%… 2%…

In just a few breaths, its maturity increased by 2%—the pace was exhilarating!

So satisfying!

It was exactly that feeling!

Absolutely intoxicating!

Li Che’s eyes sparkled as his Mud Pellet inner world began to glow!

The core of his Pure Heart expanded rapidly while his aura steadily climbed.

Even his Sevenfold Seven Emotions foundation quivered in unison, as if jubilantly eager to share in the success.

“Hoo—”

“Hoo—”

Each breath he exhaled mingled with his own, forming a delicate haze.

But such rapid ascension was always fleeting.

His eyes flickered open and closed, as if a glimmer of pure light flashed from their depths.

[Dao Fruit: Pure Heart (lv3 39%)]

The Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal was soon completely drained, transforming into a transparent gem that rested quietly in Li Che’s palm.

“A 30% increase in maturity—slightly lower than expected, yet the Pure Heart Dao Fruit still craved more…”

“The next Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal should bring an even faster boost.”

Li Che closed his eyes to better sense his condition.

Now that his Pure Heart foundation had reached the Divine Foundation stage, the balancing and lubricating effects on his Seven Emotions foundation had improved considerably.

The synergy among the divine energies of his Seven Emotions foundation had become extraordinarily fluid.

“But forging the Seven Emotions foundation into seven Divine Visions… that is no simple task.”

“Li Qingshan forged his Divine Vision with such overwhelming impact; if I were to forge my Seven Emotions foundation, the resulting force would be even greater.”

Li Che furrowed his brow, worried about how he would handle the breakthrough to Divine Vision later on.

Moreover, if word got out that he possessed the Sevenfold Divine Foundation, he feared it would draw the unwanted attention of those with ulterior motives.

That would only heighten the danger.

Li Che’s steadfast nature wouldn’t allow such a situation to arise.

“It seems that when the time comes, I’ll have no choice but to find a secluded, deserted spot to break through in secret.”

Gathering the remnants of the Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystal, Li Che sighed.

“So poor…”

“If only I had more Sevenfold Divine Essence Crystals…”

“Isn’t the Sect Leader supposed to have Ogre and Ma Mian assassinate Su Huai Li? Why haven’t they acted yet?” Li Che muttered under his breath.

He stood up and stretched lazily.

He tore open his Qiankun Space and retrieved one Eight Extremity Divine Essence Crystal after another, handing them over to his seven perfectly aligned Painted Immortal clones.

He had them refine the Eight Extremity Divine Essence Crystals to nurture their inner spirit and strengthen their Seven Emotions foundation.

After a rousing pep talk for the clones assigned to develop the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank,

Li Che packed away the divine wood carvings sculpted by his clones and set off for the Imperial Watch Tower on the Cliff.

Snow drifted along Long Street, and an unprecedented hush reigned.

Wearing a bamboo hat and a dark robe, Li Che strolled down Long Street.

He passed by the riverside, where a slight breeze rippled the water, creating gentle wrinkles.

Snow fell onto the surface, twirling briefly before melting into the river.

Even the spring snow in the sky looked crystal clear—reminding him of the river meeting the sand.

The snowy riverside scene possessed its own unique charm.

It was a pity that the Jiulong River never froze.

Otherwise, one could truly experience the solitary melancholy of an old fisherman, alone in a small boat amid falling snow.

He arrived at the Imperial Watch.

He handed the finished wood carving to Shangguan Qinghong so she could deliver it while he planned his next move to the workshop.

“Che, wait up! Your Second-Rank Guest Official assessment has been approved, and the Imperial Watch of Daocheng has dispatched personnel. They should reach you in about half a month—make sure you’re prepared.”

Shangguan Qinghong reminded him.

“Also, the Palace Junior Monitor is looking for you. She says that on Monitor’s orders, she needs to take you to visit Shendiao Ridge today.”

Li Che’s pace suddenly halted.

“Shendiao Ridge?”

“Yes, Shendiao Ridge… Most of the spirit wood comes from there. In the future, if you require higher quality spirit wood, you’ll have to head there.”

Munching on some sunflower seeds, Shangguan Qinghong smiled.

Li Che was just about to ask more about Shendiao Ridge.

Rarely had Gong Yunli appeared so elegantly, her attire impeccable with a touch of makeup on her face, her broad chest and hands clasped behind her.

“Li Guest Official, let’s go.”

Gong Yunli said.

Once they exited the Imperial Watch Tower, a luxurious carriage awaited them outside.

The carriage bore the insignia of the Gong Family—a prized asset of the City Lord’s Residence, one of the capital’s five major families.

Li Che slid into the carriage; inside, it was both spacious and comfortable, prompting him to marvel at the opulence of these ancient families.

Gong Yunli also boarded, sitting opposite him as she began brewing tea.

As soon as the carriage set off with both aboard, the coachman accelerated immediately.

The spirited horses neighed loudly, their hooves clattering against the bluish stone, their echoes persisting.

“Shendiao Ridge is located far outside Jingguang Mansion… it will take some time to get there.” After finishing her tea, Gong Yunli handed Li Che a cup.

She sipped her tea slowly, savoring every small mouthful.

“Palace Junior Monitor, is Shendiao Ridge considered part of the capital’s influence as well?” Li Che asked, curiosity piqued.

Previously, he hadn’t known much; now that he was headed for Shendiao Ridge, he figured it was best to be informed.

“Actually, Shendiao Ridge falls under the Divine Sect… The Daocheng Divine Sect has its own Shendiao Ridge, and each regional branch of the sect has one too.”

“Shendiao Ridge is basically situated near the Divine Sect Mountain Gate. The Yunzhou branch of the Qianyuan Divine Sect is located in Jingguang Mansion, so naturally Shendiao Ridge is based there.”

“Strictly speaking, it belongs to the Divine Sect, though in most cases the major forces of the capital treat it as an independent entity.”

Gong Yunli said softly.

“Independent entity?”

Li Che squinted his eyes.

Gong Yunli nodded and murmured, “Shendiao Ridge… it’s more like a gathering place for master woodcarvers.”

“The divine eagles produced by the inner disciples at the Divine Sect Mountain Gate come from Shendiao Ridge.”

“Shendiao Ridge even boasts its own team of master woodcarvers.”

Gong Yunli took a sip of tea and glanced out the window.

“Is it similar to the woodcarving masters among the Imperial Watch’s Guest Officials?” Li Che raised an eyebrow.

Gong Yunli, her long eyelashes fluttering, glanced at him and shook her head, “Not at all. The Guest Officials of the Imperial Watch can be either woodcarvers or even weapon-forging masters…”

“Moreover, their roles aren’t fixed—many of the woodcarving masters of Shendiao Ridge have even earned the title of Third-Rank Guest Official from the Imperial Watch.”

“And the master of Shendiao Ridge himself holds the First-Rank Guest Official title at our Imperial Watch.”

After Gong Yunli finished, Li Che took a deep breath.

“First-Rank Guest Official?”

Li Che knew well the formidable requirements for attaining a First-Rank Guest Official title—it was no small feat.

While most Third-Rank Guest Officials were barely at the basic level, Second-Rank ones might require Eight Extremity mastery.

But First-Rank Guest Official status demanded the ability to carve a Sevenfold Divine Wooden Sculpture!

Li Che couldn’t help but recall the Sevenfold Divine Statue that Li Qingshan had showcased when studying Divine Vision.

It was likely crafted by the First-Rank Guest Official of Shendiao Ridge.

“That master… has a unique status. Remember to show proper respect when you meet him.”

Gong Yunli advised.

Li Che nodded repeatedly—when dealing with a master of Sevenfold woodcarving, one must always adopt one’s best attitude.

Even if he couldn’t yet carve a Sevenfold Divine Eagle himself, XiXi’s cultivation might one day require one.

Thus, to ensure his daughter’s cultivation resources weren’t hindered, Li Che put on a dazzling smile.

“By the way, that master of Shendiao Ridge… his surname is Tang.”

Gong Yunli recalled something as she introduced, “Master of Mechanisms, Tang.”

……

……

After the carriage left the capital, it sped along the main road.

The coachman repeatedly flicked the reins, urging the horses to run faster and faster.

These horses might even have a trace of a demonic bloodline—fast and enduring all at once…

It took roughly an hour.

Like a bolt of lightning, the carriage finally reached its destination.

It arrived at a small town.

At the heart of the town stood an expansive mansion.

“We’ve arrived.”

“This is Shendiao Town, under the jurisdiction of Shendiao Ridge.”

“Every Shendiao Ridge has a little town like this, where you can find master woodcarvers to order Divine Wooden Sculptures or purchase spirit wood, among other things…”

“The Five Major Families, the Five Major Sects, the Jin Guang Branch, the Temple Guardian Division, the Imperial Watch, and the City Lord’s Residence all have outposts here.”

Gong Yunli explained.

At the mansion’s gate, she produced an introduction letter and was soon admitted inside.

Li Che followed closely behind Gong Yunli, meandering along a long corridor filled with the rich aromas of different woods; beyond, vast white mountains blanketed with thick snow stretched endlessly.

The mountains resembled a slumbering dragon coiled between heaven and earth.

After a while, they passed through the workshop area, where countless small workshops stood side by side and many laborers, shirtless and steaming in the snowy chill, carefully transported wood carvings.

Li Che couldn’t help but linger, his eyes reflecting nostalgia.

Back in the day, he was just a laborer at a woodcarving shop.

Shendiao Ridge was nothing short of a giant woodcarving shop.

“What are you staring at?” Gong Yunli asked, noticing the rosy chill on Li Che’s face as he gaped at the scene.

Following Li Che’s gaze, she saw several shirtless laborers hefting wood.

These workers, whose skills were rudimentary—mostly only having reached Skin Polishing or Tendon Burst levels—were nothing more than burly fighters.

“Shangguan Qinghong, you might not know…”

“I too was once just a laborer, carrying wood for the woodcarvers—shouldering wood carvings and lumber that built my family’s future.”

Li Che smiled as he spoke.

“Seeing these familiar scenes now fills me with a torrent of memories.”

After speaking, a slight tremor passed through Li Che’s eyes.

A laborer from humble beginnings who rose to become a Third-Rank Guest Official at the Imperial Watch…

It was truly extraordinary.

Gong Yunli felt a surge of admiration as well.

Then suddenly,

A gentle breeze stirred, making Li Che’s heart skip a beat as his [Chess Sage] Dao Fruit trembled violently within him.

Beneath his dark robe, his sinews shivered and his major tendons twitched in response.

A master!

A true master!

Li Che abruptly turned his head and caught sight of a lone figure.

The figure stood in the corridor, an aura as solid as a mountain yet harboring countless roaring dragons within.

Gong Yunli stepped aside, bowing slightly as she said, “Imperial Watch Junior Monitor Gong Yunli greets Master Tang of Shendiao Ridge.”

Li Che turned to face the burly elder who had just appeared.

The elder was impressively stout—even rivaling the physique he achieved after unleashing his Dragon Elephant Vajra.

With a dark beard, piercing eyes, and muscles woven like twisted rebar, he radiated a burning, explosive aura at all times.

This was the Master of Shendiao Ridge, Tang Sanjia!

Li Che cupped his fists in greeting, acknowledging the robust elder.

The elder lowered his head to scrutinize Li Che, his narrowed eyes revealing both curiosity and inquiry.

“So you must be the prodigy Senior Qingshan mentioned?”

“I hear you’ve also dabbled in mechanism studies?”

Tang Sanjia said coolly, his voice resonating like a bell.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed as he replied, “Senior Qingshan’s compliments are too generous—I’m no prodigy; I just have some insights.”

Li Qingshan had once mentioned bringing him to Shendiao Ridge, but his own breakthrough in Divine Vision had delayed that.

Yet clearly, Li Qingshan had mentioned him in front of this Master of Shendiao Ridge.

With eyes as sharp as an eagle’s, Tang Sanjia studied Li Che, a peculiar gleam flashing in his gaze.

“Thousand Spider Silk?”

“Sleeve Crossbow?”

Li Che was momentarily taken aback—he had hidden his Sleeve Crossbow and Thousand Spider Silk so well that the elder picked up on them instantly.

“You studied from ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’? That is the most widely circulated copy of the Tang Clan’s mechanism tradition,” Tang Sanjia observed calmly.

Li Che smiled and nodded in agreement.

Tang Sanjia’s eyes glimmered slightly.

He beckoned Li Che to walk beside him; for a moment, Gong Yunli trailed behind like a servant, quietly following the two.

Gong Yunli wasn’t upset—she was simply curious about Li Che.

She hadn’t expected him to be so adept in mechanisms as well.

Initially, upon hearing of his expertise, she felt something was off, but then she realized it made sense; Li Che could never be compared with Ogre.

Out of the corner of his eye, Li Che noticed Shangguan Qinghong’s puzzled expression.

Her mouth twitched slightly.

Lin Jianfu had once remarked that Shangguan Qinghong was all brawn and no brains… which, admittedly, suited her perfectly.

Tang Sanjia led Li Che and Gong Yunli into the reception hall.

He held Li Che in high regard, moved by how deeply the young man understood the secrets of Tang Clan mechanisms.

“To think you could develop such profound insights solely from ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’—it’s obvious you have a passion for mechanisms…”

Tang Sanjia laughed.

“If only you were one of my Tang Clan disciples, I’d gladly take you under my wing and impart the true secrets of our mechanisms!”

Li Che, equally impressed by Tang Sanjia’s grasp of mechanisms, asked, “The true secrets of Tang Clan mechanisms?”

“How do they differ from what’s recorded in ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’?”

Tang Sanjia laughed, then poured a cup of tea for Li Che.

“They aren’t very different. ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’ is inherently superficial. Many details are missing—merely through tactile practice, crafting even a ninth-ranked ‘Guanyin Blood Lotus’ is no small feat.”

“As for Muduya and Bodhi Blood Tears… it’s virtually impossible to create them.”

“But the Tang Clan’s True Transmitted Mechanism is different—it includes detailed production methods as well as a matching Divine Secret Technique.”

Tang Sanjia wasn’t stingy with his guidance.

Ever since the Tang Clan’s downfall, the reputation of Tang Clan mechanisms had plummeted; nowadays, few young people cared about mechanisms.

That lad… truly understands me!

Li Che’s heart stirred as he delved into discussions of mechanisms with Old Tang, openly sharing his insights from ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’.

He even discussed his new research on mechanisms related to Guanyin Blood Lotus, Bodhi Blood Tears, Muduya, and other devices.

There was a genuine bond among mechanism masters—a mutual understanding.

After their conversation, Li Che felt as if he had finally met a kindred spirit.

A sudden thrill coursed through him as flashes of light danced before his eyes.

[Dao Fruit: Xiangong (LV3 95%)]

Seeing such a rapid boost in the maturity of his Xiangong Dao Fruit, a hint of wonder appeared in his gaze.

Could its maturity be increased even further?

Perhaps…

Maybe this was the most rudimentary form of the path of enlightenment?

Tang Sanjia looked at Li Che with growing admiration, interrupting his thoughts.

“Che, do you know why the Tang Clan was obliterated?”

Tang Sanjia raised his tea cup and took a long sip.

Beside him, Gong Yunli nibbled on some snacks—after all, she couldn’t follow what these two had been discussing for so long.

She hadn’t even had any tea; now, hearing a tidbit of gossip she could understand, she perked up and listened intently.

Li Che, equally curious, asked, “Because of four characters… ‘Embrace the Vessel’?”

Tang Sanjia set his cup down and replied coolly, “The Imperial Court… had its eyes on the Tang Clan’s ‘Vessel’. What could they do?”

“That vessel was none other than the peerless Mechanism Beast!”

Li Che suddenly understood—the Mechanism Beast!

In ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’, it was only briefly mentioned. Clearly, this was the true hidden gem of Tang Clan mechanisms.

“Yes, the peerless Mechanism Beast is no ordinary device… It serves as an excellent tool for scouting bizarre temples and weird sanctuaries, as well as a fearsome weapon of war.”

“The Tang Clan was labeled ‘Embrace the Vessel’ because the old emperor, Da Jing, sent troops to wipe them out.”

At this, Gong Yunli, who had been munching on preserved fruit, suddenly coughed and nearly spat it out.

That man—uttering such treasonous words was absolutely forbidden.

Tang Sanjia glared intently at Li Che, “Che, do you want to learn it?”

Li Che’s heart skipped a beat.

“I do.”

“But that won’t be so easy…” Tang Sanjia shook his head regretfully.

Li Che was silent: “…”

How could I ever learn from you?

Yet Li Che was truly fascinated by the Mechanism Beast.

He had recently hit a bottleneck in his research on the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank, and perhaps the Mechanism Beast could offer some inspiration.

After a moment’s thought, Li Che unhesitatingly retrieved a design blueprint of the Guanyin Lotus Main Battle Tank from his Qiankun Space.

“Senior Tang, I’ve encountered a bottleneck while researching a mechanism. Could you offer some advice?”

He considered briefly before handing the blueprint over to Tang Sanjia.

Tang Sanjia raised his eyebrows.

He sipped his tea thoughtfully.

Then, setting his cup aside, he casually accepted Li Che’s blueprint.

Although Li Che had some insights into mechanisms, he had only learned from a basic text like ‘Tang’s Mechanism Chronicle’.

What difficulty could his design possibly have?

In no time at all, Tang Sanjia offered his guidance.

That was how Tang Sanjia, impressed by mechanism enthusiasts like Li Che, regarded him highly.

With anyone else…

If someone handed him a blueprint, he’d probably just smash it.

But he took the blueprint.

Tang Sanjia’s gaze fixated on it. In the next moment, his eyes darkened profoundly…

“This…”

His eyes instantly turned deep black as the blueprint captivated him, completely impossible to look away from.

His mind was utterly seduced by the ingenious design on the blueprint.

Li Che sipped his tea calmly, not in a hurry at all.

Gong Yunli, still a bit bewildered, marveled that Li Che’s understanding of mechanisms was indeed impressive—it even managed to captivate Master Tang.

Seeing Master Tang as if turned to stone, Gong Yunli cast him a curious glance.

“What’s wrong, Master Tang?”

Li Che shot her a glance.

That dimwitted junior monitor—muscle without brains… truly carefree.

He and Master Tang spoke so candidly; could it be that Gong Yunli still hadn’t guessed that Li Che was actually Ogre?

Well then… fools are blessed.

“Nothing, I’m just analyzing…”

“Junior Monitor, if you don’t understand mechanisms, that’s perfectly normal.”

Li Che replied with a gentle smile.

Gong Yunli immediately retorted, “Who do you take me for?”

She stood up, walked behind Master Tang, and stole a glance at the blueprint.

Oops—

Gong Yunli quickly averted her eyes; her mind seemed inundated with complex theories she could not grasp.

“Forget it, you two keep talking; I’ll go for a stroll.”

Gong Yunli shook her head, finding an excuse to step out for some fresh air.

After about the length of an incense stick’s burn time,

Master Tang’s imposing figure shifted slightly, his eyes flickering for a long moment before he finally let out an exasperated sigh.

“If my guess is correct, your mechanism… is just a base structure, isn’t it?”

“And it appears to be built upon an improved Guanyin Blood Lotus.”

Master Tang returned the blueprint to Li Che.

His expression was a mix of admiration, regret, pain, and sorrow—a tangled blend of emotions.

What a promising mechanism prodigy he was.

Alas…

Alas, such a soft soul!

Master Tang tugged at his beard. Even though the Tang Clan was no more, why cling to old traditions?

He needed mechanism prodigies like Li Che—he needed them desperately!

“Yes, I truly appreciate your insight, Senior.”

Li Che laughed.

“The destructive potential is immense… may I take a look?”

Master Tang asked.

Li Che was momentarily taken aback—it was an audacious request.

But he sensed a different nuance in the elder’s tone.

“Alright,” Li Che replied.

At once, he tore open his Qiankun Space and retrieved a roughly formed Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bomb.

A nearly half-human tall Guanyin Lotus Bomb materialized in the reception hall.

Master Tang was instantly captivated.

A surge of tension and crisis welled in his heart!

This half-human tall Guanyin Blood Lotus bomb posed a threat to him!

How could that be?

Not even ten thousand poison-infused Guanyin Blood Lotuses could harm him in the slightest.

This was no ordinary Guanyin Blood Lotus!

“Truly derived from an improved ‘Guanyin Blood Lotus’. You are one hell of a genius!”

Master Tang glanced over, perceiving something unique.

“You actually fused divine energy? Taking the explosive route?”

“The power is extraordinary,” he added.

If it could threaten him, its potency must be formidable indeed.

Li Che put away the Guanyin Lotus Bomb and grinned as he clasped his fists, “It’s only a half-finished product. Once perfected, I hope you’ll critique it.”

“It’s a deal!”

Master Tang agreed immediately.

“In the spirit of reciprocity… mechanisms aren’t casually revealed. Since you’ve shared your treasure with me, I will return the favor.”

Master Tang handed over a richly bound book to Li Che.

Li Che’s eyes narrowed.

“Tang’s True Transmitted Mechanism?! Senior… this?”

Wasn’t it supposed to be kept secret?

“Hahaha, after seeing your prized mechanism, I offer you a favor in return—fair enough?”

Master Tang stroked his beard.

Li Che smiled, “Fair enough. Thank you for the gift of technique.”

Master Tang shook his head, his imposing frame seeming to shrink as he said, “There’s nothing left to hide— the Tang Clan… is gone.”

“This method is better preserved by passing it on to talented youth rather than being buried in obscurity.”

“If it helps perfect your mechanism, consider it my modest contribution to the art.”

Master Tang laughed heartily.

“And of course, Tang’s True Transmitted Mechanism includes details on crafting Mechanism Beasts…”

“And if one day you create a Mechanism Beast… I’ll have a favor to ask of you.”

Master Tang turned serious.

Li Che hesitated, but then nodded without further delay.

“Then, thank you for the technique.”

Master Tang stroked his beard and burst into booming laughter, his mood soaring.

“Che, why don’t you take the title of Master Woodcarver of Shendiao Ridge? Should you ever need any spirit wood, you can come to me.”

“Moreover, any spirit wood required for your mechanisms can be sourced from me.”

“I’ll send you my most seasoned lumberjack to guide you into the mountains for spirit wood.”

“I’m investing in you!”

At these words, Li Che was suddenly overjoyed.

Crafting mechanisms relied heavily on high-quality spirit wood.

Fine spirit wood was worth more than gold or iron.

In other words, on this trip to Shendiao Ridge, he had found an angel investor!

Master Tang and Li Che quickly bonded—Master Tang truly admired this young man with a gift for mechanisms, and he was very intrigued by Li Che’s work.

He was utterly generous with his investment.

Backed by Shendiao Ridge, Master Tang had no shortage of spirit wood!

What he lacked, however, was a mechanism genius like Li Che!

“I’ve heard… Li Che’s daughter has become a true disciple of Nan Lihuo under the Southern Fire Sect?”

“Then all her future spirit wood and woodcarving needs are on me! Just have her report to me.”

Master Tang patted his chest and laughed heartily.

This news delighted Li Che, as it solved a huge problem regarding his daughter’s future cultivation resources.

He was truly overjoyed.

Li Che and Master Tang continued their long discussion on mechanisms.

Yet Li Che’s Xiangong Dao Fruit ceased to mature further.

Clearly, Old Tang’s insights into mechanisms were limited—he had already squeezed every bit out of the subject.

But Li Che was unperturbed; possessing Tang’s True Transmitted Mechanism meant that elevating his Xiangong Dao Fruit was no longer an issue.

The maturation of his Xiangong Dao Fruit was now a non-problem.

When Gong Yunli returned after her stroll,

she saw an elder and a young man, chummy like brothers.

Learning that Li Che had assumed the title of Master Woodcarver of Shendiao Ridge, had secured a 50% discount on spirit wood, and had the right to enter Shendiao Ridge for lumber at any time…

Gong Yunli was stupefied.

She looked at Li Che, feeling as if he were glowing.

Was this the legendary beauty tactic at work?

In Shendiao Ridge, Li Che selected several types of Jiuyiao spirit wood; Master Tang, with a grand gesture, waved his hand and gifted them abundantly.

They continued this way until the carriage returned to Jingguang Mansion.

Gong Yunli remained in a daze.

She couldn’t fathom how Li Che managed to win over the notoriously stingy and ill-tempered Master Tang of Shendiao Ridge.

…

…

Time passed.

Before he knew it, three days had gone by.

At Luohua Alley in Jingguang Mansion,

a misty snowfall covered everything in a thick layer of white.

In the courtyard, Li Che was draped in a white shroud of snow.

Since returning from Shendiao Ridge, Li Che had locked himself away for three days, deeply immersed in studying ‘Tang’s True Transmitted Mechanism’.

A gentle breeze stirred.

Li Che’s eyes shimmered as they gradually opened.

In an instant, all the snow in the small courtyard evaporated, transforming into countless rising vapors that enveloped the space!

A radiant light burst forth in Li Che’s eyes.

And the next moment, like a gentle stream, a hint emerged before him.

[Dao Fruit: Xiangong (lv4 0%)]

……

A seven-thousand-character chapter—please vote for it by month’s end; give it a thumbs-up for a burst of flavor after the climax! Old Li thanks you!

A seven-thousand-character chapter—please vote for it by month’s end; give it a thumbs-up for a burst of flavor after the climax! Old Li thanks you!