Chapter 471: The Variable

“It’s indeed the ‘Divine Craft Manual’!”

“I’ve long heard that this manual records the thirty-six ancient mechanisms, complementing the ‘Tiangong Kaiwu’. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation!”

“Brilliant! With this, we can replicate the pinnacle creation of the Mohists—the Divine Craft Automaton. Haha, just wait and see their expressions!”

“Wait? Why does it only have the beginning? Where’s the rest?”

…

Upon seeing the manuscript, the group of Mohist elders immediately transformed into scholarly old pedants, studying it for quite some time before voicing their dissatisfaction. Suddenly noticing Wu Ming smiling beside them, their faces turned awkward.

“Well?”

Wu Ming sipped his tea again before leisurely inquiring.

“It’s indeed the Mohist secret manual—the ‘Divine Craft Manual’. May I ask how you came into possession of it?”

Gongsu Ao’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“How I obtained it isn’t important! What matters is that I have the complete ‘Divine Craft Manual’… and even if you desire the Divine Craft Automaton, I have ways to make it happen!”

This naturally came from the collection of the Main Temple, but as mentioned, although Wu Ming could nearly establish another Mohist sect with it, it would be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring the cultivation of apprentices from scratch. It was better to let the masters handle it directly.

“Your offer is indeed hard to resist!”

Gongsu Ao smiled bitterly.

That the ‘Divine Craft Manual’ appeared in Wu Ming’s hands meant he must be an enemy of the Mohists, not one of their own!

The Mohists wouldn’t seek their help, so the only possibility was that Wu Ming had eliminated a Mohist lineage elder.

Gongsu Ao and the others exchanged glances, already deciding to investigate whether any prominent Mohist craftsmen had perished recently.

“Excellent!”

Wu Ming nodded. This was naturally a mutually beneficial arrangement. “After signing the contract, you will receive the first half of the ‘Divine Craft Manual’. If your performance satisfies me in three years, I will give you the second half!”

“Only half?”

Gongsu Ao was taken aback.

“Were you planning for me to hand over everything at once?”

Wu Ming’s face bore a teasing smile, and the immortal bird on his shoulder suddenly spread its wings and cried out.

“Fine then!”

The threat of two level-five experts finally forced Gongsu Ao into a wry smile. After calculating the cost of keeping Wu Ming here, he wisely chose to compromise. “However, our Gongshu family’s cooperation comes with a few small conditions, and there’s another difficulty at present…”

“Speak!”

Wu Ming remained expressionless, enigmatically.

“Coincidentally, this is the time for our Gongshu family’s ten-yearly contest with the Mohists. Our disciples must prepare for this, so it might take a few more months before we can head to Dingzhou!”

Gongsu Ao’s face showed reluctance, but he pushed the wooden box back. “If you cannot accept this condition, please forgive us for being unable to assist!”

“So it’s like that!”

Wu Ming inwardly cursed his bad luck.

This contest between the Mohists and the Gongshus was clearly a highly secret affair he hadn’t even heard of.

With both families preparing their elite forces, wouldn’t it mean that even if he turned around immediately to seek the Mohists, he’d face the same result?

“Fate? Or pressure from those hidden hands? Or perhaps these Gongshu people have discovered something?”

Wu Ming lowered his eyelids, his expression dark and unpredictable.

…

“Great Elder?!”

Moments later, after Wu Ming took his leave, several Gongshu elders immediately gathered around asking, “Are we really not taking action? This is the Mohist’s ultimate secret!”

“Reckless!”

Gongsu Ao glared. “How many level-five automatons do you have? Can you defeat his immortal beast? Or do you want our Gongshu family’s foundation to crumble overnight?”

The elders fell silent. Although their family’s heritage allowed them to challenge a land immortal, facing two level-fives was not simply adding one plus one. A careless move could lead to the loss of their elite forces without any gains.

“What if we send a group of disciples first? At least get hold of half of the ‘Divine Craft Manual’…”

Another elder with cloudy eyes, thick crystal lenses, and white hair and beard suggested. “Even if we lose this year’s competition, it’s not a big deal. In the next decade, we’ll certainly make the Mohists pay!”

“I know this well enough… but…”

Gongsu Ao slightly closed his eyes. “Are you aware of the current situation?”

Without waiting for the elders to reply, he continued. “We have spies everywhere, and some outer disciples work in military supply warehouses under the court and regional powers. When it comes to information, we’re among the best. Although Wu Zhi seems to be unifying Dingzhou, the situation isn’t that promising…”

“Several blessed lands have already shown interest in this woman. With their intervention, it will surely create ripples, affecting the unification effort…”

The elders displayed thoughtful expressions. “Great Elder’s meaning is?”

“Naturally… to wait!”

Gongsu Ao smiled slightly, revealing a confident demeanor, clearly having a plan. “Wu Zhi even has a land immortal as a husband, showing she’s not without backing. Between these two factions, the stronger will prevail, and we can decide then…”

“If in a few months Wu Zhi still can’t capture Dingzhou City, everything is off!”

“But if she can unify Dingzhou, she might have a chance at kingship, sustaining for decades, so joining her wouldn’t be a problem…”

At this point, he fully revealed his plan.

“Great Elder is wise!”

The other Gongshu elders nodded in agreement, convinced.

Unbeknownst to them, within the hall, an invisible magical ripple flashed, transmitting everything seen and heard directly to Wu Ming.

“They indeed have ulterior motives!”

Wu Ming waved his sleeve, dispersing the water mirror before him, yet he wasn’t particularly angry.

After all, even virtuous officials and brave generals must find a wise lord to serve for a future, so having some hidden intentions was quite normal, especially since they weren’t his own disciples.

No, even if they were his own disciples, if circumstances turned adverse, they might betray him. The key was still one’s own strength!

“Just these Gongshu people, only knowing how to add flowers to a brocade, never understanding the value of providing coal in snow. No wonder they’ve been overshadowed by the Mohists throughout history!”

Clearly, even with Wu Ming’s broad-mindedness, he would naturally be cautious with the Gongshu family’s future allegiance.

As for the Gongshu family’s military strength? He truly didn’t care much.

Wu Ming was no ordinary land immortal. To the outside world, Gongshu City’s defenses were impregnable, but in his eyes, its destruction would be but a wave of his hand.

Of course, using force to coerce them would be the worst and most foolish strategy, akin to kidnapping a feng shui master to inspect one’s ancestral graves, risking the entire lineage.

Even though Wu Ming himself was skilled in machinery techniques, he had no desire to engage in such scheming with these stubborn old Gongshu elders. Rather than that, he’d prefer not to recruit anyone at all.

“It seems… the Gongshu family’s allegiance must wait until after Dingzhou’s unification!”

With this realization, Wu Ming naturally had no interest in continuing to feign politeness with these old men. After a brief courtesy and a dinner, he didn’t even bother staying the night, immediately taking his leave.

Before departing, he did leave Gongshu Zhe’s final notes on automata techniques to Gongshu Rui, considering it a gesture of their connection.

…

“These Gongshu people, seemingly stubborn, are actually all sly old foxes!”

Inside the Xie family’s ancestral home in Dingzhou, Wu Ming sat cross-legged, sipping his tea, suddenly paused, then shook his head.

“It seems my husband’s journey here wasn’t very successful!”

Wu Zhi took the teacup, sensing the spiritual energy within, her eyes slightly narrowing. “The spiritual tea you planted has become even more fragrant…”

“It’s indeed a good strain from the Four Symbols Sect!”

Wu Ming poured himself another cup. “But E Shi, you should understand the current situation now, right?”

“Hehe!”

Wu Zhi raised her eyebrows, naturally exuding a vigorous heroism. “As a woman, I aim to unify the world and restore order. I’ve already accepted this challenge!”

Looking at Wu Ming, her eyes couldn’t help but show deep affection. “To have come this far is already thanks to my husband’s blessings. I dare not ask for more…”

“You and I are one as husband and wife. Why be so formal?”

Wu Ming looked at Wu Zhi’s slightly rounded belly, his gaze filled with infinite tenderness.

For him now, this good husband and father mindset was also a very subtle experience.

The path of sages adapts with the times, engaging in worldly affairs without being burdened.

Precisely because he was “unburdened,” he could play in the mortal world, experiencing countless emotions, ultimately reaching the ultimate state of detachment.

Truly being emotionless yet compassionate, or compassionate yet emotionless!

Wu Zhi was unaware of Wu Ming’s thoughts, only feeling her husband growing closer, her heart involuntarily easing, a hidden worry completely dissipating.

“Report!”

An incongruous voice suddenly broke into their conversation.

“Enter!”

Wu Zhi’s expression turned serious, reverting to the commander who directed armies and commanded the obedience of the three armies.

“Reporting to the Lady Commander!”

Zeng Yu hurried in, her face showing concern. “From the western gate, a small horse team has broken through the defenses and successfully entered the city!”

Even though the city was under siege, it was impossible to completely seal every route. The infiltration or entry of small groups was quite normal and wouldn’t significantly affect the overall situation.

“You personally report such a minor matter? Who important is among them?”

Wu Zhi narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Great Elder’s foresight is unmatched!”

Zeng Yu took a deep breath. “According to the captured rider’s confession… it’s an imperial envoy, escorted by several high-level experts!”

“As expected!”

Wu Zhi murmured, then waved her hand. “Who still cares about the court’s authority these days? Even if the news spreads worldwide, how many would dare to attack me? Ignore them and continue the siege!”