Chapter Thirty-Seven: Steam Engines and Deals

After everyone had returned to the hall, Li Xingyu spoke to them about the properties and methods of making black powder. Over the following ten days, he spent his time assisting Master Lu in the construction of a steam engine. They experimented with the most basic design—a primitive engine powered by steam, turning a turbine to provide mechanical force. During this period, the people from the Free Wanderers Sect arrived to escort Chen Jingrou. Although they were ready to depart immediately, Chen Jingrou firmly refused to leave. No one knew what she was waiting for. Occasionally, she would come to see Li Xingyu, but each time Qin Xiaotian followed closely beside her. She no longer resisted this as she had at first.

With Master Lu’s help, Li Xingyu completed the steam engine. Its subsequent trial amazed the disciples of the Myriad Arts Sect once again. Li Xingyu felt he had learned enough about the sect and was preparing to leave for other places. That morning, after informing the sect leader of his intentions, the senior members of the Myriad Arts Sect gathered once more in the hall to negotiate with Li Xingyu about exchanging the secrets of black powder and steam engine technology.

Although Master Lu had assisted throughout, the critical components and principles were all devised by Li Xingyu, so the others were yet unaware of the exact methods and details.

Prior to this, the Myriad Arts Sect had discussed what they could offer in exchange. From previous conversations, it was clear that ordinary techniques were of no interest to Li Xingyu, nor was money, given his status as a master and a lone wanderer. In fact, Li Xingyu truly had no need for money—when he left the Mu Clan, they thanked him with a generous gift of gold coins, which he accepted, realizing he would need them on his travels.

Eventually, it was Master Lu who produced an item—a relic discovered centuries ago by a former master while organizing the sect’s arsenal. It resembled the legendary jade slip used by cultivators, but unlike ordinary jade slips, it yielded no information when pressed to the forehead. No matter how much one concentrated, nothing could be gained; after a while, it even caused headaches and dizziness. The master who found it never revealed how he had discovered it, nor whether he had accessed its contents. He was found dead the following day, with no visible wounds, only a vacant expression. Beside him lay a paper covered in indecipherable writing. The sect investigated for a long time but learned nothing, so the jade block and the mysterious paper were preserved together.

Seeing everyone’s gaze turn to him, Master Lu spoke, “I believe everyone knows the origins of this item. It has been in our possession for centuries with no discoveries, only the sense that it is mysterious and may contain knowledge related to the art of forging. Since we have nothing else to offer besides our foundational weapon techniques, why not try to use this to entice Li Xingyu? Given his breadth of experience, perhaps he will find it intriguing.” After some discussion, the others agreed with his suggestion, though none could say whether Li Xingyu would be interested.

Their swift decision to offer the jade slip and the accompanying paper stemmed from three reasons. First, the item was useless to them, having been studied for centuries without any progress. The paper, they believed, was likely the ramblings of a dying man. Second, even if it truly was a cultivator’s jade slip, its casual storage in the arsenal suggested it was not of major importance, and the mysterious death of the master who studied it was a source of unease. Third, they had nothing else to trade except their most guarded weapon techniques, yet what Li Xingyu had demonstrated was precisely what they needed. Giving up a hope that might never be realized was not worth risking the sect’s foundation.

In truth, just because an item was left in storage did not mean it lacked importance. In ancient sects such as theirs, the passage of time often led to the loss of information and the neglect of once-important artifacts. Something useless or incomprehensible to one person might be invaluable to another. Even if its purpose was unknown for now, under the right circumstances, its significance might emerge. Such exchanges, especially barter, were common in the cultivation world, which was full of mystery and the unknown.

Of course, discovering, acquiring, and utilizing these neglected treasures required great fortune. Li Xingyu's past encounters could be considered fate, and whether he could accept this item as a bargaining chip—and later realize its value—depended on whether he possessed such destiny. Some say that the most vital qualities for success in cultivation are unwavering will, talent, and the right techniques, but who can deny the role of fate? Many possess those three qualities, but only a handful achieve greatness or unprecedented accomplishments. Fate, then, is the catalyst that ignites the fusion of those qualities.

When Li Xingyu entered the hall again, everyone was already assembled as usual. The subject of today’s negotiation was crucial for the Myriad Arts Sect—an opportunity, a chance for the sect to soar. Thus, the atmosphere was tense and solemn. Master Lu, in particular, was more nervous than the others. He understood Li Xingyu’s theories and technical ideas best, had studied them most diligently, and knew their significance to the sect. He also realized that even the sect’s most prized weapon techniques might not interest Li Xingyu, which was one reason he suggested using the jade slip. His expectations far exceeded those of the others, so he was more anxious.

“Since you are here, Young Master Li, let us discuss the matter of exchange. What do you think?” asked the sect leader once Li Xingyu was seated.

“I have no objections. You already know what I can offer—primarily the secrets of black powder and steam engine manufacture, along with some improvements and technical details in related areas. What I wish to know is: what will your sect offer in exchange? I trust you understand that ordinary techniques and money hold no appeal for me,” Li Xingyu replied. While he intended to spur technological progress on this planet through the Myriad Arts Sect, he did not intend to forego compensation.

“We are well aware of your preferences, Young Master Li. May I ask if you are familiar with the ancient cultivators?” the sect leader asked directly, not beating around the bush. When Li Xingyu nodded, he continued, “Legend has it that the cultivators of antiquity could soar through the skies, move mountains and rivers, and their longevity grew with their cultivation. At that time, many formidable cultivators walked these lands. Our own internal techniques are said to be simplified versions of their arts. It is generally accepted that, once one reaches the innate realm, further progress is impossible without a suitable cultivation method. I wonder, Young Master Li, are you interested in relics left behind by those ancient cultivators?” He was concerned that Li Xingyu might reject the exchange due to unfamiliarity, so he offered some background.

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