The Master's Warning
The news brought by Yang Jian instantly made the search for the "source of life" more urgent.
Inside the council hall of Yaotian's residence, Ming Shiyin remained unconscious. Yi Xing, as the temporary leader, discussed matters with the others.
"The Longshan Mountains are vast, shrouded in miasma, and have complex terrain. Furthermore, they are inhabited by ferocious beasts and demonic creatures. Searching for a specific 'source seed' is like finding a needle in a haystack," Gongsun Li said with a worried expression. "Moreover, the people of 'Night Ink' have already taken the lead..."
“They have Mo Heng… Qianji.” Yi Xing said in a deep voice, “He is proficient in mechanical arts and has an extremely keen sense of energy. He probably has a better way to locate the source species than we do.”
Pei Qinhu said urgently, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's set off immediately! We absolutely cannot let those bastards succeed!"
“We must not act rashly.” Yi Xing shook his head. “We are unaware of the situation in Longshan. The other side is in the dark while we are in the light. If we rush in, we may be ambushed. We need more intelligence, and we also need… guidance from a master who is truly proficient in mechanisms and energy science.”
He was naturally referring to Master Lu Ban. Since Mo Heng was a traitor, the only way to compete with him in terms of mechanical arts and find the correct method of locating him was to bring out his master.
“It’s just that Master Lu Ban has been living in seclusion for a long time, and his temperament is eccentric. He rarely sees outsiders…” Yang Yuhuan said softly.
"We must give it a try no matter what." Yi Xing made up his mind. "I will write a letter myself and ask Lord Di to use official channels, along with our connections in Yaotian, to persuade the master to come."
Just as Yi Xing was preparing to write the book, a disciple came to report: "Young Master Xing, there is an old man outside the door requesting an audience. He claims to be... Gongshu Ban."
Gongshu Ban?! That's the real name of Master Lu Ban!
Everyone was astonished; it was truly a case of speaking of the devil and he appears!
Soon, an elderly man was invited in. He was not tall, even somewhat short and thin, wearing a coarse cloth shirt stained with oil and sawdust. His hair and beard were white, but meticulously combed. His face was covered with wrinkles, but his eyes were exceptionally clear and bright, radiating a pure light of focused dedication to his craft. On his back was a huge toolbox, almost larger than himself, made of unknown wood and metal, which made a faint creaking sound as he walked.
His image is similar to, yet somewhat different from, the legendary master of mechanical arts in everyone's imagination—he has less of the otherworldly air and more of the simplicity and stubbornness of a craftsman.
"Master Lu Ban?" Yi Xing bowed slightly from his wheelchair.
The old man waved his hand, his voice booming with a metallic quality: "It's just an empty title. Just call me Gongshu Ban." His sharp gaze swept over everyone present, finally landing on Yi Xing. Without any pleasantries, he asked directly: "I heard that my rebellious disciple, Mo Heng, has joined the 'Ink of the Dark Night' and almost destroyed Chang'an?"
Yi Xing was startled, not expecting that the Grandmaster already knew about this, and so directly. "It's... that the Grandmaster already knew?"
Master Lu Ban snorted coldly, his face showing pain and anger: "That wretched child! Obsessed with power, he has strayed from the fundamental principle of mechanical arts: 'benefiting the country and the people'! He secretly researched forbidden mechanisms and stole my manuscripts. I discovered this long ago and expelled him from the school! I thought he would come to his senses, but I never expected him to have fallen to such a low level! To associate with such evil and heretical people is a disgrace to me, Master Lu Ban!"
He paused, looked at Yi Xing, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "You did the right thing by destroying that twisted 'Celestial Pivot'! But that monstrous creature has already mastered seven or eight tenths of my true skills in mechanical arts, and even... gone further down some evil paths. You need to find the 'Life Source Seed' to deal with him and stop their next conspiracy. Without my help, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven!"
"The art of mechanical devices lies in craftsmanship, not brute force; true ingenuity lies in conforming to the nature of things and guiding nature, rather than forcibly distorting and conquering it."
Master Lu Ban's words conveyed a profound understanding of the essence of craftsmanship, which contrasted sharply with Mo Heng's (Qianji's) philosophy and also demonstrated his willingness to help.
"Master is willing to help?" Yi Xing asked in surprise.
"It's not for you, it's to clean house! It's also to atone for the sins committed by that wicked creature!" Master Lu Ban said resolutely. "Moreover, the 'Life Source Seed' is a rare treasure of heaven and earth, how can we allow those villains to defile it! I'm also very curious about what that wicked creature intends to do with the Source Seed!"
He walked up to Yi Xing, carefully examined his complexion, and then reached out to feel his pulse (his technique was surprisingly precise). He frowned and said, "You child, you have a deficiency in your innate essence, which can indeed only be remedied by the Source Seed. However, the power of the Source Seed is immense. Even if you find it, you will need a special method to absorb it, otherwise you will surely die."
He pondered for a moment, then rummaged through his enormous toolbox and pulled out a palm-sized, exquisitely crafted wooden compass, handing it to Yi Xing: "This is the 'Following the Mechanism Compass,' extremely sensitive to pure life energy and special mechanical energy fluctuations. Take it with you to Longshan; it might guide your way. I need to prepare some things; I'll meet you in 'Welcoming Guest Town' at the foot of Longshan in three days!"
After saying that, without waiting for anyone's reaction, he picked up his huge toolbox, turned around and left, his steps still steady, as if he had just completed a simple transaction.
Watching Master Lu Ban's departing figure, Yi Xing gripped the "Mechanism Compass" in his hand, which still held the warmth of the master's body. The path to finding the Source Seed finally had clear guidance and strong support.
However, he also knew in his heart that the journey to Longshan was destined to be anything but peaceful. The remnants of "Ink of the Night," other potential contenders, and the dangers of Longshan itself all awaited them ahead.
A new journey is about to begin. Meanwhile, the comatose Ming Shiyin will need to be cared for by Yang Yuhuan and Bian Que during their absence. Yao Tian is once again facing a situation where they must split up.
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