"Some things are merely my humble thoughts. If you can gain some inspiration from them, that would be most gratifying to me."
Ji Xiang provided Zhao Shizhen with whatever help he could. The remaining manufacturing work was beyond Ji Xiang's understanding. Perhaps there were great artisans within the Inner Mountains capable of crafting cannons, but Ji Xiang himself did not know how to forge artifacts.
In ancient times, artifact forging primarily involved creating tokens, banners, and other magical items. It was normal for the great figures of the Inner Mountains to follow the trends of the new era and be able to craft cannons as magical artifacts.
Furthermore, using firearms as magical artifacts was not exclusive to the Ming court. Japan even revered saltpeter as a sacred object, calling it the feces of a dragon, capable of exploding and vanquishing demons with unmatched efficacy.
Zhao Shizhen was currently examining and studying the new blueprints provided by Ji Xiang. Some of the ideas were completely unexpected and eye-opening, as was the case for Duo Sima. Currently, they were particularly fond of the flintlock musket.
However, the world's very first flintlock musket was soon to be born in the land of France, which, in this era, was called "Folangcha" by Matteo Ricci.
"Are you truly so proficient in firearms?"
Zhao Shizhen was deeply moved. Hearing that Ji Xiang intended to leave after commissioning the artifact, he eagerly tried to persuade him to stay and contribute to the development of firearms.
He expressed that Ji Xiang, despite his youth, possessed unique insights into firearms and should not merely serve as a Daoist official. He suggested Ji Xiang petition the court to be transferred to the Five Military Commissions or the Ministry of War. Zhao Shizhen lamented Ji Xiang's impending departure from Shuntian, sighing heavily.
"If your superior remains in the capital to study the art of firearms! Shizhen… is willing! To become your disciple! I shall serve you with all my might in this life!"
Zhao Shizhen dedicated everything to firearms. He was obsessed and fervent about the art of firearms, pouring his heart and soul into making the Ming dynasty strong. He authored books and improved upon Western weaponry. His words were entirely sincere.
Ji Xiang comforted him and handed him a small slip of paper with a list of names. This was, of course, not a list for purges.
"These individuals are truly of great use to the development of firearms. You can present this to His Majesty and instruct him that the development of firearms lies in human wisdom, not in the Four Books and Five Classics. To break the sorcery of the Song dynasty's lingering spirits, the transformation of the Inner Mountains' form and spirit, and the methods of Japanese demons and gods, the development of firearms is of utmost importance. With one artifact in hand, when the ultimate Yang divine power is unleashed, even mortals can shatter myriad techniques. This is indeed a divine artifact!"
"Moreover, the foundation of the Great Ming lies with the people. The aspirations and incense of the myriad people. If the foundation of the Great Ming is unstable, then these things might also disappear or be stolen by others. I believe His Majesty will know what to do."
The increase in cultivators could not be achieved overnight. The strength of the Outer Mountains was as it was. To confront the Inner Mountains head-on would be an absolute defeat.
Here, there were only two Ascended, and a few Pure Yang cultivators. In the Inner Mountains, Ascended were as numerous as clouds, and Pure Yang cultivators were like rain. To contend with the Inner Mountains, one could only rely on the destructive power of firearms.
Ji Xiang made an agreement with Zhao Shizhen to retrieve the artifact upon his return to Shuntian, which would be in about a year at the earliest. If the situation in Joseon changed, he would return sooner.
If nothing changed, he would return in six years.
"Oh, and if there are any processes you cannot manage, you can seek the help of Celestial Master Zhang…"
Old Zhang was a versatile tool, moved wherever needed. Twelve thousand Ascended masters acting as machinists – the scene was truly magnificent.
Zhao Shizhen memorized these words and was deeply grateful to Ji Xiang. He, along with Duo Sima, escorted Ji Xiang and the little fox to the ferry terminal in the eastern district. Ji Xiang boarded the ship. Dusk was approaching, but the ferry terminal remained bustling.
"Superior! Superior!"
Suddenly, someone called out to Ji Xiang. Looking closely, it was Matteo Ricci.
Matteo Ricci, unable to visit Zhao Shizhen's residence, had come to the ferry terminal to help Ji Xiang charter a large ship. The boatman was the same one who had brought him from Ying Tian, a person of excellent reputation and skill.
He was surprised that Ji Xiang had finished his business so quickly.
After boarding the ship, Ji Xiang deeply felt his inability to fly, attributing it to his insufficient cultivation.
"Whoosh!" A wind began to blow between heaven and earth. As dusk deepened, a cool breeze finally dared to appear. The vessel began to move along the river. Ji Xiang bid farewell to the others:
"A true gentleman understands opportunity; a wise person knows destiny. The old should be vigorous, why should the heart change with white hair? The poor should be more determined, not falling from their aspirations of soaring to the clouds!"
A gentleman understands opportunity; a wise person knows their destiny. Though old, one's spirit should be even more vigorous; why should the heart change with white hair? Though the circumstances are difficult, one's integrity should be more firm, and one must not abandon their lofty ambitions!
This was a passage from the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng. The others bowed respectfully and bid Ji Xiang farewell.
Zhao Shizhen and Duo Sima were filled with determination to craft those firearms through sheer craftsmanship. Matteo Ricci was even more resolute in his plan to acquire the haunted house of the East Yue Temple and build a church there…
…
"Your Majesty, Senior Brother has already departed from Shuntian."
Old Zhang sensed Ji Xiang's departure and informed Emperor Wanli.
Simultaneously, Old Zhang had also noticed the people Ji Xiang had visited and learned of Ji Xiang's words. However, when Emperor Wanli inquired, Old Zhang smiled and played coy.
"Your Majesty can summon them tomorrow. In the Hall of Mental Cultivation, there may be great gains."
"If you don't tell me, and I am led astray by them, won't that be too ridiculous?"
Emperor Wanli was somewhat displeased. "And you cannot tell me the names on the small slip of paper Ji Xiang gave you?"
Old Zhang replied, "If I tell you, there will be no anticipation. Often, the initial reaction to something can give you the most unique experience, and it may even influence many future decisions."
"I can only tell you that Senior Brother wants you to open your eyes."
Emperor Wanli fell silent, pondering endlessly. After a while, he could only say, "Very well. Since it is something useful that Ji Xiang mentioned, I will certainly meet them. Perhaps the turning point for the Great Ming lies herein."
"He has wandered through the Floating Li Heaven for a thousand years; he must have seen more than I… By the way, Old Zhang, I also wish to cultivate. Will you guide me?"
Old Zhang chuckled. "A person's energy is limited. To speak frankly, you do not possess the wisdom and energy of Emperor Jiajing. Although Emperor Jiajing's aptitude was also poor, yours is even worse. Emperor Jiajing could cultivate to the sixth realm, but you can probably only reach the third realm…"
Emperor Wanli almost spat blood. However, Old Zhang stated that the third realm was equivalent to a second-rate martial artist's level, which was not bad. At least the emperor would not have to fear normal assassins.
Wanli: "There are no normal assassins from the Forbidden City! Tell me, what is the problem with insufficient aptitude? I, the Son of Heaven, am actually inferior to a mere seal engraver in the West Market!"
Old Zhang explained:
"Often, aptitude is indeed predetermined. If ancestors had good aptitude, the probability of descendants having good aptitude increases. Furthermore, neither you nor Emperor Jiajing are descendants of Emperor Zhengde. Moreover, your birth was also related to unorthodox arts, which might be one of the reasons affecting your aptitude. As for why your father, Emperor Longqing, died early, it is likely inseparable from the methods of prolonging offspring… so…"
Old Zhang hesitated to speak further. Emperor Wanli urged him not to hold back and sighed, asking him to continue.
"Therefore, Emperor Zhengde's aptitude has been severed. Emperor Jiajing used unorthodox arts to reshape his immortal bones, and even so, it took him decades. Moreover, by the time he reshaped his immortal bones, you had already been born, and his immortal bones had no blood or familial relationship with your aptitude."
"If you wish to reshape your aptitude, you must obtain an item."
"Previously, when Senior Brother defeated Nurhaci, do you recall that Nurhaci's spine was broken, yet he did not die and his vitality was still abundant?"
"If it were not for his exceptional talent, then he must have obtained 'Heaven's Marrow,' which can bring about a complete transformation."
"Legend has it that this item originated from Emperor Wu of Han's Golden Bronze Immortal Collecting Dew Plate…"