The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1413 728: An Unexpected Mission

"In the flourishing era of Great Xuan, the holy transformation is illustrious."

"Today, the Qiankun Academy is established in the Capital, inheriting the way of heaven, and the craftsmanship of earth. We must uphold the teachings from 'Kao Gong Ji', emulate Mo Zhai's ambition for universal love, base on 'observing things to achieve knowledge', and commit to 'developing things to fulfill duties'. You students must understand the three essentials."

"First, revere practicality; wearing cotton and hemp will make you understand the hardships of farming and weaving, handling compass and ruler will enlighten you about the principles of construction..."

"Second, adapt with change; in the past Gong Shu carved wood into a magpie that flew for three days without descending. As times change like rivers flowing fiercely, those clinging to fragmented relics will be swept away..."

"Third, uphold righteousness; firearms can repel foreign aggressors but also harm the people, Gang Qi can suppress evil spirits but also foster greed, remember the warning of 'Yin Talisman': Fire is born of wood, disaster must be restrained! When establishing a mind to plan for affairs, one must think of benefiting the country and the people..."

On the high platform, Yan Jiuling, wearing official attire, looked solemn.

One's destiny, at times, cannot be explained.

He came to the Capital initially just wanting to take the imperial examination to account to his family.

Who would have thought, due to his grandfather's 'Ten Strategies of National Defense', he was pushed into the eye of the storm. With the Emperor's tacit consent and the cooperation of all parties, he unexpectedly became the top scorer.

Originally, being a top scorer wasn't that remarkable. The Emperor even intended to marry him to a princess, granting him the title of Prince Consort, allowing him to enjoy a leisurely life in the Capital.

However, he became interested in the Qiankun Academy, forsaking much to enter it.

The Academy, initially, was not well-regarded. He exhausted his efforts, from preparation to now, not knowing how much energy was spent, especially with the emergence of the steam engine, having to face various forces and others' constraints.

Well, everything has endured.

Just as Li Yan said, from now on, it's a new beginning.

On the square, numerous disciples were also excited.

They were divided into eastern and western lines according to subjects:

"Observing Things Department" students curiously observed the large levers and gear contours in the work shop sheds at the edge of the square, whispering about the legendary "Iron Ox Divine Ox"...

"Mystical Craft Department" students appeared more composed, their gazes occasionally sweeping over the peach wood Seven Stars Sword hanging on the eaves of the Hundred Crafts building and the tiles engraved with exorcism runes, marks left by the Mystic Sect Craftsmen employed by the Academy...

As the Academy had just been established, many things were not perfect.

For example, this first group of students was simply divided into the "Observing Things" and "Mystical Craft" departments.

Disciples in the "Observing Things Department" were ordinary people, but either well-versed in various knowledge, or apprentices carefully cultivated by folk craftsmen, possessing strong practical skills.

As for the "Mystical Craft Department", it had relatively fewer people, all of whom had awakened Divine Skills.

Earth Masters, Puppet Masters, Pharmacists, Mystic Sect Craftsmen... the future paths are diverse.

After reading out the Academy's Precepts, Yan Jiuling did not rush to speak. Instead, he carefully handed the silk scroll in his hand to the clerk, then shook his robes and solemnly said to those below, "Other academies worship Confucius and Mencius, our Qiankun Academy also has a deity to worship."

"It embodies the spirit of all crafts and the Divine Artifact, decreed by His Majesty to be named: True Monarch of Fire and Water!"

Having said that, he turned and said sternly to the rear, "Set up the altar!"

The academy's inauguration not only had hundreds of disciples but also many spectators from the Capital who came to witness the ceremony.

Their gazes had long been drawn to the towering statue in front of the Observing Things Hall.

However, it was covered in a massive red cloth, making it unclear to see.

Hearing Yan Jiuling's words, many immediately whispered among themselves.

Does the Academy have a newly worshipped deity?

This is not a small matter, especially as it sounds like it'll be worshipped with the power of national sacrifice.

True Monarch of Fire and Water?

How come no one heard about this beforehand...

While everyone had different thoughts, the platform remained busy.

Those below were surprised to find that the specifications for setting up the altar were of the highest ceremonial rank of Great Xuan, and the supervisor Yuanfeng, who was supposed to host the inauguration ceremony, had changed into a dark Daoist robe, with cloud Qi patterns on the corners and red and blue water-fire motifs embroidered on the back, twisted into a Taiji form.

"Raise—!"

Dong dong dong!

With Yuanfeng's call, three cannon blasts pierced the sky.

Hundreds of craftsmen pulled the crimson ropes, and the scarlet drapery slowly fell.

As the red silk slipped down, morning light happened to slant towards the front of the Observing Things Hall.

Looking up, one could see a Divine Statue towering in the morning light.

With a dignified three-eyed visage, the vertical eye on its forehead slightly open, its two eyes looked downward as if observing the rotation of the fire and water wheels, with skin of crimson, and a majestic face.

It wore a left-lapelled deep blue robe with cloud patterns, but different was the gear pattern hidden among the clouds, and the right sleeve had a red flame motif symbolizing steam heat, while the left hand held the Magic Artifact Copper Bell.

Upon a closer look, it was the prototype of a mini steam engine.

Its other hand formed the Water and Fire Technique.

Those observing from afar craned their necks, eyes filled with curiosity.

This Divine Statue looked similar to those in Taoist Temples, yet perhaps due to the inclusion of considerable steam and gear elements, it appeared distinctively dignified and novel.

Of course, standing on the high platform, Li Yan felt somewhat awkward.

He knew it was due to the influence of memories from his past life.

After all, such a thing never existed in his previous life.

Regardless of what everyone thought, the rituals on the platform continued normally.

Indeed, it was the highest-specification "Three Offerings Ceremony".

"Three Offerings Ceremony" is the highest etiquette for worshiping deities.

For example, the Heavenly Empress Temple honors Mazu, and the relevant items required for the "Three Offerings Ceremony" strictly adhere to ancient codes, numbering nearly a thousand in size!

The Sacrificial Artifacts include ancient bamboo and wooden articles 'bian' and 'dou', bronze artifacts such as 'jue' and 'xing', and traditional folk sacrificial artifacts such as bronze incense burners, candle screens, fruit boxes, and meal boxes. The ceremonial guards include the court's 'you bu', as well as banners for clearing paths, "Police" plates, title banners, pheasant tail fans, lanterns, portable braziers, the nine-curved yellow umbrella, along with other ceremonial staves exceeding a hundred items.