CHAPTER 324: CHAPTER 324: STEAM CITY

"Teacher..."

Qiu Shouzheng and Baiyu waited for ten minutes without the other party looking back.

Master Yi Xian was still at the workbench, constructing the blood qi pathways for a set of crimson armor, seemingly unaware of their presence.

As a mentor specializing in Magic Energy and Mechanical Science,

her expertise in this field surpassed that of many mentors at the university.

For studies like constructing Mechanical Armament and Magic Energy Weapons, she ranked at least in the top three at Celestial South Martial Arts University.

Of course,

she had only taught Baiyu the basics so far.

For instance, constructing circuits to sense Blood Qi in Mechanical Armament.

This is the most crucial step in manufacturing armament, and one of the most difficult.

"You’re here."

It was only when Qiu Shouzheng spoke that Master Yi Xian snapped back to reality from her work, turned her head to look at the two, and smiled: "Shouzheng, step aside first, I need to discuss some matters with Baiyu."

"Yes, Teacher."

Qiu Shouzheng bowed his head, clenched his fists, and stepped out.

The laboratory was left with only Master Yi Xian and Baiyu.

The woman, mature like a ripe peach, relaxed immediately, yawned, put on gloves, and continued constructing the Blood Qi pathway of the armor.

"Sit anywhere. How was the yield on your recent trip to the Shelter?"

Master Yi Xian inquired casually as she assembled components.

"Not bad. Mainly went to check on the business within the Shelter. If the teacher is interested, you might invest in it."

Baiyu replied.

"Business?"

She set down the engraving knife: "What kind of business?"

"Material business, primarily involving Exotic Beasts and exotic plants from the Spirit Realm."

"Not interested."

Master Yi Xian stretched, revealing a full curve, with eyes half teasing: "By the way, it seems you haven’t used the power of the Black Moon Curse recently, haven’t encountered any dangers, huh?"

"The Black Moon Curse is a double-edged sword. Recklessly using its power can cause irreversible harm to oneself.

As an old Black Moon Apostle, don’t you understand this?"

Baiyu knew very well.

The power from the Evil God was more like poison wrapped in syrup.

If one naively indulges, they might become a monstrous extension or aberration of the Evil God.

"You are quite cautious."

Master Yi Xian chuckled, changing into a fresh set of clothes: "Come on, routine inspection."

"Inspection?"

"A check for me, the Black Moon Apostle. You can come along and see. I haven’t revealed your identity yet.

Though there are both good and bad among the Black Moon Apostles,

having the identity of an Evil God follower will still cause a lot of trouble. For example, inheriting the Legendary Ship won’t be as smooth.

Acquiring the title of Imperial Baron probably isn’t that easy either."

Master Yi Xian’s tone carried a hint of jest.

"The teacher is very concerned about my affairs, huh." Baiyu retorted with a nonchalant tone.

"Just moderately so. Of course, a teacher must pay attention to their students. I only have you now."

At this moment,

Master Yi Xian’s eyes suddenly flickered with a hint of fondness, catching Baiyu a bit off guard.

Evidently,

their relationship had nothing to do with "fondness."

She merely wanted him to join the Black Moon God Cult.

However, Baiyu never had the intention of joining any sect; joining any force meant constraint.

Being part of the system and being free are completely different concepts.

While enjoying the benefits of a faction,

one must also protect its interests, sometimes becoming inseparably bound to it.

This was something Baiyu disliked.

...

The two left the campus.

Master Yi Xian had her own Magic Energy Flying Car, luxurious and grand, a world-renowned brand, evidently custom-modified.

This flying car was powerful and extremely fast.

Their destination was the Steam and Machinery God Headquarters, but instead of taking the Heavenly Elevator, Master Yi Xian drove to the edge of the fifth underground level.

It was Baiyu’s first encounter with the edge of Zenith City, and he couldn’t help but observe his surroundings.

This layer was covered with a luminous blue curtain of water.

Huge sea fish roamed outside the light curtain.

"The Spiritual Technique Array protecting Zenith City was constructed over ten years by two Tier Two Extraordinaries and ten Grandmasters,"

Master Yi Xian explained.

Immediately,

she drove the vehicle straight toward the distant light curtain, the two of them bursting through with a ’pop’, plunging into the river.

They were surrounded by ferocious mutant Sea Beasts.

Many Exotic Beasts were as large as fishing boats, hunting their food in the sea.

These sea beasts formed a natural barrier.

Gululu.

The water was forcibly pushed aside by Master Yi Xian’s flying car.

They descended for several dozen meters into the depths when another curtain of light appeared.

Splash.

The flying car plunged into it.

Droplets of water fell onto the alloy floor of the light curtain.

It was a massive parking lot,

entirely of a metallic mechanical design, with numerous flying cars parked, clearly for people entering through the light curtain.

"Shall we?"

Master Yi Xian hit the gas pedal.

The sixth level was the living area for noble families.

However, the Steam and Machinery God Headquarters was also on the sixth level, which was their destination.

In fact,

besides the noble district with its extremely retro environment, many places on the sixth level lacked even basic electricity. The other areas were thoroughly modern urban environments.

The noble district and civilian areas were divided by family armies, preventing civilians from entering the noble district freely.

However, many family heirs came to the civilian district for recreation.

The headquarters of the Steam and Machinery God was located at the center of the civilian district, Divine Protection Avenue.

This area was filled with the essence of steel and machinery.

Even people’s attire was heavily influenced by the Steam and Machinery God.

Knowledge, construction, development.

These were the tenets of the Steam and Machinery God.

So, in the headquarters area, where most individuals were devotees, the style became distinctly that way.

"Is Divine Protection Avenue just an entrance?"

When Baiyu arrived at the location marked as the headquarters on the map, all he found were two teams of the Steam and Machinery God’s law enforcement squads.

Behind them, a majestic mountain stood.

The mountain’s appearance evidently was man-made.

At its summit, a completely black Church stood, above which hovered a light ball resembling the Sun, constantly radiating brilliance.

"The real headquarters of the Church is within the mountain."

Master Yi Xian’s eyes showed a faint annoyance as she gazed at the Sanctuary on the mountain peak: "This is the foundation of the Steam and Machinery God’s headquarters. The entire mountain is a mechanical structure, housing tens of thousands of adherents.

Of course,

it’s also the Holy Land for all Steam and Machinery God followers, Steam City."

With that,

she had received confirmation from the two law enforcement teams, donned a black robe, and entered the mountain.

Baiyu followed closely behind.

The path to the interior was wide and luminous, unlike any mountain passage.

Despite a strong metallic feel, the construction carried a sense of ritual.

Baiyu and Master Yi Xian continued for dozens of steps.

The tunnel suddenly opened up.

A metropolis filled with steam machinery unfolded before his eyes!