Chapter 280: Ghostly Workmanship

Shen Wanyun's face immediately clouded over. Traveling with Qin Mu was an absolute nightmare.

Their last excursion, following Qin Mu into the Southern Border, had been a relentless torrent of near-fatal encounters. First, they stumbled into a city where the Nine Nether Gate, Corpse Immortal Sect, and Hongshan Sect had resurrected the dead, unleashing a slaughter. Then, in Tianbo City, they witnessed the All-Heavens Demon King laying waste in all directions. Finally, they were embroiled in the chaotic suppression efforts in Daxiang City. In his entire life, Shen Wanyun had never faced so many life-and-death tribulations!

After returning to the capital, it had taken Shen Wanyun a considerable amount of time to recover. He had previously experienced warfare at Qingmen Pass, fighting against the soldiers of the Barbarian Di Country. But that was a simple clash of soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals. How could it compare to the experiences encountered when following Qin Mu?

Following Qin Mu meant being constantly embroiled in sectarian warfare and bloodshed. Even demon gods were summoned! Upon reaching Daxiang City, leader-level strongmen were everywhere, with hundreds of cultivators in the Heaven Human and Life Death realms.

Just thinking about his experiences with Qin Mu still sent a shiver down Shen Wanyun's spine.

He had also heard whispers of Qin Mu's subsequent encounters. Upon returning to the Great Ruins for the New Year celebration, he had been hunted by countless experts. Then, he caused a major scene at Great Thunderclap Monastery. And upon returning, he had actually participated in a joint operation by the Dao Gate and Great Thunderclap Monastery to surround and kill the Emperor. Not only did he manage to save the Emperor and the National Teacher, but upon returning to the capital, he had even killed Prince Ling Yu Xia!

If he had gone through any of these events, he would surely have died a hundred times over.

He had firmly resolved never to travel with Qin Mu again, yet unexpectedly, this time the Crown Prince had personally named him, like a death sentence pronounced before an autumn execution.

He couldn't help but wonder if this Holy Cult Master carried a broom star atop his head. No matter where he went, disaster followed, a continuous chain of misfortune reaching up to the heavens.

Seeing his somber expression, Qin Mu offered a word of comfort. "This journey won't be dangerous. Crown Prince Ling Yu Shu was originally one of us from Imperial College, an old acquaintance with whom we have a very good relationship. He says this trip is for disaster relief, but he's brought along experts from the Ministry of Works. In my opinion, this time isn't about suppressing chaos or anything of the sort. It's more likely to inspect the various supervisory factories, clear the snow mountains formed by the great snow disaster, or perhaps build bridges and dams. There's no danger."

Shen Wanyun's face crumpled into a cry. "Let's hope so."

Si Yunxiang, on the other hand, looked somewhat dejected. "No danger, you say..." she murmured with disappointment.

The three of them followed the steward to their respective rooms in the Divine Ability Residence. The steward had arranged their accommodations very close together, with their three buildings nestled beside each other.

Qin Mu addressed Shen Wanyun and Si Yunxiang. "We don't know when we'll return from this trip. Each of you should find some divine abilities to cultivate."

Shen Wanyun's eyes lit up. He proposed, "Yue Qinghong and Yun Que will break through to the Divine Ability realm in the next couple of days. Cult Master, since fortune is to be shared, and difficulties endured together, why not bring them along for this fortunate journey?"

Qin Mu chuckled. "Your words hold merit. The Crown Prince said that as long as they cultivate to the Divine Ability realm before his departure, they should all be brought along."

Shen Wanyun's spirits soared. He left in excitement, thinking, "If we are to die, of course, it's best to have everyone together, lively and neat!"

Si Yunxiang blinked her eyes and extended a fair hand towards Qin Mu. Qin Mu took out his own book card and placed it in her hand. Si Yunxiang cheered and immediately departed.

The book cards from the Divine Ability Residence only granted access to the second floor of the Heavenly Record Pavilion, while Qin Mu's card allowed entry to the third floor, where the vast scriptures were kept. Every time she visited the Heavenly Record Pavilion, she would borrow Qin Mu's book card.

Imperial College boasted a Heavenly Work Hall, somewhat akin to the Heavenly Demon Cult's Craftsman Hall. The Heavenly Work Hall primarily focused on researching machinery manufacturing, refining spirit soldiers, building ships and bridges, and constructing roads and vehicles. All such creations originated from the scholars of the Heavenly Work Hall.

Imperial College was jointly established by the National Teacher and the Heavenly Demon Ancestor, so the teaching methods in its various halls often emulated those of the Heavenly Demon Cult. This was one of the reasons why Yan Kang Country was viewed unfavorably by righteous sects like Great Thunderclap Monastery and the Dao Gate.

Scholars from the Heavenly Work Hall often went on to serve in the court's Ministry of Works. This time, the scholars brought by Crown Prince Ling Yu Shu were mostly from the Heavenly Palace Institute, while the rest were officials from the Ministry of Works.

Many officials in the Ministry of Works originated from the Heavenly Work Hall and could be considered classmates of Qin Mu and the others.

Within the Ministry of Works, the Minister held the highest position, followed by the Vice Minister.

The court's Ministry of Works Vice Minister was Shan Youxin, the Master of the Heavenly Demon Cult's Heavenly Work Hall.

The Ministry of Works was further divided into four departments: the Works Department, which oversaw municipal and civil engineering; the Agriculture Department, which controlled land measurement and allocation; the Yu Department, which managed vegetables, fruits, and grains; and the Water Department, which was responsible for water conservancy projects.

More than half of the Langzhong and Yuanwailang positions in these four departments were held by Hall Masters and Fragrance Masters from the Heavenly Demon Cult. Many other officials in the Ministry of Works were also disciples of the Heavenly Demon Cult, while the remaining smaller portion came from Imperial College scholars.

The Heavenly Demon Cult and Imperial College effectively occupied almost all official positions within the Ministry of Works.

Through their practical application, the various halls of the Heavenly Demon Cult, such as the Heavenly Work, Craftsman Hall, Vegetable Hall, Rain Hall, and Agriculture Hall, all produced talents needed by the Ministry of Works and could all enter the court's Ministry of Works.

Therefore, when Qin Mu saw the officials Ling Yu Shu had brought, he couldn't help but feel a strange expression cross his face. More than half of them were his own people from the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Shen Wanyun, Yue Qinghong, Yun Que, Wei Yong, and Si Yunxiang, among others, also rushed over. Shen Wanyun had been bruised and swollen from being beaten by them, yet he looked very proud.

Si Yunxiang saw the officials from the Ministry of Works that Ling Yu Shu had brought and couldn't help but show a surprised look. She quietly asked Qin Mu, "Cult Master, is the Crown Prince also one of us?"

Qin Mu's heart stirred. He turned to Ling Yu Shu and said, "Your Highness, have you heard of the Heavenly Saint Cult?"

Ling Yu Shu didn't dwell on the topic, quickly saying, "Everyone is here. Let's depart immediately. The Father Emperor has commanded me to inspect the geography of various states and counties across the nation, to assess the water conservancy and city defenses after the natural disaster, and also to measure the land in various places and inspect the grains, vegetables, and fruits. Upon arriving at each location, I will inquire with the local officials, and you will then go and check the water conditions, city defenses, land, and grains in those areas, verifying the information."

Many officials affirmed their understanding.

Ling Yu Shu continued, "Regardless of which states or counties we visit, if there is a need to adjust water conservancy or city defenses, or if powerful officials are annexing land, or if there is a shortage of grains, all must be truthfully reported."

The Minister of Works hastily said, "Your Highness, the nation is so vast, and there are so many states and counties. I fear we will only be able to inspect everything once every two or three years!"

Ling Yu Shu laughed. "That's why I found a fast ship. We should arrive quickly. This ship is the fastest in our country, called the Chase Cloud. I heard this ship was built with miraculous craftsmanship. You'll see its alchemy furnace when you board; it's truly wonderful. Moreover, it's an iron-hulled ship!"

Many officials from the Ministry of Works looked at each other with strange expressions, coughing continuously, some glancing towards Qin Mu.

Qin Mu's face also showed a peculiar expression. The Crown Prince seemed to be talking about Fan Yunxiao's pirate ship, the Chase Cloud. Initially, Qin Mu had refined five such treasure ships: three large ones for the Heavenly Demon Cult, and two smaller ones, one for himself and one for Fan Yunxiao.

During the refinement of the treasure ships, there had been many Ministry of Works officials present at the site!

"Perhaps the next emperor of this dynasty will be a Heavenly King or Dharma Protector of my Heavenly Saint Cult," Qin Mu mused leisurely in his heart. "Prince Yu Shu has a truly fated connection with my Heavenly Saint Cult."

The Master of the Heavenly Work Hall quietly said to Qin Mu, "Cult Master, Fan Fragrance Master sought me out a few days ago, saying he wanted to exchange for a large ship. I was still puzzled; it turns out Fan Fragrance Master was doing business with the Crown Prince."

Qin Mu couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

Ling Yu Shu and the others waited for a moment, and in the mid-air, a wooden building-like ship slowly flew towards them, gradually descending and docking in front of the Imperial College mountain gate.

Fan Yunxiao, accompanied by a group of bandits dressed neatly, stood at the ship's bow and saluted in unison. "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Greetings, Cult Master Saint Teacher!"

Ling Yu Shu quickly turned to Qin Mu. "Cult Master Qin, is this ship an enterprise of your Heavenly Saint Cult? Charging such an exorbitant price, they're truly heartless!"

Qin Mu offered a comforting word. "Your Highness is unaware. They were formerly bandits, so their hearts are a bit black."

Ling Yu Shu was stunned.

The crowd swarmed onto the ship, but at this moment, another scholar from Imperial College ran over, boarded the ship, and said, "I'm late." It was a very handsome young master.

Ling Yu Shu quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Younger sister, why have you come?"

That handsome young master was precisely Ling Yuxiu, dressed as a man. She laughed, "You wouldn't allow me to come, but I requested permission from Father Emperor, and Father Emperor approved my departure. Herdsman!"

She cast Ling Yu Shu aside and ran to Qin Mu's side, her eyes curved into smiles. "Do you recognize me?"

Qin Mu hesitated. "Fat... Sister Yuxiu!"

Ling Yuxiu's anger turned to joy. She playfully punched him in the chest and laughed, "If you dare say that, I'll beat you off the ship."

Ling Yu Shu saw her playfully punch Qin Mu in the chest, a gesture that looked heavy but was actually very light. He couldn't help but sigh. His younger sister seemed to be listening less and less to his words as her older brother.

Si Yunxiang came to Qin Mu's side, glanced at Ling Yuxiu, smiled without speaking, and lowered her head to tease the Dragon Qilin.

Ling Yuxiu looked at her back, her gaze flickering. She chuckled softly. "Herdsman, I'm going to change my clothes."

Ling Yu Shu quickly walked over and said, "Younger sister, the male clothes are good, they're very good, you look particularly good wearing them!"

"Really?"

Ling Yu Shu nodded heavily.

The building ship rose into the air and sailed towards Jia State, three hundred *li* away. Jia State was located in Jiang Xia, and another two thousand *li* to the east was the East Sea. The Ministry of Works had once built a large cross-river bridge here, spanning the twenty *li* width of the Tu River.

The more than a hundred people on the ship looked down and saw that the center of the large bridge was broken, missing a *li* of bridge surface and piers. It was likely due to the severe cold during the snow disaster, which had frozen the river surface, forming ice mountains on the river that slid down from upstream, smashing the large bridge.

And now the river water was surging and extremely rapid, making repairing the bridge a difficult task.

The treasure ship descended to Jia State city. The governor of Jia State quickly came out to welcome Ling Yu Shu. Ling Yu Shu said, "Governor, dispatch your Divine Ability realm cultivators and hand them over to the Ministry of Works Vice Minister to repair the large bridge."

The governor of Jia State hastily mobilized the Divine Ability realm cultivators in Jia State city. Several hundred Divine Ability realm cultivators followed the Heavenly Work Hall Master to the river surface. Qin Mu and the others also followed, wondering how they would repair the bridge with such rapid water flow. They saw the Heavenly Work Hall Master lead the group of Divine Ability realm cultivators in a coordinated shout, their magic power surging out. The great waters of the Tu River suddenly soared upwards, drawing an arc in mid-air, flying five or six *li* before finally falling back into the river.

For a distance of five or six *li*, the river water was completely gone. There wasn't even a trace of water at the bottom of the river. The silt in the water had also been drained dry by the several hundred Divine Ability realm cultivators.

"Gentlemen, melt the stones and connect the bridge!"

At the command of the Heavenly Work Hall Master, many Divine Ability realm cultivators with Vermilion Bird spirit bodies stepped forward. Flood furnaces were set up at the bottom of the river, and stone materials were thrown into them. Those Divine Ability realm cultivators each displayed their divine abilities, and fire birds circled the flood furnaces, burning the stones inside into lava. Another group of Ministry of Works officials stepped forward and used their magic power to control the shape of the lava, using it to pour stone pillars.

After a moment, stone pillars were erected from the bottom of the river, one by one. Another group of Ministry of Works officials flew over from the nearby mountains, transporting cut stone materials, and one by one, the stone slabs were orderly laid down.

An hour later, the large bridge was connected through.

Qin Mu's heart was filled with shock and endless praise. "This is a true miracle, miraculous craftsmanship!"