Molting the Mortal Coil

Chapter 1059: Mechanical

The jet engine was just the tip of the iceberg, as Magic Mechanicals most impactful changes were for the common people. Blastids raised the quality of life for the people, just like the Banyan Building techniques, but Magic Mechanical devices created full industrialization. It didnt just make their lives more comfortable, it multiplied their productivity. Engines took more skill to create, due to the multiple disciplines, but they were even cheaper to produce. That made them widespread in the Inner World. Mechanical looms to make textiles, combines, harvesters, plows, and many other devices to make farming easier, industrial grinders, sorters, smelters, and drilling machines to hasten mining.

All sorts of specialized factory equipment was created, used to manufacture the pieces that went into the Magic Mechanical devices, roughly carving out the formation symbols upon the unassembled parts. A Blacksmith still had to finish the formation symbols and infuse them with the correct amounts of energy as they assembled the device, but it greatly reduced the effort required so it was only a matter of precision. A single professional could build many more of them in the same day and then theyd be powered by Blastids, so no Spirit Stones or Cultivators were required for them to be used, enabling mortals to be many times more productive.

After a three year stint on the Inner World, the Lang Clan returned to the outside world, bringing with them knowledge of the new technologies and how to make use of them. Sage didnt bring everything out in entirety, the uproar it might cause would get them in trouble, or at the very least put an even bigger target on their back. Instead, the Lang Clan itself would make use of them to produce more goods and over time they might slowly release earlier generations of such devices, especially in their own territory. Yet, even if they didnt need all the technology now, it was important to pass over all the knowledge and advancements from the Inner World to ensure that the progress was not lost in case anything happened to him.

Along with a family reunion and the transfer of technology, there was another major reason to return home. There was a promise to the Lang Clan Ancestors to keep. He still had Guan Zhenyan around for a few years, but in the meantime he could meet up with those fellows down in the catacombs that had given him immense assistance in the past. Descending the stone steps, Sage passed the pair of huge mantis statues and put his hand on the doors. They lit up and swung open, allowing him inside. The defensive formations of the catacombs were still a mystery to him, even after all hed learned at the Tianxia Capital and with the help of the Inner World researchers. In the past hed thought he was close to deciphering them, but only now did he realize how wrong he was. The formations still felt like they were just out of his reach, the same as before those many years ago, yet the lack of change in them reassured him that he shouldnt be in danger.

Stepping inside he saw the six large daises, each holding one large sarcophagus along with various shelving and other decorations further back. Sage walked up towards the first of them, the location of Ancestor Huang. The name was one mentioned by Guan Zhenyan and one of the other ancestors, but had never formally been introduced to Sage. It was also the ancestor that first helped him so long ago when he was the only surviving member of the Lang Clan. He returned again when hed almost completely lost his mind, driven by instinct and the mission to restore the Clan and the Ancestors had saved him with the Silver Liberator Butterfly. The last time hed visited had been after he restored the Clan and he met five of the Ancestors, at least briefly, and was gifted with many treasures he gave to the Clan and other resources he used personally. They encouraged him to reach the level he was at now, and so it was time to speak with them again. He already had a rough idea what he was supposed to do, hed seen the Lionheart Immortal fly up into the sky after all, but that man had never come back so he was hesitant to do the same thing.

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The stone sculpture on top of the sarcophagus lid had the same imposing face as before with its pointed eyebrows and well trimmed mustache. The statue was so detailed that he could make out intricately embroidered mantises upon its robes. As he approached he felt a light flicker of power and a voice transmission.

You took the next step. I knew this day would come. Are you ready to take the next step?

Im not quite sure of what that entails. Is it a one way trip? I still have things that need to be finished here.

You can return, but it takes a bit of work before thats possible. We are eager to have another of the Clan move up. Sorry, I cant tell you anymore here. There are many rules, which youll learn soon enough.

Sage nodded, but considering he was talking to a coffin he followed that up quickly, I see. So is that the extent of what you can tell me? Do I need to speak with any of the other Ancestors personally or should I come back when Im ready to go?

A glowing object flew out from one of the shelves, and stopped in front of Sage, hovering in front of him. Once he held out his hand, the light faded and revealed a small object which dropped onto his palm. It was a Jade Slip, one that seemed in perfect condition even though there was no telling how old it actually was. It also contained a potent energy that must have been the source of its exceptional longevity.

We cant really tell you any more until after you are introduced to all the rules. When you can return from there, we will have more to share with you, so focus on completing whatever it is thats holding you back and then head up. The only help we can give you now is in that slip. It contains a list of names, all people that we trust. Its no guarantee that they will assist you, only that they are trustworthy. If you make a deal with them, they will honor the terms. They also wont just stab you in the back or target you without a good reason. Youve made it this far, Im sure youll be fine there.

Sage quickly tested the validity of those words, sending his consciousness into the Jade Slip and reviewing the contents. It was actually quite empty, with just a short list of names and a corresponding dossier for each. The information listed for each person was quite concise, only giving them a short and vague introduction. They had locations listed, which seemed based upon a system of organization he had no reference for. There was also a list of their notable skills, and known associates. It seemed to be compiled so he knew who to call upon for help and also how to find them.

Thank you, Ancestor.

The Ancestor had already made things clear, so Sage bowed to the Ancestor in front of him before leaving. Then he walked over to stand in front of the other five daises and gave each of them a bow as well. With that done, he left the tomb, returning to the surface to catch up on how the Lang Clan planned to make changes in the future. There were still a few years left till he could fulfill the deal with Guan Zhenyan, which he was happy to spend with his close family, and assisting the Lang Clan as much as he could.

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