Chapter 132: The Third Gate of Immortality Is Opened

Even a salted fish must have its own dreams; what if they actually come true one day?

King Zhou and his court were no exception. The destiny of the Great Shang had been turned around, and with a powerhouse like Mr. Chu Xiaoyu guiding them, it would be a supreme irony if they failed to become a strong nation.

King Zhou steadied his excitement and spoke with a resolute, ringing tone: "Please rest assured, Sir. With your guidance, tutelage, and cultivation, I believe the Great Shang Dynasty will surely become a mighty nation before long."

"Heh, that is easy to say, but mere words are not enough. Action is the best proof. I, for one, look forward to that day."

"Sir, have no doubt, it will come to pass."

Next, Chu Xiaoyu explained the construction principles of the "Divine Machine Crossbow" to King Zhou and his officials in detail. Given the current conditions of the Yin-Shang, it was unrealistic to expect them to manufacture cannons; the limitations were simply too great. That Su Hu had managed to develop high-tech explosives like gunpowder was already an astonishing feat. As for cannons... that was beyond imagination. If this were the Ming Dynasty, Chu Xiaoyu would have been more than happy to teach them technical improvements. With a quick search on his phone, he could find everything in the encyclopedia; it would be effortless.

Chu Xiaoyu explained with great care, and the group listened intently. A crossbow capable of continuous fire, if the technology were perfected, could unleash dozens of bolts in rapid succession. Coupled with grenades, the destructive power of such a barrage could be easily imagined. With such a military artifact, why should they worry about failing to achieve hegemony and unifying the world?

Ah! Just thinking about it was heart-pounding.

Once Chu Xiaoyu finished, Su Hu immediately asked, "Sir, the construction of this Divine Machine Crossbow seems quite complex. I understand the theory, but given our current craftsmanship, I fear we cannot forge a crossbow as perfect as you described."

Bi Gan chimed in: "General Su is right. Sir, given these limitations, do you have any suggestions?"

Chu Xiaoyu pondered, then said slowly: "As for that... alas, I overlooked the developmental constraints of your Great Shang. Let me think on this further."

The Yin-Shang, the second dynasty of the Central Plains, had indeed had a relatively short period of development.

"This Divine Machine Crossbow is truly a treasure. If we could only build it... tsk, tsk..."

King Zhou beamed: "Then our hegemony is all but assured."

Ideals are beautiful, while reality is harsh. Everyone yearns for greatness, and even a salted fish is no different.

***

"Sir... something is wrong. In the backyard... a Gate of Immortals seems to be opening..."

Su Daji, looking startled, hurried over and interrupted them.

Chu Xiaoyu was shocked: "What? Another Gate of Immortals is opening? This... come, let us all go and see."

A third gate? Who would this third guest be?

Led by Chu Xiaoyu, the group rushed to the backyard of the manor. Was another new friend joining them? How wonderful. Everyone waited in anticipation.

The purple mist in the backyard grew increasingly dense, and following the appearance of a blinding halo of light, two tall and burly men suddenly appeared. The two men looked somewhat flustered, their expressions a mix of terror and curiosity. The man in the lead was actually wearing a dragon robe with black trim.

A black dragon robe? This was extraordinary!

Chu Xiaoyu’s gaze deepened.

"Halt! Who are you? Why do you not kneel before His Majesty? Audacious commoners! Kneel at once!" the man behind the leader barked at Chu Xiaoyu and the others.

"Ha! You dare demand that I kneel to you? Ha... that is impossible. How arrogant and ignorant," King Zhou burst into laughter.

"Your Majesty, I believe this man is wearing a dragon robe. He appears to be... a monarch as well," Bi Gan whispered.

Chu Xiaoyu looked down at the uninvited guests, thinking to himself: A black-trimmed dragon robe? Throughout history, the only one who wore a black dragon robe was the Ancestral Dragon Emperor who burned books and buried scholars.

"Halt! You have great nerve, you actually..."

"Meng Tian, say no more!"

Ying Zheng waved his hand at Meng Tian, cutting off his angry reprimand. He then bowed to Chu Xiaoyu and his group: "Everyone, my apologies. May I ask what place this is? Why does everything around here look so strange?"

"Ha! Interesting! Truly interesting! Sir, recall that we were the same when we first arrived; everything felt so new." A pair of bumpkins.

Young King Zhou couldn't help but laugh again, then asked Ying Zheng: "Hey, from which dynasty are you a monarch? Let me introduce myself: I am Di Xin, King of the Yin-Shang, surnamed Zi. May I ask who you are?"

As soon as King Zhou introduced himself, Ying Zheng was struck with disbelief: "W-what? You are Di Xin? King Zhou of Shang? You are that tyrant who lost his kingdom? This..."

How could this be possible? What kind of place was this? Why was it so bewitching?

Ying Zheng remembered walking in the Imperial Garden with Meng Tian, discussing state affairs. As the monarch and his minister walked, a blinding halo appeared, and a Gate of Light opened. Both were stunned, and they had no idea how they had passed through that strange door; they were completely bewildered.

"Pah! What tyrant who lost his kingdom? I tell you, the Great Shang is currently thriving. Do not speak nonsense, or I shall thrash you!"

Humph, no matter which dynasty you hail from, if you speak out of turn, you deserve a beating.

"Er... cough, cough. Tell me, are you truly the King of Shang? But how can that be..."

He could hardly believe it; it was as if time and space had fractured. It was as terrifying as a nuclear fusion. Ying Zheng was deeply shaken.

"Heh, of course I am the King of Shang, authentic and true... well, stop dawdling, tell us who you are and from which dynasty you come."

"My apologies for the intrusion. I am Ying Zheng, Emperor of the Great Qin. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance."

It really was Ying Zheng! What an imposing air!

"Your Majesty, I feel these people are very strange. We must be cautious," Meng Tian said.

Since appearing in this bizarre manor, even though he remained in a state of confusion, Meng Tian’s vigilance was high. If any crisis arose, he was prepared to give his life to protect the Ancestral Dragon Emperor.