Cai Xinzhi immediately threw himself into the design and construction work.
Before long, he completed a scale model of a river–sea vessel. The original ship was meant to be seventy meters long; even after being reduced at a 200:1 ratio, the model still measured several dozen centimeters in length.
At this scale, integrating mechanical systems was remarkably convenient.
Miniature electric motors were installed inside the hull, along with several compact rechargeable batteries. Solar panels were mounted neatly along the deck, ensuring that whenever sunlight struck the surface, energy would be fed directly into the batteries below.
A week later, a delivery truck stopped outside Li Daoxuan's villa and handed over the massive half-meter-long ship model.
—
Shi Kefa, carrying his imperial appointment documents and accompanied by a group of loyal retainers, stepped out through the gates of Thirty-Two Middle School, his luggage already prepared.
He paused, turned around, and bowed deeply toward the school.
What he had gained here was not merely knowledge, but experience—practical, applicable, and invaluable for governance. It filled him with confidence. He was certain he could put it to use in his new post, guarding Anqing Prefecture and Chizhou Prefecture.
He had taken barely two steps when he noticed Gao Yiye waiting nearby, with Dao Xuan Tianzun's avatar standing calmly at her side.
Shi Kefa's spirits lifted at once. He hurried forward and cupped his fists in a deep bow.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun, Esteemed Saintess," he said solemnly. "This humble official is ready to depart."
Li Daoxuan nodded lightly. "Mm. Do not attempt to cross Henan on your own—it is far too dangerous. Take the train first. At Hedong Circuit, transfer to a solar bus to Xiaolangdi. You will meet Bai Yuan there. I have already arranged a vessel to take you onward to Anqing Prefecture."
Shi Kefa bowed again. "Many thanks for Dao Xuan Tianzun's gracious consideration."
Li Daoxuan waved his hand. "Go. Govern well, and bring peace and prosperity to the people."
With another deep bow, Shi Kefa departed, confidence filling his chest.
—
The route he was to take was the Xihe Railway.
This ultra-long-distance line connecting Xi'an to Hedong City ran only once per day. Miss it, and there would be no second chance.
Arriving precisely on time, Shi Kefa purchased a first-class ticket.
First-class seats were prohibitively expensive. Though he was not poor, he could only justify buying one ticket—for himself alone. His household guards were sent to the standard carriage behind.
It was much like a modern small business owner on a work trip: flying business class personally while booking economy seats for their assistant.
He had money—but not the kind one squandered casually.
The moment he stepped into the first-class carriage, however, a sense of unease crept over him.
Inside sat a mysterious martial artist.
The man wore heroic robes similar in style to Dao Xuan Tianzun's avatar, yet his build was noticeably heavier, his figure broad and stout rather than slender. Clearly, he was not the deity himself.
Moreover, the man wore a wide-brimmed straw hat and covered his face with a black cloth, giving him an unmistakably suspicious air.
But that wasn't even the most outrageous part.
What truly shocked Shi Kefa was that this martial artist was accompanied by a large number of bodyguards—so many that they occupied more than half of the first-class carriage.
Shi Kefa couldn't help letting out a soft exclamation.
Extraordinary, he thought. I am an imperial official, and I can't even afford first-class tickets for my own guards. Yet this wandering martial artist has filled an entire carriage with attendants. What background does he have? A mining magnate's son?
He stared.
The martial artist immediately noticed—and visibly panicked.
Turning toward Shi Kefa, he demanded in a hoarse, deliberately lowered voice, "Why are you staring at me? Hey—why are you staring? Is there something wrong with me?"
The tremor in his tone betrayed him completely—the instinctive fear of someone who had something to hide.
Shi Kefa had once served as Judicial Commissioner of Xi'an. He specialized in criminal law. He needed only a single sentence to judge.
This man was trouble.
Deep trouble.
"Ahem!"
Shi Kefa cleared his throat sharply, then raised his voice. "This official can tell at a glance that you are engaged in illicit affairs. Such audacity! This place lies under Dao Xuan Tianzun's protection. Speak—what crimes have you committed?"
The martial artist nearly jumped out of his seat.
"I haven't! I did not!" he shouted. "Do not slander me!"
Shi Kefa stepped forward.
The martial artist, reclining comfortably moments before, leaned back in panic, nearly toppling over. Only the seatback saved him.
All of his guards rose in unison, alert and tense.
Shi Kefa felt no fear whatsoever.
Within Dao Xuan Tianzun's domain, reason outweighed brute force. No one dared to act recklessly here.
Why should I fear a mere carriage of thugs?
He took another heavy step forward—thump—his footfall ringing out.
"To encounter me, Shi Kefa," he declared coldly, "is your grave misfortune. Confess truthfully, and your punishment may yet be reduced. Persist in deception, and you will face severe consequences."
"I didn't do anything!" the martial artist roared.
"Then why are you so guilty?" Shi Kefa pressed.
"I'm not guilty at all!" the man shouted, sweat soaking his face covering.
"You are absolutely guilty."
The martial artist's breathing grew ragged. "I—I am not! You have no evidence! These are baseless accusations! In Dao Xuan Tianzun's domain, slander is also a crime. I—I'm not afraid of you!"
That point struck home.
Shi Kefa had suspicion—but no proof.
In territories governed by the Great Ming Code, the principle was often guilty until proven innocent. But within Dao Xuan Tianzun's domain, the law was reversed.
After a few seconds, Shi Kefa snorted. "Very well. This official lacks evidence for now. I will not apprehend you. However—throughout this journey, I will be watching you closely. Should you harbor any ill intent, abandon it immediately."
The martial artist exploded in frustration. "Stop staring at me! Look outside—the scenery is beautiful! Why do you keep watching me?"
"This official will, of course, admire the scenery," Shi Kefa replied calmly. "But suspects must also be observed. One must handle both matters diligently."
"You're misusing Dao Xuan Tianzun's teachings!" the martial artist groaned.
He wanted to curse aloud—but he endured. More importantly, he restrained his subordinates.
Any conflict would only draw attention and risk exposing his identity.
Discretion is the path to power, he reminded himself.
Though he was merely a princely heir for now, he was destined to inherit the throne. There was no harm in beginning his lessons in patience early.
He forcibly swallowed his frustration.
Shi Kefa opened a treatise on governance and began to read.
Yet every so often, his eyes would lift—
Watching.
Always watching.
With a deep roar, the great train finally lurched into motion.
Leaving Gao Family Village behind, it sped toward Hedong Circuit.
To Shi Kefa's astonishment, the instant the train began moving, the martial artist's demeanor transformed completely.
Like an excited child, he pressed himself against the window.
"So beautiful!" he exclaimed. "Look at those mountains! That water—so green! Wow, that tree grew in such a strange shape!"