Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Core Base Station

The large device that appeared in Tang Yi’s hands was none other than the communications core base station. Standing fifteen meters tall, it consisted of eight rectangular cabinets encircling a central, round machine, forming a massive structure with a twelve-meter diameter. Tang Yi carefully maneuvered it down into the center of the square. Despite his caution, the descent still kicked up a wide cloud of dust, leaving those nearby covered in grime.

“Taoist Tang, what is this device for?” Lu Changsheng asked, puzzled.

“This is the core communications base station. Once I activate it, we’ll be able to video call the heads of all the other sects,” Tang Yi replied. He then approached the base station and pressed a switch on a rectangular panel. The panel opened to reveal a control interface. Tang Yi pressed the activation button, and with a gentle hum, the entire base station lit up with a kaleidoscope of small, colorful lights. The disciples of the Divine Sword Sect gazed on in amazement.

“All set, Elder Lu. You can make calls now,” Tang Yi said, picking up the communicator and dialing a number. The screen displayed: Connecting… as a melodious tune played. Soon, the music ceased, and the image of Hua Shaojie appeared on the screen.

“Taoist Tang, all the sect leaders have agreed. What are your next steps?” Lu Changsheng inquired.

“The most important thing now is to find a permanent location for this core base station,” Tang Yi explained. “After that, we need to construct signal relay stations to cover the entire solar system. Only by doing so will people use our communications products.”

He continued, “Additionally, I plan to advertise the Swift Cultivation Institute at the Cultivation Trade Conference. Securing the site for the institute is the top priority now. Elder Lu, I’ll need your help with that.”

“That’s not a problem. Do you have any specific requirements for the site? I can help you select one,” Lu Changsheng responded.

“As for the location of the Swift Cultivation Institute, first, it needs to be large enough to accommodate more students. Second, transportation should be convenient so that disciples from all sects and independent cultivators can easily reach it, which will aid the institute’s growth. Third, it should be abundant in spiritual energy. The rest isn’t as crucial,” Tang Yi replied after some thought.

Covering the entire solar system with communications signals would take significant time. However, with the Cultivation Trade Conference fast approaching, Tang Yi decided to prioritize establishing seamless communication between Earth and the Moon before tackling broader coverage.

First, Tang Yi placed the communications core base station in the secluded courtyard atop Talent Selection Peak. The location was secure, seldom frequented, and staffed by guardians, all of whom were cultivators at or above the Integration Stage.

Next, he set up base stations at all the major sects and other central locations, protecting each with formation arrays. He also established a large signal transmission base station in Moon City to ensure the Moon received reliable coverage. After a month of tireless effort, everything was in place. With over half a month left before the Cultivation Trade Conference, Tang Yi used the time to produce several portable video communication terminals. These terminals were even more compact than before and were intended as gifts for the heads of each sect. Naturally, Hua Shaojie and his associates, as well as their family sects, each received one. The devices came with premium numbers and a generous amount of call credit, all as part of Tang Yi’s promotional strategy. In the end, Tang Yi decided his communications company would still be called Eternal Communications. While this new system differed from the mundane world’s version, it was compatible with it, much like the interoperability between Mobile and Unicom.

Only after completing all this did Tang Yi remember his promise to find a high-level water technique for Hua Ruoxue. Not only had he not searched for one, but he’d also been so busy that he left Hua Ruoxue alone on Divine Sword Peak.

“This was truly an oversight. I must go keep Ruoxue company, or she’ll be upset,” Tang Yi realized. However, Hua Ruoxue had no time to be angry with him—she was thoroughly enjoying herself on Divine Sword Peak, bonding closely with several of the sect’s female disciples. After all, the Hundred Flower Sword Sect was an offshoot of the Divine Sword Sect, and Hua Ruoxue already knew several members.

“Ruoxue, are you saying you can turn invisible without a talisman and with no time limit?” asked Lu Miaomiao, the granddaughter of Lu Changsheng. She’d met Hua Ruoxue during a previous visit to the Hundred Flower Sword Sect.

“That’s right. That’s probably what Tang Yi meant about superpowers having advantages over cultivation techniques. But he also said that cultivation techniques have their own strengths, and combining both is ideal. I don’t have a good technique yet, but Tang Yi promised he’d find me a top-tier one,” Hua Ruoxue replied sweetly.

“Oh, my! You’re giving me goosebumps, calling him ‘Tang Yi’ so affectionately every other word—it’s too much!” Lu Miaomiao teased.

“Miaomiao, you’re always making fun of me. I’m not talking to you anymore,” Hua Ruoxue pouted in mock annoyance.

“All right, all right. No more teasing. On a serious note, the Divine Sword Sect has several excellent water techniques. For example, Lin Jiang’s Azure Water Sword Technique is superb. Why don’t you join the Divine Sword Sect? The Hundred Flower Sword Sect counts as a branch anyway. I’ll talk to my grandfather—I’m sure he’ll approve,” Lu Miaomiao suggested. She was shrewd; since Hua Ruoxue was essentially Tang Yi’s woman, bringing her into the Divine Sword Sect would ensure Tang Yi’s allegiance as well. Anyone with eyes could see that Tang Yi was a man of deep loyalty.

“I’ll have to discuss it with Tang Yi first,” Hua Ruoxue replied, not daring to decide on her own. Tang Yi had repeatedly warned her not to join any sects lightly. The Hundred Flower Sword Sect didn’t count, as it was a mundane sect, but true cultivation sects were different. The cultivators of Earth were relatively united against external threats, but internal friction and grudges between sects were common. Tang Yi had no desire to be caught up in such disputes, though, in truth, he was already entangled—only his formidable presence kept conflict at bay for now.

“You can’t be serious! You even need to ask Tang Yi about this? You’ll regret it if you keep deferring to him…” Lu Miaomiao began, but before she could finish, someone interrupted.

“Who dares let our Ruoxue suffer?” Tang Yi’s voice rang out from behind them.

“Tang Yi, you’re here! I was just chatting with Miaomiao,” Hua Ruoxue exclaimed happily upon seeing him.

“Hmph, so you’re the infamous Tang Yi—the one bullying Ruoxue! You’ve got some nerve!” Lu Miaomiao retorted.

“Oh, you little rascal! Even your grandfather addresses me as Taoist Tang, yet you dare call me by name? Careful, or I’ll send you flying with a single slap! Remember, you’re supposed to call me Brother Tang. Brother Tang—did you hear me?” Tang Yi admonished, clearly displeased.

“Whatever, I don’t want to talk to you. Ruoxue, I’ll head back for now. Let’s chat another day,” Lu Miaomiao huffed and strode away.

“You—never mind, it’s not worth arguing with children. Ruoxue, let’s go. I have something to discuss with you,” Tang Yi said to Hua Ruoxue gently.

“Alright!”