It was clear that the current state of Xinghai was still in its infancy. She possessed processing capabilities akin to that of an intelligent brain, yet this also greatly suppressed her emotions. In fact, this was likely a side effect of merging with the biochip. Even if she matured over time, this rigid quality might evolve into cold detachment. Still, her emotional faculties didn't seem entirely lost.
Born from a magical artifact, her artifact spirit was actually not that different from an ordinary soul or true spirit.
"Xing'er, what abilities do you have now?"Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and asked.
"Father, I can store information, compute at high speed, and connect to true spirits. For example, I can link with the true spirit of the Sutra Pavilion here in Xuanhuang Village. Moreover, I can use a medium to lay down a sort of invisible celestial net, covering the entire village. I can merge with the Destiny Pool of Qi. Once integrated, I can exist anywhere covered by the village's Qi of Destiny, similar to the signal towers of the pre-Cataclysm era. But instead of transmitting regular signals, I transmit true spirit fluctuations."
Xinghai swiftly explained her abilities.
Her powers had no offensive capability. After her transformation, she had essentially become a central hub, a divine signal tower of sorts. The strange waves she emitted could directly interact with true spirits. These signals were extremely hard to block because they were carried through the Qi of Destiny—any area under this influence was part of her coverage zone. However, beyond that, she couldn't perform other actions. She was truly like a special kind of network.
She was a core, a signal hub. If she were fully established, her presence would completely revolutionize the development of Xuanhuang Village.
"Xinghai, if I merge you with the Destiny Pool of Qi, could your power immediately radiate through the village and monitor its activities?"Yi Tianxing asked.
"No. I can only use the Destiny Pool to spread signals throughout the village. But I cannot monitor individuals. Each living being's true spirit is independent. No one can invade another's true spirit without detection. It's like the pre-Cataclysm internet: there was the internet and local area networks. Each person's true spirit is a separate LAN. I can't easily observe or invade. They can choose to reject my signals."
"Also, Xinghai can only exist within this crystal sphere. My true spirit cannot leave it. I can only passively accept incoming data, store it, or process it."
Her voice was stiff, mechanical.
Her true spirit could not leave the crystal sphere, limiting her interaction with the outside world to data processing and storage.
"This is truly a network hub. Like the old internet, but without the need for signal towers or fiber cables. As long as there's the Destiny Pool, the entire Xuanhuang Village can be covered. Even in today's primitive world, this will bring about unbelievable changes."Yi Tianxing wasn't disappointed. On the contrary, he was thrilled.
Once this invisible network was in place, it could produce world-shaking effects.
Legend said that Western magical civilizations had something called the Magic Web, with astonishing capabilities. Although Xinghai was still far from that, her potential was immense. Just the formation of such a network would push countless developments to a new level.
Magic could create things like everlasting lamps, powerful magic cannons, and alchemical artifacts. In essence, magic and Eastern Daoist techniques weren't so different—only the terminology varied.
Many spells and divine powers, when applied to everyday life and studied, could create unforeseen synergies.
Without Xinghai, the development of Xuanhuang Village would have to progress step by step, and even slightly futuristic ideas would be hard to realize. But now, things were different. Once the network was established, everything would change.
"Xing'er, from now on, this crystal sphere will no longer be called the 'True Spirit Crystal Sphere.' Since it has mutated into a unique treasure of heaven and earth, its new name will be—StarNet! I hope one day, you'll cover the stars and seas. And I promise, I will help you gain a true body one day."Yi Tianxing spoke firmly.
"Xinghai will always assist Father."A subtle ripple flashed in Xinghai's eyes as she continued, "To access the StarNet, one must craft a proper medium. And within that medium, this rune must be inscribed."
As she spoke, a streak of starlight shot out, instantly embedding itself into Yi Tianxing's mind.
This rune was the key to connecting with StarNet. With it, one could create proper mediums for access.
"Good. I'll place you into the Destiny Pool soon. From there, you can begin assisting in the operation."Joy surged in Yi Tianxing's heart as he withdrew his mind from the Lingzhu Space.
The existence of StarNet was a powerful trump card. As long as it remained hidden, no one could even imagine its presence. And more importantly, its true power must never be exposed lightly.
Regaining awareness, he scanned the hall and saw the confused expressions of those around him. He smiled and said, "It's nothing. I was just lost in thought. Let's continue."
"The merit points within the Hall of Merits will serve as everyone's salary. Although not abundant for now, any major contribution will earn you points. Since we haven't minted currency yet, these points will temporarily serve that purpose. Later, when coinage is introduced, merit points will remain, as a part of salary distribution."
"I also have a treasure that can manage, record, and distribute these points."
Yi Tianxing spoke quickly.
Another treasure?
Even Huang Chengyan showed a flash of anticipation. The mystical power of treasures had become undeniable. Everyone knew how rare and powerful they were.
He was curious—what kind of treasure could record merit points?
"May I ask, my lord, what sort of treasure is it that possesses such wondrous abilities?"Huang Chengyan asked.
Understanding new treasures would aid greatly in managing Xuanhuang Village.
"It's called the True Spirit Crystal Sphere, a treasure once presented by Qian Xiaojia. It can store all kinds of data, such as merit points, removing the need for manual calculations. All one needs is to input their information, and a complete profile can be created. Much more efficient than recording everything in books. However, a medium is required to connect to it."
"I plan to first manufacture such mediums, to connect with the True Spirit Crystal Sphere and establish the StarNet. It will be faster and safer than any message relay and will free up human labor. No more wasting manpower on menial calculations."
Yi Tianxing intentionally concealed the mutation of the crystal sphere. He continued calling it the True Spirit Crystal Sphere. If someone ever tried to target it, they'd scheme against the wrong thing. They wouldn't realize that it had evolved into StarNet, a completely different treasure. This could be a decisive advantage in the future.
Nationwide cultivation required innovation.It couldn't rely on mundane, worldly methods.
"A treasure like that? Truly astonishing."Huang Chengyan's eyes sparkled. His worldview was being overturned daily. This new world marked the beginning of a new era—an era of cultivation where miracles were commonplace.
Still, he accepted it with open arms.
In this world, nothing was impossible.
Moreover, he quickly realized that if the True Spirit Crystal Sphere could store and simulate data, it would serve as an incredible catalyst for Xuanhuang Village's development.
"All right, we've now established the following: the Military Council Hall, Heavenly Engineering Pavilion, Heavenly Records Hall, Six Doors, Gourmet Hall, Myriad Treasures Hall, Heavenly Virtue Hall, Heavenly Medical Hall, and Hall of Merits. Combined, this structure will be called: One Gate, Two Pavilions, Six Halls—the governing framework of Xuanhuang Village."
Yi Tianxing stood and said, "The Heavenly Engineering Pavilion will oversee construction of government buildings for these institutions. With over 10,000 new people, the village must be expanded. The eastern zone will be designated for these military and administrative buildings. The northern zone will become the residential district."
"Yes, my lord!"Hu Bin immediately agreed.
"Everyone, begin preparations. We'll announce the news soon."Yi Tianxing nodded.
This marked the end of the first formal council meeting.
Huang Chengyan nodded with satisfaction. Considering they were building from scratch, achieving this much was already impressive. The only drawback was the shortage of talent. They could only construct the framework first, and slowly fill it in with time.
As the others dispersed, Yi Tianxing turned to see that Cao Zhengchun had remained. He frowned slightly and said, "Cao Zhengchun, since you insist on following me, you'll help manage affairs within the residence. For now, you'll serve as house steward."
That was the only reasonable arrangement for now.