Zhu Cunji curled his lips into a smug smile.
"Hmph. This heir carries the Emperor's bloodline, you know," he said proudly. "Strictly speaking, I'm also a descendant of celestial immortals. If I ask my venerable ancestors for a small favor, wouldn't it be far easier for me than for ordinary folk?"
His personal guards exchanged glances.
Huh?
It's rare to hear His Highness say something that actually makes sense.
Zhu Cunji wasted no time on further discussion. He clasped his hands together—whether the gesture belonged to Buddhism or Daoism was unclear—and bowed deeply toward the sky.
"Zhu Cunji is here," he declared loudly. "I humbly ask my heavenly ancestors for a favor. Might you bestow upon us a celestial bridge?"
As he spoke, the guards all thought the same thing.
He's just spouting nonsense.
However—
In the very next instant, the heavens answered.
The sky had been clear and cloudless, yet suddenly, a low cloud formed out of nowhere.
This was Li Daoxuan adjusting his field of view. Wherever his perspective shifted, a low cloud naturally appeared at an altitude of roughly sixty-seven zhang—about two hundred meters—above that location.
To the people of Gao Family Village, there was only one possible explanation.
"Dao Xuan Tian Zun has arrived, riding upon a celestial cloud!"
This manifestation was far more solemn and imposing than his usual descent through a statue.
The people from Gao Family Village immediately understood what was happening. The three scientists took the lead, retreating quickly.
"Everyone, move away from the riverbank! Quickly!"
Seeing them withdraw, Wu Shen and Shi Kefa also grasped the situation at once and hurriedly backed away as well.
Zhu Cunji stood there completely dumbfounded.
"What? What are you all doing?"
Before he could finish speaking, the clouds overhead parted.
From the sky, a colossal bridge began to descend, slowly and majestically.
Zhu Cunji's eyes widened to their limits.
"Wow!"
"Wow!"
"Wow!"
He had completely lost the ability to form proper sentences.
Shi Kefa, having witnessed such a spectacle before, merely let out a long sigh. He glanced meaningfully at Zhu Cunji.
"It's here," he said. "Dao Xuan Tian Zun has personally bestowed a celestial bridge. Could it be that the Emperor's bloodline truly is more favored by the heavens?"
Wu Shen, however, leaned closer and whispered, "Perhaps it's not solely because of the bloodline. This official believes Dao Xuan Tian Zun simply wishes to expedite construction and clear the obstruction. This is a benevolent act meant to benefit all living beings, not just the Prince of Qin's heir."
He paused, then added dryly, "Just look at His Highness' foolish expression."
Zhu Cunji, still dazed:
"Wow! Wow! Wow!"
His personal guards were equally stunned.
Could our master really be this incredible?
Meanwhile, the people of Gao Family Village simply smiled and shook their heads.
Dao Xuan Tian Zun is teasing Zhu Cunji again.
The enormous bridge slowly settled over the Wei River. The land on both banks was flattened and compacted by an invisible force. Suspended in midair, the bridge swayed slightly as it was guided into position by that immense, unseen power.
After a long while, the bridge finally stabilized.
The southern end aligned perfectly with the already-laid railway tracks.
Zhu Cunji continued chanting his mantra.
"Wow! Wow! Wow!"
Wu Shen sighed helplessly. "Your Highness, you've been saying 'wow' for quite some time now. Could you try saying something else?"
Zhu Cunji stared ahead blankly.
"Wow! Wow! Wow!"
There was clearly no reasoning with this eccentric heir.
The Blue Hats from Gao Family Village stepped forward to measure the southern approach of the bridge. After comparing it with the tracks, they quickly marked a line on the ground and began directing the laborers.
"Lay the rails from here, straight onto the bridge!"
The laborers shouted in unison,
"Wow! Wow! Wow!"
The Blue Hat scowled. "What's wrong with all of you? You're acting just as foolish as the Prince of Qin's heir. Snap out of it and get to work!"
Only then did the laborers gradually regain their senses. They picked up their tools and resumed construction. Yet as they worked, many of them unconsciously murmured the name of Dao Xuan Tian Zun in their hearts.
Those who already believed became even more devout.
Those who had once doubted instantly turned into firm believers.
Wu Shen watched the scene, feeling dazed himself.
Shi Kefa had spoken many times about the Yellow River Dragon Gate Bridge, but for various reasons, Wu Shen had never seen it in person. Now, witnessing such a miracle over the Wei River, he felt truly shaken.
No matter what, he decided he had to walk across it.
Wu Shen cautiously stepped onto the bridge, still maintaining his official composure. But after taking a few steps, a cool breeze brushed against him, refreshing his spirit.
Suddenly exhilarated, he let out a joyful shout, spread his arms wide, and began running across the bridge.
Shi Kefa's face changed instantly.
"Minister Wu! Don't do that! It'll be on Gaojia News! On Gaojia News, I tell you!"
Wu Shen laughed loudly. "Hahaha! Running on the bridge feels wonderful! I'm inspired—I want to write a poem! I really want to write a poem!"
Shi Kefa hurried after him in panic. "No, please! It really will be on Gaojia News!"
That evening, Zhu Cunji returned to the Prince of Qin's manor in a daze.
The events of the day were so overwhelming that he still hadn't fully recovered. His spirit felt detached from his body, and he had no awareness of how he even made it home.
It wasn't until cold water splashed onto his face that he jolted awake.
"Huh?" he muttered. "How did I get back to the manor? When did I return?"
He turned his head—and saw his Princess Consort standing there.
"Ah!" Zhu Cunji suddenly remembered what his guards had said earlier. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her excitedly. "My dear! You know about Dao Xuan Tian Zun, don't you? You must know everything!"
The Princess Consort was startled. "Indeed, my lord. This concubine often goes to the Heavenly Lord Daoist Temple in the city to offer incense. Just yesterday, I donated Daoist robes and incense and personally performed a ritual, praying for Your Highness' wishes to come true."
Zhu Cunji burst into laughter.
"So that's it! So that's it!" he exclaimed. "Hahahaha! No wonder! I was wondering why Dao Xuan Tian Zun immediately bestowed a celestial bridge when I prayed today. It turns out you had already made a wish for me yesterday! My dear, you've rendered a great service! A great service!"
The Princess Consort stood there in utter confusion.
"???"
Zhu Cunji excitedly recounted everything that had happened by the Wei River, sparing no detail.
After listening, the Princess Consort was also stunned.
Although she believed in the Heavenly Lord Daoist Sect, her faith was no different from most noblewomen—burning incense, making wishes, accepting whatever outcome followed. It was not particularly fervent.
Who could have imagined that this time, her prayer truly came true—helping her husband obtain a celestial bridge and reopen the railway?
It was an unexpected blessing.
The Princess Consort immediately said, "Since that is the case, this concubine must go fulfill her vow tomorrow."
"Yes, yes, you must," Zhu Cunji replied, waving his hand grandly. "This time, we'll spare no expense. We'll build a magnificent Heavenly Lord Daoist Temple—a grand one! One the entire city of Xi'an can see! Three grand halls, five courtyards, an eight-story pagoda! Go big—go grand!"
The Princess Consort hesitated. "Ah… my lord, didn't you use all your money to build the railway?"
Zhu Cunji snorted confidently.
"The railway must be built, and the Heavenly Lord Daoist Temple must also be built! Hmph! It's rare for a deity to favor this heir—how could I not cling tightly to his divine leg?"