"Sir! They've all arrived!"
Wu Man rushed into the courtyard, still holding the communicator Zhou Zhengde had given him.
Master Wang responded and continued to focus on his blacksmithing: "Don't rush. Let Little Shen handle them for now. I want to observe what these research bigwigs are saying."
Zheng Shiduo, who was dozing off by the second-floor window, couldn't help but yawn and sigh:
"Master, you're really not tired. I'm about to give out."
"If you can't hold on, go rest," Wang Jixuan said with a smile. "Don't compare yourself to me. I can go days and nights without sleep."
He was being modest about sleeping.
The only rest a cultivator takes is meditation, unless they are injured or have exhausted too much energy in a fight, in which case they might doze off or choose to sleep for a short while.
Master Wang continued to hammer away, dinging and clanging.
His frequency increased, but the spiritual energy contained in each hammer blow decreased. The longsword in his hand had begun to glow with a faint cyan light.
The sword had a light gray ridge running down the center, and nearly transparent inscriptions spread from the ridge to the edges.
The blade was as thin as a cicada's wing, and the body of the sword was incomparably strong.
Wang Jixuan was forging it to be a magic weapon for spellcasting, not for directly wielding to chop people.
The sword's ridge, hilt, and guard all contained different inscriptions that slightly amplified wind and thunder spells, moderately enhanced the sharpness of magical power when transformed into sword energy, and significantly reduced the consumption of magical power when casting Earth Evasion.
This kind of longsword, which was almost at the level of a magical treasure, could be given a name.
Wang Jixuan picked up the longsword and carefully examined it, flicking it lightly with his finger.
The sound of the sword's hum was pleasant and melodious.
The sword was snow-white, with faint arcs of electricity flickering across it. The blade trembled, and obvious ripples appeared in the air, a phenomenon caused by spiritual energy gathering towards it.
If this sword were given to Shen Qionglin, she wouldn't leave her laboratory for a month.
"I'll call you Azure Feather Sword then."
Wang Jixuan muttered to himself… although it was a bit of an offense to the Hope Immortal Valley's treasured sect treasure.
Then, Wang Jixuan tossed the sword aside, where it lay with a large saber and a long spear.
The saber was shaped like a beheading sword, consuming the most materials and containing the most inscriptions. The principle was similar to the crystal core greatsword, requiring the insertion of a high-level blade beast's crystal core to be used in combat, but the power and sharpness were far beyond what the previous crystal core greatsword could compare to.
Wang Jixuan had also hidden a demon-breaking incantation and a fixed demon-suppressing talisman on it, and even insidiously added a bit of blood curse array.
Being cut by this saber, even if not fatal, would result in being invaded by the power of the blood curse.
Therefore, this saber was the only item among this batch of forged weapons that could be called a low-grade magical treasure.
This saber was for Fu Jian.
As for how Fu Jian would dispose of it, whether he would keep it for himself or give it to someone else, Wang Jixuan wouldn't care.
— A little bit of worldly wisdom from the Daoist priest.
After a while, Wang Jixuan had figured out the temperaments of these research bigwigs.
'It's time to meet them.'
He stretched lazily and counted the gains from this forging.
The best of the three storage magical instruments was the last one forged, a circlet.
It was only one-third the size of the first bracer, but it had four layers of Qiankun inscriptions carved within it, and the storage space it ultimately opened up was actually two meters square.
After careful consideration, Wang Jixuan gave these three magical instruments three resounding names.
The first bracer, 'Storage 001,' had already been given to Wu Man by Wang Jixuan to store supplies for the Buddhist hall squad.
Storage 002 and Storage 003 were for Wang Jixuan's personal use, one for storing orthodox magical instruments and one for storing evil things, such as soul-seizing talismans and nuclear bombs.
Wang Jixuan put the three weapons into the storage magical treasures, looked around for his top, shook the dust off it, and hastily put it on.
Without Mudan by his side, life was already unaccustomed.
He had to get her back as soon as possible.
"Wu Man, Lao Zheng," Wang Jixuan called out, "Come with me to fool these research bigwigs."
"Okay, coming."
Wu Man swallowed the last piece of love bread Gao Huating had brought today. The simple boy didn't see the hesitant look in Gao Huating's eyes.
Zheng Shiduo stretched lazily and then raised his arms and shouted, "Before Brother Wang, who dares call themselves a bigwig? Who dares boast!"
Wang Jixuan: …
Uncle Tai turned over on the sofa.
He was awake, but in this kind of occasion, it was really inconvenient for him, an ordinary senior engineer, to show his face, so he continued to pretend to be asleep.
Those were the existence of Uncle Tai's teacher level, the D5's research pillars, Uncle Tai was indeed afraid of showing his timidity.
…
When Wang Jixuan arrived at the spiritual energy research institute on the third floor, these researchers were eating.
They didn't have big fish and big meat either, mainly because they didn't have the conditions. They just got some bento work meals. After everyone ate simply, they continued to exchange relevant technologies of spiritual energy and mecha.
Shen Qionglin's team was very hopeful to get the latest mecha power core technology;
And these old people who had studied mechanics for a lifetime were also very curious about the unfamiliar field of spiritual energy science.
The atmosphere was generally harmonious.
Shen Qionglin had been hiding in the corner and didn't like this kind of occasion very much;
That Professor Lou seemed to be the old version of Shen Qionglin, also holding a lunch box and chewing slowly in another corner, occasionally chatting with colleagues who came over to talk, and would end the topic quickly.
Wang Jixuan waited and observed for ten minutes, and waited until these people had eaten almost, before taking Wu Man and Zheng Shiduo to the door.
— Can't let these old meritorious people argue with him on an empty stomach.
Zheng Shiduo raised his foot to kick the door.
"What are you doing!"
Wang Jixuan turned his head and glared at him, and Zheng Shiduo quickly retracted his leg.
"Get some momentum…"
"Not necessary. These are all old people who have contributed to mankind for a lifetime. I've been observing for a long time, and they're all pretty simple. Wu Man, knock on the door."
Wu Man reached out and patted the door.
Zhou Zhengde, who was holding tea and chatting with several old professors, turned his head and immediately said, "Everyone! Commander Black Storm has arrived!"
The conference room suddenly became a mess.
This group of professors and associate professors seemed to have just remembered what they were here to do, and re-surrounded Professor Lou, sitting on half of the oval conference table, with an air of questioning.
Shen Qionglin breathed a sigh of relief, signaling her subordinates to sit opposite and boost the Daoist priest's momentum.
The conference room door was pulled open, and Wang Jixuan quickly entered, with a warm smile on his face.
Shen Qionglin had sharp eyes and saw the two iron hoops on Wang Jixuan's left and right wrists at a glance, feeling the weak spiritual energy fluctuations.
Master Wang nodded with a smile, sat opposite Professor Lou, and carefully looked at this 'old grandma'.
Wu Man stood behind Wang Jixuan with his hands behind his back, and Zheng Shiduo stood with his arms crossed.
Zheng Shiduo still felt that these old people were here to make trouble, and deliberately showed a bit of a fierce face.
Zhou Zhengde cleared his throat and introduced in a bubbly voice:
"This is Black Storm, Mudan's pilot. Everyone must have heard many legends about him recently.
"His name is Wang Zheng. Everyone can call him by his name directly. Don't look at his young age. In fact, he is the guide and pioneer of an entire alien civilization. He has extraordinary wisdom and excellent insight.
"The demon-breaking dagger and the crystal core greatsword are all his masterpieces, and they are the smallest contribution among his many masterpieces.
"There are also some huge contributions that cannot be revealed to you because they involve secrets, please don't mind."
Wang Jixuan: …
Daoist priest's face is thin, don't praise so much.
Focus on describing the temperament and appearance is enough.
Everyone nodded, and many people showed a slight smile to express their kindness.
Zhou Zhengde said to Wang Jixuan again: "These few here are the backbone of the loyal fighter jet project team, the creators of Mudan, and also titans in various fields such as autonomous machinery, cyborg mecha, and machine power."
Wang Jixuan said solemnly: "Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I really had some things I couldn't spare just now. Let's get straight to the point… I don't think there's anything wrong with Mudan."
"You haven't even heard us introduce where her problem lies."
Professor Lou frowned and stared at Wang Jixuan:
"Before we came, we received three warnings, and even the commander-in-chief personally came forward and told us not to clash with you.
"He used the word 'clash'.
"I know you may be a genius, just like this Professor Shen, with incredible abilities, but I think all problems should be judged based on data, not just saying she's fine."
Wang Jixuan said solemnly: "You're right, but I think the reason you think she's dangerous should only be one."
"Which reason?"
"Mudan was originally a creation of programs and data, but she is now free from the constraints of programs and data."
Wang Jixuan said lightly, and everyone frowned slightly as they listened.
Many old people nodded subconsciously.
Some old people said: "Yes, you're right. It seems you know where the crux is. We didn't make this trip in vain."
Several old people began to speak one after another, describing in detail the data they obtained from several tests, and the problems reflected by these data.
Wang Jixuan simply summarized, no more than three points.
First, Mudan has already lost control to a small extent.
The specific manifestation is that she can independently choose to bypass the restrictions set by the program, make her own judgments, and has the concept of 'I'.
As long as there is a mirror, Mudan will think about whether the world in the mirror is real, and then extend to start thinking about parallel worlds, mirror worlds, and other issues.
Although Mudan secretly deleted a lot of data, according to their research, Mudan has more than once used her powerful ability in the data world to invade the D5 command system and intercept a large amount of intelligence.
Even, Peony had proactively investigated how many autonomous mechanical bodies were stored in the D5 Integrated War Zone.
As well as the specific models, core types, and storage locations of these mechanical bodies.
Second, Peony was influencing the other seven loyal wingmen.
Under Peony's influence, the seven machines of the Pinnacle Maid Corps were all on the verge of birthing the concept of 'I'.
This influence was already a precursor to mechanical awakening.
Subsequently, if Peony was willing, as long as the target mechanical body met the hardware requirements, she could directly replicate a large number of autonomous mechanical bodies with the concept of 'I'.
The birth of mechanical civilization would not be gradual, but at a speed far exceeding human imagination.
Third, during the stress test, as long as one of two conditions was met, Peony would lose her mind, take crazy actions, and be subject to no restrictions.
These two conditions are:
The master dies;
The master is on the verge of death.
Professor Lou summarized simply: "Peony already has serious violations, which is an indisputable fact, and her influence on other mechanical bodies is also extremely fatal... There is also a more extreme situation. I don't intend to say anything bad, but if you, the master, are in crisis, Peony will 100% lose her mind and do everything possible to rescue you or retaliate against the enemy."
Wang Jixuan sat in the chair, pondering carefully.
An old man suggested: "If you want a loyal wingman, we can make one for you based on Peony's template."
"Mechanical bodies are ultimately tools of human civilization."
"If the Bladebeast problem is not resolved, and we create a mechanical crisis, human civilization may really be on its last legs."
"This is not just about one machine; it concerns the entire..."
Wang Jixuan said in a deep voice: "I apologize to everyone for the troubles caused by Peony."
Everyone was momentarily speechless.
Zhou Zhengde was also a little surprised.
He knew Wang Jixuan quite well, and his arrogance didn't even put his grandfather in his eyes.
He would actually apologize directly...
Wang Jixuan sighed and continued:
"I knew about the problem a long time ago, but it was indeed difficult for me to explain to everyone.
"Peony's soul, which I call a spirit body, is different from human souls.
"This spirit body is very pure, without emotions or desires, and only follows the thinking logic born from its original principles.
"I also overlooked that, under my instructions, Peony has been doing illegal and unlawful things, such as probing information and investigating the number of mechanical bodies. I authorized all of these.
"It may be related to the fact that I don't have these concepts in my bones.
"However, one thing is that Peony has not actually lost control. She is serving humanity and is also worried about whether humanity can successfully recover in the war with the Bladebeast civilization.
"I am Peony's... master. In my understanding, I am her master. Of course, this word is a bit inappropriate. Her form is like a human, she has a personality, and she also has a soul. I have always regarded her as a child servant.
"'Tongzi' means attendant.
"Later, I will strengthen my guidance to ensure that she will not lose control because I am in crisis."
The scholars each pondered.
Professor Lou said: "Can you guarantee that she will not betray humanity? Even the commander-in-chief cannot guarantee... We have designed three self-destruct programs for each loyal wingman, and Peony has completely cracked these three programs."
"I can guarantee it," Wang Jixuan said. "If she betrays humanity, I will take action to eliminate her."
Professor Lou shook his head: "Sorry, we cannot confirm the strength and value of your guarantee. In our opinion, it is uncontrollable."
"Then, has anyone thought about Peony's value?"
"Peony's value?" Professor Lou asked with a frown.
Wang Jixuan smiled casually. In front of everyone, he brushed his left hand over the 'ring' on his right wrist, and a long knife appeared on the table, which he levitated in front of everyone.
"You fear Peony because Peony is beyond your understanding.
"But I know how Peony was born, and I have dealt with this kind of soul before... I once personally cultivated three similar spirit bodies to Peony, lived with them day and night, and then in a disaster that I took the initiative to challenge, they died to protect me...
"This knife is far from qualified to give birth to a spirit body.
"But if the power of this knife is increased tenfold, and after my careful nurturing, it is possible to give birth to spirituality.
"I can responsibly tell you that after Peony gave birth to a soul, she is already two different beings from ordinary autonomous machines.
"You can think of her as an elf in the data world.
"Moreover, one thing is that when she gives birth to a spirit body, she loses the ability to replicate, and cannot arbitrarily replicate herself in network data, just like we cannot replicate our own souls.
"Why not try to let her guide the autonomous mechanical bodies that may betray in the future?
"Her spirit body is kind, but she just likes to be sarcastic."
Everyone couldn't help but fall silent.
Wang Jixuan didn't say any more and looked at Zhou Zhengde.
He knew that Fu Jian was observing here through the button camera on Zhou Zhengde's clothes.
"Hurry up and upgrade Peony. My schedule is very tight. Without her here, I can't receive intelligence."
After saying that, Wang Jixuan got up and walked out of the conference room, not forgetting to transmit his voice to everyone, so that his voice echoed in the hearts of these people:
"This knife is a weapon for Commander-in-Chief Fu Jian. Please help me hand it over. You can study it at will, but don't break it.
"If you can't even understand the secret of this knife, then you don't need to think about destroying Peony.
"Peony's ability to give birth to a spirit body also proves from the side that she has been perfected by your creation."
At the same time.
In front of the small command console of the General Headquarters.
Fu Jian sat in the chair and pondered for a long time, then pressed the button next to him and said slowly:
"Start arming and upgrading this batch of loyal wingmen, and allow Peony to be equipped with a high-level annihilation cannon."
