shí jiān fǎng fú àn xià le jiā sù jiàn 。
时间仿佛按下了加速键。
Time seemed to have accelerated.
lǐ fán yǒu tiáo bù wěn 、 àn bù jiù bān dì shí shī tā de jì huà 。
李凡有条不紊、按部就班地实施他的计划。
Li Fan methodically and systematically implemented his plan, drawing on his experiences from two lifetimes. Everything proceeded smoothly as if by design.
yǒu le liǎng shì jīng yàn ， yī qiè dōu shuǐ dào qú chéng bān de shùn lì 。
有了两世经验，一切都水到渠成般的顺利。
He still participated in the imperial examinations but this time, with decades of experience in governance, his essays far surpassed those from his previous life. He topped all three rounds—provincial, metropolitan, and palace exams—and became a sensation across the land!
tā yī rán cān jiā le kē jǔ kǎo shì 。
他依然参加了科举考试。
Next, he requested to be reassigned to a distant county under the pretext of gaining more experience. His destination was naturally Wen County.
bù guò zhè cì ， duō le shù shí nián dí dàng quán jīng lì ， xiě chū de wén zhāng zì rán shì yuǎn chāo shàng yī shì 。 xiāng shì 、 huì shì 、 diàn shì zhōng quán dōu míng liè dì yī ， lián zhòng sān yuán ， míng dòng tiān xià ！
不过这次，多了数十年的当权经历，写出的文章自然是远超上一世。乡试、会试、殿试中全都名列第一，连中三元，名动天下！
Although there were many misunderstandings and regrets in court, his request was ultimately approved.
suí hòu tā yòu yǐ nián qīng zēng jiā zī lì wèi yóu ， zì qǐng dào wài dì wèi guān 。 mù dì dì zì rán hái shì wēn xiàn 。
随后他又以年轻增加资历为由，自请到外地为官。目的地自然还是温县。
Thus, three years later, Li Fan returned to Wen County once again.
cháo táng zhī shàng suī duō yǒu bù jiě hé wǎn xī ， dàn hái shì pī zhǔn le tā de qǐng qiú 。
朝堂之上虽多有不解和惋惜，但还是批准了他的请求。
This time, it was much better than before. Thanks to his immense reputation and a thorough understanding of the personalities of all officials within the county, he easily brought the entire county under his control with minimal effort.
yú shì zài máo dìng 3 nián ， tā yòu lái dào le wēn xiàn 。
于是在锚定3年，他又来到了温县。
Then, he began promoting and nurturing his loyalists from the previous life, gradually expanding his influence.
cǐ fān ， kě bǐ shàng yī shì hǎo le tài duō 。 yóu yú tā de míng qì tài dà ， jiā shàng duì xiàn nèi de dà xiǎo guān yuán de pí xìng quán dōu liǎo jiě de yì qīng èr chǔ 。 jī hū méi fèi shén me gōng fu ， tā jiù jiāng wēn xiàn shàng xià shōu shí dì fú fú tiē tiē 。
此番，可比上一世好了太多。由于他的名气太大，加上对县内的大小官员的脾性全都了解的一清二楚。几乎没费什么功夫，他就将温县上下收拾地服服帖帖。
At the same time, he drew up blueprints for flintlock guns and ordered craftsmen to produce them. He shared every difficulty in the production process and secretly recruited skilled artisans from various regions to develop more advanced firearms.
rán hòu ， tā kāi shǐ tí bá péi yǎng shàng yī shì zì jǐ de xīn fù ， bù duàn zhuàng dà zì jǐ de shì lì 。
然后，他开始提拔培养上一世自己的心腹，不断壮大自己的势力。
Mining operations in the mountains were also bustling. Li Fan cleared all bandits from the nearby mountain ranges and forced them into mining work. With the mines, he built numerous workshops deep in the mountains, producing large quantities of handicrafts and ironware. He covertly organized merchant caravans to travel across various regions, accumulating wealth.
tóng shí ， tā huà chū le suì fā qiāng de tú zhǐ ， mìng lìng gōng jiàng àn zhào tú zhǐ shēng chǎn ， bìng jiāng shēng chǎn zhōng de nán diǎn jìn shù xiāng gào 。 zhī hòu ， tā mìng rén dào gè dì sī xià lǐ zhāo mù néng gōng qiǎo jiàng ， lì qiú yán fā gèng xiān jìn de qiāng zhī 。
同时，他画出了燧发枪的图纸，命令工匠按照图纸生产，并将生产中的难点尽数相告。之后，他命人到各地私下里招募能工巧匠，力求研发更先进的枪支。
In year four, Li Fan secretly searched for a substitute for Emperor Kangning. This substitute had nearly foiled his assassination plot due to their existence. However, he remained cautious with multiple backup plans in place, ensuring that the plan did not fail. After half a year of training the substitute, it showed no flaws.
shān lǐ de kuàng chǎn de kāi cǎi yě méi yǒu xián zhe 。 lǐ fán sǎo dàng le wēn xiàn fù jìn shān mài nèi de suǒ yǒu shān zéi ， bìng jiāng qí quán bù lā qù wā kuàng 。 kào zhe kuàng qū ， tā zài shēn shān lǐ xīng jiàn le xǔ duō zuō fang ， dà pī liàng shēng chǎn gōng yì pǐn hé tiě qì 。 tóng shí àn zhōng zǔ zhī shāng duì ， qù gè dì xún yóu fàn mài ， jī zǎn zī jīn 。
山里的矿产的开采也没有闲着。李凡扫荡了温县附近山脉内的所有山贼，并将其全部拉去挖矿。靠着矿区，他在深山里兴建了许多作坊，大批量生产工艺品和铁器。同时暗中组织商队，去各地巡游贩卖，积攒资金。
In year five, a severe drought struck southern Jiangnan. Li Fan sent his loyalists as refugees to attack Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family). He led the rescue operation, coordinating from within and outside to kill the entire Langya family secretly. The substitute also made an appearance.
máo dìng 4 nián ， lǐ fán àn zhōng xún fǎng ， zhōng yú zhǎo dào le kāng níng dì de tì shēn 。 zhèng shì zhè tì shēn de cún zài ， dǎo zhì tā shàng yī shì de àn shā jì huà chà diǎn shī bài 。 hái hǎo tā zuò shì xiàng lái jǐn shèn ， píng zhe zhū duō hòu shǒu cái méi yǒu gōng bài chuí chéng 。 lǐ fán qīn zì xùn liàn tì shēn ， bàn nián guò qù ， jǐ wú pò zhàn 。
锚定4年，李凡暗中寻访，终于找到了康宁帝的替身。正是这替身的存在，导致他上一世的暗杀计划差点失败。还好他做事向来谨慎，凭着诸多后手才没有功败垂成。李凡亲自训练替身，半年过去，几无破绽。
From then on, Li Fan took over Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family) without any opposition.
máo dìng 5 nián ， jiāng nán dà hàn 。 lǐ fán mìng xīn fù jiǎ bàn liú mín ， chōng jī láng yá wáng fǔ 。 lǐ fán lǜ zhòng yáng zhuāng jiù yuán ， shí zé lǐ yìng wài hé àn dì lǐ zhí jiē shā le láng yá wáng yī jiā 。 tóng shí ràng tì shēn chū chǎng 。
锚定5年，江南大旱。李凡命心腹假扮流民，冲击琅琊王府。李凡率众佯装救援，实则里应外合暗地里直接杀了琅琊王一家。同时让替身出场。
The news of the Langya family's murder, with only the patriarch surviving, shocked the court. The emperor was furious and sent troops to suppress the refugees. Li Fan was rewarded for his service by being appointed as the governor of Jianghuai Prefecture.
zì cǐ ， lǐ fán jiū zhàn què cháo ， àn zhōng zhǎng kòng le láng yá wáng fǔ 。
自此，李凡鸠占鹊巢，暗中掌控了琅琊王府。
His influence expanded further, but he became more cautious afterward. Instead of expanding outward, he focused on advancing technology and developing productivity quietly.
láng yá wáng yī jiā bèi shā 、 jǐn láng yá wáng zì shēn dé yǐ bǎo quán de xiāo xī zhèn jīng cháo yě 。 huáng dì dà nù ， chū bīng zhèn yā liú mín 。 ér lǐ fán yǒu gōng ， dé yǐ shēng jiāng huái fǔ zhī fǔ 。
琅琊王一家被杀、仅琅琊王自身得以保全的消息震惊朝野。皇帝大怒，出兵镇压流民。而李凡有功，得以升江淮府知府。
In year seven, locusts swarmed as expected. Li Fan had prepared well, ensuring no disaster in Jianghuai Prefecture. He applied to the court for grain distribution to aid the affected people, which was approved.
lǐ fán de shì lì jìn yí bù kuò dà 。 bù guò ， zhè zhī hòu tā fǎn ér jǐn shèn le qǐ lái 。 méi yǒu jì xù cháo wài kuò zhāng ， ér shì dī diào de pān kē jì 、 fā zhǎn shēng chǎn lì 。
李凡的势力进一步扩大。不过，这之后他反而谨慎了起来。没有继续朝外扩张，而是低调的攀科技、发展生产力。
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Fan gained a large population. These refugees settled down under his governance, and his strength grew exponentially.
máo dìng 7 nián ， huáng zāi rú yuē ér zhì 。 lǐ fán zǎo yǒu fáng bèi ， jiāng huái fǔ zì rán méi yǒu zāi qíng 。 tā hái xiàng cháo tíng shēn qǐng kāi cāng fàng liáng ， jiē jì zāi mín 。 cháo tíng yīng yǔn 。
锚定7年，蝗灾如约而至。李凡早有防备，江淮府自然没有灾情。他还向朝廷申请开仓放粮，接济灾民。朝廷应允。
In year nine, the wedding between Langya and the chief minister's granddaughter took place as scheduled. That night, Li Fan broke into their chambers, scaring the bride half to death. Upon learning that he had killed Langya and taken over his position, she angrily denounced him as a traitor. Li Fan laughed it off, asking her to write down the shocking news in detail.
dé cǐ jī huì ， lǐ fán dé dào le dà pī rén kǒu 。 zhī hòu zhè xiē zāi mín jiù zài lǐ fán zhì xià ān le jiā ， lǐ fán de shí lì yě suí zhī bào zhà shì de zēng zhǎng 。
得此机会，李凡得到了大批人口。之后这些灾民就在李凡治下安了家，李凡的实力也随之爆炸式的增长。
Li Fan posed as Langya's messenger and secretly met with the chief minister upon entering the capital.
máo dìng 9 nián ， láng yá wáng hé shǒu xí dà xué shì sūn nǚ de hūn lǐ rú qī jǔ xíng 。 dàng wǎn ， lǐ fán yè chuǎng dòng fáng ， jiāng láng yá wáng fēi xià dé bàn sǐ 。 dé zhī le lǐ fán shā le láng yá wáng 、 shǐ yòng tì shēn jiū zhàn què cháo zhī hòu ， gèng shì nù chì lǐ fán wèi nì zéi 。 lǐ fán bù yǐ wéi yì ， fǎn ér hā hā dà xiào ， ràng tā jiāng zhè yī hài rén tīng wén de shì yuán yuán běn běn dì xiě zài xìn shàng 。
锚定9年，琅琊王和首席大学士孙女的婚礼如期举行。当晚，李凡夜闯洞房，将琅琊王妃吓得半死。得知了李凡杀了琅琊王、使用替身鸠占鹊巢之后，更是怒斥李凡为逆贼。李凡不以为意，反而哈哈大笑，让她将这一骇人听闻的事原原本本地写在信上。
With a calm demeanor, Li Fan revealed that he now controlled the entire Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family) and claimed that they had consummated their marriage on the night of the wedding. The chief minister remained composed but asked what Li Fan intended to do next.
lǐ fán dài zhe zhè fēng xìn ， jiǎ bàn láng yá wáng xìn shǐ ， àn zhōng rù jīng jiàn dào le shǒu xí dà xué shì 。
李凡带着这封信，假扮琅琊王信使，暗中入京见到了首席大学士。
Li Fan bluntly stated that the chief minister had many enemies due to his long tenure in office. His sons were all useless, leaving him vulnerable after death. If the chief minister could assist him at critical moments, he would ensure the family's prosperity for generations.
lǐ fán miàn sè rú cháng ， jiāng zì jǐ rú jīn zhǎng kòng le zhěng gè láng yá wáng fǔ de shì hé pán tuō chū ， bìng shēng chēng zì jǐ yǔ dà xué shì de sūn nǚ hūn yàn dàng wǎn biàn yǒu le fū qī zhī shí 。 dà xué shì suī jīng bù luàn ， wèn lǐ fán yì yù hé wèi 。
李凡面色如常，将自己如今掌控了整个琅琊王府的事和盘托出，并声称自己与大学士的孙女婚宴当晚便有了夫妻之实。大学士虽惊不乱，问李凡意欲何为。
After much contemplation, the chief minister asked what Li Fan wanted. Li Fan smiled and said that time would reveal everything before departing.
lǐ fán zhí yán dà xué shì dāng zhèng duō nián ， shù dí tài duō 。 ér jǐ gè ér zi yòu dōu shì fèi wù ， dà xué shì shēn gù zhī hòu ， kǒng pà nán yǐ hù dé jiā zú zhōu quán 。 zhǐ yào dà xué shì zài bì yào shí hòu zhù tā lǐ fán yī bì zhī lì ， tā lǐ fán bì dìng huì bǎo dà xué shì jiā zú bǎi nián fù guì 。
李凡直言大学士当政多年，树敌太多。而几个儿子又都是废物，大学士身故之后，恐怕难以护得家族周全。只要大学士在必要时候助他李凡一臂之力，他李凡必定会保大学士家族百年富贵。
In year ten, the Langya wife gave birth to a son—clearly Li Fan’s offspring. Li Fan sent a letter to the chief minister’s residence to announce the good news.
dà xué shì chén yín le xǔ jiǔ ， huǎn huǎn wèn dào hé shì 。 lǐ fán xiào le xiào ， zhǐ shuō rì hòu zì yǒu fēn xiǎo ， suí hòu piāo rán ér qù 。
大学士沉吟了许久，缓缓问道何事。李凡笑了笑，只说日后自有分晓，随后飘然而去。
By year fifteen, Emperor Kangning was gravely ill. Upon receiving the succession order, Li Fan rushed with his loyalists to the capital.
máo dìng 10 nián ， láng yá wáng fēi dàn xià yī zi 。 hěn xiǎn rán ， zhè shì lǐ fán de zhǒng 。 lǐ fán shū xìn yī fēng ， qián wǎng dà xué shì fǔ bào xǐ 。
锚定10年，琅琊王妃诞下一子。很显然，这是李凡的种。李凡书信一封，前往大学士府报喜。
With the substitute Langya taking over, Li Fan used the emperor's edict to place his loyalists in key positions at court. With covert support from the chief minister, he quickly consolidated power without much resistance.
máo dìng 15 nián ， huáng dì zhōng yú bìng zhòng 。 dé dào chuán wèi zhǐ yì hòu ， lǐ fán dài zhe xīn fù ， xīng yè jiān chéng ， huǒ sù rù jīng 。
锚定15年，皇帝终于病重。得到传位旨意后，李凡带着心腹，星夜兼程，火速入京。
In year sixteen, rebellions broke out across the land. Li Fan seized the opportunity by placing his loyalists within the army and later using military merit to promote them extensively. In just a few years, the army was firmly under his control.
láng yá wáng tì shēn jì wèi hòu ， lǐ fán jiè zhe huáng dì de zhǐ yì ， zài cháo táng shàng dà sì ān pái xīn fù 。 tóng shí yǒu zhe dà xué shì àn zhōng pèi hé ， méi qǐ shén me bō lán ， jiù zhǎng kòng zhù liǎo jú shì 。
琅琊王替身继位后，李凡借着皇帝的旨意，在朝堂上大肆安排心腹。同时有着大学士暗中配合，没起什么波澜，就掌控住了局势。
By year twenty, the nation gradually recovered from the upheaval of imperial succession. Li Fan decisively poisoned the fake Kangning Emperor, eliminating any remaining threats at their source.
máo dìng 16 nián ， gè dì pàn luàn sì qǐ 。 lǐ fán chèn jī jiāng xīn fù ān chā jìn jūn duì zhōng ， zhī hòu jiè zhe píng pàn jūn gōng ， dà sì tí bá 。 bù guò sān sì nián de gōng fu ， jūn duì yě bèi lǐ fán láo láo zhǎng kòng 。
锚定16年，各地叛乱四起。李凡趁机将心腹安插进军队中，之后借着平叛军功，大肆提拔。不过三四年的功夫，军队也被李凡牢牢掌控。
After supporting his son as emperor, Li Fan declared himself Grand Tutor and stepped into the limelight once again, wielding power like never before.
máo dìng 20 nián ， tiān xià zhú jiàn cóng dì huáng gēng tì de dòng dàng zhōng huī fù guò lái 。 lǐ fán cǐ shí guǒ duàn dú shā le jiǎ mào de kāng níng dì ， jiāng zuì hòu yī sī kě néng de wēi xié è shā le yáo lán lǐ 。
锚定20年，天下逐渐从帝皇更替的动荡中恢复过来。李凡此时果断毒杀了假冒的康宁帝，将最后一丝可能的威胁扼杀了摇篮里。
From that point on, Great Xuan's development accelerated even more under Li Fan’s guidance!
jiāng zì jǐ de ér zi fú chí chēng dì hòu ， lǐ fán fēng zì jǐ wèi tài shī ， yóu mù hòu zǒu dào tái qián ， zài cì quán qīng tiān xià 。
将自己的儿子扶持称帝后，李凡封自己为太师，由幕后走到台前，再次权倾天下。
In year thirty-five, in the Grand Tutor’s residence.
zhè zhī hòu ， dà xuán guó fā zhǎn de chǐ lún bù jǐn méi yǒu tíng zhì ， fǎn ér yīn wèi lǐ fán de yì zhì gèng jiā gāo sù de yùn zhuàn ！
这之后，大玄国发展的齿轮不仅没有停滞，反而因为李凡的意志更加高速的运转！
Li Fan read a secret letter handed to him by his subordinate. He frowned after a moment of contemplation.
máo dìng 35 nián ， tài shī fǔ 。
锚定35年，太师府。
"Does this mean the mist over the Vortex Valley dissipates for half a day every fifteen years?"
lǐ fán kàn zhuó shǒu xià dì guò lái de mì xìn ， zǐ xì yuè dú le piàn kè ， bù yóu de zhòu qǐ le méi tóu 。
李凡看着手下递过来的密信，仔细阅读了片刻，不由得皱起了眉头。
"The report is correct," the subordinate replied, still shaken from the experience. "Our Immortal Camp was tasked with monitoring the Vortex Valley and observed it closely. We finally had success recently." He recounted the events of the day, his face still showing signs of awe. "When the fog lifted, faint light shone from the depths. Using our telescopes, we saw inverted scenes—vast mountains, magnificent structures, bustling cities with over a million inhabitants, and even floating cities surrounded by rainbow-like lights, teeming with exotic creatures."
“ zhè me shuō lái ， zhè xū yuān shàng de mí wù ， měi guò shí wǔ nián huì sàn kāi bàn rì ？”
“这么说来，这墟渊上的迷雾，每过十五年会散开半日？”
"Though each person's account varied, there were unmistakable signs of vast mountain ranges, hidden structures, thriving cities, and magical beings," the subordinate paused, his voice filled with wonder. "It was truly incredible."
“ huí bǐng tài shī ， zhèng shì rú cǐ 。 wǒ men fǎng xiān yíng shòu mìng zhù zhā yú xū yuān zhī páng ， rì yè guān chá 。 zhōng yú qián xiē rì zi yǒu le shōu huò 。” guì zài dì shàng de fǎng xiān lì huí yì zhe dāng shí de qíng jǐng ， liǎn shàng yī jiù cán cún zhe zhèn hàn zhī sè 。“ dà wù sàn qù zhī hòu ， yī xī yǒu guāng liàng cóng yuān dǐ zhào chū 。 wǒ men yòng wàng yuǎn jìng guān chá ， jìng rán fā xiàn le zhǒng zhǒng dào zhì de jǐng xiàng 。”
“回禀太师，正是如此。我们访仙营受命驻扎于墟渊之旁，日夜观察。终于前些日子有了收获。”跪在地上的访仙吏回忆着当时的情景，脸上依旧残存着震撼之色。“大雾散去之后，依稀有光亮从渊底照出。我们用望远镜观察，竟然发现了种种倒置的景象。”
Although he had known about this for a long time, Li Fan felt a mix of excitement and calmness from years of experience.
“ suī rán měi rén suǒ jiàn dōu bù jìn xiāng tóng ， dàn shì yǒu shí wàn dà shān lián mián qǐ fú ， xióng qí jiàn zhù cáng nì qí zhōng ， yī xī kě jiàn ； yǒu wēi wēi chéng chí lì yú píng yuán ， yān huǒ fán shèng ， bù xià bǎi wàn rén kǒu ； gèng yǒu tiān kōng zhī chéng huán rào dào dào xiá guāng ， zhǒng zhǒng zhēn qín yì shòu fēi yú qí jiān ， dàng zhēn shì ……” fǎng xiān lì dùn le dùn ， fāng cái tǔ chū le xīn zhōng de gǎn kǎi 。“ dàng zhēn shì bù kě sī yì 。”
“虽然每人所见都不尽相同，但是有十万大山连绵起伏，雄奇建筑藏匿其中，依稀可见；有巍巍城池立于平原，烟火繁盛，不下百万人口；更有天空之城环绕道道霞光，种种珍禽异兽飞于其间，当真是……”访仙吏顿了顿，方才吐出了心中的感慨。“当真是不可思议。”
He asked casually, "Have you found a way to reach the bottom of the Vortex Valley?"
“ guǒ rán shì lái zì xū yuān 。” suī rán zǎo jiù zhī dào le zhè ge xiāo xī ， dàn shì rú jīn dé dào le shǒu xià de qīn kǒu zhèng shí ， lǐ fán xīn lǐ hái shì yǒu diǎn jī dòng 。 bù guò ， duō nián de jīng lì zǎo yǐ ràng tā xǐ nù bù xíng yú sè 。
“果然是来自墟渊。”虽然早就知道了这个消息，但是如今得到了手下的亲口证实，李凡心里还是有点激动。不过，多年的经历早已让他喜怒不形于色。
The subordinate hesitated before turning pale. He quickly bowed in apology. "Subordinate is incompetent. Despite our efforts, any attempt to descend beyond a certain depth was met with sudden gales that shredded us. The winds were too strong, even our strongest armor could not withstand them."
tā dàn dàn dì wèn dào ：“ kě zhǎo dào le xià dé shēn yuān dǐ bù de fāng fǎ le me ？”
他淡淡地问道：“可找到了下得深渊底部的方法了么？”
Li Fan did not show much disappointment.
fǎng xiān lì hū xī yī zhì ， suí hòu liǎn sè yǒu xiē fā bái 。 lián máng kē tóu xiè zuì dào ：“ shǔ xià wú néng 。 wǒ děng cháng shì le gè zhǒng fāng fǎ ， nài hé zhǐ yào xià dào yí dìng shēn dù ， jiù bèi tū rú qí lái de gāng fēng gē de fěn suì 。 gāng fēng lì hài ， lián wǒ men zuì jiān yìng de kǎi jiǎ yě bù néng dǐ kàng piàn kè 。”
访仙吏呼吸一滞，随后脸色有些发白。连忙磕头谢罪道：“属下无能。我等尝试了各种方法，奈何只要下到一定深度，就被突如其来的罡风割的粉碎。罡风厉害，连我们最坚硬的铠甲也不能抵抗片刻。”
He waved his hand and dismissed the subordinate before muttering to himself, "It seems we must wait for you all."
lǐ fán yī tīng ， dào yě méi yǒu duō shǎo shī wàng de shén sè 。
李凡一听，倒也没有多少失望的神色。
...
bǎi le bǎi shǒu ， ràng fǎng xiān lì lí kāi hòu ， lǐ fán zì yán zì yǔ dào ：“ kàn lái ， hái shì yào děng nǐ men a 。”
摆了摆手，让访仙吏离开后，李凡自言自语道：“看来，还是要等你们啊。”
In year fifty, Great Xuan Kingdom, Xuanjing City.
……
……
The once bustling Xuanjing City was eerily quiet now.
máo dìng 50 nián ， dà xuán guó ， xuán jīng 。
锚定50年，大玄国，玄京。
Most of its residents had been forcibly relocated to nearby cities a month ago under the Grand Tutor’s orders, supposedly to avoid disasters. While this excuse was laughable, not everyone believed it. The Grand Tutor did not push too hard and suggested those unwilling to leave could dig cellars instead. These people dismissed his advice as mere talk.
wǎng rì wú bǐ rè nào de xuán jīng chéng rú jīn jì jìng dì yǒu xiē guǐ yì 。
往日无比热闹的玄京城如今寂静地有些诡异。
Upon receiving reports, Li Fan paid no mind. He had done all he could.
jué dà duō shù xuán jīng rén zài dāng cháo tài shī de zhǐ yì zhī xià ， yí yuè qián bèi qiáng zhì qiān xǐ dào le zhōu biān chéng shì ， shuō shì wèi le duǒ bì zāi huò 。 zhè zhǒng kě xiào de jiè kǒu zì shì yǒu rén bù xìn 。 bù guò tài shī dào yě méi yǒu zuò jué ， shí zài bù yuàn yì zǒu de yě bù miǎn qiǎng ， zhǐ shì jiàn yì zài jiā wā dì xià shì duǒ bì 。 zhè xiē rén zhǐ dāng xiào tán 。
绝大多数玄京人在当朝太师的旨意之下，一月前被强制迁徙到了周边城市，说是为了躲避灾祸。这种可笑的借口自是有人不信。不过太师到也没有做绝，实在不愿意走的也不勉强，只是建议在家挖地下室躲避。这些人只当笑谈。
Now, the streets of Xuanjing were filled with special forces prepared over the years for a confrontation with two immortals.
lǐ fán dé dào huì bào hòu ， yě méi yǒu qù guǎn 。 tā yǐ jīng rén zhì yì jìn le 。
李凡得到汇报后，也没有去管。他已经仁至义尽了。
All was in place; only the wind was needed!
rú jīn de xuán jīng chéng de dà jiē xiǎo xiàng lǐ ， mái fú zhe tā zhè xiē nián lái jīng xīn zhǔn bèi de yòng lái duì fù liǎng wèi xiān rén de tè shū bù duì 。
如今的玄京城的大街小巷里，埋伏着他这些年来精心准备的用来对付两位仙人的特殊部队。
That night, under the full moon, the two cultivators arrived as scheduled.
rú jīn wàn shì jù bèi ， zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng ！
如今万事俱备，只欠东风！
"Daoxuanzi! You are going too far!"
wǎn shàng ， míng yuè gāo xuán ， liǎng wèi xiū xiān zhě rú qī ér zhì ！
晚上，明月高悬，两位修仙者如期而至！
Kou Hong's angry shout echoed through Xuanjing City.
“ dào xuán zi ！ nǐ bú yào qī rén tài shèn ！”
“道玄子！你不要欺人太甚！”
"Bang bang bang bang..."
kòu hóng de nù hè chuán biàn xuán jīng chéng 。
寇洪的怒喝传遍玄京城。
Countless beams of fire suddenly lit up, and countless bullets rained down like a waterfall, instantly striking both immortals!
Time seemed to have accelerated.
Li Fan methodically and systematically implemented his plan, drawing on his experiences from two lifetimes. Everything proceeded smoothly as if by design.
He still participated in the imperial examinations but this time, with decades of experience in governance, his essays far surpassed those from his previous life. He topped all three rounds—provincial, metropolitan, and palace exams—and became a sensation across the land!
Next, he requested to be reassigned to a distant county under the pretext of gaining more experience. His destination was naturally Wen County.
Although there were many misunderstandings and regrets in court, his request was ultimately approved.
Thus, three years later, Li Fan returned to Wen County once again.
This time, it was much better than before. Thanks to his immense reputation and a thorough understanding of the personalities of all officials within the county, he easily brought the entire county under his control with minimal effort.
Then, he began promoting and nurturing his loyalists from the previous life, gradually expanding his influence.
At the same time, he drew up blueprints for flintlock guns and ordered craftsmen to produce them. He shared every difficulty in the production process and secretly recruited skilled artisans from various regions to develop more advanced firearms.
Mining operations in the mountains were also bustling. Li Fan cleared all bandits from the nearby mountain ranges and forced them into mining work. With the mines, he built numerous workshops deep in the mountains, producing large quantities of handicrafts and ironware. He covertly organized merchant caravans to travel across various regions, accumulating wealth.
In year four, Li Fan secretly searched for a substitute for Emperor Kangning. This substitute had nearly foiled his assassination plot due to their existence. However, he remained cautious with multiple backup plans in place, ensuring that the plan did not fail. After half a year of training the substitute, it showed no flaws.
In year five, a severe drought struck southern Jiangnan. Li Fan sent his loyalists as refugees to attack Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family). He led the rescue operation, coordinating from within and outside to kill the entire Langya family secretly. The substitute also made an appearance.
From then on, Li Fan took over Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family) without any opposition.
The news of the Langya family's murder, with only the patriarch surviving, shocked the court. The emperor was furious and sent troops to suppress the refugees. Li Fan was rewarded for his service by being appointed as the governor of Jianghuai Prefecture.
His influence expanded further, but he became more cautious afterward. Instead of expanding outward, he focused on advancing technology and developing productivity quietly.
In year seven, locusts swarmed as expected. Li Fan had prepared well, ensuring no disaster in Jianghuai Prefecture. He applied to the court for grain distribution to aid the affected people, which was approved.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Fan gained a large population. These refugees settled down under his governance, and his strength grew exponentially.
In year nine, the wedding between Langya and the chief minister's granddaughter took place as scheduled. That night, Li Fan broke into their chambers, scaring the bride half to death. Upon learning that he had killed Langya and taken over his position, she angrily denounced him as a traitor. Li Fan laughed it off, asking her to write down the shocking news in detail.
Li Fan posed as Langya's messenger and secretly met with the chief minister upon entering the capital.
With a calm demeanor, Li Fan revealed that he now controlled the entire Langyapalace府: palace (as in a residence for a noble or royal family) and claimed that they had consummated their marriage on the night of the wedding. The chief minister remained composed but asked what Li Fan intended to do next.
Li Fan bluntly stated that the chief minister had many enemies due to his long tenure in office. His sons were all useless, leaving him vulnerable after death. If the chief minister could assist him at critical moments, he would ensure the family's prosperity for generations.
After much contemplation, the chief minister asked what Li Fan wanted. Li Fan smiled and said that time would reveal everything before departing.
In year ten, the Langya wife gave birth to a son—clearly Li Fan’s offspring. Li Fan sent a letter to the chief minister’s residence to announce the good news.
By year fifteen, Emperor Kangning was gravely ill. Upon receiving the succession order, Li Fan rushed with his loyalists to the capital.
With the substitute Langya taking over, Li Fan used the emperor's edict to place his loyalists in key positions at court. With covert support from the chief minister, he quickly consolidated power without much resistance.
In year sixteen, rebellions broke out across the land. Li Fan seized the opportunity by placing his loyalists within the army and later using military merit to promote them extensively. In just a few years, the army was firmly under his control.
By year twenty, the nation gradually recovered from the upheaval of imperial succession. Li Fan decisively poisoned the fake Kangning Emperor, eliminating any remaining threats at their source.
After supporting his son as emperor, Li Fan declared himself Grand Tutor and stepped into the limelight once again, wielding power like never before.
From that point on, Great Xuan's development accelerated even more under Li Fan’s guidance!
In year thirty-five, in the Grand Tutor’s residence.
Li Fan read a secret letter handed to him by his subordinate. He frowned after a moment of contemplation.
"Does this mean the mist over the Vortex Valley dissipates for half a day every fifteen years?"
"The report is correct," the subordinate replied, still shaken from the experience. "Our Immortal Camp was tasked with monitoring the Vortex Valley and observed it closely. We finally had success recently." He recounted the events of the day, his face still showing signs of awe. "When the fog lifted, faint light shone from the depths. Using our telescopes, we saw inverted scenes—vast mountains, magnificent structures, bustling cities with over a million inhabitants, and even floating cities surrounded by rainbow-like lights, teeming with exotic creatures."
"Though each person's account varied, there were unmistakable signs of vast mountain ranges, hidden structures, thriving cities, and magical beings," the subordinate paused, his voice filled with wonder. "It was truly incredible."
Although he had known about this for a long time, Li Fan felt a mix of excitement and calmness from years of experience.
He asked casually, "Have you found a way to reach the bottom of the Vortex Valley?"
The subordinate hesitated before turning pale. He quickly bowed in apology. "Subordinate is incompetent. Despite our efforts, any attempt to descend beyond a certain depth was met with sudden gales that shredded us. The winds were too strong, even our strongest armor could not withstand them."
Li Fan did not show much disappointment.
He waved his hand and dismissed the subordinate before muttering to himself, "It seems we must wait for you all."
...
In year fifty, Great Xuan Kingdom, Xuanjing City.
The once bustling Xuanjing City was eerily quiet now.
Most of its residents had been forcibly relocated to nearby cities a month ago under the Grand Tutor’s orders, supposedly to avoid disasters. While this excuse was laughable, not everyone believed it. The Grand Tutor did not push too hard and suggested those unwilling to leave could dig cellars instead. These people dismissed his advice as mere talk.
Upon receiving reports, Li Fan paid no mind. He had done all he could.
Now, the streets of Xuanjing were filled with special forces prepared over the years for a confrontation with two immortals.
All was in place; only the wind was needed!
That night, under the full moon, the two cultivators arrived as scheduled.
"Daoxuanzi! You are going too far!"
Kou Hong's angry shout echoed through Xuanjing City.
"Bang bang bang bang..."
Countless beams of fire suddenly lit up, and countless bullets rained down like a waterfall, instantly striking both immortals!