"I heard someone from the Ministry of Works proposed opening a long-distance air rail line in Da Yi — a floating train between celestial cities. The teleportation arrays are great, but they don't allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way, which feels like a bit of a shame," Wang Zhaojun said with a smile.
"There was such a proposal, but it hasn't been approved yet," Yi Tianxing replied with a chuckle. "Air trains aren't slow, and while they travel through the void, the need for them isn't really that high. Teleportation arrays already suffice. Opening another long-distance route would just be a waste of resources. Da Yi doesn't need such displays to assert its sovereignty over others. What belongs to Da Yi, no one else can take. This idea is still under discussion, but for now, there's no need."
The existence of the air train was primarily to facilitate travel for cultivators between cities and the wilderness, serving as a deterrent force in wild regions. But for long distances, the teleportation arrays were cheap, efficient, and widely used. Launching another public route would be redundant.
"However," Yi Tianxing continued, "the Ministry of Works did submit a memorial requesting to roll out public carriages within Da Yi's celestial cities. It's already in progress — carriages crafted with mechanical arts will soon make it easier for people to move around and socialize."
The celestial cities of Da Yi were vast. Streets crisscrossed like veins, and the distance between each district was long. Since aerial flight wasn't allowed within city boundaries, transportation naturally became an issue. Though cultivators could use movement techniques, that didn't offer the same leisurely pace of a stroll. Thus, the idea of carriages arose — not ordinary ones, but mechanical carriages.
At the central plaza, one could already see them.
Dozens of public carriages were parked there, drawn by mechanical iron horses forged with puppet arts. The cabins were made of special metal with glass windows, offering a clear view of the outside. Each carriage had thirty seats and was drawn by three iron horses. Overloading was not permitted. Inside, there were no human staff — just a humanoid puppet driver whose only job was to collect fares and drive.
Riding the public carriage was cheap — only one Eternal Iron Coin per ride. As long as one didn't get off, they could ride to the final station. But once disembarked, reboarding required paying again.
These innovations demonstrated how deeply mechanized arts were embedded in all aspects of Da Yi life.
Now, in the plaza, many people were boarding the carriages and heading in all directions.
Yi Tianxing and his group didn't try one out themselves. Instead, they walked forward at a relaxed pace, yet without slowing down — moving through the crowd as if detached from it, covering vast ground in mere steps.
They took in the scenery as they moved.
Elevated above the mundane, they could better appreciate the local customs and vibrancy of life.
Everywhere they passed, the prosperity of Da Yi was evident. No ragged clothing could be seen, and not a single beggar sat along the streets. Da Yi simply had no soil for beggars to survive. One either worked to earn a living or died of starvation — no one pitied the lazy. There was food in Da Yi, but it would not be given to those unwilling to work. For the disabled or infirm, however, Da Yi provided basic living security.
So truly, within Da Yi's borders, beggars simply didn't exist — making the urban environment clean and orderly.
"This is impressive. I see quite a number of foreign races here. I'd heard that elves often consider themselves superior — yet here, many are walking hand-in-hand with humans," remarked Queen Mother of the West, noticing elven men and women strolling through the streets affectionately with human partners.
The male elves were handsome, the women beautiful — all pleasing to the eye. If not for their ears, they'd be indistinguishable from humans. In terms of aesthetics, the two races were quite compatible. In just a few months, many elven women had already married into Da Yi, usually choosing outstanding individuals from the cities.
Some Da Yi women had even married elven men — though the men often joined their wives' households. Even so, there was no suppression or inequality. Relationships were harmonious, and this led to a rising number of foreign races settling in Da Yi.
"Oh? Husband, what's that building over there? It looks very lively," Wang Zhaojun pointed to a large pavilion-like structure not far ahead. It had four stories and occupied a sizable area. A long line had formed at the entrance, with a crowd waiting to enter.
"Interesting. Let's go have a look."
Yi Tianxing smiled and walked over with the two women.
"Century Cinema!!"
As they approached, the sign above the building lit up with these words, shimmering with colorful lights.
Seeing the name triggered a strange feeling in Yi Tianxing's heart. Da Yi was starting to resemble the world before the Great Cataclysm, but even more mystical and wondrous.
Outside the theater was a crystalline screen playing a trailer. It showed hobbits, wizards, dragons, and a magical ring — as well as grotesque orcs. One scene after another flashed vividly. At last, amid a blaze of fire, two large characters emerged: "The Lord of the Rings".
"Everyone, line up properly! This film was co-produced by the Century Cinema and several races of the Ring Realm. It depicts the history and wars of that realm — showing how the world might have developed had Da Yi not intervened."
"Gandalf appears in the film! He's now a member of our Tongtian Pavilion in Da Yi, serving as an honorary protector. Any film he stars in is definitely worth watching!"
Outside, people were handing out flyers, enticing citizens to come watch. The theater was a brand-new novelty in Da Yi, and a large number of people were queuing up with great interest.
"Shall we go in for a look?" Yi Tianxing asked.
"Sure! I'm in," Wang Zhaojun replied instantly.
"Might as well see what new marvels Da Yi's come up with," Queen Mother of the West added.
Ever since crystal screens were developed, every industry had undergone transformation. Television came first, linked to the Star Network, and quickly spread to every household. With TV, films were bound to follow.
Da Yi wasn't short on people from modern Earth. In the past, these individuals had few advantages in the Eternal World and lived tragic lives. But once they entered Da Yi, their talents finally had room to shine.
Any new invention rapidly evolved in their hands. The moment crystal screens appeared, they jumped on the opportunity and launched the Star Network era. Now, they had even begun making movies — and somehow convinced Gandalf to star in one based on The Lord of the Rings.
Inside the theater, the three of them watched the film together.
Yi Tianxing could only say one thing: these people were truly shameless — blatantly copying the original Lord of the Rings plot from Earth. Other than using live actors, the storyline was nearly identical.
Still, it was undeniable that for the people of Da Yi, this was a thrilling and immersive new experience. Most had never encountered cinema before. The emotional impact of the film was a shock to the senses.
"Husband, if Da Yi hadn't intervened in the Ring Realm… would it really have followed the story we just saw?" Wang Zhaojun asked with curiosity after they exited the theater.
"Anything is possible," Yi Tianxing replied calmly. "But in the end, it's just a movie — something to watch for fun, nothing more. Entertainment and diversion."
Whatever fate the Ring Realm might have had didn't matter. What mattered now was that Da Yi ruled it.
"The strange and novel often drives societal progress. That movie — I could clearly feel the joy in the hearts of the viewers. It's a form of spiritual fulfillment no other experience can offer," Queen Mother of the West said thoughtfully.
Had she not already been exposed to Da Yi's modern innovations, she might never have accepted what she saw today.
But once one accepted Da Yi's way of life, it became nearly impossible to give it up.
The Star Network, crystal screens, and all the new inventions — they were all powerfully addictive. Anyone who left Da Yi would instinctively feel a deep sense of discomfort and loss.
Like a person used to smartphones being tossed into the Stone Age — how could they possibly adjust?
"Material needs must be met — but so must spiritual well-being. Only by balancing both can we create a truly harmonious realm. We must grasp both firmly," Yi Tianxing said lightly.
They continued their stroll through the city.
Shops lined the streets: food, drink, clothes, and supplies — everything was readily available. People walked by carrying candied hawthorns or bags of sunflower seeds, munching and chatting leisurely.
The streets were spotless. Garbage bins were everywhere, and waste was all managed through centralized recycling.
"There's a teahouse across the street that looks lively. Shall we check it out?" Wang Zhaojun asked with a smile.