I am the villain in the book

“Bang!!!”

“Rumble!!”

A loud noise echoed through the mountains and forests, and a boulder as tall as a person trembled violently, before collapsing into countless scattered stones.

Dozens of surrounding trees also swayed, and the yellow leaves that had stubbornly clung on throughout the winter finally fluttered down, mixing with the dust and sand to surge in all directions.

“Cough!”

“Cough cough cough!”

The onlookers all covered their mouths and noses, but their eyes were filled with excitement as they watched the scene.

That’s right.

This was the "test explosion site" for the new type of gunpowder that the Bureau of Engineering had recently developed.

And the new year began with an earth-shattering “firecracker sound”.

“Young Master! What do you think?”

Beside him, the Minister of Works, who was in charge of all affairs of the Bureau of Engineering, said excitedly: “The power of this new explosive is three or four times greater than before!”

“As long as the dose is sufficient, even a middle-ranked martial artist can be blown to death!”

“Even with only a cupful, the explosive force is enough to kill ordinary soldiers!”

“Such power can certainly display its might on the battlefield! At that time, we will surely catch the rebels off guard...”

The old man with withered skin spat, his words full of excitement.

He wasn’t trying to curry favor by praising this “new gunpowder” so highly, but he really felt that this thing could play a role in the upcoming war.

As for whether it met Wei Changtian's expectations...

“Yes, not bad.”

Wei Changtian’s calm words indicated that he was not particularly satisfied with the power of the new gunpowder.

He looked at the scene after the explosion from afar, recalling the amount of that large barrel of gunpowder.

It felt just average!

Forget it, forget it.

It’s good to have progress.

Besides, even with the current power, it is almost enough for mass application in war.

“Minister Min.”

Turning to look at the Minister of Works, Wei Changtian slowly asked: “How stable is this new gunpowder? Is it easy to transport?”

“Young Master, rest assured, the Bureau of Engineering has already tested this.”

Minister Min quickly replied: “As long as it doesn’t encounter an open flame, it won’t be a problem no matter how much it is squeezed or dropped.”

“Furthermore, the Bureau of Engineering can also specially build a carriage for transporting gunpowder, which will definitely minimize the risk!”

“Okay.”

Nodding, Wei Changtian pondered for a moment before ordering: “In that case, immediately increase manpower and start mass production of this new gunpowder.”

“There is no upper limit for the time being, produce as much as possible while ensuring safety.”

“In addition, research and development cannot be stopped. Continue to have people try to develop new gunpowder formulas with greater power, and continue to build steam engines.”

“These are the keys to whether we can defeat the rebels in the future!”

“Yes! This official understands!”

The wind was mixed with a strong smell of sulfur. After hearing this, Minister Min immediately bowed and accepted the order.

He quietly glanced at the thoughtful Wei Changtian, and then asked in a low voice:

“Young Master Wei, this new gunpowder has not been named yet, how about you”

“Whatever.”

Wei Changtian was too lazy to think about these things, and perfunctorily said: “If not, just call it black gunpowder.”

“Yes!”

“Well, you guys clean up here, I and His Majesty will leave first.”

“Respectfully sending off Young Master!”

“Respectfully sending off His Majesty!”

“...”

Amidst the shouts, Wei Changtian and Ning Yu Ke soon left the “test explosion site” together and went to the workshop set up by the Bureau of Engineering in the deep mountains.

Qing Xian had been following the two.

“Young Master Wei, this black gunpowder is indeed terrifying.”

Her beautiful eyes showed some surprise, indicating that Qing Xian was not just being polite.

In the concept of this demon king, or most people, only martial artists should be able to kill martial artists.

But the emergence of “black gunpowder” meant the birth of another extremely lethal force besides “inner strength”.

And this power can be used by anyone.

This is very scary.

Because it means that the gap between “cultivators” and “ordinary people” is being greatly narrowed.

The former is no longer a lofty existence, and the latter also has the means to break through the “innate barrier”.

If the Bureau of Engineering really develops firearms such as muskets and cannons in the future, then even if it cannot completely subvert the current power system, it will definitely greatly change the world.

Perhaps another cultivation school of “Mohists” or “Gunpowderists” will be born.

Of course, these are things that will happen a long time later.

For the imminent war, it is already good to be able to cause some damage with black gunpowder in the simplest way.

“...”

“It’s okay, the power is actually a little worse than I expected.”

Riding a chestnut horse on the mountain road, Wei Changtian turned to look at Qing Xian, who was also riding a horse.

A sedan chair followed behind the two, with Ning Yu Ke sitting inside.

No longer continuing to discuss the issue of black gunpowder, Wei Changtian reined in his horse and leaned towards Qing Xian, lowering his voice and asking:

“Senior Qing Xian, about Tian Ling”

“Oh, this king has taught all the skills to Ning Nuwa.”

Qing Xian knew what he wanted to ask and did not hide it: “Ning Nuwa cultivates every day, and at this rate, it will probably take another half a year to reach completion.”

“Is that so? That is to say...”

Wei Changtian looked back at the imperial carriage, his expression unchanged: “Half a year later, as long as she is willing, she can transform into Tian Ling at any time?”

“Yes.”

“...”

Half a year later, as long as Ning Yu Ke wants to, she can become an immortal “elf” in one leap.

Not only can she take over Qing Xian's position as the Demon King, but she will also have the strength of the second rank.

But the price is that she will forget all memories except for “Tian Ling”...

Although Ning Yu Ke had previously stated that she would not be in such a hurry to become Tian Ling, but would follow Wei Changtian's wishes.

However, the decision will ultimately be in her own hands.

No one can stop her if she really wants to transform.

“Okay, I understand.”

Nodding silently, Wei Changtian asked in a low voice: “Has there been any problem so far?”

“No.”

Qing Xian shook her head: “According to Ning Nuwa herself, everything is as usual except for occasional sudden itching.”

“Itching?”

Wei Changtian was a little puzzled: “Is this normal?”

“This king does not know, after all, those people and demons I found before only felt pain, even if they really had an itch, they would not notice it.”

Qing Xian didn't seem too worried: “Young Master doesn't need to worry, as long as Ning Nuwa can endure this itch, then there shouldn't be any problems.”

“Okay then...”

A breeze blew through the forest, and Wei Changtian didn't ask any more questions.

Itch...

Could it be because Ning Yu Ke doesn't feel pain, so it turned into an itchy feeling?

But she never mentioned it to me.

Speaking of which, she is quite tolerant.