Immortal Paladin

The workshop was a place spoken of only in whispers, a sanctuary where the pinnacle of technology had long surpassed the imagination of the outside world. Hidden so thoroughly that it possessed no official designation, everyone simply called it the Workshop.

Even the Guardians entrusted with its defense knew almost nothing of its true location, for the Holy Emperor had sent them here directly through the Dark Veil’s authority, teleporting them into the Workshop without ever revealing where it truly stood. They were assigned patrol routes around the outer perimeter and granted access to only a handful of designated structures. Beyond those limits, every secret remained buried beneath countless layers of security.

Its secrecy bordered on the absurd.

When Ke Zhen's application had finally been approved, he had not been escorted through hidden tunnels or teleported through ancient formations. Instead, he had been officially declared dead.

Only after his 'actual death' had he been resurrected inside the Workshop itself.

The Guardians suffered the same, when they were transported here, making the entire affair truly the height of secrecy.

Consciousness gradually returned as the resurrection spell completed its work. Warm spiritual energy circulated through his meridians before settling into silence, leaving behind the unmistakable sensation of having crossed the boundary between life and death. Ke Zhen slowly opened his eyes and found himself lying atop a surprisingly comfortable bed.

The room resembled a modest wooden cabin rather than the legendary sanctuary he had imagined. Clean furniture occupied the corners, while sunlight filtered through a nearby window.

Standing patiently beside the doorway was a woman clad in Guardian armor.

Her equipment immediately caught his attention. Unlike the standard Guardian armor he had seen throughout the Holy Ascension Empire, hers possessed a darker metallic sheen, intricate runic engravings, and an unmistakable air of craftsmanship that far exceeded military issue.

She inclined her head slightly.

"My role is to serve as your liaison while you acclimate to the Workshop. Before anything else, there are several ground rules. Neither my real name nor yours may be spoken within these walls. Our identities are considered confidential information, even to the Guardians stationed here. You are never to reveal your true name to them. Since you'll inevitably interact with the patrols in the cafeteria and other shared facilities, choosing a nickname would make everyone's lives easier."

Ke Zhen chuckled before scratching the back of his head.

"Then just call me Fatty."

"Very well, Fatty."

The moment the conversation paused, a loud growl echoed through the cabin.

Ke Zhen froze.

His face reddened as he instinctively pressed both hands against his round stomach. Despite the embarrassment, he could not help rubbing it affectionately. He had always taken pride in his generous figure. Every ounce of fat represented years of careful cultivation, countless medicinal meals, and techniques unique to his path. To others, it might appear excessive, but to him it was a symbol of strength.

He let out an awkward laugh.

"I've been fasting. I couldn't eat anything before taking the Gentle Harmony Pill."

His expression became slightly helpless.

"It's a specialized suicide pill that guarantees a peaceful death. Considering my constitution, I swallowed two of them just to be safe. I was worried I might throw them up or something unexpected would happen, so I emptied my stomach beforehand and skipped every meal."

The Guardian's usually expressionless face softened by the slightest degree.

"Then let's correct that first. I'll take you to the cafeteria."

Ke Zhen climbed off the bed with surprising agility for someone of his build.

"If I'm Fatty, what should I call you?"

"Guardian."

"...That's it?"

"That is sufficient."

She stepped toward the exit before continuing.

"The Guardians assigned here rotate on fixed service terms lasting one thousand years. Once their assignment concludes, they are transferred elsewhere and replaced by a new generation. By that measure, I belong to approximately the fifth generation stationed at the Workshop."

She opened the cabin door.

"There are twelve Guardians in total. Every one of us carries weaponry crafted by the Workshop itself, and every Guardian possesses cultivation no lower than the Ninth Realm. As for me, I have reached the Tenth Realm."

She looked toward him.

"You may have confidence that we are capable of protecting everyone who works here."

Ke Zhen quietly absorbed those words.

He himself had only reached the Eighth Realm despite years of relentless training, guidance from renowned masters, and study across numerous academies. No one understood better than he did how impossible each breakthrough became as one's cultivation climbed higher.

Yet this place employed twelve experts of at least the Ninth Realm merely as its security force.

His confidence in the Workshop instantly grew.

They stepped outside the cabin.

Fresh air greeted him immediately.

Behind them stretched a vast forest whose towering trees formed an almost impenetrable green wall. Opposite it lay rolling meadows blanketed in vibrant grass that extended toward an enormous structure in the distance. Massive stone pillars supported towering walls decorated with elegant carvings, while countless windows reflected the morning sunlight. Even from afar, the building resembled an imperial palace more than a research facility.

As they began walking across the meadow, the Guardian spoke again.

"The Workshop is protected by two interconnected formation systems. One encompasses the forest, while the other extends across these meadows. Stay close to me whenever you travel between buildings, and if possible, begin memorizing the route. The path between life and death is not always obvious."

Ke Zhen glanced around with newfound caution.

She continued without slowing her pace.

"Do not enter the forest unless specifically instructed to do so. Several dangerous beasts are kept there for ongoing research, while others were captured to provide fresh ingredients for the kitchen. The Workshop strives to remain completely self-sufficient whenever possible."

Her hand gestured toward the sky before pointing farther ahead.

"Our water is gathered through rain filtration arrays, ancient wells, and several specialized artifacts. Everything required for daily life exists within these grounds."

The enormous building steadily grew larger until its full grandeur revealed itself.

A broad stone pathway led to the entrance, flanked by towering statues depicting legendary cultivators, mythical beasts, and figures Ke Zhen failed to recognize. Each sculpture radiated such lifelike presence that he almost expected them to awaken at any moment.

The Guardian led him through the entrance hall.

"The cafeteria is located here on the ground floor."

Her footsteps echoed softly across the polished stone.

"As for everything above us..." She briefly looked toward the distant ceiling. "No one has ever bothered counting the total number of floors or rooms. It would be easier to ask your coworkers about how they work."

Ke Zhen blinked.

"You don't know how they work?"

"I know enough to perform my duties."

There was neither pride nor embarrassment in her voice, merely simple honesty.

"The Workshop constantly rearranges itself. Corridors shift, staircases relocate, and entire rooms exchange places like a living maze. If you ever become lost, don't wander aimlessly."

She looked at him one final time before pointing farther into the palace-like interior.

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"Find an Ezekiel or a Guardian. Either one can guide you back."

Ke Zhen was not the least bit surprised by the mention of an Ezekiel.

The Holy Spirits born from the Holy Emperor's own authority had become a familiar sight throughout the Hollowed World. Government offices, military headquarters, research institutes, and even remote administrative branches all employed Ezekiels in one capacity or another. They possessed unwavering diligence, never complained, and faithfully carried out whatever task was assigned to them. Whenever manpower fell short, an Ezekiel invariably stepped in to bridge the gap.

By the time they reached the cafeteria, the spacious hall was nearly deserted.

Rows of polished wooden tables stretched across the room, while an open kitchen occupied the far end. A single Ezekiel was busily sweeping the floor with remarkable efficiency. The moment it noticed the pair entering, its golden eyes brightened. It abandoned the broom, hurried behind the serving counter, and greeted them with an enthusiastic smile.

"What would the two of you like to eat today?"

The Guardian turned toward Ke Zhen.

"Ask for anything you'd like. If you can't decide, simply let the Ezekiel choose. I've yet to see one disappoint."

Ke Zhen scratched his cheek.

"I'll eat anything."

"I'll have today's fish," the Guardian said.

The request sounded impossibly broad, yet the Guardian appeared completely unconcerned.

She noticed his doubtful expression and smiled faintly.

"Trust me. The Ezekiels never fail to amaze our taste buds. One of the greatest advantages of working here is the food. I suspect their culinary skills were inherited from the Holy Emperor himself. That man has always been an extraordinary foodie."

Ke Zhen laughed.

"I'm aware. I was his childhood friend, after all."

The Guardian chuckled.

"Then your standards should be even higher. Fortunately, the Workshop has never disappointed anyone with an appetite."

The Ezekiel disappeared into the kitchen without another word.

The two selected a nearby table and waited.

Silence lingered for a few moments before the Guardian glanced across at him.

"You seem uncomfortable."

Ke Zhen sighed.

"My application was accepted quite some time ago. I honestly thought I'd be brought here immediately, but instead I waited for years before receiving the summons. And those requirements... they're unnecessarily harsh. Especially the examiner. I don't think he liked me very much."

The Guardian folded her arms.

"The Workshop doesn't recruit based on personal feelings."

"I certainly hope not."

"You should have more confidence in yourself. You were accepted in the end, weren't you? Whatever happened during your examination, the Workshop judged you worthy."

Ke Zhen slowly nodded.

That much was true.

A short while later, the Ezekiel returned carrying several steaming dishes.

The Guardian's meal consisted of a beautifully grilled river fish glazed with fragrant herbs, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables, fragrant rice, and a bowl of crystal-clear soup. Ke Zhen received braised spirit beast ribs coated in a rich sauce, roasted poultry seasoned with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, steamed buns, several side dishes, and a generous pot of nourishing broth. Every dish released an enticing aroma that immediately awakened his starving stomach.

He wasted no time.

The first bite alone made his eyes widen.

The meat remained unbelievably tender while the seasoning enhanced every natural flavor without overwhelming it. Spiritual energy gently dispersed throughout his body with each mouthful, leaving behind a pleasant warmth.

Neither of them spoke much while eating.

There simply wasn't time.

Ke Zhen finished his first serving at an astonishing pace before returning for a second helping, followed by yet another bowl of soup. Only after he finally leaned back in satisfaction did a calm elderly voice interrupt the meal.

"Guardian, I will take over from here."

Ke Zhen stiffened, turned toward the newcomer, and immediately recognized him. It was the same old man who had conducted his examination.

The Guardian rose from her seat.

"Then I'll leave him in your hands."

She gave Ke Zhen a small nod before departing without another word.

The old man folded his hands behind his back.

"My name is Sikao Baoji. Come with me."

Ke Zhen frowned slightly.

The name sounded unfamiliar.

Sikao Baoji clicked his tongue, sighing dramatically.

"Tsk. No recognition at all? I was rather famous once. Well... that was back during the Grand Emperor's era."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

Ke Zhen hurried after him.

They traversed several expansive corridors before arriving at the heart of the Workshop.

The enormous chamber resembled equal parts laboratory and forge.

Half-finished constructs occupied every available surface. Strange metallic limbs rested beside glowing cores. Countless tools hung from organized racks while incomplete machines floated above worktables under the influence of formation arrays. Sparks flashed intermittently as unseen devices continued assembling themselves.

Standing near the center was a man with long dark hair examining an intricate mechanism.

He looked up upon hearing footsteps.

"So you're the new researcher."

He smiled warmly.

"I'm Nongmin."

Ke Zhen immediately recognized him as the Grand Emperor. Or perhaps more accurately, the Final Emperor. His empire had been the last great empire of its age, and history remembered the oath he had once sworn before heaven itself.

His empire would perish with him.

It had.

Ke Zhen instinctively stepped forward and lowered himself.

"This junior greets the Final Em—"

Nongmin raised a hand before he could kneel.

"Enough."

His smile remained easygoing as he laughed softly.

"We're both friends of the same man. There's no need for formalities. Besides, I'm nothing more than a has-been Emperor."

Before Ke Zhen could respond, an amused female voice echoed from another workbench.

"Must we do this every single time someone new arrives? Skip the greetings already."

Ke Zhen instinctively looked toward the speaker.

A woman with long dark hair stood beside an enormous construct while leisurely smoking a pipe.

His attention, however, was immediately stolen by the machine behind her.

Its sleek metallic body resembled a majestic eagle with folded wings forged from overlapping spirit alloys. Intricate formation lines spread across every feather-like plate, while crystalline eyes pulsed with restrained spiritual power. Numerous articulated joints hinted at astonishing aerial mobility.

Ke Zhen unconsciously walked closer.

"A battle mech..."

Wonder filled his voice as he slowly circled the construct, admiring every visible detail.

"The craftsmanship is extraordinary. The balance between the frame, the formation channels, the spiritual conduits... even the feather articulation has been optimized for efficiency. The aerodynamics alone are beautiful."

The woman coughed lightly to regain his attention.

"Well met."

She removed the pipe from her lips.

"I'm Zai Ai."

Ke Zhen froze. That name was impossible to forget. He had studied countless research papers bearing that very signature. The legendary Zai Ai of the Ten Thousand Tools stood before him.

His eyes lit up.

"Senior Zai Ai! Your publications on adaptive formation matrices completely changed how I approached artifact engineering."

He hurriedly rummaged through his storage ring before producing a thick manual.

"I've carried this everywhere."

He offered it with both hands.

"Could I... perhaps... trouble you for an autograph?"

Zai Ai blinked, visibly caught off guard, while a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

"That's... unexpectedly embarrassing."

Even so, she accepted the manual.

With practiced strokes, she signed her name across the cover before returning it.

"There."

Ke Zhen accepted it as though receiving an unparalleled treasure.

Nongmin watched the exchange with an amused smile.

"As you've probably guessed, everyone here spends most of their time pursuing personal projects."

He gestured around the vast workshop.

"Even so, we've established quotas for ourselves. No matter what we're researching, we always devote part of our efforts toward creating things the Hollowed World genuinely needs."

He looked toward Sikao Baoji.

"Baoji, why don't you walk him through the tools? It'll help him settle in faster."

The old man grunted.

"Come along, Fatty. Let's see whether you truly deserve to work here."

Days quietly slipped into weeks.

The Workshop soon settled into a rhythm unlike anything Ke Zhen had experienced before. Every morning unveiled another piece of technology that left him questioning everything he thought he knew about artifact engineering. Every afternoon presented another impossible concept that somehow became commonplace after someone patiently explained it. By evening, he invariably found himself scribbling notes faster than his mind could process the flood of knowledge surrounding him.

One of the first inventions Sikao Baoji introduced him to was the computer.

It was an artifact unlike any storage jade or transmission array Ke Zhen had ever encountered. Every researcher possessed one inside their assigned room, where they recorded discoveries, designed blueprints, archived experiments, and exchanged ideas with one another. Entire libraries of knowledge were stored within the network, searchable in mere moments.

Ke Zhen had spent an entire day simply marveling at it.

His quarters proved equally astonishing.

The room was considerably larger on the inside than its exterior suggested, thanks to spatial formations. Automated lighting adjusted itself according to the time of day. Formation-controlled climate arrays maintained a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside. Cabinets organized themselves after every use, while several helper constructs silently maintained the room without requiring instruction.

He scarcely knew where to begin exploring.

Sikao Baoji, meanwhile, made certain he didn't become overwhelmed.

The old researcher personally introduced him to countless tools unique to the Workshop, from precision formation engravers and spirit-energy analyzers to an assortment of power tools that dramatically reduced the effort required when shaping exotic alloys. What once demanded weeks of painstaking craftsmanship could now be completed within hours.

The efficiency bordered on miraculous.

Within a month, Ke Zhen had finally found his footing.

His days were filled with research, experimentation, discussions with fellow engineers, and meals that never failed to surpass the previous day's offerings.

It was everything he had hoped for.

Perhaps even more.

One afternoon, while sketching improvements to a spirit-powered firearm in his workshop, Ke Zhen noticed a familiar golden light materializing before him. The radiance condensed into the translucent figure of a young man wearing a warm smile. Though it was only a projection, Ke Zhen recognized him instantly.

“Hey, buddy!” Ke Zhen stood up at once. “This subject greets Your Majesty.”

Da Wei rolled his eyes. “Come on, Fatty. We’ve known each other since we were kids. Stop acting so formal.”

A helpless smile crossed Ke Zhen’s face. “Old habits die hard.”

“They do,” Da Wei said, scratching the back of his head. “Sorry I haven’t been able to visit more often.”

“It can’t be helped,” Ke Zhen replied, shaking his head. “You’re probably the busiest man in the Hollowed World.”

Da Wei laughed. “I wish that weren’t true.” He glanced around the workshop. “So? How are you settling in?”

Ke Zhen’s eyes brightened. “Every day has been fun. There’s always something new to tinker with, someone willing to discuss ideas, and the food…” He rubbed his stomach with satisfaction. “The food alone is worth staying here for the next ten thousand years.”

Da Wei laughed heartily. “I’m glad to hear it.” His expression gradually grew more serious. “Actually… I came because I need a favor.”

Ke Zhen straightened at once. “What is it?”

“I’ve chosen Mai Duyi as one of my representatives in a competition against the champions of a truly terrible enemy,” Da Wei said. Though his voice remained calm, the weight of his words was unmistakable. “He accepted.”

Ke Zhen absorbed the news quietly. Mai Duyi was another of their childhood friends. It had been far too long since the three of them had gathered together.

Da Wei continued, “It’ll probably be dangerous, but I need him.” He looked directly at Ke Zhen. “I want you to make him stronger. Build him the strongest weapon he can wield.”

Ke Zhen placed a hand over his chest, his voice filled with conviction. “I’ll do everything in my power. I’ll make Mai Duyi the strongest marksman alive.”

Da Wei’s smile widened. “Thank you, Fatty.”

The golden light dispersed into shimmering motes, and the projection vanished.

Without wasting a moment, Ke Zhen rushed through the corridors, descended the grand staircase, and hurried toward the Workshop’s entrance. Waiting just beyond the great doors stood a Guardian beside an exceptionally thin man dressed in worn, ragged clothing. His cheeks were hollow, his hair untidy, and his garments looked as though they had survived countless hardships. Yet the familiar grin on his face remained unchanged.

“Yo,” Mai Duyi raised a hand casually. “Long time no see.”

Ke Zhen couldn’t help smiling. “I already heard from Da Wei.” He stepped aside and gestured toward the Workshop behind him. “Come inside.”

Excitement gleamed in his eyes as ideas flooded his mind. “Let’s make you the strongest.”

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