Yuan Tiangang sat on the platform, speaking eloquently, while Sun Simiao stood beside him, playing the role of a vocal accompanist very obligingly.
Below, the audience listened to their explanations of various Daoist classics, each gaining different insights.
Some problems that had been stuck in bottlenecks seemed to have found new solutions.
For instance, Li Tai was currently glowing with excitement. He nudged Fang Er.
"Mountain Master, what if we cut the Earth into pieces and marked them on a map?"
"Then, if we calculated the geomagnetism at each location, could we develop anti-gravity technology?"
Fang Er's interest was piqued. "Tell me your idea!"
Li Tai pulled out paper and pen from his pocket and began sketching a diagram.
"Look, let's take the Great Tang as an example."
"We'd first need to create an instrument capable of measuring the magnitude and frequency of geomagnetism."
"Then, we'd take measurements at intervals from Chang'an, Luoyang, Zheng County, all the way to Dengzhou."
"After that, we'd compile the data."
"And then, based on the principle of like poles repelling, create a magnetic field whose polarity and strength can be adjusted at any time!"
"I feel this idea is entirely worth trying!"
"Hiss..."
Fang Er drew a sharp breath. This concept, theoretically, seemed plausible.
"Go ahead and do it. Just say what you need!"
He patted Li Tai on the shoulder twice, nodding approvingly.
When it came to research, all sorts of wild ideas had to be tested.
How would they know if it worked without trying?
Li Tai was overjoyed. "Alright, I'll assign the aerial platform project to the Four Divine Beasts."
"I'll head to Research Institute No. 35 and work with them on the anti-gravity thruster!"
It wasn't just him who had new ideas; this sermon had opened up a new world for many.
Yuan Tiangang and Sun Simiao were both masters of Daoism, their understanding of scriptures and classics far beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
Moreover, much of the content in Daoist teachings analyzed the workings of the universe from a macro perspective.
Daoism called this the Heavenly Way!
Science also studied the universe and all its phenomena.
The two shared a remarkable similarity.
It was just that science often viewed the world from a micro perspective, quantifying everything.
With the mutual corroboration, countless ideas were born at that moment.
Perhaps, even Yuan Tiangang did not anticipate.
What profound impact his action, merely intended to show off and save face in front of Fang Er and Sun Simiao, would bring in the future!
At least, as the sermon drew to a close, everyone rose simultaneously and bowed to the two of them.
"Thank you, True Man Yuan, for your sermon and enlightenment!"
Thousands of people bowed in unison, a scene comparable to the grand court assemblies.
Yuan Tiangang smiled enigmatically and flicked his whisk in the air.
"I hope you all gain something from these humble doctrines."
"On the fifteenth of next month, I will preach here again."
"Farewell!"
As soon as he finished speaking, flames erupted from beneath the platform!
"Boom..."
It was the smell of gunpowder!
A vast plume of fire shot out from beneath the platform, accompanied by thick gunpowder smoke.
In an instant, the platform moved!
It was slowly ascending!
Fang Er stared at the scene in stunned silence.
Holy crap!
When did this old chap set this up?
The underside of the platform was covered in dense, circular steel pillars, and the flames were spewing from them!
And at that moment, from the speakers surrounding the plaza, background music began to play again.
And there, he was wearing a wingsuit!
His back was bulging, clearly with a parachute...
Sun Simiao was about to lose it!
You bloody prepared only for yourself and are dragging me along for the ride?
Moreover, judging by his preparations, this platform was clearly not designed for a safe landing when it was built!
He was completely demoralized...
Staring at Yuan Tiangang for a long while, a cold smile suddenly curved his lips as he strode over.
"Since that's the case, you'll be my mount for a while!"
Before Yuan Tiangang could react, Sun Simiao had dragged him to the edge of the platform.
"You, you, what are you going to do?"
"Heh heh! You'll find out soon enough!"
As soon as Sun Simiao finished speaking, he pulled Yuan Tiangang with him and leaped off.
A moment later, a beautiful spectacle appeared in the sky.
Yuan Tiangang was flying in a wingsuit, his body hunched forward. Sun Simiao stood on his back, his silver hair fluttering in the wind, his robes billowing with an ethereal grace.
With a flick of his whisk, he announced loudly.
"This is called!"
"Riding a scoundrel through the air!"