Chapter 44

On Earth, there is a term called "technological black box."

This concept is specifically used to describe technological products. The technology contained within a product is actually integrated into a framework. The things inside the framework are like being locked in a box to those outside the framework. Users can use the functions of the objects inside the box without opening it.

It is precisely because of this concept that people on Earth can use computers without first learning computer codes, logical diagrams, and various algorithms, let alone mastering electromagnetism and materials science.

Since the world where Shenzhou is located has a physical quantity called "spiritual energy," the "black box" here is larger than that in the universe where Earth is located. Here, humans can use various magical abilities even before they understand the essence of the world. Ancient cultivators who are not well-versed in the laws of heaven and earth can use divine powers and spells for the same reason.

If we use Earth's technology as a metaphor, then for the immortal path of Shenzhou, cultivation techniques and spells are not theories but core technologies.

Engineers must learn theories to master better technologies. Similarly, cultivators must open the "black box" and understand the theoretical basis of cultivation techniques to progress further.

A computer in the hands of a hacker and an uneducated person will have vastly different effects. Similarly, a spell in the hands of a cultivator who has comprehended its inner principles and one who has cleverly deduced it through other axioms will have incomparable power.

The principle of "one method deriving myriad methods" in the Myriad Methods Gate is also based on this. On Earth, mathematics is the foundation of natural sciences, known as the "queen of sciences." In Shenzhou, mathematics is also regarded as a shortcut to the path of truth. No matter what cultivation technique or magical art, it will certainly involve mathematics. It is not strange for disciples of the Myriad Methods Gate to use any kind of spell.

In the past, when the divine lord Bai Ze attained the Dao, he inscribed three lines of large characters on the peak where the Myriad Methods Gate is located with sword qi: "Life in the world, the six senses are impure; the bustling red dust, all deceive the true self; the path of truth relies solely on mathematics." These twenty-four characters mean: After birth, people continuously receive specific and chaotic information. Although this information also contains the great Dao, it is only one aspect of the great Dao and has its limitations. These experiential limitations are the shackles that bind people's hearts to the path of truth. Only mathematics, which is inherently abstract, can cut through these shackles and transcend specific experiences.

If we change the style, this sentence can be translated as: "Your eyes will deceive you, your ears will deceive you, your experience will deceive you, and your imagination will deceive you, but mathematics will not."

The divine lord Bai Ze's words elucidated the nobility of mathematical principles and later became the motto of the Myriad Methods Gate. In the eyes of most modern cultivators, mathematics also deserves this honor.

And this is also the opportunity for Wang Qi to escape his current predicament.

On Earth, there are many mathematical achievements closely related to the theory of evolution. Wang Qi is familiar with two: evolutionary algorithms and mutation models. The former is a global optimization method derived from the theory of evolution, and the latter is a mathematical model that can describe biological mutations and natural selection.

The disciples of the Myriad Methods Gate have proven that simply analyzing the mathematical principles of a spell can allow its application. This means that Wang Qi can bypass the unfamiliar field of evolutionary theory and bring the problem into the familiar world of mathematics!

After having this idea, he immediately used his spiritual sense to ask Zhen Chanzi: "Old man, are there cultivators who accumulate magical power through their main cultivation technique but achieve enlightenment through their secondary cultivation technique?"

Zhen Chanzi didn't even think before countering: "Why are you asking about sword cultivators?"

"Sword cultivators?"

"Practicing the supreme cultivation techniques of the mystic sect, but not following the path of inclusiveness and natural Dao, instead seeking the sword and forgetting the self..."

Wang Qi didn't listen any further because he had already thought of a way out.

"I will use the 'Heavenly Evolutionary Chart' as my main cultivation technique and use evolutionary algorithms and mutation models to deduce it. However, my main research direction will still be the ethereal path and quantum physics!"

Solving a problem that had troubled him for a long time, joy filled Wang Qi's heart.

Damn, I'm so excited! Sorry, I don't know what expression to use at this moment. Just a smile, just a smile, just a smile... A smile is not enough at all!

After this complex mental activity, Wang Qi asked expressionlessly: "Brother Su, how do cultivators usually celebrate after comprehending a major Dao? What are the customs in the immortal path?"

"Customs... In our Myriad Methods Gate, we follow the tradition of the Geometric Demon Lord. The Demon Lord once comprehended the Dao while bathing, forgot to put on clothes, and flew into the air shouting 'I know it!' Many of his disciples imitated him—Hey! What are you doing?"

Wang Qi pulled off his belt and put his hand on his robe: "Following the example of our ancestors."

"Damn, wait a moment! This custom exists, but not many people in our Myriad Methods Gate actually do it. Calm down, calm down!"

"I don't care, I need to vent!"

Su Junyu grabbed Wang Qi's belt with one hand and his robe with the other: "Wait, there are many different ways to vent!"

"My great saber is already unbearable!"

"What great saber do you have!"

"Let go!"

"I can't let go!"

After a struggle, Su Junyu finally managed to dissuade Wang Qi. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he was about to educate this new disciple who seemed to have a mental breakdown. At that moment, he suddenly sensed a familiar aura and quickly turned around.

Xiang Qi was standing behind them, stunned. She didn't even notice her sword falling to the ground, as if her worldview was being rebuilt.

Su Junyu found it strange but still waved politely. As he waved, he noticed the belt still in his hand.

Wang Qi's clothes were disheveled, and the belt was in his hand...

To others, it seemed like he had been entangled with Wang Qi...

Waving the belt in his hand could easily be mistaken for showing off...

The powerful computational power of the Myriad Methods Gate's techniques made Su Junyu connect all these dots instantly.

He immediately cried out with a pained face: "It's not what you think!"

As soon as these words came out, Su Junyu wanted to slap himself: Damn, this just makes it look like I'm trying to cover up!

Sure enough, Xiang Qi's body swayed, and she took a few steps back: "Rich bastard... Oh no, Junyu, don't worry, I won't discriminate against you..."

"You are already discriminating!"

"No, no, it's not your fault. Think about it, even Master Ji was originally from the Myriad Methods Gate and later joined the Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion... No wonder everyone says 'Myriad Methods also want a Dao companion' and so on."

Su Junyu cried out: "Don't discriminate against the Myriad Methods Gate!"

Xiang Qi turned to Wang Qi with a serious face: "Xiao Qi, this is your own choice, and as a senior, I can't say much. In short, as long as you are happy."

"He just wanted to follow the example of our ancestors..."

"Master Ji was a great person."

"Not Master Turing! Ah, why won't you listen! Wang Qi, explain yourself too!"

Wang Qi tidied up his clothes, stood up, and said to Xiang Qi: "Can you give us a chance to prove our orientation?"

"No, no, you don't need to force yourselves, and it's hard to prove anyway."

Wang Qi shook his head: "You can try it yourself, Senior."

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