Adaweiden nodded, and a crystal card appeared in front of Ge Zheng. "This is one million gold coins. Do you need anything else?" Ge Zheng sighed inwardly. Level 13 professionals were indeed extraordinarily wealthy.
He said, "Tell me your requirements." Adaweiden said, "First, the weight, it must be heavy. My previous fallen hammer weighed three thousand pounds, slightly on the lighter side. I would like the next one to weigh four thousand pounds."
Ge Zheng finally understood why it was called a "hammer".
"But, I don't have any Dragonsteel on hand..."
"That's not a problem, I will prepare the materials for you."
The buyer pays for the ingredients and materials, Gē Zhēng really hopes to encounter more such transactions. After discussing some details with Adavi, the two bid farewell.
Coming out of the gigantic sword magic bar, one had to cross over half of the East Victory District before returning to Gē Zhēng's home.
The aroma of lunch was already wafting from the kitchen, and Gróunia, sitting at the dining table, nervously said to Gē Zhēng, "Master, there is a party at the temple tonight and I hope you can grace us with your presence." The Dark Pantheon was not strict with many things, allowing its followers to drink.
"Some important figures of the temple have returned and they really want to meet you," Gróunia added.
Gē Zhēng didn't think much and said, "Alright, when does it start?" Gróunia quickly said, "I'll come to pick you up then." Gē Zhēng nodded, Dunk had already served the dishes and lunch began.
In the afternoon, Gē Zhēng locked himself in his study, toiling over the manuscript for the 100,000 gold coins. Academic articles did not require literary style, and if they did, Gē Zhēng did not possess it.
In the evening, there was the sound of a carriage bell outside, and then Gē Zhēng heard Dinora swallowing saliva.
"Sir, Miss Gróunia is here." Gē Zhēng tidied the documents on the table, changed into a new warlock robe, and wiped his accreditation badge before walking out.
Outside the door, Gróunia's rose red long pleated skirt spread out on the ground, as radiant as the sky at dawn. Gróunia seemed like a proud blooming rose, with her purple-hued skin bearing the thorns of her kind.
Dinora couldn't help but keep drooling at Gróunia's slender waist, making Gē Zhēng smile and shake his head.
Gróunia turned around in place, arms outstretched, "How is it?" Gē Zhēng sincerely replied, "Very beautiful! This demeanor of mine won't embarrass you, will it?"
Although he had been crowned as a royal alchemist, Gē Zhēng still wore his warlock robe for all occasions. Gróunia stepped forward and held his arm, "You look great like this."
The carriage outside was more luxurious than the one Gróunia usually rode, especially so today. The coachman wore a neat blue woolen formal suit and courteously nodded to Gē Zhēng. The two boarded the carriage and went on their way, leaving Dinora filled with jealousy.
"Master..." After pondering for a long time in the carriage, Gróunia decided to explain to Gē Zhēng, "I hope you understand that the temple arranged this party to show off to the other five major temples." Only a few things were frowned upon by the Dark Pantheon, and alcohol was permitted.
"Some important figures of the temple have returned and they really want to meet you," Gróunia added.
Gē Zhēng didn't think much and said, "Alright, when does it start?" Gróunia quickly said, "I'll come to pick you up then." Gē Zhēng nodded, Dunk had already served the dishes and lunch began.
In the afternoon, Gē Zhēng locked himself in his study, toiling over the manuscript for the 100,000 gold coins. Academic articles did not require literary style, and if they did, Gē Zhēng did not possess it.
In the evening, there was the sound of a carriage bell outside, and then Gē Zhēng heard Dinora swallowing saliva.
"Sir, Miss Gróunia is here." Gē Zhēng tidied the documents on the table, changed into a new warlock robe, and wiped his accreditation badge before walking out.
Outside the door, Gróunia's rose red long pleated skirt spread out on the ground, as radiant as the sky at dawn. Gróunia seemed like a proud blooming rose, with her purple-hued skin bearing the thorns of her kind.
Dinora couldn't help but keep drooling at Gróunia's slender waist, making Gē Zhēng smile and shake his head.
Gróunia turned around in place, arms outstretched, "How is it?" Gē Zhēng sincerely replied, "Very beautiful! This demeanor of mine won't embarrass you, will it?"
Although he had been crowned as a royal alchemist, Gē Zhēng still wore his warlock robe for all occasions. Gróunia stepped forward and held his arm, "You look great like this."
Even the carriage outside was more luxurious than the one Gróunia usually rode, especially so today. The coachman wore a neat blue woolen formal suit and courteously nodded to Gē Zhēng. The two boarded the carriage and went on their way, leaving Dinora filled with jealousy.
"Master..." After pondering for a long time in the carriage, Gróunia decided to explain to Gē Zhēng, "I hope you understand that the temple arranged this party to show off to the other five major temples." Only a few things were frowned upon by the Dark Pantheon, and alcohol was permitted.
"Gē Zhēng didn't think much and said, "Alright, when does it start?" Gróunia quickly said, "I'll come to pick you up then." Gē Zhēng nodded, Dunk had already served the dishes and lunch began.
In the afternoon, Gē Zhēng locked himself in his study, toiling over the manuscript for the 100,000 gold coins. Academic articles did not require literary style, and if they did, Gē Zhēng did not possess it.
In the evening, there was the sound of a carriage bell outside, and then Gē Zhēng heard Dinora swallowing saliva.
"Sir, Miss Gróunia is here." Gē Zhēng tidied the documents on the table, changed into a new warlock robe, and wiped his accreditation badge before walking out.
Outside the door, Gróunia's rose red long pleated skirt spread out on the ground, as radiant as the sky at dawn. Gróunia seemed like a proud blooming rose, with her purple-hued skin bearing the thorns of her kind.
Dinora couldn't help but keep drooling at Gróunia's slender waist, making Gē Zhēng smile and shake his head.
Gróunia turned around in place, arms outstretched, "How is it?" Gē Zhēng sincerely replied, "Very beautiful! This demeanor of mine won't embarrass you, will it?"
Although he had been crowned as a royal alchemist, Gē Zhēng still wore his warlock robe for all occasions. Gróunia stepped forward and held his arm, "You look great like this."
Even the carriage outside was more luxurious than the one Gróunia usually rode, especially so today. The coachman wore a neat blue woolen formal suit and courteously nodded to Gē Zhēng. The two boarded the carriage and went on their way, leaving Dinora filled with jealousy.
Gul'dan said, "Master, I wonder if you can solve this problem?" Ge Zheng was taken aback, "Solve this problem?" Gul'dan nodded, "Yes, because the temple needs the equipment you make for us to resist this kind of corrosion."
Gul'dan glanced at Groznia next to him and said, "The val'kyr Groznia is also a member of this plan, which is called the 'Five Crown Team'. The five major temples each send their strongest warriors to venture into the underworld and find the artifacts of the dark gods lost in the underworld."
Ge Zheng was shocked and turned to look at Groznia, whose face appeared slightly pale.
Gul'dan said, "Whatever the master needs, feel free to ask. There is nothing the Temple of Dark Gods cannot do on this continent." Ge Zheng nodded absently, "I will try my best..."
"Master, time is running out," Gul'dan emphasized, "The plan has already been implemented, and by this time next year, it will be the once-in-a-century rare celestial alignment, the best time to cross the underworld. The High Councilor will not wait another hundred years!"
...
Groznia changed into a simple long dress, the green hem resembling lotus leaves on the water. The carriage she usually rode in was back.
In the quiet night, the sound of hooves and wheels on the carriage seemed particularly harsh.
"Are you really going to the underworld?" Ge Zheng couldn't help but ask. Groznia had already calmed down, her face serene. "I was only notified at the banquet that I was chosen to be a member of the Five Crown Team."
"But... but this is basically going to your death!" Ge Zheng said in distress. Groznia's calm eyes revealed little, and after a moment of silence, she suddenly said, "Those in power always think they can see everything. They used me as a hostage to coerce you into producing items to resist the air in the underworld, but I do not want to do so. You don't need to worry too much. The warriors of the Five Crown Team are the elite backbone of the Temple of Dark Gods. Even if you can't find a way, the High Councilor will not send us to our deaths. The temple cannot afford such a huge loss."
Ge Zheng was stunned, "Well, that's even better..."
"Master, we've arrived," the coachman stopped the carriage.
Ge Zheng opened the door, "I'll do my best." Groznia sat in the carriage and watched Ge Zheng enter the house, where there was a burst of laughter. She suddenly felt an indescribable feeling in her heart.
Should he express something? Should she express something?
Groznia suddenly felt conflicted, and often the more she thought, the more confused she became. She took out a small box from under her seat, containing a small bottle of strong liquor.
"Go back!" The carriage turned around, and a strong smell of alcohol emanated from inside, leaving the coachman shaking his head in resignation.
...
The cold winter in the northern part of the continent was coming to an end, and the battles on the front lines of the Empire's northern border were becoming more frequent. The boundary disputes between the Osta Empire and the Samel Empire had been unresolved for a long time. In the Kexamil region, which was disputed by both, a vast iron ore deposit had been recently discovered, making it even more impossible for both sides to let go.
The Dandela Empire had long coveted the wealthy Duchy of Delong in the north, and the two major northern empires each had their own needs, eventually forming an alliance.
As spring approached, the best time to start the war was also slowly approaching.
Emperor Mezhefu IV placed his most trusted son, the Second Prince Bu Guo, in the Selajiang Fortress to demonstrate the emperor's determination to defend the northern territories. Bu Guo did not disappoint him. In several recent small-scale battles, the Osta Empire's cavalry had shown great power, achieving overwhelming victories, which made Mezhefu IV a lot stronger in negotiations with the Yato Empire.
The situation on the front lines became increasingly tense. One early morning, Emperor Mezhefu IV suddenly noticed the tender buds on the trees in the Na'er Imperial Palace, and decided to go to the northern front to comfort the troops and see his favorite son. Since sending his second son to the Selajiang Fortress, the father and son had not seen each other for more than two years.
The emperor's tour was a significant event, and it immediately kept the entire empire busy. Everything from the emperor's entourage to the supplies for the troops had to be well-prepared.
These matters had nothing to do with Ge Zheng. On the day the emperor departed with great pomp, Ge Zheng submitted his thesis to the Alchemist Association.
"The Rebirth in Water" comprehensively elaborated on the basic principles of "water refinement". Although it involved some unclear technical details, overall, it provided a general understanding of water refinement. Although it could not establish water refinement on equal footing with traditional fire refinement with just this thesis, it could at least introduce a different voice in the alchemical world dominated by fire refinement.
...
Ge Zheng returned from the Alchemist Guild to find a carriage parked at his doorstep. It was not Groznia's or Feifei's carriage.
He was curious, and as soon as he entered the house, the guest waiting in the living room stood up and said very deferentially, "Master." Ge Zheng was surprised, "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, the Emperor is heading north to comfort the troops today. Why didn't you go to see him off?"
Elonhosos smiled faintly, "I think it's more pleasing to the emperor to help resolve the situation in the Northern Warfront than to show filial piety and respect before him."
His tone was not small at all, but Ge Zheng knew that this often overlooked Fourth Prince was definitely not simple, so if he said that, he must have his own certainty.
"Is there something you need from me, Your Highness?" Ge Zheng asked.
Elonhosos waited for Ge Zheng to sit down before taking his own seat and serving Ge Zheng with the strict etiquette of a knight squire. "Master, I need your help to resolve the situation in the Northern Warfront for my father, the emperor."
Elonhosos took out a fist-sized doll from his space pouch and said, "This is my newly designed mana crystal cannon."
Mana crystal cannons had long existed on the continent and had become the main component of infantry in various countries. There were also numerous cannon ports on the city walls of the Delson Royal City. During peaceful times, only empty square holes could be seen, but in fact they contained mana crystal cannons with wheels locked onto the city walls with iron chains.
"I have a new idea," Elonhosos said, "to change the firing principle of the mana crystal cannon. Instead of carving a magic array inside the cannon and filling it with mana crystal as an outdated mode of firing, I would carve the magic array inside the mana crystal and use fire-based magic to propel it directly to bombard the target. Although this will require more manpower to make mana crystal projectiles, the firing speed can be increased by three times, and accuracy and power will be greatly increased."
Ge Zheng was shocked; this boy was indeed a talent. The use of mana crystal as a cannonball, propelled by fire magic, was already very close to the principle of modern cannons on Earth.
"But..." Elonhosos hesitated, "The increased firing rate will put more pressure on the barrel, and it will heat up quickly, with insufficient cooling time, so I need a new type of heat-resistant alloy barrel. I hope Master can help me."
Ge Zheng immediately refused, "Your Highness, I am also powerless in this matter." Elonhosos had already expected this and did not despair, "Master, this is not something you are helping me with, but a hired service. If you can help me solve this problem, I will pay you five million gold coins as remuneration. And until I have your consent, the invention of this alloy will be a secret of yours, and I will not tell anyone. I guarantee it with the honor of the royal family!"
Five million! Ge Zheng had already saved a considerable amount, and with this five million, it would be almost enough to buy a material for the summoning array. Ge Zheng's heart pounded.
Elonhosos took his leave, "Master, I know you can do it!"
Of course, Ge Zheng could do it. Countless cultivators used fire-based flying swords, easily stirring up heaven and earth fires. For Ge Zheng, making a barrel that could withstand the temperature of a magic cannon was a piece of cake.
But should he accept this commission? Ge Zheng was very hesitant. He would not bring trouble to himself, creating something that could cause disaster or bring about a series of chain reactions. He was troubled by the birth of something new, which invariably led to a new trend. Ge Zheng couldn't predict what consequences the new mana cannon would bring. He gritted his teeth: Since the future is as inscrutable as the clouds on Mount Lushan, and you can't see clearly no matter how hard you try, then follow your current desires and think about making five million gold coins. At least, his journey home had taken a big step forward.
The sound of a carriage came from outside the door, followed by Miss Feifei's voice, "Here's the place, unload everything!" Ge Zheng went out and saw three carriages loaded with things, and Feifei was directing the servants to bring them inside. He couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing?"
Miss Feifei grabbed Ge Zheng's arm and shook it as if she were a regular girl, using a coquettish tone, "Master, can I come and stay with you?"
Ge Zheng was scared and almost fell to the ground, "What did you say? Don't you have your own apartment?"
Miss Feifei fidgeted, but Ge Zheng remained adamant, "Tell me the truth; I won't let you move in if you don't."
Miss Feifei pouted, "It's that Monsieur again, always pestering me, it's so annoying. Master, now you have a prestigious reputation in the academy, Monsieur probably won't dare to come to you to make trouble. So, hehe, please take pity on your poor, helpless student and let me seek shelter under your benevolent wing for a while, okay?"