Chapter 316: Imperial Nectar?

With all the plans arranged, Li Xian leisurely flew to Qingyun Valley and immediately summoned key personnel such as Fang Shijing, Tang Rong, Xiao Yuquan, Zhou Likun, Yun Feihong, and Peng Yongguang.

First, Li Xian explained the current situation in Anyang, followed by the upcoming tasks. Then, he listened to everyone’s reports.

Yun Feihong was radiant. She was now a leading figure in the Brilliant Star Group—one of its highest-ranking members.

“Young master, as of now, we have eight major aircraft production lines.

There is one small twin-engine propeller aircraft production line, with a daily output of around 50 planes.

One medium twin-engine propeller aircraft line, with about 40 planes per day.

One medium four-engine propeller aircraft line, producing about 30 planes daily.

One large four-engine propeller aircraft line, with a daily output of about 20 planes.

A production line for medium four-engine propeller flying instruments—essentially the traditional magical war implements—produces up to 20 per day but is currently semi-idle.

A large four-engine propeller flying instrument line, also semi-idle, with a maximum output of about 10 per day.

A newly finalized subsonic aircraft line, with a daily output of one aircraft; the main difficulty lies in engine production.

The supersonic aircraft production line is in the final acceptance phase. It is our most heavily invested line and is expected to produce 3 to 5 supersonic aircraft daily once operational. However, engine and Xuan Iron material consumption is severe, so we need to increase production.

In addition, detonation technology and rocket engines are already under development and have reached a sufficient technical level.”

Li Xian listened quietly but felt a deep sense of awe inside. Producing three to five supersonic planes per day—such a speed was simply unbelievable. It was only possible because of the aid of spells and the fact that the workers were powerful cultivators. In another world, even producing 3–5 supersonic planes per week would already count as high-speed manufacturing.

The application and research of formations and the assistance of cultivation had simplified production immensely. If there was one flaw, it was that Anyang’s technological development time had been too short—everything was progressing a bit too hastily, and talent was relatively scarce. It would be necessary to take time in the future to reorganize and refine everything.

In the end, Li Xian could only say, “Conduct several rocket technology experiments soon. Give those Nascent Soul-stage cultivators who have joined Anyang but are still undecided some hope.

Also, aircraft technology has vast potential. Do not abandon research.

And about flying craft—I want to build a space carrier. I’ve mentioned this idea to you before. Also, stop producing the current models—they’re outdated.”

Next was Zhou Likun. This proud, hereditary alchemist was mainly responsible for fuel, liquid spiritual energy, and alchemical liquids. “Young master, recently, the Petroleum Department has made two major breakthroughs. First, we’ve developed a full set of isolation-protective magical work suits. One set can allow a worker to stay in crude oil for three hours. We’ve already tested this with monkeys and other subjects.

Second, a remote-controlled drilling machine, jointly developed by Xiao Yuquan’s computer department and the research department, has passed testing. We’ve added three new oil wells in the Petroleum Valley. The production lines are ready, and within a month, daily fuel production will increase to 10,000 cubic meters—enough to meet the demands of Anyang’s locomotives. Liquid spiritual energy production will also reach around 350 tons per day.

As for alchemical liquids, we’ll reach a terrifying output of one ton per day—enough for all of Anyang to have access to medicinal pills.

However, there is a problem—the demonic energy and mixed auras extracted from the petroleum must be stored very carefully. We’ve already stored over 8,000 tons of demonic energy, and the pressure is mounting. Three days ago, a worker accidentally broke open a barrel of demonic energy, and we had to send a Nascent Soul expert to suppress and eliminate it.

If we don’t find a solution, this demonic energy will become a ticking time bomb.”

Li Xian nodded slightly. “Perhaps I’ve found a solution. Let everyone finish their reports first—we’ll discuss it later.”

“Really?!” Zhou Likun was overjoyed.

Next was Xiao Yuquan, who was equally excited but also troubled. “The core of the computer has already been reduced in size by several hundred times, but we’re at a loss for how to reduce it further.”

“That’s easy,” Li Xian provided guidance at a critical moment. “We now know that atoms are the fundamental structure of matter. We can begin constructing a micro-world from a microscopic perspective. Of course, this requires many aids—an absolutely dust-free space, super microscopes, etc. Study how to achieve this, and ensure interdepartmental cooperation.

Also, to produce even smaller computer cores, we must first perfect existing computer technology. Once entering the microscopic world, only by using ‘machines to build machines’ can we achieve greater precision. This path will be very long.”

Xiao Yuquan silently opened his notebook and recorded everything. Then he asked, “I recently had an idea—to create micro computer cores using techniques similar to firing ceramics.

When firing ceramics, designs are drawn in advance, and the final product is completed in one go during firing.

By analogy, could we not use ordinary metals to pre-design computer cores and then use Xuan Iron smelting techniques to refine the core? I remember that in ancient times, powerful individuals crafted magic tools using similar methods. For example, the legendary and well-known supreme treasure, the Heaven-Flipping Seal, was made this way.

If this method works, we could shrink computer cores by another 200 times, down to the size of a fingernail.”

Li Xian frowned in thought for a while. “This refining method seems feasible, but the object must remain solid, right?”

“Yes, it must remain solid throughout the process and cannot deform. But we can apply pressure.”

Li Xian twitched at the corner of his mouth. Keeping molten iron solid under refining conditions would require—immense, unimaginable pressure, the kind that induces despair. It’s said that the Earth’s inner core is a solid at extreme heat and pressure.

Still, Li Xian couldn’t discourage Xiao Yuquan from trying—in fact, he had to encourage him. This spirit of exploration was something Li Xian needed to protect. So after thinking for a moment, he said, “You make a good point. Go ahead and try it—I support you. But I’m not very optimistic about this method, so don’t get obsessed.”

Next up was Liu Dongbao from the Chemistry Department, also a bit arrogant. “Young master, we’ve completed the periodic table. I’ve been thinking about something.

Iron becomes Xuan Iron through heavenly fire; copper becomes Red Copper; gold becomes Refined Gold; silver becomes Mithril.

So, might there be even more advanced elements? Possibly elements of the Immortal Realm, corresponding one-to-one with those of the Mortal Realm. These Immortal Realm elements could also undergo chemical reactions just like regular ones. What we call magic tools might just be exotic alloys.

By the same logic, could immortals be beings whose internal and external composition has entirely transformed—from common material elements to Immortal Realm elements?”

Li Xian was dumbfounded. Sorry bro, that question is beyond my comprehension. “It’s a good idea and very much worth researching. But I think we should thoroughly study the current periodic table and achieve mastery of atomic-level energy (nuclear energy) before diving deep into that concept.”

“Young master is right,” Liu Dongbao sat down.

Li Xian wiped off some cold sweat, screaming internally: This really is another world—many things that are common sense in one world completely fall apart here. A cultivation world truly defies conventional logic.

Then came Song Gang from the smelting sub-factory. If there were a “Stress Leaderboard” in Anyang, Song Gang would definitely rank high. The smelting sub-factory was the bedrock of everything. The shipyard ordered steel in tens of thousands of tons; so did the railway project. Every aspect of construction and industry depended on the smelting plant.

Now the plant was the largest department in the Brilliant Star Group, yet Song Gang still clamored daily to expand. Today, he poured out his grievances to Li Xian, nearly falling to his knees crying.

Li Xian had a big headache but had to consider Song Gang’s feelings—“Continue expanding.” Old Song, you’ll be busier than ever. The shipyard is about to build five more 10,000-ton warships, Liu Lei has proposed a “Ten-Thousand-Mile Railway Project,” and Anyang is still developing rapidly. The demand for infrastructure is a bottomless pit.

So, Li Xian waved his hand, “Doubling the size is too modest—we’re big-picture people. Expand tenfold!”

“What…” Song Gang was stunned. Tenfold expansion meant he’d have no time to sleep.

Seeing Song Gang’s expression, Li Xian couldn’t help but laugh. “Director Song, you can promote some people to share the responsibility. And you can also seek help from Xiao Yuquan’s computer department.”

“Ah… I was just too surprised.” Song Gang forced a smile.

Everyone then gave status reports for their departments. Li Xian gave some guiding suggestions, and the meeting concluded. Afterward, the young master began laying out his plans.

Slowly, Li Xian raised three fingers. “Three things—I came today for three things.

First, the blood oath alliance between Anyang and the Dragon Palace. To support this, we must expand the Brilliant Star Group and heavily develop marine technology.

The details are as follows…”

Li Xian laid out the specifics. Of course, he didn’t discuss politics with these researchers—just shared key points: military-grade magic weapons must be studied, the production of liquid spiritual energy and alchemical liquids must increase, more warships must be built, and Xuan Iron supplies must grow.

Everyone looked troubled—the pressure was real.

Li Xian continued, “The second matter is your rewards. Anyang’s recent expansion and victories have brought rich rewards—war dividends, you could say.

The increased fortune has been distributed, but material rewards are here today. There are 18.5 million taels of gold to be distributed. Fang Shijing will handle the specific allocation under everyone’s supervision.”

“Wow…” Everyone was instantly excited. No matter what, Li Xian’s generous reward policy offered real benefits—one major reason they were willing to serve him.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Li Xian spoke again. “There’s one more important matter. I recently came across a jade slip by chance. It contains a recorded scene.”

He distributed copies of the jade slip.

In truth, this was no accidental discovery. Li Xian had seen this scene during his alliance ritual with the Dragon King, inside the mental world. Now that he was a Nascent Soul-stage cultivator, he could imprint his thoughts into jade slips for others to view.

Xiao Yuquan took a look and exclaimed, “It’s Sweet Dew!”

At the same time, Zhou Likun cried out, “It’s Imperial Nectar!”

The two spoke in unison.