High Above

"What... Hades?"

Albert blinked.

He was a bit unresponsive.

The myth of Hades in Terra is not developed, probably because some legends were lost due to the disaster of falling from the sky. Nowadays, the system of "Heaven and Hell" is more common among the people, and most of the sublimated people know that the final destination of the soul is to return. Natural cycle.

Except for the Suming Cult, not many people are interested in the 'afterlife' - just seeking a life of peace and joy is the absolute mainstream.

Ian took the thick stack of conceptual calculation drawings from the hands of the young deceased king, and scanned the thinking and calculation process on them.

Adlbert's idea was indeed optimized based on Ian's original idea.

Initially, Ian's idea was to use artificial souls to gather enough numbers to activate the core of the spiritual machine.

It is true that ordinary people cannot stimulate the active offensive ability of the spiritual machine core like the second energy level and the third energy level, but they can still stimulate the conversion of source matter and spiritual energy and stimulate spiritual energy shields.

Of course, the most critical point lies in a powerful 'energy furnace heart'... and this point is actually the best solution.

Whether it's the Leyline Furnace, the Ether Furnace Core technology that Ian already possesses, or the 'Ghost Crystal Engine' at the bottom of Xiahui Lake, we can all use it.

But the problem with this idea is that it takes time to gather enough people to activate the psychic shield.

It's easy to deal with natural disasters. For example, there will be signs of a major storm for at least an hour. This period of time is enough for local residents to gather in key shelters to activate the spiritual core.

But if it was the kind of raid that Ian went to Xia Hui Territory, how could ordinary people react?

Once a war breaks out, it will still cause huge casualties.

Adlbert saw this from the beginning. He was keenly aware of the potential and shortcomings of this technology, so he tried to use existing means to make up for it.

Since the body moves and reacts slowly and cannot keep up with the Ascendant's assault, then there is no need for the body!

Meditation can increase the strength of the soul, and ordinary second-level sublimators can only win in terms of quantity. Coupled with the traction and protection of the spiritual machine core, it is completely feasible.

If this is the case, then simply strengthen the function in this area so that people can leave their souls and wander outside the world!

Under the pull of the spiritual machine core, the soul can move almost instantaneously at a speed. Whenever it encounters danger, it can immediately go to the spiritual machine core to activate the shield.

This idea is obviously much more complete than the crude idea originally conceived by Ian.

At first, Ian also wanted to praise Adlbert, but then, he thought of something.

——After entering the core of the spiritual weapon, the soul can return to the body after ending the asylum...

However, the shield is not omnipotent and there will still be many surprises.

What if the body is damaged in a disaster?

Unless Ian establishes a supporting national DNA storage and a convenient and fast clone cultivation system, otherwise, this soul can only stay in the core of the spiritual machine.

Moreover, without the support of a trained body, the clone cannot accommodate the soul of a person who has practiced meditation at all - its body does not have enough source matter and related spiritual channels, and the soul entering it will only lose itself, and soon it will Will die, just like staying in the outside world.

But here comes the problem.

——Do you really need to go out?

Ian asked himself and answered: Of course that is not necessary. Staying in the core of a spiritual weapon can also warm and nourish the soul. Entering an inappropriate body at will will lead to death.

——So, how many souls can be stored in the core of a spiritual machine?

Ian has not yet manufactured it, but it is estimated that it should be able to accommodate tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of ordinary people. The spiritual core of the construct knight is limited by the size of the mobile war construct and the energy supply limitations of the furnace core. It is not the limit of the technology of the spiritual machine core itself. Just like the gap between mobile computers and desktop computers, the spiritual machine core placed in the territory is definitely stronger.

——The soul that has lost its body can enter it to seek refuge, but can the soul of the ordinary old dead?

Of course, the lifespan of the soul and the body are another system. The soul of the old dead dissipates only because the body collapses. Without the support of spiritual matter, the core of the spiritual machine can replace all the supplies of the body.

——Also, how long can the spiritual weapon core protect the soul?

The answer is that as long as there is enough energy, there is no limit.

The more he asked himself questions, the more shocked Ian was.

——Artificial soul, a shelter to store the soul, enough energy and a long-lasting place after death...

This is……

Hades created by man!

"If Grand Duke Thorin went to the center of the earth to use the heat energy of the planet to create hell in order to maintain an afterlife world for almost eternity - then, Adlbert, the concept you just proposed is to create a hell on the surface of the earth. , build a temporary 'Hades!'"

"Moreover, the more souls it shelters, the stronger the shield of the spiritual machine core... As long as it reaches a certain order of magnitude, exceeding 300,000, which is the critical population of the Avak Territory, it can even be created Leaving the subspace... hiding the core of the spiritual weapon in the subspace maze is another layer of protection!"

Excitedly grabbing the shoulder of Researcher Dead Lord, Ian noticed that the other person was still a little confused.

‘Temporary Hades’ has almost no shortcomings except that it requires a lot of energy. Of course, for most forces, this is the biggest shortcoming.

This can't be blamed on the other party, because except for Ian himself, no one knows how much energy technology he has in his hands, so it is impossible to think about 'sustainable maintenance'.

"Yes, is it so powerful?"

Adlbert is a very smart person. He didn't understand the situation at first, but now he realized it and couldn't help but open his eyes wide: "Yes, yes - this is a far better method than Archduke Thorin! And! There is no need to completely die, it is a shelter built by people spontaneously!"

——Where is Grand Duke Thorin who is still thinking about you? The old thing should have been retired long ago.

Ian complained in his heart, but he also knew that it was normal for the other party to care about him. Researcher Dead Lord had been holding his breath in his heart, wanting to prove that Party A's route in the past was wrong.

But, to be honest, it's also quite strange.

Adelbert is a man who always creates results that far exceed what his idea requires for his own ideas that cannot be said to be grand.

Just like this time - he just wanted to find a better and faster way to protect the souls of ordinary people, but in the end he created the prototype of an artificial Hades.

The same is true for the Dead King and the artificial soul. At first, he simply completed the tasks assigned by Archduke Thorin.

It can only be said that Adlbert's talent is truly incredible. It is no wonder that Archduke Thorin valued him so much that he even gave away all his Inaga inheritance to him.

Of course, the artificial Hades technology is now only a prototype within a prototype. I can only say that I have just created a new folder and written two PPTs.

There are still many technical difficulties that need to be overcome.

For example, how to adjust the meditation method, how to create a spiritual machine core, and how to use artificial intelligence to speed up the reaction speed of ordinary people - for example, use artificial intelligence to monitor the surrounding situation, and use the psychic network notification immediately when someone attacks. Everyone, speed up the shelter to raise its shields.

Overall, there are many issues that need to be addressed.

And most importantly...

"Ian, I still need funds."

Adlbert looked at Ian seriously: "The two thousand thalers from the last batch have been almost used. Even if the spiritual machine core is a miniaturized experimental version, the raw materials will cost more than 500 thalers. Considering the experimental losses, and trial and error… Fifty-five hundred thalers are a must.”

"Okay. But it needs to wait."

Ian didn't change his face on the surface, but in fact he was already nervous - 5,500 thalers was actually not much. A house in the imperial capital cost three times that amount. Apart from anything else, Xiahui recently received The large-scale infrastructure construction cost nearly 7,000 thalers in total.

But Ian is also a researcher himself, and he knows very well what Adebert means by the 5,500 thalers... This is only the first phase of experimental funding, and there will be at least three or four phases that require continuous money burning. , only then will the results be produced!

Not to mention, there are other projects that are also funded independently.

As expected, Adlbert then reported honestly and reported the development funds for technologies such as "artificial intelligence" and "artificial soul practicality". Now the total funding requirements exceeded the 10,000 thaler mark.

Looking at the expectant expression on Adlbert's face, how could Ian say, 'No money! I really have no money! 'if?

He could only nod calmly: "Leave it all to me."

It has to be said that Adlbert is a man who can surprise people, whether it is the progress of technological research and development or the intensity of funding required.

"I defrauded funds from superiors and others, and then gave funds to my own researchers... Is this the daily life of the middle-level nobles of the empire?"

After leaving the alchemy laboratory, Ian shook his head and sighed: "Forget it, at least Adlbert won't defraud the funds - if it were me, for so many projects, I wouldn't be able to do it in the first stage if they didn't give me hundreds of thousands of thalers. Done!"

This is really not Ian Lion's big talk - not to mention other issues, the empire's research funding will definitely exceed millions of talers just for artificial intelligence issues. This is just the beginning, and the gradual improvement in the future will be a big step. money.

If Ian hadn't bought the most expensive part of his technology for nothing, with Xiahui's background, he wouldn't have even thought about it!

"It is imperative to attract investment."

Returning to the Lord's Mansion, Ian thought for a while and decided to contact everyone he knew: "The Marquis of Barton, Firestone Group, Platinum and Iridium Workshop, the Second Prince and the Goblins... all those who have the intention to cooperate should be contacted. "

"Although the mountain people are poor, it is still a big market. At this time of year, I believe there will be people willing to explore new markets."

Nowadays, in addition to the traditional 'spiritual nourishing extract', Xiahui Ling also has many more competitive products.

Some time ago, Ian had used the channels of the Platinum and Iridium Workshop to submit patents for rechargeable rifles and magnetic storm generators. The Firestone Group was very interested in these products.

The Marquis of Barton is quite optimistic about the new agricultural cultivation that Ian wants to develop. Of course, it may be an investment purely for Ian himself, but for Ian, a hero who has completed all his tasks perfectly, he certainly does not like it. Will be stingy with money.

Most importantly, Ian has Army status.

If it doesn't work, he can also ask for a military salary - the meritorious troops who defeated the Constructed Knights just want military expenses. Can the Marquis of Barton give it? .

The goblins contacted through Hua An were mainly targeting the goblin lairs in the Great Maze of the South China Sea. As the master of the maze, Ian believed that he had a lot of things to talk to.

There is only the second prince, and the content of the letter written by Ian is purely about ‘making money’.

It's hard to do anything without money, and alchemy research can't produce results. As long as the second prince still values ​​his identity as the 'successor of Inaga's alchemy skills', he, who is now the person in charge of the main front in the Western Territory, will definitely find some excuses to help him. Money - of course, it must be a reasonable excuse, this is the rule of the empire.

If there are connections and channels, there will definitely be investment, which can also accelerate the formalization of various industries in Xiahui City.

However, it may not be enough.

“There’s only so much investment interest within the empire.”

The next day, when Ian held a meeting of Xiahui Ling's management, he pointed at the map and said to Scott Qingchao, Farr and others: "No matter how much we think about it, at least we have to build the alchemy park in Xiakou District. , it is necessary to become famous - but it is different abroad. Feiyan Land and the Empire are at war, but it does not mean that other forces are also idle. The Seven Cities Alliance and the Capital of Knowledge are right next to Feiyan Land, and the Far Coast Island is also ready to move. ."

"Not to mention that Canaan Moore and our empire are nominal allies. They have been selling a lot of supplies recently, and they also have quite cheap raw materials. This is the point."

“If you want to develop quickly, you have to start with those multinational fleets in Harrison Port.”

Ian sets the tone for development, and naturally there will be no other opinions within the territory.

As time goes by, there are also some chores during development.

When Isengard, located in the Eastern Great Plains, received the 'Earthly Molten Snake Vertebrae' sent by Ian, he happily communicated directly with Ian across provinces - Ian was still wondering about the young master and princess of the Ellen family. For children, a third-level Warcraft material should not be so valuable.

But when he knew that this was probably the first time Ellen had received a 'gift from a friend' other than her mother and teacher, he couldn't help but sigh.

——Some people are not short of money, but they are short of friends.

Every family has sutras that are difficult to recite.

After chatting with Ian, Isengard also told Ian good news: because Ian's armor design for the 'Cyclops' previously attracted everyone's attention, and based on the design of Ian's laboratory in the Platinum Iridium Workshop, Several alchemy papers published in his name have also been favored by alchemists in the imperial capital. Now, no one in the Platinum and Iridium Workshop dares to question Ian and his professionalism.

So far, Isengard has completely secured his position as director of the Southern Territory, and the employees in the department are also very obedient and are completely controlled by him... This can basically be said to be due to Ian.

And Ian told Isengard that this is what it should be. They are allies who help each other. The better Isen develops, the more benefits he will get in the future.

Among other things, the internal price of the platinum-iridium alchemical matrix is ​​the reason why Xiahui Ling has not suffered a financial collapse due to large-scale alchemical production in recent times.

Ethan plans to stay in the East for a while longer. Anyway, for a rich man like him, it doesn't matter where he conducts experiments.

In addition, after coming over to take a look at Xio's dragon lair, Anfa also planned to return to Canaan Moore.

This green-haired elf scholar has obtained all the information he wants. In other words, his body should have similar problems to Xio's, both of which are caused by dragon blood or other toxins.

The two parties are considered fellow patients, so they get along so well with each other.

Knowing the degree of healing and purification of the Holy Mountain is really useful, and he also obtained the Dragon God's earth healing secret technique. For Anfa, he has gained a lot, both from himself and from the Canaanite Moorish Dragon Worship Cult.

"You and I will meet again soon."

Before leaving, the elf said goodbye to Ian gracefully: "The place to see you again may be Half Moon Lake - the cooperation negotiations between the Dragon Worship Cult, the Empire and Canaan Moore have entered the final stage, and it is expected that half Moon Lake will be launched within the year. Exploration of underground cavities.”

"And after that, I will come back to Nanling again."

"I am looking forward too."

Ian has a good impression of Anfa. He is meticulous in his conduct and very smart. Both parties can understand each other without having to explain many things.

Moreover, it is Anfa's channel that allows Xiahui Ling to purchase a large amount of Canaan Moore's grains and fruits at an affordable or even low price. Otherwise, who knows how many mountain people will starve to death this winter, even Xiahui Ling's Food reserves will be stretched thin.

Although Anfa himself always humbles himself and says, "This matter is not worth mentioning," in fact, this elf has helped the development of Xiahui Territory no less than anyone else.

According to Ian's news in Nauman City, Anfa's departure was at the same time as Master Oak's departure.

It seems that Master Oak came here nominally to capture members of the Nanling Dragon Worship Cult. In fact, he was probably sent by the family behind Anfa to escort them.

Friends leave and life goes on.

After the war, Xiahui led into a period of rapid development.

Many mountain tribes need to rebuild and lack food. They also need to prepare in advance for spring plowing in a few months. This requires a lot of tools and materials, which Xiahui Ling can fully supply.

Large quantities of tools, fertilizers and processed masonry; boxes of sugar and carts of grain were collected from various places to Xiahuiling, and then various caravans set out to deliver these goods from Xiahuiling to Baidu. Deep in the Mori Mountains.

The mountain people don't have many talers, but they do have other supplies: ores, herbs, Warcraft materials... these are all hard currency.

Xiahui Ling could not digest all of these materials, so he resold them to alchemy workshops around Nauman City to obtain cash to continue infrastructure construction and commercial activities.

Of course, Ian is not simply sucking blood from the mountain people, he is also making plans for the development of the mountain people.

To put it bluntly, the answer is simple: give full play to location advantages and develop characteristic industries.

The interior of the Baisen Mountains is really not suitable for farming. Even though there are three mountain basins with excellent farming areas such as riverside land, if the mountain people want to be self-sufficient in food, they can only rely on new technologies.

So, just minerals.

In this era, territories with a large uneducated and low-end population had to rely on selling resources to get development funds.

The mountain people happen to be sitting on a large number of mines in the Baisen Mountains, which has to be said to be a blessing.

However, they do not have modern mining technology, so they spend a lot of effort and may not be able to get even three points of profit.

This was a limitation of the empire in the past, but now, because of the activities of the Marquis of Baton, the limitation has been opened.

Naturally, Ian would not miss this opportunity.

It just so happened that one of the several dwarf brothers Roland brought from Fallen Star Hills was a professional in a related field. Although the dwarves who mined were all blacksmiths, which was Terra's racial prejudice, it had to be said. , the best mining workers in the world are all dwarves.

Under the guidance of this professional, the mountain people quickly determined the relevant mining regulations, and Xiahui Ling was also working overtime to produce related machinery and equipment - for hundreds of years, this was probably the first step for the mountain people. Alchemy tracks and minecarts can be used at one time to transport the ore instead of using manpower to move the ore out.

The time is quickly approaching the end of January.

During this period of time, Ian once again felt the shortcomings of the 'barony' of Xiahui - the population and talents were too small.

Except for Old Farr and Roland, Ian did not find any other useful talents in the Xiahui Territory. In fact, Old Farr and Roland were not trained locally. They were both 'abroad scholars' who had returned from other places. .

This is the reason why the frontier aristocrats may not be able to develop any careers for several generations: the truly cutting-edge technicians will be sucked away by the imperial capital or several other big cities. There are neither research conditions nor funds in the frontier areas. Support, the academic atmosphere is even worse.

If you stay in a place like this, you will gradually lose touch with the forefront of the industry.

Unless the local nobles themselves became professionals and, like Ian, took charge of all matters of reform and construction themselves, nothing might change in a few decades.

For this problem, Ian can only try to make a name for himself, come up with some big discoveries and inventions, and attract talents, otherwise there will be no solution.

And if you want to cultivate it yourself, you need time - even he spent four or five years learning the entire alchemical inscription system.

The population is easier to deal with... Whether it is attracting some labor force from the mountain people who want to come to the 'Holy Land' to work and serve the Dragon God's envoys, or accepting those refugees from the Western Region who lack food due to the food disaster, it is a good way. .

As long as they do a good job in auditing and training, they will soon be able to join the current booming Xiahui leadership development.

Of course, there are problems and there are gains.

In addition to dealing with various territorial matters, Ian, who was optimizing the Lord of Steel, received two pieces of good news from Scott who came to report.

The first one: Thanks to the hard work of a soil sublimator and a professional construction team working overtime, the skeleton of the first 'hydroponic farm building' next to Xiahui Lake has been built and is waiting for him to inspect and determine the key points. If there are no problems with the structure, the details can be optimized and the construction of other hydroponic farm buildings can be accelerated.

The second one: Viscount Taimo Decas walked around the South Ridge, and after waiting for several new news from the imperial capital, he came with rewards, rewards and a whole support convoy from the imperial capital.

Accompanying him were several leaders of different caravans.

They were all attracted by Ian's recent fame and wanted to investigate investments.