Chapter 345

Chen Wen

Zhao Lao Nian

Minister Zhang

The ding-ding-dang of hammer strikes, the hu-hu of bellows being pulled, and the artisans' alternating fierce and excited arguments intertwined into a unique melody.

Zhao Lao Nian wore a short jacket stained with oil and scorch marks, a crooked, tattered headscarf he'd picked up somewhere, and was pacing around a metal contraption half a person tall and intricately structured.

Investigation of Things Institute

Nether Energy Crystal Ore

Fortune Momentum

"Quick! Quick! Put that smallest 'primer' crystal stone in! Yes, that scrap! Careful, use copper tongs!" Zhao Lao Nian hoarsely Commander, his eyes locked onto the observation window set with a transparent crystal on the copper tube.

A young artisan carefully used a specially made long-handled copper tongs to pick up a small fragment of Nether Energy Crystal Ore, the size of a fingernail and dull in color—recovered from previously seized Nether Energy arrows or damaged equipment, its energy response extremely weak—through a specially made isolation channel, sending it into the interior of the copper tube.

His Majesty

All the artisans unconsciously held their breath, their gazes fixed on the jade plates inscribed with runes, as well as on the heavy stone grindwheel attached to the end of the drive rod.

Zhao Lao Nian drew a deep breath, stepped forward himself, inspected all the connections, then gave a firm nod to the old artisan beside him who was in charge of controlling the valve.

Iron Crow Army

False Song

Vortex Machine

The jade plates inlaid in the tube wall had their inscribed vortex runes light up one after another with a faint, steady glow—not the deep blue of Nether Energy, nor the dark yellow of Fortune Momentum, but a soft, nearly colorless halo.

Nether Energy-Fortune Momentum Coupling

They used the tiny, unstable energy of the Nether Energy Crystal as an initial 'primer', skillfully eliciting, guiding, and amplifying the harmonious force inherent in the device itself and pervasive throughout heaven and earth—especially the force that subtly resonated with the dynasty's Fortune Momentum—transforming it into a continuous, stable, usable mechanical kinetic energy.

This is a completely different technical path.

It does not seek to harness violent dark energy, but rather strives to utilize its properties to lever a greater, more tranquil power.

The humming sound gradually became steady and strong.

Through the crystal observation window, one can see that inside the copper tube, an invisible vortex seems to be spinning, driving the core mechanism.

Suddenly!

The heavy stone grindstone attached to the end of the transmission rod emitted a soft "creak," then, extremely slowly, it began to turn in earnest!

One turn, two turns…

The speed gradually increased, finally maintaining a steady and uniform rotation!

"It's done! Really done!" a young craftsman couldn't help shouting, his face flushed with excitement.

"Quiet!" Zhao Lao Nian barked lowly, but the grin almost splitting his cheeks revealed his equally excited mood.

He stared intently at the turning grindstone, then glanced at the steadily glowing runes on the copper tube, quickly calculating in his mind.

"Record! Record!" he shouted, "The crystal shard weighs three qian seven fen, initial energy rating 'trivial', operating time exceeded a hundred breaths, output force steady, equivalent to… equivalent to two strong oxen continuously turning a millstone! The rune energy reaction is stable, with no sign of overload!"

The nearby scribe hurriedly wrote vigorously in the ledger.

"Cut off the energy input!" Zhao Lao Nian ordered again.

The valve was closed, the humming inside the copper tube gradually weakened, the faint glow of the runes dimmed, and the stone grindstone, relying on inertia, turned a few more times before slowly coming to a stop.

Inside the workshop there was first silence, then it burst into even louder cheers!

Success!

This prototype vortex machine, for the first time, achieved stable energy output exceeding a hundred breaths! Moreover, its output power is quite considerable!

This means they have found a viable technical route that can harness that conflicting energy to produce steady power!

"Hahaha! Good! Good lads! Well done!" Zhao Lao Nian slapped the shoulders of several nearby craftsmen, waving his arms excitedly, "See? This is the power of the Investigation of Things Institute! Never mind dark energy killing aura—before our runes and ingenuity, they must obey and turn the millstone for us!"

He walked several circuits around the halted vortex machine, touching here, tapping there, his eyes flashing with countless ideas for improvement.

"Here, the transmission structure can still be optimized to reduce loss."

"Also, this rune array could be arranged more compactly, which should further boost activation efficiency."

"If we could find a more efficient and stable 'primer,' or directly invoke a stronger Fortune Momentum resonance…"

He had already begun drafting blueprints for the next generation, even the generation after that, of the vortex machine.

"Minister Zhao," an officer responsible for recording stepped forward, his face also lit with joy, "If this machine succeeds, its applications…"

"Applications? The possibilities are endless!" Zhao Lao Nian waved his hand, spittle flying, "Right now it can be used in the workshop to replace water and manpower, driving water exhaust bellows, powering spinning and weaving looms, grinding ore—how much human and animal labor could it save!"

"If built larger someday, it might even provide power for huge barges, letting them forge ahead through waves even on windless days!"

"If further miniaturized and refined, paired with a specific mechanism… hehe."

He didn't go on, but the gleam in his eyes already hinted at its enormous military potential—for instance, powering siege crossbows that require immense pull or sustained drive, or other more precise war machines.

This is not baseless fantasy.

The essence of the "vortex rune" is energy conversion and guidance.

Since it can drive a grindstone and a spinning machine, it is naturally possible, with careful design, to drive a weapon that slays the enemy.

"Immediately compile the detailed records of this successful trial into a volume and present it to His Majesty!" Zhao Lao Nian suppressed his excitement and issued a solemn order, "Furthermore, select capable personnel to form the 'Vortex Machine Group,' dedicated to improving this machine and researching its future applications!"

"List the required materials and funds; I will go to His Majesty and the Minister of Revenue, Zhang, to request them!"

"Yes!"

The entire Investigation of Things Institute boiled over because of this breakthrough.

This forms a stark contrast with the False Song Divine Machine Workshop's atmosphere under the Iron Crow Army's high pressure—disregarding consequences, pursuing unstable destructive power.

The Ministry of Works of Great Chen follows another path—based on understanding the essence of energy, steady, controllable, aiming to accumulate technology that enhances national strength and people's livelihood.

Several days later, the detailed report lay on Chen Wen's imperial desk.

Chen Wen carefully read every detail of the trial, especially the data concerning the stability and efficiency of energy output.

His face showed an expression of approval.

What a Zhao Lao Nian, what a vortex machine.

He could feel that this technological breakthrough, though it seemed merely a small step of the Ministry of Works' Thus line: Investigation of Things Institute, represented behind it a technological system unique to Great Chen, based on the coupling principle of Fortune Momentum and Yin Energy, gradually taking shape.

It was not merely a matter of adding another power source.

It signified that Great Chen was breaking free from the sole reliance on Ability Granting, beginning to solidify and popularize this transcendent power through technological means, truly transforming it into one of the foundational forces driving the entire dynasty forward.

This was fundamentally different from the False Song's poison‑quench‑thirst‑like, heretical reliance on external infusion.

Issue the decree: reward all artisans and officials of the Ministry of Works' Thus line: Investigation of Things Institute who participated in this project, according to merit.

Approve Zhao Lao Nian's memorial: establish the 'Vortex Machine Group', with required resources coordinated by the Inner Treasury and the Ministry of Revenue, to be allocated first.

Order him to press on, swiftly push the practical application of this technology; I look forward to seeing it first take effect in the state-run workshops.

The palace eunuch received the order and departed.

Chen Wen walked outside the hall, feeling the ever‑stronger Fortune Momentum within his body.

The technological breakthrough, the growth of national strength, the cohesion of the people's hearts—all these mutually reinforced each other, together building Great Chen's unshakable foundation.

Zhao Kuangyin, you are accumulating your madness.

And I am consolidating my foundation.

It remains to be seen whether your madness will first tear yourself apart, or my foundation will first prop up a new heaven and earth.

He gazed westward, his eyes calm yet bearing an unshakable confidence.

The East‑West contest, after military, diplomatic, and spiritual realms, has now opened a new chapter in the technological field.

And Great Chen, relying on its own wisdom and path, is steadily moving ahead.