Chapter 493

Leaving the Hall of Purple Harmony, Chen Wen and Zhao Lao Nian did not take a carriage but walked to the Ministry of Works office.

Translation: "Leaving the Hall of Purple Harmony, Chen Wen and Zhao Lao Nian did not take a carriage but walked to the Ministry of Works office."

We need to ensure we used "Hall of Purple Harmony" for "Hall of Purple Harmony", "Chen Wen", "Zhao Lao Nian", "Ministry of Works office". Could also be "Ministry of Works headquarters". We'll keep "Ministry of Works office". Ensure no extra words.

Qian Gui then went ahead to make arrangements for the follow-up matters.

Translation: "Qian Gui went ahead to arrange the follow-up matters."

The streets of Bianjing City remained bustling, with crowds flowing like a woven tapestry, and the marketplaces clamorous;

Translation: "The streets of Bianjing remained bustling, with crowds flowing like a woven tapestry; the marketplaces were noisy."

We need to keep punctuation? The source line ends with a semicolon. We'll keep as is? Probably we can keep same punctuation but in English. We'll translate: "The streets of Bianjing remained bustling, with crowds flowing like a woven tapestry; the marketplaces were noisy;" but we need to keep as single line. We'll keep the semicolon at end? Might be okay. We'll produce: "The streets of Bianjing remained bustling, with crowds flowing like a woven tapestry; the marketplaces were noisy;"

But the source had a semicolon after the marketplaces clamorous; then line ends. We'll keep a semicolon at end.

This scene of peace and prosperity formed a stark contrast with the oppressive atmosphere of impending storm on the side of the puppet Song.

Translation: "This scene of peace and prosperity formed a stark contrast with the oppressive atmosphere of impending storm on the False Song side."

We used "False Song". Ensure.

As Chen Wen walked through it, he felt the tranquility he had personally helped create, and his resolve to protect it grew stronger.

Translation: "As Chen Wen walked through it, he felt the tranquility he had personally helped create, and his resolve to protect it grew stronger."

The Ministry of Works office is located in the southeast corner of the Imperial City, covering a considerable area.

Translation: "The Ministry of Works office is located in the southeast corner of Huangcheng and covers a considerable area."

Even before approaching, one could hear the rhythmic hammering and grinding from within, and the air was filled with a distinctive smell of mixed metal, wood, and a special ore.

Translation: "Even before approaching, one could hear the rhythmic hammering and grinding from within, and the air was filled with a distinctive smell of mixed metal, wood, and a special ore."

The gatekeepers clearly recognized Zhao Lao Nian, and also recognized the man beside him—though dressed in simple cloth, he bore an extraordinary demeanor, Chen Wen;

Translation: "The gatekeepers clearly recognized Zhao Lao Nian, and also recognized Chen Wen beside him, who, though simply dressed, bore an extraordinary demeanor;"

We need to keep semicolon at end.

The two were not questioned at all and were respectfully led inside.

Translation: "The two were not questioned at all and were respectfully led inside."

Zhao Lao Nian led the way while enthusiastically introducing, his tone openly proud.

Translation: "Zhao Lao Nian led the way while enthusiastically introducing, his tone openly proud."

"My lord, this way."

"My lord, this way."

"Since you last pointed out the principle where nether energy and momentum clash, our Ministry of Works has finally made a breakthrough!"

Translation: "\"Since you last pointed out the principle of the clash between Nether Energy and Fortune Momentum, our Ministry of Works has finally had a breakthrough! \"" Need to keep quotes and exclamation.

We used "Nether Energy" and "Fortune Momentum" as given.

"Many of the previously puzzling bottlenecks are now readily solved;"

Translation: "\"Many of the previously puzzling bottlenecks are now readily solved;"

We need to keep semicolon.

"and the new gadgets we've come up with are much more effective than before!"

Translation: "\"and the new gadgets we've come up with are far more effective than before! \"" Keep quotes and exclamation.

They passed through several bustling workshop areas and arrived at an independent compound with tighter security.

Translation: "They passed through several noisy workshop areas and arrived at a more strictly guarded independent compound."

Above the gate hung a plaque bearing the three characters "Investigation of Things Institute".

Translation: "Above the gate hung a plaque bearing the three characters \"Investigation of Things Institute\"."

We need to keep quotes around the Chinese? Actually we translate the term to English: "Investigation of Things Institute". The line says the three characters 'Investigation of Things Institute'. So we translate as "the three characters 'Investigation of Things Institute'". We'll keep quotes.

This is the core research and development hub of the Ministry of Works, directly overseen by Zhao Lao Nian, and ordinary officials are not permitted entry.

Translation: "This is the core research and development site of the Ministry of Works, directly overseen by Zhao Lao Nian, and ordinary officials are not permitted to enter."

The interior is quite spacious, divided into several sections.

Translation: "The interior is quite spacious, divided into several areas."

Some artisans in Ministry of Works attire were busy in different sections;

Translation: "Some artisans wearing Ministry of Works attire were busy in different areas;"

Some were adjusting instruments similar to a compass but with a more complex structure;

Translation: "Some were adjusting instruments similar to a compass but with a more complex structure;"

Others were carefully inlaying and tracing glowing patterns onto specially made leather armor or small crossbows;

Translation: "Others were carefully inlaying and tracing glowing patterns onto specially made leather armor or small crossbow mechanisms;"

The pigments used for those patterns were clearly mixed with finely ground nether energy crystal ore powder.

Translation: "The pigments used for those patterns were clearly mixed with finely ground Nether Energy Crystal Ore powder."

Upon seeing Zhao Lao Nian enter, the artisans all stopped their work and bowed in salute.

Translation: "Upon seeing Zhao Lao Nian enter, the artisans all stopped their work and bowed in salute."

"Minister Zhao!"

Translation: "\"Minister Zhao! \"" We need to keep exclamation.

When their gaze fell upon Chen Wen, it was filled with immense reverence and excitement;

Translation: "When their gaze fell upon Chen Wen, it was filled with immense reverence and excitement;"

Although most people did not know Chen Wen's true identity, they all knew that this "Mr. Chen" was a highly respected figure to Minister Zhao, and often brought crucial guidance.

Translation: "Although most people did not know Chen Wen's true identity, they all knew that this \"Mr. Chen\" was a highly respected figure whom Minister Zhao esteemed greatly, and he often brought crucial guidance."

We need to keep quotes around the Chinese? Actually we translate the term to English: "Mr. Chen". The line includes quotes around Mr. Chen in Chinese; we can keep quotes around the English translation: "\"Mr. Chen\"". We'll do that.

Zhao Lao Nian waved his hand, signaling everyone to continue working.

Translation: "Zhao Lao Nian waved his hand, signaling everyone to continue working."

He led Chen Wen straight to a platform at the center of the compound, where several finished pieces of equipment were laid out.

Translation: "He led Chen Wen straight to a platform at the center of the compound, where several pieces of finished equipment were laid out."

"My lord, take a look at this."

Translation: "\"My lord, take a look at this. \""

Zhao Lao Nian picked up a round shield that was one size smaller than a standard shield, its entire body a dark, subdued metallic hue.

Translation: "Zhao Lao Nian picked up a round shield that was one size smaller than a normal shield, its entire body a dark metallic hue."

The shield's surface bore fine, regular patterns, with a small piece of processed nether energy crystal set at its center.

Translation: "The shield's surface bore fine, orderly patterns, with a small piece of processed Nether Energy Crystal set at its center."

"This is the newly improved 'Nether-Slaying Shield'."

Translation: "\"This is the newly improved Evil-Repelling Shield. \""

We need to keep quotes around the term.

"Not only are the materials and structure strengthened, but the key is the 'flow-guiding patterns' on it."

Translation: "\"Not only are the materials and structure strengthened, but the key is the 'Guide-Flow Lines' on it. \""

He pointed to those patterns and explained.

Translation: "He pointed to those lines and explained."

"Before, our equipment mainly relied on brute resistance to nether energy erosion, suffering high wear and only moderate effectiveness."

Translation: "\"Before, our equipment mainly resisted Nether Energy erosion head-on, suffering large losses and only mediocre results. \""

"Now these patterns can guide incoming exotic energy, especially nether energy, letting most of it slide off the shield surface or be directed into the ground;"

Translation: "\"Now these lines can guide the incoming alien energy, especially Nether Energy, letting most of it slide off the shield surface or be directed underground;"

"Only a small portion needs to be borne by the shield's own strength."

Translation: "\"only a small portion needs to be borne by the shield itself. \""

"I've tested it; a shield of the same size, this new one can withstand over thirty percent more impact than the old one, and it's less tiring, greatly reducing the burden on the user."

Translation: "\"I've tested it: a shield of the same size can withstand over thirty percent more impact than the old one, and it's much less tiring, greatly reducing the user's burden. \""

Chen Wen took hold of this "Nether-Slaying Shield", feeling its substantial weight, but with his strength it posed no problem.

Translation: "Chen Wen took hold of the \"Evil-Repelling Shield\", feeling its substantial weight, but with his strength it posed no problem."

He carefully sensed the energy flow within the shield.

Translation: "He carefully sensed the energy flow within the shield."

In his "initial sense of momentum", this shield indeed resembled a barrier with a specific discharge channel;

Translation: "In his \"Shi Yong\" perception, this shield indeed resembled a barrier with specific discharge channels;"

rather than the previous solid lumps purely piled up from material.

Translation: "rather than the previous solid lump relying purely on material stacking."

"Not bad. This can be used by elite squads, especially those likely to face the Iron Crow Army's Nether Shadow or deeply eroded targets."

Translation: "\"Not bad. This can be used by elite squads, especially those likely to face the Iron Crow Army's Nether Shadows or deeply eroded targets. \""

"And there's this!"

Translation: "\"And this! \""

Zhao Lao Nian then picked up a palm-sized, antiquated bronze bell.

Translation: "Zhao Lao Nian then picked up a palm-sized, antiquated copper bell."

The bell's surface was likewise covered with patterns, and inside, instead of a usual clapper, hovered a small cluster of nether energy crystal sand that appeared to spin slowly on its own.

Translation: "The bell's surface likewise bore patterns, and inside, instead of a usual clapper, hovered a small cluster of Nether Energy Crystal sand that seemed to spin slowly on its own."

"This is an improved version of the 'Clearing Mind Bell', which I call the 'Stabilizing Spirit Bell'."

Translation: "\"This is an improved version of the 'Clearing Heart Bell', which I call the 'Stabilizing Spirit Bell'. \""

"The sound it produces when shaken is not heard by the ears."

Translation: "\"The sound it produces when shaken is not heard by the ears. \""

He gently shook the bronze bell, which did not emit a clear chime, but instead released an invisible ripple that made the spirits of nearby people tremble slightly.

Translation: "He gently shook the copper bell, which did not emit a clear chime but instead released an invisible ripple that made nearby people's spirits twitch slightly."

Chen Wen could feel that this ripple had no effect on ordinary minds, but it had a noticeable soothing and dispersing effect on the chaotic, erosive interference of "nether energy".

Translation: "Chen Wen could feel that this ripple had no effect on ordinary minds, but it had a noticeable soothing and dispersing effect on the chaotic, invasive Nether Energy interference."

"This thing is especially effective against those deceitful tricks that bewitch the mind and create illusions!"

Translation: "\"This thing is especially effective against those bewitching heart and illusion-causing ghostly tricks! \"" Need to keep exclamation.

Zhao Lao Nian felt somewhat pleased.

Translation: "Zhao Lao Nian felt somewhat pleased."

"Its range is larger than that of the previous 'Heart-Guarding Talisman', it lasts longer, but it is more troublesome to make and requires higher-grade materials."

Translation: "\"Its range is larger than the previous 'Guard Heart Talisman', its duration longer, but it is more costly to make and requires higher-grade materials. \""

Chen Wen nodded.

Translation: "Chen Wen nodded."

"Good stuff. This should be prioritized for issue to the Northward Aspiration Army's personnel responsible for ideological guidance and for undertaking special missions, the core members."

Translation: "\"Good stuff. This should be prioritized for issue to the Northward Aspiration Army's personnel responsible for ideological guidance and those tasked with special missions. \""

Next, Zhao Lao Nian displayed several pieces of equipment developed or improved based on the new theory.

Translation: "Next, Zhao Lao Nian displayed several pieces of equipment developed or improved based on the new theory."

There was the "Nether-Slaying Crossbow" with greater range and some interference effect on energy entities;

Translation: "There was the \"Repel Evil Crossbow\" with greater range and some interference effect on energy entities;"

There was the "Dust-Cleansing Talisman" capable of purifying small areas of nether-energy-contaminated water and land;

Translation: "There was the \"Purify Dust Talisman\" capable of purifying small areas of Nether Energy‑contaminated water sources and land;"

And there was the "Concealment Formation Disk", specially used to reinforce and stabilize small outposts or secret warehouses, making them harder to detect by nether-energy detection means, and so on.

Translation: "There was also the \"Concealment Formation Disk\" specially used to reinforce and stabilize small outposts or secret warehouses, making them harder to detect by Nether Energy sensing means; and so on."

Every piece of equipment demonstrates the significant technological progress made by the Chen Dynasty's Ministry of Works after understanding the principle of countering Yin Energy-Fortune Momentum.

They are no longer blindly resisting, but have begun trying to understand, guide, and even utilize the opponent's force rules.

Chen Wen inspected while silently assessing in his mind the extent to which these equipment would boost the actual combat strength of the Northward Aspiration Army.

At the same time, he also considered how to combine his own Ability Granting with these equipment to achieve an effect greater than the sum of its parts.

"Old Nian, how is the production capacity of these equipments?"

Chen Wen asked.

"I need a detailed list, including current inventory, monthly production capacity, and priority supply sequence."

Zhao Lao Nian obviously had prepared beforehand, pulling out a thick ledger from his bosom and handing it to Chen Wen.

"Everything is recorded in here, my lord."

"Following your previous orders, the finest craftsmen and resources have been directed toward this."

"Currently, the Evil-Suppressing Shield and Spirit-Calming Bell have the highest output, barely able to guarantee a monthly supply for fifty people;

The Evil-Breaking Crossbow and Concealment Formation Disk are fewer in number;

The Dust-Purifying Talisman and similar auxiliaries have decent output".

He paused, then added.

"In an emergency, we could squeeze out a bit more, but the quality might fluctuate slightly."

Chen Wen flipped through the ledger, quickly calculating in his mind.

This production capacity, if one wanted to equip an army on a large scale, would naturally be far insufficient;

but if used to arm the core cadres and elite squads of the Northward Aspiration Army, it is already a timely aid.

"Very well. Immediately begin preparing the first batch of supplies, with a full variety, quantity according to maximum output."

"Once ready, send it via secret channels to East of the Mountains as soon as possible, handing it to Shi Dun and Chao Gai."

"Understood!"

Zhao Lao Nian nodded solemnly.

After inspecting the equipment, Chen Wen had Zhao Lao Nian take him to see the research and improvement progress of the Light Curtain Stabilizer.

In a more concealed room with more protective measures, a stabilizer smaller in volume and more finely structured than before is operating;

Its emitted energy fluctuations are more stable, and its interference with surrounding rules is also gentler.

"Optimizing the passage is fundamental in the long term."

Chen Wen instructed Zhao Lao Nian.

"The movement of supplies and personnel all depends on this."

"If the repulsive force can be weakened by a fraction and the cooldown time shortened by a moment, our actions in the other realm will gain a bit more initiative."

"My lord, rest assured, I know the priorities!"

Zhao Lao Nian patted his chest to guarantee.

"I'll bring a few of my best disciples, eat and reside in the Investigation of Things Institute, and not rest until I've thoroughly figured this out!"

When leaving the Investigation of Things Institute, it was already afternoon.

Sunlight streamed through the high eaves of the Ministry of Works office, falling onto the blue-stone paved ground.

Chen Wen stood in the courtyard, feeling the abundant power brought by his internal Lv. 4 system, gazing at the courtyard before him that represents the pinnacle of Chen dynasty technology;

In his mind, he now had a clearer blueprint and greater confidence for the next phase of operations to be launched in False Song East of the Mountains.

The blade of technology has been sharpened; next, it is to precisely deliver it into the hands of those who aspire to the Northward Aspiration.

Let them, in the impending chaotic age, possess greater power to cleave darkness and guard light.