Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 442 The Need for Offspring?

Chen Mo came to Sky Dome not just to sell a few or a few dozen difference engines.

This steam computer has a huge number of internal components and extremely high precision requirements. More than 90% of them are precision mechanical parts. Even in Dongxia, where the industrial level is the best on Earth, the highest level of processing technology and expert team are required.

If this were manufactured by Fanxing, given Hanhai's current industrial capabilities, building a difference engine capable of performing thousands of calculations would probably require constructing a behemoth like a two-unit high-rise building.

Therefore, every component of the difference engine sold to Tianqiong had to be transported from Dongxia.

That's such a waste.

To put it bluntly, Chen Mo could make more money by tinkering with anything at the altar connecting to Dongxia than by selling this Difference Engine.

But Chen Mo still had to come, still had to bring the difference engine, and still had to patiently continue to discuss cooperation with the other party.

The reason is simple: the Sky Empire has what Chen Mo needs.

In the reception room of the post station, Chen Mo convened a brief meeting with his loyal subordinates.

"This crown prince is acting strangely; he clearly has a problem with me, so I don't want to talk to him!"

Chen Ye, who was granted permission to attend the meeting, swallowed hard. He felt as if a caterpillar with a poisonous sting was crawling in his throat, bringing a burning, astringent sensation, yet he was too tight to speak.

He turned his head and looked around. The group of people from the Vast Ocean all looked like it was perfectly normal. It seemed that none of them thought there was anything wrong with going against the Crown Prince of the Sky Dome.

This is the sky!

It was the most powerful force in the world, controlling the eastern and western continents for over five hundred years, with all under heaven submitting; it was a super-nation that had annihilated the most land-based races with iron and blood, leaving countless souls dead under its blade; it was a shadow that still loomed over the opposing nations even after retreating to the west of the Dragon's Spine Mountains; it was a terrifying banner that made the elderly tremble, stopped children from crying at night, made elves shudder, and made dragons bow their heads in its sight...

But these people in front of me showed no fear whatsoever!
Chen Ye was a little confused, but he didn't dare to ask. He could only continue to listen to his uncle's admonition.

"However, from the very beginning of this trip to Sky Dome, I've said that there are three things we need to try to get."

"In order of importance, the most important is the 'double-weave' technique of the sky dome."

"Dual-pattern weaving," known as "magical resonance" in Dongxia, is a technique that studies how to combine the spiritual source magic system with a non-magical power system. Like the "Omnipotent Flywheel" of the Sky Empire, it is a high-end core technology that is completely sealed off from the outside world.

The discovery of this technology originated from the "Omnidirectional Flywheel," which is the celestial version of the difference engine.

Although Dongxia didn't take the "Universal Flywheel" seriously, driven by curiosity for research and exploration, Hanhai used a modern difference engine as a starting point to exchange for a first-generation version of the "Universal Flywheel," which was then sent back to Dongxia's hometown for disassembly.

During this process, Dongxia's technical team made a surprising discovery: a rather surprising cutting-edge technology was attached to the "Omnidirectional Flywheel".

Inside that somewhat clumsy machine, the Sky Dome housed a rather sophisticated "embedded" system. This system utilized a unique, double-layered nested rune array to effectively solve the problems of energy conversion, interface matching, and synchronization coordination between psionic drive and mechanical transmission.

This has always been a research focus for Dongxia, and the culmination of this research is the [Treading Waves 061] ground-effect flight warship.

However, this warship assembly belongs to the Eastern Xia version of "powerful brick flying". Its basis is to forcibly attach "Ser water element support" to the warship. If it is unstable, reduce the vulnerable structure and pile up stabilizing magic array. If it is not safe, add armor on one side and pile up protective magic array on the other. In this way, add water when there is too much surface and add surface when there is too much water, and so on, creating this special individual.

However, the "magical resonance" technology in the Sky Dome's machine has cleverly merged the two originally independent systems into one.

To draw an analogy, the combination of modern technology and magical technology in Dongxia is similar to combining a carriage with a steam engine. Dongxia's approach is like using a steam engine to drive a whip, which then strikes the horse to keep the carriage moving forward...

The sky, on the other hand, had evolved to the era when steam engines directly drove flywheels.

Dongxia attempted to crack it, but to no avail!
When it comes to the research of psionic technology, Dongxia's foundation is still too weak. Moreover, many technological breakthroughs may come from a genius's flash of inspiration, an accident in an experiment, or a material being placed in the wrong position, etc.

As a civilization that highly respects technology, Dongxia subtly expressed its interest in the technology of "magical resonance" to [Wanderer].

The main reason Chen Mo accepted Tianqiong's invitation to visit, despite the risk of displeasing the countries of the Eastern Continent, was precisely because of this.

Chen Ye felt his heart tremble.

I'm still an official of the Sky, okay? This uncle just bluntly stated the most important goal.
Is this trusting oneself, or testing oneself?
"Chen Ye!"

"To!"

Upon hearing Chen Mo's shout, Chen Ye reflexively sprang up, straightened his chest, raised his head, and stood at a standard military posture with his hands pressed tightly against his trouser seams, though his body was trembling slightly.

"Don't be nervous. Right now, you're the most important link between us and the Sky Dome. I reckon it's unlikely that the Crown Prince will gain anything. See if you can communicate through other channels. First, see if you can figure out why this guy is so hostile towards us. Second, see if there are any other forces that might be able to contact us and push the cooperation forward!"

"Yes, Uncle, I'll make the contact right away!"

"Okay, thank you for your hard work! Sit down, sit down, don't be so nervous."

"We're not outsiders, right?"

"Let's get back to business. If there's really no hope for the first option, there's no need to push it too hard."

"The one ranked second can try to compete. I want the historical records and spell inheritance of the necromancers from the Sky Dome!"

"We'll take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we'll procure and learn from the private sector. Ideally, we'll get Tianqiong to allow us to set up an office here. We shouldn't be afraid to spend money on this!"

"Another possibility is whether there is an official channel, such as allowing us to send some international students to study at the Sky Dome Academy."

This task was much easier.

The undead summoners of the Sky Dome were once very prosperous, with dozens of different summoning styles at their peak. If it weren't for the later "Elemental Tragedy," which wiped out more than 80% of the Empire's high-level summoners, the current state of undead mages would not be so miserable.

Chen Mo, or rather, the Eastern Xia behind him, was extremely envious of the historical materials and intellectual heritage left behind by such a once glorious and profound professional system.

This can provide irreplaceable and valuable material for the Han Hai and even Dong Xia to understand the essence of the world of the dead and construct their own related theories.

"Finally, there's our free trade with the heavens."

Chen Mo coughed lightly and continued, "This shouldn't be difficult. Right now, the Summer Moon Alliance doesn't have any competitive products of its own. On the contrary, there's a high possibility that others will dump their products on us. The more open the trade channels are, the larger our trade deficit will be, which is equivalent to giving money away to others."

"But it doesn't matter, I've always hoped that the people in my territory could live a better life."

"Let's spend some money, we'll find it elsewhere."

"but!"

Chen Mo then changed the subject and outlined the general principles of communication.

"If we don't get results in the first two areas, then there's no need to discuss this last one. Let's just go our separate ways with Tianqiong!"

Chen Ye suddenly had a realization.

My uncle called me to this meeting, probably not because of any trust or test, but because he wanted me to pass on a message to the heavens.

This discussion can't go on. Doesn't your Sky Dome want to do something about it? If no one does, then let's just call it a day and go home!

The empire probably won't really ignore it.

The vast ocean has needs from the sky, and the sky, in turn, has its own desires for the vast ocean.

Chen Mo stayed in Guanhai City for two days. During this time, the chairman of Xia Yue and the lord of Han Hai did only one thing: go shopping.

He had no airs of nobility whatsoever. Dressed in casual clothes in the style of the Hanhai Kingdom, with a windproof leather jacket over them, he held Liushuang's hand, with the spirited "Little White" perched on his shoulder, and followed by several guards dressed in casual clothes but with sharp eyes. He looked exactly like a nouveau riche playboy as he swaggered into the most bustling market area of ​​Guanhai City.

As for the shopping process, the main focus is on extravagance.

At first, whenever Chen Mo saw something new or interesting, he would simply pay for it without even haggling.

When they saw Chen Mo buy a piece of material worth less than ten copper coins with just one gold coin, the official from the Right Division of the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs who was accompanying Chen Mo couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Previously, they didn't speak up to stop or remind them, fearing it would be seen as overstepping their bounds and interfering with their guests' behavior. But now, if they still didn't speak up, it would be tantamount to watching their guests be slaughtered on their own turf.

If word gets out, this young lord of the Vast Ocean might not care about the money and face, but the reputation of the Li Yi Si (a political organization) will likely be rubbed into the ground for a long time.

They offered a tactful reminder.

"Lord Chen... Lord Chen Mo, the things in this market are a mixed bag, some genuine and some fake. If you buy the wrong thing, it's a small matter if you waste money, but the key is that it's easy to cause problems when you use it."

"How about this? If you see anything you like, just point it out, and we'll handle all the details, from checking the goods and verifying their authenticity to confirming the price and even the procurement and transportation. We'll make sure to deliver the genuine products to your doorstep." Chen Mo's eyes lit up.

"Oh? You can do that? That's really too much trouble for everyone!"

A few minutes later, the official from the Celestial Bureau of Extraordinary Things regretted it.

Chen Mo began his indiscriminate shopping spree, glancing at everything he saw and declaring, "I'll take everything from this stall!"

The official from the Bureau of Excusement paused for a moment, then cautiously confirmed, "Lord Chen, do you mean... which item from this stall you wish to buy? Or several items?"

"This stall? The stall owner doesn't want it, but I want everything else!"

"..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Although the system is vast and its structure is cumbersome, it can still react quite quickly in certain specific matters.

After Chen Ye delivered the message and the Chen family completed the report, His Majesty the Emperor learned about the situation and sent a secret letter to the Crown Prince's desk.

The Crown Prince removed the sealing wax, unfolded the letter inlaid with gold thread, quickly glanced through it, and shook his head with some helplessness.

"We hate looking at each other, yet we have no choice but to get together!"

"It's really unpleasant to have to deal with this rude and ill-mannered fellow. Can you help me think of a way to resolve this matter as soon as possible?"

At the same time, Chen Ye also reported the situation to Chen Mo.

“Uncle…Uncle, the court is already aware of the situation here, but the empire has its own dignity. It is impossible to replace the receiving minister just because of your word, especially since His Highness the Crown Prince is in charge of welcoming him!”

Chen Mo nodded. That made perfect sense.

The Sky Empire pays special attention to etiquette and decorum. Even if the Crown Prince dislikes the Emperor, he will not be lacking in manners. And even if the court wants to cooperate deeply with the Vast Ocean, it will not embarrass the Crown Prince.

He also has to continue dealing with this annoying guy.

Chen Ye waited a moment, and seeing that Chen Mo was in a relatively good mood, he cautiously continued, "His Highness the Crown Prince has extended an invitation, asking you to visit 'Moonflower Palace' again tomorrow. What do you think, Uncle?"

“Sure,” Chen Mo replied crisply. “The sooner we meet, the sooner we can talk things out. If we can reach an agreement, great; if not, forget it. I’m really busy; I have a ton of things to do at home. I don’t have time to play games with this prince here.”

So the next day at noon, both teams gathered together again.

The atmosphere remained harmonious, with toasts and laughter filling the air. As everyone had eaten their fill and moved on to touching their cups less and taking fewer plates, the Crown Prince, as the host, formally began the conversation.

"I am aware of your needs, which are pretty much what we expected. Every single one of them is aimed at the core secrets of the Sky Dome."

“Normally, I wouldn’t have come to discuss this matter, but since Chen Ju is mediating and Father has spoken, we, as his subjects, cannot fail to handle it seriously!”

"Lord Chen is a straightforward man. I noticed that he was quite efficient when shopping at the market these past two days."

Chen Mo felt that this grandson was mocking him again.

The Crown Prince showed no sign of surprise and continued, "Since that's the case, let's not beat around the bush. Let's get straight to the point: what are you willing to offer in exchange for the Empire?"

Chen Mo smiled and shook his head: "The vast sea is small and has few resources. What bargaining chips can it have compared with the sky? All we can do is be honest with each other. So, if the sky wants something, it's better to just say it directly, so as not to beat around the bush and waste time."

The Crown Prince nodded, crossed his arms slightly, and leaned back in the chair behind him.

A thin official from the Crown Prince's residence stood up and began to ask for a price.

"The Sky Empire has a long history and a large population. There are also many travelers and scattered mercenaries in the Eastern Continent. They have always lacked a place to stay. We hope that the lord can offer a piece of land to Sky Empire for sale, or exchange a piece of land in Sky Empire for it, so that Sky Empire's children who are away from home can have a place to shelter from the wind and rain."

"Throughout the empire, the lord will surely be rewarded."

Chen Mo sighed softly.

This is not a foothold, it is clearly an extra-regional military base.

Even the Silver Duchy, known for its diplomatic softness, wouldn't dare agree to such a thing. Anyone who dares to let the wolves of the heavens into their home will face the iron fist of all the forces in the entire Eastern Continent in no time.

Even elves and orcs were no exception.

However, since the other side used a mouthpiece, Hanhai naturally had a scapegoat to step in.

Xia Yuanfeng, who was standing next to him, immediately stood up and retorted before the translator in the middle could finish translating.

"The land of the vast ocean is not large to begin with, and there is not an inch of extra land to give to anyone. I dare not have any ambition for the land of the sky. I am really sorry, this matter cannot be done."

"There are many countries in the Eastern Continent, such as Qiyue and Wuyue. They have vast territories and deep ties with the Empire. Why don't we talk to them first?"

The thin officer from the Sky Dome side showed no surprise after hearing the translation; he simply nodded calmly to indicate his understanding. This was entirely expected, merely a necessary opening act in the negotiations.

"Then, let's talk about the legacy of the Summoner."

"Our Sky Empire has always held the kings and gods of the unknown world in high esteem. We have heard that Your Excellency can communicate with a god from beyond the realm called 'Eastern Xia,' and we hope to obtain... an opportunity to pay homage to that god!"

Xia Yuanfeng paused for a moment, then turned to look at Chen Mo.

He wasn't a necromancer, and there were some things he didn't understand.

Lin Xiangming, the second scapegoat, has arrived.

After only a few days without fighting, this guy's body swelled up like an inflating balloon.

"The true name incantation and summoning method of the Void God are the summoner's closely guarded secrets..."

The celestial official immediately seized the opportunity and interrupted without any politeness, "Then why is your side so concerned about the Summoner lineage of my empire?"

Lin Xiangming's face twitched, and a smile crept into several wrinkles: "Oh dear, I haven't finished speaking yet, why are you in such a hurry?"

"The True Name Incantation and Summoning Techniques are indeed the secrets of Summoners, but if Tianqiong wants them, it's not entirely out of the question."

"However, I will not hide it from you all. The Lord's sacrificial summoning is very likely a kind of bloodline summoning. It is probably that the Lord's ancestors once received divine bloodline, which was finally awakened in this generation. Therefore, this true name incantation and summoning method are probably useless even if given to the Heavenly Vault!"

The summoner advisors of the Sky Empire exchanged glances and slowly nodded.

Chen Mo summoned so many strange things from another world, and the world behind him, or rather, the gods, had long aroused great interest from various forces, who had tried all sorts of methods.

For example, regarding the restoration of summoning techniques, Chen Mo had performed summoning in front of others more than once in the early days due to special reasons or emergencies. These were key research subjects for various countries.

For example, using industrial instruments purchased from the Vast Ocean, one can use positioning magic to trace the location of another world in reverse.

Another example is directly asking one's own gods to use brute force to solve the problem.

However, all their efforts came to naught, and in this situation, the blood connection was already within their wildest imaginations.

and so……

"That's easy!"

"We will not make things difficult for you, Lord. The Sky has prepared a group of imperial women for you, all of whom are pure, talented, beautiful and virtuous."

"As long as the lord leaves offspring in them and keeps them in the Sky, regardless of whether these children can inherit this summoning bloodline in the future, we in the Sky will recognize them."

"Based on this, we will begin comprehensive cooperation with the Vast Ocean, including the exchange of summoner techniques, as the Lord desires."

This sudden "genius suggestion" left even the cunning Lin Xiangming speechless, unsure how to respond, and he could only subconsciously look at Chen Mo.

Inside the main hall of the "Moonlight Palace," the moon still shone like water, but at this moment, all around was silent, and the sound of breathing could be clearly heard.

Um, the deepest breathing sound seems to come from Prince Liushuang.

(End of this chapter)