Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 445 The Discussion on the Chief Minister System (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

On the parade ground, the aftershocks of the explosion dissipated quickly.

What's called "aftershocks" is actually more of a cloud of dust and debris rising into the air, which, in the slanting afternoon sunlight, forms a slowly descending golden mist.

This weapon system is called "subnuclear," but it is actually several orders of magnitude smaller than a nuclear explosion. However, compared to traditional weapons, it is undoubtedly the big brother.

All materials used to create explosions are energetic materials; theoretically, the higher the energy content, the greater the destructive power.

However, in practical applications, in addition to energy density, the actual factors that can cause damage to the outside world also include energy release rate.

UI!
For example, the complete combustion of one gram of gasoline can release 44,000 joules of energy, while one gram of TNT explosive only releases a little over 4,100 joules of energy. However, in actual use, the destructive effect of one gram of TNT is far greater than that of one gram of gasoline, because the chemical bonds of TNT molecules break faster and the energy release is more intense.

According to the latest experimental results from Dongxia, the psionic energy of the Starry World has the typical characteristics of high energy density and low release rate. Therefore, psionic arrays can exert many magical effects, but in terms of pure offensive use, they are significantly inferior to the thermal weapons of Blue Star.

(PS: Yesterday's chapter was quite controversial. The author will offer a brief explanation based on their own understanding, and also write some filler content.)
The bullets that Dongxia issued to Liushuang were high-tech products from a top-tier laboratory. Each magazine contained two bullets, one yin and one yang, one black and one white.

The black one is a full-nitrogen anion bullet.

Five nitrogen atoms form a nitrogen ring, which carries a negative charge as a whole, exhibiting the properties of a negative-monovalent anion, hence the name all-nitrogen anion.

When this nitrogen ring is combined with other metals to form compounds, such as sodium pentazolate, it becomes a full nitrogen anionic salt.

The other one is white and has a similar structure, but it is monovalent and is called a pentanitrogen cation.

Yin and Yang complement each other perfectly.

The great power of this thing lies in the fact that it not only condenses energy density through high compression, but also has an extremely unstable state and releases energy at an extremely fast rate.

If we compare a TNT explosion to a person walking down a staircase from a multi-story building, then an explosion of an all-nitrogen structure can at least be seen as a large, fat person taking an elevator down one floor per second.

As for a nuclear explosion, that's like Godzilla jumping directly from a super high altitude into freefall.

Whoever drops faster gets to smash harder; that's the principle.

However, its advantages are also its disadvantages. Because of its instability, it requires the use of stabilizers to maintain its stability, which makes it unsuitable for use as a weapon.

Therefore, although Dongxia was able to theoretically synthesize this substance very early on, it could only be synthesized in a very short time and explode, making it completely unusable as a launch weapon.

The marketing account is just spouting nonsense.

It wasn't until Dongxia introduced the psionic system and used this high-density, high-stability energy state to constrain the medium-density, low-stability energy state of the nitrogen ring that the weapon application of nitrogen ions was finally completed.

As for the price...

If the QBU-100 [Arbiter]'s regular bullets are like taking down a luxury car with one shot, then taking down this one is like taking down a frigate with one shot.

Of course, the real "subnuclear" level pure metallic nitrogen weapon, which uses ultra-high pressure to force nitrogen gas into a solid metallic conductor, is currently being synthesized in the laboratory of the Dongxia Engineering Physics Research Institute by assistants who came from the "Jiuquan Army" and have undergone careful training.

For this project, the roster of the [Nine Springs Unit] has already added quite a few meritorious soldiers who died in battle.

Back at the scene, the molten ground at the edge of the charred explosion site was still hissing, with wisps of twisted heat rising into the air. The remaining stone slabs rolled up like biscuits, spreading outwards in a radial pattern.

Hidden behind the protective array and heavy guards, His Highness the Crown Prince's right hand remained unconsciously raised, as if trying to cover something, yet seemingly unable to let go of his dignity, trembling in mid-air, his fingertips twitching slightly uncontrollably.

"Your Highness?" the old eunuch beside him called softly.

Realizing his lapse in composure, the Crown Prince forced a smile and gently patted the thick shoulder armor of a heavily armored guard in the front row.

"Don't worry, I'm fine!"

"Those who have rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor will all be rewarded!"

After regaining his senses, His Highness the Crown Prince took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the pounding of his heart in his chest, and then slowly withdrew his arm and straightened his collar.

Every movement was deliberately slowed down, using the time for adjustment to try and regain the composure that belonged to the nobility.

He wasn't particularly afraid of the weapon's power.

Damage of a mere few dozen meters could be achieved by the Empire's Grand Mage, Grand Sword Saint, and High Priest, or even by using a national treasure.

However, this thing shouldn't be in the hands of a sixth-tier swordsman from a small eastern continent.

His panic stemmed from the fact that at that moment, he might have truly been only one step away from death.

If that little brat hadn't waited there for half a minute to let him evacuate, but instead launched right away...

If it weren't for Chen Ye's loud warning, which was almost rudely urging him to move away from the spectator stand...

If it weren't for the accompanying astrologer genuinely feeling uneasy and asking me to step in when I hesitated...

If that shot aimed at the arena had been slightly off target...

Or perhaps, during the fight, "Iron Head" from our side made a mistake, severely injuring the little girl and nearly killing her, which enraged the other side...

In his thirty years of life, and sixteen of those years as crown prince, it seems there has never been a moment when he was so close to death.

The last time was probably when his mother's pregnancy was unstable, but he didn't feel anything at the time.

He can't die!
He is the Crown Prince of the Sky Empire, the future monarch of hundreds of millions of people, and the only legitimate heir to this ancient and powerful civilization! His life belongs not only to himself, but also to this vast empire that has been passed down for thousands of years.

Therefore, he was afraid of death; he had to be afraid of death.

Having completed this mental preparation, the Crown Prince's mood calmed down considerably. He raised his head, his gaze passing over the still slightly swirling dust, and turned to the lord in the distance who seemed to be even smaller than himself.

The guy was half-squatting down, shamelessly rubbing the girl's head with his hand, his mouth close to her ear, whispering something.

Seemingly sensing the gaze, Chen Mo raised his head and met the Crown Prince's eyes across most of the training ground, a polite and shy smile appearing on his face.

He raised his hand, pointed to the messy ground not far from the Crown Prince's feet, then pointed to himself, and then spread his hands.

"Um...we're not going to have to pay for this table, are we?"

It was a bit far away, so I couldn't hear clearly, but I understood the meaning.

Taking another deep breath, the Crown Prince felt his mindset was unstable again and he needed to adjust it.

"What bravery, what weapons, what skill!"

The Crown Prince's voice was a little hoarse at first, but it quickly regained its usual clear tone, "Princess Liushuang's martial arts skills are superb and her methods are outstanding, which has broadened my horizons!"

You have won!

"Someone, bring me my seal!"

At the Crown Prince's urging, the arbitrator from the Sky Dome quickly announced the results of the contest—the Vast Ocean side won. The pre-prepared document was stamped with the Crown Prince's seal, and the limited-time access to the Summoner's historical data and heritage was officially granted to the Vast Ocean territory.

As agreed, Han Hai will arrange no more than four people to enter the Sky Tower Summoner Branch Library within a six-day time limit to consult and copy some of the classics stored therein.

There are too few people and time is a bit tight, so if we really want to copy, we probably won't be able to copy many books.

This was a small trap set by the other party beforehand, but it didn't matter; it was just a matter of recording a video.

Taking advantage of this information gap to cheat others would be incredibly satisfying.

That evening, His Highness the Crown Prince, citing "a slight illness and a slight cold," did not host the customary banquet for Chen Mo and his party. Chen Mo was delighted to be free and continued strolling through the streets with Liu Shuang and Chen Ye, where they packed up two more stalls and dozens of odds and ends.

The scale was just right, causing the sky a little pain, but not enough to cause serious damage.

The next morning, a distinguished figure arrived in Guanhai City, travel-worn.

Chen Ye's grandfather, Chen Qingyan, the chief minister of the Sky Empire, went straight into the residence and met His Highness the Crown Prince, who looked somewhat haggard.

"Greetings, Grand Secretary Chen!"

Although he hadn't slept well all night, the Crown Prince's manners remained impeccable: "Your Excellency, the Grand Secretary, you've worked hard!"

Chen Qingyan shook his gray head and rubbed his eyes hard. The old man's eyesight wasn't very good. After looking at him carefully several times, he recognized the person in front of him and then said to comfort him, "Your Highness has worked hard. Please take care of yourself!"

"It's just a temporary defeat, not the loss of a city or a country. Your Highness, please put your mind at ease."

"The foundation of the heavens, which has stood for millennia, does not lie in war!"

The Crown Prince remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Your words of wisdom are invaluable, I have learned a great deal!"

"Regarding the negotiations with Han Hai, we would appreciate your advice, Your Excellency!"

Chen Qingyan shook his head again, his white hair fluttering. "Your Highness's idea is quite good. I only came here because I heard the atmosphere was a bit tense, so I'm using my old face to ease things a bit. The real decision still has to be made by Your Highness yourself!"

"However, if I may add a word, since things have come to this point, let's be more practical in our subsequent discussions."

The Crown Prince nodded silently, a hint of bitterness on his face.

Previously, he had instructed his subordinates to make unfounded and outrageous demands, asking for land, warships, and even the true names of deities, while keeping his own conditions tightly under wraps. This was merely a negotiating tactic, a test of the other party's bottom line.

Of course, behind the scenes, he can't shake that habitual condescending attitude.

This is the heavens. It is the center of human civilization, where countless nations pay homage, and where every gesture is made to give and take.

This is the root of his inner contradictions: he yearns to display his great talent and strategy, and to recruit heroes to his cause; yet he finds it difficult to humble himself and engage in dialogue on an equal footing. He understands the situation on the mainland and knows that the vast ocean cannot be easily humiliated; yet he cannot control his inherent arrogance and always wants to be superior to others.

However, the young lord from the eastern desert was too arrogant, so much so that the probing turned into a violent confrontation, which then became the stage for the other party to perform.

If Grand Secretary Chen hadn't arrived overnight, the Crown Prince would have been completely at a loss as to how to continue the discussion.

It must be said that having this old guy present did improve the atmosphere of communication between the two sides considerably.

According to the official understanding of the Sky Dome, Chen Ye is Chen Qingyan's grandson, and Chen Mo is Chen Ye's uncle, so Chen Qingyan should be considered Chen Mo's uncle.

However, Chen Mo didn't have the habit of acknowledging his elders, and the old prime minister didn't mention their generational relationship at all, but instead started praising him profusely.

Thank you, Chen Mo, for taking care of and teaching my child.

“Chen Ye has been watched over by us old folks in the mansion since he was a child. He has learned the rules, but it has inevitably stifled his spirit.”

"The short time they spent away from home was more effective than decades of education we old folks received at home. Their correspondence changed every single day!"

"Not only has he become much more composed in his actions, but he is also clear-headed and methodical. Indeed, a fledgling bird following a dragon can also soar into the sky!"

Then came the praise for Chen Mo's achievements.

"Lord Chen wields powerful weapons and commands a strong army, making him famous throughout the land. Yet, despite repeated provocations and attacks, he has never laid a single stone on the human nations. He has devoted himself entirely to dealing with the orcs and reclaiming the human homeland. This sentiment makes him a model of a benevolent ruler!"

Eh?
Chen Mo suddenly found what the old man was saying quite interesting.

Chen Mo has never actually launched a war against human nations. The war against Xiyue was waged by the elves, and the war against Zircon was a self-defense counterattack on his own doorstep. Even against the Green Pine Kingdom, with which he has a deep-seated grudge, Chen Mo has never launched a campaign against them.

Chen Mo knew perfectly well that he didn't attack the human kingdoms simply because he was afraid of trouble and didn't want to get involved in the complex mix of the two kingdoms and various forces. It would be much cleaner and more straightforward to fight the orcs.

However, after Chen Qingyan said that, the theme instantly became more noble.

Then the old man's next words made Chen Mo squint his eyes even more.

"However, Lord Chen, the principles of governing a family and governing a country are sometimes the same. If a child in a family goes astray and the elders do not punish him but only tolerate him, he will inevitably become more and more unruly and unrestrained, and unable to distinguish right from wrong. The same applies between countries."

"If evil is not punished, people will inevitably become more arrogant."

"I believe that the lord should teach such stubborn people as the Green Pine Kingdom a lesson!"

This old man has already figured out what I'm planning to do next...

Is this some kind of setup to create a narrative for me?
The atmosphere of the conversation was exceptionally harmonious. An old fox, relying on his shrewd experience, and a cunning young man, relying on his supercomputing power, completed a considerable amount of mutual probing and information exchange through mutual flattery and casual conversation.

They also quietly reached certain cooperation agreements.

In terms of trade, Han Hai agreed to import Tian Qiong's basic resources and some processed products with zero tariffs. Tian Qiong, on the other hand, also agreed to sell a portion of magic scrolls, rune tablets, and psionic items to Han Hai, subject to strict review.

Of course, advanced technologies will still be subject to restrictions, and both sides agreed to discuss specific matters on a case-by-case basis.

Regarding cultural cooperation, Tianqiong agreed to grant Hanhai access to most historical documents, geographical records, and ethnic data that do not involve state secrets or core technologies. For some classified materials, it also agreed to conditionally grant access within the framework of "joint research."

In return, Chen Mo would apply to the great "industrial god" in the distance to obtain the engineering drawings and technical details of the difference engine, and then transfer the technology to the heavens.

Finally, Chen Mo also agreed to give up a portion of the shares of Wangyue Golden Pavilion in exchange for the hundreds of years of accumulated information by the Sky Dome Empire regarding the vast ocean, ocean current patterns, the distribution of known sea creature forces, danger zone markings, and historical experience in dealing with sea creatures.

The Sky Empire had dealt with the Sea Clan for a long time and had a wealth of information in this regard.

Chen Mo wanted more than just these few nautical charts and data; his goal was the entire ocean and the land that might exist on the other side.

As for the Sky Dome, what they valued was not the future profit sharing from the Golden Pavilion, but a more convenient channel that could quietly penetrate the Eastern Continent.

After much back and forth, the two sides reached a thick stack of agreements, but several core clauses remained firmly in place.

Tianqiong has consistently refused to budge on the "double-texture weaving," which is the "magical resonance" technology that Dongxia urgently needs.

Chen Mo laid out everything he could offer, even including Princess Liushuang's [Arbitrator] on the trade list, but Chen Qingyan still just shook his head.

"This is the foundation of the nation!"

Just when Chen Mo thought this trip could only end here and that he would have to come back with the fleet to negotiate again in the future, Chen Ye quietly came to the inn where he was staying and conveyed his grandfather's invitation to meet privately.

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.

Under the cover of night, the sea breeze carries a faint salty and cool scent to Guanhai City.

The meeting place was neither a guesthouse nor a post station, but an inconspicuous, quiet teahouse in the city, belonging to a branch of the Chen family.

Upon meeting, Chen Qingyan abandoned her usual gentle demeanor and spoke directly.

"Lord Chen, we hit it off immediately and are of the same clan, so I won't hide it from you."

"There are some things that you can't buy with money, you can't buy with goods, and you can't even buy with land!"

Chen Mo didn't reply, but just quietly looked at the old man.

Chen Qingyan continued, "The Heavenly Vault is not only the Emperor's Heavenly Vault, but also the Heavenly Vault of the nobility, the Heavenly Vault of the aristocratic families, the Heavenly Vault of all the sects and clans, and the Heavenly Vault of the Mage Tower, the Knights Order, and the Merchant Guild Alliance!"

"His Majesty the Emperor greatly admires what you did in Xiyue. He has mentioned it several times in the Imperial Conference, believing that it is of great benefit to clarifying officialdom, selecting virtuous and capable officials, and consolidating the foundation of the country."

"But... this makes the nobles quite uncomfortable."

Chen Mo was not surprised and asked to confirm, "Are you referring to the recommendation system?"

"Correct!"

"The recommendation system, hierarchical management, the three-way mutual assistance system, and that whole restructuring of the official system..."

"I have served as an official for forty years, from the central government to the city-states. I have witnessed countless reforms and changes. Some were all talk and no action, while others started with great fanfare but ended in chaos. But your approach is unique... subtle yet incisive."

"The problem now is that His Majesty wants to take this decisive action, but he is also concerned about the reputation of the aristocratic families and is unwilling to act rashly!"

This is just self-aggrandizement, Chen Mo knew perfectly well. It wasn't that they didn't dare, it was that they couldn't.

In Xiyue, Chen Mo was essentially using a cheat code that granted him super strength, unlimited money, and immense prestige. He also employed various indirect methods, exchanges of benefits, and efforts to win over allies and launch targeted attacks to carry out this plan.

What is the sky?
This ancient empire is a complex web of powerful clans and deeply entrenched interests. The military, bureaucrats, local tyrants, magical families… every force is deeply rooted in this land, and a single move can have far-reaching consequences.

Unless the emperor of the heavens can suppress an entire country and withstand the fierce backlash from the entire ruling class without causing the empire to collapse, he cannot accomplish this even if he is above ten thousand people.

From this perspective, is this old guy in front of me... a member of the Imperial Party?
Chen Qingyan remained unfazed: "I respect the emperor above, the noble families in the middle, and the officials below!"

"The only thing is to be loyal to the country. Only when the country is doing well can the court and nobles have a place to stay."

Okay, so this can be considered a pragmatic approach that tries to find a balance between imperial power and aristocratic families?

"I have come here today to ask the lord for advice: is there any way to retain the advantages of your official selection system while eliminating its flaws, so that His Majesty and the noble families can each find a suitable position?"

Chen Mo pressed his hand against the frame of his glasses.

He needs to seek help from artificial intelligence.

After "pondering" for a while, Chen Mo raised his head and asked, "If there is a solution, can Tianqiong transfer the 'Double Pattern Weaving' technology to me?"

"Correct!"

"Free of charge?"

"……Can!"

"Is it a deal?"

"I will never break my promise!"

"it is good!"

Under the old man's expectant gaze, Chen Mo grabbed a piece of paper.

This matter seems very difficult. The aristocratic families of the Sky Dome have racked their brains but have not been able to find a solution. Ultimately, it is because their system based on the pressure of professionals is too stable.

Unlike the Eastern Xia, which has never stopped experimenting with systems from ancient times to the present.

You can copy homework anytime you need.

In the history of the Eastern Xia Dynasty, after the collapse of the recommendation system and the rise of powerful clans, there was indeed a period of systemic reform, an era that was very friendly to the sons of aristocratic families.

Of course, compared to the current system in the celestial sphere, it can still be considered a big step forward.

Chen Mo neatly wrote five characters on the paper—

The Nine-Rank System!
(End of this chapter)