Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 376 Trade Technology Reverse Appointment
A faint aroma of tea wafted in the air, but Chen Ye felt a little dizzy.

Chen Ye's understanding was completely refreshed by the communication just now.

Just minutes before, he was still clinging to the inherent sense of superiority of the imperial elites, believing that this young lord, who seemed to have outstanding military prowess but whose political skills were full of flaws, could not escape the framework that the imperial strategists had repeatedly deduced.

The Empire's original plan was to try and win over this lord with a worthless title and some slightly valuable but insignificant treasures to the heavens.

Even if they couldn't win them over, it still caused another division among the human race in the Western Continent to some extent.

The lord's various reactions were all within the empire's considerations; accepting the investiture would be best, but declining was also expected.

If the empire receives nothing, it will suffer no loss, and this contact may even be useful in the future.

Once the gift is accepted, a bond is formed with the Empire.

If we accept the investiture, that would be wonderful!

In short, this was a diplomatic move that was executed with composure and was sure to yield a profit.

But what was this cheap uncle of his saying again?

compensation?

Or is it partial compensation?

Chen Ye's brain briefly went blank, and it took him a while to recover, but...

But what can he explain? The other party's words just now have already dissected the matter clearly and thoroughly.

I refuse the investiture, but if you grant it and then refuse to send troops to help, you are deliberately trying to harm me!

Does it make sense? It seems to make some sense!

Chen Ye felt that he had no room for argument regarding this logic.

None of the pre-prepared rhetoric about "imperial prestige," "long-standing friendship," and "potential protection" in the imperial plan were needed. The other party simply asked, "Would this work? Would that work?"
No way? Heh!
He had grown up in the Duke's study, absorbing the witty conversations between his father and the emperor's ministers. He thought he had a thorough understanding of the explicit and implicit rules of the continent's political landscape. But at this moment, those familiar frameworks seemed completely useless.

He was like an apprentice who watched others play mahjong every day, only to be pushed onto the mahjong table for the first time and find that his opponent had drawn a set of Go pieces.

Just as he felt a slight cold sweat breaking out on his body, Chen Mo suddenly changed the subject and offered him a way to get downstairs.

"Xiao Chen, is it okay if I call you that?"

"Yes, yes, Uncle, what are your orders?"

"I feel that in the current situation, I have many headaches to deal with, and you in the Sky also have your own grand strategies. Everyone is very busy, so let's try not to cause trouble for each other."

"Therefore, my Vast Ocean Territory and the Sky Empire will not be able to establish any relationship for at least three to five years!"

"However, official interactions are inconvenient, but I still maintain a positive and open attitude towards exchanges between ordinary people and the general public."

"Take this Cloud Peak Silver Sprout for example. I really like it, but purchasing it from the Silver Kingdom involves not only money but also a huge loss of goodwill. If only there were a private trade channel between the Sky Dome and the Vast Ocean..."

Chen Ye's eyes lit up.

He felt he had a general idea of ​​what the man meant.

What's this talk about officialdom and the common people? It's just that this person still wants to collude with the empire, but it's not convenient to do it openly!

Trade channels are fine too. As long as I can get in touch with this emerging power, this trip won't be a waste of time, or rather, in the Empire's evaluation, it won't be considered a "diplomatic failure."

We can deal with the rest gradually.

Having figured this out, Chen Ye felt his breathing become much easier, and his back seemed to straighten up a bit.

He leaned slightly forward: "Uncle, you are absolutely right! People-to-people exchanges are indeed a great thing, beneficial to both sides!"

"What are your specific thoughts, Uncle?"

Chen Mo was clearly prepared, and proposed several directions for "people-to-people exchanges".

"First of all, I am very interested in the history, legends, and poetry of the mainland."

"As you know, the historical records of various countries on the Eastern Continent have been filled with too many distortions, fabrications, and even wanton alterations for political purposes, after experiencing wars and dynastic changes."

"For example, a certain 'war of national defense' praised in human knight novels is actually a shameless betrayal in the documents preserved by the elven race. Because of this, our Prince Liushuang suffered a lot of grievances in the academy of the Qiyue Dynasty."

"Therefore, I would like to borrow some ancient books about the heavens as evidence, and also to see the truth of history."

Chen Ye carefully wrote it down, then looked up again with anticipation.

"Secondly, my profession is necromancer."

"The Sky Dome is the birthplace of human professionals, especially the necromancer profession, which was first created in the Sky Dome among all races!"

This is a very artful way of putting it. The professional system of the Starry Continent originated from elves, warriors, archers, assassins, mages, summoners, enchanters, etc. The elves created the prototype of the professions. After selection and elimination, a combat system with magic archers as the main force was finally formed.

This system of cultivation and defensive enhancement was passed down to the human race, where it was further developed and refined into more and more specialized professions, resulting in clear career paths and cultivation specializations, surpassing even the development of the elven race.

The necromancer class, however, did not exist among the elves from the beginning.

Those elves with obsessive-compulsive disorder would instinctively kill their summoned creatures upon seeing zombies or flesh giants; they simply couldn't accept it.

Therefore, although elves did develop summoning spells, the path of undead summoning was abandoned by elves from the very beginning.

It is entirely correct to say that the Necromancer was invented by Skyfall.

Faced with his "little nephew" Chen Ye's earnest note-taking, Chen Mo calmly revealed his goal.

"I am very interested in the ancient traditions of necromancers, the insights and discussions of different schools, information about the underworld, and even some special 'true name' spellbooks. I hope to gain something from this!"

"Then, we also hope to achieve transactions of civilian goods!"

Chen Mo gestured, and the secretary standing beside him placed a roll of paper in front of Chen Ye.

"I have a list of magical materials, resources and specialties from the Sky Empire. Take a look and see which ones are available for sale. I hope we can establish a direct trade channel."

Chen Ye expressed her understanding.

Although the East and West continents are currently at loggerheads and irreconcilable, their private trade has never truly ceased; in fact, it can be described as thriving.

Merchants can sell weapons and armor to orcs, so what can't they sell?
However, the materials and supplies that come from these channels are priced exorbitantly.

Now, what Chen Mo is asking for is a ticket to a "first-hand transaction," bypassing those greedy middlemen.

"Originally, the officials in the territory suggested to me that we try to secure the 'exclusive' trading rights for Skyfall resources in the Eastern Continent. After thinking about it carefully, I decided against it."

“You call me ‘uncle,’ so I don’t want to put you in a difficult position.”

"I won't take advantage of Tianqiong. The price will be based on the market. If you're willing to deliver, I'll pay for the goods and shipping. If you allow my people to go and make purchases, all I need is for Tianqiong to provide me with a berth in a port. This small request shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

Chen Ye glanced at the list and saw several items listed as controlled materials. He paused slightly before replying, "I... I need to ask for instructions."

"Good! That's how it should be."

Next, Chen Mo listed a batch of alchemical tools, magical equipment, special technologies, rare magical beasts...

In short, Chen Mo wanted everything.

Seeing that Chen Mo's words were comprehensive, the sixth young master of the Chen family in Tianqiong could not help but interject a sentence while Chen Mo was drinking tea.

"Uncle... these are all the things you wanted. So, what kind of... equivalent terms are you prepared to give Tianqiong in return?"

Chen Mo gulped down a mouthful of tea, let out a long sigh, and shook his head: "No, no, Little Chen, you're wrong. This isn't 'want,' it's 'buy.'"

"Whether it's historical records, the lineage of monks, or materials, I pay for them all."

"To show my sincerity, I can even pay a partial deposit first!"

Chen Mo clapped his hands lightly, and the guards carried in several large boxes. After they were opened, the entire space seemed to brighten up a bit.

Inside the box were neatly stacked gold ingots, each one perfectly cut and gleaming. The emblem of the Sky Empire was clearly imprinted on each ingot: a sword, a star, and a mountain range.

This is part of the "gift" that Chen Ye brought this time!

Chen Ye's expression was priceless. He couldn't help but ask, "Uncle... this... this is using Tianqiong's money to buy things from Tianqiong?"

"That's not right."

"Whether it's money you gave me or compensation you gave me, it's all my money, so how can it be Tianqiong's money?"

Chen remained unfazed: "Of course, you can choose any of the local specialties that are allowed to be sold in my territory. Just follow the market price."

"..."

Chen Mo's logic is always so self-consistent.

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.

Of course, Chen Mo didn't get it for free; at the end of the conversation, he pulled out a piece of equipment.

"I've heard that the Sky Empire's magical steam machinery is extremely advanced, and they've already created a magical device capable of large-scale simulation and calculation?"

Chen Ye nodded, unable to contain his pride: "Yes, my Sky Dome's 'Myriad Phenomena Flywheel' technology is the culmination of the efforts of dozens of generations of dwarf masters and human giants, and can be called unparalleled in the world!"

"Currently, on the Western Continent, only the Grand Duke of the Silver Kingdom and the dwarf tribe of the Frostwind Kingdom have obtained a small number of second-generation 'Myriad Wheels' from our country."

"If Uncle wants it, I'm afraid... it's not just a matter of money, but I will try my best to get it for you!"

Chen Mo chuckled: "I can't afford it, I can't afford it. Such a precious artifact is beyond my reach! I, on the other hand, would like to sell you something!"

They clapped their hands again, and the guards laboriously carried up a dark-looking instrument.

Its main body is cast from a matte black metal, with smooth lines and a seamless surface, exuding the unique beauty of industrial creation.

Several transparent crystal plates are inlaid on the sides of the machine, through which the layered gear structure inside can be vaguely seen. The top of the machine is a miniature drive array engraved with runes, with the input and output ends connected to several smooth magic stone plates. There is also a clear external power input interface on the outer shell, which, judging from its shape, is adapted to standard steam pipes.

Okay, the Sky Empire's 'Omnidirectional Flywheel' is the culmination of dwarven and human technology, a pinnacle of technology. And on Earth, during the steam age, this technology was also once explored; its name was—the Difference Engine.

To perform complex calculations in a purely mechanical way.

Chen Mo had seen the "Omnidirectional Flywheel" before. His "good brother," the city lord of Molten City, Baroque, had a huge machine used to work with the mobile city's calculations; it was a specialty of the Sky Dome.

Chen Mo studied it with great interest and found that it was a huge, monotonous calculator with a very long calculation time. On Earth, one dollar could buy several of these.

However, in the world of stars, it can still be considered a huge technological advancement.

The Celestial Empire has come a long way down this path. It is said that the latest version, the seventh generation and above, of the 'Omnipotent Wheel' is already able to perform tactical simulations and resource allocation calculations on local battlefields by relying on complex mechanical logic and ingenious magical adjustments.

Therefore, this thing is a true "national treasure" in the Sky Empire.

Versions of the third generation and above are prohibited from being exported. As for the first and second generations, only a few factions can obtain them.

The Silver Duchy has the "All-Encompassing Flywheel" because it supplies the Empire with special materials, silver core and silver marrow, while the Frostwind Duchy's dwarf tribes have provided the Sky Dome with many master craftsmen.

In the Sky Dome, there is the best research and forging environment, the most advanced magical equipment on the Starry Continent, and various alchemy and enchanting techniques to support these masters. Therefore, it often attracts dwarf masters from all over the continent to the Sky Dome.

However, the deep-rooted discrimination against other races within the Sky Dome also deters ordinary dwarves; only those who become recognized masters can gain respect there.

Over time, this led to a unique pattern in which the dwarven race grew up in Frostwind, and master craftsmen, at their peak, went to the heavens to contribute their wisdom.

Chen Mo was very curious about this "Myriad Phenomena Flywheel" at the time. However, the "Myriad Phenomena Flywheel" sold by Sky Dome was not only outdated, but also had more than three layers of detection shielding and dismantling self-destruct magic. Even the scrapped "magic flywheel" had to be returned to Sky Dome intact in order to be eligible to continue purchasing it.

Curious Lord Chen had no way of knowing where to begin. Based on external photographs and explorations, as well as descriptions of its effects, he could only speculate that it was a special device similar to a mechanical difference machine, mainly relying on internal gears and flywheels for transmission, using special magic to maintain its stability and enhance its computing power.

Therefore, what Chen Mo is taking out now is a genuine "steam differential engine" of the Dongxia Laboratory level.

It's hard to imagine what expressions those mechanical masters from Xia Country had when this design task, designated as a "key national research project," was issued.

But in any case, this thing was eventually made.

It is only the size of a double-door refrigerator, with a shiny exterior and a cool design. Its power system uses an external traditional steam turbine. As the culmination of Blue Star's steam technology and mechanical technology, the computing power of this difference engine far exceeds that of the second-generation "Universal Flywheel" of the Sky Dome export version. As for which generation of Sky Dome it can compare to, we don't know.

Considering the different technological approaches, the expert team from Dongxia believes that this thing will most likely pique the interest of Tianqiong.

Perhaps this can help them go further on the path of steam-powered mechanical calculations!
Chen Mo's previous preparations, including his somewhat greedy behavior, were all to highlight the value of this last item.

He gave a brief demonstration, quickly connecting to the steam drive, and then manually inputting a preset complex multivariate calculation sequence.

As he turned several brass handles, a series of soft, rapid clicking sounds came from inside. A few seconds later, the corresponding runes on the black stone plate at the output end lit up in turn, displaying the precise calculation results.

Chen Ye tried hard to suppress his astonishment and pretended to be slightly curious.

As a direct descendant of the Chen family, he had naturally seen the Empire's "Omnipotent Flywheel" in operation. It required a certain amount of warm-up time, made a loud noise when running, and most importantly, was enormous in size. The latest generation of "Omnipotent Flywheel" occupied an area the size of a palace.

The small, dark gadget in front of him had far exceeded his comprehension in terms of size control.

Looking into the other person's slightly bright eyes, Chen Mo slowly pushed the machine over.

"This machine was obtained through some special channel, and I don't know how to measure its value!"

"How about we ask Tianqiong to give us an estimate?"

This communication between the two sides finally ended when the sun set and the stars filled the sky.

The sixth young master of the Chen family in the Sky Dome had a slightly dazed look in his eyes. He stumbled back to his residence and immediately summoned his entourage to make some emergency arrangements.

"You two, prepare immediately and follow the fast ship arranged by the Vast Ocean Territory southward to reach Silver Island Port, where the Empire is located, as quickly as possible!"

Chen Ye's voice was quite urgent: "I will notify the family through the fastest channels, and the family will send reliable people there to meet you! Your mission is only one: at all costs, ensure that this machine is delivered to my father intact!"

"Remember, not a single nail can be missing!"

The captain of the guards, a veteran servant of the Chen family, readily accepted the order, "Yes, young master! I guarantee it with my life!"

"Young master, aren't you coming back with us? This matter is of great importance; it would be safer if you personally oversaw it..."

Chen Ye shook his head: "I still have some things to take care of."

At this very moment, he was holding an appointment letter in his arms.

Okay, Chen Mo didn't accept Tianqiong's appointment, but instead, he gave Chen Ye an appointment.

Moreover, he couldn't refuse.

Special Advisor for Northern Foothills Affairs of the Summer Moon Alliance.

Chen Mo wanted to use him, and the Sky Dome power behind him, to integrate those old foxes of the Thirteen Tribes of Xiyue.

So far, Chen Mo's influence over the former Xiyue Alliance region is limited to the military sphere. The key reason for this is that Chen Mo has too few politically astute individuals under his command, not even enough for himself, let alone to extend his influence to the Xiyue region.

To straighten out the relationships within the murky waters of the Xiyue Alliance, gradually expand Hanhai's influence, win over allies, weaken rivals, allocate resources, and eliminate dissent, no one seems more suitable than Chen Ye.

Born into a top-tier family, familiar with the rules of the game, possessing excellent political and diplomatic skills, and more importantly, able to receive some degree of support from the Heavenly Dome.

Turning to Chen Ye, it was like a huge pie falling on his head.

This means that he is no longer just a diplomatic envoy delivering messages, but can directly participate in the political games in an important region of the Eastern Continent, wield certain power, and exert political influence!

This was of immeasurable value to his personal standing within his family and to the future development of the empire. He accepted the appointment immediately without even consulting the empire.

This is an opportunity you absolutely cannot miss!

Chen Mo only made one request: Tianqiong was not allowed to develop armed forces in the northern foothills region.

That's alright. There are plenty of ways to get involved in politics and manipulate things.

Chen Ye pondered for a long time but still couldn't figure out what his uncle was up to.
If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it. Opportunity knocks but no time to hesitate!
As night deepened, the lights of Xuan Shui City gradually dimmed, and the city fell silent.

Among the few remaining lights, some people are writing furiously, some are pondering deeply, some are tossing and turning in bed, and some are lost in daydreams...

No one knows what strange direction the situation on the mainland will take tomorrow.

Anyway, it's definitely going to be very different from its original trajectory!

(End of this chapter)