Steel torrents pioneering a different world

Chapter 157 A Battleground for Favor, Relentless Intelligence Gathering! Electric Furnace Creates Magical Artifacts (Burst Update, Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Wang Kai turned to leave, but Li Weiguo called him back.

"Xiao Wang, wait a minute." He stubbed out his cigarette and leaned forward slightly. "Have the special research advisors over there been any trouble?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Kaixuan's tired face immediately lit up with a look of excitement, as if he were watching a melon.

"Mr. Li, you didn't see that scene!"

He chuckled, then realized it was inappropriate and his expression turned serious, though he couldn't hide his excitement.

"President Li, they're all emotional, and their emotions go beyond just being excited! It's practically a battleground... like a concubine vying for the emperor's favor, a classic scene of carnage..."

"Zhang Chiyun from Maoshan kept insisting on entering the other world, while the others inquired about the situation. They just wanted to get in as soon as possible, ha... They started causing a ruckus, almost revealing each other's shortcomings. Luckily, I sensed the situation was getting out of hand and had a brilliant idea. I sent Wang Ye to interact with them... Hehe..."

"...Anyway, after their conversation, I saw on the surveillance footage that they said our arrangements were thoughtful and reasonable!"

"Ha, these people..."

Li Weiguo smiled, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out.

"They're sensible. As for the special equipment, did you come up with anything today? The soldiers talk about it all the time; they need something that can completely and permanently shield them from interference by mental magic energy. Ideally, a magic-blocking field!"

Interference with magical energy, especially mental magical energy, is extremely dangerous.

It can subtly change the soldiers' firm inner thoughts.

Imagine a loyal warrior turning against you because of some damned magical problem—it's not only frustrating, but also heartbreaking.

The highest level is energy suppression, followed by equipment and item defense, and then the troops themselves control the release and protection of such things, possessing a complete strategy.

Although Deng Dakang's new proposal is just a theoretical concept, it has broad prospects, a high probability of being made after some deliberation, and is highly feasible, making it well worth a try.

"President Li's thoughtful consideration is excellent. The consultants have discussed this matter very enthusiastically. Tomorrow, they will first cooperate with the consultants from Longshan, the day after tomorrow from Maoshan, and the day after that from Qingchengshan, they will assist in the production of special equipment."

"Ha, taking turns every three days?... We have enough people!" Li Weiguo smiled and handed his assistant Wang Kaixuan a Hongtashan cigarette. "Are we still using enough of the unique energy-containing materials from this other world? Will it affect our subsequent arrangements and plans?"

That's what he cares about most.

“Enough! Absolutely enough!” Wang Kaixuan straightened his back. “There aren’t many dangerous things in the southern forest belt. The logistics and coordination teams are currently organizing all sorts of documents.”

"The comrades in the logistics department and the scientists in the research department are both worried and happy. Recently, the soldiers have been rushing to transport all kinds of materials back to the rear, and some warehouses are almost overflowing! By the way, the soldiers in the logistics department asked if we should suspend mining for the time being! The scientists also said that they haven't figured out the properties of some materials yet, and violent destruction would be too wasteful."

Li Weiguo nodded in satisfaction, his gaze falling on Wang Kaixuan, his eyes filled with a smile: "We can have them put together a plan, and the optimizations need to be done well."

It's all because everyone is too eager to make a name for themselves. The soldiers want more points, the plant scientists want to find more alternatives, and the materials scientists and chemists hope to find countless wonderful combinations of materials to synthesize things with more functions.

Pharmacist, physician, zoologist, animal husbandry expert...

Countless people wanted to achieve great deeds and were eager to make countless discoveries; everyone was frantically scrambling to make it!

"If we can create equipment that can resist magic on a large scale, it will be beneficial for the subsequent expansion into the south. Tell the advisors to go all out, experiment boldly, and use the materials freely!"

"But!" He changed his tone, his voice turning serious, "Let me make this clear from the start: anyone who dares to hoard these things or create something shady... will have to follow the rules!"

"Mr. Li, I will definitely supervise and ensure that everyone follows the strict confidentiality rules and regulations."

Previously, advisors could talk and chat with their families and acquaintances within their sect.

With top-secret information now unlocked, we're all in the same boat. Information security must be strictly maintained, and actions must be handled in a standardized manner.

Even when you're talking to your family, be prepared for AI monitoring.

In the past, even making a phone call or doing other things would be monitored by someone. Now that technology is advanced, many things don't require much human intervention, and everyone's personal privacy is protected to a great extent.
-
In another world, there is an oilfield road construction and protection team.

Amidst the swirling snow, Zhao Chong spat out the tasteless Wrigley's gum, carefully wrapped it in paper, and stuffed it into his small trash bag.

A communications soldier jogged over: "Team Leader Zhao, Team Leader Zhao! Time to eat! The cooks said they've got a new dish today!"

Zhao Chong raised an eyebrow: "Ha, a new dish? What's it this time?"

"Professor Li Donglai strongly recommends it, and many comrades in the rear camp also highly recommend it. Oh, and that butcher captain even patted his chest and guaranteed that it's an unparalleled delicacy that we absolutely must try!" The communications soldier said, spitting as he spoke.

"Heh, what a big fuss." Zhao Chong swallowed hard, his stomach growling. "Let's go see what kind of divine delicacy is making everyone praise it so much."

When they arrived at the makeshift dining area, they found that the kitchen truck, which was usually wide open, was now tightly closed, with only a crack for exchanging cooking fumes.

Zhao Chong's doubts deepened: "What dish is it? Why are you being so mysterious?"

"Professor Li specifically instructed us to," the communications soldier shrugged, "that this new dish requires everyone to set aside their preconceived notions and taste it carefully, and absolutely not to have any preconceived notions!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chong immediately sensed something was amiss.

He turned to ask, "What did those who have tried it say?"

"There are many reviews, but to sum it up: delicious, crispy, nutritious, and with an excellent taste!"

"Heh." Zhao Chong chuckled; he knew this line all too well. "Let me guess, what kind of bizarre dish is it this time? Compared to houttuynia cordata, stinky tofu, or West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, which is more exciting?"

"I don't know... They said we'll know once everyone tries it! Anyway, there are so many dishes in this other world, and everyone's palates have become quite discerning, so the taste probably won't be too different this time." The communications soldier scratched his head and chuckled.

Zhao Chong twitched his nose a few times, and a strong, oily aroma wafted in, domineering and direct.

"It smells pretty good."

"Of course! Captain Zhao, give us your feedback later!" The head of the cooking squad happened to lift the curtain, peek out, and grinned with a face full of wrinkles.

Zhao Chong always felt that there was something hidden in his smile.

But then I thought, would the cooks really harm us? So I didn't ask any more questions.

Not long after, several soldiers carried out several large trays. In addition to the traditional fried fish, various green vegetables, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, etc., there was also a plate full of long strips of fried food coated in flour and fried until golden and crispy.

"Hey, what's this deep-fried?" a soldier asked curiously.

"Why don't you try it and see?"

“Alright!” Zhao Chong didn’t stand on ceremony and picked up a slightly curved strip with his hand. It looked quite appealing.

He popped it into his mouth, and the moment he bit down, the crispy outer shell shattered with a 'crack'. Immediately afterward, a peculiar sweetness exploded on his taste buds, but before he could savor it, an extremely peculiar fishy smell suddenly rushed up, hitting him right in the head.

The fishy smell wasn't strong, but it was quite distinctive.

The taste instantly reminded him of a Chinese New Year when he was showing off his skills at home, trying to make deep-fried loaches, but he didn't clean them properly, and the whole family ate them with pained expressions.

However, compared to that failed attempt at deep-fried loach, the flavor and texture of this dish are significantly richer.

"It tastes good!" Zhao Chong chewed a couple more times and smacked his lips. "It's crispy at first, and later on, although it has a fishy smell, as long as you can get through the first bite, it gets more and more delicious!"

He smiled and looked at the head cook, who was grinning at him with a big white smile.

"Squad leader, stop keeping me in suspense, what exactly is this thing made of?"

"Everyone, eat first! If you like it, eat more!" The class monitor laughed even harder, his eyes blinking rapidly. "After collecting everyone's feedback, I'll announce the results this afternoon!"

"You..." Zhao Chong pursed his lips, already having a general idea of ​​what was going on. The raw materials for this thing were probably quite a challenge to one's mental fortitude.

He waved his hand and shouted to the team members behind him, "Alright! Stop standing around and start eating! Go and call over those guys from Guangdong and Yunnan in our team, let them try it too, this stuff is definitely for them! Let's see if they can tell what it is!"
-
The Octagon, the Eastern Intelligence Analysis Division.

The office was so quiet you could hear the low rumble of the central air conditioning, and the air was filled with the mixed smells of coffee and printer toner.

ding dong~
A cheerful notification sound broke the silence, popping up in the lower right corner of Peter's computer screen.

"Hey, dear Peter, what are you doing? (Cat peeks out)"

Peter's brow furrowed involuntarily. It was him again, his boss's beloved son, a boy who firmly believed that a girl lived in his soul.

Anyone else would have turned off such excessive enthusiasm by Peter's phone.

But this kid... always manages to hit the nail on the head. He uses some private information about his father, who is also his boss, to exchange for this so-called "friendship".

This kid has a firm grasp on interpersonal relationships and social dynamics.

“(Sad face) Haha, at work!” Peter typed a reply, but in his mind he was thinking to himself.

He was just a boy who longed to wear skirts, but he endured it for the sake of his career and to move up in rank.

"Going to work (cat smiles shyly), oh shit... work is so tiring, my damn old Deng is like that, never seen all day, never home at night, and lately he keeps talking about 'pressure from the East,' I think he's almost bald, haha... You must be tired too, right?"

Pressure from the East?

Peter's eyes flickered slightly as he memorized the keyword, but his reply remained effortless.

"Not bad, how about you?"

"Me? I'm fine too!"

Peter was just about to throw up some random emoji when there was a knock on the office door, and a subordinate strode in with a serious expression.

"Boss, our informant at 'Zhurihe' has sent back an important clue..."

Peter immediately sat up straight and his fingers flew across the keyboard.

"Hey buddy, we can't chat anymore, we're busy."

"For America! (Fight!) (Fist with stars and stripes)"

"(Fight) (Fist)!"

Suppressing his awkwardness, Peter closed the chat window expressionlessly, his professional agent face instantly returning. He looked up at his subordinate: "How's it going over there?"

"Sir, the message from our informant is a bit strange!"

"eccentric?"

“You’d better watch these videos yourself.” The subordinate handed over a tablet computer.

Peter took it and clicked on the first video.

Peter nodded, then looked at the messages sent by those travel bloggers, who were actually spying on him.

This message came from a very beautiful blonde girl. This female YouTuber is famous for her travels, adventures, and finding strange and unusual things. She has hundreds of thousands of followers on YouTube and has explored the world.

What's most impressive is her participation in interviews in the Gaza Strip. She's hailed as a courageous content creator, an angel from God, and a compassionate girl.

But...

This female content creator is of mixed Ansar and Jewish descent who migrated from the United States to America!
The video message sent by the other party didn't contain much classified information, but the content did catch his eye.

Because this is exactly the kind of information they desperately need.

A while ago, about two months ago, the other party suddenly announced that they would build a new city.

The location in Zhurihe City, according to the analysis of the think tank, did not have much value.

After various analyses, everyone agreed that there was some secret there!
But this secret remains unsolved.

A month ago, the other party suddenly announced that they would dig a tunnel underground and transport water underground, and guaranteed that the tunnel would be open to traffic.

This directly surprised their intelligence personnel.

I thought they were just putting up a smokescreen, but I didn't expect Ah Zhen to actually do it!
Then, the Eagle Intelligence agents, who had started to quiet down, began sending out missions again.

There's no need for them to go to the core departments of Zhurihe to explore or anything like that. They just need to collect some road specifications, tunnel specifications, and construction specifications, and then they can analyze enough information later.

The secret lies in the details.

For example, in places like Wuyuan and Lübu, they hired people to collect information such as the height of streetlights and the width of roads.

This road information can be used to deduce whether a road is passable for tanks.

The same applies to load-bearing structures like bridges. For example, in the past few years, when shared power banks were very popular, some people brazenly implanted malicious programs into them to eavesdrop on phone calls and collect information about the phone owners.

These are just minor changes; besides this, there's the most well-known sex trap.

For example, the female content creator in front of us is famous, beautiful, eloquent, and glib.

If someone shows you tenderness and then wants to spend a wonderful night with you, and you can't resist the temptation, you're very likely to be filmed in all sorts of private ways, and then... naturally, it will be the much-anticipated scene of "Sir, you wouldn't want your family to know about your scandalous affairs, would you?"

Peter's fingers slid across the cold screen of the tablet, repeatedly dragging the video, scrutinizing every face in the frame.

The construction workers wore safety helmets and uniforms, with simple smiles on their faces. They showed no signs of fatigue and were no different from construction workers all over the world.

"Nothing seems amiss; it's very similar to their official report." Peter put down his tablet and rubbed his temples. "Have you compared the information on these construction workers?"

"Sir, we haven't had time for that yet!"

“Then what are we waiting for?” Peter’s voice deepened. “Immediately connect to our database system and compare the facial information! I need to know if these people have any connections to special units or participated in classified projects!”

"Yes, sir!"

The subordinate took the order and left, leaving Peter alone in the office.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the view outside the window. The so-called database system was one of their previous PRISM systems.

This system is a global biometric database that they have built with countless hours of effort and money.

The information about Dongda University, and the lackeys they kept, especially Xiao Rizi and Xiao Bangzi, can be said to have played a significant role in this.

From identity information and facial data to fingerprints and iris scans, this intelligence is being collected continuously.

Some of this information is sold to certain companies overseas in exchange for funding, while the rest flows into this vast ocean of data, providing support for their global strategic data security.

Peter even thought with a touch of dark humor that perhaps the fraudulent gang should be awarded a medal for their outstanding contribution to Eagles' security services.

These people are far more numerous than the politicians in Congress who only know how to argue.

Half an hour is just a blink of an eye in intelligence work.

The subordinate knocked on the door again and came in, a strange look on his face.

"Sir, the results are in."

Peter took the tablet, on which a detailed comparison report was already displayed. Next to each video screenshot, a clear ID photo and identity information were matched.

“They’re all state-owned enterprise employees, and most of them are frontline construction workers,” the subordinate explained. “Only the person in charge of giving interviews is considered a project leader, but his confidentiality level isn’t high. Should we try to contact him, or try to get in touch with him from the top?”

Peter's finger slid slowly across the screen, his gaze sweeping over rows of green "safe" signs.

Everything was too normal, so normal it was almost abnormal.

"No need," he refused outright.

"Sir?" The subordinate was somewhat surprised. "There's probably something wrong with this loose thread..."

“What core secrets could a mere figurehead know? Taking him down now is tantamount to directly telling the Easterners that we've got our eyes on the Zhurihe River.” Peter sneered. “That’s the most basic mistake—alert them. Our opponents aren’t those desert natives!”

He handed the tablet back to his subordinate: "Create files for everyone on the list and categorize them. Mark those who are associated with the Zhurihe project. Wherever they are transferred, our intelligence network will follow. When it comes to fishing, the most important thing is patience."

"Yes, I understand!" The subordinate suddenly realized, and prepared to leave with heartfelt admiration.

"and many more."

Peter suddenly spoke up and called out to him.

The man's finger touched the last profile picture on the list. It was of an unremarkable worker with dark skin and a simple, honest expression.

“Get this guy named Sun Tiezhu’s information again. I need all his social relationships within three generations, as well as all his online and offline consumption records for the past three months, down to how many packs of cigarettes he bought.”

The subordinate was stunned: "Sir, an ordinary worker? The system assesses his risk level as zero, and the data shows that he..."

“His file is too clean,” Peter interrupted, his eyes gleaming like a hunter’s. “Clean as a blank sheet of paper, just what we need for reporting to our superiors!”

“Well, Mr. Peter, your consideration is indeed very thoughtful.”

No wonder he was able to become a team leader!
Their way of thinking is much better than theirs.
-
Thousands of miles away, the Zhuri River.

Smoke rose from between his fingers, swirling around Yin Chenyang's face, weathered by wind and sand.

He exhaled a breath of stale air, stubbed out the half-smoked Double Happiness cigarette on the metal railing beside him, but his gaze never left the front.

Not far away, a group of trendy-looking content creators and travel bloggers, carrying various filming equipment, were enthusiastically following the guide toward the entrance of the deep tunnel.

"Chief Engineer Yin, this is the seventh group of guests this month," the deputy beside him reported in a low voice.

"Hmm." Yin Chenyang responded through his nose, his gaze falling on one of the very beautiful blonde women. "The same as always?"

"More or less. A few were exceptionally enthusiastic, and asked rather tricky questions. Especially that blonde girl, she was practically inseparable from Xiao Teng, the guy our propaganda team assigned." The deputy couldn't help but smirk as he said this, his expression a mix of amusement, envy, and a touch of frustration.

"Ha, a treasure hunt scheme, such a cliché." Yin Chenyang sneered, then pulled out another Double Happiness cigarette from his pocket and lit it. "As soon as word gets out, these guys are more punctual than clocking in for work."

As the saying goes, flies don't land on eggs without cracks, and honeybees don't stop nectar from flowers without blossoms.

Zhu Rihe is a desolate place, where even birds don't poop, and the wind is harder than sand.

Building an underground tunnel here is, to anyone's eyes, a sure-fire way to lose money. The higher-ups had long anticipated the enemy's prediction; any unusual action would inevitably attract countless spies.

Sure enough, waves of people in China who considered themselves to be overseas citizens flocked over.

"They really went all out, with quite a few well-known figures this time! I bet they spent a lot of money." The deputy recounted the story as if it were a joke.

"No matter how much money is spent, at least when Eagle has an idea, there are plenty of spy cameras to help them. The other side still has a lot of influence! It's a pity that their supplies are running low, and they can only rely on these roadside spy cameras to gather intelligence."

Yin Chenyang smiled as he spoke of flowers, his words conveying a sense of complete control and composure.

This entire massive tunnel project was designed with two layers from the very beginning. One set of blueprints was shown to outsiders and will be made public.

The other system is the true lifeline of the nation, where all personnel, materials, and processes have undergone the most stringent confidentiality screening.

This "openly repairing the plank road" tactic is designed to let those self-righteous fools perform, analyze, and deduce to their heart's content within the circle they've drawn, ultimately arriving at a conclusion they want, but which is ridiculously wrong.

"Perhaps once they calm down, we'll be the ones with the biggest headaches," the deputy remarked.

“That makes sense.” Yin Chenyang took a deep drag on his cigarette, the butt glowing in the night. “By the way, the instructions from above regarding the construction difficulties we mentioned earlier have been conveyed. We must pool everyone’s wisdom and overcome these challenges. The problems are there, and no one can shirk responsibility. If we can’t solve them, I will take charge, one by one.”

The deputy looked distressed: "Chief Engineer Yin, don't worry, we guarantee we'll complete the mission!"

"Alright, go do your thing." Yin Chenyang waved his hand. "These 'guests' will probably have to freeload a meal. Keep an eye on them, and when they come, have Xiao Teng have a drink, and then casually let out some information that can be leaked."

"Should we release the trigger now?"

"Yes, the back office says oil has been produced."

The deputy understood and left.

The so-called "introduction" is the preliminary groundwork laid for the unexpected discovery of a giant oil field here in the near future, so that a super-large integrated oil refining and chemical plant can be built naturally!

The infrastructure of the University of Tokyo is never an isolated point.

They only see the road connecting every village, but they don't see the rural logistics network that extends across the country.

They only see the communication base stations rising from the ground, but they cannot see the massive integrated space-ground strategy behind them.

These short-sighted fellows can only deduce the whole situation from these trivial details. How could they possibly guess that beneath this barren land, what is about to surge forth is black gold powerful enough to shake the world order!
What is about to emerge is a new material that will transform the entire world.
-
The atmosphere at the equipment production and manufacturing center was solemn yet strangely unsettling.

This place is less a production center and more a workshop that blends ancient and modern features in its equipment manufacturing.

The table, which is filled with various items, is engraved with intricate traditional energy patterns.

However, instead of rare and precious materials, the nodes in the pattern are decorated with modern smelting and sintering equipment.

The sintering device is powered on, and the energy patterns that are common in ancient times are combined with modern technology, creating a strange and wonderful effect.

At this moment...

Dozens of consultants dressed in various colors and a group of researchers in white coats gathered inside, while armed soldiers stood outside.

The scene was extremely discordant, yet strangely harmonious.

"The seventeenth test, once again crafting special equipment [Special Seal]!"

Zhang Chiyun, the consultant from Maoshan, held a whisk in his hand and spoke in a clear voice that echoed in the empty hall: "Everyone, please concentrate! All other irrelevant people must not approach."

"Junior Brother Zhang, we've already gone through seventeen rounds, so stop nagging." A slightly gray-bearded advisor from Cat Mountain spoke irritably, but his eyes were fixed on the center of the altar, his tension and anticipation stronger than anyone else's.

A strong young man next to him took a deep breath and nodded emphatically: "Uncle-Master, Uncle-Master, we've rested enough, we can start again!"

"Well, let's get started!"

"it is good!"

At a command, several advisors from Cat Mountain immediately stepped forward, chanting incantations that resonated throughout the hall.

Beside him, a young researcher wearing glasses adjusted his headphones and whispered to his colleague, "Will it work?"

The researcher next to him shrugged, indicating that he didn't know either.

The young researcher's lips twitched, then he watched them operate.

Not far away, Wang Ye remained calm, praying in his heart that the sintering would be successful.

This is their seventeenth test.

From the very beginning, there were many mistakes and omissions, but now many steps have been improved.

The creation of the special equipment is very close to success.

The advisors have all learned some synthesis and sintering methods from the scientists of synthetic materials. They are using the red-leafed, white-barked, human-faced tree with magical abilities and various otherworldly materials containing strange energy to create special equipment that can be mass-produced.

These tests weren't being conducted for the first time; Deng Dakang and his group had done them before in another world.

However, it always fails to be produced for various reasons.

Left with no other choice, Deng Dakang and his team decided to test the various sintering methods from the other world in the modern world.

Although the magical particles contained in the materials mysteriously disappeared after they were brought to the modern world through the portal, some of the magical material properties of these materials still remain.

Bring these novel materials back to the other world, and over time, these items will reabsorb magical particles and become filled with all sorts of magical abilities.

At the center of the altar, a large seal, about the size of a palm, carved primarily from a "red-leafed, white-barked tree with a human face," is being placed on a red cloth.

The vein-like patterns on the wood gave it an eerie feel under the light.

The trunk of this unusual wood has an extremely high melting point; it cannot be ignited even at room temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. It is this very characteristic of wood that has given them many ingenious ideas for smelting materials!
As the group performed hand seals and chanted incantations, the seal was placed into a technologically advanced, controllable electric furnace equipped with various precise pressure indices.

Subsequently, dishes of otherworldly cinnabar, refined gold powder, magic crystals, and other powders were measured with microgram precision using electronic scales, and then placed into the electric furnace conveyor device, awaiting precise control input.

These materials will undergo a verification chemical adhesion treatment later.

Some materials are sprayed directly onto the carved seal before the lid is closed...

then……

Zhang Chiyun turned on the power switch!
The highly sensitive sensors installed inside the boiler began to collect and summarize various information, and the data was compiled into a three-dimensional simulation model on the computer. The model then began to simulate and analyze the approximate appearance of the large seal, or rather, the special equipment.

Inside the electric furnace, as the electric field is energized, the tree trunks inside begin to heat up, and then the powder sprayed in the first batch begins to change.

Subsequently, the electricity accelerated, the wood heated up, and the electrically conductive wood began to sinter and fuse with various materials…

(End of this chapter)