In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Beidou said no more, walked to the ship's side, and with a leap, jumped back to the Death Star, which was dozens of meters away.

After she left,

Yun Gui looked at Wang Yan: "Captain Beidou seems to be interested in you. Maybe you can join Southern Cross after you graduate."

"Haha, maybe it's just that we don't often see Liyue people wearing academic gowns, so they were just curious and asked a question." Wang Yan chuckled, then his eyes lit up slightly. "May I take a look at the Terminal over there?"

Even though the Returning Machine is outdated, it is still a profound immortal technique, which is very attractive to Wang Yan.

“The Terminal? Well… alright.” Yun Gui nodded in agreement.

Actually, there's already an export version of the Returning Machine, so it's not exactly a secret. Wang Yan can take a look if he wants.

"Thank you very much!"

Wang Yan thanked them and jogged towards the terminal at the bow of the ship.

Yun Gui shook her head and began calling for help to rescue the merchant ships that had been attacked earlier.

Chapter 109: The Terminal Analysis

Wang Yan approached the rising terminal at the bow of the ship, his gaze instantly drawn to its intricate design.

The fuselage appears to be constructed entirely of wood joined together with mortise and tenon joints, with the joints fitting together perfectly. Even after the intense launch, the structure remained as stable as a mountain, without the slightest sign of loosening.

But Wang Yan knew that this thing was the same type of vessel as the ships of Liyue.

It appears to be made primarily of wood, but in reality, who knows what's hidden inside.

In terms of overall shape, the main structure of the End Machine resembles an enlarged heavy ballista, but it does not have a loading slot for actual arrows. Instead, it has a complex array base recessed in the center of the crossbow arm.

The base contains several neatly cut thin plates with a slight jade-like luster, on which dense runes are engraved with extremely fine strokes.

These runes shimmered with a faint golden light in the sunlight, as if they were breathing with life within them.

Immortal talismans!

"As expected... the key is here." Wang Yan muttered to himself, leaning closer to the base, his gaze slightly narrowing.

[Language proficiency], activated.

The talismans of the immortals are runes, not words, so they are not quick to decipher, and can even be quite slow.

But Wang Yan wasn't in a hurry. While letting the golden finger slowly decipher the talismans on the jade, he carefully examined the non-critical parts of the Return Machine's body.

Although Yun Gui didn't say what to pay attention to, Wang Yan couldn't actually dismantle the other person's final resting place, so he could only start with the non-critical parts.

In the game, the Terminal doesn't actually look complicated; it's even a bit rudimentary, like a crossbow carved from wood.

However, in reality, the process of finding a way to end one's life is still relatively complicated.

Hardwood is no ordinary wood; it is warm and solid to the touch, with excellent toughness and affinity with the elements.

The hidden metal components are made of a certain alloy, which has extremely high strength and good energy conductivity.

The mechanism that drives the terminal's pitch and rotation is an extremely precise gear set and worm gear system. It rotates smoothly and effortlessly, yet can firmly lock the angle, clearly a design that has been tested in actual combat.

Unlike normal crossbows, which use levers and rails to draw the string, the Final Machine is a pure energy ballista. Therefore, it only has energy circuits to gather energy and no bowstring or anything like that.

Wang Yan noticed that behind the base of the Terminal Machine, there was an inconspicuous slot that connected to a structure below the ship's deck.

Wang Yan guessed that this should be the main interface for energy supply, connected to some kind of energy core inside the ship... It could be a large elemental furnace, or it could be a crystal array that stores pure elemental power.

Without the power of immortal energy, the efficiency of the Returning Machine in absorbing environmental energy is relatively low. It can only maintain a standby state and rune base for most of the time. When it is really carrying out high-intensity shooting, it will inevitably need external power supply.

As time passed, the [Understanding Language] gradually completed its analysis of the runes on the machine.

In Wang Yan's view, the runes on Gui Zhongji's body that were previously difficult to understand became clear and distinct. This was a highly condensed and interconnected energy guidance and restraint system.

Covering the outermost layer of the base, with fine, spiderweb-like patterns are the [Spirit Gathering Patterns]. Their function is to slowly absorb the elemental energy scattered in the surrounding environment, providing a certain amount of energy for the Final Machine, and is also part of the energy circuit.

Located inside the Spirit Gathering Pattern, forming several ring-shaped structures is the [Source Stabilizing Symbol]. Its function is to initially condense the absorbed energy and stabilize its form, preventing the energy from dissipating or going berserk during the aggregation process.

The most crucial part is a set of complex seal script characters resembling flowing rivers. These are called "Guiding Seals," which act like precise energy conduits, guiding the energy processed by the "Solid Source Symbols" along specific paths and at specific speeds to the firing array at the front of the crossbow arm.

Engraved around the firing array are the [Bundle Seals]. Their function is to give the energy a final constraint and shape just as it leaves the base and is about to form an energy arrow, ensuring that what is emitted is a solid, sharp energy impact with extremely strong penetrating and explosive effects, and avoiding the formation of scattered light clusters.

Meanwhile, some [Recoil Repelling Spells] are scattered on the base of the final machine. These are protective runes that counteract some of the recoil generated during launch and prevent energy backflow from damaging the machine's structure. They also protect the operator from the impact of energy leakage to some extent.

As he observed, Wang Yan quickly sketched out the complete scene of the terminal in his mind:

The operator cranks the rotating wheel, and the gear set drives the crossbow arm to adjust the angle and lock onto the target;

Once the activation command is issued, the ship's energy flows in through the interface, undergoes initial collaborative processing by the Spirit Gathering Pattern and the Source Solidification Symbol, and is then guided to the front end by the Guide Scroll.

The beam seal activated instantly, compressing and shaping the surging energy into a destructive beam of light;

Finally, the counter-recoil spell takes effect simultaneously, offsetting the recoil and protecting the machine and personnel.

This is a complete system that integrates energy harvesting, condensation, guidance, shaping, emission, and protection.

"Wonderful! Indeed, the different ways countries view extraordinary power are quite different. Compared to the common practices of the immortal arts, the immortal arts' view of runes is remarkably different!"

The runes that Wang Yan learned from Falushan were mostly related to elemental power, and were considered relatively basic elemental runes.

The runes on the Terminal Machine—Gathering Spirit, Solidifying Source, Guiding Flow, Binding Shape, and Reflection—cannot be achieved by a single elemental rune.

It has transcended the category of "elements" and begun to involve some other extraordinary concepts.

The Academy may also have similar rune techniques, but Wang Yan has not yet learned them to that level. In any case, the Returning Machine in front of him did give Wang Yan a small shock from the immortal realm.

However, amidst the shock, many inspirations also surfaced in Wang Yan's mind.

He stood up and looked at the sailors beside him: "I'm sorry to have kept you in suspense."

The sailor shook his head: "It's alright, sir, have you made up your mind?"

"Well, all right."

"Then I'll put it away."

The Returning Terminal is, after all, a weapon, while the Wavebreaker is a merchant ship. It's best to put away the weapons, especially since we're already close to the Liyue Sea.

With the sailors' assistance, the terminal machine, which had been standing at the bow, was retracted back into the hull.

This concept of concealed machine guns should not appear on wooden sailboats.

Liyue seems to have a strong preference for using ancient artifacts to employ extraordinary techniques.

He turned his gaze away and glanced at Yun Gui, who was still directing the rescue of the attacked merchant ships, helping to salvage cargo, and aiding the injured.

Wang Yan didn't disturb them and went straight back to his room.

Wang Yan took out paper and pen from the box and began to write and draw.

He wanted to try using the runes from the Ender Machine on his crossbow. If successful, perhaps he could later use the Ender Machine's technology on other creations.

Before long, Wang Yan finished the first draft of the manuscript.

Looking at the manuscript, Wang Yan felt something was amiss. If it was to use energy beams like the Terminal, then... it seemed unnecessary to retain the crossbow string and mechanism...

"Why don't I just design it like the energy pistols in science fiction? Just fire energy bullets directly."

After thinking it over, Wang Yan tossed the first draft aside and started redesigning.

Time passed little by little.

On the deck, Yun Gui finished her business and found that Wang Yan was not there. She asked a sailor nearby and learned that Wang Yan had already returned to his room. Without thinking much of it, she went to attend to her own business.

Wang Yan, on the other hand, devoted himself entirely to the design of the new manuscript.

He threw away drafts one by one, muttering nonsensical energy formulas under his breath.

It can only be said that Wang Yan's research in the realm of the extraordinary is still too...

It wasn't until a sailor brought dinner that Wang Yan managed to produce a passable manuscript.

(ai)

"Forget it, my foundation is too weak, and my understanding of Liyue's Celestial Register is too one-sided. Perhaps, when I get to Liyue, I'll need to find more books about Celestial Registers to read, or... find someone to teach me."

As his passion gradually faded, Wang Yan put away the manuscript and abandoned his idea of ​​completing it in one step.

The foundation is too weak; even replicating the Final Dinosaur might not be possible, let alone miniaturizing it.

Chapter 110 ▊▊▊▊，▊▊▊▊▊▊▊▊▊▊?

The next day, as dawn broke, the thin fog on the sea gradually dissipated.

The fleet finally sailed into Liyue Harbor, the land where Teyvat's wealth has settled, a bustling port where thousands of ships and merchants gather.

Wang Yan did not stay in the cabin any longer. He packed up the manuscript filled with rune sketches he had written the night before, picked up his things, and went up to the deck.

The morning breeze, carrying the unique saltiness and hustle and bustle of the harbor, swept over him. He stood leaning on the railing, gazing into the distance.

The first thing that catches the eye are the two natural rock formations that stand like guardian giants on either side of the harbor; these are capes extending from the southern foothills of Tianheng Mountain.

The mountain is steep, and the rock walls, eroded by wind and waves, display a pattern of deep ochre and gray-white. The outline of the man-made boardwalk and the observation deck can be vaguely seen on it.

At the foot of the mountain, the densely packed wharves and berths stretch out into the bay like the tentacles of a giant beast.

Countless ships were moored there, their masts like a forest and their sails overlapping.

Nearby, merchant ships of similar size to the "Breaking Waves" were moored at the dock. The shouts of loading and unloading cargo, the creaking of pulleys, and the muffled thuds of cargo boxes hitting the ground mingled together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

In the distance, several larger warships can be seen anchored, which should be the official fleet of Liyue.

Beyond the dock area, the streets and buildings of Liyue Harbor rise in layers, nestled against the mountains and overlooking the sea.

The buildings near the port are mostly practical warehouses, warehouses, and workshops with gray tiled roofs and thick brick walls, giving them a rugged and powerful appearance.

As you climb higher, the traditional Liyue architecture with its flying eaves and bracket sets gradually increases. The vermilion columns and carved windows gleam with a warm glow in the morning light, and the signs and banners of restaurants and teahouses sway gently in the breeze.

Further away, amidst the clouds and mist swirling around the waist of Tianheng Mountain, the outlines of pavilions and towers can be faintly seen. Perhaps they are the abodes of immortals, or the villas of wealthy merchants, adding a touch of mystery and grandeur to this port.

"Is this Liyue?" Wang Yan murmured.

Unlike the initial awe of Sumeru City, Liyue Harbor is also magnificent, but it gave Wang Yan a strange sense of familiarity.

Yun Gui had arrived beside Wang Yan at some point, gazing at the scene before her with a hint of emotion and pride in her voice: "Every time I come back, I feel that Liyue Harbor has changed a bit."

“Human times should be changing so rapidly,” Wang Yan said softly.

Yun Gui glanced at him, nodded, and said nothing.

The two watched Liyue Harbor in silence until the Wavebreaker entered the dock.

The boat gently came to a stop, and the gangplank was lowered.

Wang Yan picked up his box full of books and manuscripts and said to Yun Gui, "Manager Yun, thank you for your care along the way. I will definitely repay you if I have the opportunity in the future."

Yun Gui smiled and returned the greeting: "You're too kind. I also wish you a peaceful Lantern Festival and all the best in Liyue. If you need any help, you can find me at the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild."

"Okay, I've got it."

Wang Yan nodded, turned around, and disembarked with the other passengers and crew.

Merchant ships dock at the North Wharf, which is very different from the fish market at the South Wharf. The simplest difference is that there is no fishy smell here.

This also made things convenient for Wang Yan, because the inn called "White Horse Inn" was located at the North Wharf.

As an old establishment, [Baikou Girirou] may seem to have declined, but in reality, it is still quite famous.

Wang Yan simply asked around and found the inn.

"Good morning, esteemed guest. Are you here for a meal or to stay the night?"

As soon as Wang Yan approached, the maid at the door greeted him.

In fact, although Wang Yan was not familiar with the inner workings of the White Horse Inn, he did know a thing or two about the female servant in front of him.

It might sound unbelievable, but this guy is most likely one of Ningguang's people.

The waitress's name is Xiuhua. In the game, when asked about her identity, she will be somewhat evasive. At the same time, she will tell the player that she has a twin sister who occasionally switches positions with her.

Therefore, her sister must also be familiar with hotel work.

Quite coincidentally, the waitress at Wangshu Inn was named Yuhua.