Chapter 1025: The Lengend of Black Iron Hero
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Since Zhang Tie came to Fire Dragon Bounty Territory, after finishing the handover formalities of Fire Dragon Bounty Territory and authority confirmation, Zhang Tie always wandered around alone. He almost traveled all the 10 cities and Yangui Mountain Range in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory. After a few days' travel, Zhang Tie was already familiar with the local customs and practices.
Zhang Tie came back to Xuantian City in the morning. When he found this common hotel which was a bit boisterous, he entered it to have some food. By the way, he would learn about the situation in Xuantian City. Zhang Tie thought that the simplest way for him to be familiar with a place was to listen to the free chat of those people from all walks of life in the mass-gathering public places like teahouses, pubs and hotels.
However, it was out of Zhang Tie's imagination that he could listen to the "Legend of Black Iron Hero", in which he was the main character.
This story was vivid. Some contents were real although being processed artistically; some were fabricated reasonably. As a result, Zhang Tie's image turned full and real which was righteous and hot-blooded just like a vivid legendary figure.
'What the hell?'
Zhang Tie wondered about it very much.
After hearing that Boss Feng was going to have the top 8 prostitutes in Xuantian City play "Mudan Pavilion" in Pear Fragrance Garden tonight, the audience in the dining hall started to discuss Boss Feng while they shifted their topic to the selection of local representatives of Xuantian City. After bidding a farewell to Boss Liu, the storyteller left the hotel under the guidance of a lad.
"Boss Feng is our heroine in Xuantian City. It's said that Boss Feng only sold her talents instead of her virginity when she was young. Later on, as she was very shrewd, she rented a hub and gradually expanded her business..."
"I was told that Boss Feng never forced her girls to sell their virginity. As long as those girls could work enough years for her or make enough money to redeem themselves, Boss Feng will recover their freedom on her own initiative. If any of them meets her Mr. right, Boss Feng will even gift her a dowry. The third son of the mayor of Xuantian City wanted to sleep with Ruoxi in Phoenixflute Pavilion, Boss Feng stopped him as Ruoxi had already met her Mr. right. It displeased the third son of the mayor; as a result, he had people damage half of the entire Phoenixflute Pavilion..."
"If not, how could the geishas exert their full efforts to work for Boss Feng?"
"But it's a bit improper for a woman who was once a geisha to attend the selection of local representatives..."
...
When those people were discussing on the 2nd floor, Zhang Tie stood up. After throwing a gold coin onto the table, he followed the storyteller downstairs.
"Sir, you've paid too much; wait a moment, I will give you the change..."
The food and tea water that Zhang Tie consumed were worth at most 2 silver coins. However, Zhang Tie dropped 1 gold coin. It really was too much. Therefore, at the sight of the gold coin, Boss Liu hurriedly stopped Zhang Tie.
Boss Liu was not short; however, his top of the head could only touch Zhang Tie's elbow.
"Your stretched noodles and steamed puffed buns tastes good, keep the change..." Zhang Tie waved his hand. In Zhang Tie's eyes, gold coins were already nothing different than silver coins. He just paid in terms of gold coins in case of change.
Additionally, Zhang Tie found that he liked the satisfied looks of these commoners caused by one gold coin because it would remind him of himself when he worked as a human sandbag for others in the Iron Thorns Fighting Club. Behind each generous deed, Zhang Tie was warning himself to think like a commoner and not to get lost because of wealth and strength.
No matter how many buildings one had, he only needed one bed to sleep on; no matter how many fertile arable lands one had, he could not eat more than 7kg's food per day; no matter how many gold one had, he could only wear 1 kg's silk and linen cloth at most. Even knights would have unfortunate moments or even die; therefore, even as an earth knight, Zhang Tie still treated himself as a commoner.
Boss Liu felt happy as he had not imagined that the tower-like tough man was such rich. After watching Zhang Tie's look carefully, Boss Liu said, "If you like my food, you can always come here. Given your special sturdy figure, I will keep your look deep in mind. If you come here in the future, I will not take your money anymore!"
Zhang Tie threw a glance at Boss Liu as he had not imagined that Boss Liu was really good at doing business. Although it was just a few silver coins, his words sounded very comfortable.
Zhang Tie burst out into his laughter as he patted Boss Liu's shoulders. Closely after that, he clattered downstairs...
After coming to the gate of Yuean Hotel, Zhang Tie looked left and right and found that thin frame less than 50 steps away on the bustling street. He sped up and patted the storyteller's shoulder. The storyteller turned around. Zhang Tie's eyes flickered as he said, "Follow me..."; closely after that, he walked towards the teahouse in the distance.
The storyteller just followed after Zhang Tie at the same speed all the way towards the teahouse.
After coming to the teahouse, Zhang Tie ordered a tranquil compartment and entered it, followed by the storyteller.
After taking a seat, Zhang Tie pointed at another seat in the room and told the storyteller to sit down.
"May I know your name?"
"This old man is Liu Yuqing!" The storyteller's eyes looked clear as he replied fluently. However, he felt that the words of the tough man in front of him were as euphonious as music from heavens. As a result, he just followed the tough man's will and replied honestly.
"How many years have you told stories?"
"This old man has told stories for 26 years!"
"Did you fabricate the Legend of Black Iron Hero ?"
"No, the Legend of Black Iron Hero was written by Mr. Jingan..."
'Mr. Jingan?' Zhang Tie slightly frowned as he had not heard about this name before, "Who's Mr. Jingan?"
"Mr. Jingan is a great novelist. His novels are most popular among storytellers..."
"How long have you told the Legend of Black Iron Hero ?"
"About 2 years!"
"Who let you tell the Legend of Black Iron Hero in Xuantian City?"
"This old man doesn't know who's he. Two years ago, a strange guest gave me the novel Legend of Black Iron Hero and told me that I could gain 10 gold coins a month in my account of Golden Roc Bank if I kept telling this book in Xuantian City. After saying that, that guest gave me 10 gold coins as the advance payment for the first month. You know, storytellers could make 3-4 gold coins a month at most. Those poorer could make at most 1 gold coin a month. Therefore, from then on, I started to tell the Legend of Black Iron Hero in Xuantian City. In the second month, I really gained 10 gold coins in my bank account. Therefore, I have been telling Legend of Black Iron Hero every day in Xuantian City until now..."
"What about the other storytellers in Tianxuan City? Are they also telling Legend of Black Iron Hero ?"
"2 years ago, the novel Legend of Black Iron Hero had been popular among storytellers and guests in the Northeast Military Region. You could listen to the story in each city, even in the towns..."
"Whether the other storytellers will also gain 10 gold coins a month as a payment by telling the same story?"
"I have no idea. However, in the last sacrificial anniversary of my teacher, I met a junior fellow apprentice who was mainly telling stories in Yanzhou Province. He told me that he had the same experience as me. As long as he told Legend of Black Iron Hero , he could also gain 10 gold coins a month in his bank account. As my junior fellow apprentice was younger and healthier than me, he was paid 12 gold coins that month by telling Legend of Black Iron Hero in the teahouses of towns outside the city where there was no storyteller. As a storyteller, the more you tell Legend of Black Iron Hero and more audience you have, the more money you will get..."
"Where can I buy the novel Legend of Black Iron Hero ?"
"You could find it in all the bookstores in the city. Previously, there was only novel, now you can even buy a comic book..."
After knowing that he could not get any intelligence from the storyteller, Zhang Tie dropped a gold coin on the table. After that, he stood up and walked out of the room.
...
After Zhang Tie left the room for 2 minutes, the storyteller who was sitting quietly at the table suddenly quivered all over. He looked around the room in a vacant expression before uttering, "Ahh, what's wrong with me? Why am I here? Shouldn't I have returned home? Why am I drinking tea here?"
...
After leaving the teahouse, Zhang Tie felt that this event was a bit weird. Besides being confused about that, he felt deeply moved. Therefore, he took a walk on the street and looked for a bookstore.
Only after a few minutes, Zhang Tie had found a bookstore and entered it.
"Boss, do you have Legend of Black Iron Hero ?"
The clerk pointed at a bookshelf a few meters away.
Zhang Tie walked over there and noticed a very delicate novel Legend of Black Iron Hero in the most eye-catching place. Beside it, there was a set of many delicate comic books of Legend of Black Iron Hero. At the sight of the figures on the cover of the comic book, Zhang Tie felt it was very interesting. Therefore, he stretched out his hand to take it. Out of his imagination, another person on his side also stretched out her hand to take the same comic book. Therefore, their hands pressed on the same book.
Zhang Tie turned around and saw a pair of beautiful, big and black eyes...
A young lady in many precious headwears was watching him with a strong 7-8-year-old boy in her hand.
At the sight of this woman, Zhang Tie was shocked inside because she was Lv Shasha, his junior fellow apprentice on Hidden Dragon Island...
Chapter 1026: Being Always Together
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie's memory returned to Hidden Dragon Island where he met Lv Shasha for the first time.
When he saw Lv Shasha for the first time, she was crying and said that she missed her home and her mother so much while Du Yuhan was comforting her.
In Zhang Tie's memory, Lv Shasha was always the most shy and sensitive one among his junior sister apprentices. As there was a bit misunderstanding between him and her, this bashful junior sister apprentice was even afraid of him for quite a long time. Although being together with a lot of junior sister apprentices, Lv Shasha still dared not see Zhang Tie face-to-face each time...
He met Lv Shasha and the other junior sister apprentices in Jinwu Castle of Hidden Dragon Island last time. At that time, he and his junior sister apprentices were all drunk. After performing a fist position and a swordsmanship and reciting a poem, Zhang Tie broke his double fish swords by battle qi as his "unique" gift to these junior sister apprentices...
From then on, Zhang Tie didn't use double swords anymore.
That night, he drank too much. In his memory, Lv Shasha, Du Yuhan and Qu Liangying were all drunk. Many junior sister apprentices even cried...
That was the most beautiful and memorable night.
That night was very special.
The ever youth, the passionate, innocent, nice and simple emotions, those which were described and undescribed all turned into merry laughter and tears. After that night, all these had vanished in the battle flames of the holy war. After that, Zhang Tie went to the Selnes Theater of Operations being far away from Hidden Dragon Island and didn't see these junior sister apprentices anymore...
A few years ago, when he returned to Youzhou Province, he heard that most of these junior sister apprentices had married others. Some of them like Guo Miaolu were still in hard-working cultivation as they wanted to further increase their battle strength...
Zhang Tie didn't bother those who had got married. As for those who were still in hard-working cultivation, Zhang Tie told Huaiyuan Palace to look after them stealthily. Zhang Tie didn't go to see them either. Something had better be buried deep in mind.
It was really out of his imagination that Zhang Tie could meet a junior sister apprentice in a bookstore of Xuantian City after many years later.
Lv Shasha was still as beautiful as before; however, she was more mature. The former innocent maiden had already become a young lady although she was still as reserved as before. That little boy's eyes and face was very similar to that of Lv Shasha. At the sight of the little boy, Zhang Tie knew that he's Lv Shasha's son.
Zhang Tie became a bit absent-minded as he had mixed moods inside...
The reason that Lv Shasha gazed at Zhang Tie with her widely opened eyes was that she had not imagined that a tough man could be interested in the comic book Legend of Black Iron Hero ; additionally, that large bamboo rain hat on Zhang Tie's head looked a bit weird.
'Is this man a lunatic?'
Before Zhang Tie withdrew his hand, Lv Shasha had already withdrawn her hand rapidly with a disgusted and terrified look. After that, she turned around and told her son, "Xiaozhi, let's take a look in other bookstore!"
When Lv Shasha said this, she pulled her son back a bit stealthily in case of stirring up Zhang Tie.
"No, mom, I will read Legend of Black Iron Hero. We've been in many bookstores and they were all out of stock..."
"Hush!"
Zhang Tie revealed an embarrassed smile. As an earth knight, if the news that he quarreled with a little boy for a comic book in a bookstore was spread over, it would shock many people. Therefore, he took that comic book and gave it to that boy, "Here you go. I will read this version. I was just wondering that this novel had a comic book just now..."
As Zhang Tie said, he took the novel...
"Xiaozhi, say thanks to the uncle..."
"Thank you, uncle!" The boy called Zhang Tie in an innocent way when he received the comic book with a big smile.
"Ahh, you're welcome, you're welcome..."
Lv Shasha was still as reserved as before. Only after a brief dialogue with Zhang Tie, she had pulled her son away.
Zhang Tie was a bit thrilled. He wanted to say something; however, when he thought up his current status, he could only rub his face and see Lv Shasha off.
After dropping a gold coin, Zhang Tie took that novel and walked out of the bookstore.
Outside the bookstore, Lv Shasha and her son entered a black limo while a driver opened the door for them. At the sight of Zhang Tie coming out of the bookstore, the boy even waved his hand towards Zhang Tie.
'The origin of the license plate of the black limo is Xuantian City; it seems that Lv Shasha married someone in Xuantian City.'
A whim occurred to Zhang Tie's mind when a tracing feather shot out of his forehead and attached to the black limo.
The limo ran away leaving smoke...
Outside the bookstore, Zhang Tie skimmed over the novel. With his current spiritual energy, he could absolutely skim over 100 lines in one second. He could read one page and keep it deep in his mind as fast as taking a photo.
The main character of the novel was him. The story started from Blackhot City. The contents and framework of the novel were mainly based on his article "The Inscriptions on the Gravestone of the Despicable". Of course, there were artistic creations, processing and modifications.
After turning over 20 pages, Zhang Tie noticed a plot which he had not experienced——It was already dark when Zhang Tie finished his part-time job and was going back home. Suddenly, Zhang Tie saw a poor beggar lying on the roadside nearby the railway station of Blackhot City due to hunger. Out of sympathy, the kind youth bought a loaf of bread for the beggar from the nearby bakery. He had not imagined that the beggar was a powerhouse who just traveled across the human world with a cynical mind. After having the loaf of bread gifted by the youth, the beggar gifted a secret method to the youth and taught him how to use the unique secret disguising method. As a result, the youth immediately mastered the senior skills to change his looks...
When Zhang Tie read this plot, he could almost confirm it right away that the contents in this novel were not fully written by Mr. Jingan. This plot could only be fabricated by Donder because Zhang Tie's disguising skills were taught by Donder. Besides Donder, nobody else knew it; neither did Zhang Tie say it to others.
As an evidence, the image of Hua Boss Tang of a grocery in the novel was too excellent, he was handsome, generous and wise. In the novel, Boss Tang could be the model of all the middle-aged men. According to the description, Boss Tang was absolutely a philosopher who enjoyed the average life and the beacon light and first teacher of Zhan Tie. Damn! What made Zhang Tie speechless was that Boss Tang was not horny at all, 'A female boss in Blackhot City even courted him by spending money on him, f*ck...'
The plots about Zhang Tie at home were not fully fabricated out of the void, because only Zhang Tie's elder brother knew some details.
Zhang Tie understood it at once, 'It must be my elder brother and Donder who joined hands to clarify my innocence using Legend of Black Iron Hero .'
'It's definitely an unprecedented masterpiece for beautifying my personal image. All the storytellers across Taixia Country have become my pluggers. As long as I paid them some money, I would have numerous fans and adorers in Taixia Country. If the Supreme Court in Taixia Country doesn't cancel off my arrest order, Taixia government will lose many people's support and have to bear too much stress and condemnation.
The Legend of Black Iron Hero and the Inscriptions on the Gravestone of the Despicable once being coordinated with each other would resist numerous soldiers for Zhang Clan and Huaiyuan Palace.
Zhang Tie had not imagined that he could be as hot as the sun at high noon across Taixia Country after becoming a murderer.
'You must be kidding me.'
Although it looked ridiculous, it was real.
Over the past 4 years, although Zhang Tie was not at home and didn't even contact his family members, his family members and friends were always on his side. They were trying their best to clarify his innocence so that he could return to the public.
On the roadside, Zhang Tie spent less than 10 minutes in reading the entire story, regardless of the amazed looks of the passers-by.
The end of the story was about the merciless situation. After fighting hundreds of millions of demonized puppets to the end in Waii Subcontinent, Zhang Tie came to Taixia Country. After being outstanding in the competition for the provincial governor of Youzhou Province for Zhang Taixuan and inflicting the Heavens Reaching Church, he was framed by demons and Heavens Reaching Church. Although he survived the trap with his own ability, he had to escape everywhere with the fabricated crime as a touching, tragical hero...
Such an end was very outraged. However, in the spirit of law worshiped by Taixia Country, the order of arrest issued by the Supreme Court of Taixia Country was irrevocable. Therefore, the end of this story tested the result of the wrestle between conscience and the spirit of the law in Taixia Country. Whether did you believe that the hero was still the hero or the dubious evidence was still effective?
After putting this novel which was of special meaning to him into his coat and sensing the current location of that limo, Zhang Tie strode towards the direction where the limo was leaving for...
...
Over 10 minutes later, Zhang Tie came to a tranquil and spacious avenue in the south of Xuantian City. After throwing some glances at the signboard "Sun Mansion", Zhang Tie strode away before arousing the attention of the guards.
It should be a major clan in Xuantian City. The small limo was right in the courtyard of Sun Mansion.
"Many people from all walks of life come to Xuantian city lately, as a young madam and young master have just come back from outside, you'd better be vigilant in case of any followers..."
"Yes, sir, Steward Sun. It's said that master wants the young master to learn from Fire Dragon Hermit. Young master is wise, he will definitely be recruited..."
"Such a major event has nothing to do with you. Watch out your mouth..." Steward Sun reproached a guard...
Although it was over 100 m away, the dialogue between some people at the gate of Sun Mansion still drifted into Zhang Tie's ears...
...
After hearing this, Zhang Tie felt a bit weird as he returned to his foothold in Xuantian City...
Chapter 1027: Being as Boisterous as a Marketplace
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie's foothold was in an official manor of Xuantian City. The moment Zhang Tie reached the periphery of that official manor, he had been startled by what he saw.
The periphery of that official manor had been crowded with limos and beautiful carriages. Both sides of the greater part of a street were crowded with people with various gifts.
"Oh, ministry councilor Liu, nice to meet you..."
"Is that Boss Qu..."
"Wuh, and landlord Gao..."
Although there were many people outside the official manor, they just waited there patiently and greeted and chatted with those familiar ones beside them in a low voice. Although they were standing outside the official manor, they were still followed by their bodyguards and stewards who were lifting many cases, large or small, which almost occupied half of the avenue outside the official manor.
"It's said that the mayor's steward is also queuing up ahead of us?" A person in brilliant silk gown in front of Zhang Tie was whispering to another guy who was queuing up.
"Even idiots would come, if not in the official uniform of Taixia Country and have been dispatched away from Xuantian City, I'm afraid that Lord Mayor has long been waiting here himself!"
"Yea, Fire Dragon Hermit is a qualified earth knight. It's said that he has made great meritorious deeds in the Earth-elements Realm and has even killed over 2 earth-level demon knights. He's very prestigious..."
"Have you seen the red airboat in the official manor? It's said that Fire Dragon Hermit won it from a shadow knight elder of Taiyi Fantasy Sect through a bet. Unbelievable..."
"But I was told that Fire Dragon Hermit had killed almost 4 earth-level demon knights in the Earth-elements Realm..."
"Two of them didn't leave any evidence; therefore, they could not be counted in Fire Dragon Hermit's meritorious deeds. However, all the others had witnessed that..."
"According to your news, Fire Dragon Hermit should be the No. 1 powerhouse in Youzhou Province, more powerful than provincial governor..."
"Hush, watch out your words..."
Zhang Tie heard many whispers like this. The moment Zhang Tie wanted to push into the gate of the official manor, some bodyguards beside a fat ministry councilor instantly turned around and watched Zhang Tie with unpleasant looks before reproaching him, "Bro, don't you know about queuing up when you want to pay a formal visit to Fire Dragon Hermit?"
'F*ck, this daddy has to queue up to return to my own residence?'
Zhang Tie watched those people dozens of meters in front of him and found that he could not explain it to these people clearly; therefore, he directly took off his bamboo hat and revealed his signboard "bald head" before shouting, "Liu Xing!"
The moment Zhang Tie shouted, those in front of him turned around and watched him at the same time.
"Be quiet before the manor of Fire Dragon Hermit!" An old man turned around and gave Zhang Tie a lesson like an experienced elder.
The moment the old man finished his words, the gate of the official manor was in an uproar while those queuing up in front of the gate hurriedly dodged away. At the same time, a team of black armored fighters rushed out of the gate and opened a way for Zhang Tie by force.
Those who were queuing up outside the gate of the official manor hurriedly gave a way to the team of fighters with big smiles.
It was said that those fighters were all brave warriors from the top four armies in Taixia Country who had experienced bloody battles in the Earth-elements Realm. They were also Fire Dragon Hermit's entourage. Of course, those who were waiting outside the official manor dared not stir up them.
Under the amazed looks of so many people, the team of black armored fighters opened a way from the crowd and came all the way to Zhang Tie's front. The team leader was Liu Xing.
"Fire Dragon Hermit!"
At the sight of Zhang Tie, Liu Xing hurriedly gave a bow to Zhang Tie.
After hearing Liu Xing's words, everybody else at present widely opened their mouths like being filled with some duck eggs. The entire street was pretty quiet; especially those bodyguards and that old man who reproached Zhang Tie just now whose faces had blushed too much while they were quivering all over due to fear.
"What's wrong with these people?" Zhang Tie asked Liu Xing.
"They come from all the cities in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory. After knowing that Fire Dragon Bounty Hermit is living here, these people have sent requests to pay formal visits to Fire Dragon Bounty Hermit. As hermit is traveling outside these days, they just waited here!" Liu Xing answered.
Zhang Tie nodded silently as he directly came onto the steps of the gate of the official manor in the welcome of those black-armored fighters.
This official manor was the former official reception mansion of Xuantian City, which was especially used to receive dignitaries from other places. The Department of Protocol of Xuantian City was also in this manor. The official manor was in the best location of Xuantian City; there was an airport in the official manor. The entire official manor was like a luxurious showplace in the city. It contained pavilions, terraces, venues, independent courts and hotels. Therefore, after coming to Xuantian City, Zhang Tie chose this place as his residence. Additionally, he chose this place to hold the opening ceremony of his Iron-Dragon Sect. As this place belonged to him, he had the right to dispose of it freely.
Standing on the steps of the gate, Zhang Tie looked at those people who were waiting outside the official manor. Those people then hurriedly bowed towards Zhang Tie. Nobody at present could straighten up. Zhang Tie found that there were over 1,000 people outside his official manor.
Given these people's clothes and demeanors, Zhang Tie knew that they were major clans and landlords in the 10 cities of Fire Dragon Bounty Territory. Of course, in front of an earth knight, the so-called landlords and major clans were as trivial as ants, because there was a sharp difference between them and Zhang Tie in power, position, battle strength and wealth.
However, killing was not the only element in this world because development is closely related to these people. After all, this world was composed of many commoners. Knights were just a small part of people on the top of the pyramid.
Zhang Tie's figure was as sturdy and tall as the Mighty Miracle God. Standing on the steps, he looked very dignified.
"Who among you excels at civil engineering, especially building palaces?" Zhang Tie put it straight.
Soon after Zhang Tie finished his words, a swarthy and rich middle-aged man at his 50s raised his hand at once when the others were still confused about Zhang Tie's intention.
"You're?"
"Fire Dragon Hermit, I'm Lu Yishan, the biggest shareholder of Threerocks Engineering Group in Dashang City, Gaoping Prefecture, Yanzhou Province. Threerocks Engineering Group has a long history and remarkable reputation. Being founded by my ancestor, it's qualified to build a Class I City in Taixia Country. We're good at civil engineering, especially building palaces!" Lu Yishan answered calmly although in a faintly quivering tone.
"Hmm, not bad, come here!" Zhang Tie waved his hand towards Lu Yishan.
In the admiring eye light, Lu Yishan held his breath and walked to Zhang Tie's side calmly and bowed towards Zhang Tie once again before standing respectfully on a place two steps lower than that of Zhang Tie on the latter's side.
As a result, Lu Yishan became outstanding among those visitors outside the official manor at once.
Seeing Lu Yishan standing on Zhang Tie's side, some representatives of engineering groups of some major clans felt pretty regretful. They had not imagined that they could miss such a good chance to approach Fire Dragon Hermit only after being faintly hesitated.
When those guys were hesitating whether would they raise their hands now, Zhang Tie opened his mouth once again.
"Who has an alcohol brewage plant among you?"
This time, 3 people raised their hands at once.
Even in this age, alcohol also had special functions. Besides being used as fuel for sports cars such as Faerie-dragon T9, alcohol could also be used in medical services and food processing, etc.. Therefore, it was reasonable for some clans in the 10 cities in Fire Dragon Territory to run alcohol brewage plant.
"Well, you three, come over here!" Zhang Tie called the three people to approach to him.
In the others' admiring looks, the three well-dressed people came to the steps below Zhang Tie.
"Who could produce machines?" Zhang Tie tossed out another question.
This time, 5 people raised their hands. Zhang Tie let all of them move to his side...
"Which clan is most disgusting?"
After hearing this question, all the others exchanged glances with each other. This time, nobody raised hands. At the same time, everybody moved their eyes onto an emaciated old man in a black robe unconsciously. The old man was standing in the crowd with a cold look; two servants were standing on his side with gift packages; although it was bustling in the surroundings, there was open land beside him.
Noticing that everybody else was looking at him, the old man hesitated. Finally, he raised his hand.
"Fine, you, come here!"
Under the amazed eyes, the old man moved to a step beside Zhang Tie. Standing alone on the other side of Zhang Tie, he looked unsocial.
"Which clan have the most servants and worship kindness in accordance with strict disciplines as well as enjoy the good reputation among the public?"
This time, people became hesitated once again. Many people wanted to raise their hands; however, after looking around and measuring their own deeds, they finally didn't raise their hands, except one person who gritted his teeth and raised his hand bravely.
"Who're you?"
"Hermit, this humble man is Wang Chongde, the master of Wang Clan, Yushun Palace in Ningan City. Wang Clan is known for its strict disciplines. Although being not that famous, we warn our disciples and servants to behave meticulously every day. We would reflect our home disciplines three times a day since young. All of us protect living beings and never kill any animals. Wang Clan provides free porridge in Ningan City all the year round at the request of our ancestors. As long as Wang Clan have food to eat, we will keep providing free porridge all the year round. Therefore, after hearing Hermit's question, I recommend myself shamelessly. If Hermit thinks that I'm improper, please forgive me!" The one who raised his hand said in a flurried way.
"Since how many years has your clan provided free porridge in Ningan City?"
"Starting from this humble man's great-grandfather, Wang Clan has provided free porridge for 71 years, 8 months and 21 days ceaselessly in Ningan City, regardless of the weather!"
Zhang Tie burst out into laughter which could almost be heard across the city, "Good, Wang Clan of Yushun Palace. A kind family must have a good fortune. This hermit will bring a good fortune to your clan today so as to satisfy the God's will. Listen, now that Wang Clan could provide free porridge over 70 years constantly, 7 disciples of Wang Clan could enter my Iron-Dragon Sect. If they're talented, they could receive all the contents of my secret method Fire Dragon Hermit !
After hearing Zhang Tie's reply, the master of Wang Clan immediately knelt down on the ground and forcefully kowtowed towards Zhang Tie, "I, Wang Chongde, thanks to the great favor of Fire Dragon Hermit on behalf of the ancestors of Wang Clan!"
When he raised his head once again, Wang Chongde's forehead and eyes both turned red. Being extremely thrilled, he quivered all over.
"Hmm, come over here!"
Wang Chognde then picked himself up and patted dust off his clothes. Closely after that, he walked to Zhang Tie's side very respectfully.
At this moment, all the others threw their shocked eyes at Wang Chongde.
Nobody could imagine that Wang Clan, Yushun Palace in Ningan City could have such a special treatment like a carp leaping into the dragon's gate.
However, the master of Wang Clan was right. Many people at present had heard about Wang Clan's disciplines. They all knew that he was telling the truth. Therefore, they couldn't find any fault with him.
"The others could leave!" Zhang Tie swung his sleeves as he led those people whom he had selected into his official manor...
Chapter 1028: I Have My Own Consideration (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
After entering the official manor, Zhang Tie took a seat in a parlor beside a brook. At Zhang Tie's order, Liu Xing and the other black-armored fighters brought those selected ones into an assembly hall and received them for the time being. After learning what happened here during these days when he left the official manor from Liu Xing, Zhang Tie told Liu Xing to bring them in the parlor one after another.
During the period when Zhang Tie left the official manor, the requests to pay formal visits to Zhang Tie had filled many baskets. It was polite for them to send requests to pay formal visits to Zhang Tie. Liu Xing and the other black-armored fighters didn't know Zhang Tie's will; therefore, they just received all the requests and waited for Zhang Tie's decision.
The one who was brought in the parlor first was Lu Yishan, the former greatest shareholder of Threerocks Engineering Group in Dashang City, Gaoping Prefecture, Yanzhou Province.
Although Fire Dragon Hermit was known as a dauntless hero, he was not rude. Therefore, Lu Yishan was not as intense as before. Although recovering his composure a bit, he still behaved meticulously in front of Zhang Tie.
"Take a seat!" Zhang Tie casually pointed at a chair in the parlor and told Lu Yishan, who was of his dad's age, to take a seat.
"Erm...I...I'd better stand up...in front of hermit!" Lu Yishan said carefully.
In Lu Yishan's eyes, Fire Dragon Hermit was almost on the same level as the provincial governor. In front of such an influential figure, of course, he dared not sit. It was already his great honor to be received by such an influential figure. It was honorable enough for engineering groups like his to sit in the same room with the city mayor after many years' efforts, not to mention an earth knight.
"Cut the crap!" Zhang Tie glared at Lu Yishan.
"Yes, sir...yes, sir...yes, sir..." Lu Yishan was scared too much that he hurriedly sat down on the chair with a small half of his butt on the edge of the chair while putting his hands on his legs in a very docile look.
"Do you know why I fetch you here?" Zhang Tie asked Lu Yishan before throwing a glance at him.
After throwing a glance at Zhang Tie, Lu Yishan gritted his teeth and replied, "Does Fire Dragon Hermit want to build a Class I city in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory so as to set people's minds at rest?"
After hearing Lu Yishan's words, Zhang Tie became faintly stunned. Zhang Tie then replied, "You think this hermit wants to build a Class I city in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory?"
"I'm really happy that Hermit favors me. Therefore, I just put it straight. If it's improper, please forgive me !" Lu Yishan cupped his hands towards Zhang Tie.
"Go ahead. I will not blame you for whatever you say!" Zhang Tie waved his hand.
"If so, Lu Yishan will put it straightforward..." After recovering his composure, Lu Yishan answered, "It's said that Hermit has just come back from the Earth-elements Realm. With your status and position, you definitely know that Emperor Xuanyuan is missing. This event has been spread over the commoners. As the holy war has broken out, it's unstable both domestically and abroad. In the holy war, only solid cities and castles could set people's minds at rest. As there's not a Class I city in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory now, if you want to shape a supreme image in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory, I suggest you to build a Class I city!"
Lu Yishan's words were out of Zhang Tie's imagination. Zhang Tie had not imagined that the news that Emperor Xuanyuan was missing could be spread over the commoners in Taixia Country so fast. Even businessmen like Lu Yishan had known it and were thinking about the countermeasures. This was actually not good for Taixia Country as a whole. It indicated that the aftermath of the event that Emperor Xuanyuan was missing had just come to a start.
Actually, Zhang Tie did not fetch Lu Yishan to build a Class I city. However, Lu Yishan's words reminded Zhang Tie. From the perspective of a knight, it was almost the same whether there was a Class I city or not. However, in the holy war, Class I city was of a special meaning for commoners.
"What's the expense of a Class I city?"
"It depends. A basic Class I city which could meet all the indicators and functions would cost you 200 million gold coins to 250 million gold coins. More advanced Class I cities like some of the nine immortal provinces would cost far more 200 million gold coins as its functions and defense facilities are much better than Class I cities in Taixia Country after many generations' construction of a clan. There's actually not an upper limit for that. Additionally, since a few months ago, it had been spread over Taixia Country that Emperor Xuanyuan was missing. Therefore, the number of clans which would build Class I cities abruptly increased. Out of the demand, raw materials such as steel and cement are constantly rising. Now, it will cost over 15% more to build a Class I city than that a few months ago..."
Lu Yishan answered professionally.
The Saint Peterburg cost Zhang Tie 90 million gold coins as the most magnificent city across Ice and Snow Wilderness; however, any Class I city in Taixia Country would cost almost 200 million gold coins. What a sharp difference!
"Now that the number of clans which are going to build Class I cities abruptly increases, could you Threerocks Engineering Group receive an order to build a Class I city in Yanzhou Province?"
After hearing Zhang Tie's question, Lu Yishan's face turned embarrassed at once, "Hermit...erm...Hermit, you might not know that. In Taixia Country, those who could build Class I cities are all real major clans. The Class I cities built by these major clans are always be involved with the secrets of the clans, such as the arrangement of hidden ways and weapons. As these secrets were very sensitive and might be easily exposed to the public if they were contracted to outsiders; therefore, these Class I cities could only be built by their own engineering groups. Our Threerocks Engineering Group is mainly responsible for building official projects. We are doing some small projects, but we've not received any task on building Class I cities..."
Zhang Tie understood that the government in the provinces and prefectures would not build Class I cities in a big way at such a critical moment. Even the current building plans would be prolonged for the time being. Because of the news that the Emperor Xuanyuan was missing, the commoners started to be scared. If the government exerted its utmost to build Class I cities at this moment, it would make commoners more scared. Some cunning guys might even stir up trouble in Taixia Country with it.
Touching his bald head, Zhang Tie replied, "We need to build a Class I city; however, we should not do it right now. This Hermit wants to establish Iron-Dragon Sect first! Otherwise, it would be ridiculous if we didn't even have a foothold."
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, Lu Yishan understood at once. He almost wanted to slap his own face. He only thought about the importance of a Class I city from his point of view; however, he forgot about the importance of Iron-Dragon Sect for Fire Dragon Sect, which was even more urgent than building a Class I city. Although he thought that he had opened his mind to Fire Dragon Hermit; however, he was still too anxious for profit in Fire Dragon Hermit's eyes.
Lu Yishan revealed a bashful smile as he twisted his body restlessly and asked, "Hermit, where are you going to build Iron-Dragon Sect?"
"After looking around these couple days, I find that the Xuantian 18 mountain peaks in Yangui Mountain Range are very beautiful and magnificent. This Hermit wants to establish Iron-Dragon Sect based on Xuantian 18 mountain peaks..."
Standing in Xuantian City, people could look at the Yangui Mountain Range in the distance, especially the contour of the Xuantian 18 mountain peaks in Yangui Mountain Range. Therefore, this city was named Xuantian City.
These days, Zhang Tie was considering the location of Iron-Dragon Sect. Among the major sects in Taixia Country, besides Gold and Power Law, almost all the major sects were in famous mountains, rivers or isolated overseas islands. Some were even in very secret places. 'My Iron-Dragon Sect has to rely on a famous mountain or river too.' As Yangui Mountain was magnificent with a special terrain, Zhang Tie decided to establish Iron-Dragon Sect in Yangui Mountain Range. Given that Xuantian 18 mountain peaks were grotesque in Yangui Mountain Range, Zhang Tie chose it as the core of his Iron-Dragon Sect.
"Ahh, Hermit, do you really want to choose Xuantian 18 mountain peaks as the foundation of Iron-Dragon Sect?" Lu Yishan was amazed.
"Yes!" Zhang Tie nodded.
"How large do you want?"
After combining Lu Yishan's question with the discussion between two of them about building a Class I city, Zhang Tie had a bizarre thought. Zhang Tie recalled the surrounding terrain of Xuantian 18 mountain peaks that he had seen in the air as he burst out into laughter at once.
"Hahahaha, your words remind me. How about making it large? Why not combine the territory of Iron-Dragon Sect with a Class I city? I mean building an unprecedented sect, also a mountainous city in Yangui Mountain with the benefit of its terrain. In the future, the population in Iron-Dragon Sect will be planned according to that of a basic Class I city. Of course, we can develop step by step..."
Lu Yishan was startled at once. Closely after that, his heart pounded. It was a tough challenge and a great opportunity for Threerocks Engineering Group.
"Hermit...do you really want me to undertake this project?" Lu Yishan asked in a timid way after forcefully swallowing his saliva. At this moment, he really didn't believe that Zhang Tie could entrust him to undertake such a "major event" only after chatting with him a short while. In other places and periods, Threerocks Engineers Group would spend a lot of time and efforts in getting such a big project.
"Cut the crap, who else if I don't let you do that?" Zhang Tie glared at Lu Yishan before putting it straightforwardly, "You will take charge of this project. Don't' waste my time. I will pay you according to the market price. If you could accomplish it perfectly, you will have an award..."
Lu Yishan immediately sprung up from his chair and bowed deeply to Zhang Tie. He felt being moved and impulsive like how a person would die for the one who favored him as he said, "Our Lu Clan in Dashang City will definitely live up to Hermit's trust even at the cost of our lives..."
Chapter 1029: I Have My Own Consideration (II)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Soon after Lu Yishan left with excitement, Liu Xing had brought in another 3 people.
They all had private alcohol breweries.
Like Lu Yishan, the three people also behaved very meticulously when they entered.
The slightly younger one was more than 30 years old, the other two were at their 50s. All of them behaved politely and looked rich.
Zhang Tie told them to sit. After exchanging a glance with each other, the three guys also put a small half of their butts on the edges of their chairs in a very meticulous way like how Lu Yishan did.
"Well, you can introduce yourselves now!" Zhang Tie said as he waved his hand.
"Hermit, this humble man is Fang Tong, the master of Fang Clan in Qinghe City!" The eldest one stood up on his own initiative and introduced himself after throwing a glance at the other two.
"Do you have a private alcohol brewery?"
"Fang Clan indeed have an alcohol brewery in Qinghe City!"
"How large?"
"It could produce over 2,000 tons of alcohol each year!" Fang Tong answered respectfully when he just lowered his head and looked at the ground.
"Hmm, not bad, take a seat!" Zhang Tie nodded.
After Fang Tong sat down, another 50-year old guy in a blue silk robe picked himself up.
"Hermit, this humble man is Chen Zihui, from Chen Clan, Muqing Palace, Langyun City. I'm the younger brother of Chen Zihao, the master of Chen Clan. As my elder brother is in Guanzhou Province, he could not come back to pay a formal visit to Hermit on time; after knowing that Hermit is arriving at Xuantian City, he especially told me to come to Xuantian City to learn from Hermit on behalf of Chen Clan!"
After throwing a glance at Chen Zihui, Zhang Tie revealed a smile, 'This guy is really talkative.'
"Do you also produce alcohol?"
"Chen Clan has produced alcohol for over 50 years. We could produce over 40,000 tons a year!"
"Hmm, take a seat!" Zhang Tie nodded.
After Chen Zihui sat down, the youngest one hurriedly stood up. After bowing deeply to Zhang Tie, he opened his mouth, "This humble man is Li Tao, the head of Zhongpin Business Group in Dongyang City!"
Zhang Tie threw two glances at Li Tao and found that he was a shrewd and able man with flickering eyes. Additionally, he had already reached LV 13 4-star battle general and was one with the greatest battle strength among the 3 people.
"You're not a native of Dongyang City, right?"
"I really admired your insight, Hermit, this humble man is indeed not a native of Dongyang City. This humble man comes from Li Clan, Wansheng Palace, Wuhua Prefecture, Zhuozhou Province. As I'm a branch of Li Clan and the second son in my family, I went out to survive myself and expand undertakings outside after becoming mature. Fortunately, I have some undertakings in Dongyang City. I have a business group and a small alcohol brewery which could produce 1,000 tons of alcohol a year."
'Li Clan from Wansheng Palace?' Zhang Tie's heartbeat accelerated faintly when he recalled the major clans in Taixia Country, 'Li Clan is a major clan in Zhuozhou Province. Li Clans are all very famous in Taixia Country. It's even more powerful than Huaiyuan Palace. In such a large clan, as there are too many descendants from branches, not each of them could be well taken care of. Therefore, such a clan would encourage young descendants to establish undertakings outside. Li Tao must be one of them. There are many people like Li Tao in Huaiyuan Palace.'
'However, even after coming from major clans in Taixia Country, not each of these clan descendants who established undertakings outside could make a success. Sometimes, the signboard of major clans just granted them with a background of a young member of a family holding official rank for generations. There were numerous youngsters like this. If they wanted to establish some undertakings, they had to exert their utmost efforts. Big billows beat the sands, many young men who had the background of major clans could achieve nothing after making efforts many years in Taixia Country. By contrast, Li Tao is an able man as he could establish a bit undertaking in Dongyang City. Even guys like Zhu Dabiao was almost stewed alive by Master Jiang when he came to Youzhou Province for investment with the background of the grandson of the provincial governor of Yanzhou Province.'
Zhang Tie nodded and told Li Tao to sit down.
"I'm a straightforward man. I need your favor!"
"Hermit, what can I do for you?" Fang Tong asked as he slightly inclined forward.
"I will build an alcohol brewery in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory. Hmm, it's a bit large..." Touching his bald head, Zhang Tie continued, "Precisely, it should be an alcohol production base. As you're all running alcohol breweries and are familiar with this industry, I want you three to do that for me!"
"How large do you want, Hermit?" Chen Zihui asked as he was a bit shocked by the word "base".
"At least 500,000 tons of alcohol a year!" Zhang Tie answered casually.
After hearing the figure, Chen Zihui and Fang Tong were startled so much that they almost slid off their chairs when their mouths could almost hold a duck's egg.
"5...500,000...tons?" Fang Tong would treat it as a joke if it was not from Zhang Tie's mouth. At this moment, there was not even an alcohol production plant that could produce over 100,000 tons of alcohol a year across Taixia Country. If this plant was founded, it must be the largest one in Taixia Country. However, it might also be a joke in the end...
"What? You cannot do it?" Zhang Tie looked a bit solemn.
"We can, but..." Fang Tong became silent after looking at the other two.
"Go ahead..."
"If so, this humble man will put it straight. If Hermit wants to build an alcohol production base which could produce 500,000 tons of alcohol a year, we will have no technical problems as technologies on this aspect have been very advanced; however, after the alcohol production base is established, it might not run smoothly!" Fang Tong said while gritting his teeth.
"What do you mean by not run smoothly?"
"Hermit, you might not know much about business. In the industry, we have to consider the market demands. There's not such a large market in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory the neighboring Youzhou Province, Tongzhou Province and Yanzhou Province. Now, the alcohol production capability and market in the three provinces are already saturated. The fluctuations in both supplies and demands are very small; additionally, the profit of alcohol in the three provinces has reached its lowest limit. Take Fang Clan's alcohol brewery as an instance, after deducting the depreciative cost of equipment and the cost of labor forces, the profit of alcohol of Fang Clan is only 4% these years. Additionally, as long as the transportation distance is over 600 miles, our profit will reduce to zero. If our alcohol was transported to other places, it would become very expensive plus the cost of transportation. As a result, it could not match the alcohol that's produced in the other places. Even if we make a discount, we will sustain loss too. The more we produce, the more we will lose. Even if you could afford it for the time being, you could not afford it forever. It's the law of market, therefore..."
Fang Tong stopped because he had made it clear. It wasn't a problem for them to produce an alcohol production base which could produce 500,000 tons of alcohol a year; the problem was that such an amount of alcohol could not be consumed in the region within 600 miles with Fire Dragon Bounty Territory as the center. Such a production base would definitely sustain a loss; the more it produced, the more it would lose. Therefore, the three people didn't promise Zhang Tie at once.
Based on Fire Dragon Hermit's social status, it was normal for him to not know much about business. Nobody dared mock him. However, the three people understood it. Because they were alcohol producers and had been in this industry for so many years. They must know this industry clearly. If they ruined the task assigned by Fire Dragon Hermit, they would not bear it. It was not a joke. If Fire Dragon Hermit mistook that the three people were cheating him, they could only chop off their own heads so as to seek for the forgiveness of Fire Dragon Hermit.
After hearing Fang Tong's words, Zhang Tie revealed a smile. As he grew up in a family which sold rice brew and always did a part-time job in a grocery when he was young, of course, Zhang Tie knew the relationship between the cost of the commodity and the market capacity. Of course, these people didn't know about his background.
After looking around Fire Dragon Bounty Territory these days, Zhang Tie saw exuberant corn fields in the wild as it was August. As corns were drought-resistant, worms-proof with a high yield, many places in the north of Taixia Country were planting corns; especially in the provinces of Northeast Military Region. After the holy war broke out, out of the demand of the war, many places started to expand the planting area of corns. Across Fire Dragon Bounty Territory, the corn plantation area almost reached 1 million hectares.
Through Zhang Tie's preliminary calculation, the over 1 million hectares of corn fields could produce over 12 million tons of maize straws in total in the standard that each mu of land could produce 800 kgs' maize straws.
Previously, most of these maize straws would be burned by local framers after summer harvest; only a few parts of them would serve as fuels in rural areas. A small part of fresh maize straws could also serve as fodder. However, generally, over 80 of maize straws were burned and used to fertilize the arable lands.
Two months later, when the autumn began, black smokes caused by burning maize straws would be seen everywhere in the fields of Fire Dragon Bounty Territory.
'Although maize straws are useless to others, they are valuable to me.'
'Because nobody could imagine that I have gained the latest variant of essential-energy aura yeast. I could produce high-power alcohol only with maize straws...'
Chapter 1030: I Have My Own Consideration (III)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
With maize straw as the raw material of alcohol, the cost of the same amount of alcohol was only 0.01 times that of the others.
'On average, with only 4 tons of maize straws, I would be able to produce 1 ton of high-power alcohol and two more tons of special plant fiber pulp. Those special plant fiber pulp could be used to make paper and paperboards. Additionally, they could be even used to make burning rods and balls like honeycomb coal after being mixed with some pulverized coal and coal cinders. Finally, after the 4 tons of maize straws finished their chemical reactions, besides alcohol and plant fiber pulp, I could get hundreds of kgs' organic fertilizers.'
Heller only presented Zhang Tie the most valuable alcohol in Castle of Black Iron.
'Even if I could only take advantage of half of the deserted maize straws in Fire Dragon Bounty Territory each year, I would gain over 1 million tons of high-power alcohol, over 2 million tons of special plant fiber pulp which could be used as fuel or made into paper boards and hundreds of thousands of high-power organic fertilizers a year.'
What a profitable business!
A whole set of industrial chains could be fully developed centered on maize straws.
'Such a cheap high-power alcohol doesn't have a good market? Even if it's used to make incendiary bombs, its supply will definitely fall short of its demand. I don't need to worry about its sales volume at all, not to mention that this is a high-effective clean energy.'
Compared to Waii Subcontinent, alcohol could be used in more industries in Taixia Country, not to mention its users. For instance, the automobiles being driven by alcohol on the highways in Taixia Country definitely outnumbered that in Waii Subcontinent.
'As an alcohol with a higher fuel value, even if I only added it into the common alcohol appropriately, the thermal energy and fuel value of the common alcohol would increase greatly. With such a mixed alcohol as a fuel, those automobiles with external combustion engines would have better performance and could run farther at the cost of less fuel. It's priceless, not to mention that I could develop tentative machines.'
'As for the plant fiber pulp, whether it's used to make paper or combustibles, it would have a great advantage in cost. It's always profitable.'
'As for the organic fertilizer, it could be taken as extra gains.'
'With the trivial mutated essential-energy aura yeast, I could reach a paramount position in Taixia Country once again...'
'However, it's unnecessary for me to explain it to Fang Tong and the other two guys. I only need them to follow my orders and accomplish the tasks for me.'
The latest variant of the essential-energy aura yeast enabled Zhang Tie to understand another law——never look down upon any trivial matters or lives. Because the values of the trivial matters or lives might only be judged by the creator. It's these trivial matters or lives that bring him to higher realms constantly, such as earthworms, sand-scale fish and yeast.
"You don't need to worry about the sales volume of alcohol. You only need to establish the alcohol production base according to my requests. Additionally, I will make some modifications to the fermentation process of alcohol production..." Zhang Tie said as he directly took out the drawings of the alcohol reactor that had been designed by Edward, Aziz and Agan from Castle of Black Iron. In order to adapt to the fermentation of maize straws, the new reactor was different than common ones on its inlet and outlet. This new reactor has three outlets in different shapes in three locations, which corresponded to alcohol, plant fiber pulp and organic fertilizer respectively.
When Fang Tong and Chen Zihui were confused about Zhang Tie's request, Li Tao, who had been silent, immediately stood up and promised Zhang Tie, "This humble man will definitely live up to your trust and accomplish Hermit's task at the fastest speed with the best quality!"
Zhang Tie threw a glance at Li Tao as he thought inside, 'The young man who leaves his major clan to establish his own undertaking is really more enterprising than the others. Fang Tong and Chen Zihui might still be thinking about how to persuade me; however, Li Tao has already stood out. This man is more decisive and enterprising, which is what I need urgently now. As to the other two, now that they've missed the good opportunity, they could only blame themselves for that.'
"Well, you will be responsible for this task. Let's make the address of the alcohol production base neighbor Gaoping Prefecture in Yanzhou Province within Fire Dragon Bounty Territory. I only have one request——leave space for renovation and expansion near the base!"
As Yanzhou Province was the hub of Northeast Military Region, with Commander Cheng on its back, those who were jealous about the alcohol production base would not dare destroy it easily. This was why Zhang Tie chose this place as the address of the alcohol production base.
The reason that he told Li Tao to leave space for expansion and renovation near the base lay in that Zhang Tie was not sure about the ultimate purpose of the plant fiber pulp in the future. As Zhang Tie had not seen the paper being made of the plant fiber pulp, he had to leave space for building a paper pulp production base neighboring the alcohol production base. If the fact was that the paper being made of the plant fiber pulp was not competitive in Taixia Country, he would teach common farmers to mix the plant fiber pulp with pulverized coal and coal cinders and make them into honeycomb coal themselves. He didn't need that bit of money at all.
After Li Tao walked forward, Zhang Tie gave him the drawings of the alcohol reactor. Li Tao took it with two hands in a very respectful manner. Closely after that, Zhang Tie asked him, "How much do you need to build this alcohol production base?"
"Although the production and fermentation equipment of alcohol are huge, they are produced in many plants across Taixia Country. Therefore, they are not expensive. We can customize them in plants. As it's in the territory of Hermit, the land rent fee will be free. We only need 5 million gold coins to build it!" Li Tao replied calmly as his eyes flickered, "Although I'm not in the army, after promising Hermit to do that, it's as effective as a military pledge. I'd like to press my fingerprints on a military pledge. If I could not accomplish it with 5 million gold coins, I would chop off my own head!"
Zhang Tie appreciated the attitude of this disciple of Li Clan very much as Li Tao had a dauntless spirit, which was urgently needed on the battlefield.
"How long do you need?" Zhang Tie asked.
"4 months!"
"How about 3 months?"
Li Tao clenched his fist as he looked a bit solemn and nodded forcefully. At the same time, he squeezed some words out of his teeth, "3 months!"
Zhang Tie burst out into laughter as he instantly took out a pile of gold checks, each of which was worth 100,000 gold coins. After that, Zhang Tie said, "Here are 5 million gold coins. If you could accomplish it in 3 months, I will promise you a bright future so that you could return to your hometown and Wansheng Palace with wealth and fame one day. Even the Li elders of Wansheng Palace will treat you politely!"
"Thank you, hermit!" Li Tao looked faintly surprised. Closely after that, he took Zhang Tie's gold checks and returned to his own seat while bowing his body.
In the past couple of minutes, Fang Tong and Fang Zihui just watched what happened in front of them like onlookers. Watching Zhang Tie deliver the task of building an alcohol production base to Li Tao and Li Tao promise to accomplish this task at the cost of his life in a brief talk, the two people felt like dreaming.
"Well, you can leave..." Zhang Tie waved his hand.
Until they heard Zhang Tie's last words did Fang Tong and Chen Zihui wake up from the dream.
'We can leave? It has nothing to do with me?'
Looking at Zhang Tie who was drinking tea at his seat and slightly quivering his throat, Chen Zihui wanted to say something else; however, Liu Xing had already appeared in front of 3 of them and made a hand gesture to invite them to leave.
Finally, Fang Tong and Chen Zihui were taken out of the parlor with a confused look by Liu Xing.
After leaving the parlor, being stimulated by the sunlight, Fang Tong and Chen Zihui woke up at once. At this moment, the three people had been over 50 m away from the parlor and were walking in the garden near the brook in the official manor. There were so many willows on both sides of the brook. When the breeze blew by, the twigs of the willows started to swing. After waking up, Fang Tong and Chen Zihui both felt that their moods were as vacant as those twigs of willows.
"Boss Li, why did you..." Fang Tong watched Li Tao with widely opened eyes.
Watching the two people, Li Hui knew what they were wondering as he asked in reply, "Does your clans have earth knights?"
After exchanging a glance with each other, Fang Tong and Chen Zihui shook their heads.
"What do you mean?"
Li Tao replied with a smile, "Li Clan of Wansheng Palace has an earth knight. He's the grand elder of our clan. Previously, my position in Li Clan was not remarkable; I didn't even have a chance to meet the grand elder since I was young. Although I've not met him, I have known one thing since young; it's also what my first teacher taught me!"
"What's that thing?"
"If you're not an earth knight, never conjecture what an earth knight is thinking about from your view. Because the world of earth knights is different than that of us. It's said that earth knights are worshiped as deities in subcontinents or remote lands. An earth knight's experience, opinions, ability and realm are absolutely out of a commoner's imagination. As a commoner below knight level, we'd better be modest in front of an earth knight. Many times, what you think and concern about are nothing but a joke in the eyes of an earth knight! There's a proverb in the Western Continent that the moment humans think, the God will laugh. Actually, it might be more proper if this proverb was changed into the moment commoners think, the earth knight will laugh..."
When Fang Tong and Chen Zihui were still considering about Li Tao's reply, Li Tao had already cupped his hands towards the two people as he said, "As this humble man has to accomplish the emergency task assigned by the Hermit, I have to leave Xuantian City right now. See you!"
After saying that, Li Tao had strode away, leaving Fang Tong and Chen Zihui standing still there with a confused look.
In the parlor, although being far away, Zhang Tie had heard all the words that Li Tao told the other two people.
Zhang Tie let out a sigh inside, 'What a Li Clan! Although being just a branch disciple, being immersed in the deep background of the clan since young, his talent could really not be matched by commoners. As long as there's a chance, he will be able to catch it.'
This implied the deep background of major clans! Those clans without any earth knight would never know about the realm and world of earth knights. A commoner should never worry about what an earth knight stuck to. If not having his own considerations, how could an earth knight make important decisions?
When Fang Tong and Chen Zihui were still standing still in confused looks, the third batch of people had passed by them and walked towards the parlor where they had just left. Some familiar ones even hailed them on the way; however, they found that Fang Tong and Chen Zihui were disappointed and absent-minded.
After quite a while, Chen Zihui shook his head as he revealed a bitter smile and cupped his hands towards Fang Tong before saying, "Brother Fang, this time, we might really have missed a good opportunity. When my elder brother comes back, I even don't know how to explain it to him...the young man is really regarded with respect...alas...see you..."
Chapter 1031: An Epoch-making Invention
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Among the last batch of 5 people, Zhang Tie was attracted by the last person's introduction.
That was a young man at his 20s. Behaving elegantly, he looked a bit familiar.
"This humble man is Sun Qiming, from Hongyuan Business Group, Xuantian City; nice to see you, Fire Dragon Hermit!"
'Surnamed Sun?'
Zhang Tie suddenly figured out why this man looked familiar. Because this man's face reminded Zhang Tie of the boy's face on Lv Shasha's side. After looking at him carefully, Zhang Tie confirmed it that this Sun Qiming was the very husband of Lv Shasha, his junior sister apprentice.
'What a coincidence! Honestly, this Sun Qiming should also call my senior brother apprentice like Lv Shasha.'
After looking at Sun Qiming for a short while, Zhang Tie's voice turned kinder, "Do you Sun Clan also excel at making mechanical equipment?"
"I dare not tell a lie in front of Hermit. Hua people in Taixia Country ranks top among humans in making machines. There are talents in this line across Taixia Country. Although our Sun Clan is slightly dwarfed by the major business groups and clans which rank top in making machines in Taixia Country, our clan has also been in this line for many generations. We still excel at making machines. Our clan mainly sells several types of locomotives, many kinds of mini steam laches and some steam city-defense equipment. Our machines branded Hongyuan are well-known in Youzhou Province, even across the Northeast Military Region. They're also greatly favored by many old customers." Sun Qiming answered meticulously after hearing Zhang Tie's question. Through his reply, he implied Sun Clan's advantages in making machines and didn't offend the other 4 clans at present.
"Now that Sun Clan has been immersed in this line for so many years, I have a question for you. Could you tell me about the difference between steam-driven machines and the machines with internal combustion engines which were popular before the Catastrophe?"
Sun Qiming replied modestly and seriously. Actually, any lad who had joined this industry could answer this question. Even though, nobody at present dared say that Fire Dragon Hermit was naive.
"The machines which were driven by internal combustion engines before the Catastrophe have more strengths than steam-driven machines, such as being smaller in size, lighter, more powerful, rapidly ignited and widely applied. That's why humans preferred internal combustion engines than steam-driven engines before the Catastrophe."
Zhang Tie nodded as he continued, "In your opinion, where do you think an internal combustion engine could work most effectively?"
"The technologies about internal combustion engines have been mature over 1,000 years ago. It's actually not difficult for us to make a perfect internal combustion engine with the modern technologies. What is difficult is that there's no suitable fuel for internal combustion engines. Although we've lost the possibility to continue to drive internal combustion engines, as we still pursue the high power and efficiency of internal combustion engines in this age, we've developed external combustion engines, which combine the features of steam engines and internal combustion engines with burning alcohol as the indirect driving force for steam cycle. Even though, it still could not match that of internal combustion engines in purposes as it's only limited to few limos, some city-defense equipment which requires rapid response and gears of some difference engines."
After sensing Zhang Tie's pleasant attitude when he asked the representative of Sun Clan, the other guys threw admiring looks at Sun Qiming at the same time. They wondered why Fire Dragon Hermit was interested in Sun Qiming.
'Honestly, although Sun Clan is a bit well known in making machines, it is not better than the other clans in Youzhou Province in this line. Why doesn't Fire Dragon Hermit ask me about that? Is that because that Sun Qiming opened his mouth in the end? If so, I would not have been that positive.'
The representatives of the other four clans just sat aside and listened to the conversation between Sun Qiming and Fire Dragon Hermit carefully. Besides sighing with emotions inside that Sun Clan was fortunate, none of them dared express their dissatisfaction.
As a great artisan master, Zhang Tie was almost on behalf of the highest craftsmanship in steam engines. As long as a great artisan master had enough time, he could create a steam civilization himself. Of course, Zhang Tie had long known about the knowledge that Sun Qiming replied. Not only that, he even knew it better than Sun Qiming. Zhang Tie didn't expect to get an answer from Sun Qiming; instead, he just wanted to see whether Lv Shasha's husband was reliable and could undertake the heavy burden that he would assign to Sun Clan.
"Hehe, I mean if we could drive machines by internal combustion engines, what sort of internal combustion engine do you want to develop?'
After hearing Zhang Tie's question, Sun Qiming immediately replied, "As it's in the holy war, humans are in a life or death situation. If we could have this sharp weapon, of course, we should apply it in human armies so that we could fight demons; protect your man and homeland!"
"Hahahaha..." Zhang Tie burst out into laughter generously. 'Although Sun Qiming looks gentle and humble, he's also hot-blooded on the other aspect. He matches junior sister apprentice Lv. No wonder they got married, "I like your answer. Come here, take a look at this."
Zhang Tie took out a roll of drawing from Castle of Black Iron.
As for a person like Fire Dragon Hermit, it was not weird for him to have a space-teleportation equipment. The moment the roll of drawing appeared in Zhang Tie's hand, two of the five people who hadn't seen a space-teleportation equipment were shocked. Because of this, they were more awe-stricken to Zhang Tie.
Right under the extremely admiring gazes of the other four people, Sun Qiming stood up and came to Zhang Tie's front in a bit restrained way. After that, he took Zhang Tie's drawing by two hands.
The moment he got the drawing, he had known that it was a very regular and professional mechanic design drawing from its familiar texture and weight. As there were strict requests on the texture, drawing methods and specifications of mechanic design drawings, they could not be casually drawn. Those plots that design drawings could be drawn easily in novels were nothing but sh*t.
"You can open the drawing over the table!" Zhang Tie pointed at a rectangular table in the parlor before throwing a glance at the other 4 guys who had long moved their eyes onto the drawing, "Don't sit there, come here for discussion!"
After hearing Zhang Tie's order, the other four guys flurriedly moved their small half of butts away from the chairs and opened the drawing together with Sun Qiming before watching it carefully.
That was a real complete mechanic design drawing instead of a draft. It even included various parameters and raw materials.
At the sight of that blueprint, they had identified that it was a design drawing of an 8-cylinder internal combustion engine.
The 8 cylinders, the reciprocating piston and the connecting rod had immediately reminded insiders that it was a blueprint of an internal combustion engine. Those who were familiar with the structures of internal combustion engines could see the waste supercharging device on the drawing at once.
However, it was not a common design drawing of an internal combustion engine because it was different than the common internal combustion engines in people's mind in many aspects.
When he looked at the design drawing, Sun Qiming's face turned weird at first; closely after that, his face turned surprised; finally, he turned very solemn.
The largest difference between this internal combustion engine and the common internal combustion engines was that the 8 cylinders on the design drawing were more like combustion chambers of a boiler than cylinders because the external layer of the 8 cylinders was hollow and filled with water. To a certain degree, the cylinders where the reciprocating pistons moved inside became the combustion chambers of an external combustion engine. When alcohol was burning inside, it would heat up the water layer outside the cylinders and produce steam power.
Sun Qiming slid his fingers across the design drawing slowly attentively. At the same time, he was imagining the operating condition of this engine. All of a sudden, Sun Qiming quivered all over as he got hang of the essence of this design drawing at once...
"Haven't you figured it out?" The moment Zhang Tie opened his mouth, he shocked the 5 people instantly, who hurriedly bowed and pushed themselves away from the table.
"We're too slow-witted and couldn't figure out the design mindset of this set of engine!" One person replied in an embarrassed way.
"Although this engine looks like an internal combustion engine, it looks more like an external combustion engine; therefore..." One person said slowly.
"This design didn't appear before and after the Catastrophe..."
Zhang Tie smiled as he raised his hand. The others hurriedly became quiet. Closely after that, Zhang Tie started to slide his fingers over the design drawing, "This set of machine is indeed unprecedented. It's a wholly new design. The idea of this design combines the essence of internal combustion engines before the Catastrophe and the essence of steam-driven force after the Catastrophe. Of course, you've not seen that before. It could be an 8-cylinder internal combustion engine and an external combustion engine with 8 combustion chambers. I name it..." Zhang Tie hesitated a bit as if he was recalling its name, "I name it dull-drive, full heat-power, high-effective driving system, briefly, dual-drive engine..."
Chapter 1032: The Iron of Iron-Dragon Sect (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
'Dual-drive engine?'
If it was told by an engineer, the 5 people in the parlor would not be surprised; however, it was told by Fire Dragon Hermit...
Watching Zhang Tie's tower-like figure which was as powerful as a violence machine in ancient times and his bald head which only lacked the slogan "I'm the boss", the 5 people in the room widely opened their mouths at the same time.
"Did...did...Hermit...invent it?"
The eldest man in the room asked Zhang Tie with a dumbfounded look.
"Yup, don't I look like a scholar? Knights should be muscled with the simple mind?" Zhang Tie goggled at the old man. The old man immediately felt an overwhelming stress and almost had a pee.
"No...no...I didn't mean that...I mean...Hermit..."
Being intense, the old man stammered. Only in a few seconds, the old man's forehead had been covered with big sweat drops.
"Hermit, please forgive us. Clan head Yan means that the one who could design this machine is definitely a top expert in this line. As we've not seen such a knight who excels at making machines, after Hermit took out the design drawing, we all admire you; at the same time, we are shocked too much as we've not imagined that Hermit is able to weld both the pen and the force. Amazing!"
It was Sun Qiming who helped the old man explain.
After hearing Sun Qiming's explanation, the old man who was still extremely jealous about Sun Qiming just now threw a glance at him out of gratitude immediately. At the same time, he wiped off the sweat from his forehead and hurriedly nodded, "Yes, yes, that's what I meant. Hermit's talents...are too admirable!"
Actually, after entering the parlor, the 5 people had been in a competitive state. Even though, Sun Qiming still hoped to give the old man a favor when he was in trouble. Given this point, Zhang Tie found that Sun Qiming was benevolent and tolerant. Therefore, Zhang Tie felt that this man matched his junior sister apprentice Lv Shasha pretty well.
"Hmm, glad you mean that!" Zhang Tie nodded as he threw a glance at Sun Qiming and said, "Before promoting to a knight, I've been interested in the dynamic system very much. After promoting to a knight, due to my great spiritual energy, I could skim over 10 lines in one second and remember all the contents that I've ever read. After learning the predecessors' experience and knowledge, I even made a great breakthrough in this aspect..."
Actually, because of the greater longevity and spiritual energy of knights, knights in Taixia Country excelled at many aspects such as music, art and painting; however, as their military exploits were greater and more influential than that in these aspects, knights were usually known as great fighters.
It was not strange that a knight excelled at making machines; if a knight could keep this interest for 100 years, he or she would definitely become a top expert in this industry. As none of those at present knew Zhang Tie's real age, they were shocked by Zhang Tie's invention too much.
"We're too slow-witted, Hermit, please reveal the secret of this machine to us..." Sun Qiming bowed deeply towards Zhang Tie.
"Well, I will tell you about the key parts of this machine!" Zhang Tie replied as he turned solemn and started to make an introduction to these people referring to the design drawing.
This dual-drive engine was very important for Zhang Tie. Now that the 5 people at present were selected to produce this machine, if they didn't figure out the designing mindset and the key technical principles, they would face problems for sure. Therefore, it's necessary for him to introduce it to them.
"Someone of you said that this machine was an internal combustion engine, yet more like an external combustion engine. It's right. This machine is really both an internal combustion engine and an external combustion engine because it has the essences of the both!" Zhang Tie pointed at the cylinders on the design drawing and said, "The designing essence is on the cylinders..."
"As the traditional internal combustion engine before the Catastrophe would give out a great amount of heat when in combustion, the entire engine would be in a very high temperature, which would further impact the running of the engine. Therefore, engines before the Catastrophe had to be matched with various water-cooling systems or wind-cooling systems so as to lower the temperature of the engine when running. As for many internal combustion engines before the Catastrophe, after they were lit a few minutes, the temperature of the water which was used to lower the temperature of the engine would rise rapidly, even boil up. As for people before the Catastrophe, it was pretty normal!"
"According to the literature about engines before the Catastrophe, in a period before the Catastrophe, drivers of small-power tractors with only dozens of power horses would always take three items: the handle of the engine, which was used to run the tractor; second, a huge water tank, which was used to lower the temperature of the cooling system of the tractor in case that the engine would be damaged due to high heat; third, chicken eggs, which could be cooked in the water cooling system and provide the driver a meal..."
"In this age, when steam and heat became the main driving forces, this water cooling system would be a joke and a great waste. Take the common gasoline engine before the Catastrophe as an instance, the output power only accounted for 20-30% of the total heat of the burning fuel. The output power of the diesel engine would vary from 30-45% of the total heat of the burning fuel. The heat that escaped from a common gasoline engine would account 70-80% of the total heat of the burning fuel. Of course, it was a joke for designing a water cooling system at the cost of such a waste of heat. From the beginning, most of the internal combustion engines before the Catastrophe were suffering from a great loss of heat. Traditional internal combustion engines could not make full use of the energy of the burning fuel at all..."
"My dual-drive engine could fix this shortcoming of the traditional internal combustion engine to the most extent; meanwhile, it would combine the water cooling system of the traditional internal combustion engine with our current steam driving system. The key part of this combination is in the cylinders of the traditional internal combustion engine..."
"...When the fuel starts to burn with air in the cylinders, the reciprocating pistons in the cylinders would start to move by pushing the connecting rod to make strike movements. From this perspective, it's an internal combustion engine. On the other hand, look at the cylinders; they're different than that of the common reciprocating piston engine before the Catastrophe; namely, when the fuel burns in the cylinders, the power caused by air expansion would pass to the pistons in the cylinders and push the piston and connecting rod to make mechanic movements. Besides air expansion, the burning fuel in the cylinders would bring heat which could further pass to the steam water cooling system in the periphery of the cylinders and heat the water; as a result, the burning fuel in the cylinders could heat up the external combustion engine..."
"The core of this dual-drive engine is its cylinders, which are greatly different than that of traditional internal combustion engine in the four aspects, namely, the layout of cylinders; the selection of the material of cylinders; the cooling system of the cylinders and the empty layer design in the periphery of the cylinders..."
When Zhang Tie talked about it, he became very attentive and professional. The audience even forgot that Zhang Tie was an earth knight and was gradually immersed in Zhang Tie's introduction.
...
"...being different than the material of the cylinders of common internal combustion engines, the material of the cylinders of this engine has to be wearable and hard enough; in order to pass the heat from the combustion chamber to the neighboring water cooling layer smoothly, it needs to have a very high thermal conductivity. Therefore, according to the Fourier heat conduction law of metals, the best material of the cylinders should be super-dense, double-layer, LV 3 aluminum alloy. This kind of aluminum alloy should experience a four-phase hot-dip coating in the water cooling layer. This technology is consistent with that of many Faerie-dragon limos..."
"Additionally, as the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine would take away a great amount of heat, the design of the exhaust pipe of this engine is a bit special. It adopts the circular and built-in designing mindset. After the engine is booted, it could accomplish the secondary heating for the heat in the steam power system using the high heat in the exhaust pipe."
"Therefore, the burning fuel in the cylinders could activate the pistons in the cylinders and the steam power system outside the cylinders at the same time. The efficiency of this engine is unrivaled. The displacement of its cylinders is 18.5 L. Comprehensively, the power density of its cylinders is...its cylinders' compression ratio is..."
"The internal combustion engine part has been reinforced through the two-stage turbocharger device. Its separate output power could reach 940 horsepowers while the steam power system could bring 610 horsepowers. The two sets of output power systems could be used separately; one serves as the driving force system, the other could be connected to the steam weapon module; we could also use a differential gearbox to output the power from the two sources to the same direction so that it could reach its maximal output in an aspect in a certain period so as to respond to different situations. If we don't connect it to the steam weapon module, the whole set of engine could be less than 800 kg in weight as the metallurgical material processing is unprecedentedly advanced..."
As Zhang Tie had been desiring for such an engine for so long, he introduced it very carefully; precisely, very considerably.
When Zhang Tie was introducing this engine, his spirit had long flown to the smoky and bloody Selnes Theater of Operations...
Zhang Tie had too many memories about Selnes Theater of Operations as he had bled too much over there.
This engine was exclusive for the first type of propeller-driven airplane in the Black Iron Age...
When Zhang Tie was explaining the design principle of this set of engine, he had a hypothesis in mind——if there was such an engine in Selnes Theater of Operations, there would be a propeller-driven airplane being driven by this kind of engine. What would be the result of the battle in Selnes Theater of Operations then? Would the airship troop in Selnes Theater of Operations have a better result?
Undoubtedly. If there were such an engine and such a kind of airplane at that time, the result across the Selnes Theater of Operations would be rewritten for sure. The demons might still be able to break through the human defense line in Selnes Theater of Operations; however, they had to suffer much more losses than humans. Humans might still have to evacuate from the Selnes Theater of Operations strategically in the end; however, many tragical casualties should have been avoided.
'The honor of Selnes Eagle that I gained in Selnes Theater of Operations is more like the real reflection of the tragedy of the allied human forces especially the human airship troop in the Selnes Theater of Operations.'
'How could I shock the command of the allied human forces on a subcontinent and gain the great honor only by killing some wing demons in the air by myself? It's a bit ironical and helpless!'
The reason for this situation lay in that the demon air forces had an overwhelming advantage over human airships and air troops if the knights on both parties were excluded. In many situations, what waited for human airship troop and those brave glider drivers were absolutely a one-sided massacre when they encountered wing demons...
At that time, glider drivers could definitely be rated as the bravest and most respectable arm of services with the biggest casualty in Selnes Theater of Operations, if there was such a rating item.
As the only air cavalry in Selnes Theater of Operations at that time, Zhang Tie was clear that dauntless human glider drivers almost covered their blood about one million square kilometers in the sky above the entire Selnes Theater of Operations.
Selnes Theater of Operations was the elegy that human glider drivers and airship fighters played in Waii Subcontinent at the cost of their lives and blood...