Above the mage!

Chapter 564 Breeding
Gao De walked out of the stone house with a smile on his face.

A smile of triumph.

The aroma of Moutai liquor wafts out of the room.

This spirit, brewed with Northwest Barley No. 2, is still somewhat lacking in flavor due to insufficient aging and is far from being of superior quality.

However, thanks to the inherent characteristics of the Northwest Barley No. 2 variety, it still managed to win over Master Yan Gang and Du Lin Huo.

With good wine paving the way, Gaode's request naturally became much easier.

The Yang family is renowned for its forging skills, yet they have established a prohibition against crafting extraordinary weapons for outsiders.

That's why the story of "Winter's Hammer" is so rare.

Even a high-ranking company like Yangang would not defy this ban.

However, what Gaode needed from Yangang was not some extraordinary weapon, but simply a gold refining machine with a complex stamping process for use in coin minting for stamping and anti-counterfeiting.

Such an alchemical machine does not need to contain any destructive or lethal force; it only needs to be precise and meticulous.

In Yangang's view, it does not pose "any harm," but it is complex enough.

This is a rare challenge.

Therefore, when Master Yan Gang heard Gao De's request, his eyes immediately lit up, and he was overjoyed.

However, he was not a reckless person, and he further confirmed the function of the alchemy machine.

After learning that it was for minting coins, they finally let down their guard.

The core of the Sheep Clan's ban is "not to create extraordinary weapons for killing."

This alchemical machine, possessing neither supernatural power nor any ability to benefit the people of the North, is completely outside the scope of the ban.

More importantly, this machine is extremely complex in its manufacturing process: gears with precision down to the millimeter, alloy molds that can withstand high-frequency imprinting, and a stable alchemical array that drives the machine.

Each part requires the ultimate forging skills, and it tests patience and craftsmanship even more than forging an ordinary extraordinary weapon.

After leaving the lava field, Yan Gang was already itching to play.

Faced with such a "harmless yet complex" alchemy machine, his passion for forging was instantly ignited, and he immediately agreed.

Gao De stood at the entrance of the stone house and let out a long breath.

If nothing unexpected happens, this matter will most likely be resolved.

However, he had even more ideas in his mind.

If Master Rocksteel can forge this alchemical machine, then it seems there are many other envisioned alchemical machines that Master Rocksteel could help with.

Anyway, he seems to enjoy it.

A gust of cold wind brought Gao De back to his senses, and he turned to return to Phoenix.

Next, we need to prepare the materials requested by Master Yan Gang as soon as possible.

If I remember correctly, several of these items were not stored in Phoenix warehouses, and people needed to be sent out to search for them.

Fortunately, two Level 2 prospectors were recruited in the first batch of talent programs.

In addition, there is the treasure of the mineral vein compass, which can help. By sending out more people and spending more time, we should still be able to solve the problem.

The initial coinage plan has been finalized, and theoretically, the next step is to wait for the materials to arrive and for the gold refining machine to be completed.

However, Gaode was not satisfied.

Because after returning to Phoenix, he saw the minting process chart that Elsa had prepared.

Every step on the table was clearly marked with charcoal, but the more he looked at it, the more his brows furrowed.

There are more problems than I imagined.

Elsa's proposed coinage system was far too crude.

At least that's how Gaode sees it.

The most important problem is that the proportion of manual operation is too high.

For example, during the blank making process, molten metal solution needs to be injected into a long, grooved mold to form a metal strip. Then, the metal strip is placed on an anvil with standard spacing markings, and a metal block of approximately the same weight is cut off with special pliers.

Manually cutting the blanks is a complete loophole in Gaode Maps' system:

If the worker's force is slightly off, the weight of the cut metal blocks will be inaccurate, and subsequent manual weighing and adjustment will be required. This is not only inefficient but also prone to human error.

More importantly, the future demand for coins in the North will only increase, and manual cutting simply cannot meet the needs of large-scale production.

Elsa stood to the side, looking at Gao De's furrowed brows, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Because in her view, this is a perfectly reasonable and normal process.

Firstly, given the conditions in the North, this is already the optimal solution under the existing conditions in the North.

Secondly, even in the outside world, many principalities do the same.

The entire process utilizes molds and standard scales, making it far more refined than the manual cutting techniques used in many principalities.

It not only fits the "pragmatic" style of the North, but also meets the initial minting needs.

But in Gao De's view, as a time traveler, it would be outrageous if he could tolerate such inefficient technology.

While not fully automated, with exceptional abilities and the master craftsman Yan Gang, developing a semi-automated coin-minting production line would not be a problem.

"Elsa, look here!" Gaode didn't have any sense of superiority. He immediately pulled Elsa aside and offered his optimization ideas.

For example, with cutting, one could design an alchemical machine equipped with precision calipers and a sharp cutting knife.

After the metal strip is fed in, the cutter automatically drops after each fixed length (i.e., the thickness of the coin) it is pushed in, cutting off a round metal billet with uniform weight and size.

The production speed has increased by orders of magnitude, from cutting one piece at a time to cutting one slice at a time.

In addition, it also fundamentally solves the problem of inconsistent weight, and there is almost no need for subsequent weight adjustments, saving a lot of manual labor.

Such an alchemical machine is not too difficult to build; it simply requires a sufficiently sharp cutting blade, which can also be obtained with the help of Master Rock Steel.

He certainly wouldn't agree to forge a sharp, extraordinary longsword, but there's plenty of room for compromise when it comes to a sharp, extraordinary cutting blade within a machine.

There are many similar areas for optimization in the other steps as well.

Gao De specially set aside a morning to combine his knowledge of factory assembly lines from his previous life with the extraordinary abilities of this world to further optimize the minting process that Elsa had outlined.

From melting and casting to shearing and initial polishing, each step is marked with alternative alchemical machine design ideas.

A prototype of a semi-automated coin minting process is gradually taking shape.

How to implement his ideas is Elsa's concern.

Having finished dealing with the minting of coins, Gao De felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders and a sense of relief washed over him.

If the North is a high-speed train, then currency is its wheels; without wheels, it certainly can't go very far.

Unexpectedly, this period of relaxation didn't last long, as Gaode Maps received its second piece of good news that afternoon.

The newly appointed director of the Livestock Office, Quentin, has returned from his trip.

He left alone, but returned with a lizard.

This is exactly the kind of lizard that the Ice Lizard Blood Fungus Industrial Park urgently needs, or rather, male Ice Lizards.

That's not enough. "Your Highness, besides finding the lizards on this trip, we also unexpectedly discovered this magical plant, which I think might be useful to you." Quentin personally came to the city hall, found God, and solemnly handed God an ice crystal box.

Gaode was also a little curious.

After all, Quentin is a fourth-circle mage, and a magical plant that he treats with such seriousness must not be an ordinary magical plant.

He took the ice crystal box; it was icy cold to the touch. When he opened it, a refreshing fragrance wafted out.

The fragrance is like the scent of melting snow seeping into the soil, with a hint of sweetness. Inhaling it relaxes even the most tense nerves.

Gao De looked down into the box, his gaze instantly drawn to the magical plant.

The roots of the magical plant were encased in frozen soil, which was covered with a thin layer of ice crystals.

Beneath the ice crystals are three main stems, each about the thickness of a finger. The stems are pale blue, covered with fine white veins, and faint shimmering light shines between the veins.

Three leaves grow at the top of the main stem. The leaves are fan-shaped with irregularly serrated edges.

The most unique feature is the stamen in the center of the leaf, which is shaped like a miniature ice lotus flower with layers of petals, each petal covered with tiny ice crystal particles.

A glistening dewdrop clung to the tip of the flower's stamen. Tiny particles of light seemed to be rotating within the dewdrop, emanating a magical energy fluctuation that was even more intense than that of a fourth-circle spell, yet it was exceptionally gentle and utterly devoid of any aggression.

"What's the name of this magical plant?" Gao De gently brought his finger close to the ice crystal box. He didn't touch the leaves, but he could feel the gentle energy emanating from the magical plant.

The energy seemed to nourish one's spirit, instantly clearing his somewhat tired mind.

Quentin quickly replied, "This is an 'Ice Vein Flower,' which grows beneath the permafrost tundra. It's a fourth-tier magical plant that can automatically absorb ice elements and free magic power from the air, accumulating over time to grow into its current form."

"As long as you swallow it, you can temporarily construct an ice vein in your body that can automatically absorb magic power. This will not only accelerate the absorption of magic power and greatly enhance the mage's cultivation speed, but also strengthen the power of the ice spells cast by the mage. The duration is about half a year."

nice one!
"It really works for me, thank you for your thoughtfulness." Gao De's eyes lit up slightly.

He wasn't particularly focused on enhancing the power of ice magic for the time being; what he valued was the efficiency of increasing his cultivation speed.

With the bloodline of Zhenbing, he doesn't need to worry about cultivating the "Zhenbing Secret Manual".

However, it is precisely for this reason that Gao De will soon face the predicament that his progress in cultivating the "Qingmu Longevity Scripture" will not be able to keep up with that of the "Zhenbing Secret Transmission".

A magical plant that can increase cultivation speed is like a godsend.

"By the way, we brought the male lizard back. The breeding arrangements should be fine now, right?"

After accepting the Ice Vein Flower, Gao De casually asked about the Frost Giant Lizard, "We're still relying on them to expand the production of Ice Lizard Blood Fungus."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Gao De's question, Quentin's face showed an embarrassed expression: "Your Highness, this matter is a bit troublesome, and it may take several years before it can be carried out."

"Oh?" Gao De put down the box, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and asked, "What do you mean?"

Quentin is a genuine Tier 4 Beast Tamer. He even managed to rescue two adult Frost Giant Lizards from the snowfield. How come he's now stuck on the breeding issue?
"Is the female lizard not adapting to the environment, or is there a problem with the male lizard?"

"That's not the reason." Quentin shrugged helplessly and explained the whole story.

The situation is far less complicated than Gaode Maps imagines, or rather, excessively simple.

The male Frost Monitor that Quentin brought back was much younger and smaller than the female Frost Monitor in the industrial park.

Therefore, it dares not "mount" a female lizard that has already given birth.

The female lizard wasn't resistant; in fact, she approached him a few times. But the male lizard was so frightened that he lay prone on the ground, not daring to lift his head.
In the end, Quentin himself found it somewhat amusing.

His idea was that after raising them for a few years, firstly, the two would become familiar with each other, and secondly, the male lizard would grow a bit bigger and wouldn't be afraid anymore, at which point they could mate normally.

Sure enough, he's too young to understand the intricacies of married life. Gao De felt a pang of regret in his heart, then stood up and said, "Take me to see him; perhaps I can find a way to solve this problem."

Waiting a few years is too long.

At least for the North right now, it's been too long.

Ice lizard blood bacteria is a good product. Whether for personal use or for sale, it will definitely be in short supply. The sooner we expand the scale, the better.

Besides, pregnancy takes time.

Therefore, mating should be done as soon as possible.

Quentin instinctively found it hard to believe that God could have more solutions than him, after all, as a fourth-tier beast tamer, he had tried everything:
Food enticements and attempts to get the mother lizard to participate were all ineffective; I was almost ready to personally teach her.

But then I thought about it again. God was the new king of the North who created the Phoenix Miracle, and I suddenly felt that it was not an exaggeration and my expectations were rising.

The two quickly arrived at the Ice Lizard Blood Fungus Industrial Park and met the "cowardly" male lizard that Quentin had brought back.

It was huddled in a corner, too afraid to look at the mother lizard in the center of the cave.

Moreover, it is indeed smaller than the mother lizard, only slightly larger than the baby lizard.

Gao De glanced at it and noticed that the muscles under the male lizard's scales were taut, clearly indicating that it was in a state of high tension.

He didn't waste any time; Quentin had probably already tried all the usual methods, so there was no need for him to waste his time.

“Make it stop resisting,” God said to Quentin.

Quentin, though curious, immediately did as instructed and began communicating with the male lizard.

The male lizard had already been tamed by Quentin, so executing these commands was quite simple.

Seeing that it was about time, Gao De immediately activated the magic power within his body and quietly cast a spell that he had never used before.

A faint red light emanated from his fingertips, and in the next instant, the red light transformed into a thin thread of light, silently drilling into the male lizard's brain.

The next second, the male lizard, which had been huddled in the corner, suddenly raised its head, and the trembling in its body gradually stopped.

It first looked around warily, then slowly turned its gaze to the mother lizard in the center.

This time, it didn't dodge. Instead, it slightly opened its mouth, revealing tiny fangs, and gently swept its tail across the sand.

A moment later, the male lizard suddenly moved. It pushed off the ground with its limbs, arched its body slightly, and took its first step toward the female lizard.

It even let out a low growl at the mother lizard as it moved.

That's the distinctive sound of a Frost Giant Lizard courting.

The female lizard was clearly taken aback by the male lizard's posture, and a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

Finally, the male lizard came to the female lizard. It circled her twice and then gently rubbed against her scales.
"Alright, let's go, don't disturb them," Gao De said with a smile.

As the scene before him gradually turned into something unsuitable for children, Quentin stared in disbelief as he pulled away the still somewhat bewildered baby lizard.

Children shouldn't watch this.

After leaving the cave, Gao De took the initiative to explain to Quentin, "It's actually a somewhat unorthodox spell. I initially thought it was a bit absurd, but now it seems quite useful to your livestock office."

"I'll write out the spell recipe for you later. If you need it, just apply for spell materials from the office and study on your own."

[Burning in Flames] (Enchantment, First Ring):

You make the target extremely sexually attracted to another creature or object that you specified when you cast the spell.

The creature or object must also be within the spell's range and be perceived by the target.

Do you understand the saying "it's always good to have many skills"?

This spell seemed useless when I first learned it, but look, it's coming in handy now!

Quentin nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

As a beast tamer, he had absolutely no prejudice against this kind of "unorthodox" magic.

(End of this chapter)