News of the Human Mother Civilization

Lu Yuan noticed the conch dared to look down on him, so he couldn't help but reach out and tug her pretty face.

"Hey, what are you doing in broad daylight?"

"If a tiger doesn't show its teeth, you think I'm a sick cat." Old Lu let out an evil growl from his throat.

However, deep down, Lu Yuan himself was also a little anxious. No amount of words could change reality. It was better to focus and produce results—Mythical Industrialization!

The first major problem: where did the quality of the Innate Mythical go?

With a height of five hundred meters, its mass reached tens of millions of tons, like a mountain peak.

As for his current state, he was only about 100 kilograms, a bit heavier than a normal person.

In materialism, mass was a very important physical concept; it couldn't just disappear for no reason.

"Where did the mass go?"

Returning to Green Field Mountain, Lu Yuan began his "expansion" and "contraction" experiments.

When he expanded to a height of 10 meters, his weight ballooned to 20 tons. With one step, the soft dirt road was imprinted with a shallow pit.

In his normal state, at a height of 1.8 meters, his strength was only about twice that of an ordinary Level Seven expert.

"In the contracted state, my bloodline power transformed into a crystal nucleus-like high-density energy substance. This substance is distributed near the heart and brain, and the soul is also highly compressed. Therefore, in this current form, my combat power is far inferior to my normal physique."

"However, the small size also has some advantages. Food consumption will be greatly reduced; I won't have to eat tens of thousands of tons of food every day."

"Moreover, it's easier to engage in certain fine industries. Fingers as big as houses can't do needlework... Only like this can I read newspapers, watch TV, and play games."

"Can this method of highly compressing mass be applied to other fields?"

"Hmm... a high-energy battery based on mythical bloodlines?"

This was the first research point Lu Yuan discovered.

With this question in mind, Lu Yuan visited the scientists at the "Bloodline Laboratory" and several Grandmaster Artisans from the Hall of Artisans.

"Grand Commander, you've finally come up with the idea for Mythical Industrialization?!" Artisan Li Datie was extremely excited. "The slander from the outside world is endless. We've stopped bothering to argue; we're just waiting for you to personally come out and slap them in the face!"

In the eyes of the human artisans, Lu Yuan was just gathering his strength for a big move.

Artisans, it was normal to lack inspiration. Spending over a decade to brew something was perfectly normal.

"If you're not envied, you're a mediocre talent. No need to worry about it," Lu Yuan waved his hand. "I am indeed planning to participate in the next Supreme Artisan Competition."

Everyone's spirits lifted. Even the younger generation of artisans crowded around, "Grand Commander, you really haven't made a move in a long time! What are you planning to do?"

Lu Yuan chuckled, "Don't get so excited, you're putting a lot of pressure on me!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

"Our opponents include Grandmaster Artisans, so we can't be careless."

"First question, does a highly compressed energy storage battery have market potential?"

"How high is the energy density?"

"It might be comparable to nuclear fusion energy, but it's smaller and has higher power output."

Li Datie replied, "The potential is indeed vast. The batteries for our current small-scale powered armor are nuclear fission batteries. If they explode, they will cause nuclear pollution. If an accident occurs, the pilot's survival rate is almost zero."

"Only large-scale armor can accommodate nuclear fusion engines. These things are very large and, once started, cannot be stopped. The maintenance costs are also relatively high."

"As for ordinary cars, they can only use lithium batteries. The cost is low, but the energy density is low."

"If there's a storage item with higher power, greater safety, and lower cost, it will naturally have widespread applications. Who wouldn't want a better battery? Even if it's used on a mobile phone, it could be charged once a year."

Lu Yuan nodded. "So, have you studied the energy substance within the Ancient Race? Those are considered naturally occurring batteries, right?"

"Grand Commander, we know what you're talking about." Professor Lu Tiantian, who had rushed over from the laboratory, said, "We've also studied the corpses of those Acquired Mythical beings. We've named that high-energy substance 'Blood Crystal.' This thing needs bloodline power to activate. Once it leaves its original body, it quickly loses its vitality and dissipates into the world."

As he spoke, he pulled up the relevant data from his portable computer.

Lu Yuan flipped through the data. His reading speed was astonishing. He glanced at the dense data and memorized it all. The hundreds of pages of information were finished in less than 10 minutes.

This quantum-speed reading method left the scientists and artisans exchanging bewildered glances.

"I think I understand. This Blood Crystal relies on the underlying rules of Pangu Continent, essentially acting as individual natural storage spaces. Bloodline power is comparable to a key, responsible for opening these safes."

"Once the key is lost, the storage space can no longer be opened, equivalent to that portion of energy being swallowed by Pangu Continent."

"That's about right," Lu Tiantian nodded. "Moreover, studying bloodline power is too difficult; it's the underlying mechanism of the idealistic system, making it almost impossible to crack the password lock."

"Are there many corpses of Acquired Mythical beings?"

"Yes, there are over twenty Ancient Races. Conservatively, five to six hundred Acquired Mythical beings died in the war. Each civilization received limbs like arms and legs to varying degrees."

"However, their utilization rate is generally not high. They can only extract bloodline power to cultivate plants, which is a bit wasteful."

"They actually created so many Acquired Mythical beings?" Lu Yuan was surprised. Five to six hundred—how many civilizations must have been sacrificed? The cruelty of the First Era was evident.

"Yes, it's no wonder these Ancient Races were so eager to reproduce the Blood Sacrifice Rule."

"Take me to see those corpses."

Soon, a group of people arrived at a large cold storage facility next to the laboratory. Even through a thick metal door, they could feel the chilling cold. This cold was not merely physical; it felt as if even the soul would freeze.

A large pile of bloody corpse parts was stored in the large cold storage.

The Buzhou Alliance very generously gifted a type of paint made from Weaver's Mucus. They applied less than 0.01 millimeters of it, just enough to preserve the bloodline power within the corpse for a long time.

Lu Yuan let out a soft breath and stepped into it. He looked at the head in front of him, which was about 10 meters in diameter. Its three eyes were wide open, as if it couldn't believe it had died like this.

Besides that, there were also the heart, a thigh, and some miscellaneous scraps like hair.

The spoils of war in human hands were quite generous, as the head and heart contained the largest amount of "Crystal Nucleus."

"Having a strong physique and a brilliant mind is not enough if you can't keep up with the times. Even the most powerful races will perish in the river of history," Lu Yuan mused with a sigh.

Lu Tiantian explained, "These Acquired Mythical beings rely on Blood Sacrifice to maintain their combat power. Once the Blood Sacrifice is gone, their combat power is far inferior to Innate Mythical beings. A volley from the Electromagnetic Cannon can kill them."

Artisan Li Datie rubbed his hands together. "Their bodies are indeed huge, no wonder each civilization gets a bit of their flesh. However, utilizing bloodline power is still quite difficult."

"Alas, the Alliance is vast and prosperous, and they've been working tirelessly to maintain its current scale," Lu Tiantian said. "Sometimes we can understand those council members; from a fairness perspective, they are beyond reproach. However, many civilizations are still dissatisfied. Who wouldn't want a larger share of the assets?"

"If you're not satisfied, then leave the Alliance," Lu Yuan sneered. "Who's begging you to stay here?"

"Never mind that, let's study the so-called 'Crystal Nucleus'."

The researchers activated a large machine, and something like a thin wire slowly extended. It was thinner than iron wire but more flexible than a human finger.

It drilled into a large hole on the corpse's head.

The tip of the thin wire had a camera and a light. Inside, the white brain matter was frozen into a hard solid.

"This brain matter is actually quite useful; it can be processed into nutrient solution for plant growth," Lu Tiantian said. "It's just that we're usually reluctant to use it."

As it extended further along the blood vessels towards the brainstem, crystalline "Crystal Nucleus" could be seen.

Each one was about the size of a sesame seed, appearing unremarkable.

There were quite a few of them, possibly tens of thousands.

"Once these Crystal Nucleus are removed, they will dissipate quickly. They can only be preserved for about half an hour."

"Show me one," Lu Yuan said, his brow furrowed. "I also have Weaver's Mucus here, which can preserve them for a long time."

"No problem."

The thin wire emitted a high-energy laser, and immediately, a Crystal Nucleus fell off.

A pair of tweezers then extended, precisely clamping it and bringing it out of the corpse.

Lu Yuan picked up the Crystal Nucleus and studied it carefully, even smelling it. It indeed had the scent of bloodline power.

However, everyone's bloodline power was different, and he couldn't crack its secret key. He could only take a small amount of Weaver's Mucus, wrap it up, and study it later.

He thought to himself, "Interesting... but even if I create a high-energy battery similar to a Crystal Nucleus, will it shock the world?"

Difficult!

Ranking in the top three should be no problem.

As for ranking first, it would depend on the strength of the competitors.

Words spoken are like water poured out. Lu Yuan personally wanted to take first place without any suspense; otherwise, it would be too demeaning.

"For the Grand Artisan Competition, do you have any good ideas?"

"Grand Commander, we do have good ideas, but we're actually unwilling to hand over our most core technologies."

"The first place indeed depends on the strength of the competitors."

Li Datie rubbed his rough hands. "The Alliance allows us to keep 10% of our core technology secret during the competition, but 10% is still too little. If it involves civilization secrets, we definitely cannot hand them over."

That was true. Technologies like the Blood Guai Bullet and Aberration Bullet, which involved research on Guai-level Aberrant Phenomena, were incredibly valuable.

And Light Curtain Spirit Speech was the pinnacle of human warfare.

Especially after becoming a Level Five Civilization, their material technology had also improved, allowing the power of the Blood Guai Bullet and Aberration Bullet to increase.

Moreover, Conch had now become an Innate Mythical being, capable of completely controlling the Yao·Painted Skin. The strength of Light Curtain Spirit Speech could continue to rise.

Even Conch's own Spirit Speech ability had improved significantly.

"Therefore, we can only create some civilian tools and carefully manage that 10% of core technology. If other civilizations are envious, they will purchase them from us. We will then sell them secondary technologies, usually priced in Civilization Points."

Lu Yuan understood. This was similar to selling fighter jets during Earth's era; what was sold would definitely be slightly inferior to what they used themselves. Even if the secrets were leaked, it wouldn't be a big problem.

"Send me the project reports. I'll study them thoroughly for the next three years."

"Understood!"

In the following period, besides his regular classes for the children, Lu Yuan often discussed with the artisans and studied the latest Materialistic courses at the university at night, including the newly released spatial theories.

He was working 24 hours a day, non-stop!

On the human side, more and more artisans heard that Lu Yuan would personally lead the next grand event, and their expectations grew.

Because Grand Commander Lu had been in seclusion for a long time, there were many rumors outside, and everyone felt a sense of pent-up frustration!

Furthermore, in past group projects, Lu Yuan had not participated very often, not only because Grand Commander Lu was too busy but also due to the guiding principle of "self-reliance."

"You can't expect everything to rely on me! The development of Human 18 Civilization requires the joint efforts of everyone! In the future, for any competitions or exchange meetings, organize them yourselves; you don't necessarily have to wait for me to lead you. Human Civilization must be independent and self-reliant, building a first-class talent echelon for artisans!" - These were Lu Yuan's exact words from three hundred years ago.

But this time, Grand Commander Lu was personally leading the team. Not winning first place would be too much!

Thus, heavy pressure accumulated on Lu Yuan's shoulders.

It made him unable to eat or sleep, constantly thinking of it.

"I really was an idiot. Why did I have to show off back then?"

Lu Yuan was questioning his life. Looking at the mountain of data, he knew that while the human race wasn't lacking in experts, these plans were still too far from "Mythical Industrialization."

And he himself had no inspiration.

He truly had none left!

Artisan inspiration required life experience and a catalyst. He had just experienced a major surge of inspiration and then slept for over a decade. Now, he couldn't even produce a single idea.

So, he had to settle for a lesser option, pursuing minor inspiration—the long-unused "Collapse Artist"!

But he soon found that this method no longer worked. His wife was now a powerhouse of Innate Mythical level, her allure like a high-intensity magnet. After she used a few God's Skills on him, Lu Yuan's mind faltered, and he adopted the same devilishly charming and unrestrained expression as Old Wolf...

When he finally came to his senses, he found himself in a sage mode, his entire energy drained.

"It's over. The clash between spear and shield, it was balanced at first, but now the spear is far stronger than the shield. My willpower is no match!" Lu Yuan sighed to the heavens.

Of course, there were other methods, like the Legendary Level "Inspiration Mushroom," found in Underground Fissures.

With Innate Mythical resistance, one could completely withstand the side effects.

There was also the Innate plant "Insight Tree," which was a superior substitute for the "Inspiration Mushroom," capable of triggering higher-level inspiration.

However, Lu Yuan didn't rashly resort to them.

"Ultimately, it's because I haven't had enough experiences recently," Lu Yuan sat in his office, analyzing his current predicament. "I've been too engrossed in procreation and couldn't pull myself away, like getting a new wife and just not being able to stop."

Old Cat sat opposite him and transmitted a large batch of data. "Then use procreation as inspiration."

"That won't do. If I do that, the whole world will know that Old Lu is a pervert..."

"Heh," Old Cat said, showing no sympathy, and added pressure on Lu Yuan. "The first major event is the Fourth Supreme Artisan Competition. The Northern Territory's civilization and the Iron Key Clan's civilization will also participate. It's an unprecedented grand occasion."

"Oh, the Northern Territory team."

"You know the Northern Territory teams; their artisan strength is no less than the Buzhou Alliance's. Their Materialistic level is also rapidly developing and catching up."

The Northern Territory had special support from the Turtle Civilization, and coupled with the continuous transfer of equipment from humans to the rear to establish forward bases, its Materialistic strength was indeed greatly increasing.

"The Iron Key Clan also has a Level Four Civilization. They didn't participate in the previous few years, so they must have been holding back something big..."

"The rewards this time are even more generous than in previous sessions; the top ten will receive Immortal materials."

Lu Yuan wasn't too concerned about the rewards. The strength of his competitors only gave him more motivation.

"The second major event is that Taduo and the others have returned home. The Lize Civilization's city just happened to dock within 300,000 kilometers of the Space Tunnel. We dispatched an army to escort them home."

"Their city isn't too far from the Iron Key Civilization's main base. They should join that cluster of civilizations."

Lu Yuan nodded. He had a good impression of the Lizardmen and arranging for their safe return was a reasonable decision.

"There's also a third major event." Old Cat paused. "At the end of the Space Tunnel, in the area near the Kusi Great Desert, some suspicious artificial remnants were discovered, like soda cans, mineral water bottles, and so on. They appear quite new, likely left in the last few years."

"Aren't there plenty of these things on Pangu Continent?" Lu Yuan was speechless. There were so many civilizations that just littered.

The Alliance had recently been holding numerous council meetings for the cause of environmental protection. Some civilizations, to save on industrial costs, directly discharged pollutants into rivers, which naturally angered civilizations downstream. If all the water was polluted, what would they do? The water resources in the entire Buzhou Ruins were limited!

This matter had caused quite a stir, and the Alliance was urgently formulating laws to regulate environmental protection.

It should be known that the Buzhou Alliance possessed military power; phenomena like "Flame Demon" and "Ancient Worm" were part of that military might. However, advancing the cause of environmental protection still required a significant amount of time and effort.

Therefore, everyday garbage could be found everywhere on Pangu Continent.

"Take a closer look at this mineral water bottle," Old Cat's tone was somewhat subtle.

Lu Yuan peered closely. The bottle looked somewhat like a Nongfu Spring bottle. The label had long since disappeared, but at the bottleneck, there was a line of laser-printed production date.

At first, he found it inexplicable. What could be seen from a transparent plastic bottle?

But gradually, his breathing grew heavy, because this line of production date was actually in—Arabic numerals!