Stars Holding the Moon

Regarding the proportional formula for gunpowder, it's estimated that if a notice were posted at the crossroads, everyone would know. After all, it's something learned in primary school textbooks: one part saltpeter, two parts sulfur, and three parts charcoal.

The principle is also very simple: the energy and gas produced by rapid combustion cannot dissipate quickly, and their volume expands in a confined space, creating pressure that causes an explosion.

However, Xu Fang naturally couldn't explain it with such un-magical science; he might be squeezed to death by a few overexcited big shots.

"I am the son of a Military Mage. When my parents passed away, I was powerless and could only watch their lives slip away."

Xu Fang first seized the moral high ground by mentioning his parents' sacrifice.

As expected, Fei Jiao and Zhan Kong's expressions immediately softened.

Especially Zhan Kong, he remembered that year when he lost his beloved and was chased away like a stray dog to a small southern town.

If it weren't for the support and encouragement of his subordinates, including Xu Fang's parents, he probably would still be wallowing in despair.

"It takes several years and a large amount of resources to train a qualified Primary Mage. Yet, a Demon only needs a few months, or even a few weeks, to easily kill several Mages of the same level!"

"We have suffered greatly in this long tug-of-war because of this imbalance."

"Although Elemental Species and Magic Tools can narrow these gaps, they are too expensive. Especially ordinary Magic Tools, blacksmiths disdain to make them, and ordinary Mages cannot afford them."

Yi Ping, standing nearby, awkwardly touched his nose. He specialized in the high-end route.

"Back then, I wondered if there was a Magic Tool that was both cheap and useful to fill this gap?"

Xu Fang felt the atmosphere was ripe and his voice gradually grew louder.

"Now there is!"

"I drew inspiration from Fire Seed·Explosion. When Fire Seed·Explosion is released, the fire elements around the skill are drawn out, forming a void. Demonic Energy can only be compressed within this area, and when it reaches a critical point, it explodes instantly, causing damage."

"And I first reinforced the shell of the Iron Skin Corpse with a Fortification Array to simulate the confinement of the void. The decomposition and Combustion Arrays inscribed inside maximize the release of the Magic Stone's energy."

"It was a success!"

"I named it 'Bomb,' meaning a one-time Fire Seed·Explosion!"

His eyes were firm, his voice resonant, embodying concern for the nation and its people, and passionate enthusiasm. Everyone listened as if drinking fine wine.

"Good!"

Zhan Kong was the first to applaud: "As expected of someone from our Southern Military Department, you've certainly got some skills!"

Fei Jiao, who had been smiling all along, couldn't hold back when he heard this: "Southern Military Department? Xu Fang is now with the Central Military Department!"

Zhan Kong cursed: "Nonsense, when did he, a student, join the Central Military Department?"

"He's a sophomore this year, and all sophomores in Gudu belong to the Central Military Department!" Fei Jiao said righteously: "You entrusted him to me, and now you want to go back on your word?"

"You have the nerve to say that? You didn't even answer his calls, leaving him to wander the streets. He's still just a child!"

Although everyone was shameless, Zhan Kong was clearly superior. With his scruffy beard, he managed to squeeze out two tears, looking heartbroken to the point of suffocation.

If Zhan Kong hadn't ignored him for days, Xu Fang would have actually believed him.

"Little brother, little brother!"

Shi Zheng grabbed Xu Fang, a smile plastered on his face: "You awakened elemental magic, didn't you? What a coincidence, I also awakened elemental magic. We might have been family five hundred years ago!"

He lowered his voice and said, "Don't listen to those two babbling. How much money can a grunt make? How about this, I'll introduce you to President Han Ji, and I guarantee you'll soar."

"Superficial! Vulgar!"

Zhan Kong, with his good hearing, pointed at Shi Zheng and scolded: "All you think about is money. Is being a Mage just for money?"

"Money isn't everything, but without money, nothing is possible," Shi Zheng snorted. "I can give the little brother an Armor Magic Tool as a lab coat right now. Can you do that?"

Zhan Kong was momentarily speechless.

He was a pauper. Let alone an Armor Magic Tool, even giving him the cheapest Shield Magic Tool felt like cutting off his flesh.

But he wouldn't back down easily. He retorted, "I won't talk to you. I'll report it directly to our Commander Hua, and let him speak to you!"

"Me too, I'll report it to our Grand Commander Jiang!" Fei Jiao added.

It was Shi Zheng's turn to curse.

Are these two shameless old soldiers trying to play this game with me?

"You two come with me." He dragged Zhan Kong and Fei Jiao away, leaving Xu Fang and Yi Ping staring at each other.

Xu Fang said, "Master Yi..."

"No, no, no, just call me Little Yi," Yi Ping quickly waved his hand.

"...I'll call you Old Yi then. How's my Magic Tool repair coming along?"

"Tomorrow! Before lunch, I'll have it delivered to you!" Yi Ping smiled like a chrysanthemum. "This is my number. From now on, just call me directly for any Magic Tool repairs or purchases. It's just a matter of saying the word!"

Although Xu Fang was only seventeen.

Although Xu Fang was just a sophomore.

Even the blind could see that this student was about to soar.

Even if he did nothing else for the rest of his life, the contribution of the Bomb alone would earn him a place in magical history!

The two chatted for a while, and Zhan Kong and the other two returned.

Before leaving, they were glaring at each other, almost coming to blows. Now, they're arm in arm, like brothers. I wonder what kind of backroom deals they struck.

Xu Fang inwardly despised these three old gays.

"Little brother, you can rest assured and stay here. Remember to report to the Southern Military Department after your college entrance exams," Zhan Kong said, affectionately patting Xu Fang's shoulder.

Fei Jiao slapped his hand away. "We'll talk about future matters later. Come, come, let me tell you about the military training..."

"What's there to talk about regarding military training? Little brother, why don't you try on this Armor Magic Tool to see if it fits?"

Shi Zheng chuckled and took out an Armor Magic Tool, its bright silver luster dazzling the eyes.

While Xu Fang was showered with attention, Yi Ping became the tragic workhorse, diligently using his tools to do the work of an intern, replicating a large batch of bombs.

Zhan Kong and the other two each took several samples and left in a hurry before dawn.

The next few days were calm and uneventful.

The three big shots, and the even bigger shot behind them, reached an agreement. Out of concern for Xu Fang's safety, the news of the bomb invention was suppressed.

There was no need to publicize it at this stage; it would be announced at a more opportune moment.

The bombs also needed practical testing to find a suitable balance between destructive power, cost, and mass production speed. Every new invention must go through this process.

All those who knew, including Yi Ping, the old and young judges, and even the bearded man who caused trouble that day, were invited to the Judgment Society for tea.

Sun Rui Zhi was also among those drinking tea, though he was completely clueless about the explosion that day.

Just as he left the Judgment Society, his father, Sun Erhe, called. He said Master Yi Ping was willing to offer more forging slots for his family's second branch and asked if he knew what had happened.

Brother Rui Zhi's brilliant mind immediately deduced the reason—Xu Fang was a hidden dragon, who didn't hesitate to reveal his identity and pressure Yi Ping to get revenge for him.

So loyal!

Sun Rui Zhi was moved to tears by his own imagination, never expecting Xu Fang to do so much for him behind his back.

He had judged a gentleman with a petty mind, which was truly wrong.

He was completely won over by Xu Fang's noble character and willingly became his subordinate, ready to serve him without question.

Although Xu Fang didn't know what this kid was thinking, he was happy to accept a subordinate.

Mo Fan had Zhang Xiaohou, Mu Bai had Zhao Kun San. Brother Rui Zhi's brain might be strange, but... what does a subordinate need a brain for?

He's in!