This cylinder was the Mohist Pavilion's latest design. Smaller than the early models, its metal casing gleamed with a cold silver-gray sheen, its patterns polished smooth and fine, every edge and corner exquisitely neat.
Its internal construction was even more precise. Through several small openings, one could vaguely see the nested pistons and transmission mechanisms within; one glance was enough to tell that its craftsmanship far surpassed the Mohist School's current level of mechanical engineering.
The elders' eyes widened into perfect circles. They unconsciously softened their breathing and stared fixedly at the cylinder, as though even blinking might make them miss something.
Their gazes were like those cast upon a peerless treasure lost for a thousand years, burning hot enough to nearly melt the cylinder's steel shell.
Several impatient elders had already unconsciously reached out, running their hands over the cylinder. They wished they could dismantle this lump of iron at once and see what mysteries lay hidden inside, allowing something as unbelievable as "burning coal to produce power."
Yet after studying it for quite some time, they were still utterly baffled by this unfamiliar iron contraption. None could discern the slightest trace of its principles, and they could only begin murmuring among themselves.
"Can such a tiny thing really produce much force? I'm afraid it can't even compare to a donkey turning a millstone, can it?"
A white-haired elder spoke with hesitation in his voice.
"It truly doesn't look like much—no different from ordinary ironware. For it to tow something as massive as an Iron Dragon Horse, weighing over a dozen jin... I simply can't believe it."
Another elder shook his head, his eyes full of doubt.
"I heard Guan Han say earlier that this thing can move just by burning coal? Without relying on wind or water?"
An