The Xia Kingdom was about to soar

"Dad, haven't you been pushing yourself too hard these past couple of months?"

Zhang Jun called out to Zhang Hongxing, who was about to leave.

"What is it?"

"Lele and Wenwen have asked about you several times. How long has it been since you last took them out to have fun?"

"I still need a few more days, but I'm nearly done. Once their summer vacation starts, I'll take all of you to Egret Island."

"Egret Island? Dad, why do you suddenly want to go there?"

"I just want to see the ocean."

Zhang Hongxing turned and headed outside. A few leaps later, he was inside the Research Base. The researchers there had long since grown accustomed to the way he appeared out of nowhere.

Qian Zhong, who had arrived nearly two months earlier, had barely left the Research Base for even a moment.

Quite a few other researchers were just like him.

With a group of researchers working themselves to the bone, progress on the Nuclear-Powered Maglev Train could only be described as lightning-fast.

"Elder Qian, what's the matter?"

"We—we did it! Every hypothesis we discussed yesterday was correct. According to my calculations, this Nuclear-Powered Engine of ours is entirely feasible."

A huge blackboard stood in front of Elder Qian, covered in a dense mass of chalk symbols. Most belonged to modern science, though a small portion represented the core of an improved array formation.

Without advanced scientific knowledge and an intermediate understanding of array formations, this set of calculations and formulas would have been utterly incomprehensible.

Naturally, Zhang Hongxing was the reason Elder Qian had managed to master intermediate array formation knowledge in just two short months.

Over those two months and more, the two of them had spent practically every day together.

One explained nuclear power, while the other explained array formations.

When Elder Qian had spent a full month at the Research Base, Zhang Hongxing had even given him a Life-Extending Vitality Pill.

That was also the main reason Elder Qian had managed to keep going until now.

"Since we've proven it works in theory, shouldn't we officially start building it?"

"Of course. Before you arrived, I already notified the Third Nuclear Energy Research Base. As soon as we get there, everyone will give our work top priority."

"I have to go too?"

"Of course. If you don't come and something unexpected happens, who am I supposed to discuss it with?"

"All right."

"Director Zhang, aren't you excited about this?"

Elder Qian looked at Zhang Hongxing in puzzlement.

Once this Nuclear-Powered Engine was successfully developed, it could be used for far more than just the Nuclear-Powered Maglev Train.

With it, Nuclear-Powered Aircraft, Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers, Nuclear-Powered Rockets, and even Nuclear-Powered Spaceships would rapidly become reality.

It could even be called an energy revolution.

When that happened, the Xia Kingdom would inevitably take first place in the world, far surpassing every other nation.

Zhang Hongxing truly did not share Elder Qian's excitement.

Having spent fifteen thousand years in an immortal cultivation plane, his horizons had long since expanded beyond the tiny confines of Earth. Compared with the star-filled universe beyond it, Earth was merely a drop in the ocean.

And compared with the countless other planes, that star-filled universe beyond Earth became a mere drop in the ocean as well.

The Third Nuclear Energy Research Base was located in Jingzhen, the porcelain capital.

Xinzhou was neither particularly close to nor particularly far from Jingzhen, with the drive taking roughly five hours. To be on the safe side, Zhang Hongxing accompanied Elder Qian to the site.

Even with the full cooperation of every researcher at the Third Nuclear Energy Research Base.

It still took an entire month for the first Nuclear-Powered Engine to finally roll off the production line.

At that moment, tears of excitement filled Elder Qian's eyes.

Those who likewise understood exactly what they had built also had tears in their eyes.

Once the excitement had subsided.

Elder Qian immediately dialed the dedicated phone line of the highest leader in Capital City.

"Grand Elder, we... we succeeded."

"You succeeded! Comrade Qian Zhong, put Comrade Zhang Hongxing on the phone right away. I must thank him personally."

"Yes, Grand Elder."

Qian Zhong handed the receiver to Zhang Hongxing.

"Comrade Zhang Hongxing, your contribution to our Xia Kingdom is outstanding, ahead of its time, and truly great. On behalf of all the people of the Xia Kingdom, I offer you our deepest gratitude. Thank you!"

"I wasn't the only one responsible for this."

"Of course. Every researcher who participated in this project will receive a medal of honor and other rewards."

"Thank you, Grand Elder!"

The researchers near the phone voiced their thanks in unison.

"No, I should be thanking all of you."

As soon as the Grand Elder hung up, the researchers on this end began thanking Zhang Hongxing in turn.

Elder Qian then immediately asked about practical testing.

"Director Zhang, where do you think would be the best place to conduct the train's trial run?"

"Xinzhou. I spoke with Mayor Huang two months ago. When the time comes, they can suspend service on the high-speed rail section between Xinzhou Station and Nanping Station for seven days for us."

"Director Zhang, your confidence is truly admirable."

"It's nothing. I'm fairly confident when it comes to my own work. By comparison, Huang Sheng is the one with real boldness."

"Yes. To dare make you a promise like that two months ago, Huang Sheng really is admirable."

While Zhang Hongxing and the others were discussing the trial run, the Grand Elder also took action.

He even issued a summons to assemble the Ten Grand Elders.

In less than half a day.

The Ten Grand Elders, who represented the Xia Kingdom's highest authority, had all gathered.

A conference on the Dragon Kingdom's future then began, led by the Ten Grand Elders.

"Everyone, there's no need to be nervous. I haven't summoned you here to go to war. All of you, relax. I've brought you here today to share some good news—some extraordinarily good news."

"Grand Elder, what sort of good news could possibly make you this happy?"

"Indeed. It's been a long time since I've seen you so relaxed."

"Come on, tell us!"

"Hahaha... Don't be impatient, everyone. I've prepared plenty of refreshments for you today. Let's eat while we talk."

The Grand Elder burst into laughter, then took the lead by lifting the teacup in front of him and taking a small sip.

"This must be quite some news."

"Grand Elder, you'd better tell us already. Look, those four from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are sweating with impatience."

"Third Grand Elder, I disagree. I don't think impatience is what made those four like that. All that sweat must be from wearing themselves out arguing with people lately."

The Grand Elder's relaxed manner soon spread to the other elders present.

The atmosphere, which had been somewhat tense because of the international situation, miraculously lost all its tension at that moment.

"All right. Today's matter isn't really much of a secret. Zhang Hongxing, whom we've been quietly keeping an eye on, has finally made something good for us.

With it, our Xia Kingdom will truly have the confidence to stand firm.

From now on, on the international stage, we won't merely be speaking on our feet.

Even if we speak lying down, others will have to kneel beside our beds and listen carefully.

The next six months will be a period of all-out development.

I've summoned you here this time to assign your tasks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should maintain its previous stance. When necessary, you may even be a little more forceful.

As for the Transport Ministry...

As for the military...

As for the Economic Ministry...

As for the Central Academy of Sciences...