"Fellow Daoist Hua, to return to the matter at hand, I value this thing not only because mortals can use it, but also because it returns us to the fork where philosophy and science parted ways."
"With objects like these, the left road leads to mysticism, divine abilities and magical treasures, empowered by mighty forces; the right leads to science, mechanisms, and craftsmanship that rivals heaven."
"Through this, we might even explore the essence of the mighty power behind divine abilities and grasp the most fundamental Great Dao of this world. Tell me, how could I not value it?"
"Moreover, it will help greatly reduce the production costs of weapons and equipment, driving the development of mortal industry in Chess Mountain Territory."
After he finished speaking, Li Chen immediately summoned mortal craftsmen and handed them the blueprints.
"Master the production techniques for this as quickly as possible. I will refine a batch of forging mother devices and machine tools for the factories to put into production."
The instant he received the blueprints, he had already analyzed them with his extraordinary intelligence and mastered the technology they contained.
"Yes," the craftsmen replied.
Afterward, tens of thousands of factories and workshops throughout the occupied lands sprang into operation. Vast quantities of supplies were mobilized and fed into production.
Over the preceding days, Li Chen had continuously stormed cities and seized territory. The population under his control had now accumulated to over a billion.
This was his first time commanding so many intelligent lives, guiding them in production, labor, and social development.
Although Li Chen intended to undertake sweeping reforms, he dared not act recklessly with the nation's economy and the people's livelihoods at stake. He therefore ordered the various city-states and lords and nobles to maintain their rule.
However, their essential assets-vast