Thought Entity

Negative emotions surged up, Miao Xin's hair grew long, climbing in all directions, but not violently.

Su Ming realized his mistake and quickly apologized to Miao Xin.

"I didn't try to put myself in their shoes," he sighed. "Perhaps Zijin is right?"

[Hey, you two aren't betting on me, are you?]

"No, no," Su Ming immediately clarified, "It was just a disagreement, and then I made a decision on my own."

While Su Ming was preparing improvement materials for the Youth Civilization these past two days, Zijin finally found time to study the book " From the From a Place of Tranquility" that she had seized from the Plundering Clock.

This book is clearly a translation, and the translation quality is terrible. There are many inconsistencies in terminology, and it's full of awkwardly coined words. If it weren't for the fact that it's a rare spiritual text, it would have been discarded long ago.

After Su Ming analyzed the basic content, he was at a loss as to what to do next, so he had to rely on Zijin was more familiar with the magic system and had a better talent for languages. She not only reorganized the manuscript, but also translated it into Chinese.

[So I finally have teaching materials?] Miao Xin's spirits ignited after hearing the explanation.

"Perhaps," Su Ming said uncertainly. "It does indeed record a power system centered around ' Resentment Mark.'"

["Resentment Mark?"] Miao Xin was puzzled by this name. [Traces left by resentment?]

[Even after we organized it, Zijin and I are still completely baffled and don't understand what's going on.]

Miao Xin, on the contrary, was in high spirits. The Nether Sea beside her dissipated by more than half. "[Let me see!]"

Su Ming sighed slightly; Miao Xin's reaction was exactly what he had expected. She would choose to explore the power, and the difficulty only fueled her desire for challenge.

The manuscript wasn't too long. Su Ming opened his tablet and started typing, while Miao Xin followed along.

[An adaptability test, requiring the ability to remain autonomous in the Nether Sea?] Miao Xin looked at the prologue, utterly puzzled. [Is this your reason for testing me? And is this condition easy for a vengeful spirit?]

If she hadn't believed that Su Ming could pull her out, she wasn't sure she could have lasted more than a second against such violent power. Su Ming's conceptual power was extraordinary, and she felt it especially deeply during the most turbulent storm.

[The other vengeful spirits are nowhere near as powerful as you.] Su Ming stated the conclusions of her and Zijin's analysis. [Zijin's opinion is that this system is not suitable for your situation, and it would be too risky for you to come into contact with it. I, however, believe that you should be given—this is our disagreement.]

Technology designed for low-intensity events is likely to be a joke in high-intensity events. If the flight control system for a low-speed drone were used on a supersonic aircraft, it would almost certainly crash.

"[Sister Zijin still loves me more.]" Miao Xin said.

Su Ming snorted. [To tell the truth.]

"Thank you," Miao Xin said softly, the Nether Sea beside her even seemed to ripple with life—her feelings were truly impossible to hide.

"No need for thanks," Su Ming said bluntly. "The unreasonable power within you won't dissipate because of our fear. We really have no choice."

Zijin's perspective is technical, and she is certainly correct. However, Su Ming, who was born into the physical world, has a deeper understanding of the influence of the spirit on mysterious forces. "Resentment Mark" may not be suitable for Miao Xin, but letting Miao Xin explore along these lines is the fundamental solution to the problem.

Simply because of the ignited passion, Miao Xin's Nether Sea has already become obedient without her even realizing it.

"Yes, this is my destiny, and I will be extremely careful!" Miao Xin said solemnly.

As her mood improved, she recalled Su Ming's initial question, "[What I long for most is to see my mother again, safe and sound, in front of me. To have her tell me that the car accident was just a joke, and that nothing else matters.]"

[The best gift would be for my parents to see me safe and sound, wouldn't it?] Su Ming paused in typing. [But I can't do that.]

Su Ming himself could not appear in front of his parents, nor could he even make a video call, as there was no signal in the other world.

[Think about it, maybe there's a way.] Miao Xin said.

****

The next day, Miao Xin's warehouse continued to receive a steady stream of goods. Small quantities were delivered by car or even by delivery riders, while larger quantities were handled by Huolala.

To be on the safe side, Miao Xin placed some orders repeatedly through different channels, resulting in an over-delivery, but it didn't really matter.

Back in the other world, Zijin and the others began repairing the train. Younier wanted to join them, but Su Ming ordered her to rest.

He then began installing the vehicle steering system. The mechanical structure was very simple: four cylinders with steering blades inserted. When needed, the cylinders extended, and the steering blades inserted into the snow to counteract the vehicle's sway. Essentially, it was similar to the anti-roll fins on a ship.

The problem lies in the control system. Cameras intelligently identify the intended running axis of the carriage, and sensors work together to capture the carriage's lateral swaying.

The bullet is defused by the action of the cylinder. The program has been prepared, but the actual train does not travel in a straight line; it also makes turns.

The fluctuating situation makes the correction algorithm exceptionally complex.

Su Ming could only complete the initial installation and software settings; actual adjustments would still need to be made while the train was in motion.

In contrast, the braking system is much simpler. This system also uses a cylinder to drive the brake blades, which insert resistance blades into the snow to slow down the vehicle. The control logic is simple and straightforward.

The snow layer, a meter deep, in the Northern Lands snowfields makes it difficult for various facilities to directly contact the ground; they can only work on the snow.

The newly designed steam locomotive steering system is also not complicated. The original steering guide wheels are directly eliminated, and the locomotive's five pairs of power wheels are separated, allowing for separate control of the track speeds on the left and right sides. When the speed of one track slows down, the locomotive will deflect to that side—this is also the steering method of tanks or excavators.

The vehicle body can also steer in coordination; a single brake pad can be inserted into the snow.

On Earth, the customized parts arrived as scheduled. Later that afternoon, after settling wages with the movers, Miao Xin closed the warehouse door. [The final batch of transfers can begin.] Miao Xin contacted Su Ming.

Shifting his perspective, Su Ming noticed that the goods in the warehouse had been neatly categorized and placed. Any extras were also sorted on the other side; Miao Xin had renewed the warehouse lease for a few more months, and this portion served as a contingency reserve.

How should the debris be processed?

"I bought a furnace," Miao Xin replied. "The combustible part will burn and gasify directly, and the rest will clump together under the influence of low-melting-point metals, then we'll find a place to bury it."

"[Not bad.]" Su Ming praised, "[We'll probably be taking a break for a few days. You've worked hard during this time.]"

[Is this some kind of generous annual leave, you capitalist boss?]

[I'm afraid not.] Su Ming was also somewhat helpless. If Miao Xin were subject to the Labor Law, he would have been heavily fined and ordered to cease operations long ago. [You still have to deal with the mechanical workshop. You handle the payment issues, and come to me with any technical problems.] Su Ming said.

The transformation of the Youth Civilization" is only the first phase; further armament will follow.

Su Ming has already customized a set of "legal and compliant" civilian equipment for it. As agreed, the mechanical workshop will cancel its annual leave and expedite the completion of all designs. They have also found a manufacturing plant to work with, and engineers will be stationed on-site, collaborating with the factory's technicians during their annual leave.

Parts are machined using digital machining centers and 3D printing systems.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, more workers will arrive at work early to begin the follow-up processing.

Su Ming paid a lot of extra overtime pay for this, which made both the design studio and the factory very happy.

"Don't worry," Miao Xin replied, "I'll take good care of these things."

"By the way," Su Ming added, ""What happened at the steam locomotive exhibition hall and the Da'an North Locomotive Depot last time?"

Su Ming was referring to the item Trace Backtracking spell he taught her during their previous visit to the steam locomotive, a method of using power she learned from " In the In a Quiet Place."

According to the book, this spell could only decipher a vague direction to that level. But in reality, Miao Xin knew everything about those motorcycles, including their status details, the location of the malfunction, and the parts they needed.

[--I came into contact with--maybe, a machine soul?] Miao Xin seemed unsure how to describe it, [It wasn't the feeling of a human soul,]

Without explicit awareness, they unfolded all the information before me.

"[Um, what's that?]" Su Ming, somewhat confused.

However, he didn't dwell on it. The quickest solution to this kind of situation was naturally to ask Zijin. He used the White Bone Mark to bring the scholar in and establish a three-way communication.

[We call this Thought Entity."] Zijin immediately understood what it was after hearing the description. [The activities of any living being generate thought, a portion of which is incorporated into objects. Like this kind of large equipment—]

[That's not right.] Miao Xin said, [like when I was in United States, whether it was the MK71 heavy gun or that Independence class warship, I didn't feel anything!]

[Because longing constantly dissipates, it is extremely difficult to preserve it to a perceptible degree.] The scholar held up three fingers. [The attention of a vast number of living beings, intense emotions, and a long period of time are all indispensable!]

Su Ming and Miao Xin then understood.

[Those steam locomotives, from the day they were born, embodied the passion of countless people.] Su Ming said.

[The manufacturers' hard work, the crew's responsibilities, the workers' maintenance, the customers' hopes, and the remembrance of those who come after.] Miao Xin said, [This is what I perceive.]

Over the long years, from its birth to the end of its lifespan, these things accumulated little by little and slowly coalesced.

[Su Ming, this feeling disappeared after the teleportation was complete.] Miao Xin said, [It must have gone to your place?]

Su Ming looked at the list and sent over the remaining parts. The Youth Civilization had brought a considerable amount of various materials on this trip to deal with unexpected situations.

Zijin finished the inventory. "The repair parts are all there, as are the components for the new systems. Shall we start with the steam locomotive?"

"Um."

Since transmigrating to this other world, Su Ming's Magic Power reserves have increased significantly. This level of teleportation doesn't consume much energy and doesn't affect his ability to continue working.

The work was done very quickly. This batch of zombies, carefully selected, were all skilled workers, tightening screws with incredible precision.

The two skeleton minions are now capable of welding. They are unfazed by the splattering slag and flashing arcs, and their speed and quality are quite impressive.

"Zijin, if we go to Earth, opening a machine repair shop would definitely be no problem," Su Ming couldn't help but imagine.

Is this profitable?

"It's about ensuring basic living standards," Su Ming replied. "I've definitely lost my old job."

****

After a long day of work, everyone had a relaxing dinner, and then Su Ming was dragged away by Zijin to do combat training.

Su Ming needed to master the Shadow Jump before he could do it, while the scholar practiced capturing shadow skills; each got what they needed. But as they practiced, Zijin noticed something was wrong.

"Why are the traces of your magic getting fainter and fainter?" She dodged Su Ming's sudden attack once again.

"Really?" Su Ming flicked his hand, sending a strand of shadow Shadow Spider Silk past Zijin's eyes. "And it's black!"

The girl looked closely but found nothing unusual.

The two continued. Su Ming once again used the Shadow Spider Silk to advance, and this time Zijin successfully tracked the trajectory of the silk to her left.

She was prepared to give Su Ming a hard time.

However, Su Ming's figure blurred, and he didn't appear at the predicted location at all. Zijin lost track of him!

Crimson flames burst forth, and the Titled Scholar unleashed a fiery shield around himself.

Su Ming slammed to a stop just short of crashing in, cold sweat pouring down his face. "Hey! You have no sportsmanship!"

If it hadn't been stopped in time, it would have been at least half-cooked!

"The Blur," "the Refraction." Zijin remained completely unmoved. "You certainly know how to combine them quickly."

With high-speed movement, combined with shadows and concealment, and control over Magic Power fluctuations, Su Ming successfully removed himself from Zijin's vision and perception.

"However, how come your Shadow Spider Silk is so faint?" Zijin asked curiously.

Not only was the spider silk almost transparent, but the marks left by his spell were also very faint in color.

"Oh, you didn't mean I wasn't a true dark mage," Su Ming replied matter-of-factly. "I just realized that the colors of my spells were originally simulated by Space Element, and that I could change them by fine-tuning the runes."

"You can still make minor adjustments?" Zijin frowned. What the hell? Runes are the smallest unit of a spell, and they cannot be changed or altered. This is common knowledge in the magic world!

However, considering the unique nature of Su Ming's Concept Element, it's hard to say for sure, the scholar pondered.

Especially something like this, which others can't yet research!

****

After finishing his sparring session, Su Ming did several sets of strength training. In this other world, regardless of profession, everyone maintains a considerable level of physical training. After all, battlefield combat tests one's reaction time, and enemies will exploit weaknesses.

However, magic users typically don't strengthen their muscles, since they don't practice physical skills, and the efficiency of physical training is far less than the boost from magical amplification. Su Ming has recently been researching a burst-damage tactic for fighting mages, which requires a certain degree of pure physical suppression.

Zijin actually encouraged his attempt. In this world, there are no rules; killing the enemy is the only standard.

Afterwards, Su Ming turned his gaze to the two motorcycles.

"Is there a way for the Thought Entity to work?" he asked Zijin.

Steam locomotives are complex to operate, requiring extensive professional knowledge and practical experience, and are prone to errors. The journey across the ice fields has just begun, and countless unknowns lie ahead.

Su Ming considered using some unconventional methods to compensate for the lack of technical expertise in this area.

The autonomous driving technology on Earth is insufficient to handle such complex operating conditions. Moreover, he couldn't get the development team to collect requirements from the Youth Civilization, so how could the programmers write the algorithm?

Zijin also gazed at the black motorcycle, sensing the spiritual aura emanating from it. "Thought Entity is an extremely rare existence; once solidified..."

They can become materials for weapon spirits.

"A spirit weapon?"

"Yes, some high-end alchemical items can contain spirits, such as the true Heavenly Father of the Gospel," Zijin explained.

"How was the Heavenly Father of the Gospel created?" Su Ming asked.

"Its origins lie in a statue erected at the very beginning of the religion, in front of the highest academy of the temple," Zijin recounted. "Countless people studied, preached, and prayed beneath it, and over time, these emotions and beliefs solidified into substance, giving birth to the Thought Entity."

Su Ming's eyes lit up. If they could transform the longing within the steam locomotive into a spirit, wouldn't they have an experienced driver assistance system?

We can--

"No!" Zijin clearly guessed his thoughts. "It's not that simple." She began to explain, "The Temple of Light spent a huge amount of money to modify the statue, engraving a spirit core on it that a spirit could possess. After hundreds of years of painstaking nurturing, a spirit finally evolved."

This level of trouble clearly exceeded Su Ming's expectations. "Is this the kind of Heavenly Father of the Gospel we created? Very clever?" he pressed.

"Truly a wise being among the spirits," Zijin replied. "The Gospel has witnessed the thousand-year development of the Church of Light, and is well-versed in countless doctrines."

Extremely skilled in preaching and proselytizing.

Artificial intelligence from another world possesses significant advantages in autonomy and adaptability, such as the Bai Lou created by Zijin. Its disadvantages include high cost and a complete lack of mass production and replicability.

"In other words, even if we solidify the locomotive's Thought Entity and start nurturing it now, it will still take a very long time before it's put to use," Su Ming muttered.

The scholar glared at him. "Of course it's possible, a few decades is considered fast!"

Su Ming frowned; wouldn't that mean all his efforts would be wasted? He quickly asked, "Could we use an existing artifact spirit and then infuse the steam locomotive's thoughts into it?"

Zijin pondered for a moment, "Theoretically it's feasible, but where can we find a ready-made artifact spirit? Let alone a top-tier artifact spirit like the Heavenly Father of the Gospel, even ordinary intelligent artifact spirits are extremely rare!"

Su Ming pressed his palm down, signaling a pause in the conversation.

He contacted his back on Earth: "[Miao Xin, is there any progress on the high-pressure air pump and the cryogenic gas cylinder?]"

"[The 30 MPa high-pressure air pump has been found and delivered to our warehouse,]" Miao Xin replied. "This stuff is quite common; it's frequently used in diving and similar activities. [It's just a cryogenic gas cylinder; the supplier has already closed for the holidays.]"

That's troublesome.

[You said you weren't in a rush.] Miao Xin, somewhat puzzled. [But I know the location of that supplier's warehouse. If you need it urgently, whether or not someone delivers it doesn't really matter.]

"Alright, I'll trouble you to make the trip," Su Ming instructed. "Things have changed, and I need to get these things immediately."

[Got it!]