Chapter 97: To Go or Not to Go?

Qiane’s admiration came from the depths of his heart. Initially, he thought the gears themselves were already extraordinary examples of craftsmanship. However, upon further examination he realized the alloy was both rigid and elastic, highly wear-resistant, rarely seen in the world. The value of this newly forged alloy surpassed by far anything achievable through craftsmanship alone and could rightly be called the core of all mechanical hearts.

Songzining at this point had fully recuperated from his shock as he said, “Once these pieces reach the noble houses in Guanlan City, assuming they are not complete fools, they’ll understand it’s pointless attempting to rival my army within fifty years unless they wish to cooperate fully. Let them stir resistance if they dare—if they do, let but one of our great ships be completed, then obliterate their entire bloodline instantly.”

Whilst Qiane had no expertise about mechanical crafting, he once visited Zhao Valve’s workshop, where he acquired some basic knowledge which left a powerful impression. Though Songzining’s demonstration techniques in producing this gear remained extremely rare, he saw then it was the formula itself that bore true importance.

With this alloy, one could fabricate crucial engines in compact and lightweight forms. It was easy to imagine: an equivalent-powered engine made of such material might be reduced appreciably in size. Meanwhile, the same materials paved the way for bringing many previously unthinkable designs into reality. Eventually one might produce a radical type of ship’s core completely anew. And even absent innovative designs, conventional structures could still yield even more potent ship cores following traditional architectures.

An efficient core engine forms a foundation upon which an aerial warship can be realized. What weighed heaviest though, lay in the fact the Valkyrie Hall remains an enormous behemoth exceeding comprehension — beyond all knowledge of known warships. None may truly predict how many auxiliary engines were required for its operation; suffice to say, undoubtedly the more, the better. And warship engines surpass in many aspects the famed driving-sail propulsion systems. Short bursts depended primarily and exclusively on engines while propulsion-sails remained the option for longer journeys across lands.

This triggered new thoughts again from Qiane, “Have care in trusting such parts to those houses? Do you fear none of them will attempt to discover how yours was produced?”

Songzining broke into a merry chuckle. “Brother, you clearly do not understand this situation entirely. Even small differences significantly alter characteristics of the alloy’s nature—making it functionally another creation utterly apart from mine, no matter how closely the replication mimics outwardly. True they may detect which exact metallic elements the gear you hold contains—it matters not if they do. I find the thought itself implausible these lords could precisely decode every element embedded therein even if they tried. One single ingredient unaccounted for renders impossible an exact reproduction from which yours originated.”

“Thus, one could easily spend many decades, expending enough resources alone sufficient merely to forge entire vast fleets only to achieve an usable alloy formulation.”

“You yourself came upon this by what luck I imagine you might say? Or would it truly be that simple?”

“Just by luck…” Songzining smirked briefly before seeing Qiane feign reaching for a blade again, at last dropping the pretense earnestly as he confessed: “Truth be it—I did perform a certain valuable service for an important figure. As thanks I was allowed a selection among diverse possible rewards; ultimately choosing only the recipe from all.”

“Including what others were these?” With curiosity piqued Qiane sought subtle clues toward estimating its worth by gaining comprehension of other options.

“Including three,” laughed Songzining merrily:

“Firstly an advanced cultivation treatise—one roughly matching in potency to *Muddy World Illuminated*.

Then a pinnacle-class eight level force revolver, superior slightly at least over Zhao’s current armament—nothing major though as both remain inferior to the rare and formidable ninth ranks.

Lastly, an entire border domain located westwards—an area referred to proudly as simply ‘A County.’ Although more precisely defined only encompassing a single border outpost and nearby supply facility—yet in practice requiring conquest and personal initiative to secure: Raise a private army, finance it from independent sources and claim dominion through force of arms alone.”

A solemn pause followed as Qiane remarked, “That said, you chose the metallurgical formula?”

“Why not?” Songzining’s answer brimmed with assurance and conviction.

Truly eight level pinnacle grade weaponry is distinct categorically from lesser eighth-grade arms demanding formidable and specialized ability even merely wield them. A selected class among such revolvers, whose unique capabilities harmoniezed deeply with their wielders, might appear in certain cases objectively stronger indeed than generic ninth ranked arms.

And even nominally impoverished as the domain may have began its history, the prospect of successfully seizing it promised Songzining a stable foothold—a noble origin from which ascent may begin within society’s ranks—a base, in essence, befits an honorable heritage. Particularly crucial considering the necessity in Songzining now standing utterly severed with his lineage clan—the Song.

From this long-term perspective, securing an independently ruled territory bearing potential for development surpasses any other tangible asset as a promise towards military independence, and steady flow raw power-infused resources.

Plus, holding a land grant under imperial permission assured that whatever conquests undertaken by Songzining, his rights thereto remained sanctioned by crown. Immediately affording Songzining official status and privileges to raise personal banners and administer under royal charter.

Moreover the resources from *Ning Yuan Forgeworks*, *An Huo* mercenary armies stationed *Hei Liu*, and Song’s undisputable strategic prowess ensured—Qiane believed that in one to two years maximum, the entire domain in fact would belong rightfully to Song dynasty.

But he threw away an immediate path toward securing dominion, forsaking certain nobiltarian privilege only to choose an alloy formula instead. Indeed this subtly hinted at something extraordinary indeed regarding the formula’s intrinsic value—nevertheless something felt off to Qiane, perhaps bordering recklessness. If Songzining took either option of revolver or domain rights, his battle prowess might’ve escalated dramatically: not as deadly or powerful as the single gunshot Qiane wielded that wounded the mighty Wolf King perhaps, yet seven lords below the rank of Divine Generals may fall helplessly.

And though the cultivation method of course held little utility to the two of them, yet for most competing houses, one high tier secret school of inner techniques often forms the foundational pillar upon which generations erect blood-heritage power. Comparably land or weapon always remain external possessions.

Hearing Qiane’s skepticism now Songzining just chuckled again, saying, “Now when had I ever made a deal disadvantageous to myself?

“Indeed I speak of imperial core secrets—an absolute essential foundational element of the newest warship generation construction! Without which could that massive carrier ever reach the scale it did?

With this formula, the design of that warship in *Your* hand may become finalized and perfected properly for use.

Then, one glorious morning in the future when fortune favors you, should I be allowed perhaps borrowing that flying ship of yours *But For Weeks Only!*—and then territory I would assuredly have, in no longer than a breath’s passing moment.”

What Songzining stated may seem flippant to casual ears, but to Qiane, such assumptions required greater context than Song perhaps fully anticipated.

Looking further into motivations Songzining must have arrived at this very decision even before their travel to the *Neutral Lands*, yet at the time even a seer’s mind like Song’s could never hope to foresee beforehand he would obtain the Valkyrie Hall.

Constructed partly from fragments of the *Vile Sovereign Emperor*’s legacy while incorporating components from *Terra-Mighty Cicadian Carcasses*- neither element nor material easily forecast even using prophetic tools or advanced calculation methodologies available. Even had someone attempted with Lin Xitang expertise—certain costs would inevitably accompany only vague, uncertain findings.

Hence Song’s early decision, though appearing impulsive at face-value perhaps, instead stemmed more likely because Song sensed that without immediate material aid Qiane remained locked in dire straits across neutral battlegrounds. Hence the decision reflected Song choosing this metallurgy in hopes of constructing an aerial fleet based on local power vacuum weaknesses of *neutral land* factions so that Qiane could gain respite and strategic relief from his predicament.

Perhaps other long-range motives motivated Songzining simultaneously. Regardless, one fact stands clear.

He consciously chose—despite other tempting rewards at his immediate beckoning call—the path entailing total starting again, without legacy advantage, effectively from the ruins itself bare-handed.

Inwardly, Qiane could only feel a faint sigh stir; but alongside came a growing quiet gratitude, one he carefully preserved for later reckoning. Yet aside thoughts still linger:

“Which ‘important figure'” Qeiane suddenly asked cautiously, “had offered thus? Someone of whom even *that* reward did not come easily. How great the price of the bargain he made?”

“Oh others might indeed hesitate. The Seventh Lordling such as myself? Entire imperial families would compete to shower me generously! Fewer still desire my removal except the Songs’ own.”

One sentence, and the hidden bitterness between ancestral aristocratic bloodlines laid bare in stark honesty.

Seeing Qiane maintain somberness though Songzining, wearing cheeriness once again, jovially clapped his friend’s shoulders.

“You’d have even simpler choices if truly desired: forget all effort just let a girl or two warm your bed sheets. Refusing is pointless.”

“I’ve little interest entertaining marriage politics.”

“No call to enter into those either. Just take one small risk, give into harmless indulgence.”

Songzining winked conspiratoryly.

Qiane picked at something deeper in suggestion,

frowning heavily: “*You’d have me produce children from this arrangement?*”

“Must you choose such harsh terminology! It’s different I meant!” Songzining quickly interjected with deflection laughter.

However unwilling Qiane was to consider it:

“No. Not ever.”

“You and Yetong cannot be together now anyway.”

“That remains wholly a matter of *mine*.”

Song’s reply came smooth with fervent conviction:

“Come Qiane! For me once before you gave up life itself. Yet this act barely requires effort compared to the ultimate, don’t you think? Say the word—resources can rain in endless torrents from heavens themselves! Siphone it all mercilessly from these arrogant aristos!”

Song exuded excitement. Qeiane however felt equal parts amusement and pity.

“Why require such treasures?”

“For freeing YeTong naturally! How scale up *Holy Mount* with nothing below, lacking *Valkyrie* mightiness under your helm to support your climb?”

“Rely *solely on yourself?*

One would toiled for eight centuries—no, a millennium—until a single *true aerial fortress vessel*, yours, may at last appear.

Wishing Yetong’s fate to wait a thousand years thus? When thirty alone could realize that dream—merit and destiny within grasp—if only pride or stubborn dignity blinds one into keeping one’s most treasured loves bound to eternal waiting in shadowed desolation? You love Yetong?”

Bombard with relentless rhetoric left Qiane shaken, disoriented; but the discomfort persisted. Though he struggled articulating it, something inside still protested:

“And what does it matter?” pressed Songzining, driving the proverbial finishing blow.

“She’s no longer yours either.”

A sad faint smile curved from Qeine’s lips while within, a deeper sigh rose. There was a point, perhaps, lurking within Song’s barrage of arguments—but Qiane himself remained firm in not agreeing.

Noticing Qeian expression softening Song ceased persuading further, and handed him a large backpack instead.

“This holds everything you ever needed. Begin immediately.”

“One more item of vital importance: Retrieve the crate of the ultra-rare mineral—regardless. That experimental motor may be forsaken if truly unguarded and at risk.”

Qiane nodded slowly in understanding while accepting the pack and without lingering another moment, departed toward rendezous point to link with caravan.

Song gazed after the departing figure of Qeian; a long sigh escaped between lips as he gently shook his head. But suddenly an icy voice rose from near the edge.

“How utterly considerate of you to go this lengths!”

Songzining turned slowly spotting that Jitiani already stood there—somewhere unnoticed previously. Leaned nonchalantly on a tall pillar she wore expressions of ridicule masking something colder beneath.

“He’s my sworn brother! Of course every sacrifice counts in aiding friends such as him.” Song returned with firm calm.

Jitiani snorted sharply in disbelief.

“And such *aid*? When the time comes—how *thankful* he must never learn of your true cost to him!”

With no change in temperament, Songzuning grinned easily and shrugged:

“Let hate emerge—so far from me his gratitude.”

Her only possible counter a further scorn-filled humn, she changed gears slightly:

“With something this *grave*, is dispatching Qiane along enough alone? His Vampire regenerative capability though impressive cannot continually sustain endless danger. Mishap on some distant battlefield—what then? You, who can only predict pieces ahead… who could never hope fully grasp all possible danger?”

He smiled still.

“Of course not! As luck would have it my timing for your return could not be better.”

Jitani’s eyes narrowed threateningly, about to snap back in protest — but once again she heard Song speak quickly:

“If unavailable or unwilling—certainly not the end.

I can surely call upon *Kuang Lan* if need be.”

The tension that built in her chest flaring at those careless words Jitiani glared murderously at Songziding before grinding her feral reply:

“Enough—! I will go myself.”

—

END TRANSLATION