After arriving at the house outside the city, Orion immediately headed to the underground area beneath the workshop. Meanwhile, Wang Lingxin quickly dashed off to find Aria, eager to bring her along to play in the village.

Orion entered one of the underground rooms, a spacious chamber with smooth stone floors, walls, and ceilings. At the center of the room was a large shallow pool of crystal-clear water.

The room was immaculately clean, thanks to the presence of numerous slimes. Known for their ability to consume biological matter, the slimes kept both the area and the pool spotless.

The room was teeming with slimes of varying sizes and colors, mostly Rank-1, with a few Rank-2 among them. These creatures wriggled and moved about the room, some floating while others rested at the bottom of the pool.

Previously, obtaining a Rank-2 slime had been a significant challenge. Even with the Liu family's help, Orion had struggled to acquire one due to their rarity.

As a solution, Orion devised a plan to rear slimes and attempt to evolve them to Rank-2 by feeding them Spirit Beast meat and Spiritual Herbs. The leftover meat and body parts from the Spirit Beasts Orion dissected during experiments were used to feed the slimes in this room.

While Rank-2 slimes were rare in the wild, Rank-1 slimes could evolve into Rank-2 slimes given the right opportunity, such as access to high-quality nourishment like Spirit Beast meat and Spiritual Herbs.

However, because slimes were weak creatures, these opportunities were scarce in their natural habitat.

By consistently providing the necessary resources, Orion had successfully facilitated the evolution of several slimes to Rank-2 within just a month. Among the hundreds of slimes in the room, some had already transformed, proving Orion’s theory correct.

This ensured that, even if the Liu family failed to procure Rank-2 slimes, Orion's backup plan would still yield results. Although this method required more time and effort, fortunately, Liu Wang had managed to deliver a substantial number of Rank-2 slimes to Orion, with more promised to come.

Orion placed a rattan basket filled with Rank-2 slimes onto the floor and carefully tipped it over. The slimes poured out and began curiously inspecting their new surroundings, as if fascinated by the unfamiliar space.

The older slimes in the room also approached, checking out the newcomers, touching and interacting with them.

Seeing the peaceful interactions between the old and new slimes, Orion gave a simple command, "Okay, everyone, gather. Gather. Gather."

Its voice reached them in an inaudible hum, vibrating at a frequency above 100 kHz, beyond the range of human hearing.

Through various experiments Orion conducted with the slimes, it had long since been discovered that slimes communicate with each other via ultrasound, a frequency that humans cannot perceive. Though basic, this form of communication was highly effective and was used to convey essential information, such as warnings or the discovery of food. It was also crucial for their coordination and survival.

While others might not know this, Orion had been studying and learning their communication methods. Over time, it had trained the slimes to respond to basic commands, much like one would train a dog. The results had been promising—the slimes could now follow simple instructions.

At Orion’s command, the slimes in the room began to gather around it, wriggling slowly toward Orion, while others bounced and leaped with excitement, the newcomers also joined in and followed the others.

The slimes in the pool immediately exited, while those at the bottom swam up and exited the pool as well. They all gathered around Orion, some touching and nuzzling its legs, while others extended long tentacles to gently rub against it. Despite their enthusiasm, Orion remained indifferent.

Seeing the slimes gather so closely around it, Orion waved its hand, gesturing for them to back off. "Back off a little. Retreat," Orion commanded.

The slimes obediently wriggled away, clearing an area in front of Orion. They lined up neatly, showing their discipline.

Next, Orion retrieved a large amount of Spirit Beast meat, bones, skin, and other parts from its Storage Ring, creating a sizable pile on the cleared floor. The slimes, seeing the pile, began to wobble and bounce excitedly, but they remained in place, observing obediently.

Orion observed the slimes and, satisfied with their restraint, said, "Alright, you can eat," while storing the rattan basket into the Storage Ring.

At the command, the slimes surged forward like a living wave. The room filled with motion as the slimes engulfed the pile, devouring the meat with unrestrained hunger.

The older slimes and the newcomers alike competed fiercely for the feast. Blood from the pile began to seep into the stone floor, forming small streams that gradually trickled into the pool, turning the crystal-clear water a vivid red.

The once-pristine room descended into chaos. The pool became completely dyed with blood, with stray bits of meat floating on its surface. Other chunks and scraps of flesh were scattered across the floor, mixing with the blood that had spilled over, creating a messy scene.

Orion observed the scene briefly, then turned and silently exited the room, closing the door behind it. Despite the mess, it was unconcerned.

The slimes would eventually consume everything, leaving the room spotless once more. Even the water in the pool would return to its original clarity, as the slimes would filter and absorb every trace of blood and organic matter.

For now, Orion does not plan to use the obtained Rank-2 slime to create new ADAMS (Artificial Dantian and Meridian System), as there isn’t enough Rank-2 slime available. Moreover, even if sufficient Rank-2 slime were acquired, Orion is hesitant to immediately create a new ADAMS. In the wild, Rank-2 slimes are already rare, and higher-level slimes are likely even rarer.

Fortunately, Orion’s plan to rear and evolve slimes has proven successful. However, using the Rank-2 slime now would raise a critical question: how would it obtain Rank-3 or higher slimes in the future? This creates a dilemma—whether to use the Rank-2 slime now or allow it to evolve to a higher level while waiting for other Rank-1 slimes to evolve into Rank-2. Once more Rank-2 slimes are available, Orion could then use them to create ADAMS.

For these reasons, Orion has decided to postpone and lower the priority of developing a higher-level ADAMS for now.

Orion entered another underground room, its temperature noticeably cooler due to inscriptions etched throughout the room that generated a persistent cold.

In the center of the room stood a large stone table. Without delay, Orion retrieved a Rank-1 dragonfly carcass from the Storage Ring and carefully laid it on the table.

The creature was enormous—its head alone measured about two meters, its body spanned about fifteen meters, and each wing stretched about ten meters in length. Among the Rank-1 dragonfly carcasses in Orion's Storage Ring, this one was the smaller of the lot.

Orion planned to familiarize itself with the smaller Rank-1 dragonfly first.

Orion began by meticulously examining the dragonfly, measuring its body parts and checking its condition. Once done, it retrieved a large, sharp knife from the Storage Ring and started cutting into the carcass.

Having worked extensively with smaller, ordinary dragonflies before, Orion found the anatomy of this Rank-1 Spirit Beast dragonfly strikingly similar—just scaled up in size. Its experience allowed it to work smoothly, cutting and removing parts piece by piece with precision.

Discarded parts, deemed useless, were thrown into a disposal chute embedded in the wall, which led directly to the slime rearing room. These scraps would serve as food for the slimes.

Hours passed as Orion worked nonstop, reducing the once-massive dragonfly to manageable components. By the time it finished, only a large chunk of muscle and meat remained on the table, with the wings still attached.

All valuable parts had been stored in the Storage Ring, while the unusable remains had been sent to the slimes.

The remaining chunk of muscle and wings would serve as the "dragonfly engine" for Orion's planned ornithopter. Orion removed the slime gloves it had been wearing, now stained with dragonfly blood, and discarded them in a trash bin.

Carefully inspecting the engine, Orion noted that creating the larger ornithopter would be similar to building the smaller SO-1 model. The primary difference was the scale, which, while challenging, made the process familiar and manageable.

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However, one major issue loomed: the power source.

For the smaller SO-1 ornithopter, Orion had used a normal dragonfly as the engine and powered it with a battery.

But for this larger Rank-1 Spirit Beast dragonfly, the batteries Orion possessed were insufficient. Powering this massive "dragonfly engine" would require a lot of batteries, and Orion didn’t have enough of them. As a result, an alternative solution was needed.

Fortunately, its advanced AI had already prepared several potential solutions after thorough simulations and calculations. Two viable options stood out: using Lightning Crystals and using Liquified Qi (LQ).

Lightning Crystals, a type of crystal that stored lightning energy, were commonly used by lightning-element cultivators to enhance their power. The Liu family had provided Orion with dozens of these crystals.

Through prior experiments, Orion had successfully harnessed their energy, effectively using them as batteries. The plan was to use these Lightning Crystals to power the engine.

As for using Liquified Qi (LQ), Orion's AI formulated a mechanism to embed into the engine, featuring inscriptions powered by LQ to generate electricity. Rather than directly using electricity to power the engine, it would first need to convert LQ into electricity, thus making the process slightly more complex.

Dragonflies are among the best fliers, capable of flying fast, far, and high. They are also known for their extreme agility, thanks to their four wings that move independently from one another. Each wing is controlled by both direct and indirect flight muscles, allowing for precise movements. This unique structure makes dragonflies incredibly maneuverable, capable of flying forward, backward, sideways, hovering, and changing directions with ease.

In this world, dragonflies are not only larger but are also stronger, more capable, and can outperform their earthly counterparts relative to their size. Dragonfly Spirit Beasts, on the other hand, are even far stronger and more formidable.

Orion had studied the mechanics of dragonfly flight extensively, using electrical charges to stimulate the direct and indirect flight muscles. By inducing precise contractions, it could manipulate wing movements to replicate their agility and power. These principles formed the basis of Orion's ornithopter design.

After numerous experiments, Orion had successfully created the smaller SO-1 drones using normal dragonflies as the engines. Scaling up the design to incorporate the larger and exponentially stronger Spirit Beast dragonfly was now its primary objective.

Using LQ or Lightning Crystals will take time to complete the necessary experiments, Orion thought internally as its AI readjusted its plans.

Orion had other high-priority projects, but it decided to focus on creating the ornithopter. Having a large ornithopter for transportation would be incredibly useful, allowing Orion to travel faster and farther.

This would also assist in executing many other tasks, as Orion couldn't fly at the moment. The convenience and usefulness of the ornithopter had already been calculated, and it would enhance Orion's ability to carry out various missions.

The AI, multitasking efficiently, was designing multiple versions of the ornithopter simultaneously. Initial designs were already in place, and there would be various specialized versions, such as the Utility Ornithopter (UO), Attack Ornithopter (AO), and Cargo/Transport Ornithopter (CO), each tailored to specific roles and tasks.

Retrieving a wooden barrel filled with medicinal liquid, Orion splashed it over the engine. The liquid nourished the dragonfly flight muscles, keeping them fresh and functional. With that, Orion resumed its work, focused and methodical.

A week passed. In the underground room, on the central stone table, lay the dragonfly’s lump of muscle and flesh with its wings still attached, though heavily modified.

Embedded into the engine were various metal components, cables, and other mechanisms. Several cables connected the engine directly to Orion's body, allowing Orion to control the engine with precision.

Orion had trimmed the wings to about one meter in length, as the original wings were too large for the confined space of the room.

The experiment progressed smoothly, and Orion successfully controlled the engine, continuing to tweak and adjust it for further improvement.

After making another small adjustment, Orion activated the engine, and the dragonfly’s wings began to buzz and flap slowly.

Having already mastered control of smaller SO-1 drones, Orion found it easy to control the engine. The direct and indirect flight muscles were stimulated via electrical charges, activating the wings under Orion's control.

The four shortened wings moved seamlessly, and the engine was securely fastened to the table. Simulating various flight maneuvers, Orion continued experimenting, identifying no major issues.

After running several successful tests, Orion disconnected the cables from its body and the first engine. It then moved to another stone table behind the first. On this table lay a second engine, nearly identical to the first in appearance but powered differently. Orion connected itself to the second engine via cables and initiated testing. The results were equally successful.

The two engines were powered by different sources: the first engine was powered by LQ, and the second by Lightning Crystals, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses:

The LQ-Powered Engine: This engine utilized Liquified Qi (LQ) and inscriptions to generate electricity. O# inscriptions were used, which are more efficient and superior compared to standard inscriptions.

The specific inscriptions used to generate electricity were designed to provide a stable output, unlike those used in weapons, which produce explosive output better suited for combat. The generated electricity stimulated the dragonfly’s flight muscles.

Overall, this design is highly efficient at converting Qi into electricity.

One of its main advantages is its superior performance, along with the flexibility to use either low-quality LQ-0 or higher-quality LQ for enhanced performance.

Additionally, LQ can be stored in a Storage Ring, allowing for large amounts to be carried without taking up significant space, thus enabling extended operation. The operation time depends on the amount of LQ stored and the quality of the Storage Ring, which comes in various spatial sizes.

However, using LQ as fuel is extremely expensive, as it is derived from Spirit Stones.

The Lightning Crystal-Powered Engine: This engine was powered directly by Lightning Crystals. The electricity stored in the crystals was used to control the flight muscles.

While performance was acceptable and the crystals could be reused after recharging, this method had its drawbacks. Replacing depleted crystals manually was cumbersome, and the crystals required a power source for recharging.

Orion was considering building an electricity plant, such as a hydroelectric facility, to recharge the crystals, making them more cost-effective in the long run despite their initial expense.

For cultivators, Lightning Crystals are single-use items. Once the electricity within is depleted, they discard them. While the crystals can be recharged, using their own Qi to generate electricity for recharging is not worth the effort.

Additionally, cultivators are unaware of alternative methods for recharging them. However, for Orion, with its Earth-derived knowledge, recharging these crystals poses no issue, although it currently lacks the means or capability to do so.

The Lightning Crystal is quite expensive and rare, with the smaller ones each worth thousands of Spirit Stones. However, once used, its value drops significantly, becoming worth only a few Spirit Stones.

Although it can no longer be used for its original purpose by cultivators, the used Lightning Crystal is still a beautiful gem. Rich mortals often display it as a decorative ornament in their homes to showcase their wealth. While it has no functional use, its aesthetic appeal makes it a popular item for show and decoration.

With this, Orion plans to ask the Liu family to purchase large quantities of used Lightning Crystals, with the intention of recharging them to power the ornithopter in the future.

With both prototype engines operational, Orion turned its attention to the ornithopter design. Its advanced AI had already created detailed 3D models and blueprints, so the next step was to begin construction.

The body of the ornithopter would be crafted using the dragonfly’s exoskeleton, along with other body parts from insect Spirit Beasts. These materials were both lightweight and exceptionally strong.

One by one, Orion retrieved the necessary materials and began working, cutting, joining, and assembling them carefully, following the blueprint.

...

In the dense Yuezhi Forest, a cultivator flew back and forth, zigzagging from north to south, then west to east, his appearance disheveled and unkempt. His eyes remained fixed downward, scanning the sea of trees beneath him.

Liu Mingzhen had been searching for days for a Rank-2 slime, but to no avail. Not a single one had been found. He spread his Spiritual Sense across the land, seeking the Rank-2 slimes among the trees, bushes, beneath rocks, and even under the fallen leaves as he flew low. His eyes darted around in an endless search, but the feeling of disappointment weighed heavily on him.

He couldn't help but recall the tempting reward offered by Orion for gathering Rank-2 slimes. The last time, his uncle, Liu Yang, had managed to gather a large number of Rank-2 slimes in just a few days and was rewarded with a large amount of MSG.

Liu Mingzhen had been envious and tempted by the offer, wanting the same reward for himself.

With that desire in mind, he ventured into the Yuezhi Forest. But alas, days had passed, and still, there was no result. His uncle, however, had found plenty of slimes in a matter of days, leaving Liu Mingzhen to wonder how he managed such success.

As he continued searching, his thoughts were interrupted by a voice from above.

"Yo, Mingzhen! How's it going? Have you found any slimes?" Liu Yang, his uncle, called out with a smile as he flew toward him.

"Tch, hello, Uncle," Liu Mingzhen replied curtly, his annoyance apparent.

"It seems like it hasn't been fruitful, huh? No Rank-2 slimes?" Liu Yang teased, rubbing salt into the wound.

"Hmph! Who said I was looking for slimes? I was just doing some training. Now that I'm done, I'm heading back. See you, Uncle!" Liu Mingzhen immediately shot off into the sky, disappearing over the horizon, unwilling to stay any longer and face his uncle’s ridicule.

I've already searched the whole area but failed to find any Rank-2 slimes. Let’s see how well you do, Liu Mingzhen grumbled internally, his annoyance growing.

"Tsk tsk tsk, that brat. He also wants a reward from Mr. Orion but is too proud to admit it," Liu Yang muttered, watching as Liu Mingzhen flew off. With a shake of his head, Liu Yang turned and flew deeper into the forest, heading in a specific direction.

Not long after, a buffalo Spirit Beast approached Liu Yang.

"Oh, isn’t it Daoist Wang? I've been waiting for you," said Tigang, a warm smile on his face.

"Ah, sorry about that. I went into seclusion for a few days," Liu Yang replied, mentally thanking Tigang for helping him get so much MSG that had significantly boosted his cultivation. Hehe, thanks to your help, my cultivation has soared! A few days of secluded cultivation have been worth tens of years of bitter cultivation.

"I see. Now, let’s talk business. I’ve got some good fruit wine; let’s enjoy it as we discuss," Tigang said, his tone businesslike. "By the way, you’ll be pleased to know that I've captured a lot of Rank-2 slimes."

"Ha, that’s good to hear!" Liu Yang grinned in approval, satisfied with Tigang's performance.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but ridicule the inexperienced Mingzhen. Why search for slimes yourself when you can have others do it for a cheap price? Like this dumb buffalo, he thought, glancing at Tigang.

Tigang led Liu Yang, and both flew together toward Tigang's dwelling.

Unknown to Liu Mingzhen, the reason he hadn't been able to find any Rank-2 slimes despite searching for days was because of Tigang. Tigang had already thoroughly swept the area, leaving only the numerous, useless Rank-1 slimes behind, with no Rank-2 slimes left. Anyone searching now would have to venture deeper into the forest to find any.