However, after crossing a fast-flowing river for more than ten kilometers, Zhang Hao suddenly saw a clear lake. There were beautiful islands here, and there were blooming flowers on the islands.
The clear lake and the dotted green islands are all so beautiful. It's like a fairy tale world.
After experiencing the majestic and dangerous green sea of death, suddenly seeing such a beautiful scenery, many people ran to the side of the ship and exclaimed in admiration.
Only Hua Baixiang laughed lightly, stretched out his hand and shot a small fireball, flying towards a 'small island'.
As soon as the fireball flew out of the side of the ship, it quickly grew in size. By the time it reached a small island directly ahead, it had turned into a raging fire that was hundreds of meters tall.
But when I saw the "flowers" on the island suddenly came to life, they turned into dancing snakes. The flowers turned out to be all kinds of snakes!
And the small island also moved, and it turned out to be a "snapping turtle" about thirty meters tall, wrapped in a shell similar to that of a turtle, wrapped in a body as ferocious as a crocodile.
At this moment, the beautiful lake boiled. The beauty faded in an instant, revealing the ferocity of nature!
Those coquettish "flowers" turned into countless long snakes, with different sizes, lengths, thicknesses and colors.
Some snakes spit black water arrows from their mouths, some attack like water ripples, some send out ice picks to stir up lake water, and some attack directly with their tails.
The snapping turtle also moved, and the snapping turtle that bore the brunt roared, with anger and murderous intent in its majesty. The mouth full of fangs opened, revealing teeth like blades.
The snapping turtle's ferocious eyes stared at the steel giant that was quickly crushing it, and roared again, but saw that the entire lake was boiling, and all the 'islands' began to change. Hundreds of snapping turtles quickly rushed in and rushed towards the battleship.
.
Countless demon snakes screamed and rushed high into the sky, forming a cloud that shrouded the sky and blocked the sun.
The lake was filled with the neighing of venomous snakes and the roar of snapping turtles. Black clouds suddenly appeared between the sky and the earth, turbid waves surged into the sky, and the calm lake instantly turned into a boundless forest.
The sky became gloomy, gloomy water vapor rolled around, and the dark wind began to swirl and make a chilling whistle.
Zhang Hao nodded to Dugu Junjie, and Dugu Junjie shouted: "Free attack!"
The next moment, the artillery roared. Every moment, there were shells in the barrel, and there were a variety of shells in order to respond to changes at any time.
Under the dim skylight, the light of the artillery was exceptionally bright. The flames sprayed out more than ten meters away, illuminating the nearby water surface and sky. Some shells fell into the water, but suddenly "small hills" bulged out from the water surface.
In an instant, the hills erupted into water jets, filling the sky with water splashes. Some unlucky snapping turtles were overturned by cannonballs on the spot.
Part of the water column even rushed dozens of meters into the air, scattering the demonic snakes gathered in the sky.
Many air burst bombs exploded in mid-air. Dozens of holes were instantly cleared out of the demonic snakes in the sky, and streaks of skylight fell down.
But this was just the beginning. The three 460mm cannons on the bow of the Iron Duke were finally raised and fired at the maximum elevation angle. The ballistic trajectory was very steep; the bow of the ship was almost pressed down by one meter by the recoil force, and the stern of the ship was raised; the surrounding areas were raised.
The water waves rolled, and the water waves exceeded the height of the deck, but they were blocked by the barrier.
The cannonball flew to an altitude of five or six kilometers before it began to turn around and accelerate its descent. About half a minute later, the cannonball finally fell and plunged into the bottom of the lake.
Then, half of the lake surface within the field of vision began to bulge, and then was broken open crazily. At that moment, it was like a volcanic eruption, water waves rushed hundreds of meters into the sky, and dozens of snapping turtles and countless venomous snakes were washed up into the sky.
, many died on the spot.
The water waves trembled violently, and the waves rushed to the shore thirty or forty meters behind them, and the entire Skull River was muddied.
The remaining demon snakes and snapping turtles struggled in the waves and screamed in terror. Under such a violent explosion, they were too frightened to use any magical powers.
"Continue!" Zhang Hao stood at the bow of the ship and continued to issue the order coldly. After saying that, he turned his head slightly and glanced at Hua Baixiang. The meaning is self-evident. Let me show you the power of the steel battleship and let you know why we are here.
Crossing the Green Sea of Death!
The battleship began to accelerate, and the artillery continued to overturn the water in the distance. The wide lake was completely muddy, and the once clear water began to turn turbid and yellow.
At close range, the crossbows with ropes were fired continuously, and the sharp crossbow bolts penetrated the snapping turtle's carapace, and then... it was dragged onto the battleship!
These snapping turtles struggled wildly, but to no avail. The crossbow bolts were fired one after another, and the struggle stopped after a moment.
There were explosions everywhere in the sky and on the water. Various demonic snakes in the sky were shattered and broken in the explosion. The core of the explosion was even filled with blood mist. Perhaps many demonic snakes could be equivalent to the golden elixir stage, but here
Under such a large-scale explosion, there is still nothing to do.
There were also many demonic snakes and snapping turtles clinging to the bottom of the battleship; but the battleship opened the barrier and kept moving forward; sword lights began to flash on the surface of the battleship's barrier. The sword lights cut through the surrounding water, at least enough to kill the underwater ones.
Attack elimination.
On the ship's side, a ballistae exploded, clearing away the underwater threats. The two warships swapped left and right, clearing each other's underwater parts.
Zhang Hao looked at the battle in front of him and took out a small notebook to record: The next step should be to develop depth bombs, torpedoes, etc. With the current accumulation of technology, it may be enough to develop these things. If it doesn't work, just use magic first.
However, Zhang Hao has always firmly believed that technology is simply not up to the mark, and using spells and formations to assist is just a waste of time. It can only solve temporary needs but cannot last long.
In Zhang Hao's view, physical technology and formations are similar to computer hardware and software. No matter which one is weak, physical technology is the foundation.
Even traditional magic weapon manufacturing requires a good embryo to add advanced formations and then refine an excellent magic weapon. If you use ordinary low-purity dark iron, you may not be able to withstand the energy of the formation, and you will be unable to withstand the energy of the formation.
collapsed.
Zhang Hao was imagining here, but Dugu Junjie had already commanded the battleship to start a mass strangulation. These snapping turtles were almost the same as those in the Nascent Soul stage, but their main defense could not stop artillery and ballistae, and their attack power was not enough to destroy the steel battleship.
However, he became the target of hunting.
A group of soldiers whose average cultivation level barely exceeded the Foundation Establishment stage controlled powerful weapons and began a wave of crazy hunting. A large number of monsters equivalent to the Golden Core stage and Nascent Soul stage died tragically.
The big net was lowered, and the floating snakes on the water were dragged up. In order to prevent problems, they were sealed first, then opened the net, and then piled the sealed things into the warehouse, sealed again for insurance, preservation, etc. and returned
Qixia Kingdom will deal with it later. With so many snakes, there must be something good. The same goes for the snapping turtle.
More than an hour later, the battleship circled the lake, which was about 20 kilometers in diameter, several times before continuing upstream. At this time, there were almost no snapping turtles in the lake.
It was only then that Hua Baixiang finally sighed leisurely: "A very powerful battle. But it always feels a bit cumbersome."
"Hua Protector, this is inland. If you go to the sea, you will understand. The warships here cannot accelerate, and the fastest speed is only 30 kilometers. But on the sea, they can run at a speed of 110 kilometers.
Almost four times what it is now.”
"That's still very slow! You can easily reach this number in one foundation building period!" Hua Baixiang already understands the concept of kilometers and hours. It's easy to learn in people's transformation stage.
Zhang Hao smiled and did not explain. Hua Baixiang was obviously making an argument. It was a typical expression of dissatisfaction and a sour heart.
Sure enough, Hua Baixiang sighed again after a while, "It's a pity that it can only sail on the water and cannot fly to the sky."
Zhang Hao rolled his eyes, you really dare to think about it, but this is the so-called nitpicking. And judging from the current situation, it is simply unrealistic to send this behemoth to the sky.
Hey... a huge thing? Suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed in Zhang Hao's head. How could I forget about the airship? Yes, I have been busy with sea traffic for a while and almost ignored the airship. Well, after going back this time,
Be sure to research airships!
When studying airships, we also need to study high-altitude atmosphere and spiritual energy. Master Zhang’s thoughts went off topic again...
After the two warships continued to move forward for about 300 kilometers, they struggled to move until evening, and finally could no longer move forward; even because of the narrow river channel, they had to cautiously retreat for more than one kilometer before they found a place to turn around. The warships are here
After anchoring, Hua Baixiang simply flew away, saying he would come back tomorrow.
Early the next morning, Hua Baixiang came back again, followed by thousands of masters, Nascent Soul Stage, Golden Core Stage, roughly estimated to be at least five thousand. In short, it felt overwhelming, like a vast sea.
Dark clouds are coming.
Zhang Hao looked at it, but his heart was still a little trembling; if so many people attacked, his two battleships would not be able to escape! But fortunately, no problem occurred.
After these people arrived at the shore, under the command of Hua Baixiang, they used magic to level an area of almost one kilometer of flat land. Then everyone sat cross-legged on the spot and took out a large amount of medicinal materials from the storage ring, as well as a large number of
Fine gold, mithril and other relatively excellent spiritual materials began to set up stalls.
Zhang Hao directed the battleship to move a large amount of black iron, elixirs, steel, etc. An unprecedented grand transaction began to proceed in an orderly manner.
Seeing that the transaction was going smoothly, Zhang Hao smiled. The thing he was most worried about did not happen after all. In fact, as Zhang Hao expected, the Red Lotus Sect also needs a lifeline.
Hua Baixiang flew to the bow of the ship alone and found Zhang Hao to negotiate about the artillery.
"Zhang Hao, the Red Lotus Sect has sorted out about 90% of our existing techniques, secret techniques, formations, etc. that are at the Golden Core stage and below. Except for the core techniques of our sect, almost all of them are here.
."
As he said that, he took out three boxes of jade slips. Zhang Hao took a rough look and found that in the largest box, there were almost three thousand jade slips, including exercises, formations, spells, etc., as well as some alchemy.
knowledge of the device.
It is indeed worthy of the power of a holy land...well, it is the power of half a holy land. Although these things are relatively common, there are too many of them. At the beginning, the Jiuyang Sect did not even have one-tenth of these!
However, after Hua Baixiang opened the box, she looked at Zhang Hao with a half-smile, "Although these things are ordinary, there are too many of them. If they are just artillery... I'm afraid they won't be enough!"
Zhang Hao simply took out a jade slip and said, "Hua Hua Hua, please look at it. Everything is in it. But how many things can be exchanged depends on the value of the jade slip. Of course, the jade slip is
There is only a brief introduction."
Hua Baixiang took the jade slip and looked at it for a while, and her eyes suddenly shone. Inside, there is 60% black iron mass production technology, which has been made public for free in Qixia Country, but this technology is still precious.
As for the artillery technology, it includes complete drawings, gunpowder technology, and a large number of detailed parameters of the artillery, etc.
In addition, there are ballistae and many good drawings of war weapons. Zhang Hao also took out the drawings of war weapons from the Kingdom of Qixia. Since he no longer needs them, of course he has to reuse them.
Finally, there is also information on battle formations, strategies and other aspects of large-scale wars. It was Zhang Hao who compiled it after seeing the war here.
In the last war that Zhang Hao observed, although there were spells, there were no large war machines, and there was no military discipline or strategy. The two sides were more like a melee.
There were not many things, but they were all crucial. Hua Baixiang hesitated for a long time and had to start a conversation with the profiteer Zhang Hao.
The two people were at loggerheads and refused to give in. They actually discussed it for more than three days. But overall, the profiteer Zhang Hao had the upper hand, because what Zhang Hao brought out was what the Red Lotus Sect needed, and what the Red Lotus Sect brought out,
But it's not that Zhang Hao 'must', that's what Zhang Hao said anyway!
During the negotiation, Zhang Hao pressed forward step by step; in the end, Zhang Hao obtained two volumes of precious 'secret techniques' from Hua Baixiang: Earth Fire Cleansing Art, Burning Immortal Strength, Nascent Soul Level!
"Earth Fire Body Cleansing Technique" is a precious secret method in the Red Lotus Sect. It can further strengthen the body, temper the body, and with some powerful elixirs, it can also replenish foundation problems. This is very precious.
Once your body becomes stronger, your state will become easier.
There is also "Burning Immortal Strength", which is a powerful combat skill and attack method; Hua Baixiang demonstrated once, turning a flame knife into his hand, and almost split a mountain with one palm, and the rock at the attack position melted, and he was so scared that he was stunned
Hao's heart is beating wildly.
Burning Immortal Jin can convert the true energy in the body into powerful high-temperature attacks, and the attack power can reach 200% of its maximum combat power! It can be called a life-saving means.
However, every attack will put a burden on the body, and it must be coordinated with the "Earth Fire Cleansing Art" to withstand its powerful impact.
The most important thing is that these two secret methods cooperate with each other. Even the masters of the gods can have significant effects. Hua Baixiang himself is an example!
Although these two secret techniques are not martial arts, they are more precious than the ordinary peak Nascent Soul Stage techniques.
Hua Baixiang got all the technologies Zhang Hao brought out, visited the steel battleship, and learned about its general structure. Both parties were very happy.
However, one thing needs to be highlighted: many key components of the artillery need to be purchased from Dayang Group. In a short period of time, the Red Lotus does not have the ability to 'completely independently produce artillery'.
In the past three days, the transactions on the shore have also ended, and the inventories of the two warships have been emptied, in exchange for mountains of medicinal materials and many precious spiritual materials.
In the past few days, Zhang Hao also got another explanation from Hua Baixiang of the Tiandu Sect: When Zhang Hao, the headmaster of the Tiandu Sect, found that the eldest disciple was not as good as the second disciple, he wanted to pass the position of headmaster to the second disciple; but what happened?
The eldest disciple acted first and gained the upper hand. Before leaving, the second disciple only had time to inherit the Nine Earth Red Lotus from his master master and create the Red Lotus Sect.
Zhang Hao is skeptical about both sides' claims; but having said that, these things do not have a big impact on Zhang Hao for the time being. What Zhang Hao is concerned about is how the situation is in Qixia Country. It has been almost 20 days.
Okay, time flies so fast.
In the past few days, there was another person who was quite busy, Zhao Dahe, who was very busy. He was measuring the length of the shadow of the stick at noon, and he measured it repeatedly.
The battleship stayed here for three days, and finally weighed anchor at noon on the fourth day. The sailors began to cheer and were about to go home.
Hua Baixiang watched the battleship move slowly and couldn't help shouting: "Zhang Hao, don't forget to bring a large number of artillery parts, steam turbines, and folded and forged steel sword bars next time."
"Remember!" Zhang Hao shouted, waving to Hua Baixiang and everyone on the shore as a farewell.
In the past few days, Zhang Hao has roughly understood the environment here. The Tuotu Continent does not seem to match the legend. There is no sunshine and it is difficult to survive. Maybe it is not the southernmost place, maybe it is not summer yet. Wait for summer.
Let’s take a look again.
In addition, although there is a demon sect here in Taotu Continent, apart from the war we saw at the beginning, we have never seen any other conflicts. Of course, Zhang Hao did not go out to travel.
In the first transaction, the main thing is to be safe and avoid unnecessary complications. In fact, in this transaction, both parties are relatively restrained and want to create a perfect transaction and lay the foundation for future development.
More communication, and even understanding, can wait until next time.
The warship slowly accelerated and returned to the sea that evening. However, the warship did not go north immediately, but continued to sail deeper into the sea. This was to prevent the Holy Fire Cult from the north from making an angry sneak attack.
Zhang Hao believes that after so many days, the Holy Fire Cult in the north must have learned the information here. Now he doesn't know whether he is regretful or angry, but Zhang Hao still has to be careful.
The battleship rushed into the sea for more than a hundred kilometers before turning around and heading north.
Sprinting at full speed along the way, because we have to take care of the speed of the Zhiyuan battleship, the forward speed is maintained at 110 kilometers.
As we go north, the temperature begins to drop.
We traveled all the way under the stars and night, and unexpectedly encountered an unwilling mirage on the way back. However, Zhang Hao was very domineering this time. When he saw the fog on the sea, he immediately ordered the warships to attack. Then, the fog quickly dissipated, and the warships were crushing the sea.
The broken ice rushed over before it had time to subside.
It wasn't until the battleship rushed over that the sea surface rolled again. The two mirages cautiously poked their heads out to take a look, and finally dived back into the sea helplessly.
The battleship did not slow down, and encountered many compass confusions on the way. However, under the guidance of Zhao Dahe, the battleship barely changed direction.
The battleship is like the thoughts of everyone returning home.
On the morning of the sixth day of galloping, light snow fell in the sky, and the cold sea breeze whistled and blew into everyone's collar, but everyone was excited, and their eyes were full of expectation. It's getting cold, isn't it?
Said you were going home?
I remember it was also the same temperature when we set out.
But Dugu Junjie stood at the bow of the ship, frowning slightly. He was afraid that the ship would overrun!
This is the sea, and there is no reference. The range of the lighthouse is also limited, especially during the day, and the light of the lighthouse is not clear.
Zhang Hao suggested: "Dugu, how about we sail to the northeast for a while and wait until tonight to see if we can see the light of the lighthouse.
Calculating time and distance, we should be close to the west of the Fertile Land."
Dugu Junjie looked at the sea water, which was still dark black, and there were no seabirds in the distance. After thinking about it, he could only direct the warship to sail northeast.
In the evening, the sailors on the observation deck shouted: "Seabirds! There are seabirds!"
Many people immediately rushed to the bow of the ship and looked eagerly. Even Zhang Hao couldn't help but excitedly rushed to the bow of the ship to watch.
If there are seabirds, there must be land nearby!
The color of the water began to become lighter. Dugu Junjie slowed down the battleship and slowly headed north until night fell, and began to search for the light of the lighthouse.
At midnight, dots of colorful light appeared in the night sky in the northeast. It was very faint, but it attracted everyone's attention in an instant.
"It's a lighthouse! It's a lighthouse! Go home! Go home!" the sailors shouted, and everyone hugged excitedly on the deck.
A smile appeared on Dugu Junjie's face: "All artillery preparations, high-explosive bombs are launched. Tell the shore that we are back!"