Chapter 77 Energy Stones and Glass Lamps Gold coins, energy stones, glass lamps...
"Don't put your hands directly into the hot water, and don't touch your ears. Sit in the living room and calm down first."
"Okay, I understand, brother."
Neil did as he was told, took off his thick coat, brushed the snow off himself, and sat down in front of the fireplace to warm himself.
"Did Temujin say anything else?"
Neil recalled the scene.
He was squatting on the ground making snowballs when someone suddenly walked up to him. He looked up and immediately saw Temujin's signature thick beard.
He said, "Have your brother come over when he has time."
Then she handed him a handful of candy.
"So that's all he said?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll go over there."
Lei put on his clothes and went out.
Most of the snow on the village roads has been cleared, and tall snowdrifts have been piled up outside the courtyard walls of every household.
Lai strolled along, and bumped into Lamb, who was helping Luna build a snowman.
"Uncle Lei!"
"Brother! Where are you going?"
"Hey, Luna's so sweet, she's grown taller again." Lei responded to Luna first, before replying to Lamb.
"I'm taking a stroll around the village; it's been quite a while since I've gone out."
"oh oh."
"If it hadn't snowed, we could have gone hunting in the mountains, and we wouldn't have been so bored at home."
Lamb's enthusiasm for hunting remained as high as ever, to which Ray remained noncommittal.
"I'm leaving now."
"Okay, sure."
"Goodbye, Uncle Lei!"
Luna's little hands were almost blurry with movement.
Why do you prefer your brother?
Lamb asked Luna curiously.
"Uncle, are you talking about Uncle Lai?"
"Um."
"Because he's more handsome than you!"
"......"
"Brother! Did you hear that?! Luna only likes you more because of your looks, don't be fooled by her!"
Lai didn't turn around, waved his hand, and continued walking forward. Behind him came Luna's frustrated scream.
"Lamb is a big bad guy!"
Lei shook his head with amusement; children's innocent words are always so imaginative and adorable.
Temuqi's stone house appeared even lower under the heavy snow, resembling a mushroom house with a huge white umbrella-like cap.
There were several rows of footprints in the open space leading to the stone house, clearly indicating that the owner of the house had not yet found the time to clean it.
Lei knocked on the door, and this time it opened quickly. Temuji was gnawing on a piece of dark, hard jerky.
He quickly chewed a few times, swallowed the jerky in his mouth, and made way for her.
"It's warm inside."
Lei followed Timur into the workshop, where nothing had changed much.
"sit."
Lai sat in the only chair in the room besides the one in front of the workbench.
"I heard you need to talk to me."
Ray cut straight to the point, without any preamble, and asked the question directly.
Temugi was somewhat socially awkward, and he was quite happy to be able to resolve everything with just a few words.
“I went to Eaton City for the assessment meeting and met many people who were interested in this pot. I figured you must be short of money, so I sold the blueprints to a few reliable members of my clan.”
With a clang, Temuji placed a small bag of coins on the small table next to Laiyi.
"Here are fifteen gold coins. Don't worry, they are all skilled and famous blacksmiths from various places. It's easy to find them, and you will definitely not be shortchanged on the subsequent profit sharing."
Ah... this is truly unexpected.
The money I earn through half a year of hard work can't even compare to what someone else earns in a month. No wonder he's always so generous.
"I made the decision for you without my permission, I hope you won't be angry."
How could anyone be angry? It's like winning the lottery – no taxes to pay, and no worries about the future. You'd be laughing in your sleep over such a good thing.
"Thank you, I really need the money. This is a good thing, why would I be angry?"
Temuqi breathed a sigh of relief and felt much more at ease. Lai, intentionally or unintentionally, began to steer the conversation in a lighter direction.
How was your trip?
"not good."
Um......
Socially anxious people shut down every topic as soon as they opened their mouths, creating a subtly awkward atmosphere.
Temugi noticed the problem and tried to explain.
"There are too many people, and at night there are always invitations to go to bars for drinks, it's too noisy."
For someone who enjoys drinking but hates crowds and noise, going to a bar can sometimes be a real ordeal.
"Fortunately, I ran into an old friend later, and things got a bit better."
Lei expressed sympathy for Temuji's experience.
Since it involved matters within the dwarf tribe, as a human, Lai felt it best not to get involved, and he exercised good discretion. He then chatted with Timur about some recent events in the village.
This conversation, which felt somewhat distant yet not entirely unfamiliar, made Temuji feel comfortable, and he gradually opened up. He told Lai about some of the things that had happened over the past month.
"Jin Jialin, that cunning dwarf, has produced something absolutely laughable this time."
Jin Jialin was Temuji's neighbor when he was a child. He always teased Temuji about his mixed-race heritage, leading a group of pure-blooded children of his own race.
Of course, Little Temuqi didn't indulge them either.
Because of his human blood, Temuji was more than ten centimeters taller than other dwarfs his age. If Garin angered him, he would fight back, and afterwards he would inevitably suffer a beating from his father.
At those times, his human mother, the poor woman who had been sold by her own father for five gold coins, would always gently stroke his cheek and murmur, telling him to be obedient to his father.
Mixed-race individuals are generally disliked across the entire continent.
Some purebloods would even look at them with great disdain, calling them "bastards," as if being in the same space as mixed-bloods was a form of torture for them.
This discrimination comes not only from outsiders, but also from within the tribe itself, where there is a strange, almost imperceptible attitude and scrutiny towards it.
All the dwarfs share the surname Kim, which proves that they are the most faithful believers of the god of alchemy and forging, and the purest descendants.
Only those of mixed blood within the same clan would choose words like "iron," "cast," or "lead" as their surnames.
Temuji's father was a renowned weapons-making master, a hot-tempered dwarf. Or perhaps all dwarfs are hot-tempered.
He was extremely angry about his son's surname and once smashed the clan chief's house with a blacksmith's sledgehammer. Naturally, from then on, his family became increasingly unpopular within the Jinsha clan.
Although he was not a good husband, he must be admitted to be a good father.
“His works can’t be called art; they’re just toys for kids playing house.”
Temuqi couldn't help but continue to complain.
"However, this gathering did produce some good stuff."
He couldn't help but sigh, then asked Lai mysteriously.
"Ray, do you know about energy stones?"
"Energy stones? I know a little about them, but not much."
Lei discovered the information about this special mineral, the energy stone, while searching for information about elemental stones in a book.
According to the book, they are companion stones to elemental stones.
Some books also speculate that they are the precursors of elemental stones, which can be transformed into elemental stones after hundreds of years of evolution.
In short, there are all sorts of speculations, but no one can give a definitive answer.
Temuji seemed to have known Laiyi's answer beforehand, and revealed an inscrutable smile.
"Energy stones also contain energy, but people haven't been able to find a way to use it. Elemental stones, due to their unstable elemental properties, can be used directly by alchemy in conjunction with magic circles and magical skills."
However, energy stones are more stable and cannot directly transfer elements like elemental stones. The energy they contain is only one-fifth that of elemental stones.
So since their discovery, they have been left unused and of little use. Some tried to make them into ornaments, but since energy stones aren't as shiny and beautiful as other gemstones, they were quickly abandoned by the nobles.
When the topic turned to these fields, Temujin became quite talkative. At that moment, you couldn't tell at all that he was a socially awkward person.
"Until that person made his move. He spent nearly ten years finally creating the energy exchange device; he truly is a genius!"
"who is he?"
"Ray asked."
"Golden Oak, the legendary blacksmith who lived in the tower of Bersutton. That's a bit of a digression. Anyway, he successfully made the energy in the energy stones usable by people, and the most impressive work selected at this gathering is also related to elemental stones."
Temugi spoke faster and faster, until finally his cheeks flushed with excitement.
He walked to a shelf and opened a wooden box. After fiddling around inside for a while, he took out something tightly wrapped in thick cloth and two crystalline stones.
Temuji returned to Laiyi, carefully placed the cloth bag on the table, and then unfolded the thick cloth layer by layer, revealing the contents inside.
A transparent glass structure with a metal connector at the end—this familiar structure... Although the shape is slightly different, Lei is absolutely certain that this is an item we see everywhere in our daily lives—a lamp.
Could it be that I'm not the only person from the modern world on this magical continent?
Ray was utterly shocked, his mind racing with countless thoughts and doubts.
After taking the item out, Temuji was very pleased with Laiyi's shocked expression.
Well, when this thing was shown, he was even more excited than Ray is now.
He then selected a suitable crystal, installed it in the metal part, and the lamp immediately lit up.
The light was warm and yellow, much like the color of incandescent bulbs used in the 1980s and 90s.
“Look! I know that crystal chandeliers have existed for a long time, but they were just luxury items for nobles. Ordinary people still live their lives with candles and torches for lighting.”
Kinkuchi replaced crystal with cheaper glass, creating glass lamps—a groundbreaking innovation that would benefit the entire continent!
"Of course, the fact that he is the eldest son of Golden Oak is an open secret known throughout the world."
"May I touch it?"
Temugi smiled.
"random."
The curved surface of the lamp was flawless, and it showed no signs of overheating even after being on for a while. Made from a unique metal from the magical continent, it eliminated the drawbacks of tungsten filaments, making it truly a perfect creation.
But then I thought, if this is how energy stones are used, how are their properties any different from electricity, oil, and coal?
As more and more tools that rely on energy stones as energy sources are invented, the entire continent will inevitably see a new round of wars fought over and possessing these energy stones.
How many innocent people were caught up in that and lost their lives?
I hope things won't turn out as badly as I imagine.
Lei felt helpless.
Are there many energy stones on the mainland?
Lei asked Timuch.
Temuji admired Laiyi's insight, which is why he thought he might be able to bring back more items.
“There are so many gifts from the Supreme God to the entire continent. Before long, the ‘Glass Lamp’ will enter everyone’s lives, and Kinkuchi’s name will be recorded in the history books of the entire continent, just like his father’s.”
So, did I indirectly become a witness to the history of the Casa continent?
As Temuji explained, Lei's thoughts began to wander.
"Oh, my friend."
Lei came to his senses and looked at Temuji.
"This is a gift for you. I think you'll find it useful."
Temuji smiled and pushed the lamp toward Laiyi.
"Don't refuse me, Ray, I want more blueprints from you."
Temuji joked, trying to imitate others by giving Lai a sly smile, but he ended up with an awkward expression.
"Compared to elemental stones or some magical items, it is really just an insignificant little thing. The glass lamp has already begun mass production, and the first users will be the nobles in various cities. In less than half a year, the residents of Bersudun City will be able to use it."
"Small energy stones can provide light for almost a month if a glass lamp is used all day, while larger ones can last for six months. If you use them sparingly, they can last for several years without any problems."
Temuji sincerely explained the features to Laiyi, helping him become familiar with them.
"I really can't accept it; this gift is far too precious."
Although Lei was very interested, he directly rejected Temuqi. Temuqi became somewhat anxious.
"Don't worry, I have a few more here. I brought back a lot, not just for you alone."
Temuqi originally only carried back two lamps, but his old friend and brother felt that this was inappropriate. After all, Temuqi still had to live in the small mountain village, and in order not to be ostracized by the villagers, it was sometimes necessary to please the clan elders.
While Lei was still declining, Temuji suddenly had a flash of inspiration and came up with a good idea.
"Or you can leave me a gold coin. This isn't a gift; you bought it from me with gold coins!"
Lai was speechless; this was a free gift after all.
At this point in time, the market value of a glass lamp is definitely more than one gold coin.
Temuji looked at Lai with a smile.
"If you don't accept this, I really don't know how we can continue our relationship. Shouldn't friends help each other? You must have many new ideas that can inspire me."
To refuse again would seem like a pretense.
Lai didn't want to end the partnership with Timur either. Lights weren't expensive in modern society; the main expense was electricity.
Lei accepted Timuch's kindness and left him five gold coins.
"This is what you deserve. Without your help, I wouldn't have gotten so many gold coins."
Temuqi did not refuse, but when Lai left, he gave him two more fist-sized energy stones.
"Good luck, my friend, God will protect you!"
"I also wish you good luck, and God will bless you to become an excellent master foundry."
Lai took the glass lamp that Timur had given him home. It was only afternoon, and there was still a long time before he could prepare dinner.
Neil was feeling a bit sleepy after playing all day, so he sat in front of the fireplace warming himself, his head nodding off.
"Neil, go back to your room and sleep."
"Oh? Oh, brother, you're back. I'm going upstairs to sleep now."
Neil yawned and went upstairs, his brain in a daze, his steps unsteady, as if he was about to fall at any moment.
Ray watched as Neil staggered upstairs, and only felt relieved when he heard the door close upstairs.
The things Temuji gave him were placed on the long table in the living room, and Tata curiously nudged around Laiyi's trouser legs.
He saw the human return with a bag containing something he didn't know.
Lai picked Tata up and placed him on a stool to see what he was going to do.
Tata struggled to support herself on one leg, blinking her round eyes curiously.
"curious?"
Lai shook the bag of gold coins from side to side, teasing the curious little guy.
"This is a gold coin, which is one of the most indispensable things for navigating the human world."
He took out a gold coin and showed it to Tata, who tried to hook it down with her little paws.
"Silly boy, you can't eat this."
Who said we were going to eat it! This is clearly a flattened, shiny thing!
Tata was annoyed and didn't want to continue dealing with the humans who were just teasing him.
"Alright, I'll show you something really good."
This time, Lai hugged Tata tightly and opened the cloth bag. Tata looked at the hemispherical glass on the table, somewhat puzzled.
"This is a lamp, used for lighting. Don't worry, you'll see what it looks like when you turn it on at night."
Tata turned her head away, not very interested, and tried to jump off Lai's legs, but her hind legs weren't strong enough, leaving her practically crippled.
Lei chuckled and put the little guy back down.
"Go have some fun. What do you want for dinner?"
Tata stopped her unstoppable pace and turned to glance at Lai.
"Boiled sweet and sour beast meat?"
Tata shook her head.
"Lamb soup?"
Tata shook her head again.
"Hmm...bird meat?"
Tata nodded reluctantly.
"Let's make some soup tonight. The red rockbirds at home are ready to eat."
Lei made the decision happily.
-----------------------
Author's Note: I apologize for my irregular update schedule. Currently, I can only guarantee about 15,000 words per week. Writing novels is only a part of my life; I can't do it full-time. I tried updating daily before, but by the time I finished writing and making revisions, it was already midnight, and I still had to get up at 5:30 the next morning for work.
I often fall asleep while writing. (Sleeps instantly, boohoo)
I owed 7,000 last week, remember? I'll make it up when I have time later.
Wishing you all a happy life and smooth work!
When we reach chapter 100, there will be a small bonus for everyone!
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 00:00:05 on September 11, 2023 and 08:17:45 on September 13, 2023!
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Gebu (10 bottles); Beimoting (4 bottles);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
