19: Immortal cultivation technology is too expensive

Recruiting three professionals in one go brought the territory's population to 41, finally filling several critical professional vacancies.

He led the three newly recruited individuals out of the quaint Tavern, instructing them to familiarize themselves with their positions and start work as soon as possible.

Mo Yan himself turned and walked towards the Technology Research Institute, his consciousness sinking as he touched the cold interface of the control panel.

Military, Development, Economy, System.

These represented the four main directions of the territory's technology.

When he initially chose the territory's development path, he selected the Cultivation System, and the Technology Research Institute simultaneously matched the corresponding research directions.

The System option expanded, and several new options with a faint blue glow immediately popped up below, which were the Martial Arts-related technologies currently available for research.

Mo Yan examined them carefully.

Elementary Swordplay I

Research Requirements: wood x200, stone x100, gold coins x500, Origin Stone x5

Research Time: 2 hours

Description: Master Elementary sword Move, increase melee combat ability by 1%

(Lord can learn directly, residents need to learn through the academy)

Elementary Body Refining Technique I

Research Requirements: wood x150, stone x150, gold coins x600, Origin Stone x6

Research Time: 3 hours

Description: Master Elementary Body Refining methods, increase physical strength, stamina, and resistance to blows by 1%

(Lord can learn directly, residents need to learn through the academy)

Elementary Spirit Plant Cultivation I

Research Requirements: wood x300, stone x50, gold coins x400, Origin Stone x4

Research Time: 2.5 hours

Description: Master 1% of Elementary Spirit Plant knowledge

(Lord can learn directly, residents need to learn through the academy)

Mo Yan's gaze swept over the research requirements of the three technologies, and he frowned.

“It seems that the technologies of this Cultivation System all require Origin Stones!”

He currently only had a pitiful 2 Origin Stones, not even enough to research the cheapest Spirit Plant Cultivation, let alone the more crucial Body Refining Technique and Swordplay.

Moreover, once researched, he could learn them directly, but others would still need to go to the academy to learn.

“Academy…” Mo Yan tried searching the building list, but he couldn't find any related blueprints.

“It seems specific blueprints are needed to construct it.”

He had originally planned to prioritize researching swordplay to enhance his combat ability.

Now, it seemed this plan could only be put on hold for now.

“Without Origin Stones, this Cultivation System is just for show!”

Mo Yan snorted, very displeased, closed the System option, and clicked on the Military option.

In contrast, the research requirements for military technology were much more accessible, at least not requiring scarce resources like Origin Stones.

The demands here were much more realistic, at least affordable for now.

Elementary Physical Training II

Research Requirements: food x400, gold coins x200

Research Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description: All Soldiers' stamina increases by 2%

Elementary Strength Training I

Research Requirements: food x300, wood x100, gold coins x100

Research Time: 1 hour

Description: All Soldiers' strength increases by 1%

Elementary Accuracy Training I

Research Requirements: wood x200, iron ore x50, gold coins x100

Research Time: 1 hour

Description: All Soldiers' ranged and melee attack accuracy increases by 1%

Mo Yan quickly scanned the three options.

“The most important thing now is to enhance the overall strength of the Soldiers to cope with the upcoming joint defense; sustained combat capability is the primary goal.”

Mo Yan quickly made a decision in his mind.

Research Physical Training II: Requirements food x400, gold coins x200, Research Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

“Confirm!”

The workbench in the Research Institute lit up with a glow, and the research for Physical Training II began.

After dealing with the technology research, Mo Yan's thoughts stirred, and an old leather notebook appeared in his hand.

Icefield Terrain Exploration Notes.

This was a spoil of war from the last time he annihilated the Icefield Wolf's den, and it had been stored in his talent space.

His fingers brushed over the rough pages, quickly scanning the messy handwriting and crude maps on them.

The notebook recorded some terrain information and potential dangers around the territory.

The north had heavy snowstorms, making it easy to get lost.

To the east was a vast Icefield with no special markings.

To the south… the information was vague.

His gaze finally locked onto a special mark in the western area.

It was a twisted symbol drawn with red dye, with a line of small text next to it:

“Five or six li west, Ice Rift Valley, bottomless, seems to have Ore reflections inside, more than one type of strange beast roaring, extremely cold.”

“Ore reflections… strange beasts entrenched…” Mo Yan's eyes narrowed.

Origin Stone veins often contained special energy, and indeed reflected light under specific conditions.

And a powerful energy source would inevitably attract strange beasts to guard it!

The description of the Ice Rift Valley bore some resemblance to the characteristics of an Origin Stone vein!

He made an immediate decision: “I must go and see!”

There was less than a day left until the next wave of joint defense beast tide, time was pressing!

If he could find Origin Stones, he could not only build the Yu Shan Workshop and hot springs, but also research Martial Arts technology, comprehensively enhancing the territory's strength and his own cultivation.

This risk was worth taking, and he had to take it!

“The notes say five or six li west… it doesn't sound far, but in this icy and snowy weather, it might take half a day for a one-way trip.”

Mo Yan quickly calculated the time: “I must return before the beast tide descends at 9 PM tonight!”

He closed the notebook, a look of determination flashing in his eyes.

Mo Yan quickly walked out of the Technology Research Institute and headed directly to the Barracks.

“Assemble!”

His voice pierced through the wind and snow, reaching every Soldier's ear.

The resting Soldiers moved at the sound, quickly forming ranks on the open ground in front of the Barracks, their movements uniform, exuding a murderous aura.

These thirty Soldiers, having undergone the baptism of two beast tides, had shed their initial rawness and gained a more murderous aura.

He picked out twenty-four of them, including those battle-hardened veterans.

“You twenty-four, prepare your equipment and follow me to carry out a mission!”

“Yes, Lord!” The twenty-four Soldiers responded in unison, their voices loud and clear.

Mo Yan led this group of people to the vicinity of the Warehouse.

The blacksmith Li Gang was shirtless, swinging a heavy iron hammer, pounding a red-hot iron ore, sparks flying, each strike accompanied by a dull thud.

Mo Yan called out, “Li Gang!”

Li Gang put down his hammer, wiped his sweat with a towel draped around his neck, and quickly walked over: “Lord, what are your orders?”

“We are going out. Prioritize inspecting and maintaining the weapons and shields for these twenty-four Soldiers, ensuring they are in good condition.”

Mo Yan pointed to the Soldiers behind him: “Especially the sharpness of the spears and the sturdiness of the shields. Be quick!”

“Yes, Lord!” Li Gang immediately understood the importance of the task and dared not show any slack, his honest expression becoming serious.

“Brothers, bring your gear over, I'll give them a good repair!”

He called out to the Soldiers and began to busy himself with clanging sounds, checking if spear tips were blunted and reinforcing shield connections for reliability.

The clanging of hammers became more urgent.

Mo Yan stood to the side, watching the busy blacksmith, his gaze directed towards the Ice Rift Valley.

Origin Stone, he was determined to get it!