Mythical Three Kingdoms

"Without me, you would have been killed by the lever and the ejected parts. With your mechanical skills, what are you even designing!" Ma Jun protested indignantly.

Chen Xi rubbed his forehead; these two guys actually started arguing over such a matter. Couldn’t they just call it the Zheng-Ma Steam Engine or Ma Zheng Steam Engine?

"Uh, both of you calm down for a moment. I want to ask if you can make a smaller version of this thing, since its functions seem comprehensive. Installing the parts you want could perhaps create what you desire, wouldn’t it?" Chen Xi, seeing the two were about to argue again, intervened to change the topic.

"We’ve considered this, but it’s not feasible. Precision can’t be achieved. Although we believe this is the most powerful thing we’ve created, it still cannot compare with humans." Zheng Hun said helplessly. As a Divine Craftsman, whatever Chen Xi could think of, they had also thought of.

But precision has been the crippling factor for them. This thing can’t produce high-precision parts, and without adequate precision, you would experience what Ma Jun mentioned—being killed by the lever or ejected parts.

"This device can only be used to make things where precision isn’t very critical. Its output power is not constant, though it generally stays within a range, but its instability also causes operational instability for connected devices." Ma Jun commented with some resignation.

"Meaning it’s fine as a power source for large tools, but it’s unlikely it can be replicated itself, right?" Chen Xi initially thought it could serve as a mother machine.

"Yes, it’s not feasible; it’s not just a power issue." Zheng Hun explained.

Although Zheng Hun was uncertain about Chen Xi’s intentions, they had also considered simplifying processes to increase efficiency.

However, to create a mother machine is not a simple power issue. Do you seriously think you can build an industry just by having power and precision?

What a joke! To truly implement such things from scratch to widespread use would take generations, and that’s considering we don’t need the advantages that materials science brings. Otherwise, it would take even longer.

"If we really say output, this thing may not exceed a few hundred horses with certain Inner Qi, yet we still consider it the best machinery. Its fundamental reason is it is not affected by Cloud Qi." Ma Jun sighed.

No restriction from Cloud Qi—this era’s warhorses pulling trains will face no great issues. Though this is somewhat comparable to Zhang Fei, even in Ye City, Zhang Fei is affected by a certain degree of suppression despite Cloud Qi not showing.

In other words, this thing’s output may not exceed certain animals, but its significance lies in being unrestricted, unoppressed, which is impressive. When there are many humans, Cloud Qi appears, then suppression happens. These extraordinary beings cannot display their terrifying power because of this.

This thing is completely unrestricted, and from this perspective, Ma Jun and Zheng Hun saw other possibilities. This thing holds more value in populous areas.

Chen Xi nodded silently after listening. That was also why his initial reaction was the train, but then he decided to abandon it. The train in this world may not be faster than warhorses even with Cloud Suppression. When there are enough warhorses able to be replaced, trains actually hold no advantages, while maritime transport does.

After all, warships driven by manpower and sails ultimately have a speed limit. Even if Zhou Yu and others can repel the wind, they can’t be too fast, since manpower and repelling wind necessarily require rest.

And the most crucial point is that warships have Cloud Qi. Human output power is definitely much less than this device’s output. On a large battlefield, once Cloud Qi is fully activated, this device still remains unaffected, showing a significant advantage.

"Mm, continue making this thing with your team; create at least three more units." Chen Xi nodded after understanding the explanation, realizing the device was indeed impressive. Yet, in this age of rising Heaven and Earth Essence, it might not outperform animal power.

Without Cloud Qi restriction, this thing might not even have a reason to exist. Without Cloud Qi restriction, soldiers can sustain climbing with a three hundred kg load for an hour.

Now, it translates to carrying 150 kg, with physical qualities that are terrifying. Naturally, animals like cattle and horses, which possess power many times greater than humans, drag tons, even heavier items steadily without Cloud Qi suppression in this era.

Therefore, although the steam engine is indeed powerful, it’s only so within normal boundaries. Without Cloud Qi suppression, manpower propelling ships may not be slower than steam-powered ships. With such a comparison, Chen Xi suddenly felt this device might not have much usable scope.

"So this thing’s actual usable scope isn’t wide." Chen Xi sighed. "In those desolate places with no people, using this thing isn’t as good as using bulls, horses, and such animals—sufficient output, and it’s safe."

"That may be true, but Marquis Chen, you should also consider this device’s significant meaning." Ma Jun, not very pleased, explained to Chen Xi. Anyone who creates a Divine Artifact and then someone finds fault next to it would definitely be unhappy.

"Use it where there are many people?" Chen Xi said speechlessly.

"Yes, the significance of this device lies in exactly that. It isn’t suppressed by Cloud Qi, while any other manpower or animal power is weakened by Cloud Qi suppression. This device, akin to Heaven and Earth, is unaffected by these forces." Zheng Hun spoke proudly.

"Alright, since that’s the case, continue making this thing." Chen Xi waved his hand after deciding, realizing this device could only be useful installed on ships; other places probably can’t employ it truly. In this unscientific age, both manpower and animal power are superior to mechanical power.

As Chen Xi left, Zheng Hun and Ma Jun once again engaged in some conflict, clearly bursting into some dispute over whose surname came first.

[Originally thought this steam engine would become the mainstream in this world. Turns out I was overthinking. Considering it requires two Divine Craftsmen and over thirty Grand Craftsmen to make one steam engine, it’s still better to continue using warhorses.] Chen Xi thought with some helplessness; human plans can’t match Heaven’s design.

Although Chen Xi ordered Zheng Hun and the group to continue making this device, due to the excessive call upon Grand Craftsmen and the shortage of personnel in various locations, this plan was gradually postponed, leaving the only finished product as this one unit.