99: The Industrial Revolution began

The ground shook slightly. The steam engine hadn't started yet, but the boiler emitted a puff of white steam on its own. The pressure gauge needle instantly shot past the red line, gears clicked and clattered, the connecting rod jolted, and the main shaft wheel began to turn slowly.

Shen Xiaochuan stepped forward quickly, pressing one hand against the vibrating instrument panel. He stared at the pressure valve and found that the internal steam pressure had risen to the limit, causing the safety valve to pop open automatically. High-temperature steam gushed from the side pipe, pushing the drive shaft to rotate.

"It's not broken," he said in a low voice. "The machine started on its own."

Lolia did not panic and immediately crouched down to adjust the pressure relief valve. She fitted a wrench onto the valve port, turned it all the way to the left, and guided the steam toward the main shaft. The noise gradually steadied, and the piston began a rhythmic back-and-forth motion, driving the millstone to turn slowly.

The first steam engine was truly running.

The workshop fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers. Several craftsmen rushed out from the corners, jumping and shouting around the machine. Someone slapped the wall and yelled, "It's moving! It's really moving!" Others turned and sprinted out to spread the news.

Shen Xiaochuan stood still. He watched the iron machinery operate rhythmically, his heart beating faster than before. This wasn't just about building a machine; it was the first time Skydome City had converted thermal energy into power through its own strength.

He turned to look at Lolia. Her face was stained with oil, and sweat beaded on her forehead, but her eyes were exceptionally bright.

He asked, "Why can steam push the piston?"

"When water is heated and vaporized, its volume expands more than six hundred times. In a sealed space where it cannot be released, pressure builds up." She pointed to the boiler outlet. "This pressure acts on the piston, creating thrust."

"Second question: how does the transmission ratio affect output?"

"The transmission ratio determines the relationship between speed and power." She picked up a piece of scrap iron to use as a pointer and drew a diagram on the ground. "The larger the ratio, the slower the rotation speed, but the stronger the torque. We need great force to pull the mine carts, so we used a high transmission ratio."

"Third question: what are the energy losses during the conversion process?"

"Incomplete fuel combustion, heat dissipation, mechanical friction, and steam leakage," she answered in one breath. "The biggest current problem is the poor insulation of the boiler; one-third of the heat dissipates directly. If we add a vacuum layer or asbestos pads, efficiency could be increased by at least fifteen percent."

Shen Xiaochuan didn't respond. He gazed at her for a moment, then suddenly took out an iron hammer from the System mall.

The silver-gray hammerhead glinted with a cold light. It was made of Vibranium, with a hardness eight times that of ordinary steel, originally intended for forging Advanced weapons.

He handed the hammer over.

"Take it."

Lolia was stunned. "This... is too precious."

"You think you're not worthy?" Shen Xiaochuan countered.

"That's not what I meant."

Shen Xiaochuan's voice suddenly rose, clear to everyone in the workshop: "You are the first person in Skydome City to truly understand the principles. You didn't just follow a blueprint or orders; you figured it out yourself. From now on, this hammer is your tool and the symbol of your status."

She slowly reached out and took it.

"From today on, you are no longer an ordinary blacksmith."

He turned and picked up a pen to write down the orders:

Establish the Steam Technology Training Center.

Recruit twenty people for the first batch, prioritizing young Dwarven craftsmen.

Teach for four hours daily, covering mechanical principles, material properties, and safety operating procedures.

Graduates shall be called 'Technicians,' enjoying double food rations and priority in housing arrangements.

After writing, he turned back and said, "Registration starts tomorrow. I will provide the textbooks; physics, mathematics, and engineering drawings will all be taught."

"My Lord!" a craftsman rushed in. "A message from the East District Mine! They are willing to dismantle the old bellows and connect to the steam blast System!"

"Approved," Shen Xiaochuan said. "Have them clear the space; send two people to guide them in three days."

"The South Gate Transport Team also applied to modify their carts to use steam engines for hauling goods."

"Granted. First, produce a prototype vehicle. If successful, then promote it fully."

"Thirteen Blacksmith Shops on West Street have jointly petitioned to standardize supply parts!"

Shen Xiaochuan smiled slightly. "Tell them that standardized parts will be managed by the Training Center. Anyone who wants to produce them must first pass an assessment. Those who qualify will be issued a permit."

Orders were issued one after another, and the workshop became even busier. Some ran to notify various departments, some started making registration forms, and others immediately took out paper and pens to jot down key points.

Shen Xiaochuan walked out of the workshop and climbed the outer high platform, overlooking the entire city.

Smoke rose from the chimneys of the eastern mine, people were diverting water for irrigation in the northern fields, and carriages moved to and fro on the south gate road. The city was still relying on manual labor. But now it was different. The first steam engine had started, and there would be a second and a third. Mine carts would move on their own, furnaces would blast air automatically, and pumps would send water to the mountaintops.

He gently stroked the gear pendant on his cuff. His parents had worked in a steel plant all their lives and often said the industrial revolution changed the world. Now, he had finally taken the first step.

But his heart still felt a bit heavy.

combat power 499, stuck for six days.

He pulled up the System panel: faith points increased by 1 per second, currently at sixteen million, still upgradable; thirty thousand Believers, growing daily. Resources were sufficient, but combat power alone had stagnated.

Just like this steam engine, there was enough fuel and pressure, but it hadn't been ignited for a long time, so it couldn't truly run.

He needed a Breakthrough point.

It wasn't about recruiting ten thousand more Believers or opening ten more treasure chests. He didn't lack resources; he lacked a method for Breakthrough.

"Piling up resources can only get me this far," he whispered to himself. "True strength requires finding one's own path."

He thought of the energy loss Lolia mentioned. Did Cultivation have similar issues? A portion of the Thunder Force in the Remnant Armor of the Thunder Emperor dissipated every time it circulated; the power of the Thunderous Overlord Slash was limited by the capacity of the Meridians. If he could reduce loss and improve conversion efficiency, could he achieve a Breakthrough?

He decided to change paths.

No longer blindly pursuing combat skills or rushing to find a method for Undergoing Tribulation. First, examine the body as a machine—find problems, optimize the structure, and improve energy utilization.

Within five days, he had to find the answer.

He stood on the high platform, motionless. The wind blew past his ears, and the sound of machines running came from afar. At the workshop, Lolia had already begun organizing the first batch of applicants. Someone held up a paper to ask a question, and she answered them one by one, holding the Vibranium hammer.

Shen Xiaochuan took one last look at the steadily running steam engine.

Then he turned and walked down the slope toward the Main Hall.

His shadow was stretched long, his footsteps steady and powerful.

With his left hand against his chest, he could feel his heart beating slightly slower than usual.

The Thunder Force within his body was sinking deeper bit by bit with his breath.

Standing on the high platform, he gazed into the distance. The roar of the machines sounded like the voice of the city's hope. What awaited him ahead: opportunity or a new challenge?