Le Dayuan’s words left everyone feeling like they’d been hit by a truck.
Even though they hadn’t yet seen the robot’s combat capabilities, just hearing Le Dayuan’s description made it clear that this was an absolute killing machine. Whether it was the dozens of firing ports resembling rotary machine guns, the dual attack modes of crystal cannons and elemental cannons, or the energy-armored melee combat, all screamed power.
However, this power came with significant energy limitations.
A single battle required thirty level-seven demon crystals. In Ye Zhongming’s hands, these could at least produce a seven-star evolution potion.
A seven-star evolution potion could only sustain three minutes of combat. Even with Cloud Peak’s vast resources, such consumption was unsustainable.
“Master Le, this is a bit excessive. It’s hard for us to deploy this robot with such high consumption on the battlefield.”
Xia Lei looked troubled. As Cloud Peak’s current manager, she knew exactly how much money the faction had. While there was a steady influx of funds, it couldn’t sustain a money-devouring robot like this.
Le Dayuan nodded and explained, “I was talking about full firepower. In reality, the design of the arms means the robot can only choose one attack mode at a time. During melee combat, ranged attacks can’t be used. So, based on tests, if the robot only engages in ranged attacks, it can last fifteen to twenty minutes. Crystal cannon mode lasts even less, while sniper mode lasts the longest. In melee combat, it can last around twenty-five to thirty minutes. Of course, regardless of the mode, the actual combat time depends on the complex external environment, such as the energy armor’s consumption during attacks.”
Hearing this, Xia Lei and the others breathed a sigh of relief. While the robot was still costly, deploying it at critical moments to deliver a decisive blow was acceptable.
However, everyone understood that this was still expensive. A single battle would cost the equivalent of a core member, which was too extravagant.
“Master Le, you mentioned two energy sources earlier…” Xiao Li said hesitantly.
“Yes, two.” Le Dayuan smiled. “This is the core and central hub of the machine.”
The robot’s chest opened, revealing a very special cockpit. In the center was a circular platform surrounded by various conduits and neural wires.
“A single demon energy system is too costly, especially with high-level demon crystals. I know even Cloud Peak can’t afford that. But by adding life energy, it’s different.”
Le Dayuan rubbed his hands excitedly. He was clearly proud of this design, which he had created with Liu Zhenghong.
“Sister Hong specifically created a gene lifeform for this robot—a very special one. It has no combat ability, but…” Le Dayuan paused here. “I can’t explain it perfectly, but the general idea is that this gene lifeform has exceptionally strong mental energy and contains vast life energy. The connection system in the cockpit can control the robot to achieve true combat readiness, unlike the sluggish state when I was controlling it.”
So that was it!
A fusion of gene lifeforms and mechanical technology!
Even though everyone had already held Le Dayuan and Liu Zhenghong in the highest regard, this robot made them feel that their admiration wasn’t enough. It demanded praise that reached the heavens.
“This gene lifeform is responsible for the robot’s power and control systems. With its cooperation, the magic crystal system is freed from some of its energy demands, allowing for a combined combat time of about an hour.”
While still not ideal, it was better than before.
“However, this gene lifeform will die afterward.” Le Dayuan’s words turned the control core into a consumable, raising the cost again.
“Master Le, theoretically, this gene lifeform could fight independently, meaning it should possess some intelligence. How do you ensure it follows commands during combat?”
Park Xiuying raised a question.
“Sister Hong considered this as well. After all, previous gene lifeforms relied on their bodies to fight, relying on instinct. But now, they have to control machines, which is much more complex. Plus, they’re constantly consuming their own life energy to fight, so the risk of losing control is high.”
Le Dayuan gestured for his assistants to move the robot back into the metal chamber while explaining to everyone, “So, each of these gene lifeforms is created using neural genes from researchers as a blueprint. In other words, you can think of them as extensions of the researchers. This makes control much easier.”
The group didn’t fully understand, but that was enough as long as they knew the gene lifeforms wouldn’t go rogue.
“The reason I showed you this robot is twofold. First, so you’re prepared when it’s deployed on the battlefield and don’t get too shocked or even end up fighting each other. Second, I want to build more of these robots, but need some materials. When you go out hunting in the future, please keep an eye out for and collect these materials. I’ll give you a list later. Thank you all.”
After saying this, Le Dayuan told everyone they could leave. He needed to continue his research. If he could reduce the energy requirement for the combat robot from level-seven demon crystals to level-six or even lower, this robot would undoubtedly become a groundbreaking product, much like the crystal cannons.
After leaving the Crystal Weapon Laboratory, the group couldn’t stop discussing how to use this robot. Expensive as it was, its effectiveness was undeniable. They all had ideas about how to coordinate with it in combat. Ye Zhongming didn’t join the discussion, simply following behind.
The Ying City factions in the meeting room had likely decided by now. Ye Zhongming didn’t plan to listen in. Xia Lei could handle it—she had drafted the plan’s specifics. Instead, he returned to the Gene Life Laboratory.
Since Liu Zhenghong had asked to see him alone, it must be about something too sensitive for the core members to hear. Such matters were usually Cloud Peak’s highest secrets.
“You’re here.” Liu Zhenghong glanced at Ye Zhongming while continuing her experiment, speaking casually. Ye Zhongming wasn’t in a hurry and stood by, waiting.
About ten minutes later, Liu Zhenghong inserted a tissue sample into a machine and pressed a button to start the calculations. She then removed her lab mask and walked over to Ye Zhongming.
“Do you know what I found on the corpse you brought back from Cold Bay Rainforest?” Liu Zhenghong asked with a smug smile, her lips curling upward.