Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 892 - 515: Magnetic Quake Cannon

With a sense of profound responsibility and an undertaking as weighty as handling a nuclear device, Li Banfeng observed the contraption before him.

The Portable Residence conveyed, "It’s not a certainty that it will detonate; other unforeseen issues could surface. Regardless, prudence is paramount. My crafting skills are waning with age, and the reliability of this particular creation is rather uncertain."

Where, Li Banfeng wondered, would be the most fitting arena to test something so potentially catastrophic?

After a considerable period of contemplation, Li Banfeng pinpointed a suitable location.

The New Land.

Recognizing that a standard New Land might succumb to the impact, Li Banfeng specifically selected Bei Wushuang’s New Land.

Within Bei Wushuang’s New Land, every last Strange Monster had been driven out by Li Banfeng, transforming it into a barren expanse perfect for his experimental endeavors.

However, a New Land inherently lacks a defined boundary.

Without a boundary, what, precisely, was there to experiment upon?

Li Banfeng conceived a solution.

He journeyed from Flower Lake Park to Iron Gate Fort, subsequently acquiring the use of the New Land to traverse to Bei Wushuang’s domain.

In truth, a more direct route existed. Bei Wushuang’s territory lay adjacent to Li Banfeng’s own New Land, which boasted a substantial train station. Li Banfeng could have easily utilized the train station as a swift passage.

Yet, he eschewed this option, as the impending operation necessitated the Portable Residence to remain in close proximity, unable to be left unattended at a station.

Li Banfeng identified an expansive clearing within Bei Wushuang’s territory and meticulously positioned the Magnetic Quake Cannon. He proceeded to apply blood to the ground, employing the Door-Closing Technique.

The Portable Residence remained at his side. As the Door-Closing Technique initiated its effect, a luminous aura materialized around Li Banfeng.

Could this radiant halo be considered a boundary?

Li Banfeng determined that it indeed served as a boundary, albeit a less robust one.

Should the Magnetic Quake Cannon prove capable of dispelling the halo generated by Li Banfeng, it would signify its efficacy against established boundaries. The precise extent of its power would, naturally, require further empirical testing.

Conversely, if the Magnetic Quake Cannon failed to extinguish the halo, it could not be conclusively stated that it was ineffective against boundary lines. It might simply indicate a fundamental difference between the nature of established boundaries and the aura produced by home cultivation.

Li Banfeng recalled a previous attempt utilizing a boundary switch, ingeniously modified by the Old Man, which could form an aperture within a boundary. However, this device had no discernible impact on Li Banfeng’s halo.

Naturally, the operational principles of the switch and the Magnetic Quake Cannon were distinct. The former achieved its effect by interacting with external provincial apparatuses to create an opening, whereas the latter actively nullified boundaries through its inherent capabilities.

Regardless of the outcome, only through direct action could the truth be ascertained.

Li Banfeng commenced by invoking the Door-Closing Technique, thereby summoning the ethereal halo.

Subsequently, adhering to the recorded instructions, he activated the Magnetic Quake Cannon.

Electrical currents surged, and indicator lights illuminated in sequence, progressing from lowest to highest.

The Portable Residence had constructed a rather straightforward mechanism: ten lights in total. Each illuminated light signified a ten percent increment of gathered electrical power. When all ten lights were aglow, it indicated a full charge.

Was a complete charge a prerequisite for firing?

The Portable Residence had sternly cautioned Li Banfeng against awaiting a full charge, advising that an accumulation of five or six-tenths would suffice. The Portable Residence harbored significant apprehension regarding the cannon’s potential to self-destruct.

Upon reaching a charge level of six-tenths, Li Banfeng actuated the firing mechanism.

Buzz~

Following a low, resonant hum, the luminous aura beneath Li Banfeng’s feet underwent a transformation.

The halo did not dissipate; rather, it intensified, becoming extraordinarily brilliant.

The surrounding darkness of Bei Wushuang’s territory was suddenly illuminated, akin to broad daylight, extending outwards for several dozen meters.

Awed by the spectacle, Li Banfeng swiftly retracted his technique.

As the brilliant radiance receded, Li Banfeng promptly returned the Magnetic Quake Cannon to the Portable Residence.

The Phonograph inquired, "Husband, is this contraption actually effective?"

Li Banfeng, uncertain of how to articulate the result, replied, "I must consult with the Old Man first."

He proceeded to the Third Room, where the Portable Residence also confessed its bewilderment: "What exactly is the purpose of this device?"

Li Banfeng did not tarry; he departed from the Portable Residence, retrieved his keys, and hastened back without delay.

Not long after, he encountered Meng Yuchun. "Li Qi, why are you attired in such a manner?"

Li Banfeng was clad in a jacket, conspicuously lacking his usual top hat, rendering him almost unrecognizable to Meng Yuchun.

"It’s nothing significant; I simply decided to change my clothes for a bit," Li Banfeng responded dismissively, then inquired, "What brings you here?"

Meng Yuchun explained, "I was merely out for a stroll within the territory and suddenly observed this intense light. I came to investigate if something was amiss."

Li Banfeng replied, "Indeed, I also witnessed a brilliant flash of light; it was quite dazzling."

Could Meng Yuchun have perceived the light even from her own territory?

Li Banfeng seemed to grasp the true function of the Magnetic Quake Cannon.