Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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At the Artisanship Commission, Gold-Smelting Workshop.

After several twists and turns, Su Jinyan, Fu Xuan, and their entourage finally arrived at the gold-smelting workshop within the Artisanship Commission.

The thought of witnessing Su Jinyan reduced to tears brought an irrepressible urge to howl with laughter to Master Gongshu.

Out of curiosity, Jing Yuan also followed closely behind, leading Yanqing along. Since Su Jinyan had helped temper Yanqing's overly sharp edge, Jing Yuan intended to find an appropriate moment to reciprocate his assistance.

Fu Xuan frowned slightly, clearly not optimistic about the bet between Su Jinyan and Master Gongshu.

"A-Yan, where did you obtain this mechanical blueprint?"

Su Jinyan quietly replied, "It was my reward after Lady Fu Xuan graciously knocked me out by stepping on me with her barefoot."

Fu Xuan's expression darkened, teeth grinding as she said, "Impudent fool! If you dare spread such tales, this venerable one will make sure you regret it bitterly."

Su Jinyan couldn't help but shake his head; these days, even telling the truth seemed futile.

Fu Xuan lifted her chin and asked, "Are you truly confident that you can prove it's not a blueprint for a disposable Power Arm?"

"Do you understand what five thousand merit points mean?" Su Jinyan chuckled softly. "It's enough to exchange for a hundred low-grade medicinal pills from the Alchemy Commission."

"Lady Fu Xuan," he proposed, "shall we make a bet?"

Fu Xuan, ever shrewd, rebuked him without hesitation, "Bet, bet, bet indeed! You've barely spent any time with Qingque; have you gone mad over gambling?"

Master Gongshu interjected, "Young man, don't blame me for not giving you a chance. Are you truly sure about betting against me?"

"Remember, this wager is under the witness of the esteemed general, leaving no room for backing out later."

Su Jinyan had absolute confidence in the blueprint awarded by the System.

Legend has it that after Emperor Rupert I awakened amidst a graveyard filled with mechanical debris, his first act was to utilize the limited parts around him and create the "Disposable Power Cannon" and "Disposable Power Arm." These two mechanical devices possessed immense destructive power, effortlessly shattering even doors forged from finely cast iron. However, due to material constraints, they would be completely destroyed after a single use.

To date, no one had successfully improved upon the design of these single-use power arms.

It wasn't that improvements were impossible; rather, refining them would require rare materials, with costs exponentially increasing, making it economically impractical.

However, this Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm blueprint significantly optimized both strength and constituent materials from its original design.

In essence, such mid-grade power arms could handle most encounters unless facing a massive onslaught of Abundant Evil Creatures. Against regular threats like Quimuwolves, they would ensure victory regardless of their numbers.

For Tingyun, a delicate woman needing self-defense, there couldn't be a more suitable choice.

Additionally, Jing Yuan's presence here presented an opportunity. If he recognized the value of the mid-grade power arm, Su Jinyan might persuade him to part with some merit points.

Smiling, Su Jinyan said, "Master Gongshu, if you're concerned about those five thousand merit points, just say so."

A vein pulsed on Master Gongshu's forehead. Determined to win those five thousand merit points today, he vowed to make the boy ruefully weep by the end of their bet.

"Follow me to the mechanical modification workshop," Master Gongshu declared. "Today, I'll showcase my craftsmanship to all of you."

At the gold-smelting workshop, within the mechanical modification room.

With identical mechanical parts, their performance could vary greatly depending on the craftsman handling them.

Master Gongshu's craftsmanship was exceptional, making even a small mechanical skeletal power arm seem effortless to him.

The power arm before them featured silver alloy armor plating, crafted from manganese steel, with adjustable sizing for flexibility.

Using a typical adult right arm as reference, one could seamlessly insert their hand into the mechanical power arm and activate its energy reserve by simply curling their fingers. Once the fuel source, "Destruction Xenomatter," fully ignited, it would provide immense strength to the wearer. A single punch could effortlessly shatter a door forged from refined iron.

Master Gongshu wore a smug expression, gesturing with his lips for Su Jinyan to equip the mechanical power arm and test its capabilities.

He knew his creation well, after all. Apart from alterations in raw materials and minor refinements, the process of crafting this mechanical power arm mirrored that of a disposable version. In essence, it functioned identically to a standard disposable power arm.

In essence, it was akin to a disposable power arm.

Fu Xuan glanced at Tingyun. "Feeling heartbroken? Five thousand merit points gone just like that."

Tingyun's beautiful eyes flickered with amusement as she smiled. "Lady Fu Xuan jests; why should I feel heartbroken?"

"My very life is owed to my Benefactor," she continued, "not merely five thousand merit points. Even if he demanded all my assets, I wouldn't bat an eyelid."

"Besides, the outcome of this contest remains undecided yet. Celebrating prematurely with champagne is quite ill-advised, isn't it?"

Unmoved, Master Gongshu even felt a hint of laughter stirring within him.

He had already crafted the finished product for a disposable mechanical arm, and the truth stood before their eyes. Yet, Shuttle Envoy Tingyun still clung to her little benefactor's words.

One could only wonder what enchantment Su Jinyan had cast on Tingyun to captivate her so deeply.

Well, who can blame me for having a soft heart?

If this lad apologizes to me later, perhaps I won't hold him to the bet after all.

The information for the Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm promptly appeared before Su Jinyan's eyes:

[Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm (Right)]

[Quality: Rare]

[Equipment Requirement: Mechanical or humanoid beings]

[Bonus Attributes: Increases ATK by 500 points, CRIT Rate by 20%, and Armor Penetration by 5%]

[Uses Remaining: 3/3]

[Durability: 18]

[Power Source: Destruction Xenomatter, Phase Spirit Fire.]

[Usage: Simply flex your finger to activate the charging switch, accumulating energy.]

[When fully charged, the powered punch will propel the user forward with a forceful strike. The third charged punch inflicts additional physical damage, accompanied by a wounding effect.]

Smiling, Su Jinyan equipped the mid-grade power arm. "General, would you like to experience the might of this power arm?"

Only by demonstrating its prowess to Jing Yuan personally could Su Jinyan subsequently negotiate terms.

Jing Yuan smiled slightly. "Certainly, what should I do?"

A glint flashed in Su Jinyan's eyes as he activated the switch, causing the mid-grade power arm on his right arm to immediately begin charging up.

With unstoppable force, the punch hurtled towards Jing Yuan's face.

Jing Yuan stood calmly, hands clasped behind his back, seemingly unfazed by Su Jinyan's charged strike.

No, if you just stand there, it makes me look like some low-tier, generic villain.

Thus, Su Jinyan swiftly altered his attack trajectory and aimed for Jing Yuan's groin instead. "Hey, General, take this punch!"

Master Gongshu stared, bewildered. Yanqing gaped, astonished. Jing Yuan blinked, incredulous.

Are you sure it's the general taking that punch?

Only men could truly understand such extreme peril.

Jing Yuan's expression shifted; no longer daring to be complacent, he hastily transformed his fist into an open palm and securely intercepted the charged blow. Upon closer observation, one would notice that throughout the entire exchange, Jing Yuan's feet had not moved an inch.

The explosive impact dissipated as Jing Yuan effortlessly neutralized it, ensuring no one else at the scene was affected. Except for Fu Xuan, none of the others present could have so casually deflected such a strike. It was indeed befitting of The Divine Foresight, one of the seven heavenly generals of the Imperial Bow.

Su Jinyan's fighting spirit surged. "Again!"

Boom!

The Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm lit up with its charging glow once more and struck towards Jing Yuan's abdomen.

As expected, Jing Yuan effortlessly intercepted this punch as well.

A third strike swiftly followed.

Boom!

In Jing Yuan's unfazed eyes, a hint of surprise flickered. Upon taking the final blow, his feet unexpectedly shifted backward by half an inch.

This level of impact force far surpassed that of disposable mechanical power arms.

If such technology could be widely adopted by the Cloud Knights, it would at least enhance their overall combat strength by twenty percent.

Master Gongshu stood stunned, mouth agape, frozen like a statue. "Impossible! I personally crafted these power arms."

"Shouldn't the energy source self-destruct after a single use?"

"How can they function for a second or even third time?"

Tingyun jingled her bells, lips curving slightly. "Aiya, Lady Fu Xuan, what do you think now?" she asked coyly. "Just as I said, my benefactor never disappoints me."

Fu Xuan let out a dismissive hmph.

Jing Yuan's gaze toward Su Jinyan ignited with fervor. He had to find a way to purchase exclusive rights to this blueprint, no matter the cost.