Resting on the cart was an iron tube, stretching over a meter in length. It brought Li Banfeng back to memories of childhood, where he'd pretend a handcart was a powerful tank.
"Can this contraption breach the boundary line?"
The Old Man responded, "The information you retrieved mentioned this. Those from the Outer Provinces refer to it as the Magnetic Quake Cannon. I'm uncertain if it functions, but you are welcome to test its capabilities."
So, it genuinely is called a cannon.
Adorning the barrel of the cannon were numerous wires and switches, accompanied by a multitude of dials and knobs. Li Banfeng ran a hand through his hair and inquired, "How does one operate this device?"
Portable Residence instructed, "Observe the battery unit positioned below. Your first task is to ensure it is fully charged."
...
"Where can we procure electricity?" Da Boyins found himself in a predicament. He had commissioned craftsmen to fabricate the equipment according to Xiao Zhenggong's specifications, successfully assembling the Magnetic Quake Cannon within Greenwater City.
However, when it came to the crucial charging phase, Da Boyins could not locate a suitable power source, as the concept of electricity was a rarity in Puluo State.
Xiao Zhenggong offered a suggestion, "Transport the Magnetic Quake Cannon to the Outer Provinces. They possess more advanced equipment and skilled personnel there. Once everything is operational, we can bring it back."
Da Boyins shook his head, stating, "That's easily said, but how do we manage its transport? By train? Taking such a massive cannon onto a train would be tantamount to walking into the Defense Agency and surrendering ourselves!"
Xiao Zhenggong simply shrugged, replying, "Then devise an alternative method."
"What other method exists? Apart from the train, there is no other means to exit Three-Head Fork. Reaching the Outer Provinces is currently unfeasible."
Xiao Zhenggong contemplated for a moment, then said, "Actually, Puluo does possess means of generating electricity. Not too far away, Greenwater City has a device at the Beautiful Voice Record Player Shop."
Da Boyins pondered this, asking, "Are you referring to the phonograph that operates on solar energy? Will that amount of electricity be sufficient for its use?"
Xiao Zhenggong consulted his notes and explained, "It depends on your specific requirements. If your objective is to obliterate a boundary line spanning ten miles, that electrical capacity will undoubtedly fall short. However, if the goal is merely to dismantle one or two meters of the boundary line, it should prove adequate."
After careful consideration, Da Boyins decided to proceed with the plan. That same morning, he made his way to the Beautiful Voice Record Player Shop.
The Spider Detective was quite fortunate. Had he arrived merely two days earlier, he might have encountered Li Qi, who was there to procure lubricating oil.
He purchased two phonographs and transported them back to his quarters. Xiao Zhenggong proceeded to dismantle the solar panels and connect them to the Magnetic Quake Cannon.
Xiao Zhenggong examined a series of instruments and announced to Da Boyins, "The charging process is complete. It should function as intended. Let us find a suitable location for testing."
Da Boyins had already selected a site: "Proceed to Hemp Bamboo Village; the environment there is tranquil."
Hemp Bamboo Village is situated on the demarcation line between Greenwater City and Medicine King Valley. Da Boyins had a horse carriage prepared and departed from Greenwater City, while Xiao Zhenggong affixed the battery externally, allowing it to charge during their journey.
...
Meanwhile, Li Banfeng was nearing the completion of the Magnetic Quake Cannon's charging cycle and needed to identify a suitable testing ground.
For Li Banfeng, travel was exceptionally convenient. He was not burdened with carrying the Magnetic Quake Cannon; he simply placed it within the Portable Residence and accompanied it on foot.
Departing from the New Land area of Flower Lake Park, he first journeyed to Iron Gate Fort, subsequently locating a boundary line in proximity to Iron Gate Fort where he successfully executed the experiment.
Li Banfeng was diligently reviewing a map, pinpointing a boundary line in a secluded area where he could conduct his test without interruption.
The test site was nearly finalized, yet Portable Residence harbored a sense of unease.
"Ah Qi, allow me to re-examine the Magnetic Quake Cannon. I maintain a nagging feeling that this is not precisely what I envisioned. It's possible an error occurred during the transcription process."
The latter portion of the data had been transcribed by Judge's Pen, who possessed unwavering confidence in the accuracy of his work.
However, the initial segment remained suspect, given the involvement of numerous individuals and the inherent possibility of mistakes.
Li Banfeng brought the Magnetic Quake Cannon into the Third Room, enabling Portable Residence to conduct a thorough inspection.
The following morning, Li Banfeng visited the Dark Star Bureau, anticipating a work report from Chuuni. To his surprise, both Chuuni and Light Bulb had been designated for a special mission.
"What sort of special mission is it?"
Dumpling shook his head and replied, "It's a special mission personally orchestrated by Director Shen himself. Even our team leader lacks complete information regarding its nature. The personnel selected for this task were chosen in advance and are currently operating under strict confidentiality. It's highly probable that we won't see Chuuni and Light Bulb for the next few days."
"What your team leader doesn't know, I do. His work ethic still needs refinement!" Li Banfeng attempted to converse with Shen Jingye, but Shen Jingye was unavailable. Truly, this was a covert assignment, and all communication channels had been severed.
With the entire day stretching out, unoccupied, Li Banfeng returned to his residence and initiated a discussion with Portable Residence. "Old Man, has the Magnetic Quake Cannon undergone thorough inspection? If you harbor any doubts about oversights, I can furnish you with the original data."
Portable Residence mused for a moment. "No verification is necessary. The core information has not been inaccurately transcribed. It is merely the trivial details that cause me concern."
Li Banfeng inquired, "What magnitude of repercussions could these minor inaccuracies precipitate?"
Portable Residence responded, "It is difficult to ascertain. It could be nothing significant, or perhaps, midway through its deployment, the cannon might detonate catastrophically.
You ought to select the most secure location for its trial. Should any mishap occur, we will possess an avenue of escape."
The utmost secure locale would undoubtedly be Qi Qiu City. Li Banfeng declared, "Qi Qiu City is under our dominion, and the Ink Shop resides adjacent. Even if the cannon falters and inflicts harm upon me within this perimeter, I can receive aid.
Furthermore, Qi Qiu City boasts a station, enabling direct transport, thus obviating any squandered time in transit."
Portable Residence contemplated for a duration. "Is Qi Qiu City genuinely a suitable venue? What if the entire Qi Qiu City is obliterated in the process?"
Li Banfeng was taken aback, such formidable power?
"Old Man, you jest, surely?"
Portable Residence deliberated with earnestness and stated, "I maintain that the possibility of leveling all of Qi Qiu City is quite real. The explosives proved ineffective in Proluo City, but one cannot predict the outcome with this device."