The second week of the War of Honor.

Air raids continued.

After the initial panic and heavy casualties, both cities gradually learned how to cope. A large number of residents were moved to collection-town tunnels, and they used the hillocks as covers to manufacture tools and daily consumables, rapidly reducing personnel losses.

High-altitude bombings dealt a devastating blow to urban infrastructure, severely damaging the local economy.

The greatest victory for the Development Alliance was the Condenser joining the battle, damaging and bringing down a Thunder Beast—which eventually broke through Duke Beidu's bombardment by leveraging its formidable vitality, managed to rendezvous with rear support, and escaped.

Duke Destructive's fleet kept reinforcing and pressing.

The sea defenses kept getting breached, but Duke Beidu led his teams to hold the front, constantly maneuvering to buy time. Qin Xie's heavy cruiser guard frequently infiltrated behind enemy lines, causing harassment and guerilla warfare.

All this was possible because Zhou Yi had shared the satellite navigation.

The information advantage allowed the frontline to have room to maneuver, avoiding direct clashes with the enemy's main forces.

Even so, Duke Destructive's human troops took advantage of the dark and air raids to land and infiltrate Shell City, but the layered defenses of the Northern Ocean Army made it nearly impossible for these intruders to approach the city.

Air raids failed to expand their victories, the defenses on the Dead Sea remained unbroken, and the landings met strong resistance from the defenders.

Duke Destructive held air superiority and initiative but failed to turn it into victory.

The war entered its first stalemate.

…

"Latest news from Coral Port."

Red Kestrel circled on four wings, "We've banned dumping Jade Soup and the Flame Cup in Shuanghe Region, but they've been repurchasing it at high prices through secondary purchases led by other traders."

"Jin Yi is asking if we should sanction this practice, further increasing the cost for Shuanghe Region to obtain these commodities?"

Zhou Yi was eating a hot baked sweet potato.

He asked the drone, "Is it absolutely necessary for them to buy our Jade Soup?"

"Not only our region started the war in winter. Jade Soup has stood out in wartime practice as the highest quality military ration. It's lightweight, easy to transport and store, can quickly replenish energy and strength, and it's very cheap."

Red Kestrel said, "Besides, the Flame Cup has gradually been modified and developed for various uses. In winter, it not only provides warmth and cooks, but also performs anti-freezing treatment on some important equipment, greatly reducing fuel consumption and transport."

"sea lords from various sides are scrambling to purchase Jade Soup and Flame Cups. The military department of Heavenly Kingdom and Coral Port signed a three-year large order, continually buying sets from Jade City."

"Duke Destructive currently can't find a better substitute, so they have to have merchants from various cities buy them on their behalf."

Zhou Yi licked his fingers, "Then increase the sanctions, let them bleed a bit more."

Another voice came through Red Kestrel's speaker, "This is Jin Yi, Mr. Zhou. I'd like to discuss a situation with you."

"Coral Port has tallied the current order amounts, and the programming department has concluded that Coral Port's production capabilities can't meet the market demand for Jade Soup and Flame Cups."

"Even if we continue to expand the factory area, one city alone, Coral Port, isn't sufficient to supply all regions. Currently, there are 74 cities that have signed orders for Jade City sets with us, and this number is still increasing. Overscaling production also involves certain systemic risks."

"So we think we need to find other Mechanical Cities to co-manufacture and share the output pressure."

Zhou Yi was somewhat surprised.

Coral Port couldn't keep up with production.

Indeed, their trade was strong, having quickly opened channels with various regions.

"No problem."

Zhou Yi expressed understanding, "But we need to choose reliable partner cities."

"Of course, so your opinion is crucial. We need your consent according to the agreement before we can authorize external co-manufacturing."

Jin Yi said, "There are 138 Mechanical Cities, each of which theoretically could collaborate in processing. But considering manufacture and export trade, there are a number of specialized cities to choose from..."

Zhou Yi interrupted, "I suggest choosing Recursive City."

"Recursive City is a small Mechanical City primarily focused on services."

Jin Yi explained, "Of course, we can collaborate with them, too, but they need some time to expand production, possibly needing to build new factories and support structures... Furthermore, due to the industry mismatch, they might not be willing."

Zhou Yi was still thinking about getting both Mechanical Cities to collaborate and establish stable trade channels.

But after Jin Yi's explanation, he also calmed down.

Mechanical Cities each have their own directions and specialties; indeed, they can't be forcefully transitioned. Recursive City itself holds great potential for growth in the service industry.

Eventually, he and Jin Yi discussed and chose from many Mechanical Cities the "Mass Production City."

Mass Production City, located about 1900 kilometers southwest of Coral Port, is a large manufacturing-oriented city with very mature infrastructure, technology, and algorithms.

Their products include steel components like rods, connectors, pins, shafts, screws, nuts, rings, brackets, and bases.

Also, they manufacture seamless iron boxes for Energy Packs, frames for Guangna Boxes, etc.

And for high precision operations, assorted glassware—the touch screen strengthening processors Zhou Yi bought for his staff, those screens were produced by Mass Production City.

Mass Production City specializes in manufacturing and processing; just by upgrading the production line and adjusting processing programs, they could immediately start making Jade Soup and Flame Cups. The raw materials would be purchased by them according to standard.

They were very pleased there and signed a supplementary cooperation agreement with Zhou Yi and Coral Port.

War had increased the demand for military food and basic tools.

The more intense the battles became, the more Jade Soup and Flame Cup were in short supply.

The express center was no exception.

The number of Bone Fish deliverymen had increased to 18, but the harsh winter conditions made transportation more difficult and delayed, highlighting the efficiency and speed of Wasteland Express.

Zhou Yi realized this was a peculiar leverage.

During the turbulent winter, it was actually the time when his company made huge profits, while usual times were for investing in production development and laying the groundwork.

These two complemented each other.

Without the usual accumulation, exploration, and improvement of technological processes, there would be no competitive products or services to offer in winter—whether goods or services.

Ultimately, it was essential to have something irreplaceable.

However, Zhou Yi was well aware that while Jade Soup and Flame Cup were currently in high demand, this was because they were in a bonus period. After a while, possibly by next year, there might be clones and competitors emerging.

At that time, the impact would be felt to some extent, and a portion of the market share would be diverted.

The key was to continually come up with new things.

One couldn't think of settling once and for all.

In Zhou Yi's era, there were too many past giants who had faded away or had been eliminated under the new wave. These were all living examples.

Red Kestrel agreed, "This proactive approach is correct. What's the next direction for the company?"

Zhou Yi said, "Strengthen the development of agriculture and mining in the Dead Sea, these are two long-term industries."

"Mining I can understand, the Light Soot and Light Amber in the Dead Sea are plentiful with great potential and development value."

The drone said, "But how can agriculture be developed further? The land in the Sand Port Region already limits the scale and type of crops; this is an unchangeable fact."

Zhou Yi laughed, "In the Divine Era, prehistoric humans were already able to plant rice, potatoes, wheat, and various fruits in the desert."

"Even without large areas of land, it's possible to cultivate without soil. Stacking crops in layers up into the sky like the buildings in Jade City theoretically offers vast space for cultivation."

"Of course, I know our current agricultural technology is very backward. That at least proves this path is viable and very promising. We need to continue to invest in agriculture and develop it in the Sand Port Region."

"With good nutrition, people will have better physical and mental states, produce more food to sustain a larger population, and more talent will emerge with greater creativity."

Red Kestrel was skeptical, "Are you sure?"

"I saw it in the Dead Sea Documents, it's reliable."

"This direction requires a huge investment and involves long-term trial and error."

Red Kestrel noted, "I originally thought you were aiming for self-sufficiency, but now it seems you want to use this place as a testing ground, attempting to change the status of agriculture under fixed spatial and environmental conditions."

Zhou Yi stretched lazily, "Although many electromechanical cities are engaged in agriculture, including the Agricultural Machinery Brothers, electromechanical life can never understand the human craving for food due to physiological differences."

"For you, this is work, but for us, it is a pursuit of life and pleasure."

"…"

Red Kestrel's electronic eyes flickered, "I think you're right, much like you can't understand our fear of annual inspections and a shortage of Guangna Box Light Seeds."

"No."

Zhou Yi shook his head, "In that respect, we are the same, all life fears poverty and illness. So, we still need to make good money."

Winter had passed half a month.

Yet, Zhou Yi still hadn't received any news from Haruk.

The delay in hearing from him made him a bit worried, and he decided to go to the Dark Domain.

But just as Zhou Yi was about to leave, he suddenly received a message from Jade City.

"Commissioner, I've successfully connected with Yalong Bay."

"We've established a public area."

"We're currently talking in the public area. It's a bit tense, but truly wonderful, I feel like I'm becoming smarter."

Zhou Yi was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.

The connection for Clone United City had succeeded?

Following the information from Jade City, he headed to the connection point outside the city.

Then Zhou Yi saw two dark houses, from where people occasionally emerged, bringing with them a strong foul smell.

He recognized one of the youths.

Ah Wei noticed Zhou Yi too; he pulled up his pants and happily greeted, "Chairman, you're here to shit too?"

"…"

Zhou Yi's face twitched.

Your public area for conversation, how did it turn into a public toilet?

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