To expand territory, the first step is to set up a teleportation array.
Qin Shilei initially believed that possessing the Dao Enlightenment Tea and the complete secret manual for teleportation arrays would make setting one up a simple matter.
However, after studying it for three full days, he remained utterly confused about the teleportation array.
An Qian suggested, "Shilei, can we try to set up a teleportation array by following the diagrams without understanding the principles first?"
Qin Shilei shook his head, "No, there are several crucial points I don't understand, making it impossible to set up the array."
An Qian frowned, "We have no foundational knowledge of formations. Even with the Dao Enlightenment Tea, comprehending the teleportation array will not be easy."
Kong Qingshu interjected, "Then can we find some basic formation knowledge to study first?"
"Right!"
Qin Shilei slapped his thigh, realizing, "We should indeed learn the basics of formations first."
Finding genuine formation basics in modern society might be difficult, but Qin Shilei possessed all the secret manuals of the Demonic Sect.
Among them were over ten formation secret manuals.
For better comparative learning, Qin Shilei specifically sought out people from the Righteous Alliance and exchanged some formation secret manuals with them.
Qin Shilei once again immersed himself in studying formations.
Three days later, he had finally integrated all the formation knowledge obtained from the Demonic Sect and the Righteous Alliance, enabling him to cast over ten formations such as the Illusion Array and the Thousand Kill Array.
Another three days were spent before he finally mastered the teleportation array.
Qin Shilei summoned Zhang Qiang, "Brother Zhang, mobilize the forces of our Qin An Royal Manor and get me these materials as soon as possible."
He then handed over several sheets of paper filled with material names.
Zhang Qiang took the papers, "Understood!"
In less than a day, the materials listed on the papers were nearly all collected.
Qin Shilei found the few missing items from his own Qiankun Ring.
In a secret chamber within the Qin An Royal Manor, Qin Shilei began to set up the teleportation array.
Several hours later, a complete teleportation array was successfully constructed.
Upon inputting Yuan Qi, a white light flashed from the array, signifying its functionality. It could now transport to another corresponding array with sufficient crystal cores.
Qin Shilei pondered, then left Hope City and flew towards Du Jiang City.
In Du Jiang City, he found another secret chamber and began setting up another teleportation array.
As night fell, this teleportation array was finally completed.
After inputting Yuan Qi to activate it, he started placing crystal cores of level three and above.
Handfuls of crystal cores were absorbed by the teleportation array until a full ten thousand crystal cores were inserted. The array then emitted a white light, and Qin Shilei instantly vanished.
"It succeeded?" the three women, An Qian, asked in unison.
"It succeeded!" Qin Shilei replied joyfully.
He paused before adding, "You all have dinner first. I'm going to dismantle the teleportation array in Du Jiang City."
Within the Great Xia, he intended to keep only one teleportation array for now. Other arrays would be placed in suitable locations later.
Thinking of the ten thousand level three crystal cores, Qin Shilei ultimately chose to fly from Hope City to Du Jiang City again.
When he arrived at the secret chamber in Du Jiang City, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he began to refresh the teleportation array on the ground.
[Perform attribute refresh?]
[Refresh.]
One-way passage (Red): This teleportation array can only send out, not receive.
Solidify (Purple): This teleportation array will be solidified onto the ground.
Half consumption (Purple): Using this teleportation array to teleport will consume half the crystal cores.
The distance from Du Jiang City to Hope City was only a little over two thousand kilometers, yet it required over ten thousand level three crystal cores for one teleportation.
Qin Shilei's future teleportation distances would be tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of kilometers, requiring a substantial number of crystal cores.
In this regard, the "Half consumption" attribute was excellent.
However, upon seeing the "Solidify" attribute, he felt it might be a more practical choice.
Qin Shilei fixed the "Solidify" attribute and then took out his Great Que Sword, digging around the edges of the teleportation array.
The ground, with a diameter of approximately three meters, including the teleportation array, was quickly dug up.
It was then fixed onto a steel plate and stored in the Qiankun Ring.
Qin Shilei found another location outside the city and deployed the steel plate carrying the teleportation array.
Inputting Yuan Qi and placing crystal cores, the teleportation array was activated as intended.
Qin Shilei grabbed a mouse and threw it into the teleportation array.
The mouse instantly vanished from the array.
Qin Shilei then retrieved the teleportation array again and flew back towards Hope City.
Seeing him enter the secret chamber, An Qian immediately asked with confusion, "Shilei, why did you teleport a mouse here?"
Qin Shilei smiled and explained, "I was just doing an experiment. I've fixed the teleportation array onto this steel plate. From now on, if we need to return, we can just take out the teleportation array and come back, instead of spending half a day setting it up."
He then took out the teleportation array again.
Zhang Xiaoli's eyes lit up, and she suggested, "Then can we set up more such teleportation arrays? This way, if we encounter danger or it's necessary, we can teleport back through the arrays."
Qin Shilei shook his head with a wry smile, "This teleportation array was an accident. It's temporarily impossible to get another one like it."
With the teleportation array issue resolved, the Qin An Royal Manor convened a meeting to discuss the expansion of territory.
Even Kong Zhendong and Zhang Cheng, who had been staying in the Blessed Land, were summoned to attend.
Various city lords guarding the outer regions also participated in the meeting via communication talismans.
In the conference room.
Qin Shilei stated plainly, "The alien races and zombies within Great Xia have been almost completely eradicated. To acquire more resources, I plan to lead the army to expand our territory. Everyone, discuss where our first target should be and formulate a specific combat plan."
Upon hearing this, everyone's emotions became excited.
What man did not aspire to achieve great deeds?
Even Tan Anguo, who was usually conservative and steady, flushed with excitement.
"King Qin An, may I know your ultimate goal? How many troops do you plan to lead into battle, and how do you intend to govern the conquered territories?"
Qin Shilei pondered for a moment before replying, "In truth, territory is not something we urgently need.
This expedition is, firstly, to showcase the prestige of our Great Xia; secondly, to obtain more resources to strengthen ourselves; and thirdly, to acquire various heavenly treasures and supreme items.
Using my personal space, I can quickly lead millions of personnel on this campaign, with the main force consisting of the five hundred Golden experts from the Night.
After conquering these territories, I do not intend to enslave them. If they are willing to become vassal states of our Great Xia, they may receive my protection when the Platinum aliens attack a year from now. If they are unwilling to become our vassals, we will proceed after obtaining the resources we need, and they need not concern themselves with us."
Qin Shilei then outlined some further requirements, after which the attendees engaged in a heated discussion.
Three days later, a combat plan was presented to Qin Shilei.
The army would set out in two days.