Zhang Xiaoman listened intently but felt somewhat helpless inside.
"What do you mean ’I also know’? Can you not use an ’everyone knows that’ expression and say such a mouthful..."
However, he didn’t interrupt the old man, although he didn’t quite understand the professional terminology the other was referring to.
But Zhang Xiaoman did figure out one thing, that this black stone before his eyes was not simple.
At least from the information presently revealed by Pascal, this didn’t seem like something that could be found on Water Blue Star.
"So, if one wishes to break the definition of this element, one must arrange a sequence of higher energy levels following all known elements in the same manner, but clearly, this stone’s mass and density do not meet the requirements..."
"Thus, the only remaining method would be to add a new number between 1 and 2, but obviously, that’s simply impossible..."
Pascal was saying this while flipping through the research report in his hands, pointing at the array of chemical equations.
Zhang Xiaoman glanced over, um, CaSiO3, Na2O·nSiO2... completely unrecognizable.
It was as if Pascal had entered the zone, saying excitedly with a face full of enthusiasm:
"But look here, Star Lord, this is sodium silicate and calcium silicate, common inorganic substances on Water Blue Star; they are the main components of igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks..."
"Yet, here, I’ve discovered two entirely new and unimaginably arranged ways. It feels as though they are superimposed on one another, yet also like a form of atoms that have deviated from my known atomic structures... in short, I can assure you, such a structure has never before appeared on Water Blue Star!"
"My God! Do you realize what this means? It’s as if a new number has been forcibly added between 1 and 2, and by our current human methods, we cannot even describe it, yet it truly exists! If we were to announce this discovery to the world, it would undoubtedly shock the entire world! The next Nobel..."
Zhang Xiaoman, listening to the old man’s excited speech, showed a hint of helplessness on his face.
The other’s professional habit was too strong; as he talked, he would again bring in a bunch of technical terms, which left him speechless.
But having said this much, he had roughly understood what the other wanted to express.
Indeed, as he initially guessed, this black stone had a high probability of not being from Water Blue Star; it was likely some extraterrestrial product.
"Extraterrestrial product..."
Upon mentioning this term, Zhang Xiaoman wasn’t actually all that surprised.
After all, based on what he had previously encountered, this stone very likely came to this world through the projections of the Great Fusion.
However, unlike the Touching Spirit Flower, it itself was not an extraordinary item, but rather a derivative of something else.
But like other alien species that have fused from another dimensional universe, it inherently could not be considered a product of Water Blue Star, which was quite easy to understand.
Now, what troubled Zhang Xiaoman was the so-called Plague Church, which obviously did not possess just this one stone.
The entity capable of creating these stones was still an enigma.
What sort of power it had, and by what means it created all this, those were the truly vexing issues.
After listening silently until Pascal finished explaining, Zhang Xiaoman nodded at him, first affirming the results of his research highly, and then said:
"Pascal, I’m glad that you could contribute this to the organization, but what I want to know is, the elements contained in this black stone, how can they currently assist us? And about the matter I requested of you last time, have there been any results?"
Pascal’s face suddenly showed an awkward expression.
"Star Lord, you know, from the discovery to the application of a new element, a large amount of time is needed for research, and the research process is also critical, with many pieces of equipment..."
Zhang Xiaoman understood his implication immediately and nodded:
"I understand. Regarding the experimental funding, I will have the Light Blue Clan arrange it, so there’s no need for you to worry about that."
With these words, Pascal breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for the support, Star Lord. Rest assured, I will complete this research as quickly as possible and will not let you down,"
He paused, then gathered his thoughts and began to answer Zhang Xiaoman’s second question.
"Star Lord, regarding the moon soil you brought back last time, I have separated it with Richard’s team, and we have extracted many glassy substances and mineral phases..."
"Through our preliminary analysis, it contains meteorite impact glass, volcanic glass, plagioclase, purple peridot, spinel, calcium titanate, among many other components. Of course, the most valuable of these are the volatiles helium-3, helium-4, organic matter..."
Zhang Xiaoman listened intently to the completion of the explanation. This matter was something he took very seriously.
After all, these were nothing but wealth, essential for the future development of the Star Alliance.
The organization’s funding sources now, aside from the Re-Titanium Crystal Gel sold by the high-tech materials company managed by Brother Hero in America, came from the investments by rich second generation enterprises like Su Changqing’s family.
Even under the guidance of a few individuals, many groups had already invested large shares into Light Blue Starry Sky, turning a small firm from Qionghua City into a target of interest for many business giants.
Of course, as for these investment activities, Zhang Xiaoman wouldn’t just take them without offering something in return.
Although he wouldn’t let these people join the organization immediately, temporarily grouping them to form a business alliance that would assist the organization’s peripheral operations was still feasible.
However, such professional tasks had to be left to the professionals, and this mission was temporarily entrusted to Su Fu, who was recovering. With him in charge of the overall strategy, Zhang Xiaoman felt at ease.
Another source of revenue was from Extraordinary Items, such as the potions from the Sun Flower.
He believed many wealthy individuals on the brink of death would be willing to pay anything for a small vial of potion.
But for now, this was just an idea, not yet put into action.
The concerns about exposure were secondary; with the current means of the Star Alliance, it was a minor issue.
The real worry was about the production rate. The yield of the Sun Flower was not high, just barely enough to supply the internal members of the organization.
If other, more lucrative ways of making money could be found, Zhang Xiaoman certainly wouldn’t want to sell the flower.
Of course, if a wealthy individual offered a high enough price, negotiations were not out of the question.
Now, however, the long-running space development plan had made considerable progress, and the organization’s finances would soon be abundant. It seemed like money was no longer a problem.
"Star Lord, we have now completed the extraction experiment and have a way to verify it. Next, we just need one more piece of professional equipment, and then the whole plan can get underway,"
"Oh? And how much would that kind of equipment cost? Is there a way to procure it?"
Pascal hesitated for a moment before speaking somewhat sheepishly:
"As for the way to get it, I can think of some methods. It’s just that the price might be a bit high..."
"Two billion US Dollars..."
Zhang Xiaoman’s hand trembled slightly.
He coughed, feeling fortunate he hadn’t claimed "money is no object" earlier.
With an indifferent expression, he nodded to Pascal and continued:
"Understood, don’t worry about the funds. For now, please continue with the previous work, and if possible, extract some samples as soon as possible. I need to explore new markets..."
While saying this, Zhang Xiaoman sighed inwardly with helplessness.
I still think too small...