Ma Lin is now considering the concept of the crossbow.
A crossbow can be very powerful, while requiring little skill from the user.
Ordinary women and children struggle with a 50-pound longbow, but can easily use a 50-pound crossbow, because opening a crossbow allows the use of full body strength.
The structure of a crossbow is basically a tough bow fixed onto a wooden frame. Once the bowstring is drawn, it can be locked onto a trigger, allowing for unhurried aiming and saving arm strength.
However, without carpentry tools, making a crossbow is very strenuous.
Previously, Ma Lin had requested the hunchbacked old man for a bow stronger than 70 pounds.
"Who can draw something that heavy?"
Ma Lin responded, "We'll use our feet to draw it."
"Then how do you shoot?"
Ma Lin then demonstrated with a stick and an ordinary bow.
