Chapter 47

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"What is lìhuī?" Wang Shouzhe put aside his thoughts about the maritime merchants and asked with some curiosity.

"Lìhuī is a building material made from oysters, shells, and other objects through kiln firing and other processing methods," Chen Fanghua explained. "When mixed with river sand in the right proportions, it can effectively bond bricks, tiles, and stones, making them as solid as a single piece. It is often used in the walls of noble families and government fortifications. Due to its limited production, it is not cheap. As a noble, Young Master Wang, it's normal for you to be unfamiliar with this basic building material."

"I see." Wang Shouzhe 'realized' with great joy, "Truly, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I have gained much knowledge today."

It sounds like a variant of cement? Wang Shouzhe pondered. Why didn't I think of cement before? If we can produce this, even if we don't sell it for now, it would be very beneficial for the family's infrastructure.

However, Wang Shouzhe only had a vague idea of how cement is produced. But with a clear direction and a willingness to invest in manpower and funds, it's only a matter of time before we can produce it.

Moreover, concrete structures are very sturdy, whether for building houses or constructing water facilities, which would greatly enhance the family's overall safety.

Immediately, Wang Shouzhe included cement production in his future research and development plans.

"Young Master Wang, the best thing in Bai Dao Wei is the seafood delicacies," Chen Fanghua introduced. "Fresh seafood is very difficult to store and transport, so most of it that is sent inland is preserved and dried. To enjoy seafood, it's best to have it fresh. Today, I will make arrangements for Young Master Wang to taste it..."

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Chen," Wang Shouzhe declined. "But the journey by sea has been tiring, and my family is already fatigued. Let's rest for a few days, and then I will treat you as a host."

He and Longyan Old Ancestor came all the way to Bai Dao Wei, not for a few bites of delicious seafood. Besides, Wang Shouzhe had a lot to discuss with Longyan Old Ancestor.

"Then, as Young Master Wang wishes. But the young chieftain has instructed us to treat our guests well, so please don't make it difficult for me. Let our Chen family be the host," Chen Fanghua said with a smile.

They continued walking and talking as they went.

In no time, they entered the Jinsha City of Bai Dao Wei. This city, built on an island, used locally sourced, rough rocks. Wang Shouzhe noticed that the rocks were filled with a grayish-white lime material, which was likely the lìhuī Chen Fanghua mentioned earlier.

Even the main city walls used lìhuī, indicating that the adhesive made from lìhuī and sand was very strong. However, it was unclear whether it was stronger than modern cement and concrete.

This question would need to be answered once Wang Shouzhe 'developed' cement, but for now, let's set it aside.

Upon entering Jinsha City, the group temporarily stayed at a high-end inn. With Chen Fanghua's local connections, they quickly arranged a large courtyard for Wang Shouzhe and his party to stay in.

The courtyard had seven or eight rooms and a pleasant environment, sufficient for everyone.

Wang Shouzhe and his companions each went to their rooms to rest and freshen up. After a short rest, he went to visit Longyan Old Ancestor in the next room.

Standing at the door, he knocked and called softly, "Old Ancestor, Shouzhe requests an audience."

After a moment, Xu Zhirou opened the door and said, "Shouzhe, the Old Ancestor has asked you to come in."

"Fourth Aunt, Da Ya Tou. You must be tired from the journey. Please go back to your room and rest. I have something to discuss with the Old Ancestor," Wang Shouzhe said as he entered.

"Yes, Shouzhe," Xu Zhirou bowed and led Wang Lici, who hadn't fully understood, away, closing the door behind them.

After they left, Wang Shouzhe steadily walked to Longyan Old Ancestor and bowed, "Shouzhe greets the Old Ancestor, disturbing your cultivation."

Longyan Old Ancestor's calm eyes scanned Wang Shouzhe, and she said indifferently, "Shouzhe, you look serious and solemn. Could it be that you are here to persuade me not to sell my personal spirit treasure?"

Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but smile bitterly. Longyan Old Ancestor was indeed quick to the point. However, he had already considered this and said seriously, "After reviewing the intelligence on Bai Dao Wei, I found that Jinsha Island has a famous black market. I boldly guessed the purpose of this trip. However, I have a question: is the Old Ancestor planning to sell the [Longyan Sword] or the [Turtle Scale Treasure Shield]?"

Longyan Old Ancestor's eyes remained calm, "The Turtle Scale Treasure Shield is no longer useful to me."

Wang Shouzhe's body trembled, and he felt a bitter taste in his heart. It was the worst of his many guesses. If the Old Ancestor said the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield was no longer useful, it meant the Longyan Sword was still needed.

The shield for defense, the spirit sword for offense—this clearly indicated she was giving up defense for offense.

"Shouzhe boldly speculates on the Old Ancestor's intentions. If I am wrong, please correct me," Wang Shouzhe said thoughtfully. "The Old Ancestor plans to sell the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield to gather resources for Shouzhe to advance to the Spirit Platform Realm. Once Shouzhe reaches the Spirit Platform Realm, the Old Ancestor will take action, taking away one of the Zhao or Liu family's Spirit Platform Ancestors, securing the family's future!"

As he spoke, Wang Shouzhe's voice trembled.

Longyan Old Ancestor remained silent for a moment, her eyes still calm. After a long pause, she slowly shook her head, "Shouzhe, you are wrong."

Wrong?

Wang Shouzhe felt a sense of relief, a smile appearing on his face. At least Longyan Old Ancestor had some reason...

But then, Longyan Old Ancestor said calmly, "If I wait until then, I may no longer have the strength to act."

"Old Ancestor..." Wang Shouzhe's face changed, and he was about to speak when Longyan Old Ancestor stopped him, "Shouzhe, I know you are concerned for me, but I am aware of my condition. I can't hold on much longer..."

A flash of pain crossed her face, but she quickly returned to her calm state, her voice ethereal, "I am Wang Longyan. Rather than lingering and dying a slow, painful death, I prefer to die in a glorious battle. I will take both the Zhao and Liu traitors with me. You can rest assured."

Rest assured?

Rest assured my soul!

Wang Shouzhe's heart trembled, and he wanted to curse. Longyan Old Ancestor's plan was too crazy and had to be stopped. He took a deep breath and said, "Old Ancestor, even if you succeed, the regular forces of the Zhao and Liu families are stronger than our Wang family!"

"The Liu family." Longyan Old Ancestor said calmly.

The Liu family... Yes, Wang Shouzhe remembered. The Liu family's daughter was her fiancée. So, it made sense. When Longyan Old Ancestor personally went to the Liu family to propose, she had already planned this. If they married, the Liu family would not sit idly by while the Zhao and Liu remnants retaliated.

"Then, on the night of my wedding, it would be the best time to act," Wang Shouzhe said solemnly. "First, the Zhao and Liu families would never expect the Old Ancestor to act on my wedding night. Second, with our family's guests gathered, the Zhao and Liu families would not dare to retaliate."

Longyan Old Ancestor's emaciated body trembled slightly, and she slowly shook her head, "This plan is inauspicious for you and would harm your reputation. Do not mention it again."

Wang Shouzhe laughed, "Old Ancestor, if you can sacrifice your life for the family, what is a mere junior like me to worry about?"

"You are young and the greatest hope for the family's future," Longyan Old Ancestor said calmly. "After I die in battle, the Longyan Sword will be passed to you. You must send my body to the Purple Mansion Academy and give it to my teacher, Ice Ripple. Tell her that I, Wang Longyan, have been capricious all my life and have failed my teacher. I hope to return to the fold after death."

She had not truly intended to hide her plans from Wang Shouzhe, as she needed his cooperation.

"I understand." Wang Shouzhe bowed respectfully.

"You, are not going to persuade me anymore?" Longyan Old Ancestor was slightly surprised. According to her original plan, given Shouzhe's filial nature, he would have persistently tried to dissuade her, and she had already prepared to use her authority as the Old Ancestor to suppress him.

"If there are no other variables, the Old Ancestor's plan is the only way to quickly turn the tide for the Wang family," Wang Shouzhe said calmly. "The Old Ancestor's condition is clearly at a critical stage. With your proud and unparalleled nature, how could you tolerate a slow, painful death in bed? A glorious and brilliant death in battle would not only resolve the family's crisis but also leave a lasting legacy of your unparalleled beauty. It is the best choice."

"Indeed, I, Wang Longyan, detest indecision and hesitation," Longyan Old Ancestor's calm eyes flickered with a hint of passion. "If you can understand, that is the greatest comfort to me, Wang Longyan."

"Old Ancestor, the premise of what I said is that if there are no other variables, your plan is the best choice," Wang Shouzhe said with a relaxed smile. "I also have a plan, and the ultimate goal is for me, Wang Shouzhe, to ascend to the Spirit Platform Realm and become a pillar of the family, while you, Old Ancestor, handle your own affairs. Since you feel guilty towards your teacher, you should go and apologize to her yourself."

"What?" Even with Longyan Old Ancestor's control over her emotions, she was shocked, her eyes revealing disbelief.

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