…

“What is lime?” Wang Shouzhe put aside his thoughts of the sea merchants and asked curiously.

“Lime is a building material made from oyster shells, shells, and other objects processed through kiln firing and other methods,” Chen Fanghua explained. “By mixing lime and river sand in a suitable proportion, bricks and stones can be well bonded, making them as hard as a whole. They are often used in the walls of aristocratic families or government offices. Due to the low production, the price is not cheap either. Wang Shao, as a member of a noble family, it’s normal not to be familiar with this basic building material.”

“I see.” Wang Shouzhe suddenly realized, feeling pleased. “It’s better to travel thousands of miles than to read thousands of books. I have gained a lot of knowledge.”

It sounds like a variant of cement? Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment. Why didn’t he think of cement before? Even if they don’t sell it for now, it would be very beneficial for the clan’s infrastructure.

But Wang Shouzhe only had a vague idea of how to produce cement. However, as long as there is a general direction and willingness to invest some manpower and funds, it will be a matter of time before they can produce it.

Moreover, concrete structures are very sturdy. Whether building houses or creating water conservancy facilities, it is very beneficial to improve the overall safety of the clan.

Therefore, Wang Shouzhe immediately included the cement industry in their future research and development plan.

“Wang Shao, the best thing in the Hundred Island Guard is some delicious seafood,” Chen Fanghua introduced. “Fresh seafood is not easy to store and transport, so most of the seafood transported to the inland are pickled. It’s best to eat seafood when it’s fresh. Today, I will arrange for Wang Shao to taste some…”

“Thank you, Brother Chen, for your kindness,” Wang Shouzhe declined. “However, it was tiring to rush on the sea, and my family members are a bit tired. It’s better to rest for a few days and let me treat you later.”

He and Long Yan’s Ancestor did not come all the way to the Hundred Island Guard just to enjoy some seafood. Besides, Wang Shouzhe had a lot of things to discuss with Long Yan’s Ancestor.

“Then let’s do as Wang Shao wishes. However, the Young Clan Leader instructed us to entertain our distinguished guests well, so Wang Shao, please don’t trouble me and let our Chen Clan treat you,” Chen Fanghua said with a smile.

Soon, they arrived at the Golden Sand City in the Hundred Island Guard. This city stands on a sea island, and the rocks used are very rough, all locally sourced. Wang Shouzhe paid special attention and noticed that some kind of gray-white lime was filled in the middle of the rocks, which should be the lime that Chen Fanghua mentioned earlier.

Even the main city wall was made of lime. It can be seen that the bonding agent of lime mixed with sand is very strong, but it’s still unknown whether it’s more sturdy than cement concrete.

This problem needs to be “researched” by Wang Shouzhe to develop cement and confirm the judgment. For now, he put it aside.After entering Jinsha City, everyone stayed in a high-end inn for the time being. With the help of Chen Fanghua, a local “big shot,” they quickly arranged a large courtyard for Wang Shouzhe and his group to stay in. The courtyard had seven or eight rooms and an elegant environment, which was enough for everyone to live in.

Wang Shouzhe and the others went to their respective rooms to rest and freshen up. After resting for more than half an hour, Wang Shouzhe went to visit Ancestor Long Yan next door.

Standing at the door of Ancestor Long Yan’s room, he knocked and whispered, “Ancestor, Shouzhe requests an audience.”

After a while, Auntie Four Xu Zhirou opened the door and said, “Shouzhe, Ancestor wants you to come in.”

“Four Auntie, Big Girl, you must be tired from the journey. Go back to rest in your room, I have something to discuss with Ancestor.” Wang Shouzhe said as he entered the room.

“Yes, Shouzhe.” Xu Zhirou bowed and took Wang Lici, who didn’t understand what was going on, away, and also closed the door.

After they left, Wang Shouzhe walked steadily to Ancestor Long Yan and bowed, “Shouzhe pays his respects to Ancestor and apologizes for disturbing your meditation.”

Ancestor Long Yan’s ancient eyes swept over Wang Shouzhe, and she said calmly, “Shouzhe, you seem serious and solemn. Is it because you came to dissuade me from selling my personal spiritual treasures?”

Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Ancestor Long Yan was really quick to the punch. However, he had already considered this and said seriously, “After reviewing the intelligence information of the Hundred Islands Guard, I guessed the purpose of Ancestor’s trip to Jinsha Island. I just have a question. Is Ancestor planning to sell the ‘Lingering Smoke Sword’ or the ‘Turtle Scale Treasure Shield’?”

Ancestor Long Yan’s eyes remained unchanged as she said, “The Turtle Scale Treasure Shield is of no use to me.”

Wang Shouzhe trembled and felt bitter in his heart. It turned out to be the worst guess among all his speculations. If the treasure shield was of no use, it meant that the Lingering Smoke Sword was still useful.

The treasure shield for defense and the spiritual sword for attack. This undoubtedly meant that she had given up defense and chose to attack.

“Shouzhe dare to guess Ancestor’s intention. If I’m wrong, please correct me, Ancestor. Is Ancestor planning to sell the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield to raise resources for my promotion to the Lingtai Realm? And when I ascend to the Lingtai Realm one day, Ancestor will take action and take away one of the Lingtai Ancestors of the Zhao or Liu Clan to win future opportunities for the clan!” Wang Shouzhe’s voice trembled as he spoke.

At the end, Wang Shouzhe’s voice was a bit shaky.

Ancestor Long Yan remained silent for a moment. Her ethereal eyes still had no ripples. After a while, she shook her head slowly, “Shouzhe, you guessed wrong.”

Wrong?

Wang Shouzhe felt relieved and happy in his heart. Fortunately, Ancestor Long Yan had some reason…

However, Ancestor Long Yan calmly said, “If I wait until that day, I’m afraid I won’t have the strength to take action.”

“Ancestor…” Wang Shouzhe’s face changed, and he was about to speak, but Ancestor Long Yan stopped him, “Shouzhe, I know you care about me, but I know my own injuries and I can’t hold on…”The pain in her eyebrows flashed away, returning to a calm state. Her voice was ethereal and elusive as she said, “Who am I, Long Yan? Instead of lingering on until I am too weak to fight, it’s better to shine like fireworks while I still have some strength left. I will take those two thieves from the Zhao and Liu clans with me. Wang Shouzhe, don’t worry.”

Worry?

I’m not worried at all!

Wang Shouzhe’s heart trembled, and he really wanted to curse. Long Yan’s plan was too crazy and had to be stopped. He took a deep breath and said, “Ancestor, even if you succeed, the regular strength of the Zhao and Liu clans is stronger than our Wang’s Clan!”

“We have Liu’s Clan.” Ancestor Long Yan said calmly.

Liu’s Clan…yes, Wang Shouzhe remembered. Liu’s Clan’s daughter was her fiancée. So that’s it. When Ancestor Long Yan personally went to Liu’s Clan to propose marriage and tried to promote this marriage, she had already drafted this plan. If the two of them got married, Liu’s Clan would not sit idly by and let the remnants of the Zhao and Liu clans counterattack.

“In that case…” Wang Shouzhe said in a deep voice, “My wedding night will be the best time to take action. First, the Zhao and Liu clans will never expect Ancestor to suddenly take action on my wedding night. Second, at that time, the guests of our Wang’s Clan will be gathered, and the Zhao and Liu clans will not dare to counterattack.”

Ancestor Long Yan’s thin body trembled slightly, and then she slowly shook her head and said, “This plan is not auspicious for you, and your reputation will suffer. Don’t mention it again.”

Wang Shouzhe smiled, “Ancestor can sacrifice her life for the clan. As a younger generation, I am not worth mentioning.”

“You are still young and the greatest hope for the future of the clan.” Ancestor Long Yan said lightly, “After I die, the Long Yan Sword will be passed down to you. You must send my body to the Purple Mansion Academy and hand it over to my teacher, Master Binglan. Tell her that I, Wang Long Yan, was willful for half my life and disappointed my teacher. I hope to return to the door after death.”

She asked Wang Shouzhe to accompany her to the Bai Island Guard, and she did not really hide her plan from him. After all, this matter still required his cooperation.

“I understand.” Wang Shouzhe arched his hand solemnly.

“You’re not going to persuade me anymore?” Ancestor Long Yan felt a little strange. According to her original plan, Wang Shouzhe’s filial personality would definitely persuade her, and she had already prepared to use her identity as an ancestor to suppress him.

“If there are no other variables, this plan is the only one that can quickly turn the Wang’s Clan around.” Wang Shouzhe said calmly, “Ancestor’s injuries have obviously reached a stage where they cannot be controlled. With Ancestor’s proud and unparalleled personality, how can you tolerate lying in bed and dying in pain? A brilliant and dazzling death can not only solve the clan’s dilemma but also make the world remember the moment of your peerless beauty. It is, of course, the best choice.”

“Right, I, Wang Long Yan, hate indecisive and hesitant people the most.” Ancestor Long Yan’s calm eyes flashed with a hint of heat. “Shouzhe, you can understand that this is the most gratifying thing for me, Wang Long Yan.””Ancestor, my premise is that if there are no other variables, your plan is the best choice.” Wang Shouzhe smiled lightly, “I also have a plan, the ultimate goal is for me, Wang Shouzhe, to ascend to the Lingtai realm and become the pillar of the family. As for your own affairs, Long Yan Ancestor, you can handle them yourself. Since you feel guilty towards our Master, you should apologize to him yourself.”

“What?” Even with Long Yan Ancestor’s control over her emotions, she was still shocked and showed an expression of disbelief in her eyes.

…