"What is Lihui?" Wang Shouzhe set aside his thoughts on sea merchants and asked curiously. "Lihui is a building material made from oysters, shells, and such, processed through kiln burning and other methods," replied Chen Fanghua. "When mixed with river sand in the right proportions, it can bond bricks and stones effectively, making them as hard as a single piece. It’s often used in noble families or government office city walls. Because its production is limited, it’s not cheap. It’s normal for you, Young Master Wang, to be unfamiliar with such basic building materials, considering your noble background." "I see," Wang Shouzhe expressed his realization, delighted, "It’s true that traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books; I have gained much knowledge." It sounded like a variant of cement? Wang Shouzhe pondered slightly, wondering why he hadn’t thought of cement before. If it could be developed, even if not sold externally for now, it would greatly benefit the family’s infrastructure. However, when it comes to producing cement, Wang Shouzhe only had a vague idea. But as long as there is a general direction and willingness to invest manpower and funds, it’s only a matter of time before it’s developed. Moreover, concrete-structured buildings are very sturdy, whether for constructing houses or creating hydraulic facilities, enhancing the overall safety of the family. Immediately, Wang Shouzhe incorporated the cement industry into future research plans. "Young Master Wang, the Hundred Islands Guard is best known for its sea delicacies," Chen Fanghua introduced, "fresh sea treasures are very difficult to store and transport, so most that are transported inland are dried and preserved. It’s best to enjoy sea treasures while they’re fresh. Today, I will arrange for Young Master Wang to sample some..." "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Chen," Wang Shouzhe declined, "It’s just that the journey at sea was tiring, and my family members are already a bit fatigued. How about we rest for a few days, and then I’ll host a banquet to thank Brother Chen?" He and Ancestor Longyan didn’t travel far to the Hundred Islands Guard just to eat some delicious sea treasures. Moreover, Wang Shouzhe had a lot to discuss with Ancestor Longyan. "Then let’s follow Young Master Wang’s wishes. But the Young Clan Leader has ordered us to entertain the esteemed guests well, so please don’t make it difficult for me; allow our Chen Family to host," Chen Fanghua said with a smile. Then they chatted as they walked. Soon, they entered Golden Sand City within the Hundred Islands Guard. The city stood on the island, using locally sourced rocks, very rugged. Wang Shouzhe paid particular attention, noting that a greyish white lime material filled the gaps between the rocks, which should be the Lihui mentioned by Chen Fanghua. Even the main city wall used Lihui, demonstrating that the bond strength of the Lihui mixed with sand is very high. But who knows how it compares to cement concrete? This question could only be answered once Wang Shouzhe "develops" cement; let’s set it aside for now. Entering Golden Sand City, the group temporarily stayed at a premium inn. With Chen Fanghua, the "Local Bully," in charge, they smoothly arranged a large compound for Wang Shouzhe’s group to stay. The compound had seven or eight rooms, and the environment was elegant, enough for everyone. Wang Shouzhe and the others went to their rooms to rest. He also took a bath first. After resting for more than half an hour, he went to visit Ancestor Longyan next door. Standing at her door, he knocked softly and called, "Ancestor, Shouzhe seeks an audience." A moment later, Fourth Aunt Xu Zhirou opened the door and said, "Shouzhe, Ancestor invites you in." "Fourth Aunt, Big Girl. You’ve had a tiring journey too; please rest first. I have matters to discuss with Ancestor," Wang Shouzhe said after entering the room. "Yes, Shouzhe." Xu Zhirou gave a brief bow, then led the still confused Wang Lici away, closing the door behind them. After they left, Wang Shouzhe walked steadily to Ancestor Longyan, bowing and greeting, "Shouzhe greets Ancestor, sorry to disturb your peace." Ancestor Longyan’s eyes were calm as a still water, glancing at Wang Shouzhe, and said indifferently, "Shouzhe, you seem serious and solemn. Are you here to persuade me not to sell the spiritual artifact?" Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Ancestor Longyan was indeed straightforward. But he had already weighed the matter in his heart, so he stated seriously, "Having reviewed the Hundred Islands Guard intelligence data, I found there’s a famous black market on Golden Sand Island and cautiously guessed Ancestor’s purpose for this trip. However, Shouzhe has some doubts; is Ancestor intending to sell the Longyan Sword, or the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield?" Ancestor Longyan’s gaze remained unfazed as she replied, "The Turtle Scale Treasure Shield is useless to me." Wang Shouzhe’s body trembled, his heart bitter beyond measure; it was indeed the worst of his numerous guesses. Ancestor spoke that the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield was useless, which meant the Longyan Sword still had use. The Treasure Shield defends, the Spirit Sword attacks; without a doubt, she abandoned defense in favor of attack. "Shouzhe dares to speculate on Ancestor’s intentions, if incorrect, I ask Ancestor to correct," Wang Shouzhe pondered, "Ancestor wishes to sell the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield to provide resources for Shouzhe to ascend the Spirit Platform Realm. Someday, once Shouzhe ascends the Spirit Platform Realm, Ancestor will strike, taking either the Ancestor Spirit Platform of the Zhao Family or the Liu Family to secure the family’s future!" By the end, Wang Shouzhe’s voice was somewhat trembling. Ancestor Longyan remained silent for a moment, her ethereal gaze still unstirred, and only after a considerable pause did she slowly shake her head, "Shouzhe guessed wrong." Wang Shouzhe’s heart relaxed instead, joy creeping onto his brows; luckily Ancestor Longyan had some sense... Unexpectedly, Ancestor Longyan calmly said, "If I wait until then, I fear I shall be powerless to act further." "Ancestor..." Wang Shouzhe’s expression changed, wanting to speak but was stopped by Ancestor Longyan, who said, "Shouzhe, I know you care for me, but I know my own injuries, can’t hold on..." The pain in her brows flashed and disappeared, returning to a tranquil state, her voice ethereal and elusive, "I, Wang Longyan, am not one to linger in weakness until incapable of killing before dying slowly. Rather, with some strength left, I’d rather shine brightly like fireworks. I shall take those two thieves of the Zhao Family and Liu Family together, Shouzhe, you can rest assured." Rest assured my soul! Wang Shouzhe’s heart trembled, truly wanting to curse. Ancestor Longyan’s plan was too crazy, must be stopped, he took a deep breath and said, "Ancestor, even if you succeed, the conventional forces of Zhao Family and Liu Family are stronger than our Wang Family!" "There is the Liua Family," Ancestor Longyan calmly said. Liua Family... right, Wang Shouzhe remembered, Miss Liua was his fiancée. So that’s it, Ancestor Longyan personally went to the Liua Family to propose, finding a way to make this marriage happen, had already drawn up this plan. If the two are married, the Liua Family will certainly not sit idly by against Liu Family and Zhao Family remnants. "Then so be it," Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, "On my wedding night is the best opportunity to act. First, Zhao Family and Liu Family would never expect Ancestor to suddenly act on my wedding night. Second, at that time our Wang Family will have guests gathering, Liu Family and Zhao Family dare not retaliate." Ancestor Longyan’s frail body quivered slightly, then she slowly shook her head, "This plan is ominous for you, not beneficial to your reputation, don’t mention it again." Wang Shouzhe laughed, "If Ancestor can sacrifice life for the family, what do I, Shouzhe, as a mere junior, have to fear?" "You are still young, the family’s greatest hope for the future," Ancestor Longyan said lightly, "when I die in battle, the Longyan Sword will be passed to you. You must take my body to the Purple Mansion Academy and give it to my master, Binglan Ascendant, saying that I, Wang Longyan, lived willfully for half my life, failing my master’s grace, hoping to return to the sect after death." She called Wang Shouzhe to Hundred Islands Guard with her, not intending to truly hide from him, after all, this matter requires his cooperation. "I understand," Wang Shouzhe solemnly cupped his hands. "You, no longer persuade?" Ancestor Longyan found it somewhat strange, according to her original conception, with Shouzhe’s filial nature, he would surely plead arduously, she had already prepared to suppress with an Ancestor’s authority. "If no other variables arise, Ancestor’s plan is the only plan to allow Wang Family to quickly turn the tables," Wang Shouzhe said calmly, "Ancestor’s injuries are clearly reaching an uncontrollable stage, with Ancestor’s proud and unparalleled nature, how could you endure lying in bed suffering and dying in misery? Dying gloriously and splendidly in battle, not only can relieve the family’s predicament but also let the world remember your unparalleled charm, is naturally the best choice." "Indeed, I, Wang Longyan, loathe dithering and nagging the most in this life," in Ancestor Longyan’s eyes as calm as still water, a fervor flashed, "Shouzhe, your understanding is the thing that gratifies me the most." "Ancestor, my premise is, if no other variables, your plan is the best choice," Wang Shouzhe said with a relaxed smile, "I also have a plan, the ultimate goal is—for me, Wang Shouzhe, to ascend the Spirit Platform Realm as the pillar of the family, while Ancestor Longyan you settle your own matters, since you feel remorse for your master, then go and apologize to your master yourself." "What?" Even with Ancestor Longyan’s control over her state of mind, she was shocked beyond measure, her eyes revealing a look of disbelief.