Suo Lun was instantly overjoyed. The sorceress Yaomeng was truly formidable. The moment she took charge, the Magic Mirror Project immediately achieved a tremendous breakthrough.
And once this batch of mirrors entered large-scale mass production, it would completely equal the opening of a second enormous source of wealth.
Immediately, Suo Lun said with delight, “Come, let us go to Secret Island Base.”
Then, Suo Lun frowned slightly and said, “Elder sister, where is Sword Venerate Bi Xiao?”
For when Sword Venerate Bi Xiao was present, the entire city lord’s manor was suppressed by an immense aura, which also served as a deterrent.
“Something happened at his Sword Pavilion. Ashiluo has been incessantly retaliating against him.” Suo Ningbing said.
Suo Lun’s gaze turned cold. This relentless spectre. Then he wondered if this might be a strategy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. If so, Suo Ningbing would be in danger.
Thus, it would be necessary to have Princess Zhi Yan enter the city lord’s manor. On one hand, she would serve as the most honoured guest. On the other hand, she could also protect Suo Ningbing.
Only, in that case, she might truly encounter Yan Naier.
“Where is Naier?” Suo Lun asked.
“She went to inspect the four corner bastions of the main city.” Suo Ningbing said.
Suo Lun gave the order, “Go to the honoured guest residence and invite Her Highness the Princess to the city lord’s manor.”
“Yes!” a clan warrior outside said.
Suo Ningbing was startled and said, “Her Highness the Princess has also come?”
Then, she immediately arranged for the servants to make all preparations within the city lord’s manor, using etiquette completely in accordance with protocol to receive Her Highness the Princess.
“Go and invite Lady Yan Naier as well.” Suo Ningbing said.
The Lady Yan Naier she spoke of was of course the city lord’s wife. At this time, the entire city lord’s manor regarded Yan Naier as the future mistress of the household, which was also something Suo Ningbing had personally promoted.
Approximately half an hour later, the city lord’s manor of Tianshui City received Princess Zhi Yan with almost the highest protocol.
Yan Naier directly stood at Suo Lun’s right side, appearing as his betrothed.
…
After receiving Princess Zhi Yan, Suo Lun took Ye Jingyu and Yan Naier towards the eastern coast.
Upon reaching the seaside wharf, they boarded a ship to Secret Island Base.
Secret Island Base was approximately three hundred li from Tianshui City, one of many deserted islands in the surroundings, exceedingly ordinary.
The island’s area was roughly several dozen square kilometres, with forests upon it.
The underground castle was still under expansion, but two underground laboratories had already been completed.
This island had nothing at all. All grain, meat, and fruits had to be transported from Tianshui City.
Even the water needed to be boiled and filtered before it could be drunk.
Arriving at the underground laboratory within the island, there were already over a hundred alchemists here, following the sorceress Yaomeng’s commands.
Seeing Suo Lun, an excited radiance immediately appeared upon Yaomeng’s gorgeous and mature face. “My lord, this is completely a genius-level creation of yours. Your magic mirror will completely change the entire world.”
Then, she led Suo Lun to the innermost chamber and took out the first finished mirror.
Suo Lun first handed it to Naier and said, “You look at yourself. See how beautiful you are.”
Naier’s face instantly turned red. Then she took it, looked, and upon seeing her clear reflection in the mirror, she was greatly startled, completely unable to believe it.
“This, this is even clearer than the finest crystal mirror.” Yan Naier said.
In Suo Lun’s view, the clarity of this mirror was somewhat similar to the feeling of a bathroom mirror that had been used for a long time, with a layer of dust spots upon it.
But… this was after all a scientific revolution.
With this clarity, it already completely surpassed the crystal mirrors of this world, let alone bronze mirrors.
The sorceress Yaomeng said, “My lord, you will change the entire world. All women will go mad for this mirror.”
Suo Lun asked Yan Naier, “Naier, for the sake of this mirror, how much money would you be willing to spend?”
“I do not know.” Yan Naier said, “Perhaps ten gold coins, perhaps several dozen. In short, as long as I can buy it, I must have it.”
Although Yan Naier was exceedingly beautiful, she was not particularly vain. If it were a woman like Gui Qinshao, even if it cost a fortune, she would certainly buy it.
Suo Lun said, “What is the current yield rate?”
The sorceress Yaomeng said, “Roughly, one in fifty.”
This yield rate was truly low enough to make one spit blood. But even so, it still represented terrifyingly enormous profits.
“Mainly when firing the glass, it is very difficult to raise the purity. Out of ten pieces, roughly only one is qualified.” The sorceress Yaomeng said, “And when plating the mercury you spoke of, it is also very difficult to achieve absolute uniformity. Out of five pieces, roughly only one is qualified.”
Then the sorceress Yaomeng said, “However, as long as you give me sufficient time, at most a few months, I can solve the yield rate problem for you. At that time, the entire Tianshui City will be submerged in gold coins.”
Suo Lun completely believed this. Regarding mirrors, he could only propose a concept. In terms of expertise, he was far inferior to Yaomeng, and even to the alchemists under her command.
“At present, how many finished mirrors have been produced?” Suo Lun asked.
“Roughly, thirty-six.” The sorceress Yaomeng said, “Of course, I wish to keep one for myself.”
“Very well. I shall take all the remaining thirty-five.” Suo Lun said.
Ye Jingfeng swiftly packed the thirty-five mirrors into a chest and handed it to Ye Jingyu.
“Master, there is a very important matter I must tell you.” Ye Jingfeng said in a low voice.
Suo Lun took her to a secluded corner and said, “What matter?”
Ye Jingfeng said, “Recently, on the sea, unfamiliar ships have frequently passed by, almost once every two or three days. Thus, the supply ships from Tianshui City only dare to transport supplies at night.”
Suo Lun said, “Did you see what flags they were flying?”
Ye Jingfeng said, “No, but judging by the appearance of the ships, there are at least three forces.”
That would be the forces of Luanyang City, Linhai City, and Yingzhou Island.
This was merely a remote small island, yet every two or three days several unfamiliar ships could be seen. It was evident that these three forces had already spread throughout the nearby waters.
This was truly bullying to the extreme. This was the outer sea of Tianshui City, completely the subsidiary territory of the Suo Clan.
The naval forces of these three families were rampaging about unchecked.
Suo Lun’s brows knitted tightly. For the current Tianshui City, without maritime supremacy, there was nothing.
If Chaos Rock Island could not be held, this secret base could not be held either.
Why had the secret base for the magic mirrors been placed upon this uninhabited island?
Naturally, it was for fear of leakage. The manufacturing secret of this mirror could be understood with a single glance. If even one of several hundred alchemists leaked the secret, this industry would be finished.
At that time, Venice had also placed mirror manufacturing upon a deserted island cut off from the world. Only thus had they monopolised this terrifying source of wealth for a long time.
Once Suo Lun lost maritime supremacy, it would equal losing all sources of wealth.
…
Three days later, Suo Lun returned to the city lord’s manor.
“Little brother, I have never seen anyone like… Princess Zhi Yan.” Suo Ningbing said.
“What about her?” Suo Lun said.
“She is clearly the most noble eldest princess of the royal house, yet she has not the slightest air of arrogance.” Suo Ningbing said, “After she arrived, she discussed the art of the zither with me. And when I was cooking, she actually helped at my side, and she did quite well. Also, the harpsichord at home had been untuned for some time, and its tone was somewhat off. She actually directly crawled underneath to tune and repair it.”
“Is that not a good thing?” Suo Lun said.
Suo Ningbing said, “She clearly has no airs whatsoever, but… for some reason, I feel she is very distant, as though I can see her but cannot touch her.”
Elder sister Ningbing’s perception was still very keen. She had immediately seen through Zhi Yan’s otherworldly temperament.
True transcendence of the mundane was not standing high above. It was being clearly incomparably approachable, yet making one feel very distant at the same time.
“Yes, you are still better. I can see you and touch you.” Suo Lun said. Then he pulled her onto his lap, greedily inhaling her scent, one hand deftly grasping the firmest and softest place.
A sweetness welled up in Suo Ningbing’s heart. Ever since Suo Lun brought Yan Naier back, although she had shown nothing outwardly, and had directly gone to propose to Yan Naier in the capacity of an elder sister, shaping an atmosphere throughout the entire city lord’s manor that Yan Naier was the future mistress of Tianshui City.
But… she was still very disappointed in her heart.
The more perfect and adorable Yan Naier was, the more disappointed she became.
And now, when Suo Lun finally had a moment alone with her, he directly began acting the rogue.
“You scoundrel, quickly let me go. If Naier sees, it will be disastrous.” Suo Ningbing said in a trembling voice.
Suo Lun did not release her. He rubbed his nose against her hair, inhaling her enchanting fragrance. “Elder sister, one day I shall think of a way that satisfies both sides and marry you properly.”
“No, absolutely do not take the risk. If Naier finds out, she… she will go mad.” Suo Ningbing said.
“Rest assured, I shall prepare everything so that not a single thing goes wrong.” Suo Lun said.
Suo Ningbing hesitated slightly, then said, “Duke Zhi Ting spoke very implicitly at the time, but he once said… that Her Highness the Princess might… marry you?”
Suo Lun said, “That will not happen. I absolutely will not let Naier down. I most certainly shall marry her. And although Her Highness the Princess is very approachable, she is also very distant. She is too otherworldly.”
“Mmm…” Suo Ningbing said softly. Then she turned her face and planted a kiss upon Suo Lun’s lips. “Elder sister does not ask for much. To be able to live my whole life with you as brother and sister is already infinitely satisfying.”
Of course, Suo Ningbing’s words were not finished. If Suo Lun came over to take advantage of her from time to time, that alone would be enough to make her feel as though she had eaten honey, sweet and sour for a long time.
“Very well, I must go prepare dinner. Let me go…” Suo Ningbing pleaded softly.
“Let me bite your tongue, and I shall let you go.” Suo Lun said.
In this environment, someone might come in at any moment. Suo Ningbing could only let Suo Lun bully her. She extended her tender pink tongue.
Suo Lun gently held it in his mouth, biting very lightly.
Suo Ningbing’s heart trembled. She could not help but lightly sting his lips with the tip of her tongue. Then she ran out with incomparable happiness and lightness, preparing dinner.
…
At the magnificent dining table, Suo Lun, Zhi Yan, Suo Ningbing, and Yan Naier were having dinner.
Ye Jingyu stood behind them holding a wine bottle, pouring wine for each person.
No one here treated her as a servant. They all invited her to sit at the table and eat together. But she refused. She was more willing to stand behind and attend to Suo Lun and Suo Ningbing. Of course, now there was also the mistress of the house, Yan Naier.
“I am going to Rock Island!” Suo Lun said.
“No…”
Yan Naier, Suo Ningbing, and Ye Jingyu spoke almost in unison.
Ye Jingyu’s face turned red after she spoke. She felt she was a servant and had no right to say such things.
But she truly cared for her master and was unwilling for Suo Lun to take the risk.
Yet after saying this “no,” she also felt herself exceedingly presumptuous. Thus she was utterly embarrassed.
“Jingyu, I want more wine.” Suo Lun said.
Ye Jingyu came over and poured wine for Suo Lun.
Suo Lun reached out and gave her pert backside a light pinch.
Ye Jingyu trembled. A sweetness welled up in her heart, but she dared not show any change in expression. Yet that sense of embarrassment vanished completely.
Zhi Yan said to Suo Lun, “In the royal city, we agreed. We cannot count on the Rock Pirates.”
Suo Ningbing said, “Although the Rock Demon is our elder brother, they place very little weight upon blood relations. Rock Island is completely a den of wolves and tigers. I forbid you from going.”
Yan Naier said earnestly, “Husband, if you must go, I shall go with you.”
Suo Lun’s heart trembled. This was the first time Yan Naier had called him husband, and the two of them had not even married yet.
And after calling him so, Yan Naier’s face instantly turned completely red. Yet she still stared at Suo Lun.
Suo Lun knew why this was. She was declaring sovereignty before Princess Zhi Yan.
Regarding love, she had always been so brave and proactive.
“No.” Suo Lun said, “Rock Island is a tiger’s den for men. But for women, it is completely hell. No matter how high a woman’s martial arts, she cannot go.”
That place was completely inhumane for women from the mainland.
In general, Rock Island was a place no less terrible than the barbarian territories. It was merely that their outward appearance was the same as humans.
Suo Lun continued, “Chaos Rock Island cannot be lost. The secret island for magic mirrors cannot be lost. These are our greatest sources of wealth, and the fundamental guarantee for Her Highness the Princess’s succession. Without money, we cannot recruit soldiers and buy horses. We cannot defeat Zhi Li. And most importantly of all, if we consolidate all forces and concentrate fully on defending Tianshui main city, that would instead mean certain death. Because the enemy’s ground forces are unending. Only by obtaining the Rock Pirates’ reinforcements is there the possibility of destroying the enemy allied forces upon the sea. Not only can we protect Tianshui City, we can also protect Chaos Rock Island and the secret island for magic mirrors.”
Zhi Yan said, “But all of this seems…”
Suo Lun said, “Your Highness the Princess, I know what you wish to say. But rest assured, I have a plan in mind. I must go to Rock Island. I must recruit the Rock People pirate army.”
…
At the Tu Ling Ducal Manor.
Tu Lingduo knelt before Duke Tu Lingtuo.
“Gui Qinshao did not compromise. She did not sell information to Suo Lun?” Tu Lingtuo said.
“No.” Tu Lingduo said, “I was also very surprised. It seems her love for her uncle Gui Xingfu surpasses everything.”
“I truly misjudged her.” Tu Lingtuo said.
Tu Lingduo said, “Since Gui Qinshao did not sell intelligence to Suo Lun, I had no choice but to sell it myself. I have already told Suo Lun all the true intelligence regarding the four-family allied forces, their numbers, the scale of their ships, and the time of attack.”
Tu Lingtuo said, “Did he suspect you?”
“No.” Tu Lingduo said, “Because I am about to marry a monster like Tu Liyang, the psychology of hoping for the destruction of the Suo allied forces is very normal. Even to show my mentality of self-destructive abandon, I stripped naked before him and awaited his **.”
Duke Tu Lingtuo said, “Then do you think Suo Lun will go to Rock Island to seek aid?”
“He will!” Tu Lingduo said, “A man like him possesses an extreme mentality for risk-taking. If there is even a one percent possibility, he will exert one hundred percent of his strength to fight for it.”
Tu Lingtuo nodded and said, “Very well, then make preparations. Let him die on Rock Island! Then, in the coming campaign to destroy the Suo Clan, our family shall reap the greatest benefits.”
“Yes.” Tu Lingduo said.
Tu Lingtuo said, “You truly are worthy of being my daughter. At the critical moment, you are ruthless and merciless. Even the man you love in your heart, you can bring about his death. This is very good.”
Tu Lingduo said, “I must prove that I have never shown favouritism towards Suo Lun. For the sake of the family, I am willing to do anything.”
…
In the middle of the night.
Suo Lun left Tianshui City alone and in secret. He travelled at the fastest speed to reach the seaside, then boarded a ship and set sail eastward.