Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 94Book 5: : Wang’s Clan! An unfathomable depth of heritage

……

Changning Garrison, Xinping Town Airport.

This airport belongs to the Yao Clan, and on regular days, the Yun Yao flying boats from the Celestial Dynasty land here.

Early this morning, several Yun Yao flying boats pierced through the clouds and descended from the sky, landing on the massive docking platform.

Soon, the flying boats came to a steady stop, and the "distinguished guests" from the Celestial Dynasty began to disembark in an orderly fashion.

They were all trial equipment makers dispatched by the Black Armor Department to the Wang's Refining Headquarters. Under the sunlight, their expressions were solemn yet tinged with a sense of melancholy.

Anyone sent from a bustling celestial city to a "remote wilderness" would certainly not be in a good mood.

The Chaoyang King and his wife also discreetly followed at the back of the group.

At the edge of the square, a large group of Wang Clan members had already gathered, led by none other than Ancestor Wang Xiaohan.

As the second ancestor of the clan, Wang Xiaohan held a very high status within the Wang Clan. Usually, he would not make an appearance unless it was for something important.

However, at this moment, he was dressed in a meticulously tailored Basalt robe, leading some younger clan members and family guards, waiting at the airport to welcome the trial equipment makers from the Celestial Dynasty.

The first advanced Marrying Blood Gu essence obtained by the Wang Clan was given to Ancestor Xiaohan, significantly enhancing his bloodline aptitude. Now, over thirty years later, his cultivation had already reached the second level of the Purple Mansion Realm.

However, he had advanced to the Lingtai Realm too late, and even though he had reached the Purple Mansion Realm, his vitality and life force were abundant, yet his hair and beard still showed some signs of graying, making him appear much older than the average Purple Mansion Realm cultivator.

"Is this Old Pei?" Seeing the distinguished guests disembark, Ancestor Xiaohan enthusiastically stepped forward to greet them, "I am Wang Xiaohan of the Changning Wang's Clan, here to welcome the distinguished guests from the Celestial Dynasty."

Old Pei was in a foul mood, merely nodding slightly with a grunt, appearing quite arrogant.

It was his half-disciple, Xiang Huaijin, who stepped forward to return the greeting, "I am Xiang Huaijin, and this is my teacher, Pei Xin'an."

Having experienced many ups and downs in life, Ancestor Xiaohan was not bothered by this and maintained his host's enthusiasm, "Greetings, Old Pei and Brother Huaijin. Our Wang Clan has prepared accommodations and a welcoming banquet featuring Changning specialties. This way, please."

"No need, we didn't come all the way to East Qian just for a meal," Old Pei waved his hand coldly, "Let's first take a look at the refining workshop for the new battle armor."

He was in a low mood. Before coming, Liu Zhangling had gleefully informed him that the travel expenses, accommodation, and even salary for this assignment to East Qian were all covered by the Eastern Qian Wang Clan.

How many Immortal crystals could a place like East Qian offer as salary? Pei Xin'an was one of the top trial equipment makers in the Black Armor Department, and even though he was marginalized and missed out on some hidden benefits, his annual income was still twelve thousand Immortal crystals!

Yet, even with such a salary, he was still struggling to make ends meet.

Many of his younger family members were in their growth phase and needed his support as the elder. Especially one young great prodigy among his direct descendants, who carried the hopes of the Pei Clan, with many elders in the family tightening their belts to support him.

Now, being sent to East Qian, his income would inevitably decrease over the next ten to twenty years, so how could he not be in a bad mood?

"This..." Wang Xiaohan frowned, hesitating, "You all have traveled a long way to East Qian and must be weary from the journey. You should rest for a few days before discussing work; there's no rush."

Old Pei's expression changed, about to lose his temper out of habit, but Xiang Huaijin quickly realized this and hurriedly said, "Brother Xiaohan, my teacher is a bit impatient. He wants to first inspect our future refining environment and then propose some improvements to make this collaboration smoother. How about we welcome them after they've seen the site and come up with improvement plans?"

As he spoke, Xiang Huaijin winked at Wang Xiaohan, signaling him not to go against Old Pei.

"Old Pei is so dedicated; it makes me feel ashamed," Ancestor Xiaohan laughed heartily, "Alright, let's first take a look at the production workshop."

Production workshop?

Xiang Huaijin frowned.

What kind of term was that? Shouldn't it be a refining workshop?

The refining mode of the Black Armor Department usually involved a master craftsman leading several apprentices, with an independent refining workshop for their work.

Oh well, maybe East Qian has different terminology.

As they spoke, Ancestor Xiaohan had already sent someone to bring over the spirit ox cart.

Although called a "spirit ox cart," these spirit ox carts were quite different from the traditional cargo-carrying ones.

These new spirit ox carts were pulled by robust, powerful third-tier iron-backed wild oxen, whose dark backs gleamed like cast iron.

The carriage of the spirit ox cart was also different from the cargo ones. It was not fully enclosed, with many windows on both sides, each fitted with large transparent glass panes, allowing a clear view of the neat and comfortable rows of seats inside.

Conservatively estimated, the carriage could accommodate thirty to forty people at a time, with excellent lighting and views.

These spirit ox carts were the Wang Clan's spirit ox buses.

The Wang Clan had long been committed to improving infrastructure, and over the years, the road and transportation system in the southern six garrisons of Longzuo Commandery had become highly developed. For convenience, these public transportation vehicles capable of carrying many people were introduced.

The spirit ox buses were initially developed to facilitate the commute of Wang Clan employees, and over the years, due to their convenience and speed, they had become popular in many other places, spreading to Longzuo Commandery and even nationwide.

At the most recent grand court meeting, a proposal was even made by a court official to promote this transportation system nationwide.

Of course, that's a side note, so let's skip it for now.

The spirit ox buses in front of them were specially dispatched by Wang Xiaohan from the Wang Clan's bus headquarters to conveniently transport the numerous trial equipment makers.

The trial equipment makers from the Celestial Dynasty were seeing such vehicles for the first time and found them quite novel. Some even went to the front door of the carriage to study the coin-operated system, only stopping once they figured it out.

The Chaoyang King and his wife quietly mingled with the crowd and boarded the bus.

Once all the trial equipment makers were seated in the carriage, it was already a cup of tea's time later.

Then, the spirit ox bus drove out of the airport, heading steadily and swiftly towards Qinglian Fire Valley.

Along the way, the spirit ox bus traveled on the wide cement road, and the trial equipment makers inside could see the street scenes by looking left and right.

As one of the first four towns developed by the Wang Clan, the prosperity of Xinping Town and Xin'an Town was among the top in the Great Qian, especially after Xinping Town became the Wang Clan's external trade port, its development speed had accelerated.

Along the way, the wide cement roads were clean and tidy, bustling with pedestrians, lively and prosperous, with various uniquely styled buildings lining the streets, creating a dazzling sight.

The endless stream of pedestrians on the streets, due to the Wang Clan's continuous efforts to promote universal cultivation, appeared full of vigor and vitality.

Even their attire was very trendy and fashionable, with many styles differing greatly from the Celestial Dynasty, yet possessing a unique charm that caught the eye.

Perhaps due to its relatively young history of just over a hundred years compared to other places, this area exuded a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, providing a refreshing experience.

As the trial equipment makers observed the scenes from the bus, their expressions grew increasingly astonished, and they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Before coming, they had assumed that East Qian would be backward and impoverished, but everything before their eyes far exceeded their expectations.

Although in terms of prosperity, the celestial city was undoubtedly more prosperous, this was just a county in East Qian, yet it presented such a scene, proving that East Qian was not the impoverished and backward remote country they had imagined.

Moreover, the celestial city had a very ancient history, with the central district where the Black Armor Department was located having a history of tens of thousands of years. While it was ancient and profound, it also inevitably felt somewhat oppressive and dull.

In contrast, the vibrant and lively atmosphere before them was much more comforting. frёeωebɳovel.com

As they marveled along the way, the spirit ox bus unknowingly arrived at the Wang Clan's industrial park.

This industrial park had gradually expanded with Qinglian Fire Valley as its core.

After years of development, it had become an industrial center focused on refining and manufacturing, housing numerous refining factories, neatly planned high-rise dormitories, and even small commercial areas for convenient living.

Apart from lacking city walls, its scale was comparable to a small city.

The Wang's Refining Headquarters and the refining branch of the Wang's Research Institute were also located here.

Moreover, it featured a unique rail transportation system.

This system was built to facilitate the transportation of large quantities of materials, with passenger transport being secondary. Consequently, the internal transportation of the industrial park was more convenient and faster than outside. The orderly arranged tracks and the trains whistling back and forth on them, with their loud whistles as they departed, had become a unique symbol and landscape of the industrial park.

If the trial equipment makers were merely astonished on the streets, upon entering the industrial park, their expressions turned to shock as they looked around, feeling as if their eyes couldn't take in enough.

Especially after disembarking from the spirit ox bus and boarding the rail train organized by the Wang Clan members, the swift speed gave them the illusion of riding a flying carriage or a Yun Yao flying boat.

Too fast~

This was an experience that the stable spirit ox cart couldn't provide.

In just a short cup of tea's time, the rail train carried them through half of the industrial park, arriving at the battle armor manufacturing center located in the central area.

As they were reminded by the Wang Clan members to disembark, many trial equipment makers were still in a daze, not yet fully recovered.

"Please follow me, everyone. This is the Wang's ninth-generation battle armor workshop. Currently, five production lines are in operation, and it can accommodate up to ten production lines after expansion."

Wang Xiaohan led the way, introducing as he guided the Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers through the manufacturing center's entrance and into a large workshop.

The workshop had a spacious roof, with a vast interior space that appeared clean and tidy.

Workshop, production line!

These new terms left the Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers bewildered, feeling a sense of awe without understanding.

This was vastly different from the refining workshops they had imagined~~

"Each of our battle armor production lines requires fifty trial equipment makers to collaborate simultaneously. For specific details, the workshop supervisor will provide explanations to the distinguished guests."

As Wang Xiaohan was speaking, he noticed a group of people gathered ahead, directing the installation and adjustment of the new production line.

Leading the group was a stunningly beautiful woman with a dignified demeanor, exuding an aura of authority.

Her attire was also quite different from most Basalt women, with her long black hair cut short to shoulder length, and she wore a crisp white research institute uniform that didn't accentuate her figure but made her appear extremely capable and stern.

This woman was none other than Wang Liyue, the second daughter of the current head of the Wang Clan, Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Liyue was not well-known outside, but within the Wang Clan, few did not admire her.

Growing up by Wang Shouzhe's side, she was naturally influenced by her father's innovative thoughts and ideas.

After graduating from the Clan School, she surprised everyone by choosing to join the Wang's Research Institute, and with her exceptional talent and insight, she became the director of the institute.

Compared to her sister Wang Liyao, who was exceptionally gifted, dazzling, and revered throughout the Great Qian, Wang Liyue was low-key, but her contributions to the Wang Clan's growth were equally irreplaceable.

From the initial ironclad sea ships to later ironclad warships and sea fortresses, her presence was evident everywhere.

Saying she had "remarkable achievements" was not an exaggeration.

The production line for the Wang's ninth-generation battle armor was one of Wang Liyue's projects.

At this moment, she was at the forefront of the team, inspecting and instructing, "Shichao, pay attention to the precision during the installation of the optimized production line. Report any issues to me, and I'll make improvements."

"Yes, Aunt Eight."

Wang Shichao responded respectfully while taking notes on Wang Liyue's instructions.

Wang Shichao was the second son of Wang Zongchang, ranking fourth among the "Shi" generation, and was one of the early achievers in the Shi generation.

Now, at over 150 years old, his strength had reached the peak of the sixth level of the Celestial Realm, making him one of the key members of the Wang Clan, responsible for overseeing many family projects.

The production of the new battle armor was under Wang Shichao's overall supervision.

The Wang Clan had a clear division of labor, and not every clan member was a combatant. Many outstanding young clan members had joined various industries within the Wang Clan, diligently working for the clan's rise.

"Ningxi, these auxiliary refining puppet arms were developed by you. Assign a few people to follow up on production in the workshop, collect feedback, and continuously identify the puppet arms' flaws for further research and improvement," Wang Liyue instructed a young man behind her.

"Rest assured, Ancestor Aunt," Wang Ningxi, a rising star of the "Ning" generation in the Wang Clan, nodded solemnly, "I will continue to strive to make the auxiliary arms even better."

Wang Ningxi had great admiration for Ancestor Liyue.

She not only pioneered new research directions for the family and completed numerous scientific projects, but Ancestor Liyue was also one of the only two people in the entire family with whom Wang Ningxi could engage in deep technical discussions.

As for the other person he could have in-depth conversations with, it was naturally his nephew Wang Fugui. However, Fugui had too many distractions and ideas, and at a young age, he was already "dating" and indulging in beauty, making it almost impossible for him to focus on a technical path in the future.

This was something Wang Ningxi regretted, as the family's technical aspect would still rely on Ancestor Liyue and him in the future.

As they spoke, Wang Xiaohan led a group of Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers over to greet them, "Liyue, come over here and meet the distinguished guests from the Celestial Dynasty."

"Liyue greets Ancestor Xiaohan."

Upon seeing Wang Xiaohan, Wang Liyue's stern expression softened, and she smiled like a melting iceberg.

Her smile was refreshing and sweet, like the first clear day after a snowfall, uniquely charming, causing the younger Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers to stare in a daze.

The Celestial Dynasty was not lacking in beauties, but first, the trial equipment makers were usually introverted and mostly male, with female trial equipment makers being extremely rare. Second, Celestial Dynasty women mostly preferred various "fairy styles," unlike Wang Liyue's fashionable, cool, and intellectual "female executive" style.

However, her sweet smile was reserved only for respected elders and was quickly withdrawn. When she looked at the Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers, she returned to her cold and intellectual demeanor, greeting them formally with Ancestor Xiaohan.

After the greetings, she called Wang Shichao over, "Shichao, you are the chief responsible for battle armor production. Assist Ancestor Xiaohan in hosting the distinguished guests and familiarize them with the production line."

Wang Liyue, in charge of the Wang's Research Institute, was never fond of socializing and had no intention of chatting with the Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers. After leaving Shichao with Ancestor Xiaohan, she continued to inspect and accept the upgraded production line.

Before Old Pei and others could express dissatisfaction, Wang Shichao quickly took on the role, "Distinguished guests, I am Wang Shichao, and I will explain the operation of the existing production lines."

These trial equipment makers were mostly tech enthusiasts, already curious about the Wang's production line. With Wang Shichao's words, their attention was immediately drawn.

As Wang Shichao explained, the trial equipment makers quickly understood the differences between the production line and their usual small team refining mode, becoming somewhat excited, like curious children constantly asking questions.

Fortunately, Wang Shichao had a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the production line. Even when some trial equipment makers asked tricky questions, he answered fluently, providing various data and information effortlessly.

After several rounds of questions, even Old Pei's expression relaxed considerably.

This Changning Wang's Clan was much more impressive than expected, and the production line model was quite interesting, showing some innovative ideas.

However, many of the trial equipment makers on the production line appeared quite young. Being so young, he wondered about their capabilities.

Suddenly.

Old Pei stopped, hands behind his back, and watched with interest as a young trial equipment maker worked on a battle armor shoulder piece.

The young trial equipment maker's divine sense was not strong, but it was very precise.

The shoulder piece glowed faintly red under the red fire's tempering as he continuously adjusted the small structure of the piece and carefully etched the rune structure inside, his movements flowing smoothly, neither hurried nor slow, and without any mistakes.

"This young man's refining skills are quite solid. How old is he?" Old Pei rarely showed a hint of a smile.

"Old Pei, his name is Dugu Lingyu, thirty-five years old, a graduate of the Wang's Clan School Higher Education Academy's refining program, and he just advanced to the Lingtai Realm and passed the intermediate trial equipment maker exam," Wang Shichao introduced with familiarity.

"A promising talent, a promising talent~"

Although Old Pei didn't quite understand the higher education refining program, being an intermediate trial equipment maker at such a young age was indeed impressive.

He praised him but couldn't help lamenting, "It's a pity he was born in a remote place like East Qian~ Alas~ Otherwise, his future would be bright."

"Alas~"

Other trial equipment makers also showed regret, clicking their tongues.

Wang Shichao's expression stiffened.

He didn't know how to respond to this. What had East Qian done to the Celestial Dynasty? Such national insults were uncalled for~

"Old Pei, look at that trial equipment maker; he's also quite good," Xiang Huaijin pointed to another young trial equipment maker not far away.

"Hmm, that one is also good."

"Boss Xiang, that one is pretty good too."

Everyone chimed in, discovering several "promising talents" one after another. However, each time they found a promising talent, they couldn't help but lament.

But after speaking, they suddenly realized something seemed off.

Especially Old Pei, whose expression was already somewhat bewildered.

There were so many promising talents among these young trial equipment makers? Looking back at the trial equipment makers they had brought, they seemed somewhat unsatisfactory.

"Alas~ It's truly a pity for Dugu Lingyu. With his level, he should be able to earn an annual salary of thirteen to fifteen Immortal crystals in our Black Armor Department," a middle-aged trial equipment maker sighed deeply.

"He probably can't get fifteen Immortal crystals annually just yet," another trial equipment maker countered, "He's still too young and needs to gain experience. Passing the Zhangling threshold isn't easy."

Under normal circumstances, a Lingtai Realm cultivator at the early stage, maintaining their cultivation with minimal consumption, would only need a few hundred Top Gold, equivalent to three to five Immortal crystals, with the rest saved as family assets for nurturing outstanding descendants.

The Wang Clan had previously attracted many Lingtai Realm ancestors with a salary of fifteen hundred Top Gold for flying carriage drivers, showing that fifteen Immortal crystals annually was not low, even in the Celestial Dynasty, where it was considered mid-level for the same rank.

However, upon hearing about the fifteen Immortal crystals annual salary, Dugu Lingyu's expression suddenly turned odd, seemingly embarrassed yet unable to refute.

With his emotions inexplicably fluctuating, his divine sense trembled, and the last embedded rune on the shoulder piece went askew.

"Oops!" Dugu Lingyu's face turned pale, almost crying, "This is a low-level mistake. I'm done for; my salary for this month will be deducted entirely."

If it were an unavoidable mistake, it could be forgiven, but this mistake was... even Dugu Lingyu felt it was unforgivable.

"Don't panic, young man."

Although Old Pei was irritable and loved to criticize leaders, he was actually kind-hearted and always protective of promising refining talents.

Seeing Dugu Lingyu almost in tears, he immediately pointed a finger, and a pure and vast divine sense surged out, forcibly correcting the skewed rune.

"Buzz!"

The rune structure instantly completed, as if aligning with some heavenly law, emitting a faint glow.

"Bravo!"

The Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers exclaimed in admiration, praising him.

"Old Pei truly lives up to his reputation, able to turn decay into magic!"

Such a miraculous technique even impressed the well-informed Wang Shichao. To correct a ruined rune structure, this technique was truly unheard of.

He immediately cupped his hands, "Old Pei truly deserves the title of a grandmaster trial equipment maker of the Celestial Dynasty, opening my eyes. Lingyu, quickly thank Old Pei."

"Lingyu thanks Old Pei for his assistance," Dugu Lingyu hurriedly stepped forward to express his gratitude, "I just advanced to the Lingtai Realm not long ago and still owe some Tianling Dan loans. If I lost these five hundred Top Gold, I'd be in trouble for a while."

"No problem, no problem, we were the ones who affected you..." Old Pei waved his hand, about to comfort him, but suddenly froze on the spot, "Five hundred Top Gold? Didn't you just say it was a month's salary?"

"It is indeed a month's salary," Dugu Lingyu replied weakly.

"Are your East Qian Top Gold coins very small?" Old Pei's eyes were filled with suspicion, "What's the exchange rate with Immortal crystals?"

"Our Top Gold coins aren't small. I heard they were minted based on the Celestial Dynasty's gold coin design, with an exchange rate of one to one hundred with Immortal crystals," Dugu Lingyu answered honestly.

"Impossible!" A Celestial Dynasty Lingtai Realm trial equipment maker widened his eyes, "According to you, your annual salary would be sixty Immortal crystals?"

He couldn't believe it because he worked hard in the Black Armor Department for a year, earning only fourteen Immortal crystals.

"Well..." Dugu Lingyu recalled previous events and couldn't help but cough, awkwardly and helplessly explaining, "It is currently sixty Immortal crystals, but with additional allowances and bonuses, it usually reaches eighty Immortal crystals."

At this point, he could only speak the truth, feeling somewhat sympathetic for these Celestial Dynasty people with such low incomes. How could they live on just a dozen Immortal crystals a year?

"......"

The trial equipment maker immediately widened his eyes in disbelief.

The Celestial Dynasty trial equipment makers were also in an uproar.

They didn't know if this was true, but even if it was, this young man might be an exception. Was the Wang Clan giving him special subsidies? This annual salary was truly enviable.

As they spoke.

A mature woman with a style reminiscent of Shouzhe's pre-traversal office attire walked over, accompanied by several assistants.

"Ancestor Xiaohan, Fourth Brother." The woman greeted everyone along the way, then politely addressed Old Pei, "Is this Old Pei? I'm Wang Yinglei, one of the deputy chiefs of the Wang's Refining Headquarters, also in charge of the headquarters' human resources department. I was planning to meet you at the welcoming banquet to discuss the annual salary contract, but I heard you came to inspect the workshop first."

Old Pei looked at Wang Yinglei in bewilderment.

This girl was beautiful, but why was her hair all loose and wavy, and even her arms exposed outside her clothes?

Such a "strange" style immediately displeased the conservative Old Pei, thinking that if any of his younger female relatives dared to dress like this, he would break their legs.

Hmph, East Qian truly was an uncivilized wilderness.

"Old Pei, please take a look at this temporary employment contract, which includes some regulations and taboos, as well as the salary standards," Wang Yinglei was very polite and efficient, taking the contract from an assistant and handing it to Old Pei, "Please review the contract for any issues, especially regarding the salary."

"Considering you are a Divine Realm refining grandmaster and a guest from the Celestial Dynasty, we offer a salary slightly higher than the standard for ordinary Divine Realm offerings. Currently, it's set at forty thousand Immortal crystals annually, with various cultivation package subsidies and year-end bonuses, you can expect to receive fifty-five to sixty thousand Immortal crystals annually."

As Wang Yinglei spoke the first half of her sentence, Old Pei remained expressionless, but upon hearing "forty thousand Immortal crystals annually" and "with subsidies, it's fifty-five to sixty thousand," his mind suddenly exploded with a "boom"!

"What, fifty-five to sixty thousand Immortal crystals annually?"

Old Pei's mouth gaped wide, his eyes almost popping out.

Was he hearing things? He had been earning twelve thousand for many, many years in the Black Armor Department."Old Pei?" Wang Yinglei furrowed her brow ever so slightly and asked softly, "Are you dissatisfied with the annual salary? If you have any objections, you can bring them up, and I'll discuss it with the other executives."

In an instant, Old Pei was almost in tears.

His legs went weak as he looked at Wang Yinglei with overwhelming emotion. This wasn't just a young girl; she was clearly a goddess of wealth.

Even the "strange" outfit he had previously criticized in his mind suddenly seemed incredibly pleasing to the eye.

This young girl, with her beautiful wavy curls, was a unique and avant-garde exploration of aesthetics~~ As for breaking legs and such, that was something he wouldn't even mention anymore; it was all just his imagination, pure imagination.