Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

Chapter 55 The Dragon Girl of the East Sea!

Another half month passed.

Chaoge City, Construction Institute.

Inside the courtyard, a bustling scene unfolded as dozens of craftsmen were adjusting a giant waterwheel.

This waterwheel is ten zhang tall, with wide blades made of fine iron, and can use water power to drive ten textile machines to operate simultaneously.

It is the core component of the "Hydraulic Workshop" newly developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

Su Yunbai stood aside, discussing details with Zhang Qian, the head of the Institute of Industrial Engineering.

"The gear transmission needs optimization," Su Yunbai said, pointing to the blueprints. "Currently, the losses are too great, and the efficiency can only reach 70%."

Zhang Qian nodded: "I understand. I have already instructed the craftsmen to redesign the gear assembly, and the improvement will be completed within three days."

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the door.

A craftsman rushed over.

"General, sir! A young lady has arrived outside, requesting to see you!"

"Young lady?" Su Yunbai frowned. "Who are you?"

"She said... she's a water conservancy expert from the East China Sea. She heard that Chaoge is building a large waterwheel, so she came to offer her advice."

East China Sea?

Su Yunbai's heart stirred.

"Please let her in."

Soon, a woman entered the industrial building.

She was about twenty years old, wearing a light blue long dress with fine silver ripples embroidered on the hem, which swayed like flowing water as she walked.

She was extremely beautiful, with exquisite features, yet her brows carried a cool and aloof air.

What's most striking are her eyes; the pupils are a pale ice-blue, as if they hold the depths of the sea.

"This humble woman, Ao Ling, greets General Su." She slightly curtsied, her voice clear as water.

Su Yunbai sized her up.

The woman's aura was restrained, but with his quasi-saint cultivation, he could faintly sense the immense water-based magical power within her.

At least at the level of Ronaldo.

And that surname "Ao"...

East Sea Dragon Clan?

"Miss Ao, there's no need for such formality," Su Yunbai said. "I've heard you're an expert in water conservancy?"

Ao Ling nodded: "I know a little bit."

She walked up to the waterwheel and looked up at it.

"This waterwheel is ingeniously designed, but it has a fatal flaw."

Zhang Qian frowned: "Please enlighten me, young lady."

"The blade angle is incorrect," Ao Ling said. "At this angle, we can only utilize 30% of the water flow's force. If we adjust it by 15 degrees, the efficiency can be doubled."

As she spoke, she reached out and pointed in the air.

A beam of blue light shot out and landed on the waterwheel blades.

The blades rotated on their own, adjusting their angle.

"Let's see."

She was a little bit more.

A stream of water gushed from her fingertips, impacting the impeller blades.

The waterwheel started spinning with a roar, its speed more than twice as fast as before.

Zhang Qian and the surrounding craftsmen were stunned.

A strange light flashed in Su Yunbai's eyes.

Such exquisite water system control.

"You are indeed very capable, young lady," he said. "May I ask who your teacher is?"

Ao Ling withdrew his hand and said indifferently, "The rogue cultivators of the East Sea are not worth mentioning."

A rogue cultivator?

Su Yunbai chuckled inwardly.

Which rogue cultivator could possess the cultivation level of a Great Luo Immortal? And also have such a pure dragon aura?

But he didn't point it out.

"Young lady, you've come from afar, why don't you come to the Tian Ce Mansion for a chat?" he invited.

Ao Ling glanced at him.

"Alright."

---

Tiance Mansion.

Reception room.

Su Yunbai dismissed his attendants, leaving only Bixiao by his side.

"Miss Ao, can you speak now?" He cut to the chase, "Why has the Third Princess of the East Sea Dragon Clan come to my Chaoge?"

Ao Ling's pupils contracted slightly.

How do you know?

"The aura of the dragon race cannot be hidden from a quasi-saint," Su Yunbai said. "Moreover, the young lady's surname 'Ao' is too obvious."

Ao Ling remained silent for a moment.

"Since the general has seen through it, I will not hide it from him."

She said solemnly, "I have come here on my father's orders to observe the water conservancy reforms in Chaoge."

"observe?"

"Yes," Ao Ling said. "The large-scale promotion of waterwheels and the construction of canals in Chaoge, which have changed the course of rivers, have already affected the interests of the East China Sea."

Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow: "I'd like to hear the details."

"The dragon race controls rain and water, while the human race manages and uses water; there is no inherent conflict between them," Ao Ling said. "However, the water conservancy methods promoted by the general are too... domineering."

"The waterwheels diverted the flow, and the canals were rerouted, which affected the natural cycle of the river."

"If this continues, some water areas may dry up, threatening the survival of aquatic animals."

She looked at Su Yunbai.

"My father sent me here to see if the general has considered these things."

Su Yunbai pondered.

This was indeed his oversight.

They only thought about how to utilize water power, but forgot the special nature of this world—there are dragons and countless other aquatic creatures in the water.

"What you say makes sense," he admitted frankly. "It was my oversight."

Ao Ling was somewhat surprised.

She had assumed the other party would try to defend themselves and shirk responsibility.

I didn't expect her to admit her mistake so readily.

"So, how does the general intend to resolve this?"

Su Yunbai thought for a moment.

"Could we request that the Dragon Clan send an envoy to participate in the water conservancy planning?"

Ao Ling was taken aback.

"participate?"

"Yes," Su Yunbai said. "The dragons are familiar with water and know the distribution of aquatic creatures. With your assistance in planning, we can ensure the effectiveness of water conservancy while maintaining the balance of the water area."

"This..." Ao Ling hesitated, "I need to consult my father."

"Of course," Su Yunbai said. "During this time, you may stay in Chaoge temporarily. Please give me your guidance on the water conservancy projects at the Institute of Engineering."

Ao Ling looked into Su Yunbai's sincere eyes and his heart stirred.

"it is good."

She nodded.

"Then I'll trouble you."

---

After seeing Ao Ling off, Bi Xiao moved closer to Su Yunbai.

"Yun Bai, are you really going to cooperate with the Dragon Clan?"

"Why not?" Su Yunbai said, "The Dragon Clan controls the four seas. If we can win them over, it will be a great help."

"But..." Bixiao frowned, "The dragon race has always been proud and does not easily meddle in human affairs."

"That was before," Su Yunbai said. "With the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods approaching, no one can remain unaffected."

He looked towards the East China Sea.

"Dragons may seem aloof, but they are actually in an awkward position."

"The Heavenly Court wants to incorporate them, the Chan Sect wants to drive them, and the Western Sect wants to convert them."

"They need allies."

Bixiao seemed to be deep in thought.

"So that's why you invited Ao Ling to participate in the water conservancy planning?"

"This is both a gesture of goodwill and a test," Su Yunbai said, "to see how the Dragon Clan will react."

Bixiao smiled.

"You're always scheming."

"This isn't scheming," Su Yunbai said, putting his arm around her. "This is strategic planning."

As the two were talking, Fei Zhong hurriedly entered.

"General! There's movement from Xiqi!"

"explain."

"A scout reports that Jiang Ziya has also set up a 'workshop' in Xiqi, imitating our curved plow and waterwheel, and has also introduced a new agricultural tool called the 'seed drill,' which is said to have extremely high sowing efficiency."

Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow.

"A seed drill?"

"Yes. Fifty acres can be sown in a day, which is ten times faster than by hand."

Su Yunbai smiled.

"It seems that Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya reacted quickly."

"What should we do?" Fei Zhong asked. "Should we...?"

"No need," Su Yunbai waved his hand. "Let them imitate it."

"what?"

"Technology should be disseminated," Su Yunbai said. "The more they imitate it, the faster it spreads, and the more beneficial it is to humanity as a whole."

He paused.

"However, we can't let them take advantage of us for nothing."

"Order the Industrial Institute to expedite the research and development of the 'water-powered forging hammer' and 'wind-powered mill.' In addition, compile the 'composting technology' and 'crop rotation system' into a booklet and distribute it to all prefectures."

"If we're going to compete, let's see who runs the fastest."

"Yes!" Fei Zhong went excitedly.

Bixiao looked at Su Yunbai with admiration in her eyes.

"Yun Bai, what you truly care about is the entire human race."

Su Yunbai took her hand.

"Because I know that only when humanity as a whole becomes strong can we survive this great calamity."

"Individual strength is ultimately limited."

"The power of the community is fundamental."

Bixiao nodded.

She suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, what are your plans for that Miss Ao Ling?"

"Let her help out at the Institute of Industrial Engineering for now," Su Yunbai said. "We'll talk about it again after Donghai replies."

"She's really beautiful," Bixiao said with a half-smile.

Su Yunbai chuckled.

Are you jealous?

"No way," Bixiao scoffed. "I'm just reminding you that the Dragon Princess isn't someone you can easily mess with."

"I know." Su Yunbai kissed her forehead. "The three of you are enough for me."

"That's more like it."

Bixiao smiled with satisfaction.

---

Three days later.

Institute of Industrial Design.

Ao Ling stood in front of the renovated waterwheel, his eyes flashing with admiration.

"An 80% increase in efficiency, not bad."

Zhang Qian smiled and said, "Thanks to your guidance, young lady."

"I only suggested a direction; the specific improvements are up to you," Ao Ling said. "The wisdom of human craftsmen is truly astonishing."

Over the past three days, she has witnessed firsthand the operation of the Institute of Industrial Technology.

The craftsmen studied day and night, constantly trying and making mistakes, striving for perfection.

This kind of spirit is rarely seen among dragons.

Dragons have long lifespans and tend to do things methodically, lacking the drive and ambition to make progress.

"Miss Ao."

Su Yunbai's voice came through.

Ao Ling turned around.

Su Yunbai walked to her side.

"Has Donghai replied yet?"

"I've got it." Ao Ling took out a jade slip. "My father said that we can send an envoy to participate in the planning, but there are two conditions."

"Speaking."

"First, water conservancy projects must not damage the 'sea eye' spiritual vein where the East Sea Dragon Palace is located."

"Secondly, the dragon envoys must have the right to supervise; if they find that the project is harmful to aquatic creatures, they can call for it to stop."

Su Yunbai took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense.

The content is consistent with what Ao Ling said.

"Sure," he readily agreed, "but I have one condition."

"Please speak, General."

"The dragons need to teach some of the spells of 'cloud manipulation and rain control' and 'water diversion' so that the Institute of Engineering can study and improve water conservancy."

Ao Ling frowned.

"This... involves dragon clan secret techniques, I cannot make that decision."

"It's alright," Su Yunbai said. "You may consult the Dragon King again. I can promise that the findings of the research will be shared with the Dragon Clan."

Ao Ling pondered for a moment.

"Alright, I will send a message to my father."

Thank you.

Su Yunbai looked at the waterwheel.

"Does the young lady think there's room for improvement in this waterwheel?"

Ao Ling walked to the waterwheel and reached out to stroke the blades.

"The material can be optimized. We're currently using refined iron, which is too heavy and has a lot of inertia. If we could switch to 'sinking wood' or 'mysterious ice iron,' the efficiency would be even higher."

"Water-sinking wood? Mystic ice iron?"

"They are all water-attribute spiritual materials," Ao Ling said. "They are produced in the East Sea. If the general needs them, I can provide some samples."

Su Yunbai's eyes lit up.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, young lady."

"It was just a small favor."

The two then discussed some water conservancy details.

Before we knew it, it was already evening.

As the sun sets, it bathes the Industrial Park in a golden hue.

Ao Ling stood in the light and shadow, her profile exquisite, her temperament as aloof as the moon.

Su Yunbai looked at her, and a thought suddenly struck him.

This dragon princess was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also possessed extraordinary wisdom and poise.

If we can win the support of the dragons...

"Miss Ao," he said.

"Um?"