Chapter 191 (1/2)

Sui Xiong spent some time demonstrating his creation in detail to the higher ups in his church.

“This can reduce the cost of obtaining knowledge significantly, and it also could promote the communization of knowledge,” he said. “And we all know that knowledge transforms life, knowledge transforms fate, and knowledge transforms the world. Hence, these few inventions of mine would promote the advancement of the entire world!”

But, his impassioned speech still failed to get him the support of his believers.

“Your Majesty, I think that these things… The cost didn’t seem to be low, either.” Rhode, who was in charge of finance, said. He then listed his calculations, and continued. “Shatter wood, boil them, remove the color using magic, spread them across a piece of cloth, then flatten and oven-dry… The entire process, I feel, isn’t any simpler than using parchment.”

“Yeah. Although beast skin is very expensive, it isn’t troublesome to process simple parchment.” Satan, who once made parchment during his childhood as a side job, agreed with Rhode’s opinion. “First, soak the beast skin, and then remove the oil with alkaline water. Next, cut away the hair and oil, then polish it carefully. When I was young, I worked in a workshop that produced parchment. Although it was hard work, it was really uncomplicated. Comparatively, these things that you are talking about, they are too troublesome, when it comes to production.”

“Is it very troublesome?” Sui Xiong was a little confused. “I find that it’s very easy.”

“Forget about the rest, then. Just the step requiring the smashing of the wood is troublesome enough,” Satan said. “We could let the carpenter shatter the wood, then soak them in water and grind them. Under such a situation, where no magic is involved, that is probably the only way. That would mean soaking the wood until it could be mashed. But, God knows how much time and effort that would require! Otherwise, it would be a big problem, having to remove wood pieces from the wood pulp.”

He continued his line of thinking. “Not only that, but it would require the help of a mage during the production. I looked at the magic that you have designed, then made an estimation of effect. To purify the wood pulp in a normal big pot, transforming it into a completely white color, it would require at least an intermediate mage to cast the magic. Did you consider about the cost of inviting a mage to cast the magic?”

Sui Xiong was stunned, then mumbled quietly, “Doesn’t our church have mages?”

“Yes, but when it comes to cost calculations, you have to include the cost of hiring a mage.” Satan didn’t give Sui Xiong any chance to further debate, but continued. “After purification, when the white wood pulp has been achieved, lay the gunny flat on the wooden plank, then spread the wood pump the cloth. Then, flatten and oven-dry it… This is very troublesome, because it is difficult for hot air to go through the layers of wooden plank. This is exactly why a mage may need to be involved.”

“If by completing this process, we could obtain soft, smooth paper that feather brush could write on, it is actually quite worth it. But, I fear that the paper we will get is either going to be too soft or too hard. Hence, what’s the use of it?”

“I also invented brush…” Sui Xiong attempted to interject.

“It would be too slow to write with that pen,” Palin said, “It is much much slower than writing with a feather pen! Plus, after writing one or two words, it would need to be dipped in the ink again. The expenditure of ink alone would be too much. Besides, it is inconvenient, too.”

“I improvised on the ink too!” Siu Xiong again chimes in.

“You made an ink block that is convenient to bring around. I think that is the only reliable invention.” Satan finally showed a smile. “With slight improvisation, it could become a good commercial item. At the very least, it is much cheaper than normal ink, and also much more convenient to conserve and transport.”

Sui Xiong was upset to hear their feedback, as he was planning to continue with his experiment to improve his version of four treasures of the study. At that moment, Wor, who was quiet the entire time, suddenly spoke up.

“These inventions are not too shabby!” He spoke in a low voice. “They do possess the power to change the world and push it towards advancement!”

Everyone looked at him suspiciously, as they didn’t understand what had made him say such things. Wor didn’t explain in detail, but stood up and saluted Sui Xiong.

“Your Majesty, please pass these things to me. I will work hard to improvise the production techniques and process, so that I can make writing tools that everyone is satisfied with as soon as possible!”

Sui Xiong looked into his eyes, seeing a passion and motivated desire that he had never seen before. Ever since he had known Wor, this expert that was once well-known across the world looked like he completely lacked vigor. Even when they had talked about his hatred towards the church of the Sun God, he would only display deep resentment, but no action. He had simply looked gloomy and dull, like a really old man.

Because of this, Sui Xiong had given Wor the nickname of “sweeping monk” secretly in his mind. Although the nickname signified his unusual power and excellence in martial arts, it also symbolized how he was overly calm and lacked the sharp imposing manner of most experts. He was just like an old monk, who stood aloof from worldly strife.

But, at that moment, the look in Wor’s eyes had changed. In fact, his complete manner had changed, too.

Although he was still dressed up like an old man, the vigorous manner that he gave out was like a flame of burning passion in his eyes. It testified to his renewed and refreshed identity!

“Very well!” Sui Xiong smiled. “Looking at the look in your eyes now, I will entrust this to you fully!”

Wor smiled and lowered his head. “I will not disappoint you!”