Chapter 642: 641
Every era has its own survival rules, its historical process, and its inventions that should arise; thus, even though Wufu came to this world, she did not create too many things that did not fit into this world, to avoid disrupting its intended systems.
And while the vouchers issued by the soon-to-open shop are novel, this world is not devoid of similar promotional tactics; Wufu merely made a slight modification.
But she had no intention of making drastic changes, just like with the bomb in her hand.
One would know that if such a device were to be mass-produced and used in wars, the using side would be invincible, but it would inevitably lead to widespread slaughter.
Because the power of this thing is truly enormous.
Wufu could probably imagine what kind of coercive methods the imperial court used on Li Kuo; the fact that he endured and chose death over disclosure is a blessing to humanity. Otherwise, if the knowledge were to be exploited for war, the consequences would be unthinkable.
Duan Rong, listening to Wufuâs explanation, was also deeply shocked and looked at these devices with a changed expression.
They had only heard of the bombâs power from Li Kuo and had not witnessed it firsthand; they had not expected it to be so terrifying.
"Your father, did he lose his life for this?" Wufu gently placed the bomb back into the basket and said, "Your father is truly an admirable man. Once this thing comes into the world, the consequences are unimaginable."
Li Shuangshuang ground her teeth and said through clenched teeth, "The imperial court knew of its existence, hence the threats and enticements. They used every torture on my father, twisting him beyond recognition and yet not allowing him to die."
Wufu could imagine that the imperial court must have resorted to every conceivable method to extract the forging secrets without allowing him to die.
"And then what?" Jadeite asked curiously.
Li Shuangshuang choked up, unable to continue speaking.
"Later, it was my father-in-law who begged a young apprentice who used to forge with him to drink mercury and die," Duan Rong said. "But after my father-in-law died, somehow they discovered Shuangshuangâs existence. We had just gone out to find some forging materials and hadnât returned to the Duan Family when we received the news that the Duan Family was destroyed."
"Itâs my fault the Duan Family suffered!" Li Shuangshuang cried.
Duan Rong, holding her hand, said, "Itâs all fate."
"Weâve been hiding and dodging, but the imperial court never ceased pursuing us," Li Shuangshuang continued. "Five years ago, they caught up with us again, and Ah Rong jumped into the Millennial Cold Pool to save me, contracting the extreme cold poison. Later, she fell into Fire Rock Mountain and thus..."
Jadeite, deeply moved, sighed, "Youâre really unlucky."
Duan Rong gave a wry smile, "All is fate."
"So how did you end up here?"
"Thereâs a saying, âThe crafty rabbit has three burrows.â We, husband and wife, felt we couldnât keep hiding, so I âdiedâ in the Cold Pool, and Shuangshuang naturally âdiedâ as well, and then we settled down in this Blacksmith Shop."
Wufu said, "This Blacksmith Shop is said to be a century-old establishment, supposedly passed on to an only daughter..."
"That was all arranged by my father-in-law, as a plausible exterior story in case of inquiries, and it could stand up to verification. Before we came, there indeed was a father-daughter pair here," Duan Rong explained.
Upon hearing this, Wufu understood; there had always been someone representing the shop to the public. She arrived, and with one switch, who would know whatâs real or fake?
"Great hiding in plain sight, Craftmaster Li," Wufu sighed.