Chapter 574, The True Trump Card

Translator: Silavin

 

Su Bai emerged from his room, having changed into a thin linen garment.

 

Today marked the first installation of the heating system, making this his first experience of having heating in this Primitive Era.

 

“Shaman, what exactly is this heating?” Sha Lan enquired with curiosity.

 

Sha Lan had also changed into a linen dress.

 

“It operates on the same principle as boiling water. When water is heated to its maximum temperature, it produces steam, which is then channelled through pipes to distribute the heat throughout the room.” Su Bai explained while adjusting his clothing. “The reason this room is so warm is due to the same principle.”

 

While the principle of warming a room was straightforward, the challenge lay in obtaining the raw materials. However, since discovering the copper ores, this had become considerably more manageable.

 

Within merely five or six days, the workshop personnel had rapidly refined the copper ore and manufactured numerous pipes. This very morning, they had urgently installed all the pipes throughout the room according to the previous design specifications, mounting them on the walls.

 

Each pipe was surrounded by wooden barriers to prevent accidental contact. Although one would not directly see the steam, the copper pipes themselves became extremely hot, and inadvertent contact could result in severe blisters, comparable to directly making contact with steam.

 

“I see. I thought the Yong’an Building was on fire, wondering why it had suddenly become so warm.” Sha Lan said with evident relief.

 

Sha Lan, having understood the principle, began to properly appreciate the warmth around her. This cosy sensation was remarkably comfortable. After changing into linen clothing, the feeling intensified, even inducing drowsiness. With heavy snow falling outside while the room remained toasty warm, such weather was indeed perfect for sleeping.

 

“Shaman, we have only been away from the Tribe for a few days, yet you have created something so amazing.” Yan Hua expressed with increasing admiration for Su Bai.

 

She wore a thin linen garment, a dress that Yu Ying had tailored for her. It was form-fitting, showcasing Yan Hua’s excellent figure. Her proportions were truly ideal, with curves in all the right places and none where there should be none, appearing as though sculpted.

 

“This is actually quite simple. If you diligently study, you will understand how it works soon enough.” Su Bai replied matter-of-factly.

 

This served as an excellent example of how knowledge transforms life, which would encourage others to study more earnestly. They would understand that through dedicated learning, they could create many extraordinary things.

 

“Shaman, allow me to report on the other Tribes’ responses.” Sha Lan said, transitioning to the main topic. Having grasped the heating principle, Sha Lan remembered she needed to provide her report, having nearly forgotten.

 

“Sure, what did those Tribes say?” Su Bai asked, somewhat curious about their reactions.

 

“Every Tribe agreed without hesitation. They found the proposal enticing.” Sha Lan reported with a smile.

 

Sha Lan found the memory of their reactions amusing, particularly their contradictory behaviour.

 

“Oh? From your expression, something rather interesting happened?” Su Bai asked.

 

“Indeed. Initially, none of them were willing to participate and even attempted to kick us out of their territory,” Sha Lan said, covering her mouth as she laughed. “But, when I presented our Tribe’s goods, they all expressed regret immediately, and their tone became remarkably different.”

 

“So they agreed to visit our Tribe only after seeing our goods?” Su Bai clarified.

 

“Precisely.” Sha Lan confirmed with a nod.

 

“As expected, this is quite normal.” Their response fell within Su Bai’s expectations. He had deliberately instructed Sha Lans to bring those items, as they represented the Tribe’s true trump card.

 

However, he had harboured a slight hope that the Tribes might agree without being influenced by these goods. In such cases, he would have maintained cordial relations with those Tribes and might even have assisted them.

 

The situation was now different. Since everyone had agreed solely based on the merchandise, he would conduct all affairs strictly by the rules of trade.

 

Naturally, their agreement to cooperate based on the goods was perfectly reasonable. Su Bai simply wished to identify which Tribes were genuinely sincere.

 

In the Primitive Era, gaining additional assistance from other Tribes would certainly be beneficial, though its absence would pose no significant problems as well.

 

“Shaman, is something wrong?” Sha Lan asked, confused.

 

“Nothing. Please compile a detailed list of these Tribes for me. Also, include their population, number of Totem Warriors, environmental conditions, and other similar details. If you do not know what characters to use, you can ask me.” Su Bai instructed.

 

He required comprehensive understanding of these Tribes to implement appropriate strategies.

 

Su Bai envisioned continuously expanding the Flame Dragon Tribe. Their current territory was not enough. Having numerous Tribes submit to the Flame Dragon Tribe would be better.

 

The model he had in mind resembled that of the Dark Scorpion Tribe, which commanded many subordinate Tribes. But Su Bai’s approach would be different. He wanted those Tribes to serve willingly rather than submit through force. Coerced submission would leave them perpetually resentful and potentially rebellious.

 

“Okay, I will compile the information and present it to you immediately.” Sha Lan said, though she knew this would be challenging.

 

“There is no rush. Take your time. You definitely won’t know all the characters needed to write it all out.” Su Bai acknowledged the difficulty this task posed for Sha Lan.

 

“Shaman, all these Tribes will only arrive after the snow season. None are willing to travel during the snow season.” Sha Lan added.

 

“That is to be expected. The snow season is very dangerous for them. Besides, our Tribe has a lot of important matters that require our attention. We don’t have any time to deal with them now,” Su Bai replied.

 

He was not particularly concerned about their arrival during the snow season. The Tribe currently had extensive plans and projects. Even if some of these people arrived, they would not be able to attend to them properly.

 

“Shaman, I heard that a cave with iron ore has been discovered?” Sha Lan had heard this news while travelling to the Yong’an Building.

 

“Yeah, firearms are currently being forged. You should be able to see them soon. You must diligently work hard to master them as quickly as possible.” Su Bai said.

 

He intended to provide them with firearms primarily as a means of self-defence.

 

“Great.” Sha Lan said with delight, and Yan Hua shared her enthusiasm.