"Yes, Chief!"
The Artisans responded in unison.
Suina's body trembled slightly, and she looked at Wu Liang gratefully.
She knew that Wu Liang was establishing her authority.
"Alright, cheer up, everyone!"
Suina cleared her throat and roared at her Tribe members.
"By the end of today, I want to produce a hundred qualified bottles and cups!"
"Also, the production of strong liquor must not stop! Get moving!"
Wu Liang nodded in satisfaction, called Suina aside, and handed her a roll of blueprints.
"What is this?"
Suina asked curiously.
"Something that can change the world."
Wu Liang unfolded the blueprint, which depicted a pattern Suina couldn't understand.
It was a strange device composed of countless precision components such as a boiler, cylinder, piston, connecting rod, and flywheel.
"This is called a steam engine."
Wu Liang pointed at the blueprint and explained to Suina.
"Look, when water boils, it creates steam, which is a powerful force, enough to lift a pot lid."
"If we collect this force into a sealed iron can, and then use this thing called a piston to push it..."
As Wu Liang explained, Suina's eyes widened.
A machine that can move itself?
Heavens!
If they could truly build something like this, what would it mean?
It meant they could drive heavier forging hammers, making the crafting of weapons and armor much more efficient.
"Can we really build this?"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
"Of course."
Wu Liang's tone was full of confidence.
"Starting today, the mission of the Military Workshop is to build this thing for me, no matter the cost!"
"Yes!"
Suina suddenly straightened her back, her eyes burning with fierce flames.
In the days that followed, the Military Workshop entered a busy state.
And Wu Liang was not idle either.
As winter approached, the weather grew colder.
Winter in the Great Desolate Mountain was harsh, freezing water instantly.
In the past, many people in various Tribes froze to death every winter.
Now that the Tribes were unified, the population surged, and residential areas became crowded.
In this environment, warmth and hygiene were top priorities.
"We must improve everyone's living conditions."
Wu Liang said at a high-level meeting.
Wei Xian strongly agreed with Wu Liang's suggestion.
"Exactly, especially the newly joined Tribe members; their dwellings are quite rudimentary."
"Moreover, bathing in winter is a big problem. Many people don't bathe once all winter, which makes them prone to illness."
"I have an idea."
Wu Liang looked at Florgloria, who was seated below him.
"We can build a large public bathhouse and use pipes to channel heated water to it."
"Then, we can build several rooms, heated by fire walls, where people can steam themselves to sweat out moisture and cold."
"Steam?"
Florgloria was a bit confused.
"Yes, I call it sauna."
Wu Liang briefly explained the principle of the sauna.
"This way, everyone can stay clean, drive out the cold, promote blood circulation, and benefit their health."
"That's a great idea!"
Eliza's eyes lit up.
"If it can be built, it will definitely be very popular."
"I'll leave this matter to you, Florgloria."
Wu Liang looked at Florgloria.
"Whatever manpower and supplies you need, speak directly to Eliza. She will cooperate fully."
"Yes, Chief."
Florgloria stood up and replied steadily.
Since Wu Liang affirmed her value last time, Florgloria's mindset had undergone a subtle change.
She was no longer as passive as before, but began actively thinking about the Tribe's operations.
Her coordination and management abilities played a huge role in logistics and security, earning her the respect of many Tribe members.
Wu Liang entrusting her with the important task of building the Sauna Bathhouse was both a sign of trust in her abilities and a further means of winning her over.
After the meeting, Wu Liang accompanied Wei Xian for a walk on the city wall.
"Lately, you seem to be quite attentive to those newcomers."
Wei Xian said, seemingly casually.
Wu Liang smiled and pulled her into his arms:
"What, are you jealous?"
"Of course not."
Wei Xian rolled her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.
"I'm just reminding you that Ignis and Suina, especially, are not easy to control."
"Don't worry. Even the wildest horse will turn into a docile lamb in my hands."
Wu Liang said confidently, his gaze sweeping toward the bustling Military Workshop in the distance.
"Suina is almost done."
"Oh?"
Wei Xian was a bit surprised.
"You made her...?"
"Mhm."
Wu Liang nodded.
Wei Xian was silent for a moment, then leaned against his shoulder.
"Just make your decision. As long as it's for the Tribe, I will support you."
She was the person who understood Wu Liang best.
She knew that everything this man did had a far-reaching plan behind it.
"However, you need to watch out for Akomann."
Wei Xian added.
"I heard that she and Ignis have clashed several times at the training ground recently; the atmosphere is quite explosive."
Hearing this, Wu Liang rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Akomann and Ignis both had explosive tempers.
He really needed to pay close attention to Ignis.
Half a month later, under Florgloria's efficient organization, the Black Rock Tribe's first large public Sauna Bathhouse was officially completed.
This public Sauna Bathhouse was divided into several areas, featuring large public soaking pools and private baths.
There were also dry and wet steam rooms heated by fire walls.
As soon as it was put into use, it was immediately and enthusiastically embraced by all Tribe members.
"Come on, I'll take you two to enjoy it."
That evening, Wu Liang said this to Wei Xian and Eliza.
For safety and privacy, Wu Liang specifically had a private room built for himself in the bathhouse.
Wei Xian and Eliza exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of a smile in the other's eyes.
That night, steam billowed in the luxurious Sauna Room on the top floor.
Wu Liang, Wei Xian, and Eliza soaked in the warm pool water, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation.
Inside the Sauna Room, hot vapor rose, enveloping everything in a hazy mist.
Water of moderate temperature gurgled out of a stone carving shaped like a beast's head, flowing into the large soaking pool.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of wood mixed with herbs, causing people to relax unconsciously.
Wu Liang leaned against the side of the pool, closing his eyes and enjoying the rare tranquility.
Wei Xian rested her head on his arm; the steam rising from the water added a touch of lazy charm to her alluring face.
Eliza, sitting on the other side, was slowly pouring warm water onto her fair, smooth shoulders with a wooden ladle.
Her enchanting figure was faintly visible in the mist, full of temptation.
"You always have the best ideas."
Wei Xian sighed comfortably.
"Now that this Sauna Room is built, we won't have to worry about the cold all winter."
"Yes, the Tribe members are practically worshipping Florgloria like a god."
Eliza also said with a smile.
"She is truly capable. Such a large project was completed in half a month, and the arrangements were orderly, without a single hitch."
"Indeed, she is a rare talent."
Wu Liang opened his eyes and said lightly.
"She is steady and practical. I feel very secure letting her manage logistics."
Just then, his keen hearing caught an extremely faint unusual sound.
It was the sound of footsteps from outside the door.