"Though the three clans have formed an alliance, each possesses a distinct history spanning centuries, making complete integration in the short term exceedingly difficult.
The tri-colored aluminum you have bestowed upon us undoubtedly represents the unique characteristics of each clan.
Red symbolizes the fervor and bravery of the Huyan clan.
Yellow signifies the harvest and unity of the Zuo Qiu clan.
Green represents the wisdom and tranquility of the Nalan clan.
When the warriors of the three clans don this armor, they will surely remember the divine expectations placed upon them.
The honor of their clans will imbue them with boundless courage!"
As Nalan Xia spoke, her head bowed slightly. "Of course, this is merely our rudimentary conjecture, unable to encompass the full intent of the divine."
Wang Hui felt a flicker in the corner of his eye.
Even he, with his thick skin from the twenty-first century, could not help but feel a slight flush.
Originally, he had simply intended to have a bit of fun by creating three color schemes for the clan's beverage cans.
Who would have thought that Nalan Xia would elaborate so profoundly on it…
Is this what they call "corporate understanding"?
"Truly remarkable, Chief Nalan; your comprehension is indeed extraordinary."
Wang Hui solemnly patted Nalan Xia's shoulder in commendation.
She trembled slightly, feeling both flattered and overwhelmed. "All credit belongs to your divine guidance, much like the first ray of dawn dispelling darkness!"
Amidst Nalan Xia's heartfelt flattery, Wang Hui took a moment to survey the craftspeople at work.
After offering several thought-provoking and constructive suggestions, he transformed into a beam of light and ascended.
"Phew… that Nalan Xia is exceptionally skilled at flattery; if I didn't possess some semblance of shamelessness, I would surely be unable to withstand such praise."
Wang Hui sighed with a wry smile.
Noticing that night had fallen and his stomach had begun to grumble, he decided to retrieve a box of Kung Pao Chicken self-heating rice from the refrigerator for a meal.
In the process, he also made a point to leave a few grains of rice and several small remnants of chicken for the hardworking craftsmen to improve their rations.
Uh, to some extent, this was also influenced by the uplift in his spirits from Nalan Xia's compliments…
Meanwhile, in the miniature world, Wang Hui's casual act ignited a flurry of subtle rumors.
"Everyone says the Zuo Qiu clan has divine favor, but honestly, I believe our Nalan clan is even more formidable! Just look at how many times the divine has blessed us..."
In a tavern belonging to the Nalan clan, a group of craftsmen, having just finished their work, were eagerly devouring chicken chunks while sipping hot chocolate soup.
Their mouths were filled with flavor, and their faces radiated enjoyment.
This was far more satisfying than the coarse wheat cakes and beer!
"The one favored by the divine is not the Nalan clan, but rather Chief Nalan herself."
A craftsman with chocolate stains on his beard slyly remarked to his companions,
"Think about it; our clan excels in forging weapons and armor, so divine metal makes sense.
But why are we receiving so much divine food, especially rare delicacies that the Huyan and Zuo Qiu clans have never seen?"
"Are you suggesting... that those earlier rumors were true?"
His companion's face lit up in realization.
"Chief Xia has been favored by the divine, not only extending her lifespan but also perfectly healing the grave injuries she sustained...
Ha, even though the leader of Zuo Qiu, Yue, called upon the divine with an ancestral artifact, she couldn't outshine our Chief Xia!"
"As fellow women, Chief Yue is still somewhat inexperienced; it's Chief Xia who has truly captured the divine's favor..."
...
In the dead of night, after inspecting the clan's defenses, Nalan Xia returned to her residence.
Standing by the window of her stone tower, her senses, enhanced by primal energy, faintly picked up the sounds of revelry from the nearby tavern.
She bit her lip, her gaze displaying an unusual sense of confusion.
The rumors surrounding "the divine and Xia" had long become a popular topic of conversation among the Nalan clan.
They had even spread to the Zuo Qiu and Huyan clans, growing more credible with each retelling!
Nalan Xia understood that her kin spoke of it with pride.
After all, the Nalan clan had maintained a lower profile amidst centuries of strife between the three clans.
They had either bowed westward or eastward, rarely having opportunities to shine like they did now.
To be favored by the supreme divine was a dream cherished by all!
Yet, only Nalan Xia truly understood that her connection with the divine was not as profound as the rumors suggested.
"Perhaps… I should take the initiative to serve the divine?
But at thirty-four years of age, how could this ordinary body possibly be worthy..."
Despite her youthful appearance, nourished by primal energy, Nalan Xia could not shake the feelings of inadequacy within her.
This usually wise and composed leader of the Nalan clan, in the realm of emotions, felt painfully shy.
Before one so exalted as the divine, how could she ever feel worthy?
...
At that very moment, Wang Hui, having just finished his meal and tidied up, suddenly sneezed twice in quick succession.
"Who is speaking my name?"
Rubbing his nose, he glanced at the tranquil miniature world illuminated by the bright moon, seemingly undisturbed.
Wang Hui could never have guessed that he had already become the subject of much gossip among the miniature folk…
[Ding ding]!
At that moment, his phone chimed with a notification indicating that two items he had ordered from Taobao had arrived.
The remaining shipments were from too far away and would likely take another two days to arrive.
Stepping out to retrieve the package from the delivery box at the alley's entrance, Wang Hui's eyes brightened!
Among the larger items was a miniature city.
Crafted from wood mixed with stone powder and other materials, it replicated the appearance of blue bricks.
The city walls, battlements, gates, and the intricately designed streets and buildings within were all remarkably lifelike and ancient!
To present such detail within the size of a laptop was a breathtaking accomplishment, even if it was merely a post-engraving assembly!
"Extraordinary micro-sculptural artistry…"
Wang Hui marveled as he gazed back at the miniature world.
Covering a total area of three square meters, it would approximately equate to the size of three ordinary prefecture-level cities in the outer realm.
And if he were to place the laptop-sized miniature city within it, it would be a magnificent addition, considering the three clans' pre-feudal era civilization!
However, Wang Hui had no intention of placing it just yet.
"It would be best to wait until the three clans have completely eradicated the underground purple-skinned beasts and ushered in an era of peace.
Then I can descend with this grand city as a reward, making it a more fitting acknowledgment..."
Having made these rough plans, he shifted his gaze to the second micro-sculpture delivery.
To be precise, it contained three sets of micro-sculptural figurines.
The theme was set during the Three Kingdoms period, featuring the sworn brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei from the Peach Garden Oath.
Their size was even smaller than ants, intended as props for players who enjoyed recreating ancient battlefield scenes.
In truth, Wang Hui was not particularly interested in the figurines themselves.
He carefully removed the tiny weapons from the hands of the three figures and examined them with a magnifying glass.
The twin sabers, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and the eight-foot snake spear!
Crafted from titanium steel, they were essentially 316L stainless steel without titanium, high in hardness and resistant to corrosion.
Creating such small yet durable weapons while ensuring the intricate detailing could not be achieved by hand alone; it required the use of extremely precise modern machinery for seamless production.
"The craftsmanship of the miniature artisans is impeccable, but their materials are limited to iron, copper, and the aluminum I provided, which lacks a certain aesthetic quality.
The weapons wielded by generals and ordinary soldiers alike simply do not possess the desired prestige!
Let me bestow upon you three pieces of divine weapons made of titanium steel to enhance your sense of ceremony…"