"What is the urgency? I have not accused you, are you feeling guilty?" Faced with Gulu Mi's fierce glare, Huyan Longzhuo shrugged dismissively, defiantly engaging her. "Enough!" Nalan Xia commanded, firmly pressing down on the table. Though lacking in combat prowess, her considerable prestige accumulated over the years among the three clans compelled the quarreling duo to discreetly avert their gazes.
"The immediate priority is to ascertain the nature of this incident." Nalan Xia surveyed the room and declared, "We must thoroughly investigate whether this sudden flood is merely a natural disaster or an invasion from external forces!"
"...Invasion?" Nalan Huazi stroked his beard, perplexed, and inquired, "Leader, do you mean to suggest that beyond our three clans, other factions exist?"
"The world you speak of is confined to our limited understanding." Nalan Xia glanced out at the sky and continued, "Given the existence of realms inhabited by deities, we cannot dismiss the possibility of further unknown worlds... If we fail to respond appropriately, the three clans may face the greatest crisis in history!" The assembled individuals, all trustworthy high-ranking members, need not worry that her alarmist rhetoric would incite unnecessary panic. On the contrary, she intentionally shaped her predictions towards the most dire outcome.
It had been half a year since the last formal conflict among the clans, and today's "flood" was evidently more formidable than the previous rodent attacks! The deluge had brought forth fish never before seen, who could guarantee that the depths of that water did not conceal even more outrageous and terrifying creatures?
"Danger is often accompanied by opportunity." Huyan Gui observed the bewildered assembly and gestured expansively, proclaiming, "The flood contains an abundance of fish and shrimp, promising us a more lavish food supply. Moreover, on the other side of the water, there may lie even more expansive lands, ensuring that our descendants will never need to worry about having no place to call home!" The emergence of this new world stirred the nomadic spirit within Huyan Gui, reigniting the centuries-old desire for conquest ingrained in the Huyan lineage, a yearning not easily extinguished by mere years of peace!
"Leader Gui, our decisions impact not only your Huyan clan but also the welfare of a hundred thousand souls from the three clans! Do not let momentary impulses jeopardize the hard-won peace." Fortunately, Zuo Qiu Yue remained composed and calmly suggested, "I propose we first relocate the clansmen residing in the east, with patrols closely monitoring the waterline for a period before making further decisions."
Nalan Xia added, "Additionally, I will summon the divine beast, the Griffin, to investigate across the floodwaters to ascertain whether there are unknown foreign factions... Do any of you have objections?" Nalan Huazi, Gulu Mi, and Zuo Qiu Tang expressed their agreement. Huyan Longzhuo turned to his leader, Huyan Gui, who remained silent for a moment before ultimately refraining from further comment.
With the meeting concluded, the attendees swiftly dispersed, issuing a flurry of instructions. Nalan Xia seized a moment to approach Gulu Mi and whispered, "The Huyan clan may not remain tranquil in the near future, please keep an eye on the eastern front, and contact me immediately should anything arise!"
Gulu Mi's violet eyes darted, and he pouted, "I still have plenty of crystal vines to tend to, I'm quite busy..."
"I will grant you a month's leave, with ample provisions."
"Alright!"
---
The merging of the two miniature worlds set the three clans into a flurry of activity. Meanwhile, the Bay World had yet to respond, given that it connected to the far end of the bay, where typical fishing vessels seldom ventured.
In the external world, Wang Hui held a magnifying glass in one hand while the other brought a midnight snack to his mouth. After several attempts, he discovered that by sealing all surrounding glass, he could accelerate time in the two miniature worlds while maintaining their connection. However, if any pane of glass was opened, both worlds would synchronize with the external timeline. Only by closing the glass at the connection could they regain their independence.
"After a brief moment of chaos, the three clans quickly devised rational countermeasures, indicating that the governing structure remains relatively stable..." Observing the soldiers of the three clans patrolling the coastline, Wang Hui nodded in satisfaction, his gaze shifting to a figure soaring in the sky, heading towards the Bay World.
It was the Griffin! Utilizing its ability to fly for reconnaissance was indeed the most prudent method of probing the situation. Yet, it was not adept at long-distance flight, while flying within the confines of the clan's world was manageable, traversing the vast expanse of the Bay World proved much more challenging. With the interference of the sea breeze, the Griffin could barely skim across half of the bay before needing to return.
However, through repeated flights, it could gather valuable information to relay back, translated by the divine servant Huyan Wu, another fusion beast, to the high-ranking members of the three clans. Upon learning of the presence of ships, it confirmed the existence of unfamiliar factions!
Unable to contain his eagerness any longer, Huyan Gui discreetly instructed his subordinates to prepare boats for a personal exploration across the realms. Yet, the primitive vessels used on rivers were ill-suited for the tumultuous waves of the ocean.
The Huyan warriors barely paddled a short distance before their boats were overturned. Had it not been for Gulu Mi, who had secretly followed Nalan Xia's orders, they would have been among the first unfortunate souls to drown in the sea!
After this unfortunate endeavor, Huyan Gui, having swallowed a mouthful of salty water, felt his heated mind finally cool as he returned to the City of Divine Grace, where he shared his experiences with the higher-ups.
Wang Hui observed the industrious little artisans of the Nalan clan, mobilized and fervently working to improve the vessels, unable to suppress a smile. He did not mind Huyan Gui's reckless actions, after all, throughout history, civilization has only thrived through the trials of persistent setbacks.
However, given the backward development of the clan worlds, it would take considerable time to reach the level necessary for Wang Hui's purposes, thus, intervention was essential to provide a little "boost." He researched the history of shipbuilding and the accompanying technologies online, memorizing the information before descending into the clan world to meticulously document his findings and instructions for Nalan Xia.
"The passage between our worlds will soon be temporarily closed. What the three clans must do is swiftly master these technologies and adeptly apply the characteristics of body-enhancers. In approximately two years, the passage will reopen! Not all factions can coexist peacefully, the three clans must possess the capability to address threats from beyond the ocean. Do you understand my intentions?"
Nalan Xia glanced at the substantial stacks of complex documents and blueprints on the table, noting the new term "ocean" before bowing deeply.
"Survival of the fittest… The three clans, long favored by the divine, have no reason to become failures. We shall surely make our mark and live up to your expectations!"
"Excellent."
Wang Hui crouched down to pat Nalan Xia's shoulder as a gesture of encouragement. Just as she lifted her face to speak, he had already vanished from sight.
"Alas..."
A complex expression crossed Nalan Xia's beautiful face, after eagerly awaiting the divine being's arrival, she had barely begun to converse before parting ways again. With a soft sigh, she concealed her feelings and turned to issue a command outside:
"Summon all craftsmen, I have important matters to announce!"