Chapter 44: Dreamweaving Begins
Spring returned, and the Alliance tribes returned to their respective territories. The Silvermoon Tribe also resumed its former rhythm. But the changes brought by the Alliance had already seeped into the soil like spring rain, quietly changing everything.
One warm afternoon, when Lin Chen was sorting out the samples brought back from the expedition, he noticed Yunshan and Xiaoyu arguing over a bundle of plant fibers.
"This vine fiber is incredibly flexible," Yunshan said, pulling at the fibers in his hand. "It's better than any other material we've used. It should be able to be woven into a stronger cloth."
Xiaoyu, however, was skeptical: "Processing is too time-consuming. It's better to focus on improving existing materials."
Lin Chen took a closer look. It was a climbing plant he had discovered during an expedition. The bark fibers were long and strong. A thought struck him, and he recalled some basic principles of modern textiles.
“Maybe it’s not an either/or choice,” he said, adding, “We could try new methods to process this fiber, and if that works, consider large-scale application.”
The three formed a makeshift research team. Lin Chen designed a simple retting process, utilizing the knowledge gained from the alliance: the soaking techniques of the nomadic tribes, the pounding methods of the high mountain tribes, and the rinsing techniques of the lakeside tribes.
After many experiments, they successfully extracted high-quality fibers that were much more flexible than existing materials.
"This can be used to make better fishing nets, clothes, and even ropes!" Yunshan gestured excitedly.
Xiaoyu is concerned about practicality: "But the extraction efficiency is too low, and the tools need to be improved."
This problem sparked alliance-wide innovation. Each tribe contributed its ingenuity: the Mountain Tribe improved its fiber-beating tools, the Nomadic Tribe designed a more efficient soaking pool, the Lakeside Tribe optimized its rinsing process, and the Silvermoon Tribe integrated all of these improvements.
The most groundbreaking innovation came from an unexpected contribution from the Shell Tribe. During a discussion, a representative of the Shell Tribe observed the fiber processing process and proposed using specific shell pieces to polish the fiber surface, making it smoother and easier to spin.
The results are amazing! Not only does polishing the shell improve spinning efficiency, it also makes the finished product softer.
"The combined wisdom of each tribe produced an effect where the sum of one was greater than the other," Lin Chen wrote in the record.
The new material was named "Union Fiber" to commemorate the common contribution of the tribes. The first batch of cloth woven with Union Fiber was soft and strong, and immediately caused a sensation.
Berry was the first to realize the medical value: "This kind of fabric is easier to clean and disinfect, making it suitable for medical use."
Canglan saw military value: "Lighter and stronger equipment can improve hunting and defense efficiency."
Even the children noticed the advantages of the new fabric: "It's not as prickly as the old one!"
However, large-scale production faces challenges. Existing spinning and weaving tools are inefficient and cannot process large quantities of fiber.
Lin Chen once again organized an innovation team. They studied the textile techniques of various tribes: the simple looms of the Silver Moon Tribe, the portable spindles of the Nomadic Tribe, the net weaving of the Lakeside Tribe, and even the shell stringing techniques of the Shell Tribe.
Combining these technologies, they designed a new generation of textile tools: foot-operated spinning wheels improved spinning efficiency; improved looms allowed for more complex weaving; and they even developed simple printing techniques, using plant dyes and carved shells to print tribal patterns on cloth.
After resolving the production issues, the Alliance decided to establish a dedicated textile workshop. The location was chosen to be in the Silvermoon Tribe, but each tribe would send personnel to participate in management and technical development.
The workshop became a model of alliance cooperation. The nomadic tribes provided livestock hair to expand the fabric variety; the mountain tribes contributed mineral dyes; the lakeside tribes shared waterproofing techniques; the shell tribes provided guidance on decorative techniques; and the Silvermoon tribe coordinated overall production.
The types of fabrics are rapidly increasing: there are waterproof canvas, thermal insulation thick velvet, breathable summer cloth, and even sterilized fabrics for medical use.
Alliance fiber cloth quickly became a hot commodity among tribes. However, the Alliance established fair trade principles: prioritizing the basic needs of each tribe, with surpluses used for external trade; and trade proceeds were used for common Alliance projects.
An unexpected benefit is the social change brought about by the textile industry. Weaving requires patience and meticulousness, giving some tribesmen with limited physical strength a new way to contribute.
An old hunter who was unable to hunt due to injury became an excellent spinning wheel maker; a half-orc with poor eyesight became a quality inspector with his keen sense of touch; even children could participate in some simple processes.
"Everyone can find a position that suits them," Elder Shi Yan said as he inspected the workshop. "The alliance makes it possible for everyone to showcase their strengths."
The textile industry also led to the further development of symbology. To record complex textile techniques and designs, the Alliance developed more elaborate craft symbols.
These symbols were soon applied to other fields. Meiguo used them to record more complex medical procedures; Canglan used them to describe more detailed hunting techniques; and even cooking began using symbols to record recipes.
In late spring, the Alliance held its first "Textile Fair." Each tribe showcased its textiles and innovations: medical bandages from the Silvermoon Tribe, portable tents from the Nomadic Tribe, mountaineering equipment from the High Mountain Tribe, improved fishing nets from the Lakeside Tribe, and decorative art from the Shell Tribe.
The most eye-catching thing is the jointly developed "Alliance Standard Equipment" - a travel suit including clothing, tools, and medical supplies, which uses the best technology of each tribe and becomes the standard equipment for Alliance envoys.
During the expo, a profound decision was made: to establish an "Alliance Craftsman" system. Each tribe would recommend outstanding craftsmen to work and teach in different tribes in turn, promoting technological exchange and innovation.
"Knowledge grows through flow," Lin Chen said at the closing ceremony, "and technology improves through sharing."
As night fell, the torches at the fairgrounds lit up, illuminating the textiles of each tribe like a vibrant rainbow. People danced in their new clothes, a different tribe, a shared joy.
Lin Chen and Canglan strolled among the exhibits, feeling the beauty of this fusion.
"From covering the body for warmth to artistic expression," Canglan stroked a beautifully woven piece, "textiles are not only a technology, but also a culture."
Lin Chen nodded: "Just like the alliance itself, from practical cooperation to cultural integration."
They stopped in front of a special piece - a cloak that combined patterns from various tribes. Wolf shapes, eagle wings, water waves, wind patterns, and shell ornaments coexisted harmoniously, symbolizing the spirit of the alliance.
"This is a gift for the leader of the alliance," the craftsman explained, "a symbol of protection and unity among the tribes."
Elder Shi Yan solemnly accepted the cloak, but unexpectedly draped it over the shoulders of Lin Chen and Cang Lan. "A true leader is not a person, but a spirit that guides the direction. Let this cloak protect those who protect the alliance."
This move won the approval of the entire audience. In the eyes of everyone, Lin Chen and Cang Lan have become the symbols of the alliance: one from afar, bringing new knowledge, the other rooted in the local area, protecting traditions; one is full of innovative spirit, the other upholds ancient wisdom; one represents openness, the other represents perseverance.
Under the starry sky, the torch gradually fades, but the light of the alliance shines brighter. The rise of the textile industry is not only a technological advancement, but also a reflection of the deepening of the alliance.
The value of these handmade textiles far exceeds that of modern industrial products. They are not just objects, but stories; not just techniques, but emotions; not just commodities, but connections.
Dreamweaver has just begun to emerge, but much has changed. Between tribes and within each individual, the warp and weft of cooperation have been interwoven, innovative patterns have emerged, and shared dreams are becoming reality.
As the last spring star fades into the morning light, the Silvermoon Tribe and its allies are ready to apply their textile industry success to even more fields. As the Alliance's path broadens, its bonds grow stronger, and its future brightens.
At this moment of dawn, human civilization continues its eternal creation in the most manual and profound way: weaving materials with hands, weaving technology with wisdom, weaving culture with hearts, and weaving the future with unity.
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