Chapter 16: Sacrifice Showdown
On the morning of the third day of the market, also the day of the sacrifice, an unusual tension hung in the air. Representatives from various tribes had gathered early at the central sacrificial ground, but the focus today was clearly not on the traditional sacrificial ceremony.
The leader of the Sun Tribe—a tall, middle-aged man wearing a copper-trimmed cloak—stood before the altar, his gaze scanning the crowd. Beside him stood Broken Bones of the Skeleton Tribe and representatives of several other tribes, clearly forming some kind of alliance.
The Silver Moon Tribe's team, led by Canglan, entered the arena calmly. Lin Chen walked in the middle, keeping a low profile, but he could still feel the gazes from all sides—curious, evaluative, and even hostile.
The sacrificial ceremony proceeded according to tradition. However, when the priest finished the final prayer, the leader of the Sun Tribe, Lieri, suddenly stepped forward and spoke in a resounding voice: "Before heaven and earth bear witness, I have a matter for the discussion of all tribes."
The whole audience suddenly fell silent, and all eyes were focused on him.
"The Silvermoon Tribe has brought new and unique items," Lie Ri continued, his tone seemingly fair but tinged with sharpness. "But the techniques used to create these items should be shared, especially knowledge from outsiders. It should serve the well-being of all tribes."
Sui immediately echoed, "That's right! Why does the Silvermoon Tribe have a monopoly on these technologies? That outsider should be handed over and made to serve all tribes!"
Representatives of some small tribes that were won over by the Sun Tribe also expressed their support.
Canglan stepped forward steadily, his silver-grey eyes calm as usual: "According to the market rules, each tribe has the right to retain its own technology and secrets. The Silver Moon Tribe has never violated tradition."
"Tradition also requires that important resources be shared among tribes," Lieri retorted. "These technologies are too important to be monopolized by one tribe."
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. A representative from the Mountain Tribe, who supported the Silvermoon Tribe, stood up and spoke in whispers, "Forcing us to surrender our technology and personnel goes against the spirit of the market! The Silvermoon Tribe is willing to trade goods; that's more than enough."
The argument intensified as both sides held their own views. Just as the situation reached a stalemate, Lin Chen suddenly stepped forward and said calmly, "Please allow me a moment."
All eyes instantly focused on this seemingly weak stranger.
"I understand the tribes' desire for technology," Lin Chen said in a clear and firm voice. "But forced surrender is not a solution. I have a proposal: the Silvermoon Tribe is willing to open a workshop during the market to teach basic pottery and salt-making techniques. Any tribe interested can send people to learn."
This proposal was beyond everyone's expectations, even Canglan and Hong Yan were a little surprised - this was different from the plan they discussed last night.
Lin Chen continued, "But in exchange, each tribe must also share one of their unique technologies with the Silver Moon Tribe. This way, everyone can progress, rather than one tribe dominating."
Whisper was the first to voice his support: "What a fair offer! Knowledge exchange is better than forced seizure!"
Many neutral tribes nodded, obviously satisfied with this plan.
Lieri's face darkened. He hadn't expected Lin Chen to pull this trick. The original plan was to monopolize the technology through pressure, but now it had become public sharing, which actually weakened the Sun Tribe's advantage.
Bonebreaker roared angrily, "Who asked you to teach me slowly? Just hand it over!"
At this moment, an unexpected voice sounded: "I support the Silver Moon Tribe's proposal."
Everyone turned in surprise, realizing the speaker was the leader of a grassland tribe known for its domesticated camels. This tribe, renowned for its camel breeding, had always remained neutral and rarely intervened in disputes.
The grassland leader continued, "Knowledge should flow, but it must be voluntary and fair. Force will only bring hatred and conflict."
With the support of the Grassland Tribe, more tribes expressed their agreement. Seeing the situation was hopeless, Lie Ri could only reluctantly nod, "In that case, let's proceed with this plan. But the Silver Moon Tribe must keep their promise and truly share their technology."
Canglan responded solemnly: "The Silver Moon Tribe always keeps its word."
The crisis seemed to be resolved, but Lin Chen noticed a flash of cold light in Lieri's eyes and knew that things would not end so easily.
In the afternoon, the Silver Moon Tribe held a workshop as scheduled. To their surprise, the number of tribal representatives who came to learn far exceeded their expectations. Even the Sun Tribe sent a few young people—ostensibly to learn, but more likely to explore the situation.
Lin Chen personally guided the basics of pottery making, cleverly hiding key techniques within ordinary processes. The techniques he taught were practical but imperfect, enough for other tribes to make basic pottery, but difficult to reach the level of the Silver Moon Tribe.
Canglan was in charge of the salt-making workshop, also sharing the basics but retaining the core techniques.
At the same time, Hong Yan took the members of the Silver Moon Tribe to learn the techniques of other tribes: learning fine weaving from the mountain tribe, understanding the basics of camel domestication from the grassland tribe, and even learning a unique fish preservation method from a small tribe.
In the evening, Whisper quietly arrived at the Silvermoon Tribe camp and brought important news: "Scorching Sun hasn't given up. I heard he plans to send someone to steal your core technology tonight."
Canglan's eyes turned cold: "Thanks for the warning. We will be prepared."
After nightfall, the Silver Moon Tribe camp appeared peaceful, but tensions were building within. Canglan had his most reliable warriors secretly on guard, while Lin Chen had already moved important items to a safe location.
Sure enough, late at night, several dark figures quietly sneaked into the camp. But as soon as they approached the storage area, they were surrounded by warriors from the Silver Moon Tribe.
Surprisingly, the visitors were not from the Sun or Skeleton Tribe, but several unfamiliar members of a small tribe.
"Slaying Sun promised to give us metal tools in exchange for stealing your technology," a captive confessed. "He said if we succeeded, he would accept us as a vassal tribe."
Hong Yan shook his head and sighed: "The Sun Tribe actually took advantage of the plight of a small tribe to do this."
Lin Chen, however, had a new idea. After quietly conferring with Canglan, he told the captives, "We won't punish you. On the contrary, if you truly want to learn, you can officially come to the workshop tomorrow, and we'll provide additional guidance. The Silver Moon Tribe believes in cooperation, not oppression."
Several captives were shocked and ashamed, one even shed tears: "We...we have been oppressed by the Sun Tribe for too long, and we were confused for a moment..."
The next day, news of the Silver Moon Tribe's generous teaching efforts spread throughout the market, earning them the respect and support of even more tribes. Even the leader of the Grassland Tribe came in person, expressing his willingness to establish a long-term trading relationship.
On the contrary, the Sun Tribe's behavior gradually aroused the resentment of other tribes. Although the Sun Tribe maintained its dignity on the surface, it was obvious that it felt isolated.
On the last day of the market, during the farewell ceremony, Elder Shi Yan unexpectedly showed up at the venue—it turned out that Cang Lan had already sent someone back to the Silver Moon Tribe to report the news and pick up the elder.
The presence of Elder Shiyan further solidified the Silvermoon Tribe's position. He delivered a speech at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and respect among tribes, which was widely recognized.
After the sacrifice, the tribes began to pack up and leave. Lie Ri took one last look at the Silver Moon Tribe's camp, his eyes complicated, but he ultimately didn't provoke them again.
As the Silvermoon Tribe packed up and prepared to return, Whisper came to bid them farewell, bearing gifts from the Mountain Tribe. "You've changed the rules of the market. From now on, smaller tribes will have more say."
Canglan responded solemnly: "I hope that when we meet again at the market next year, all tribes will be able to be more equal and help each other."
The atmosphere on the return trip was much more relaxed. Hong Yan took stock of his gains: not only had he acquired much-needed metal tools, but he had also learned several new techniques and established new allies.
Canglan, however, was more concerned about something else. Walking beside Lin Chen, he asked softly, "You suddenly changed your plan and proposed technology sharing. Was this something you had planned long ago?"
Lin Chen smiled: "It was an idea that came to me when I saw the grassland leader. Sometimes, seemingly giving in can actually win more."
Canglan's eyes were filled with admiration. "You are not only smart, but also brave." He paused for a moment, and his voice became softer. "After returning to the tribe, I will formally propose this to Elder Shi Yan..."
"I do." Lin Chen interrupted him softly.
Canglan was stunned, his silver-grey eyes widened slightly: "What?"
Lin Chen smiled: "I said I am willing to be your partner."
Canglan was stunned on the spot, and it took him a long time to find his voice: "You...you mean..."
Hong Yan and the others in front turned to watch, all smiling knowingly. Yun Shan even secretly made a celebratory gesture.
Lin Chen's face flushed slightly, but his eyes were firm: "Over the past few days, I have witnessed your courage, wisdom, and kindness. In this world, there is no one more trustworthy than you."
Canglan's eyes sparkled with incredible joy. He carefully held Lin Chen's hand, as if it were the most precious treasure: "I swear, I will protect and respect you for the rest of my life."
The team continued to move forward, but the atmosphere was completely different. Everyone sang the traditional love songs of the Silver Moon Tribe and blessed the newlyweds.
As the sun set, they returned to the canyon where the Stoneclaw leopards roamed. Surprisingly, the mother leopard and her cubs were waiting on a high place, and when they saw the team, they gave a friendly growl.
"They are seeing us off." Lin Chen said with a smile.
Canglan held Lin Chen's hand tightly: "It seems that even the spirits of nature bless us."
When the walls of the Silvermoon Tribe finally appeared on the horizon, the entire team cheered. The remaining tribesmen had already received the news and opened the gates to welcome the returning heroes.
Elder Shi Yan stood at the front, a proud smile on his face. When he heard Canglan and Lin Chen's decision, he couldn't help but rejoice: "This is a double joy for the Silver Moon Tribe! A bountiful harvest, and a happy marriage!"
That night, the tribe held a grand celebration. The newly learned skills, the items exchanged, the alliances established, and the upcoming mate ceremony were all filled with hope.
Lin Chen stood beside Canglan, looking at the tribal members singing and laughing around the campfire, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of belonging and happiness.
In this pristine and pure world, he found home, purpose, and love. And all this is just the beginning.
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