Chapter 17 Celebration
The walls of the Silvermoon Tribe were ablaze with lights, and the sounds of laughter and the aroma of barbecue filled the night air. In the central square, a huge bonfire crackled, illuminating faces brimming with joy.
Elder Shi Yan stood on the platform, holding up a newly crafted ceramic cup filled with sweet fruit wine. "Tonight, we celebrate the safe return of our warriors and the great success of the market! The glory of the Silvermoon Tribe is even greater because of you!"
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Canglan, Lin Chen, and the members of the market team were pushed to the front to receive the respect of the entire clan.
Yunshan excitedly tugged at Lin Chen's sleeve, "Tell us about the market! I heard you faced threats from the Sun Tribe and the Skeleton Tribe!"
Lin Chen smiled as he began his narration, Canglan and Hong Yan adding details from time to time. When he spoke of how Lin Chen used his wisdom to resolve crises, the crowd erupted in admiration; when he discussed the new knowledge gained from the technical exchange, the elders nodded in approval.
Meiguo examined the metal tools she had exchanged for, a rare expression of satisfaction on her face. "These tools will greatly improve the efficiency of herbal processing. Look at this copper knife, it's much more precise than a stone knife."
Elsewhere, members of the Liuhe Tribe gathered around Hong Yan, listening to him share his insights from his interactions with the various tribes. "We've learned three new fishing methods, and next year's catch will definitely increase!"
The climax of the celebration was the gift distribution. Canglan's team distributed the items they had exchanged for: exquisite woven fabrics for the women, sharp tools for the craftsmen, rare medicinal herbs for Berry's medical team, and even sweet snacks for the children.
Lin Chen took out the bag of precious grain seeds and solemnly handed it to Elder Shi Yan: "This is our hope for the future. If we can successfully plant them, the Silver Moon Tribe will say goodbye to hunger forever."
The elder took the seeds, his hands trembling slightly. "This is more precious than any metal tool. Next warm season, we will open our first grain field."
When all the gifts were distributed, Canglan suddenly raised his voice: "I have another important announcement."
The whole place fell silent. Canglan walked towards Lin Chen, knelt on one knee in front of everyone, and, in the traditional posture of the Silver Moon Tribe, looked up at Lin Chen's eyes.
"Lin Chen, a wise man from afar, benefactor of the Silver Moon Tribe." Canglan's voice was loud and affectionate. "Will you be my partner and spend the rest of your life with me?"
There were gasps of surprise from the crowd, followed by enthusiastic applause and cheers. Lin Chen blushed slightly, but nodded firmly: "I do."
Elder Shi Yan stepped forward with a beaming smile. "Double happiness! This is the greatest blessing for our tribe! According to tradition, the partner ceremony will be held on the next full moon!"
The atmosphere of celebration intensified as young people began to perform traditional dances around the bonfire, their songs filling the night sky.
Lin Chen was gently pulled into the dance circle by Canglan and learned simple dance steps. Although the movements were unfamiliar, he quickly caught up with the rhythm under Canglan's patient guidance.
"Look! Lin Chen dances so well!" Yunshan clapped his hands happily and joined the dance with Chenlu sisters.
Even the usually serious Meiguo smiled and gave Lin Chen an approving look.
In between dances, everyone sat around and shared delicious food. The market team members became the most popular storytellers, and every detail was asked to be repeated.
Liefeng gestured exaggeratedly, "That Skeleton Tribe's Broken Bones had a face as ugly as if he had eaten sour fruit! Lin Chen shut him down with just one sentence!"
Hong Yan nodded and added, "The most exciting idea is the technology exchange. Now all the tribes are grateful for the generosity of the Silver Moon Tribe, while the Sun Tribe is isolated."
The elders listened with rapt interest, while the young people's eyes sparkled with admiration. The Silvermoon Tribe hadn't felt so proud in a long time.
Late at night, as the celebrations were winding down, Elder Shi Yan stood up again and said, "This trip to the market not only brought back supplies and technology, but also earned respect and allies. The Silver Moon Tribe is growing stronger, thanks to everyone's contributions, especially Lin Chen's wisdom and courage."
Everyone raised their glasses to salute Lin Chen. Lin Chen stood up and returned the greeting, saying sincerely, "It was the Silver Moon Tribe that first opened its arms to me. Here I have found a home and a sense of belonging. Everything I do is for the future of this family."
Canglan gently held Lin Chen's hand under the table, his silver-gray eyes filled with gentle love and pride.
The celebration lasted until midnight. When the last group of people reluctantly left the square, Canglan and Lin Chen walked side by side on the quiet tribal path.
The moonlight shone on the newly built houses and walls, outlining the new outline of the Silver Moon Tribe.
"This all feels like a dream," Lin Chen said softly. "A few months ago, I was lost in the Dark Forest alone."
Canglan stopped and turned to face Lin Chen: "That's not a coincidence. According to tribal legend, the Wolf God will guide the lost to find their home when they need it most." He gently stroked Lin Chen's cheek, "I believe it was the Wolf God who brought you to me."
The two sat down by the newly dug well. Lin Chen leaned on his shoulder, gazing at the starry sky. "Now that I think about it, the market's crisis turned out to be an opportunity. By sharing basic technology, we won allies, and the Sun Tribe's threat actually fostered unity among the tribes."
Canglan nodded: "You always see opportunities in crises. The elders all say that you are the greatest blessing to the Silver Moon Tribe."
"I have a feeling that every tribe will bring their own innovations to next year's market." Lin Chen's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Once knowledge begins to flow, it will be like streams converging into rivers, driving progress for all tribes."
Canglan smiled: "And you started all this."
The steady footsteps of the Night's Watch could be heard in the distance, and a fire lit steadily from the newly erected watchtower. The Silvermoon Tribe had never been so safe and prosperous.
"After the Companion Ceremony, I want to take you to Sacred Wolf Peak," Canglan said suddenly. "That's the most sacred place in the Silver Moon Tribe. Legend has it that those who offer sacrifices to their partners at the summit will receive the eternal blessing of the Wolf God."
Lin Chen felt warm in his heart: "I'm looking forward to it."
The two sat quietly for a while, enjoying this rare moment of peace. There were many challenges ahead—growing crops, improving technology, and maintaining intertribal relations—but for now, they just wanted to enjoy this peace and joy.
When the moon reached its zenith, the two reluctantly parted ways and went back to rest. Lin Chen lay on the wooden bed he had designed, thinking back on the amazing changes he had experienced in just a few months, his heart filled with gratitude.
Outside the window, a new round of night watchmen began to take over. The steady sound of their footsteps symbolized the safety and order of the tribe. The Silvermoon Tribe was no longer the small tribe that only ate raw meat and was afraid of fire.
On this starry night, Lin Chen fell asleep with anticipation for the future. In his dream, he saw golden waves of grain swaying in the fields, people creating and innovating in the newly built workshops, and children running and playing within the safety of the walls.
And by his side, there is always a pair of silver-gray eyes, looking at him gently and firmly, and guarding with him the home they built together.
A new chapter for the Silvermoon Tribe has just begun.
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