Chapter 27 New Chapter of the Earth
The spring sunshine completely dispelled the winter chill, and the Silver Moon Tribe entered its busiest time of the year. In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, the tribe was already buzzing with activity. Lin Chen stood on the edge of a newly cleared field, breathing deeply the air, a blend of earth and the fragrance of new plants.
"The land to the east is more suitable for growing beans." Xiaoyu pointed to the darker soil. "It retains water better there, so beans like it."
Yunshan was testing the soil on the other side: "The soil here is soft and suitable for growing potatoes. Look, there are so many earthworms. The soil is very healthy."
The two girls have become Lin Chen's right-hand men, each leveraging their unique strengths: Xiaoyu is proficient in masonry and geology, while Yunshan is familiar with plant growth habits. Their collaboration symbolizes the successful integration of the two tribes.
Canglan led the hunting team to resume regular outings, but followed new hunting principles - not hunting pregnant mothers, not hunting young animals, and not over-hunting a single population.
"Animals need to recover after the cold season," Canglan explained to the team members. "We need to hunt them, but we also need to protect them. This way, we can have meat to eat for a long time."
Hong Yan organized members of the Liuhe tribe to repair and expand fishing facilities. After the snowmelt, the streams became abundant, and the fish swarmed, providing an important food source.
Most surprising were the innovations brought about by the limestone tribes' stoneworking techniques. They improved their stone mills and mortars, greatly increasing grain processing efficiency; they designed more efficient irrigation channels to bring stream water to the fields; and they even began experimenting with making stone wheels, laying the foundation for the future invention of vehicles.
One afternoon, Lin Chen and Xiaoyu were experimenting with a new pottery kiln design when Yanbi came running over excitedly, "We found some shiny stones in the West Mountain! They might be metal ore!"
Lin Chen immediately followed him to investigate. Sure enough, within a newly exposed rock formation, a metallic ore was embedded. Lin Chen carefully removed a sample, excited but cautious.
"It could be copper," he concluded, "but we need to learn how to extract it. Any rash attempt could be a waste of resources and even dangerous."
After learning about this, Elder Shi Yan decided: "First, collect a small amount of samples for testing, so as not to damage the vein. Once we have mastered the technology, we can then conduct large-scale mining."
Meanwhile, agricultural planting is in full swing. This year, the Silver Moon Tribe is experimenting with a new crop rotation method: intercropping legumes and root vegetables to maintain soil fertility while increasing yields. Lin Chen has also designed a simple composting system to convert waste into fertilizer.
"The earth nurtures us, and we must give back to the earth." Lin Chen explained the principle of ecological cycle to the members of the Graystone Tribe who were learning agriculture.
Spring was also a great time for building. Using the masonry techniques of the Limestone Tribe and the architectural designs of the Silvermoon Tribe, they began constructing more permanent stone and wood structures. When the first model house was completed, the entire tribe came to see it.
"The stone foundation is moisture-proof, the wooden walls are heat-insulating, and the thatched roof is breathable," Xiaoyu explained. "It's more durable than a pure wooden house and warmer than a pure stone house."
Old Man Shixin stroked the stone wall with tears in his eyes: "The skills of the Graystone Tribe can be continued in their new home. Our ancestors will surely be pleased."
At the edge of the tribe, Lin Chen and Canglan's plot of land was already lush and green. Half was planted with practical potatoes and beans, while the other half, in accordance with Lin Chen's wishes, was filled with a variety of flowers and herbs. Surprisingly, the flowers attracted bees and other pollinators, significantly increasing the yields of surrounding crops.
"Beauty can indeed bring practicality." Canglan admitted his mistake and weaved a wreath for Lin Chen to wear on his head.
In mid-spring, the Silvermoon Tribe held its first "Technology Exchange Day," inviting several nearby small tribes to come and learn agricultural and construction techniques, while also learning from each other's expertise.
The Blackwood Tribe brought advanced wood processing technology, the Mountain Tribe demonstrated intricate weaving techniques, and there was even a nomadic tribe that shared its experience in animal domestication.
"Knowledge sharing allows all tribes to progress," said Elder Shi Yan at the closing of the exchange day. "Knowledge held in isolation is like stagnant water; it will eventually rot."
After the exchange day, the Silver Moon Tribe's workshops became busier. They integrated various technologies to improve tools, containers, and even clothing. Lin Chen placed particular emphasis on practicality and sustainability, basing all his innovations on existing resources and skills.
One evening, Lin Chen was recording the growth of various plants when Canglan returned from hunting with a rare calm expression.
"Today in the forest, I saw a wonderful scene," Canglan described. "A deer was trapped in a quagmire, and a pack of wolves didn't attack it. Instead, they helped it escape."
Lin Chen put down the recording board: "In nature, there is not only competition, but also mutual assistance."
"Just like between tribes," Canglan continued, "we used to think it was just a struggle between the strong and the weak, but now we understand the power of cooperation."
As spring deepened, the Silvermoon Tribe welcomed its first newborn, conceived entirely by two tribes: twin babies, born to parents from Silvermoon and Graystone. The entire tribe held a grand celebration.
"This symbolizes true integration." Elder Shi Yan blessed the babies. "You will be the first children of a new generation, carrying the hope of both tribes."
The babies were named "Spring Moon" and "Rock Star", which symbolize the combination of spring and rock, moon and stars.
Lin Chen held the soft, lithe baby in his arms, a strange feeling welling up in his heart. In this primitive world, life perpetuates civilization in the most direct way. He looked at Canglan and saw a similar tenderness in his eyes.
In late spring, when the first potatoes were harvested, the Silvermoon Tribe held a harvest festival. Unlike previous years, this year's offerings included not only food, but also handicrafts and knowledge records.
At the center of the altar, Elder Shixin and Elder Shiyan jointly lit the sacred fire, and members of the two tribes held hands and sang and danced around it. The lyrics blended the languages of the two tribes, and the melody intertwined their different traditions.
"The earth gives life, hands create value, and the heart protects inheritance." Everyone sang the newly created tribal hymn in unison.
The banquet food was extremely rich: various dishes made from new potatoes, fresh fish soup, wild vegetable salad, and even sweet drinks brewed from early wild fruits.
Lin Chen and Canglan sat side by side on the outskirts of the crowd, sharing a plate of honey-baked potatoes.
"I remember when we met, you were still eating raw meat." Lin Chen chuckled.
Canglan feigned displeasure: "At that time, I also thought you, an outsider, were very strange." Then he softened, "But now I can't imagine the Silver Moon Tribe without you."
In the distance, children played newly invented games, teenagers compared archery skills, young girls exchanged knitting patterns, and elders shared stories and experiences. The boundaries between the two tribes had blurred, merging into a more colorful whole.
As night fell, the starry sky became exceptionally bright. Lin Chen pointed at the sky and said, "In my hometown, people use the stars to navigate and keep track of time."
Canglan came closer: "Teach me to see your stars."
The two snuggled together, Lin Chen pointing out the constellations and recounting stories of the starry sky. Canglan shared the star legends of the Silver Moon Tribe. Different cultures met under the starry sky, creating new understandings.
When the last group of tribesmen returned to the house to rest, Lin Chen and Canglan remained under the starry sky.
"This year's planting was very successful, but we have to guard against summer drought next," Lin Chen planned.
Canglan nodded. "The hunting team will pay attention to changes in water sources. We also plan to trade with nomadic tribes to obtain more animal husbandry knowledge."
"One step at a time." Lin Chen smiled, "Make steady progress."
On a warm and peaceful spring night, the Silver Moon Tribe slept peacefully beneath the stars. In this primitive world without metal, writing, or wheels, humanity lived in its most essential way: respecting nature, supporting each other, and moving forward slowly but steadily.
Lin Chen gazed at the starry sky, his heart filled with peace. He no longer missed the conveniences of modern society, but instead cherished the simplicity and authenticity of this world. Here, every step forward came from the hands and wisdom of others, and every achievement was worth being grateful for.
Primitive doesn't mean backward, simple doesn't mean ignorant. On this starlit land, the Silver Moon Tribe is writing the first chapter of human civilization at its own pace. And Lin Chen is both the author and a part of this story.
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