Chapter 29: Nomadic Covenant
The aftermath of the drought hadn't completely dissipated when a new signal emanated from the Silvermoon Tribe's watchtower—not a warning of danger, but the distinct rhythm of wolf howls that signaled the arrival of visitors. An unfamiliar group was slowly approaching from the north, accompanied by the melodious sound of bells and the neighing of livestock.
Canglan immediately organized a welcoming team, with Lin Chen following closely behind. As the team gradually became clearer, everyone was captivated by the sight before them: more than twenty camel-like animals laden with cargo, and among them walked a dozen humans. Their clothing was completely different from that of the Silver Moon Tribe—loose fur robes, colorful woven ornaments, and symbolic patterns painted on their faces.
"They're a nomadic tribe from the north." Elder Shi Yan recognized the visitors. "They pass through here every few years, exchanging goods for what they need. But they came especially early this year."
The nomadic tribe's leader was a tall, thin, middle-aged man who called himself Wind Whisper. He performed a unique heart-touching ritual, his voice as gentle as the wind: "May the wind guide the way, and may the grasslands grant bounty. We are migrating south early because the northern pastures have dried up prematurely."
Lin Chen noticed that the nomadic tribe's livestock were in poor condition and had clearly been going through a hard time. He whispered to Canglan, "They need help."
The Silver Moon Tribe generously provided water and food. In return, Wind Whisperer displayed the trade items they brought: rare salt lake crystals, uniquely colored feathers, light and tough animal skins, and even some plant seeds that the Silver Moon Tribe had never seen before.
"We're willing to exchange these for food and medicine," Fengyu said frankly. "This year's migration is particularly difficult."
Lin Chen was particularly interested in a small dark purple seed: "What plant's seed is this?"
Surprise flashed in Feng Yu's eyes. "You've noticed the most precious treasure. These are purple spike grass seeds, which only grow on the edge of the salt lake. They can treat fever and wound infections. We don't usually trade them easily."
The trade fair took place in the central square. The Silvermoon Tribe offered potatoes, ground beans, dried meat, and ointments made from berries; the Nomadic Tribe offered their specialties. The transaction was friendly and fair, with both sides receiving what they needed.
However, Lin Chen noticed that several children in the nomadic tribe were coughing non-stop, and were obviously sick. After consulting Elder Shi Yan, he asked Meiguo to treat them.
"It's a fever caused by the fatigue of migration." After diagnosis, Berry used the herbs of the Silver Moon Tribe to treat the child.
Feng Yu was filled with gratitude. "Your kindness goes far beyond the scope of a trade. Please allow us to share some of our nomadic knowledge in return."
For the next three days, the Nomadic Tribe stayed with the Silver Moon Tribe to rest and recuperate. During this time, the two tribes had in-depth exchanges.
The nomadic tribes demonstrated how to domesticate and care for livestock, how to make lightweight and durable tents, and how to navigate by the stars and natural signs, while the Silver Moon tribe shared their experiences in agricultural technology, water conservancy projects, and settled life.
Lin Chen was particularly interested in the weaving techniques of nomadic tribes - they could use grass stems and animal hair to weave containers that were both light and sturdy, making them very suitable for long-distance migration.
"We can learn this technology and make better transportation and storage tools." Lin Chen said to Canglan.
Canglan was impressed by the nomadic tribes' hunting skills: "They can track their prey through the slightest traces, a skill that is very valuable to our hunters."
The most surprising thing is that there is an old man in the nomadic tribe, known as the Astropath, who is proficient in astronomy and meteorology and can predict weather changes by cloud shapes, wind direction, and the behavior of plants and animals.
Lin Chen spent the entire night conversing with the astrologer, learning from his knowledge while also sharing some of his own astronomical insights. The two used tree branches to draw diagrams on the ground to communicate, overcoming language and cultural barriers.
"Young man, your knowledge of the stars is unique." The Astropath's eyes gleamed with wisdom. "It seems to come from another world."
Lin Chen was slightly startled, but the old man just smiled: "Every tribe has its own secrets. What matters is the value of the knowledge, not its source."
On the evening of the third day, the nomadic tribe prepared to continue south. Feng Yu approached Elder Shi Yan and Lin Chen and made a proposal: "We would like to establish a long-term agreement with the Silver Moon Tribe. Every year during the migration season, we will stop here to trade and exchange; if we encounter difficulties, we will assist each other."
This proposal received a positive response from the Silver Moon Tribe. Elder Shi Yan solemnly stated, "The Silver Moon Tribe welcomes this agreement. Different tribes are like different streams; only when they converge into a river can they become stronger."
Before parting, Feng Yu specially gave Lin Chen a packet of purple spike grass seeds and a "book" - made of thin leather, with nomadic knowledge drawn on it: star tracks, herbal medicine usage, migration routes...
"Knowledge should be shared, like the wind blowing freely," Windwhisper said. "May this be of use to your tribe."
After the nomadic tribe left, the Silver Moon Tribe embarked on a new journey of learning and experimentation. Xiaoyu led the masonry team in refining their tools, incorporating lightweight designs from the nomadic tribe. Yunshan experimented with growing purple spike grass and established a dedicated herb garden. The hunters also learned new tracking techniques, significantly improving their efficiency.
Lin Chen devoted himself to studying the knowledge left by the astrologers, combined with his own modern astronomical knowledge, and began to create more accurate star maps and calendars.
"This will help us better plan our farming and hunting seasons," he explained to Canglan. "Knowing the approximate times of the rainy and dry seasons will allow us to prepare in advance."
Canglan stared at the star tracks that Lin Chen drew on the sand and whispered, "You always see possibilities that others cannot see."
Half a month later, when the first sprouts of purple spike grass broke through the soil, the Silver Moon Tribe held a small thanksgiving ceremony to thank the nomadic tribe for the knowledge and resources they brought.
Elder Shi Yan said at the ceremony: "We used to think that settled and nomadic life were two completely different ways. But now we understand that no matter which way we live, wisdom and sharing are the key."
After the ceremony, Lin Chen and Canglan strolled to the hillside at the border of the tribe. The sun was setting, and the distant mountains were as dark as ink.
"The nomadic tribe said they might bring more tribes for exchanges next year," Canglan said. "The Silver Moon Tribe is becoming the center of the region."
Lin Chen gazed into the distance: "It's not a center, but a bridge. It connects different tribes and allows them to exchange different knowledge."
In the twilight, the two stood quietly until the first star lit up.
"That's the Wolf God Star." Canglan pointed to the particularly bright star. "According to the legends of the nomadic tribes, when the Wolf God Star and the Traveler Star intersect, it's the best time to migrate."
Lin Chen smiled: "Look, different legends, same stars. Although humans have different lifestyles, they share the same sky."
Night fell completely, and lights flickered across the Silver Moon Tribe. In this world without written records or modern technology, knowledge flowed through word of mouth and demonstration, like an ancient river, nourishing the budding of human civilization.
Back at the tribe, Lin Chen began to systematically organize his nomadic knowledge, recording it on animal hides using pictures and symbols. Xiaoyu and Yunshan assisted him, one drawing precise diagrams and the other annotating plant characteristics.
"This will be the Silver Moon Tribe's first 'book,'" Lin Chen explained to the curious children, "to record knowledge and pass on wisdom."
The children opened their eyes wide and touched the exquisite pictures on the animal skins, as if they had touched infinite possibilities.
Late at night, Lin Chen climbed the watchtower alone. The starry sky shone, the distant mountains were silent. He thought of the conveniences of modern society, but he cherished the purity and authenticity of this world even more.
Here, every communication is face-to-face, every learning experience is hands-on, and every progress is driven by practical needs and collective wisdom. There are no shortcuts, but every step is solid and resolute.
A wolf howled in the distance—it was Canglan on his night patrol. Lin Chen chuckled in response, his heart filled with a strange sense of belonging.
From an unexpected traveler to a builder of the Silver Moon Tribe; from a lonely stranger to Canglan's companion. This journey has its challenges and difficulties, but also its growth and rewards.
Under the starlight, the Silvermoon Tribe lived peacefully. Newly planted purple spike grass dotted the houses, new and improved tools filled the workshops, and ample food was stored in the warehouses.
In this pristine and unspoiled world, a tribe is moving forward at its own unique pace, not rushing for quick results or blindly expanding, but instead diligently learning, innovating, communicating, and living in harmony with nature.
Lin Chen took a deep breath of the cool night air, his heart calm and resolute. No matter how many unknowns the future held, the Silvermoon Tribe was ready—to learn with an open mind, to adapt wisely, and to move forward with the power of unity.
The starry sky is silent, yet it bears witness to every step of human civilization's growth. On this night, gently enveloped by starlight, the future of the Silver Moon Tribe is quietly approaching.
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