Chapter 31: Bridge of Communication
The success of taming the shorthorn beasts brought new confidence to the Silver Moon Tribe, but it also exposed the limitations of their knowledge. One rainy morning, Lin Chen stood in the taming area, which had begun to take shape, and was lost in thought.
"They're growing slower than expected," Canglan noticed Lin Chen's contemplation, "and one of them has lost its appetite recently."
Lin Chen nodded: "Taming is more than just providing food and shelter. We need more professional knowledge."
At this time, Yunshan came running over breathlessly: "A messenger from the nomadic tribe! The Windwhispering tribe has sent someone!"
The one who came was a young nomadic woman who called herself Feng Yi, the daughter of Feng Yu. She was lightly traveled, riding only a sturdy pack animal, and carrying a special token of the Feng Yu tribe.
"My father sent me ahead," Feng Yi said with a graceful heart-touching salute. "The main group will arrive in half a month. He heard that you've started taming animals, so he asked me to bring you some knowledge that might be useful."
This news excited the entire tribe. Elder Shi Yan immediately arranged for Feng Yi to stay and assigned someone to learn from her.
Feng Yi not only brought knowledge about domestication, but also demonstrated many unique skills of nomadic tribes: how to make light yet sturdy mobile fences, how to identify the health status of animals, and even how to communicate with animals using special sounds and gestures.
"Shorthorns are social animals," Feng Yi explained. "They need a clear hierarchy. You can train a 'leader' to manage the entire group."
She personally demonstrated how to select and train a leader beast. Amazingly, she only needed a few specific calls and gestures to make the most stubborn short-horned beast obey.
Xiaoyu watched intently: "This is not just a skill, it's art!"
Feng Yi smiled: "We have lived with animals for generations. They are not property, but companions."
In the days that followed, Feng Yi devoted herself to teaching. She not only taught domestication techniques, but also shared the philosophy of the nomadic tribe: living in harmony with nature, taking in moderation, and using it wisely.
Lin Chen is particularly interested in the nomadic tribes' resource management methods: "They hardly waste anything, and all resources are recycled."
Inspired by this, Lin Chen improved the tribe's resource recycling system: short-horned beast feces were used to fertilize the fields, discarded plant fibers were used for weaving or as fuel, and even the wastewater from washing animals was directed to a specific area for filtration and reuse.
Feng Yi was equally fascinated by the Silver Moon Tribe's agricultural techniques. "We've always been on the move, and we never knew we could connect so deeply with the land." She lingered in the potato fields, meticulously recording every detail.
The two tribes' exchanges went beyond technology. At night, they gathered around the fire, sharing stories and songs. While the nomadic tribe's legends were steeped in the freedom of the wind and the guidance of the stars, the Silvermoon Tribe's stories were rooted in the stability of the land and the cycles of the moon.
Windwing was captivated by the Silvermoon Tribe's Unity Hall: "Such exquisite stonework! We nomadic tribes could never carry such a masterpiece with us on our migrations."
Xiaoyu proudly introduced the stonework techniques, and Fengyi shared the portable skills of the nomadic tribe in return.
Half a month later, the large group from the Whispering Wind Tribe arrived as expected. Unlike last time, this time they also brought representatives from another tribe—hunters from the High Mountain Tribe, renowned for their tracking skills and fur processing.
Feng Yu explained, "I heard that the Silver Moon Tribe is open to communication, and the Mountain Tribe has also expressed interest. We hope to establish a multi-tribal communication network."
The Silvermoon Tribe warmly welcomed their new guests. Elder Stone Rock presided over a grand welcoming ceremony, showcasing the tribe's diverse skills and culture.
The following days became a true technological exchange event. The mountain tribes demonstrated their exquisite fur tanning techniques and the medicinal value of alpine plants; the nomadic tribes shared their experiences in animal domestication and migration; and the Silver Moon tribe taught agricultural knowledge and construction techniques.
Lin Chen organized a "technology exhibition" where each tribe showcased its expertise and others were free to learn and ask questions.
The most popular session is the "problem-solving session," where each tribe presents a challenge they face and the others offer suggestions or solutions.
The Mountain Tribe raised the issue of constantly disturbing their prey while hunting. Hunters from the Silvermoon Tribe suggested changing their hunting methods, while the Nomadic Tribe shared tips on how to use the sound of the wind to mask the sound of footsteps.
The nomadic tribes asked how to preserve food longer. The Silver Moon tribe demonstrated drying and smoking techniques, while the mountain tribes contributed storage methods that took advantage of the cold mountain climate.
The Silvermoon Tribe raised the issue of water conservancy and irrigation. The nomadic tribe unexpectedly provided a solution - they had a special method of water diversion suitable for semi-arid areas.
During their conversation, Lin Chen noticed that Feng Yi and Xiao Yu had a special affinity. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, their shared passion for technology and innovation brought them together. They even collaborated on designing a new type of container that combined the portability of a nomad with the durability of a silver moon.
"Look!" Xiaoyu excitedly showed off their creations. "The stone base provides stability, and the detachable woven parts are lightweight and easy to carry!"
Feng Yi added: "It is suitable for nomadic tribes to use when they settle down, and it is also convenient for the Silver Moon Tribe to carry when they go out to gather."
This innovation was unanimously praised by all tribes. Fengyu looked at her daughter with satisfaction and said, "The true value of communication lies in creating new things, not simply exchanging old things."
Around the campfire at night, the songs of many tribes blended together. The hunting songs of the High Mountain Tribe were powerful and majestic, the migration songs of the Nomadic Tribe were free and melodious, and the farming songs of the Silver Moon Tribe were steady and down-to-earth. Though the languages differed, the music transcended boundaries.
Lin Chen and Canglan listened to this wonderful fusion side by side, their hearts filled with emotion.
"The tribes used to be wary of each other," Canglan whispered, "but now they can sit together and share like this."
Lin Chen smiled: "Trust builds bridges, and communication enriches each other."
On the last day of the exchange meeting, representatives from each tribe formally reached the "Silver Moon Agreement": an exchange conference will be held in the Silver Moon Tribe every spring and autumn, and each tribe will be free to participate, share knowledge, trade items, and jointly solve the problems they face.
As the oldest representative, Fengyu solemnly declared: "From now on, we are no longer an isolated tribe, but an interconnected community. Each of us remains unique, while supporting each other."
Shi Feng, the leader of the Gaoshan tribe, nodded. "Just like the connected mountain ranges, each independent yet belonging to the same lineage."
The time of separation arrived, but there was no sadness, because they knew they would meet again. Feng Yi and Xiao Yu exchanged tokens of love—a carefully polished stone and a nomadic-style woven ornament.
“When you come back next year,” Xiaoyu promised, “I’ll improve the stonework technique and make the work lighter.”
Feng Yi responded: "I will also learn more about agriculture. Perhaps one day, the nomadic tribe can also partially settle down."
After the guests left, the Silvermoon Tribe embarked on a new era of integration and innovation. The domestication area was redesigned, incorporating the nomadic tribe's mobile fence concept. The water system, integrating the wisdom of multiple tribes, became more efficient. Even everyday tools were improved, incorporating the strengths of each family.
The most profound impact was a change in mindset: the members of the Silvermoon Tribe were no longer confined to their own traditions, but learned to think from multiple perspectives.
Elder Shi Yan lamented at a tribal meeting: "We used to be afraid of change and worried about losing ourselves. But now we understand that openness enriches us."
Lin Chen and Cang Lan overlooked the tribe from the newly built watchtower. Under the setting sun, the Silver Moon Tribe appeared even more prosperous and confident.
"Perhaps more tribes can participate in next year's spring exchange meeting," Lin Chen planned. "We can even try to establish a simple recording system to preserve the knowledge of each tribe."
Canglan held his hand. "Take it one step at a time. Just like taming a shorthorn, patience and respect will lead to true development."
As night falls, the starry sky shines brightly. In this world without words but rich with wisdom, humanity is building civilization in the most essential ways: face-to-face communication, hands-on teaching, and heart-to-heart understanding.
The Silvermoon Tribe has become a unique melting pot, fusing the wisdom of different tribes to create new possibilities. And all of this begins with an open mind and the courage to share.
On this star-filled night, the Silver Moon Tribe not only illuminates its own path but also begins to provide guidance for other tribes. The seeds of human civilization are quietly taking root and sprouting in this pristine and fertile land.
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