Chapter 41: Preparations for the Journey
The establishment of a medical network has significantly improved the health of the tribes, but Lin Chen realized that their knowledge was still limited to the surrounding area. On a clear autumn day, he stood on the Silver Moon Tribe's watchtower, his gaze passing over the familiar mountains and rivers to the unknown distance.
"We need to know about the world beyond our borders," he told Elder Canglan and Elder Shiyan that night. "There may be other tribes, other resources, other knowledge, and even... other threats."
After careful discussion, the elders decided to organize an expedition to explore unknown areas. However, this was not a traditional hunting expedition, but an exploration for the purpose of knowledge and exchange.
The formation of the expedition team began immediately. Canglan Ziran served as captain, Lin Chen as knowledge advisor, and also included Xiaoyu (geology and record keeping expert), Yunshan (plant expert), Fengyi (navigation expert for the nomadic tribe), and several of the strongest warriors.
The preparations were meticulous and thorough. Lin Chen designed lightweight yet practical equipment: a foldable tent, multi-purpose tools, and ample but not excessive supplies. Xiaoyu refined the recording tools, crafting lighter and thinner recording tiles and durable paint.
"Not only should we record geography," Lin Chen instructed the recording method, "but we should also record ecology, climate, and possible resource points."
Yunshan prepared a complete set of tools for collecting plant samples; Fengyi contributed the nomadic tribe's astrological navigation technology; even the children participated in the preparations - they used games to help test the practicality of the equipment.
Each tribe provided specialized assistance: the mountain tribes donated specialized mountaineering equipment; the lakeside tribes provided water purification equipment; and the nomadic tribes contributed their best pack animals and domestication techniques.
The most significant preparation was in terms of knowledge. Lin Chen organized and compiled a "Communication Guide," which included basic communication symbols, friendly gestures, gift exchange etiquette, and even included some vocabulary that distant tribes might use.
"The first contact requires extreme caution," he reminded the team members. "Observe, respect, and proceed step by step."
On the eve of their departure, the entire tribe held a farewell ceremony for the expedition. Elder Shi Yan handed Canglan a specially crafted wolf-shaped amulet and said, "May the Wolf God guide your path and protect you."
Lin Chen received a special gift - a blank "Book of the Earth", made of the thinnest animal skin, waiting to record the sights and sounds of the unknown world.
At dawn, the expedition set out, carrying the hopes and worries of the tribe on their shoulders as they journeyed into unknown territory.
For the first few days, they remained in familiar territory. Feng Yi instructed everyone to observe the stars and landmarks for navigation; Yun Shan recorded the distribution of familiar plants; Xiao Yu monitored geological changes; and Lin Chen refined his recording methods.
On the fifth day, they truly entered uncharted territory. The scenery began to change, the vegetation became unfamiliar, and even the air had a different scent.
The first significant discovery was a strange black vein of stone. Xiaoyu excitedly examined it, "This kind of stone... I've never seen it before! It's incredibly hard, so it might be useful."
She collected samples, carefully documenting their location and properties. The find was named "black-edged stone" because of its unusually sharp edges.
Over the next few days, they discovered several new plants. Yunshan carefully tested each plant for its edible and medicinal properties, discovering a purple berry that was effective in invigorating the spirit and a broad-leaved plant that could quickly stop bleeding.
"These discoveries could help the entire tribal alliance." She carefully records the properties and uses of each plant.
On the tenth day, they discovered signs of human activity: smoke from cooking fires in the distance. Excited but also nervous, the team members followed their plan and began observing from a distance.
After several days of observation, they determined that it was a small tribe that seemed to be mainly engaged in fishing and had relatively primitive technology, but there were no signs of hostility.
Cautious contact began, with Canglan and Fengyi leading the way, carrying gifts of friendship—Silver Moon Tribe pottery and other unique items from each tribe.
Initial contact went smoothly. The small group, calling themselves the "Shell Tribe," were wary but friendly after receiving the gifts. They spoke different languages, but were able to communicate using basic signs and gestures.
Lin Chen and other team members later joined in and gradually built trust by demonstrating the use of pottery, medical knowledge, etc.
"They are good at shellfish farming and processing," Feng Yi reported after observation, "but lack medical and agricultural knowledge."
Lin Chen decided to share basic medical knowledge as a gesture of friendship. The medical kit prepared by Meiguo came in handy—after treating the wounds of several tribe members, their relationship quickly warmed.
The Shell Tribe demonstrated their unique skills: making tools and ornaments from special shells, using tides to cultivate shellfish, and even having a unique boat-building technique.
Xiaoyu was particularly interested in their method of using shell powder to enhance the hardness of pottery: "This can improve our pottery making!"
Spruce is learning their knowledge of using marine plants; Wind Wing is studying their methods of tide prediction; even the warriors are learning their coastal hunting techniques.
The expedition stayed for five days, fully exchanging ideas and learning from each other. When they said goodbye, the Shell Tribe promised to send someone to participate in the exchange meeting with the Silver Moon Tribe next year.
As they continued on their journey, the expedition team discovered more surprises: a mountainous area rich in minerals, a strange tree that produced sweet juice, and even hot springs - Lin Chen immediately realized their medicinal value.
But challenges also arose. A sudden storm forced the team to take emergency shelter; unfamiliar plants caused skin allergies in several team members; and a misjudgment of the terrain nearly caused the team to get lost.
Every crisis is resolved through teamwork and the strengths of each team: Feng Yi's navigation knowledge, Yunshan's plant knowledge, Xiaoyu's geological knowledge, Lin Chen's coordination ability, and Canglan's leadership.
The most dangerous encounter occurred on the twenty-fifth day, when a strange hunting party appeared, clearly hostile and equipped with obsidian weapons, similar to the style of the Blackrock Tribe.
Canglan immediately ordered a defense but not to attack first. Through careful signal exchanges, they learned that this was a branch of the Blackrock Tribe, still interested in the knowledge of the Silvermoon Tribe but no longer forcing it.
Lin Chen decided to share some limited medical knowledge as a peace offering. This strategy worked – the other party accepted the gift and left without any conflict.
"Knowledge can be a bridge, not a wall." Lin Chen wrote in his notes that night.
On the 30th day of the expedition, the team began their return journey, having returned with a rich treasure: not only physical specimens, but also valuable knowledge and insights.
On the way back, they improved the map, marking resource points, potential allies, dangerous areas, etc. Each discovery was recorded in detail with its characteristics and potential value.
Of particular importance was the "contact protocol" they established: how to communicate safely with unknown tribes, what gifts were most effective, and what actions might cause misunderstandings.
When they returned to the Silvermoon Tribe, the entire Alliance was in an uproar. Representatives from all tribes gathered, eagerly awaiting the expedition's report.
The exhibition lasted for three full days. New plant specimens, mineral samples, geographical records, tribal information... every discovery sparked lively discussion.
The shell processing technology of the Shell Tribe was immediately adopted by the Lake Tribe; the Black Blade Stone aroused the interest of the stonemasons of the Mountain Tribe; the knowledge of tides was of great value to the Lake Tribe; and the medical discoveries supplemented the medical knowledge of various tribes.
The most profound impact was the improvement of maps. The tribes contributed their geographical knowledge and jointly produced unprecedentedly detailed maps, which tripled the area covered.
"Now we truly understand the world we live in." Elder Shi Yan looked at the complete map and felt deeply moved.
The expedition brought back not only knowledge but also new perspectives. The Silvermoon Tribe no longer limited itself to its own small world, but saw a wider world and possibilities.
On a quiet night, Lin Chen and Cang Lan once again ascended the watchtower. In the distance, the newly marked territory was faintly visible under the starlight.
"The world is bigger than you imagine," Canglan said softly, "but it's also more connected than you imagine."
Lin Chen nodded: "Every tribe has unique wisdom, and every region has special resources. Isolation is limiting, but communication is enriching."
They decided to establish a regular expedition system: sending out expeditions every year to explore new areas, meet new tribes, and learn new knowledge. At the same time, they invited all tribes to participate, making exploration a true cause of the alliance.
The success of the first expedition sparked a passion for exploration among the various tribes. While new expeditions were still being planned, several tribes had expressed their willingness to send personnel to participate.
Under the starry sky, the Silver Moon Tribe lives safely, but it is no longer a closed village, but an open center, a starting point for exploration, and a connection node.
And that soul from another world, standing on the watchtower of this primitive world, no longer misses the globalization of modern society, but cherishes this emerging, organic, and difference-respecting united network.
Here, exploration is not for conquest, but for understanding; expansion is not for occupation, but for connection; knowledge is not for monopoly, but for sharing.
The expedition has just begun, but the direction is clear: explore outward, enrich inward; move forward, pass on; look up, take root downward.
On this starlit autumn night, the Silver Moon Tribe and its companions are ready to embrace more unknowns and possibilities. The spirit of exploration has been ignited, and it will surely illuminate broader paths, connect more distant worlds, and discover a richer self.
When the first winter star rose, the expedition's records were copied and distributed to each tribe, awaiting the next spring's expedition. The network of knowledge was expanding, the bonds of connection were strengthening, and the path of civilization was extending. On this ancient yet young land, we steadily moved forward toward infinite possibilities.
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