Chapter 56: Morning Light in the Heart Valley
After the partnership ceremony, Lin Chen and Cang Lan's relationship entered a new phase. They decided to fulfill the promise they had made during the ceremony - to establish a research station in the northwest valley as a place for their joint projects and occasional escape from the hustle and bustle of the tribe.
On a fresh morning, the two returned to the site of their discovery with a select team. This time, it was no longer an expedition, but a planned construction project. The team included stonemasons, carpenters, and several young people who volunteered to help.
"This should be used as a living area," Lin Chen pointed to a flat and sheltered area in the valley. "It's close to the spring, but high enough to avoid moisture."
Canglan added: "We need to build a circle of low stone walls, not for defense, but to define the space and block the night wind."
During the construction process, the two of them worked in perfect harmony. Lin Chen oversaw the design and planning, while Canglan organized the staff and executed the project. The research station gradually took shape: a small cabin that blended the practicality of the Silver Moon Tribe with innovative design, featuring glowstone lighting, running water from a spring, and even a small experimental field.
The most special feature is the "Double Star Observatory" - an observation platform built high up, which can not only observe the stars but also overlook the entire valley. It is named after the nicknames of two people in the alliance: "Silver Wolf" and "Star".
During the construction period, the two spent many hours alone in the valley. At night, they would lie on the double star platform, covered with blankets, count the stars, and share each other's stories and dreams.
"When I was little, I always felt I didn't fit in with the Silvermoon Tribe," Canglan said, opening up a rare moment. "I was too curious, always asking questions. While other children were focused on learning to hunt, I wanted to know the names of the stars and the origin of the wind."
Lin Chen squeezed his hand. "In my old world, I always felt I was too...traditional, yearning too much for a simple, real life. While others pursued technology and virtuality, I longed to touch the earth and reality."
Canglan turned to look at him: "So we are all looking for a place that belongs to us."
Lin Chen smiled: "Then we found each other."
On the day the research station was completed, the team returned to the Silvermoon Tribe, leaving the two of them to enjoy their first full night in the valley. They lit the fireplace, sat on homemade blankets, and shared a simple dinner.
"It feels like I own the whole world." Lin Chen leaned on Canglan's shoulder and whispered.
Canglan hugged him and said, "This world is complete because of you."
However, the days of paradise did not last long. At noon the next day, the alliance's signal system received a message: the nomadic tribe had a conflict with a newly discovered tribe and mediation was needed.
The two immediately packed up and returned. Before leaving, Lin Chen placed a specially made luminous stone at the entrance of the valley: "It's like a lighthouse, guiding us back."
Upon returning to the Silvermoon Tribe, they immediately began mediation work. The conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding: the nomadic tribe's herds had mistakenly entered the new tribe's sacred land, and the other side overreacted, injuring several herders.
Lin Chen leveraged his communication skills and knowledge, while Canglan relied on his prestige and impartiality to broker a reconciliation. The resulting agreement not only resolved the immediate conflict but also established long-term boundaries and resource-sharing rules.
"You two work together perfectly," Elder Shi Yan praised. "One provides wisdom and understanding, the other provides authority and justice."
This successful mediation solidified their alliance not just as partners but as effective leadership partners.
In the days that followed, the two developed a unique working style: handling Alliance affairs in the Silvermoon Tribe at the beginning of the week and conducting research and planning at the Valley Research Station on weekends. This rhythm allowed them to serve the tribe while maintaining their personal space and innovative thinking.
A special discovery occurred at the research station. Lin Chen noticed that the luminous stone would emit light of different frequencies under certain conditions, and seemed to interact with certain plants.
"Look," he showed Canglan excitedly, "this moss grows faster under blue light, and that herb is more effective under yellow light."
Canglan immediately saw the application value: "If we can control light, perhaps we can improve the cultivation of crops and medicinal herbs."
They brought back samples and formed a special research team at Hemingzhiso, eventually developing "photoculture technology," which improves cultivation efficiency and quality by regulating light.
"Another innovation from you guys," Berry said after trying the light-grown herbs. "The potency of these herbs has increased by 30%."
Light cultivation technology quickly spread throughout the Alliance, with each tribe adapting it to their needs. This was not only a practical advancement but also a symbol of the fruit of their relationship—a perfect combination of personal connection and collective contribution.
In late autumn, the two spent a special weekend at the Valley Research Station. The first snow had fallen early, painting the valley a silvery white, and the luminescent stones shimmered with a dreamy light amidst the snow.
The fireplace crackled as the two men, wrapped in blankets, planned the alliance's winter work.
"We need to improve our communication system during the cold season," Canglan pointed at the map. "Some remote tribes are easily lost during blizzards."
Lin Chen added: "We can also promote the insulation technology we are testing here to help tribes save fuel during the cold season."
During a break in the discussion, Canglan suddenly knelt on one knee and took out an intricately carved wooden box. "According to the most ancient traditions of the Silver Moon Tribe, I would like to ask you: Are you willing to spend all seasons with me, until the stars return to dust?"
Lin Chen opened the wooden box, and inside was a pair of intertwined silver wolf and star rings, made of newly discovered luminous stones and silver metal.
"I do," he said, tears in his eyes, "in any season, in any world."
After exchanging rings, they stood by the window, hugging each other, watching the snowflakes fall quietly. The light from the luminous stone refracted through the ice and snow, and the entire valley seemed like a dream.
"You know?" Lin Chen said softly, "In my original world, people pursued eternal love. But now I understand that eternity does not lie in the length of time, but in the depth of each moment."
Canglan tightened his embrace. "The Silver Moon Tribe believes that true love transcends life and becomes legend. Our story will be passed down and inspire future generations."
After returning to the Silvermoon Tribe, they announced the exchange of rings, which was regarded as a deeper commitment than the ceremony. All tribes sent their blessings, and even the distant Blackrock Tribe sent gifts through intermediaries.
"Your union symbolizes the most beautiful possible union," Elder Shi Yan said at the celebration, "harmony in diversity, innovation in tradition, and community in individuality."
As winter approached, the two led the alliance through the cold season. New and improved communication systems ensured that the tribes could stay connected, insulation technology saved a lot of fuel, and photovoltaic technology even allowed them to continue to produce food and medicine indoors.
On the coldest night, all tribes simultaneously held a "Bright Hour" through a signal system. Each tribe lit specially crafted luminous stone lamps at the same time, and the entire alliance territory was connected into a network of light in the darkness.
"Look," Lin Chen and Canglan stood on top of the Knowledge Tower, looking at the lights of the tribes in the distance, "we are truly connected."
Canglan held his hand: "Just like us, independent yet connected."
Winter turned to spring, and when the first new green sprouts broke through the soil, the two returned to the valley research station. After the winter, the place needed tidying up and maintenance, but they were happy to work together.
During a break from work, Lin Chen made a new discovery: "Look at these post-winter plants. They've survived the cold, yet they're still growing stronger. Perhaps adversity can unleash potential."
Canglan pondered: "Just like the alliance, it becomes stronger after going through challenges."
This insight led them to develop a program called "adversity training": intentionally exposing the league to manageable challenges to hone its coping skills. It's not about seeking difficulty, but about preparing for the inevitable.
The plan gained Alliance support, and the tribes began simulating various crisis scenarios, from resource shortages to external threats, to hone their response capabilities.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Lin Chen said in his training summary, “and preparation is better than response.”
Spring had deepened, and the valley was ablaze with flowers. The two of them had dinner at the Double Star Terrace to celebrate the station's first anniversary.
"So much has happened this year," Lin Chen said with emotion, "from two people to a team, from one idea to many innovations."
Canglan smiled: "And our feelings have grown from sparks to flames, from moments to eternity."
As the sun sets, they record their new discoveries and ideas in their station logs, which not only record their scientific discoveries but also their personal reflections and emotional growth.
"Perhaps one day, future generations will read these records," Lin Chen closed the journal, "and learn not only knowledge, but also how to balance the individual and the collective, love and responsibility."
Canglan hugged him from behind: "And they will know that true love and wisdom can change the world."
As night fell, the glowstones softly lit up, like stars on earth. In this valley, isolated from the world yet connected to the entire Alliance, the two found a perfect balance—both independent individuals and connected partners; both members of the Silvermoon Tribe and leaders of the entire Alliance.
Under the starry sky, they made a commitment for the new year: continue exploring, continue serving, and continue loving.
The morning light of the heart valley not only illuminates a valley, but also illuminates a path - personal happiness and collective well-being can be balanced, love and responsibility can coexist, and tradition and innovation can be integrated.
And when the new day finally arrives and the sun fills the valley, Lin Chen and Canglan know that no matter how many challenges and changes there are in the future, they will face them hand in hand, like the silver wolf and the stars, always accompanying each other and always guiding each other's direction.
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