Chapter 8: The sky clears after the rain
The torrential rain that had lasted for more than ten days finally stopped, the dark clouds dispersed, and the long-awaited sunshine shone upon the lands of the Silvermoon Tribe. However, the post-rain scene was worrying—muddy mud accumulated throughout the tribe, storage areas were partially flooded, and even several shallow cave entrances showed signs of collapse.
"We must clean it up immediately." Elder Shi Yan frowned as he looked at the devastation. "Otherwise, the mud will cause disease, and the damp food will spoil quickly."
Canglan immediately organized the staff: "The orcs will be responsible for clearing the silt and repairing the caves, and the sub-orcs will be responsible for counting and drying the damp items. Friends from the Liuhe tribe, if you are physically able, please help."
Hong Yan nodded without hesitation: "The Silver Moon Tribe saved us, and now is the time to repay them. Everyone from the Liuhe Tribe should participate in the labor."
Lin Chen observed the muddy ground and suddenly remembered something: "We need a drainage system to prevent water from accumulating again next time it rains." He picked up a branch and began to draw in the mud. "We can dig ditches to let the water flow to lower areas, and reinforce the edges with stones."
Canglan's eyes lit up: "Great idea. Liefeng, take a team and dig a ditch according to Lin Chen's design."
Cleanup work commenced swiftly. The orcs used crude stone shovels and hide bags to carry the silt, while the sub-orcs spread out damp hides, hay, and food in the sun to dry. The survivors of the Liuhe tribe also threw themselves into the work, and the two tribes gradually became familiar with each other through their labor.
Lin Chen noticed the lack of a flat surface for drying food, so he suggested making a drying rack: "Use branches to build a frame, and cover it with a net made of thin rattan. This will allow for better ventilation and dry faster."
Yunshan excitedly pulled Chenlu and her sister to start weaving the rattan net: "Lin Chen has so many ideas! Every time I think it's impossible, but he succeeds every time!"
In the afternoon, the sun grew scorching. Seeing everyone sweating profusely, Lin Chen recalled the simple showers of modern society. He found a few clay pots, drilled small holes in the bottoms, and hung them high up.
"What is this for?" Canglan asked curiously.
Lin Chen demonstrated how to add water to the jar, and a thin stream of water fell from the hole: "A simple shower can wash away dirt and sweat, keep you clean, and prevent disease."
Hong Yan was the first to try it. The cool water washed away all the dirt on his body. He sighed with relief, "How clever! We never thought of cleaning our bodies this way before!"
Soon, a long line formed at the makeshift shower area, and after working, people took turns showering, laughter echoing. Lin Chen noticed that after working together and relaxing at this moment, the gap between the two tribes had clearly narrowed.
After Canglan finished washing, he walked towards Lin Chen, his silver hair wet and sticking to his forehead. His usually sharp eyes were much softer now: "You always bring surprises."
Lin Chen lowered his head embarrassedly: "Just some little tricks."
"No," Canglan said seriously, "These 'little tricks' are changing our lives. Look—" he pointed at the group of people working, "everyone is healthier and happier because of you."
During the cleaning process, Lin Chen also discovered white clay washed out by rainwater. The texture was finer than the clay he had found before. "This is the material for making better pottery! We can try to make thinner and stronger pottery."
Meiguo was drying herbs in the sun. When she heard this, she came over and said, "Although the rainy season brings destruction, it also brings new resources. These washed-out herbs are usually hard to collect." She showed Lin Chen several rare herbs. "They can be used to treat fever and wound infections."
Lin Chen said with surprise: "We can start growing these precious herbs instead of relying solely on gathering them."
Berry's eyes flashed with admiration: "You always find opportunities in difficulties."
Three days later, the Silvermoon Tribe looked brand new. The mud had been cleared, drainage ditches effectively channeled excess water, and food and supplies were properly dried and organized. The tribe was even more organized than before the rain.
In the evening, Elder Shi Yan and Hong Yan stood side by side, looking at the neat tribe and the busy people.
"The Silvermoon Tribe is far more powerful than rumored," Hong Yan said sincerely. "Not only do they have powerful orc warriors, but they also have intelligent demi-orcs and... extraordinary knowledge."
Elder Shi Yan smiled: "All this is thanks to Lin Chen's arrival. He brought not only fire and pottery, but also a new way of thinking."
Hong Yan was silent for a moment, then finally spoke, "Elder Shi Yan, the Liuhe Tribe no longer exists. The fifteen of us are homeless... I wonder if the Silver Moon Tribe is willing to accept us?"
Elder Shi Yan stroked his beard and pondered, then waved to Canglan and Lin Chen to ask for their opinions.
Canglan spoke first, "More labor means a stronger tribe. The warriors of the River Tribe are experienced, and the sub-orcs are skilled in fishing and gathering aquatic plants, skills that the Silver Moon Tribe lacks."
Lin Chen added: "After the merger, we can plan a better tribal layout, build more solid housing, and develop more resources. There is strength in numbers, but fair rules and division of labor are needed to ensure that everyone can play to their strengths."
Elder Shi Yan nodded and said solemnly to Hong Yan, "The Silver Moon Tribe welcomes the Flowing River Tribe to join us. From now on, we are one tribe, surviving and prospering together."
After the news was announced, people from both tribes cheered and embraced, celebrating the beginning of a new life. That evening, the dinner was exceptionally sumptuous, with new and old members sitting together to share food and stories.
Canglan quietly pulled Lin Chen aside and handed him a gift - an intricately carved bone ornament with patterns of wolves and strange plants on it.
"This is..." Lin Chen took it in surprise.
"I made it myself." Canglan's eyes were gentle. "The wolf represents the Silver Moon Tribe, and the plants represent the new life you brought. Thank you for everything you have done for the tribe, and thank you... for coming to me."
Lin Chen felt his heartbeat quicken. The bone ornament felt warm and solid in his hand. "Thank you, Canglan. I like it very much."
Under the moonlight, their eyes met, and silent emotions flowed in the air. In the distance, the laughter of the tribe and the crackling of the fire intertwined into a warm background music.
The rain stopped and the sky cleared. The Silver Moon Tribe not only cleared the mud brought by the rain, but also welcomed new members and a new beginning. Lin Chen's position in this world also became increasingly stable and important. He looked up at the starry sky, his heart filled with hope - perhaps this world could truly become his eternal home.
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