Chapter 14: Hundred Tribes Market
On the morning of the fourth day, the group continued southeast along the lakeside path. The closer they got to the market, the more tribal groups they encountered. Lin Chen was amazed by the variety of attire and totems: tribes adorned with feather ornaments, groups with colorful mud paintings on their faces, and even nomads riding domesticated herbivores.
"Those are the people from the grassland tribe." Canglan explained to Lin Chen in a low voice, "They have tamed an animal called a 'camel beast' that can carry heavy objects and travel long distances."
Lin Chen carefully observed the large, docile animals, with their long necks, sturdy limbs, and beautifully woven saddlebags hanging from their backs. They reminded him of modern camels, but their appearance was different.
Hong Yan pointed at another team and said, "Look at those with blue tattoos on their faces. They are from the Deep Forest Tribe. They are good at making bows and arrows and poisons. Be especially careful when trading with them."
Along the way, the groups kept a polite distance, greeting each other with traditional gestures but not exchanging much, part of an ancient agreement not to engage in close contact before the market officially begins.
Around noon, a vast plain appeared in the distance, where hundreds of tents and makeshift huts of all shapes and sizes had been erected. A bustling crowd, curling smoke, and the sounds of conversation in various languages, the roaring of animals, and the clacking of craftsmen blended together to create a vibrant, primitive market scene.
"We're here," Canglan announced, a barely perceptible hint of nervousness in his voice. "Hundred Tribes Market."
The Silvermoon Tribe chose a clearing on the edge of the market and began setting up camp. Canglan directed them to set up camp in traditional fashion: a flag with a wolf totem was raised in the center, trade items were neatly displayed in designated areas, and simple defensive markings were set up around the perimeter.
Lin Chen helped everyone set up tents and arrange items, while curiously observing the surrounding tribes. He noticed that each tribe had different trading methods: some simply spread out their items for everyone to see, while others mysteriously covered them with animal skins and only showed them to specific people.
"The market lasts seven days," Canglan explained as he sorted the salt blocks. "The first three days are for exchanging goods, the middle two days are for information exchange and marriage negotiations, and the last two days are for sacrifices and farewells."
Hong Yan added: "The most important thing is the 'opening ceremony' on the afternoon of the first day. The tribal leaders will jointly offer sacrifices to heaven and earth and announce the trading rules."
As soon as the camp was set up, the first visitors arrived. Three tall men draped in colorful bird feathers approached, their eyes fixed on the pottery of the Silver Moon Tribe.
"We are from the Flying Feather Tribe," the leader said in a booming voice, his feather headdress trembling slightly as he spoke. "Your vessel is very special. What do you want in exchange?"
Canglan stepped forward and replied calmly, "Exchange it with special stones or sharp tools."
The Feather Tribe members carefully examined the pottery, tapped the sides with their fingers, and nodded in approval. Finally, they traded an obsidian dagger for two water jugs and a cooking pot.
After the first successful transaction, several more tribes came to inquire. The Silver Moon Tribe's salt and pottery clearly attracted attention, but Canglan and Hongyan were cautious, not easily exchanging large quantities or revealing the source of the items.
The afternoon's opening ceremony was a spectacular spectacle. Tribal leaders gathered in the central open space, performing an ancient ritual around a massive bonfire. Although Elder Shi Yan was absent in person, Cang Lan participated as a representative of the Silver Moon Tribe.
Lin Chen stood outside and watched, deeply attracted by the primitive and solemn ceremony. The priests wore traditional costumes, with symbolic patterns painted on their faces, and chanted ancient songs, praying for fair trade and peaceful exchanges.
After the ceremony, the real trade began. Lin Chen followed Canglan and Hong Yan through the market, witnessing a variety of things: tribes displayed rare purple animal hides, tribes sold carefully polished bone tools, and specialized information traders, exchanging precious items for news and knowledge from various tribes.
In a remote corner, Lin Chen found a small stall with several familiar plant seeds on display.
"What kind of seeds are these?" he asked the stall owner, a thin old orc, as calmly as he could.
The old orc looked up at him. "A grain unique to the western valley. Cooked to satisfy hunger. What will you offer in exchange?"
Lin Chen was excited. These grains were clearly similar to wheat! He took out a small block of salt and asked, "How about exchanging this for mine?"
The old orc's eyes lit up, but he quickly concealed his excitement: "To add a little more, these seeds are very precious."
In the end, Lin Chen exchanged two small salt blocks for all the seeds, including simple instructions on how to plant them. This transaction left Canglan and Hong Yan very puzzled.
"What's the use of seeds? It takes a long time to harvest." Hong Yan asked in confusion.
"This grain can be grown in large quantities, has a high yield, and is easy to store," Lin Chen explained. "It's much more stable than relying on gathering. If we can successfully grow it, the Silver Moon Tribe will be free from the threat of hunger forever."
Canglan thought thoughtfully: "Like potatoes?"
"They are more durable than potatoes and have more uses." Lin Chen carefully collected the seeds. "This is our hope for the future."
Returning to camp in the evening, they found a special visitor waiting: a representative of the Sun Tribe, the most powerful tribe at the market, renowned for their mastery of metalworking.
"We've noticed your salt and pottery," the Sun Tribe representative said bluntly. "We'd like to exchange them for large quantities of metal tools."
Canglan remained calm: "How much do you want in exchange?"
After some bargaining, an agreement was finally reached: the Silvermoon Tribe exchanged one-third of its salt and pottery for a batch of high-quality metal tools - stone axes, daggers and even a precious copper axe.
After the transaction, Hong Yan couldn't hide his excitement: "These metal tools will greatly improve our work efficiency! It's hard to get so many of them normally!"
Canglan, however, was slightly concerned: "The Sun Tribe rarely trades so generously. They might want to learn the crafting techniques by studying our items."
Lin Chen nodded: "Fortunately, we were prepared. Even if they got the sample, it would be difficult for them to imitate it easily."
Even as night fell, the market didn't quiet down. Bonfires lit in the various camps, and the air was filled with the aroma of various foods. Some tribes began performing traditional songs and dances, while others held small competitions.
The Silver Moon Tribe's camp welcomed an unexpected visitor: the cub of the Stone Claw Leopard from the daytime! It held a shiny stone in its mouth, placed it at Lin Chen's feet, and then quickly ran back into the darkness.
"This is a thank-you gift from the Stoneclaw Leopard," Canglan said in surprise. "They rarely come into contact with humans to this extent."
Lin Chen picked up the stone and found that it was a rare quartz crystal, which reflected beautiful light under the firelight.
That night, Lin Chen lay in his tent, reflecting on the day's experiences. Though primitive, this world possessed a rich culture and wisdom. Behind the seemingly simple lives of the tribes lay the accumulated experience of countless generations.
The tent curtain was gently lifted, and Canglan poked his head in: "Can't sleep? It's our turn to keep watch tonight. Do you want to join us?"
Lin Chen put on his fur coat and followed Canglan to the night watch post at the edge of the camp. The market night was not completely quiet. Occasionally, singing and laughter could be heard in the distance, while the low voices of the night watchmen could be heard nearby.
"Are those seeds you exchanged today," Canglan suddenly asked, "really that important?"
Lin Chen looked at the starry sky. "In my hometown, the transition from wandering gathering to settled farming was a major advancement in civilization. Farming provides a stable source of food, giving people time to develop other skills."
Canglan was silent for a moment, then said softly, "You always see so far ahead."
The two stood guard side by side, sharing a pot of hot herbal tea. In the distance, the Sun Tribe camp was still brightly lit, and faintly visible were people studying the pottery they had exchanged today.
"They're trying to imitate it." Canglan narrowed his eyes, "But as you said, it's not that easy."
Lin Chen smiled: "Some knowledge may seem simple, but it actually requires key skills."
As the night deepened, the market gradually quieted down. Canglan suddenly whispered, "When I return to the tribe, I want to formally ask Elder Shiyan to allow me to pursue you as my partner."
Lin Chen was caught off guard, his heartbeat suddenly accelerated: "Canglan, I..."
"You don't have to answer now." Canglan's voice was gentle but firm, "I just want you to know my intentions."
At this moment, Lin Chen looked at Canglan's profile in the moonlight, his silver-gray eyes reflecting the flickering bonfire, and a complex and warm emotion surged in his heart.
In the distance, an unknown tribe began to chant an ancient love song. The melody was simple yet moving, flowing slowly under the starry sky.
The first day of the market was over, but for Lin Chen, a new emotion was just beginning to germinate. In this primitive and pure world, everything was so simple and direct, including the love that gradually grew.
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