Chapter 54: Binary Star Expedition
The Alliance's governance was improving, and the tribes were functioning smoothly. However, Lin Chen still harbored a curiosity about the distant lands. One dewy morning, he found Canglan training young hunters.
"The records in the Knowledge Tower show that there is a valley in the northwest that we have never explored," Lin Chen unfolded a carefully drawn map. "Legend has it that there are glowing stones and springs that never dry up. I think... we should go and take a look."
A gleam flashed in Canglan's silver-gray eyes: "Just the two of us?"
"Just the two of us." Lin Chen nodded. "It's not a large-scale expedition, just... an adventure. For knowledge, and also for..."
Canglan raised the corner of his mouth slightly: "To satisfy your ever-curious heart? I'll join."
The preparations were simple yet efficient. Lin Chen prepared recording tools and sample collection bags; Canglan chose lightweight but practical equipment. They didn't tell many people their destination, simply stating it was a "short-distance exploration."
On the morning of their departure, the mist was lingering, casting a veil of mystery over their departure. Canglan transformed into a wolf, and Lin Chen gently stroked his silver-gray fur, feeling the strength and warmth of his muscles.
"Let's go," Lin Chen said softly, "Let's go see what other surprises the world has."
The initial journey was familiar and smooth. They followed the Alliance's regular patrol route, Canglan's keen senses constantly alert to the surrounding movements, while Lin Chen recorded the changes in vegetation and geological features along the way.
"Look here," Lin Chen squatted down and pointed at a rock formation, "This layering is different from anything we've seen before."
Canglan transformed back into human form and examined it carefully: "This rock has a finer texture. Perhaps it's suitable for making more sophisticated tools."
They collected samples and continued on their journey. As they ventured deeper into the unknown, the landscape changed: the trees grew taller and older, the air was filled with strange fragrances, and even the birdsong seemed unfamiliar.
At noon, they rested by a stream. Lin Chen boiled water in a clay pot and added the herbs he had brought with him. Canglan had hunted a plump wild bird and expertly prepared it.
"Your hunting skills always amaze me." Lin Chen watched Canglan's smooth movements.
Canglan chuckled, "And your knowledge never ceases to amaze me. We...complement each other."
After a simple lunch, they continued on their journey. The terrain began to rise, and the road became rugged. Canglan naturally reached out a hand to help Lin Chen climb the steep rock face.
"Thank you," Lin Chen held the strong hand, feeling the warmth and strength from the palm, "Without you, I might have been lost or hurt a long time ago."
Canglan didn't let go of her hand immediately: "Without you, I might only be looking at the same starry sky forever, and I wouldn't know that there are so many stories behind them."
In the evening, they found a small cave suitable for spending the night. After Canglan checked to make sure it was safe, the two of them gathered dry firewood and started a bonfire.
As night fell, the starry sky became especially clear. They sat side by side at the entrance of the cave, sharing dry food and water.
"Look at that star," Lin Chen pointed to a particularly bright star in the north. "In my hometown, it's called the North Star, and it always points north."
Canglan leaned closer: "In the Silver Moon Tribe, we call it the 'Eye of the Wolf God' and believe that it protects all descendants of the wolf clan."
Lin Chen turned to look at Canglan, the firelight dancing on his angular face: "You know what? Sometimes I feel like I belong to two worlds at the same time, and yet I don't seem to belong to either one."
Canglan's silver-gray eyes were particularly deep in the night: "You belong here, belong... to me."
The words hung in the night sky, accompanied by the crackling of the campfire and the howling of wolves in the distance.
Late at night, the temperature plummeted. Lin Chen shivered slightly in his sleeping bag, feeling the warmth of fur against his face as he half-slept. Canglan, in wolf form, lay beside him, shielding him from the wind and keeping him warm. Lin Chen unconsciously leaned toward that warmth, his hand gently burying itself in the silver-gray fur.
The next morning, they woke up to the sound of birdsong, their posture still maintaining the intimacy of the night. Lin Chen found himself almost completely cuddled up to the wolf-shaped Canglan, whose awake silver-gray eyes were gazing at him tenderly.
"Good morning." Lin Chen sat up a little embarrassedly.
"Good morning." Canglan turned back into human form, with the tips of his ears slightly red. "You were shivering with cold last night, so..."
"Thank you," Lin Chen smiled, "It's very heartwarming."
The journey ahead was more difficult, but the tacit understanding between the two made everything smooth. Canglan relied on his hunter instinct to choose the path, while Lin Chen used his knowledge to judge the risks and opportunities.
At noon, they finally arrived at their destination—the legendary valley. The sight was astonishing: there were indeed glowing stones in the valley, shimmering a soft blue light in the sun; in the center stood a spring, crystal clear, surrounded by plants they had never seen before.
"Incredible..." Lin Chen squatted beside the spring and carefully took a water sample. "This water has a special sweetness."
Canglan surveyed the surroundings cautiously, then transformed back into human form: "There are no signs of large animals around, it seems safe."
They spent most of the day exploring the valley. Lin Chen recorded several new plants and collected samples of luminescent stone; Canglan discovered several hidden caves and confirmed that they were free of dangerous creatures.
The most surprising discovery was on a rock wall: it was engraved with ancient symbols that were both familiar and unfamiliar, as if they were left by a long-vanished tribe.
"These symbols are similar to those of the various tribes in the alliance, but not exactly the same." Lin Chen carefully copied the symbols.
Canglan touched the rock wall lightly: "Perhaps a long time ago, other tribes lived here. And then... disappeared."
As the sun set, they decided to spend the night in the valley. That night, they sat by the spring surrounded by glowing stones, sharing their discoveries and thoughts of the day.
"You know what?" Lin Chen said softly, "In my original world, people were always busy chasing the future and rarely stopped to appreciate the present."
Canglan looked at the starry sky: "In the Silver Moon Tribe, we believe that every moment is a gift from the Wolf God and is worth cherishing."
He turned to Lin Chen: "Just like now, here, with you."
Lin Chen's heartbeat quickened slightly: "Canglan, I..."
Canglan gently held his hand: "No need to say anything. Some things don't need words."
They sat quietly, holding hands, feeling the warmth of each other's palms and their gradually synchronized heartbeats. The soft light of the luminous stone cast a dreamy halo around them, and the gurgling of the spring water was like a natural symphony.
On the third day, as they set out on their journey home, a certain unspoken intimacy grew between them. Canglan more naturally protected Lin Chen as he overcame obstacles, and Lin Chen followed Canglan's guidance with greater trust.
On the way, they encountered a sudden rainstorm. Canglan quickly found a cave to take shelter from the rain. The cave was small and the two had to huddle together.
"Your hair is wet." Canglan gently brushed away the wet hair on Lin Chen's forehead.
Lin Chen looked up and met those silver-gray eyes: "Canglan, I..."
Before he could finish his words, Canglan's lips had already gently covered his. It was a gentle and tentative kiss, with the coolness of rain and the warmth of each other.
When they separated, both of them were breathing unsteadily. Outside the cave, the sound of rain could be heard, while inside, only the sound of each other's heartbeats could be heard.
"I've always wanted to do this," Canglan whispered, "Ever since I first saw you in the Black Forest."
Lin Chen smiled: "Me too, I just don't dare to admit it."
After the rain stopped, they continued their journey home, their fingers intertwined. When they reached the border of the Silvermoon Tribe, they both slowed down their pace.
"This expedition is over," Lin Chen said with some reluctance, "but..."
"But this is just the beginning," Canglan continued, "our beginning."
When they finally returned to the Silver Moon Tribe, laden with discoveries and samples, as well as newly confirmed feelings for each other, Elder Shi Yan keenly noticed the changes between the two.
"It seems this expedition has yielded quite a lot of results," said the elder, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, "and not only geographical discoveries."
Lin Chen and Canglan smiled at each other, their fingers still tightly clasped.
At night, atop the Tower of Knowledge, they reported all their findings to the elders. But when asked about their most important gain, Canglan replied, "A better understanding of each other and myself."
Lin Chen added: "Sometimes, we need to leave our familiar surroundings to truly see ourselves and...the people around us clearly."
Under the starry sky, when the two were alone, Canglan took out a glowing blue stone from his arms and carefully carved it into the shape of a wolf and stars intertwined.
"I prepared this secretly in the valley," he said a little embarrassedly, "It symbolizes us—the wolf and the star."
Lin Chen took the stone and felt his eyes warm: "This is the most precious gift I have ever received." He took out a carefully preserved leaf from his record bag, which was engraved with a star map with a fine needle.
"I prepared this for you when you were hunting," Lin Chen smiled, "It symbolizes that you guide me, like a star."
After exchanging tokens, Canglan gently embraced Lin Chen in his arms: "No matter what the future holds, no matter which world you come from, you are my destined partner."
Lin Chen leaned on his strong chest: "And you are the home I have found in this world."
The howling of wolves echoed in the distance, as if testifying to their vows. In this pristine and pure world, two souls from different backgrounds finally merged completely, like stars and wolves, destined to accompany each other.
The expedition ended, but their journey had just begun. Witnessed by the stars, the wolf warriors of the Silvermoon Tribe and the wise men from another world made a vow that transcended the universe. And because of this relationship, the future of the Alliance has been given more possibilities and hope.
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