As Luo Chong discovered rice grains in the stomach of the goose, he was overwhelmed with emotion. The sight of these grains, a staple he hadn't seen since arriving in this primitive world, brought tears to his eyes. Luo Chong, a young man who hadn't even married, found himself in a foreign land without modern conveniences, longing for the simple pleasures of home like rice.
With no time to dwell on his homesickness, Luo Chong set his mind on a clear goal: to find and collect these wild rice grains from the swamp. It was imperative to locate the source before any animals could consume or destroy the crop.
Equipped with a makeshift boat crafted from the hide of the silver lungfish and some wooden branches, Luo Chong prepared to navigate the swamp. The boat, though rudimentary, was watertight and buoyant, perfect for the shallow waters of the marsh.
To aid in traversing the mushy swamp ground, Luo Chong crafted simple footgear from vine mats, ensuring they spread his weight to avoid sinking into the mud. He also built a larger mat to use in emergencies if he fell into deeper, muddier parts of the swamp.
With his gear ready, Luo Chong began his journey into the heart of the swamp early the next morning. The swamp was a sprawling wetland, teeming with life and the sounds of nature. As he paddled through the water, he was vigilant, keeping an eye out for the telltale signs of rice—tall, grass-like plants with dense clusters of grain.
As he moved deeper into the swamp, the environment grew more challenging. The water became thicker with vegetation, and the boat was harder to maneuver, but Luo Chong's determination did not wane. He knew that the potential reward of securing a source of rice was worth any hardship.
The swamp teemed with wildlife, from insects skimming over the water to birds darting through the reeds. Luo Chong noted several potential food sources and medicinal plants along the banks, mentally cataloging them for future reference.
After hours of searching, Luo Chong finally spotted clusters of what looked like wild rice growing along a particularly lush area of the swamp. With great care, he collected the grains, ensuring to leave enough behind to allow for natural regeneration.
With his boat laden with rice and samples of other useful swamp plants, Luo Chong made his way back to the shore. The journey back was slower due to the added weight, but the promise of bringing back a vital food source to his tribe kept his spirits high.
Exhausted but elated, Luo Chong reached the edge of the swamp by late afternoon. He secured his boat and prepared to carry his bounty back to the tribe. The successful expedition not only promised a new food source but also marked a significant step in Luo Chong's ongoing adaptation to his new life in this ancient world.
As he trekked back to his camp, Luo Chong felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was no longer just a survivor in this wild land; he was becoming a pioneer, forging a new future for himself and, potentially, for others who might one day join him in building a thriving community around the treasures of the swamp.