Chapter 044: The Behemoth Excavators
Luo Chong was profoundly satisfied with the efficiency of the enormous plows pulled by Meatball (肉肉) and Gray Mountain (灰山). Their capacity to transform arduous tasks into manageable ones had become an invaluable asset to the Han tribe, particularly now as they embarked on ambitious infrastructural projects.
As the gigantic plows carved through the earth, creating the foundations for the new water channels, Luo Chong supervised the progress while sketching out plans for further developments. His mind buzzed with the possibilities—this new power could accelerate not just the irrigation project but also the construction of the protective walls around their settlement.
The thought of expediting their defense system was timely. Luo Chong knew the stability of their rapidly growing community depended not just on food and shelter but also on security. The surrounding wilderness was not just a source of resources but also a lurking ground for predators, both animal and human.
That afternoon, as the sun began its descent casting long shadows over the freshly turned earth, Luo Chong called for a meeting with his chief advisors and the newly integrated members of their tribe. He stood before his people, pointing towards the horizon where the earthworks stretched.
"Today, we witness not just the reshaping of land but the forging of our future," Luo Chong declared, his voice firm over the crowd that had gathered. "These canals will not only water our fields but also fortify our defenses. We build not just for today but for generations to come."
The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces alight with the flames of the communal fires and the passion for their shared vision. Among them, the former members of Xieding's tribe now wore expressions of genuine allegiance, won over by Luo Chong's leadership and the tangible benefits of their new life.
As the meeting disbanded, Luo Chong pulled aside a few of his most trusted builders. Under the cover of twilight, they discussed the logistics of using the beasts, Meatball and Gray Mountain, not just for plowing but also for transporting materials for the upcoming constructions. The walls surrounding their settlement would require substantial amounts of stone and timber, resources that were abundant but cumbersome to move.
The following days saw a bustle of activity as the tribe utilized their newfound earth-moving capabilities. Each morning, as dawn broke, the giants were harnessed to the plows and set to work under the watchful eyes of their handlers. The ground shook slightly with each step they took, a testament to their might and the monumental changes they were driving.
By utilizing the behemoths in construction, Luo Chong effectively halved the labor demands on his tribe. This efficiency allowed more hands to be free for other essential tasks—gathering, crafting, and fortifying. It wasn't long before a visitor from a neighboring tribe arrived, drawn by the rumors of the Han tribe's rapid advancements.
This visitor, a chieftain by the name of Mo Kui, stood at the edge of the Han territory, watching the giant creatures work with a mix of awe and envy. Luo Chong, ever the astute leader, welcomed him warmly, sensing an opportunity to expand their influence.
"Mo Kui, welcome to our tribe. What you see here is the result of unity and the strength of our bonds," Luo Chong greeted, gesturing expansively towards the bustling worksite.
Mo Kui, his curiosity piqued, nodded appreciatively. "I've heard much about your advancements and your… unusual helpers," he said, eyeing the giant beasts. "We've come to learn, and perhaps, to form an alliance. Our lands are fertile, but our methods are old. Your techniques could bring prosperity to my people as well."
Luo Chong smiled, recognizing the mutual benefits such an alliance could offer. "Then let us discuss over a meal. We value friends who seek knowledge and growth. Together, we can extend the reach of our prosperity."
As they walked back towards the communal area, Luo Chong felt a surge of pride. The Han tribe was no longer just surviving; they were thriving, leading, and now, poised to expand their influence across the region.
Through strategic use of their resources, innovative thinking, and alliances, Luo Chong was turning the Han tribe into a powerhouse, a beacon of advancement and stability in a world where both were hard to come by.