Chapter 057: Invitation and Intimidation

The members of the Black Rat Tribe were astounded by how much Luo Chong, the leader of the Han Tribe, knew. As they compared their own tribe's modest means to the Han's, it became evident just how advanced Luo Chong's people were, possessing many luxuries such as pottery that the Black Rat Tribe could only acquire through trade.

After lunch, Luo Chong led his people to the brick kiln, which had cooled down after a day and a night, signaling it was time to unload the bricks. Every adult was mobilized for the task, including the new members from the Black Rat Tribe, who, under the guise of not wanting to consume the Han Tribe's resources without contributing, eagerly volunteered to assist.

"Just trying to learn our methods, huh?" Luo Chong mused, unfazed by Shaman Wu's transparent intentions. Seeing no harm in it—he joked about writing his name backwards if they mastered brick-making from one session—he welcomed the free labor.

As they worked, Shaman Wu and Shaman Da marveled at the simple yet effective tools like the wheelbarrows, lamenting their tribe's inability to even replicate wicker baskets. Shaman Da, ever curious, inquired: "Chieftain of the Han Tribe, could we trade for some of these wheelbarrows?"

Luo Chong considered this before replying, "We can trade, but what will you offer in exchange?"

Caught off guard, Shaman Da stuttered, realizing the impossibility of a fair trade given their scarce resources. "We… we don't have much to offer…" he admitted, dismayed by the realization that even their people were not enough to barter for the valuable carts.

Seeing their admiration for his tribe's advancements, Luo Chong decided to bolster their alliance with knowledge and assistance rather than material goods. He explained that his people wouldn't be relocating anytime soon due to the ample food and resources available right where they were. "The land here can sustain thirty tribes of our size; there's plenty for all," he assured, gesturing expansively.

The enormity of Luo Chong's claim left the shamans of the Black Rat Tribe nearly speechless, unable to fathom the scale of his ambitions. Their awe deepened as Luo Chong shared his vision of agricultural abundance, all achievable through the hard work and cooperation of his tribe.

Curious and somewhat skeptical, Shaman Wu asked where this endless supply of food was. Luo Chong tapped the ground with his foot and declared confidently, "It's all beneath our feet, just waiting to be cultivated."

Despite their doubts, Luo Chong's assurance resonated with the shamans, who were intrigued by the prospect of such prosperity. The discussion turned to the logistics of cultivating and harvesting such bounty, with Luo Chong outlining the disciplined work and careful planning required to achieve such results.

As the day wound down, the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the two tribes grew. Luo Chong's offer to teach the Black Rat Tribe his agricultural techniques was met with enthusiasm, though he warned them of the diligence needed to maintain such a system.

The visit concluded with Shaman Wu and Shaman Da deeply impressed, not just with the Han Tribe's resources, but with Luo Chong's leadership and vision. As they prepared to leave, Luo Chong's parting words were an offer of protection and support, should they ever need it, further solidifying the bonds between the two tribes.

Grateful for the hospitality and the knowledge shared, the Black Rat Tribe left with new insights and a profound respect for the Han Tribe's chieftain, whose wisdom and generosity promised a brighter future for all who would join him.