Chapter 380
Stoneware
Shao Xuan, as the newly-appointed young Elder, had given everyone an unforgettable experience during his welcoming ceremony . If anyone was still sceptical of him taking the role, after this, all grumbles and doubts would vanish .
No one objected to him taking a position that was just below the shamaness and the chief . Everyone had an added layer of respect, for every time they saw him, they would remember the Flame Giant forming from the flames extending from his body .
The welcoming ceremony also involved a formal introduction of Shao Xuan to everyone . His history was not important, everyone only needed to know that he was the new Elder . Since the shamaness and the chief did not elaborate about his past, they did not ask questions . This trait was similar to the people of the other Flaming horn .
“There will be a hunt seven days later, Shao Xuan, join everyone then,” said chief Zheng Luo to Shao Xuan .
Group activities were a way to quickly integrate him into their tribe . The hunt would help him adapt to their community . Especially with his capabilities, he was going to do well here . His hunting skills should not be too bad since he was an advanced totemic warrior .
“Alright,” said Shao Xuan .
Zheng Luo wanted to give him some bronzeware but he rejected them . After a few days, Shao Xuan had a general understanding of the tribe’s situation . Although many tribes used metalware, they were exchanged from slave masters .
The Core Seed was in the slave masters’ hands . The Core Seed on this side was a lot bigger than the one in the desert too . A thousand years ago, the slave masters banished into exile only had three small core seeds with them . The ones left in the base camp were the real deal . Metal was in abundance, that was why they were generous enough to share them with other tribes .
However, bronzeware was expensive too, there was a high price for barter . Before every child’s first hunt, they would receive their first bronze blade from their parents, or some other metalware . Sometimes, this gift would accompany them for the rest of their lives- it could be a sword, an axe or a dagger . If it chipped off during a hunt, there were blacksmiths here although they were not as skilful as the prodigies with the slave masters . They could do basic things like making a new blade out of the old damaged one .
Zheng Luo’s household had many metalwares because they were outstanding in hunting . It was not like Shao Xuan could not hunt without a bronze dagger- if he wanted one, he would earn one on his own .
That was why Zheng Luo and the rest were puzzled when Shao Xuan lifted boulders towards his house during the days leading up to the hunt .
Ever since the introduction of metal, more and more people realised its convenience . Stoneware became rarer, though it was still in use . But they were no longer essentials . When Shao Xuan carried the boulders, the shamaness, chief and everyone felt sorry because they realised that their brothers on the other side were still reliant on stoneware .
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Once again rejecting offers from the shamaness and the other people, Shao Xuan focused on making the tools he needed .
One of the reasons why he rejected their offers was that he was used to making his own tools . He might not be used to tools made by other people, mistakes could happen during the hunt .
Most of the people here had lost the skill of identifying good quality stone but not Shao Xuan . The boulders were mined from a place outside the village, of middle to high quality . It was not amazing but it was enough . He might get something better after venturing out for hunts later .
Every time people passed his house, they would here cling and clangs of his sculpting process .
Ding ding, dang dang…
Duo Kang and Guang Yi entered his house to watch him make stone tools out of curiosity .
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They admired how Shao Xuan could shave a huge boulder into small pieces, into a shape he wanted . They had both used metal tools for a long time . So this was how their ancestors did it!
Other than making tools of all sizes, he prepared tools, needles, nails, screws using wood and bones for the hunt . This time, he was prepared to hunt a lot . He had received a lot of gifts when he arrived so he must give them something in return . It was a good time to keep a stock for himself too, maybe he could exchange them for other goods later .
Seven days later, a portion of warriors about to leave for the hunt gathered at a piece of empty land at the foot of the hill .
Shao Xuan covered his face with some coloured mud, this was similar to the Flaming Horn practice he knew . Before a hunt, they would draw patterns on their faces- though instead of superstition, this was for camouflage .
This mud was specially made by the shamaness . When their ancestors arrived a thousand years ago, they had experimented on using this as camouflage . It did not dry as quickly as regular mud, nor would it crack due to movements in facial muscles . It could last up to ten days .
As usually, the hunting party was led by Duo Kang and Guang Yi . The people who hadn’t previously participated came too, if they were not on duty . The younger ones like Wu Zhan, Tao Zheng, Zhui etc were all enthusiastic due to Shao Xuan, who was seen as a competitor . Especially to Zhui, who was still dissatisfied from their last sparring session .
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After a roll call, Duo Kang waved . “Let’s go!”
“Roar---” The party roared, then sang a hunting song according to their tradition . ”
“The skies and earth opened, then came our ancestors . The tribe prospered, and we hunted! The seasons changed, the snows were gone . The animals rejoiced, the birds sang…”
It was a familiar feeling . Although both tribes had very different experiences, Shao Xuan felt like he was back to his first hunt . He felt pride for his tribe .
The people of Taihe tribe were planning to hunt too . They had walked a while when they heard singing from the Flaming Horn tribe . They started to panic . What the hell? This was getting annoying! Why did they have to do this even on a hunt?
At least they were all hunting in different territories, or the Taihe people might have puked their breakfasts .