Chapter 150 – Setting sail (1/2)

Translated by Idontreallycare

If people were observing the tribe, it would look as if nothing had changed. Yet, if one looked closely, it wasn’t difficult to spot the many changes that had been quietly occurring. And so, when everyone had gathered together once again, they realised to their surprise that almost nothing was the same.

For example, a few elderly silhouettes were frequently seen strolling along the riverside, often including the head chief. This aroused the curiosity of those who lived at the base of the mountain. So much so, that even when it wasn’t time to fish, they would run over and observe them.

Thus, before long, the tribe members had developed a habit of heading to the river when they were free. Perhaps they could encounter a prominent member of the tribe and talk about life?

Additionally, those living in the upper mountain discovered that the ill-tempered elders treated Shao Xuan quite amicably! This was something that they couldn’t believe!

Even more, the gaze that the two team leaders gave Shao Xuan was extremely strange.

However, there was still a matter that left everyone puzzled. During the rainy season, several important members of the tribe would still brave the rain every day and go to the river, something that had never happened in the past. Through each successive generation’s stories, the people of the tribe had grown to fear the river. Although people’s perception of the river had slightly improved in the last few years due to the fishing, it wouldn’t cause the elders to run over there, right?

Doubtful people continued to doubt, while hopeful people continued to hope.

This year the focus and planning was all for the rainy season.

As Shao Xuan’s sixteenth year progressed, important members of the tribe started to suffer from insomnia due to nerves and excitement. Every day, they would gather together to discuss the plan and to see if there were any necessary changes to be made.

Some members of the tribe proceeded with the tasks of searching for wood, crafting a boat, and weaving a sail. While completing them, it became increasingly difficult to keep the people in the dark.

The Shaman finally informed the whole tribe about the plan during the ceremony. This caused everyone to have heated discussions for a long time, from the start and until the end of the rainy season, Shao Xuan was frequently stopped by the tribe members and flooded with questions.

Everyone in the tribe had a strong sense of anticipation. Although many people didn’t understand all of the Shaman’s words, it didn’t stop them from being caught up in the atmosphere.

And this time, Shao Xuan took advantage of the time between when the rainy season ended, and before the two moons reunited to set off.

The day that the rainy season ended, every member inside the tribe went down the mountain. From the elderly to the children, from the top of the mountain to the foot, everyone dropped what they were doing and gathered at Path of Glory to watch.

“Move it out.” The Shaman said, standing at the mountain peak.

Ao and the two team leaders, along with a couple of robust warriors cautiously and solemnly moved the canoe out.

The canoe was shaped like a spindle. It was ten meters long and nearly three meters at its widest. They had made it so big to allow Chacha to be able to rest inside; if it was only Shao Xuan riding, the canoe wouldn’t need to be this large.

The wood used to craft the boat had been selected by Shao Xuan after the hunting teams brought back many different types from outside. Once the wood type was selected, they then went out in search of the best, most satisfactory tree.

The canoe was then crafted by Shao Xuan, along with some of the tribe’s best stone crafters, including Old Ke. They first cut down the tree and then hollowed out the center, resulting in a spacious, yet nimble ship.

This process was relatively straightforward, yet it was difficult to make sure it was entirely leak free and wouldn’t capsize in the wind.

The design blueprint was also personally drawn by Shao Xuan. He had consulted with the elderly warriors while drawing; they might not understand canoes, but they were knowledgeable regarding useful techniques to cross the river. Shao Xuan had used these suggestions and altered his original plans.

With the completion of the design, the stone crafters got to work, chopping down many trees to practice their skills. Since wooden tools were not the same as stone tools, they didn’t dare to carelessly start on the canoe. Only after they grasped the fundamentals and a few tricks of the trade, did they feel comfortable enough to start.

The canoe wasn’t considered heavy to the tribe’s totem warriors. On a regular day, they would carry stones without any problem, how could carrying wood be any harder?

Yet, to show the importance of this event to the tribe, several high level totem warriors were dispatched to carry the canoe down the mountain, giving the atmosphere of a solemn ritual.

Shao Xuan sat cross legged as the Shaman drew on his face. Just like the warriors, this was considered a blessing of sorts. The Shaman had even drawn pictures on Chacha’s leg that resembled the giant eagle’s found at Eagle Mountain.

After the Shaman had finish the drawings, Shao Xuan paid respects to the fire pit, and then marched down the Path of Glory with the totem warriors, heading towards the canoe. Chacha directly shot up in the sky, and flew ahead.