I am a Primitive Man-Chapter 816: The Golden Belt from the Green Sparrow Tribe
Chapter 816: The Golden Belt from the Green Sparrow Tribe
Because of the “searchlight” that Heaven had seemingly cast down, the award ceremony, already brimming with excitement, became even more lively.
Even though the “searchlight” didn’t linger long before disappearing, it had already provided enough shock and awe for everyone present.
In later generations, many people seeing such rare celestial phenomena would call it “Buddha light” or something similar, overcome with excitement. Now, such a scene appeared before the primitive people of the Green Sparrow Tribe—who already held a deep reverence for nature—and coincidentally fell upon the already haloed figure of Divine Child Han Cheng. The resulting awe was even greater.
So much so that those stepping onto the stage to receive awards struggled to walk steadily.
Especially the old primitive man from the Wind Tribe: after receiving the award for second place in the running event and shaking hands warmly with Han Cheng, if Han Cheng hadn’t steadied him, this man would likely have collapsed onto the stage in utter reverence and awe.
The top three in the shuttlecock-kicking competition received a horn comb as a prize; the top three in running were awarded a pair of carefully crafted leather shoes; the top three in wrestling received leather belts.
Out of Han Cheng’s mischievous sense of humor, the first-place winner, Second Senior Brother, received a belt with copper pieces embedded in it, which shone brilliantly in the sunlight.
This was the golden belt.
Under everyone’s gaze, receiving a prize from Han Cheng and shaking hands with Divine Child left each recipient overjoyed and deeply honored.
Those who did not win awards watched the smiling winners with envy—but not jealousy. First, the tribe’s people were honest and straightforward; second, the competitions were entirely fair, conducted openly before everyone. Losing meant being outperformed, with nothing to complain about.
To achieve the same, one had to work hard in daily tasks and practice diligently in the future.
Han Cheng observed the reactions of the crowd, noting that the smiles on their faces grew wider—happier than any searchlight could make them.
After all, the purpose of hosting the sports festival was to keep the tribe’s warrior spirit alive, to emphasize physical training, rather than letting people be absorbed solely in farming.
Following the awards ceremony, the next event was the formal liberation of slaves and the granting of Green Sparrow Tribe citizenship.
Compared with the sports awards, this ceremony carried far greater weight for the tribe’s slaves.
This year, including Da Jiao, nine people were freed from slavery—those who had consistently performed well.
Although nine was a small number relative to the tribe’s total slave population, they gave all slaves the strongest hope for the future.
When Han Cheng announced in front of everyone that their slave status was officially lifted and personally hung wooden ID plaques around their necks—symbolizing second-level citizenship in the Green Sparrow Tribe—the recipients were moved to tears, clutching their plaques as if letting go would make them fly away.
After the IDs were presented, the next step was drinking Green Sparrow wine.
“Drink this cup of Green Sparrow wine, and henceforth you are members of the tribe. You must neither harm nor betray it!”
Han Cheng once again emphasized the significance of drinking the wine.
Da Jiao and the others nodded solemnly, then drained their cups in a single gulp, their expressions serious.
Ordinarily, after winter snowfalls, the tribe’s enthusiasm would only peak close to the New Year, but this year was different.
With the consecutive events—honoring tribal heroes, the sports festival, the awards ceremony, and the slave liberation ceremony—the spirits of all tribe members, citizens, and slaves alike were thoroughly energized.
Even during routine winter tasks, their motivation was unprecedentedly high.
Snowflakes drifted softly from the sky as a line of sleds slowly moved along the roughly constructed bronze road, gradually disappearing into the distance.
The old primitive man, clad in tanned leather and hats, watched the tall walls fade and the people waving goodbye at the gates, hearts full of reluctance.
The experiences of the past few days had felt like a dream.
They realized that winter didn’t have to mean despairing cold and hunger—that there were many things to do beyond survival.
The old primitive man’s worldview had been completely overturned in this short time.
If the elders were so affected, the minors were even more so. Many could not help but cry as they watched the walls recede into the distance.
“Don’t be sad. Once you return, persuade your leaders. Then we can live together!”
Mao said with a smile.
Accompanying the old primitive man were, in addition to Shang and Mao of the trade team, several others.
These people were heading to the Copper Mountain settlement, replacing half of the previous occupants. The trade team’s role was to escort and protect the old primitive man.
Now, the members of the Wind Tribe and neighboring Wind Tribe were considered part of the Green Sparrow Tribe.
Without experience walking through snow and ice, traveling alone could easily be deadly. After consideration, Han Cheng assigned the trade team to accompany them.
Mao’s reassurance quickly lifted the group’s sadness. Minors, thinking of living together with the benevolent Green Sparrow Tribe in the future, wiped their tears and even blew snot bubbles in delight.
The old primitive man’s sorrow diminished as well.
Before visiting the Green Sparrow main tribe, he had thought of joining but had hesitated for reasons he couldn’t explain. After experiencing the wealth, kindness, and especially the comfort of heated kang beds, he resolved to persuade his tribe’s leader to join the Green Sparrow Tribe this winter.
The large convoy continued through the snow to the Copper Mountain settlement.
After a day of rest, the convoy set out again, now in two groups with different directions.
One group returned along the road to the Green Sparrow main tribe, replacing personnel. The other headed northwest—consisting of the trade team and members of the Wind and neighboring Wind Tribes.
The trade team seemed unchanged, except that Shang was replaced by Third Senior Brother, who had previously guarded the Copper Mountain settlement for years.
This swap was arranged by Han Cheng—not due to distrust, but as a preventive measure.
Henceforth, rotation of main commanders at branch settlements every three years would become standard, preventing any one person from gaining excessive local power and reinforcing tribal unity.
Copper Mountain settlement had evolved from a barren site to a fully established location. Following Third Senior Brother’s methods, Shang could take over without difficulty.
Shang himself was capable and physically strong, able to continue farming and metal production efficiently.
Standing on the walls of Copper Mountain settlement, Shang watched the trade team carrying the Wind Tribe and neighboring tribe members fade into the distance, feeling somewhat uneasy.
He had been part of the trade team for years, and the sudden separation from Mao and departure from the main tribe made him uncomfortable.
After observing for a while, he descended the wall to begin his new life.
Han Cheng had already instructed Shang on how to manage the Copper Mountain settlement before he arrived. The Third Senior Brother then walked him through the entire settlement, explaining resources and daily routines in detail.
Shang, competent and well-prepared, had no difficulty taking over.
“Whoosh!”
A bowstring twanged, and an arrow shot out, felling a bird digging through the snow. Dogs, without instruction, sprang out, one quickly grabbing the prey and running back to Third Senior Brother, wagging its tail proudly.
The Third Senior Brother took the prey, petted the dog, and gave it a small piece of dried meat from a pouch. The dog caught it instantly and wagged its tail happily.
Third Senior Brother slung the bow on his back, put his hands into gloves connected by a rope around his neck, and watched his surroundings for prey. He only carried the bow when necessary to avoid cold-induced stiffness.
Third Senior Brother, though wanting to return to the main tribe, also felt a reluctance to leave the settlement he had served for years. Such duality is natural—when one cannot have both, there is always some regret.
As the group traveled through deep snow, the old primitive man realized that snow, once feared like a wild tiger, was no longer so threatening.
Near a snow-covered cliff, a cave blocked by stone slabs emitted faint smoke.
“Drum thump-thump~”
Noise came from within. The stone slab shifted, revealing a person wrapped in layers of fur. He shivered, stepped out, and looked around.
Only snow met his eyes—no one else. A deep sigh escaped him.
This was the leader of the Wind Tribe.
Initially, the plan had been for his people to return before snowfall, but now days had passed, and they had not returned.
He feared the worst. Winter had arrived, and food would be scarce. Even if his people survived the snow on the way back, the generous Green Sparrow Tribe would naturally prioritize feeding their own.
Even after hearing how wealthy the Green Sparrow Tribe was, he could not have imagined the abundance of their food.
Now, facing a reduced tribe and potential mass deaths, regret and fear consumed him.
After standing a while, he hurriedly wrapped himself in furs, shivering, and moved into the cave, attempting to block the cold wind with a stone slab.
Halfway through, he froze, blinking in disbelief at the approaching figures—dozens of people heading straight toward their cave.
At first, he thought it was his returning tribe, but surprise quickly turned to terror.
“#$%S…!”
Legs weak, he shouted and frantically reinforced the stone slab blocking the entrance.
Inside the cave, those lying down or warming themselves panicked. The sudden alarm—that a massive enemy force was coming—threw the cave into chaos.
Minors cried, adults scrambled for weapons or hid deeper.
Outside, the old primitive man, accompanied by Third Senior Brother and Mao, approached the Wind Tribe’s settlement.
Seeing the cave, they became excited, pointing and urging their pace faster.
Though they wanted to join the Green Sparrow Tribe, stepping through snow and returning to their old homes stirred emotions.
The Wind Tribe leader, however, did not share their excitement. Seeing the crowd approaching directly, his heart pounded with fear.
The group was clearly heading toward his tribe—his people’s end seemed inevitable.
Desperate, he reinforced the cave entrance with stones, the tribe’s only defense.
The old primitive man drew closer, hearing muffled, excited voices from within.
“#4… welcome us… happy…”
Hearing the faint voices, the old primitive man rejoiced, confident that their tribe would soon emerge to greet them.
Yet, even after waiting, the cave remained shut.
Puzzled, they wondered why, having seen their return, the tribe did not open the cave to welcome them.
They continued toward the cave, and as they listened more closely, the old primitive man’s expressions turned truly remarkable…
Chapter 816: The Golden Belt from the Green Sparrow Tribe
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