The Rise of a Primitive Civilization

After the water jug exchange, the elder, prompted by Luo Chong's prior instructions, has Shi Tou unveil additional treasures—a cooking pot with a lid and two remaining ceramic bowls. Astonished by their bounty of exquisite pottery, Xie Ding wonders about the peculiar pot adorned with handles and a lid.

The elder explains their use for boiling water and cooking meat. Demonstrating, Duyi chops dried meat into small pieces, adds them to the pot with water and a couple of salt rocks, and places it over a fire. Within minutes, a rich aroma fills the air, drawing envious looks from the onlookers. This cooking method, recently taught by Luo Chong and now being relayed by Duyi, showcases a novel way to enjoy meat.

As the pot simmers, Duyi ladles some broth into a ceramic bowl, adds a few pieces of stewed meat, and cautiously hands it to Xie Ding. Taking a hesitant sip, Xie Ding's eyes light up with pleasure—the savory broth with a glistening layer of fat and tender meat transforms his understanding of culinary delight. The prospect of such a dish during the harsh winter months seems a revelation, emphasizing the utility of the pot beyond mere storage.

Convinced of the value, Xie Ding agrees to trade. The pot, particularly with its lid, is a prized item capable of fetching a high exchange rate. In return, he offers additional salt and, swayed by the pot's utility, agrees to a more favorable trade involving human lives.

With the transactions settled, the elder strategically introduces the possibility of further trades at their tribe, inviting Xie Ding to visit with salt or more people, ensuring the terms remain consistent. The return journey sees the party, now larger with the new additions, laden with goods and people—a testament to their successful bartering.

The newcomers are introduced to their new home as the sun sets. They are met with a display of recent productions—new pottery, racks of drying fish that indicate a bountiful catch, and the busy hum of an industrious tribe. The sight of such abundance, contrasted with the dire conditions they have left behind, fills them with a mix of relief and astonishment.

Amidst the activities, Luo Chong focuses on the ill child brought with the new members. The boy's high fever requires immediate attention, and Luo Chong, recalling traditional methods from his past, decides to use cupping therapy. With no proper tools at hand, he improvises with a piece of a bird's beak, shaping it into a makeshift cupping device.

As he prepares the child for treatment, the boy's mother, wrapped in a beast skin by the fire to keep warm, watches with a mix of fear and hope. Her anxiety gives way to cautious relief as Luo Chong gently lays her son on a bed of hay and beast skin, signaling his intentions to help rather than harm.

With night fully settled and the cave warmed by the fire and the bustling activity, Luo Chong begins the ancient healing practice, hopeful to reduce the fever and restore the child's health under the watchful eyes of a hopeful mother and an intrigued new tribe.