CH 21

Chapter 21: Net

In the hallowed confines of the sacred temple, another offering was ceremoniously enshrined within the [Sacrifice] slot...

Bestowed upon Lu Yao was a formidable [Magic Harpoon], an implement of approximately 1.5 meters in length. Its sturdy wooden shaft bore a robust iron trident, evoking the image of a rudimentary yet functional fishing contraption.

As Lu Yao clenched the [Magic Harpoon] in his hand, a fleeting notion tantalized him—a mere puff of smoke, and the likeness of a murloc, Yuan Hua, would materialize. However, the harpoon's mystical abilities proved impractical to him, relegating it to that of a talisman.

Nevertheless, the harpoon possessed a redeeming quality that surpassed the meager usefulness of the Dice cast into the bonfire—it bestowed 1 point of faith per hour. By accepting this offering, Lu Yao brought profound solace to the Donghe tribe.

"The gods have deemed our offering worthy."

"This sacred treasure carries immense significance for our tribe, appeasing the divine sensibilities of the gods."

"May the benevolent deities bestow their blessings upon us."

[The Donghe Tribe's disposition has now transformed into one of warmth and friendship.]

As tensions eased between the Donghe Tribe and the Garlic Tribe, endorsed by their respective leaders, formal trade commenced, forging a bond between the two factions. The Garlic Tribe exchanged their plentiful yield of wheat, potatoes, garlic, and meat for the Donghe Tribe's abundant fish, shrimp, crab, and shells. This direct barter circumvented the involvement of the Yanchi Tribe, allowing both tribes to access a broader array of commodities.

Seizing the opportune tranquility, Lu Yao donned his footwear and embarked on a venture. Guided by his memory, he traversed the streets until stumbling upon a modest fishing tackle emporium.

"Good sir, how may I be of service?" inquired the middle-aged proprietor, a cigarette perched between his lips.

"I require fishing nets."

"At present, we offer trawl nets. What length would suit your needs? We have options of 2*5 meters, 2*10 meters, and 2*20 meters. All boast a sturdy construction of twelve strands, ensuring durability and ease of use."

"I'll take the 2*5-meter variant."

"That will be 68$."

Lu Yao exchanged the required funds, collected the fishing net securely ensconced within a plastic bag, and hastened back to his dwelling.

Since the introduction of bows and arrows to this realm, Lu Yao had contemplated the forthcoming enhancements for the Garlic Tribe. With matters concerning the Donghe Tribe resolved, he had reached a decision: fishing nets.

The East River, an interconnection to the Eastern Sea, abounded with marine treasures, yearning to be harnessed promptly. The evolution of shipbuilding and navigation, rooted in the art of fishing, necessitated the acquisition of suitable tools.

Observing the Donghe tribe's exclusive reliance on harpoons and their ability to effectively capture sea monsters for fish, Lu Yao deduced that their fishing techniques had remained relatively primitive. The ease with which they procured their catches may have contributed to their lack of innovation in fishing methods. In contrast, the Garlic Tribe had honed their skills in crafting traps and leather garments, and they had long mastered the art of laying rope. This expertise enabled them to excel in creating intricate fishing nets, further enhancing their ability to catch fish.

With deftness, Lu Yao 'equipped' the mouse with the newly acquired fishing nets.

A prompt materialized on the screen.

——Would you like to bestow the [Fishing Net] upon your followers?

【Yes】

As the fishing nets graced the Garlic Tribe, jubilation permeated the diminutive villagers.

"Fishing nets! A bountiful harvest of fish awaits us!"

"With these fishing nets, we shall venture forth to the river, securing our piscine bounty!"

"Let us weave countless fishing nets!"

"No fish shall elude our grasp, for the river shall teem with sustenance!"

The pixelated denizens busied themselves, diligently weaving fishing nets, while others made their way to the riverbanks, employing the nets in their quest for fish.

The arrival of fishing nets also captivated the attention of the Donghe Tribe.

"These fishing nets appear unwieldy."

"They are futile! A harpoon reigns supreme—one thrust, and a fish is impaled!"

"Fish possess innate astuteness; why would they succumb to mere nets?"

"These land-dwellers fail to fathom the agility of aquatic creatures within the water."

However, the exclamation marks on their heads swiftly morphed into perplexed question marks. Initially, the Garlic Tribe grappled awkwardly with the employment of fishing nets, akin to using a sieve to draw water, their earnest endeavors yielding not.

With the wisdom of the shamans and the expertise of skilled hunters, fishing techniques were honed to perfection. They patiently awaited the moment when the fish would swim within the reach of their finely woven nets, initiating the retrieval process with precision. This adaptation resulted in sporadic yet fruitful catches, ensuring a sustainable supply of fish.

Subsequently, the Garlic Tribe further honed their methods, adroitly attaching stones to the net's periphery before casting it into the water. The added weight facilitated swift sinking, ensnaring the fish at the net's core, denying their timely escape. Tautening the lines transformed the net's edges into a secure pocket, capable of capturing numerous fish in a single haul.

The remarkable spectacle of capturing a multitude of fish in a single net sent ripples of astonishment through the indigenous river Tribe, a community well-versed in aquatic ecosystems, leaving them utterly flabbergasted. In response, villagers from the tribe converged upon the location, their voices resounding with anticipation as they delved into fervent discussion, their countenances transitioning with remarkable agility.

"Truly a gift from the gods, this is a marvel indeed."

"Why do the fish instinctively swim into the nets, even without any bait? It is a puzzling phenomenon."

"This is a treasure, a remarkable creation that must be harnessed!"

Emotions ran high among some, while others swiftly set their plans into motion.

Once again, [Grandmother] arrived by boat, seeking an audience with the prophet and shaman. Swiftly, discussions between the tribes commenced, leading to a decisive outcome.

"The Garlic Tribe shall teach the Donghe tribe the art of crafting and utilizing fishing nets, fostering a closer bond between the two factions."

"In turn, the Donghe Tribe shall impart their knowledge of canoe-making and navigation to the Garlic Tribe."

Lu Yao massaged his shoulders wearily.

This is what his brother desired.

An exchange of technology.

For the rapid development of the Garlic Tribe, seclusion and isolation were untenable. To progress, they needed to foster greater exchange and learning with other tribes, acquiring additional knowledge and cultural insights.

In this regard, the Yanchi Tribe had been quite clandestine.

As a partner of the Garlic Tribe, the Yanchi Tribe appeared amicable, yet they deliberately withheld their mastered technologies from reaching the Garlic Tribe's shores. From the beginning to the end, they viewed the Garlic Tribe solely as a commodity-producing region, a cog within their trade network centered around leek harvesting.

They never revealed the true location of their tribe, maintained strict control over passage routes and maps, and covertly stifled the Garlic Tribe's growth.

Even their offering of the [Dice] to the god Lu Yao was insincere, a mere token gesture.

Driven by the desire to break free from the constraints imposed by the Yanchi Tribe, Lu Yao actively sought alternative pathways to connect with the outside world.

[Grandmother] prostrated herself outside the temple, a fervent act of worship.

A question mark materialized above her head.

Lu Yao clicked on it.

"Magnificent God Yao, we beseech your forgiveness for any impertinence. We, the Donghe Tribe, have always been devout followers of the gods, seeking their protection and assistance. However, as a small and feeble tribe, our voice often goes unheard. Where are the gods..."

"Your sagacity and majesty, the Donghe Tribe shall never dare to offend or doubt you."

"The prophets and shamans proclaim that you eternally safeguard those who place their faith in you. Thus, we, a humble group of outsiders, implore you, beseeching your mercy."

"The East River Tribe shoulders the crucial task of nurturing sea monsters, our most prized possession. However, over the past year, these sea monsters have fallen gravely ill—three have perished, leaving a mere seven remaining."

"If our women can no longer give birth to sea monsters and offer them to the temple for their transformative shedding of skin, our tribe shall be forsaken by the Donghai clan. Our very survival hinges on replenishing the ranks of these sea monsters."

Lu Yao fell into contemplative silence.

The revelation that sea monsters were birthed by women from the Donghe Tribe left him perplexed.

Was he not supposed to be shocked by such a revelation?