The Rise of a Primitive Civilization

Humans, inherently content with little, find solace in the simple joys of life. Despite a day filled with arduous tasks and lurking dangers, there is nothing more satisfying than gathering around a warm fire to feast on delectable dishes, with smiles lighting up every face. Tonight's menu features poultry encased in golden clay—tender and succulent, seasoned only with coarse salt bartered from neighboring tribes—a rare and precious commodity. Accompanied by large fowl resembling turkeys, sizeable serpents, and a plethora of mud-wrapped eggs, the meal culminates delightfully with fresh fruit.

The succulent poultry garners unanimous praise. Given the usual fare of dried meats, the prospect of enjoying a rich broth, courtesy of the newly crafted pottery, adds to the villagers' anticipation.

Post-dinner, leisure time is productively spent. Women, inspired by their leader's example, fashion snake skin into fine strips for tying the children's hair, demonstrating the practical application of every resource. The successful debut of the back-baskets earlier in the day has spurred a newfound enthusiasm for basket weaving, evidenced by the day's abundant harvest despite fewer hands.

As midnight approaches, the two moons in the sky briefly align to form a peculiar silver ring, a fleeting spectacle before parting ways.

Exhausted from the day's exertions, everyone, including the young leader Luo Chong, retreats to sleep. Nestled in a pile of grass, he cradles two young children, enjoying their warmth and hoping they don't wet the bed.

At dawn, Luo Chong is among the first to rise. Opting not to train too rigorously due to a scarcity of salt—a vital but missing nutrient—he contemplates a trade with other tribes using the pottery as barter.

After performing a set of calisthenics to welcome the new day, Luo Chong proceeds to check on the pottery kiln's yield, which everyone awaits with bated breath.

As he uncovers the kiln, two intertwined snakes fall out, apparently having sought warmth there. The disabled man, quick to react, removes them with his ever-present staff.

The kiln reveals its treasures amidst intense scrutiny; the high temperature has melded some of the pottery together, creating intriguing patterns on their surfaces, much like glazed artwork illuminated by the morning sun.

One by one, Luo Chong carefully extracts the earthenware. The pots and pans, although some are cracked, mainly retain their integrity, proving the success of this new venture. The functionality of these items, from carrying water to cooking, promises a significant shift in the villagers' daily lives.

Overjoyed, the disabled man, whose previous life's work focused on a single stone basin, now sees a new purpose before him, embracing the pottery that guarantees a transformation in communal living.

Recognizing the potential to revolutionize their way of life, Luo Chong plans to barter the pottery for salt and other essentials. The seemingly simple act of molding clay transcends mere craftsmanship—it shapes the future of his tribe, aligning them closer to sustainability and prosperity.

As the villagers gather to marvel at their new wealth, the trade missions are planned. The pottery, each piece a testament to human ingenuity and community effort, holds the promise of not just sustenance, but thriving civilization. With each vessel, they mold not just clay, but their very destiny.