Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The alpha wolf attempts a feint to catch the Han Tribe off guard, but Luo Chong sees through it.
• The wolf pack tries to jump over the Han Tribe's defenses, but Luo Chong quickly adapts the formation to counter this.
• Rou Rou and Hui Shan defend the southern wall, while Luo Chong uses his archery skills to deter the wolf pack's flank attack.
• The wolf pack retreats, but Luo Chong leads a counterattack to retrieve the fallen livestock from the artificial river.
• The Han Tribe successfully recovers a substantial number of livestock, including Grass Mud Horses, Great Horned Deer, and wild oxen, as well as some wolves and a Terror Bird.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his strategic thinking, adaptability, and archery skills, solidifying his leadership.
• Rou Rou and Hui Shan show their loyalty and bravery in defending the southern wall.
• The Han Tribe members display unity and determination in executing Luo Chong's orders and retrieving the livestock.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and Strategy: Luo Chong's ability to quickly adapt to the wolf pack's tactics highlights the importance of strategic thinking in survival.
• Unity and Cooperation: The Han Tribe members work together, following Luo Chong's orders, showcasing the power of unity and cooperation in facing adversity.
• Resourcefulness: Luo Chong's use of the artificial river and fire to deter the wolf pack and protect the livestock emphasizes the importance of making the most of available resources.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and the Wolf Pack: Luo Chong's strategic countermeasures against the wolf pack's attacks showcase his leadership and resourcefulness.
• Luo Chong, Rou Rou, and Hui Shan: The trio works together, with Luo Chong directing, Rou Rou and Hui Shan executing, demonstrating a strong bond and effective teamwork.
• Luo Chong and the Han Tribe: Luo Chong's orders are swiftly followed by the tribe members, indicating their trust in his leadership and their unity as a group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong, Rou Rou, and Hui Shan drag two Wancchi Pigs to the edge of the forest to appease the Wolf Pack.
• The Han Tribe spends the night repairing the walls and Livestock Pen, and the tribespeople enjoy a late-night meal of roasted meat.
• Luo Chong leads a group to build an earthen ramp and wooden fences by the Artificial River to trap and capture the livestock.
• The first animal captured is an alpaca, followed by a bull that is subdued using a copper hook to burn through its nostril membrane.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in dealing with the Wolf Pack and capturing the livestock.
• The tribespeople show determination and cooperation in repairing the walls and capturing the animals.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in a harsh environment.
• The importance of unity and cooperation among the tribe.
• The necessity of using force to tame wild animals.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong works with Rou Rou and Hui Shan to drag the Wancchi Pigs to the Wolf Pack.
• Luo Chong leads the tribespeople in repairing the walls, building the trap, and capturing the livestock.
• The tribespeople work together to capture and control the animals, showing camaraderie and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong captures wild bulls, alpacas, and Great Horned Deer using a pit trap and enclosure strategy.
• The tribe faces challenges taming and processing the captured animals.
• Luo Chong realizes the issue of preserving the vast amount of meat they've acquired.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates leadership, resourcefulness, and concern for the tribe's future.
• The tribe members show resilience, adaptability, and teamwork in handling the new situation.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in a harsh environment.
• The importance of planning and foresight in ensuring the tribe's well-being.
• The challenges of preserving resources in a pre-industrial setting.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong guides and directs the tribe members in processing the captured animals.
• The tribe members work together, sharing knowledge and skills (e.g., women teaching others to skin wolves, Mutong teaching boys to process bull horns).
• Children play and enjoy the abundance of food, highlighting the tribe's communal spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe spends a day processing the meat and hides from the hunt.
• Luo Chong learns about the salt mine from the former Baldy Tribe members.
• The Black Rat Tribe starts fortifying their settlement and considers joining the Han Tribe.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by prioritizing tasks and planning for the salt mine.
• Rat Shaman grapples with his desire to join the Han Tribe and his pride as a shaman, leading to internal conflict.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation (seen in the Han Tribe's successful hunt and processing efforts).
• The struggle between ambition and self-awareness (illustrated by Rat Shaman's internal debate).

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the former Baldy Tribe members, learning about the salt mine and assigning them tasks.
• Rat Shaman interacts with his tribe, expressing his concerns about the growing threat of powerful Cannibal Tribes and considering the possibility of joining the Han Tribe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rat Shaman and Big Mouse discover human bone necklaces in the forest, indicating the presence of a cannibalistic tribe (Cannibal Tribe) that poses a threat to their tribe.
• Big Mouse suggests trading pottery with the Chestnut Tribe for people, and then using those people to trade with the Han Tribe for more pottery, creating a cycle of trade and population growth.
• Luo Chong, at the Han Tribe, plans to use Thorn Vines coated in lard to create deadly traps for the Wolf Packs that have been harassing them.

Character Developments

• Big Mouse demonstrates his strategic thinking and initiative in suggesting the trade cycle to increase the tribe's population and pottery supply.
• Luo Chong shows his resourcefulness and cunning in devising a plan to eliminate the Wolf Pack threat using Thorn Vines.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation: Both the Rat Shaman's tribe and the Han Tribe are trying to ensure their survival by making strategic decisions and adaptations.
• Trade and resource management: The tribes explore the potential of trade to acquire resources and grow their populations.

Character Interactions

• The Rat Shaman and Big Mouse: They discuss the threat of the Cannibal Tribe and brainstorm solutions, with Big Mouse presenting a trade idea to increase their tribe's population and resources.
• Luo Chong and the Elder: Luo Chong asks the Elder about Thorn Vines to create a trap for the Wolf Packs, showing his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
• Luo Chong and the Wolf Packs: Luo Chong plans to use Thorn Vines to eliminate the Wolf Pack threat, demonstrating his cunning and determination to protect his tribe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong delivers 'Death Packages' to the wolf pack to control their territory.
• The Han Tribe prepares for spring plowing and salt collection.
• Big Mouse trades with the Chestnut Tribe, exchanging Pottery Pots for young tribe members to boost the Black Rat Tribe's combat strength.
• Luo Chong rewards the Han Tribe members for their contributions in the tribal defense battle.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates strategic thinking in controlling wolf territory and rewards his tribesmen to foster unity and loyalty.
• Big Mouse shows cunning and determination in his trade with the Chestnut Tribe, prioritizing his tribe's combat strength.
• The Han Tribe members display pride and unity in their shared rewards and hairstyles.

Significant Themes

• Unity and loyalty among tribesmen.
• Strategic thinking and resource management.
• The importance of symbolism (Hair Bindings) in fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the tribesmen, rewarding them for their efforts and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Big Mouse interacts with the Chestnut Tribe, negotiating a trade that benefits his tribe.
• Han Tribe members interact with each other, displaying pride in their shared rewards and unity in their hairstyles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe receives bronze buckles (wolf head-shaped) and bronze hairpins for participating in the wolf battle.
• Every adult receives a Longbow, regardless of gender, to promote ranged combat over close-quarters hunting.
• Luo Chong plans to equip as many bows and arrows as possible in the remaining winter month.
• The production of Longbows faces challenges, particularly in cutting straight wooden strips for the bows.
• Luo Chong innovates by creating a Bow Saw (Frame Saw) and an Ink Line Marking method for precise woodworking.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates resourcefulness and leadership in solving the woodworking challenges.
• Wooden Porpoise assists Luo Chong in marking lines for the bows.
• Lame and Mutong collaborate to create the first Frame Saw.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and adaptation to new technologies (Bow and Arrow, Frame Saw, Ink Line Marking).
• The importance of ranged weapons for personal safety and defense.
• The value of teamwork and collaboration (Lame and Mutong, Luo Chong and Wooden Porpoise).

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong works with Wooden Porpoise, Lame, and Mutong to overcome production challenges.
• The tribespeople express excitement and satisfaction with their rewards and the introduction of the Bow and Arrow.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong tests a new bow saw and decides to make more.
• Luo Chong plans to build a flat-bottomed boat (a zhou) for transporting copper ore from the mine.
• The boat's design includes a length of 8 meters, width of 3 meters, and a height of 1 meter, with a carrying capacity of 2-3 tons.
• Big Mouse arrives with a group of Black Rat Tribe members and Chestnut Tribe youths, seeking to trade pottery.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership, strategic thinking, and practical skills in planning and directing the boat's construction.
• Big Mouse shows surprise and bewilderment at the Han Tribe's significant growth and prosperity.

Significant Themes

• Resource Management: Luo Chong prioritizes the efficient transportation of copper ore to support the tribe's needs.
• Trade and Diplomacy: Big Mouse's visit highlights the importance of trade and diplomacy in the tribe's growth and survival.
• Adaptability: The Han Tribe's ability to adapt and innovate, as seen in Luo Chong's boat design, is crucial for their progress.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with Lame, discussing the saw's effectiveness and the need for more copper.
• Big Mouse interacts with Luo Chong, expressing shock at the Han Tribe's transformation and seeking trade.
• The former Tree Tribe members and Chestnut Tribe youths observe the Han Tribe's activities with curiosity and bewilderment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Big Mouse trades ten boys from the Chestnut Tribe for five pottery pots with the Han Tribe.
• Luo Chong invites Big Mouse and the boys to stay overnight due to the presence of Wolf Packs.
• The Han Tribe prepares a grand meal of stewed meat for everyone, including the newcomers.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates generosity and strategic thinking by welcoming Big Mouse and the boys, hoping to gain more labor and trade partners.
• Big Mouse shows caution and concern for his safety, choosing to stay overnight despite not having much food.
• The ten boys from the Chestnut Tribe experience a significant change in their living conditions, going from scarcity to abundance, and are eager to adapt to their new environment.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest and the law of elimination in primitive societies.
• The importance of trade and alliances in primitive societies.
• The contrast between the scarcity of resources in the Chestnut Tribe and the abundance in the Han Tribe.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and Big Mouse: They engage in a straightforward trade, with Luo Chong showing generosity by inviting Big Mouse to stay overnight and share a meal.
• The Han Tribe and the ten boys: The Han Tribe welcomes the boys, providing them with food, clothing, and a place to live, while also teaching them their language and customs.
• The ten boys among themselves: They express their joy and gratitude for their new circumstances, eager to learn and adapt to their new environment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe spends the night with an increased population, and twelve people take turns on night watch.
• Luo Chong and Big Mouse guard the stockade; Luo Chong watches for the Wolf Pack, while Big Mouse observes the Han Tribe's changes.
• In the latter half of the night, Luo Chong learns from Dashu and Beast Tooth that the Wolf Pack's activity has decreased.
• The next morning, Luo Chong leads a group to investigate the Wolf Pack's situation, finding evidence of their struggle and death.
• They discover the Wolf Pack's gathering place in a cave, filled with weakened and dying Gray Wolves.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership by planning the Wolf Pack's elimination and leading the investigation.
• Big Mouse reflects on the Han Tribe's advancements and feels the gap between their tribes, leading to self-doubt.
• Dashu and Beast Tooth show admiration for Luo Chong's intelligence and leadership.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategic planning and intelligence in survival.
• The impact of environmental changes (Thorn Vine) on the ecosystem (Wolf Pack).
• The gap in development between tribes and the consequences of such disparities.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and Big Mouse: They guard the stockade together, with Big Mouse observing the Han Tribe's advancements and feeling the gap between their tribes.
• Luo Chong and Dashu/Beast Tooth: Luo Chong asks about the Wolf Pack's situation, and they report their observations, showing their respect for Luo Chong's leadership.
• The Han Tribe members: They work together to collect the spoils of war (wolf hides and meat) after the Wolf Pack's defeat, demonstrating unity and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong discovers the entrance to a salt mine, hidden under a large rock.
• He finds that the cave ceiling is covered in Natural Alkali, not salt.
• Luo Chong learns about the water cycle in the cave from the former Baldy tribe members.
• He finds eight orphaned wolf cubs and decides to raise them.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his practical and strategic thinking in assessing the salt mine and the wolf cubs' situation.
• He shows empathy for the tribespeople, understanding their initial pity for the wolf cubs, but also emphasizes the importance of survival of the fittest in their harsh environment.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the Fittest: Luo Chong's decisions reflect the harsh reality of their environment, where only the strong survive.
• Adaptability: Luo Chong's knowledge about wolves and their adaptability is highlighted, as he decides to raise the cubs.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the former Baldy tribe members, learning about the salt mine and the water cycle.
• He shows empathy and understanding towards the tribespeople's initial pity for the wolf cubs, but also sternly reminds them of their harsh reality.
• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership and decisiveness in deciding to raise the wolf cubs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong discovers that there are fewer Gray Wolves than expected, leading to the discovery of a separate group besieging a Thunder Beast.
• Luo Chong witnesses the Thunder Beast's desperate plea for help, prompting him to intervene.
• Luo Chong engages in a fierce battle with the Gray Wolves, using his bow and arrow initially, then switching to his Golden Spear.
• Despite being injured, Luo Chong manages to kill most of the Gray Wolves, scaring the remaining ones away.
• The Thunder Beast, though weakened, protects Luo Chong's back during the battle.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his bravery, skill, and determination in facing overwhelming odds.
• The Thunder Beast shows intelligence and desperation, pleading for help and later protecting Luo Chong.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and determination in the face of adversity.
• The complex dynamics between different species, including cooperation and conflict.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and the Thunder Beast: Initially hesitant, Luo Chong decides to help the Thunder Beast, leading to a mutual protection during the battle.
• Luo Chong and the Gray Wolves: Luo Chong fights against the Gray Wolves, demonstrating his skill and fearlessness, ultimately scaring them away.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong encounters a dying Thunder Beast, which has given birth to a premature calf and is protecting it from a pack of Gray Wolves.
• The Thunder Beast entrusts its calf to Luo Chong before dying.
• Luo Chong returns to the Cave with the calf and tells his tribe about the Thunder Beast's sacrifice.
• The tribe decides to bury the mother Thunder Beast and bring the calf back to the tribe.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong: Shows empathy and kindness towards the Thunder Beast and its calf, demonstrating his compassion and responsibility as a leader.
• The Thunder Beast: Exhibits maternal love and determination to protect its calf, even in its final moments.

Significant Themes

• Maternal love and sacrifice
• Responsibility and compassion towards the vulnerable
• The cycle of life and death in nature

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and the Thunder Beast: Luo Chong witnesses the Thunder Beast's final moments and feels a connection with the beast, leading him to promise to take care of its calf.
• Luo Chong and his tribe: Luo Chong shares the story of the Thunder Beast with his tribe, and they collectively decide to honor the beast's memory and care for its calf.
• The tribesmen and the little Thunder Beast: The tribesmen, especially the women, show sympathy and care towards the orphaned calf, demonstrating their willingness to accept it into their community.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe spends late winter in their cave, caring for the newborn Thunder Beast and wolf pups.
• Luo Chong milks cows to feed the little ones, facing resistance from both the cows and the pups.
• The wolf pups and the Thunder Beast open their eyes and start eating solid food.
• Luo Chong teaches the tribesmen archery using the Mediterranean draw.
• The Han Tribe trades Pottery Pots with the Chestnut Tribe, including three women and six boys.
• The tribe completes building a large wooden Boat, but faces the challenge of moving it to the river.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination in caring for the newborns and teaching the tribesmen archery.
• Qu Bing shows affection towards the little Thunder Beast, naming it 'Benben' at Luo Chong's suggestion.
• The tribesmen show enthusiasm and pride in their work on the Boat, demonstrating their teamwork and growing skills.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation to harsh conditions.
• The importance of community and teamwork.
• The struggle for resources and growth.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and Qu Bing: Luo Chong teaches Qu Bing how to care for the Thunder Beast, and they discuss naming it.
• Luo Chong and the tribesmen: Luo Chong teaches the tribesmen archery and guides them in building the Boat.
• The Han Tribe and the Chestnut Tribe: The tribes engage in trade, with the Chestnut Tribe sending women and boys to the Han Tribe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong initiates the diversion of water from the small river to the artificial Diversion River.
• The tribespeople help dig a trench to connect the two rivers.
• Luo Chong personally breaks through the final barrier, and the river water flows into the Diversion River.
• The Diversion River fills up, and fish are seen floating on the surface.
• The tribespeople celebrate the successful connection of the Diversion River.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates leadership, initiative, and determination in executing his plan to divert the river.
• The tribespeople gain a new perspective on water management and infrastructure, expanding their understanding of possibilities beyond their traditional ways.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and adaptation: Luo Chong's approach to water management shows the tribe's ability to adapt and innovate to improve their living conditions.
• Cooperation: The tribespeople work together to achieve a common goal, highlighting the importance of unity and teamwork.
• Resource management: The diversion of the river demonstrates the tribe's understanding of and respect for their natural resources.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the tribespeople, leading them in the task of diverting the river and explaining his plans.
• The tribespeople work together, sharing their thoughts and concerns, and celebrating their success as a community.
• The children and animals of the tribe also participate in the event, showing their curiosity and excitement about the changes happening around them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong plans rice cultivation for the Han Tribe.
• He decides to use half of the 40+ catties of wild rice seeds, totaling 22 catties or 264,000 seeds.
• Luo Chong calculates that 64 mu (about 10.6 hectares) of land is needed to plant the rice, with a row spacing of 40 cm.
• A 400m x 107m plot is laid out along the Diversion River, with 20 irrigation ditches dug horizontally.
• After one day of work, all 20 ditches are dug.
• The first day of the New Year brings rain, ending the harsh winter.
• The Han Tribe, having suffered losses, prepares for a grand spring sacrifice ceremony.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his practical and strategic thinking in planning rice cultivation.
• The Han Tribe Elder shows respect for Luo Chong's leadership and willingness to adapt to new ideas.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation to harsh conditions.
• The importance of ancestral knowledge and respect for ancestors.
• The responsibility of leaders to provide for and protect their people.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the Elder, discussing the spring sacrifice ceremony and introducing the concept of ancestor worship.
• The Han Tribe members work together to dig irrigation ditches, showing unity and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong initiates a Flag Sacrifice ceremony for the Han Tribe, as they lack Totems like other tribes.
• He creates a flag with the character "Han" sewn onto a Great Horned Deer hide using boiled bones as needles.
• Luo Chong also constructs a large oxhide Drum for the ceremony, which serves practical purposes like alarms and military training.
• The Sacrifice Ceremony is held on the second day of spring, with the flag raised and offerings made to the gods.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership and initiative by organizing the Sacrifice Ceremony and creating the flag and Drum.
• Big Strength shows his strength and coordination by beating the Drum rhythmically.
• The Han Tribe members display unity and respect for Luo Chong's leadership.

Significant Themes

• Spiritual Reliance and Belief: Luo Chong introduces the concept of a flag as a spiritual anchor for the Han Tribe, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
• Practicality and Innovation: Luo Chong creates the Drum not only for the ceremony but also for practical uses like alarms and military training, showcasing his innovative thinking.
• Leadership and Unity: Luo Chong's actions bring the tribe together, demonstrating his leadership and the importance of unity in their survival.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with his companions (Wooden Porpoise, Lame, Mutong, and Big Strength) in creating the flag and Drum.
• The Han Tribe members interact with Luo Chong, showing respect and following his lead during the Sacrifice Ceremony.
• The children interact with the Drum, discovering its sound and curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe raises their flag and performs a ritual to pray for prosperity and protection from their ancestors.
• Luo Chong leads the tribe in plowing fields for rice cultivation, using double-headed Plows and Bronze plowshares.
• The tribe sows grass seeds for future livestock farming and begins to weave Straw Sandals for better footwear.
• The tribe engages in spring cleaning, washing their Leather Boots and animal hides.
• Luo Chong learns that the tribe's salt supply is running low.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates leadership and initiative in organizing the tribe's activities, such as plowing fields, sowing grass seeds, and teaching the women to weave Straw Sandals.
• The Elder shows responsibility by informing Luo Chong about the dwindling salt supply.

Significant Themes

• Ancestor Worship: The tribe's reliance on their ancestors for guidance and protection is emphasized through the flag-raising ceremony and prayer.
• Community and Cooperation: The tribe works together to accomplish tasks like plowing fields, sowing grass seeds, and weaving Straw Sandals, highlighting their sense of community.
• Resource Management: The tribe faces challenges in managing their resources, such as the impending salt shortage, emphasizing the importance of sustainability.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and the Tribe: Luo Chong leads the tribe in various activities, showing his authority and the tribe's respect for him.
• Luo Chong and Rou Rou/Hui Shan: The two elephants interact playfully with Luo Chong, showing their bond and the tribe's acceptance of them.
• Luo Chong and the Elder: The Elder approaches Luo Chong with important news, demonstrating their working relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Han Tribe runs out of salt, and Luo Chong suggests eating preserved meat as a temporary solution.
• Luo Chong refuses to send children to mine salt from a small cave due to safety concerns.
• Luo Chong plans to open the cave using tools he can create, but he needs materials from Eight Treasures Mountain.
• The tribe prepares to go mining, and Luo Chong leads a group of 26 men on a wooden boat upstream.
• Qu Bing sees Luo Chong off, expressing her desire to accompany him but understanding that she's still too young.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership and concern for the tribe's safety by refusing to send children into the mine.
• Qu Bing shows maturity and understanding beyond her age, accepting Luo Chong's decision and promising to help at home.

Significant Themes

• Safety and protection of the tribe's children.
• Luo Chong's resourcefulness and determination to find alternative solutions.
• The importance of unity and cooperation within the tribe.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong interacts with the Elder, explaining his plan to open the cave and reassuring him.
• Luo Chong interacts with Qu Bing, instructing her on various aspects of life and work while she sees him off.
• The tribe members work together to prepare for the mining expedition, demonstrating unity and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Chong leads a group of men from the Han Tribe back to the Dark Forest to mine copper, essential for making bows and arrows.
• They travel by boat, which is faster than walking, and reach the mining site in about three hours.
• Luo Chong leaves Wooden Porpoise and four men to guard the boat, with instructions to abandon it if faced with danger.
• The group sets off to mine, with Luo Chong and Dashu leading the way, while the others follow on oxen.
• Luo Chong notices that the bodies of the Cannibal Tribe members they had killed earlier are missing, which he finds unusual.

Character Developments

• Luo Chong demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by planning the journey and making arrangements for the boat's safety.
• Dashu shows his familiarity with the Dark Forest and its seasonal characteristics, proving to be a valuable guide.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and being ready for potential dangers.
• The value of local knowledge and having a guide familiar with the terrain.

Character Interactions

• Luo Chong and Dashu ride together at the front, discussing their observations and suspicions about the missing bodies.
• Luo Chong gives clear instructions to Wooden Porpoise about guarding the boat, emphasizing the importance of self-preservation.
• The group works together to drag the boat into hiding and set up camp for the night, demonstrating teamwork and camaraderie.