I am a Primitive Man
Chapter 882 – Delicious Earth (Three-in-One)
Salt, in this era, truly possessed limitless allure.
Especially for a tribe like the Creek Tribe, which had already discovered the marvelous taste of salt and had become consciously dependent on it, salt was not only essential but also carried an irresistible charm.
Thus, when someone pointed at the mountain, split open by some unknown force, and shouted the word “salt,” the Creek Tribe members became uncontrollably excited. Their hearts pounded violently, some even causing the overly developed chest muscles to bounce with each beat.
Even the older female primitive, who had previously been most eager to return home, no longer spoke of leaving. Her eyes glowed at the sight of the vast exposed white.
Salt was a powerful stimulant, bold in effect. At that moment, the courage of the Creek Tribe members increased by more than ten percent.
“Salt!”
Indeed, the older female primitive, previously ready to flee, was now the first to shout, pointing at the white patch with uncontainable excitement, abandoning any thought of returning to the tribe.
After saying a few words to the group, she led the way toward the exposed white substance.
The others followed her.
Fear still lingered—otherwise, she would not have gripped her weapon so tightly or raised the half-bronze tiger token so high.
Especially while climbing the slippery, fallen mountainside, she felt her legs weakening and her body almost devoid of strength.
Yet glancing at the half-tiger token in her hands, then at the patches of white salt, she could not resist moving upward.
Those following her were in a similar condition.
The recently fallen mountainside was extremely steep and muddy, making the climb difficult.
Creek Tribe members struggled, and two even slipped, rolling into mud and water.
Yet they did not retreat; they picked themselves up and continued upward.
After arduous effort, the older female primitive at the front reached the lowest patch of white, believed to be salt.
She planted her wooden-stick weapon in the ground and, trembling slightly, scooped some white substance into her mouth.
But often, the greater the hope, the more profound the disappointment—just like now.
Her expression froze after tasting it. All joy and excitement vanished, replaced by heavy disappointment.
Those climbing behind, seeing her reaction, understood what had happened. Disappointment swept over them as well.
Still, many refused to believe it and skeptically scooped some of the white substance, resembling the salt they had traded for from the Green Sparrow Tribe, into their mouths.
The expected salty taste never came. The skeptics had no choice but to accept reality.
Those who had just been joyful now drooped like frost-bitten eggplants, and the atmosphere grew sorrowful.
Rain falling from the sky intensified this somber mood.
Amid this, one who had tasted the substance could not help but move her mouth as if savoring food, carefully chewing and tasting.
After a while, she scooped more of the white, earth-like substance into her mouth and continued to savor it.
The white, slightly earthy substance was slippery and soft in the mouth. Chewing it did not hurt the teeth.
It was neither sweet, salty, nor bitter—plain, not unpleasant, but not tasty either.
She chewed, swallowed, and her eyes brightened.
“Wow!”
She exclaimed excitedly.
Understanding her meaning, the others shifted attention from disappointment to curiosity, scooping the substance into their mouths.
With her guidance, they no longer focused on whether it was salty, but on other qualities.
Gradually, their eyes lit up.
They realized, as she had said, this substance was edible!
Not bitter, no strange taste, and safe to chew—this was excellent news.
Even if the taste was mediocre, it could satisfy hunger.
Moreover, they still had salt from the kind, powerful Green Sparrow Tribe. Sprinkling it on this new food would make it delicious.
Thus, the previously disappointed group became filled with joy.
This was a new food source!
And there was so much of it!
With these foods, life in the tribe could suddenly improve.
Even if hunting or gathering failed, they would no longer starve.
Some even thought of trading this new food at the Green Sparrow Tribe.
Previously, food was limited to trading for salt. But the Green Sparrow Tribe had many desirable items:
Red head ribbons for decorating hair, unlike animal skins.
Soap to make hair smooth, bodies clean, and fragrant.
Combs for grooming hair.
Breathable clothing, unlike animal skins.
Such items had long been desired but unobtainable due to scarcity.
Now, with abundant edible earth, they could finally trade for these coveted goods.
Desire for beauty was innate in women—every woman wanted to adorn herself.
Previously, they had suppressed these desires.
Now, with means, they eagerly embraced the chance to “buy, buy, buy.”
“Quickly dig some!”
The older female primitive urged the group, signaling that they should collect this new food to take back to the tribe for consumption when the leaders returned.
Everyone dug carefully, placing the white, earth-like food on large leaves used as rain covers.
Each person gathered a fair amount, ensuring enough for the tribe. They then clutched their stick weapons under their arms and carefully carried the leaves downward.
Though reluctant to leave, the rain made remaining outside uncomfortable—their furs soaked, cold seeping in.
They needed to return to the cave, drink hot water from ceramic vessels of the Green Sparrow Tribe, and dry themselves by the fire. Without this, some could die—a lesson learned from long experience.
Luckily, this was their only tribe nearby, so outsiders would not take the food.
Returning to the cave, the younger and weaker members, who had remained behind, were overjoyed upon seeing the abundance of white food and learning that it was edible.
Nothing could compare to this news.
The place that had produced terrifying sounds now offered plentiful food—a tremendous reversal that delighted everyone.
Some tasted the new food sparingly, waiting for the leaders to return before consuming it in large quantities.
Drinking hot water partially filled their stomachs, better than nothing.
Outside, the rain continued, chilling the air.
Time passed, though without sunlight it was hard to gauge.
Eventually, the Creek Tribe leaders returned, carrying water-dripping animal skins. Their hunting had been moderately successful—not enough for everyone, but with the addition of water in ceramic vessels, it sufficed.
The tribe members, eager for their return, cheered upon seeing them.
The leaders, thinking the excitement was due to the prey, proudly lifted their catches or puffed their chests.
Those remaining inside cheered louder.
Once back in the cave, seeing the white food and hearing of the tribe’s discovery during their absence, the leaders blushed with embarrassment at their earlier pride—but quickly replaced it with intense joy.
Compared to abundant, easily acquired food, past struggles seemed trivial.
The leaders quickly asked where the new food was found.
After a brief moment, freshly warmed, they followed the older female primitive and others back to the source, joined by older minors curious to see the miraculous place.
Seeing the peeled mountainside and vast white edible earth, everyone cheered.
After digging more, they carried it back to the cave.
“Let’s cook the prey,” the leaders instructed, while the older female primitive recommended that some of the new food be eaten along with the meat to create a delicious broth for the morning.
Those who had discovered the food eagerly watched the leaders for approval.
The leaders moved and suggested waiting until one person had thoroughly tested the new food for safety before widespread consumption.
The older female primitive and others volunteered immediately—they had previously tasted it safely.
One elder, weak and sunken-cheeked, was chosen for the first official trial. Though frail, she was delighted—this could improve her status and access to food.
In front of admiring others, she grabbed the white food and ate it, soft, slippery, and easy to chew.
After filling her stomach and drinking hot water, she burped with satisfaction and smiled happily.
The tribe rejoiced, sharing in her delight.
Night fell. The cave was lively, and everyone was watching the elder with anticipation.
The leaders frequently checked on her, and each time she smiled and nodded, reassuring them.
This continued for some time before the tribe settled to rest.
Eventually, the elder awoke with strong abdominal pain.
Squatting and clutching her stomach, she staggered outside to relieve herself, legs numb, sweating from the pain—but initially without success.
Shivering, she returned to the cave, calling out, waking others in surprise.
With the leaders’ guidance, she ventured out again to finally relieve herself safely.