Chapter 720: Chapter 62: Oasis
For the indigenous people, Dennis’s strategy was normal contact, but absolutely not entering their territory.
After all, the indigenous people on this side of Australia, especially those deep in the desert and on the Kimberley Plateau,
are quite exclusionary.
Some of the indigenous people who maintain hunting habits can even exhibit strong hostility towards outsiders.
The indigenous tribe in front of the second oasis is relatively better.
Though they maintain hunting habits, they don’t have significant hostility towards outsiders.
Furthermore, they like to exchange goods with outsiders.
Including animal skins, items from human society, and so on.
Previously, some participants exchanged items they couldn’t use for food with them.
To enrich their food reserves.
The indigenous tribes can get quite a few good items, as even though this is a desert, it’s not devoid of resources.
Besides hunting, the indigenous tribes also cultivate and grow crops in the oasis.
This is also a result of Australia’s governmental efforts in desert control.
Within the Great Sand Desert, there are several desert farms.
Previous survivors have summed up the produce here, including wheat, oats, barley, cotton, sugarcane, and various subtropical fruits, etc.
Adam strongly agreed with Dennis’s strategy.
As a man who survived in the rainforests of South America, he is deeply aware of the strength and ferocity of the indigenous people.
However, while everyone was discussing, Chen Wen was fiddling with the Australian Wild Dog badge given to him by the indigenous person Hook, wondering if it was of any use.
It was probably mostly useless.
But when the time comes, he could try it out; after all, trying wouldn’t cost him anything.
Chen Wen smirked and put it aside.
After chatting for a while, Dennis continued leading everyone forward.
Near noon.
The scout eagle returned with a message: "There’s a large oasis in the northeast direction, want to go check it out?"
Oasis?
Chen Wen immediately halted Dennis, telling him about it.
Hearing about the oasis, Dennis was immediately intrigued: "Let’s check it out, since we haven’t encountered any significant water bodies to clean ourselves since the sandstorm."
Hua Yun nodded in agreement: "Yes, we’re covered in dust, which is neither sanitary nor comfortable."
The group reached a consensus and followed the scout eagle towards the oasis.
...
Upon arriving at the oasis,
they were pleasantly surprised.
The scale of the oasis was larger than they expected, and most importantly, it had a vast water surface.
"Judging by the environment here, it must have rained recently, which is why there’s such a large water surface. Great!"
Dennis said, glancing around: "But everyone should be cautious of risks like venomous snakes; this environment mainly consists of rock deserts and dirt, where many poisonous snakes and insects reside."
Upon hearing this, everyone became vigilant.
At this point, Chen Wen sensed some reaction from the Taipan Snake, which had been quiet.
Looking down, he saw the Taipan Snake cautiously peeking its head out from the camel’s stomach sac.
Noticing Chen Wen’s gaze, it quickly withdrew its head and said, "I’m hungry..."
Calculating the time, the Taipan Snake’s previous food was indeed almost depleted.
Chen Wen extended his arm, and the Taipan Snake coiled up.
"If you’re hunting, you can join me later."
Chen Wen whispered.
The Taipan Snake nodded gladly.
Chen Wen and the group entered the oasis and found a relatively flat and open area to set up camp.
Dennis fetched water with the other camel stomach sacs, and after fetching water, Adam and Fred took the camels to the water surface to drink and, in the meantime, search for food among the oasis vegetation.
Hua Yun seized the opportunity to collect stones and build a stove.
Dennis took out the previous food, laying it out under the sun to dry, checking in the meantime for any rot or spoilage.
Some spoiled food was washed by him at the pond’s edge, to be grilled when it’s time to eat.
Chen Wen watched everyone efficiently arranging tasks, feeling he had nothing to contribute.
According to Dennis,
taking care of the Taipan Snake was more important than anything else.
As a local, Dennis had a respectful fear of the Taipan Snake.
The others were also fearful of this snake, which bore the title of "Land Snake King."
Even though they knew Chen Wen had tamed the Taipan Snake, they dared not approach.
Helplessly, Chen Wen had to ensure everyone’s safety by reminding them repeatedly.
He then wandered into the oasis with his tamed beast, searching for potential food sources.
...
In the oasis, there were many traces left behind by animals.
Chen Wen even found some very dry droppings near a rock.
These droppings contained some bone fragments.
However, the droppings seemed quite old, so Chen Wen paid them no mind.
He thought they were likely from some sort of medium to small-sized predator, and if such a non-venomous predator dared appear before him and his group, they could easily shoot it to supplement their fresh meat supplies.
Not paying attention to the droppings,
Chen Wen continued searching for animals.
Observing Chen Wen’s actions, the Taipan Snake was curious: "What are you looking for?"
"Edible animals."
Chen Wen replied, gently tapping the shrub ahead with a wooden long spear.
There was no movement inside.
Upon hearing this, the Taipan Snake said, "I do sense many animals, but they’re too big for me to eat."
Chen Wen nodded.
He saw it too.
Ahead, there were many burrowed pits.
Judging by the burrow entrance, these burrows belonged to European rabbits.
Australia’s most famous invasive species, a resilient presence that resisted government control for 150 years.
Also the brainchild of European migrants.
Though the population of European rabbits is no longer rampant, their numbers remain significant.
They are distributed throughout Australia, standing strong with their mighty reproductive ability.
Chen Wen glanced at the burrows.
The entrances showed no signs of prolonged disuse or collapse.
Furthermore, a pungent rabbit odor lingered in the surrounding air.
The smell of wild rabbits is quite offensive.
Chen Wen deduced from this that there must be a significant number of European rabbits here.
As Chen Wen proceeded, reaching the water source,
he suddenly realized.
The water source of this oasis comes from underground, given that the central oasis is lower in altitude while the surrounding areas are higher.
The water source’s center is an artesian well.
Clearly, this oasis is not seasonal, but a permanent one.
The European rabbits here are likely plentiful!
Chen Wen pondered for a moment, planning to discuss with Adam if they could catch some European rabbits.
The Taipan Snake was not very interested in European rabbits.
For the Taipan Snake,
European rabbits are too large and not suitable as food.
It slowly slithered off Chen Wen, searching for suitable food in the surroundings.
