The Survival of the Wild Tribe

Chapter 3

Although the crushed moss couldn't immediately heal Lu Zhan's wound, it effectively stemmed the bleeding. Perhaps due to Luo Zhen's assistance in treating him, Lu Zhan was willing to patiently answer all sorts of peculiar questions posed by Luo Zhen, even if these questions seemed like basic common sense to him.

After their conversation, Luo Zhen felt either Lu Zhan was mad or he himself was. Why did Lu Zhan understand each word individually, yet fail to grasp their combined meaning?

Luo Zhen sought to ascertain the current year, month, and day, but Lu Zhan struggled to comprehend Luo Zhen's reference to the year. While they had divisions, they aligned with Luo Zhen's understanding: seven days comprised a week, four weeks constituted a month, and three seasons constituted a year. However, they lacked the Gregorian and lunar calendars, relying solely on a count of years, which numbered less than a hundred. Luo Zhen noticed slight discrepancies in Lu Zhan's pronunciation, yet it didn't hinder mutual understanding.

Next, Lu Zhan broached the topic of his tribe—the Black Leopard Tribe. Situated a full five days' journey from their current desert island, Lu Zhan hadn't ventured to contact the tribe near the Great Lake. Consequently, he remained oblivious to the name of Luo Zhen's tribe. However, he was aware that sacrifices were offered annually to the water deity by Luo Zhen's tribe. Witnessing Luo Zhen's unexpected survival, Lu Zhan saved him out of fleeting curiosity.

When Lu Zhan mentioned this, he glanced at Luo Zhen knowingly. Few understood better than him the dangers lurking within the Great Lake. Otherwise, he wouldn't have remained on the island to recuperate, despite finally having the opportunity to leave.

Luo Zhen exerted considerable effort to comprehend Lu Zhan's revelations. In contrast to his inexplicable arrival on the volcanic island, Lu Zhan's revelations seemed even more incredulous.

Had he truly traversed through time or stumbled into a remote, primitive era?

Was this an elaborate charade concocted for his benefit?

However, Lu Zhan didn't afford him much time to ponder. He tapped the wound, now snugly bound with animal skins. Though the moss mud provided a soothing, cool sensation, it brought considerable relief from the pain.

Observing the sky, Lu Zhan remarked, "The sun is rising. We'll reach the shore shortly."

"Return to the shore? Didn't you mention it's far?" Luo Zhen couldn't swim long distances. "And with your injury, what if it worsens in the water?"

"I'm returning to the tribe. With the sun up, the big fish won't be as active. If we delay, we'll have to wait another seven days."

As Lu Zhan spoke, he proceeded toward the shore. He hadn't forgotten his promise to escort Luo Zhen back.

While the waters here weren't as turbulent as elsewhere, entering still posed challenges. Luo Zhen marveled at how Lu Zhan had managed to haul the massive catfish onto shore earlier.

Perched atop the nearest boulder, Lu Zhan extended a hand to Luo Zhen. His unkempt, ebony locks fluttered in the breeze, strands entangled. Despite the gentle rippling of the water, his hair remained undisturbed.

With no sustenance on the desolate island and no avenue for seeking aid, Luo Zhen couldn't fathom remaining alone. Even if he hadn't entirely embraced Lu Zhan's revelations, he had no desire to be stranded on the island.

Uncertain how Lu Zhan planned to traverse the unseen expanse of water, Luo Zhen gritted his teeth and approached.

As Luo Zhen drew near, Lu Zhan enveloped him in a tight embrace and leaped into the water with remarkable agility.

Startled, Luo Zhen gasped upon immersion. Deprived of energy to survey his surroundings, he remained oblivious as the man who'd plunged into the water with him revealed a pair of slender, white-scaled feet. With only his head protruding above water, he propelled them forward like an arrow.

The moss mud masked the scent of blood, easing Lu Zhan's concern about attracting aquatic predators.

The distance proved far greater than Luo Zhen had anticipated, his limbs growing wrinkled from prolonged submersion. Yet, he clung tenaciously to Lu Zhan's shoulders, lest he be abandoned in the water.

It wasn't until the sun began its descent that Luo Zhen's feet finally touched land again. Exhausted yet relieved, he lacked the energy to contemplate Lu Zhan's formidable swimming prowess, which had carried them through most of the day.

The shoreline consisted of gravel. Lu Zhan shook the water from his head, finding the moss mud surprisingly intact beneath the layer of animal skin. He contemplated replacing it with fresh moss upon entering the forest.

"I've brought you back. Now I must depart," Lu Zhan declared, setting off toward the forest beyond the gravel beach.

Startled by the abrupt announcement, Luo Zhen seized Lu Zhan's wrist, panic evident in his voice. "Where are you going?"

"Back to the tribe."

"What about me?" Alone and stranded, Luo Zhen couldn't fathom surviving in this unfamiliar environment. "Can you take me to your tribe?"

"Are you suggesting you'll join our tribe?" Lu Zhan observed Luo Zhen's slender physique and recoiled slightly. "Our tribe doesn't accept warriors from other races." Peering at Luo Zhen's pristine appearance, he doubted his capacity for battle.

"My tribe intended

to offer me as a sacrifice to the water deity. Now, unable to return, I fear for my life," Luo Zhen implored, clasping Lu Zhan's hand and meeting his gaze. "Save me, and I'll be forever indebted to you."

Lu Zhan regarded him quizzically. "How am I to know your intentions?"

Fearful of being abandoned, Luo Zhen beseeched him earnestly. "Even if I don't join your tribe, may I reside with you temporarily as a guest?"

"A guest?" The concept was unfamiliar, but Lu Zhan grasped Luo Zhen's meaning.

"Yes, just a brief stay in your tribe until I find my own footing. I promise not to be a burden," Luo Zhen insisted, nearly raising his hand to swear his sincerity.

After a moment's contemplation, Lu Zhan nodded, offering Luo Zhen a rare, toothy grin. "Very well. You may accompany me back to the tribe."

Relieved, Luo Zhen exhaled deeply, preparing to express his gratitude. However, before he could speak, a wave of water engulfed him. Slowly turning, he witnessed an unforgettable sight.

A colossal beast, towering over a dozen stories high, emerged from the water, its gaping maw revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Locking eyes with Luo Zhen, it exuded an aura of disdain, as though he were mere prey. The sunlight reflected off its black scales, creating a dazzling spectacle. Soaring high above, it resembled a creature in flight rather than swimming.

Time seemed to stand still as Luo Zhen gazed upon the beast in disbelief.

"Canglong?" he whispered incredulously.

Lu Zhan sighed. "This is troublesome. I didn't anticipate the swift arrival of the big fish." Scooping up Luo Zhen, he raced toward the nearby forest, hoping to evade the approaching threat.

The waters belonged to these massive creatures. Even lingering on the shore posed a grave danger. Intent on returning to the safety of his tribe, Lu Zhan had no desire to confront them now.