The Survival of the Wild Tribe

Chapter 4

"These aren't moss," Lu Zhan affirmed as Luo Zhen carefully plucked a few weeds with purple flowers. As a reward for guiding him back to the tribe, Luo Zhen needed to assist him with his wounds.

"Well, this is a big thistle," Luo Zhen cautiously identified after inspecting it several times. This particular weed held significance for him since his grandmother used it to treat his childhood injuries. He retained a vivid memory of its efficacy.

"A big thistle? Is it more effective than moss?" Lu Zhan inquired with curiosity, aware of the comfort moss provided compared to soil. The prospect of another weed with hemostatic properties piqued his interest.

Since entering the forest, dusk had set in. Nighttime posed the greatest danger in the forest, and Lu Zhan didn't want to risk traversing with someone who lacked self-defense capabilities. Thus, shortly after entering the forest, he found a safe spot to spend the night, intending to resume their journey the following day.

Shaken by the dragon-like creature they'd encountered earlier, it took Luo Zhen some time to regain his composure. At that moment, he was inclined to believe Lu Zhan's earlier assertions, realizing such colossal and dangerous creatures weren't part of his familiar world. If such a discovery had occurred, it would have undoubtedly made headlines on the internet.

Now, his mindset mirrored earlier sentiments—he could only follow the seemingly benign individual before him and devise plans once he grasped the world's intricacies. Raised in peaceful times, Luo Zhen doubted his ability to survive alone amidst the wilderness' lurking dangers.

Perhaps due to confirming his reality-crossing, Luo Zhen's mood soured slightly. Despite his reservations, he gathered some stones and crushed a few big thistles, applying them carefully to Lu Zhan's wound. Reflecting on the day's events, he marveled at Lu Zhan's resilience, having swum and carried him such a distance. He feared the exertion might reopen the wound, but upon inspection, he found it nearly healed, apparently with no need for additional treatment.

Could the locals possess exceptional healing abilities? Or was the moss on the desert island truly imbued with potent medicinal properties? While puzzled, Luo Zhen dutifully reapplied the thistle bandage.

Though reluctant to part with the hard-to-find moss, Lu Zhan expressed satisfaction with the wound treatment. He tossed a cyan fruit to Luo Zhen, saying, "Being so close to the lake makes hunting difficult. Have some fruit to settle your stomach for now."

Examining the fruit, resembling a green pear, Luo Zhen wiped it clean and took a bite. Its juicy flesh carried a bitter, astringent taste, wrinkling his face in distaste.

Observing his reaction, Lu Zhan chuckled. Unperturbed by the fruit's flavor, he savored it, reclining against a tree trunk to rest.

After swallowing the bitter fruit, Luo Zhen eyed Lu Zhan, puzzled. "Don't we need to take turns keeping watch at night? Or build a fire?"

Without opening his eyes, Lu Zhan replied, "Can you detect approaching beasts?" Even in their brief time together, Lu Zhan had assessed Luo Zhen's capabilities.

Chastened, Luo Zhen acknowledged the limitations of his vigilance. Without the means to ignite a fire, he realized he'd struggle to spot approaching threats until they were upon them.

"And I neglected to bring a flint, so we can't start a fire," Lu Zhan added sleepily. "Get some rest after eating. We have a long journey ahead tomorrow."

Observing Lu Zhan's gradually deepening breaths, Luo Zhen quickly consumed the fruit and settled down closest to him for the night's rest.

Sleep eluded Luo Zhen that night as the forest teemed with nocturnal activity. The ceaseless hum of insects and occasional wolf howls kept him on edge until exhaustion finally claimed him.

Awakened by Lu Zhan's prodding, Luo Zhen discovered his companion had left to hunt a hog deer, returning with the kill. Watching Lu Zhan consume the deer's blood made him queasy.

"Have some," Lu Zhan offered, extending the deer to him.

Shaking his head, Luo Zhen declined, "No... thank you. I'm not thirsty."

Disgusted by Luo Zhen's reluctance to drink blood, Lu Zhan offered no further insistence. After draining the deer, he deftly skinned it, slicing off a chunk of warm venison for Luo Zhen.

Luo Zhen reluctantly accepted, hunger overcoming his aversion to raw meat. He watched as Lu Zhan devoured the deer, leaving only bones and organs.

Using nearby weeds to cleanse the blood from his body, Lu Zhan approached Luo Zhen and squatted down. "The scent of blood is too strong here. Let's depart soon."

Agreeing, Luo Zhen gathered a few big thistles before climbing onto Lu Zhan's back.

Unfazed by being carried, Luo Zhan maintained a brisk pace. Though the forest lacked established paths, Lu Zhan navigated effortlessly, evading obstacles and maintaining remarkable speed.

Lu Zhan ran tirelessly until dusk, finally stopping to rest beneath a large rock. After setting Luo Zhen down, he fashioned a crude shelter using hay and tattered animal skins.

"Aren't you... hot?" Luo Zhen inquired, observing Lu Zhan wrapping himself tightly.

Lu Zhan smiled cryptically, choosing not to elaborate. He wrapped some wild fruits in another animal skin, adopting an air of feigned illness. "Keep quiet at the tribe. If asked, say you fled here and encountered me."

Though puzzled, Luo Zhen nodded.

Lu Zhan continued, "Don't mention you were meant as a sacrifice. No tribe welcomes runaway sacrifices. Claim your tribe was invaded, and you were separated from the others."

Pausing, Lu Zhan added, "If you wish to stay, you must choose a warrior as your partner and consume the fruit of the mother-child tree within three years. Failure means expulsion, even if the chosen warrior consents. Our tribe is wary of outsiders."

Grateful for the guidance, Luo Zhen nodded. But what was the fruit of the mother-child tree? He regretted not asking sooner, resolving to clarify matters at the earliest opportunity.