The Survival of the Wild Tribe

Chapter 5

When Lu Zhan brought Luo Zhen back to the tribe's gate, they encountered two patrolling warriors who seemed familiar with Lu Zhan. Seeing him return from outside with a stranger surprised them.

"A Zhan, were you out picking fruit again?" one of the older men asked disapprovingly, eyeing the animal skin in Lu Zhan's arms.

Lu Zhan shook his head at the question. "No, it's because the hunting party hasn't returned yet. I just picked up something to trade." He opened the corner of the animal skin for them to see. "I'm heading out again. It's quite a distance, but I gathered plenty of fruits. If you're interested, I can save some for you."

The patrolling man waved dismissively. "I don't have a partner. I don't need those things. Let those with partners and children trade with you." He glanced at Luo Zhen behind Lu Zhan, raising his chin inquiringly, silently asking how Lu Zhan brought a foreigner back.

Lu Zhan repeated his earlier excuse to the man. "I'm taking him to see the leader."

The man nodded, allowing them entry without further questioning.

Luo Zhen had never encountered such disorder. Upon entering the tribe, the stench of urine assaulted his senses. Feces littered both sides of the trampled dirt road, teeming with flies and insects. Summoning all his strength, Luo Zhen suppressed the urge to vomit.

Observing Lu Zhan's nonchalant demeanor, Luo Zhen cautiously followed suit, wary of stepping in the filth. He noticed Lu Zhan, barefoot with only an animal skin skirt around his waist, seemed accustomed to such surroundings.

The Panther Tribe, despite its name, appeared more primitive than Luo Zhen had imagined. Tents made from animal skins, modest in size, dotted the landscape. A tribute stood at the entrance of each tent, tightly encircling the surroundings. With no trees for shade, the scorching sun likely made daytime unbearable.

A ragged, smelly child, his hair matted and infested with fleas, approached from a tent. He hugged Lu Zhan's leg and rubbed against it. Ignoring the child's condition, Lu Zhan offered him a bright red fruit.

Grinning, the child eagerly devoured the fruit before pointing towards the tribe's center. "Square, fight."

"The hunting party returned?" Lu Zhan frowned, realizing time was short. According to his plan, he should have returned before their arrival. He hoped his prolonged absence wouldn't arouse suspicion.

Ignoring Lu Zhan's question, the child continued eating his fruit.

A roar akin to a wild beast startled Luo Zhen. Could there be wild beasts within the tribe? Yet, seeing both the child and Lu Zhan unperturbed, he dismissed the notion.

Though the child had only uttered four words, Lu Zhan deciphered his meaning. As they walked on, the raucous cheers grew louder. Luo Zhen couldn't discern their words amidst the cacophony.

Before they could reach the crowd, the sight of two massive black panthers locked in combat captivated their attention. As Luo Zhen and Lu Zhan approached, one panther pinned the other to the ground, its jaws poised but not biting down.

"The winner this year is Black Fire from the hunting team," announced a robust voice. The victorious panther released its grip, allowing the defeated one to rise. Amidst cheers, the victor strutted proudly before selecting a thin man from the crowd, hoisting him onto its back to more applause.

Fascinated, Luo Zhen observed the colossal black panther. With so many humans present, he felt no danger. Were all beasts in this world as imposing? Did the tribe's name, Black Panther Tribe, signify an affinity with panthers?

As Luo Zhen pondered, he witnessed the black panther approach a middle-aged man adorned with feathers and weed bundles. The panther's limbs contorted, revealing a human form beneath its fur. In an instant, the panther transformed into a man, leaving Luo Zhen astonished.

"The Black Fire of the Black Panther Tribe, you are the bravest warrior," declared the middle-aged man. "This year's Mother and Child Fruit belongs to you and your partner. May the beast gods bless you, and may your children grace our tribe come spring."

"He... how did he become human?" Amidst the cheers, Luo Zhen pinched himself, ensuring he wasn't dreaming.

Lu Zhan, hearing Luo Zhen's murmurs, explained in a hushed tone, "All warriors in the tribe can transform into animals."

Having witnessed the spectacle, Lu Zhan led Luo Zhen away from the crowd.

The winning warrior would select the fruit while others tended to the hunting party's prey. The crowd dispersed quickly.

Lu Zhan guided Luo Zhen to a tent near the square, notably larger than the others. Bones and feathers adorned the entrance, giving it a semblance of decoration. Inside, the atmosphere was stifling, with minimal light seeping through. Lu Zhan motioned for Luo Zhen to enter.

Inside, a sturdy middle-aged man with cyan tattoos sat cross-legged. His piercing gaze fell on Luo Zhen. "Foreigner?"

Lu Zhan briefly recounted their encounter with Luo Zhen. Though tribal life seemed secure, intertribal conflict, beast attacks, and natural disasters threatened stability. The Black Panther Tribe had only settled here a decade ago, making Black Mountain less suspicious of Lu Zhan's explanation.

"Wish to stay?" Black Mountain turned to Lu Zhan. "Is he your chosen partner?"

Lu Zhan denied hastily. "My beast transformation ability is weak, and I can't compete for the fruit. He's not joining our tribe."

Black Mountain's brow furrowed. "You know we don't accept foreigners unless they're willing to join us."

Lu Zhan gestured helplessly to Luo Zhen, implying he had done all he could. The decision rested with Luo Zhen.

Approaching, Luo Zhen met Black Mountain's piercing gaze, feeling scrutinized. Despite his imposing demeanor, Luo Zhen understood now wasn't the time for hesitancy. Having listened along the way, he realized the Black Panther Tribe didn't tolerate outsiders unless they assimilated. Rejecting now meant expulsion.

"Chief, if I wish to join your tribe?"

Lu Zhan raised an eyebrow, meeting Black Mountain's gaze. "You've decided to join us?"

After a moment's consideration, Luo Zhen replied honestly, "I have nowhere else to go. If I leave the Black Panther Tribe, I fear I'll perish outside. If that's the case, it's better to stay."

Black Mountain's expression softened. "Every foreigner near our tribe eventually becomes one of us. Though our tribe isn't large, many warriors can transform into beasts. While we can't guarantee safety, we can hunt for sustenance. Even the elderly and children have never starved to death."