The Survival of the Wild Tribe

Chapter 11

As soon as Luo Zhen returned to the edge of the tribe, he saw Horn Bamboo and a dozen tall, strong men standing guard. Obviously, everyone was worried that the human-faced bird would rush into the tribe from this direction.

"Black Hunter, take Luo Zhen to a hiding spot," Jiaozhu instructed, leading Luo Zhen away while explaining to those nearby.

To ensure the safety of non-combatants, the Black Panther tribe arranged for those unable to fight to hide in several large tents near the square.

When Luo Zhen entered the tent, it was already filled with elderly people and children. The dirty child he had seen before noticed Luo Zhen's arrival, squeezed through the crowd, and led him to an empty spot to sit.

"Don't be afraid, Dad will protect us," the little boy whispered in Luo Zhen's ear, seeking reassurance. His father had instructed him to treat this outsider kindly, hoping to persuade him to stay in the tribe. If the outsider left, Lu Zhan would be abandoned again.

Luo Zhen knew the little boy's name, Ah Shui, the son of the warrior Kadotake.

"Are you A Zhan's new partner?" A middle-aged man with a limp approached Luo Zhen.

Ah Shui made way for the man to sit down, and the man affectionately ruffled Ah Shui's hair. Ah Shui raised his face and introduced Luo Zhen, "This is my father."

Luo Zhen, having witnessed humans transform into beasts, was no longer surprised by two men being together. To these people, he and Lu Zhan were also a couple.

"Hello," Luo Zhen greeted, taking the little boy into his arms to make room for the man to sit.

"My name is Heiya," the man smiled kindly, sitting down beside Luo Zhen. Luo Zhen noticed a gruesome scar on the man's calf, where most of the flesh was missing, resembling a wound from a large beast bite, which was startling at first sight.

Heiya caught Luo Zhen's gaze and casually straightened his leg, allowing the other to see more clearly. He ran his finger over the scar, explaining, "This was from a monster bite."

"The only person to escape from a monster's clutches is my father," Ah Shui interjected proudly. To him, monsters were fierce creatures in the forest, and most orcs dared not confront them. If caught by a monster, no one could escape. Black Cliff's survival after being bitten was mostly due to luck.

Heiya could only smile wistfully at his son's words. While outsiders saw glory, only the injured knew the helplessness of becoming disabled.

"Then your father is truly remarkable," Luo Zhen said, offering a comforting smile despite not fully understanding the ferocity of monsters.

"Of course," Ah Shui agreed, puffing out his chest proudly.

Concerned about Lu Zhan's safety, Luo Zhen wasn't in the mood for small talk. However, this interruption eased his tense spirit.

The wait wasn't long. A beast's roar echoed in the distance, soon followed by another nearby.

As the beast's roar subsided, the elderly and children in the tent stood up one by one and headed out. Heiya said to Luo Zhen, "The danger has passed; let's go outside too."

Luo Zhen nodded and stepped out of the tent.

Several black panthers had returned, reverting to human form as they approached the tent. Upon seeing Luo Zhen, one of them spoke hurriedly, "Lu Zhan's partner, go home quickly."

Feeling a pang of worry, Luo Zhen hurried to the edge of the tribe, running to Lu Zhan's tent where people were gathered. When Luo Zhen entered, they made way for him.