The Survival of the Wild Tribe

Chapter 13

Luo Zhen looked at the medicinal mud that Horn Bamboo had brought home specially, noticing a tuft about the size of a little finger carefully wrapped in several layers of animal skins.

The entire lump of medicinal mud was dark brown and a bit sticky when twisted. When smelled, it emitted a pungent odor, reminiscent of things left for too long, causing an urge to vomit after prolonged exposure.

"Can this really heal?" Luo Zhen inquired skeptically.

"This is what Aya used last time after he was injured," Kadotake explained to the foreigner he had just met, referring to the precious medicinal mud's role in the tribe. "But after Aya used it up, his wound started to rot. It didn't heal as quickly as A Zhan's wounds."

Horn Bamboo paused before adding, "Of course, it's also possible that Aya's wound was bitten by a monster. The Great Witch said that the monster's saliva is poisonous."

A powerful warrior who can't run with his legs is no different from being useless. Although everyone thinks it's very glorious that Black Cliff survived the monster's claws, only Horn Bamboo, as his companion, understands the pain in Black Cliff's heart.

Observing Luo Zhen treating Lu Zhan's wounds made Horn Bamboo wonder if knowing about the ubiquitous weed called thistle, which can stop bleeding, would have helped Aya's legs return to normal. Even if it didn't completely heal, perhaps Aya wouldn't have had to endure the pain of cutting off the rotten flesh with a stone knife.

Luo Zhen didn't dare to use the black medicinal mud on Lu Zhan's wounds. The medicinal mud, exchanged from the Tiger and Lion tribe the year before, had been carefully wrapped in thick animal skins by the Black Witch and was only brought out when someone in the tribe was injured.

Although Luo Zhen didn't know the ingredients in the medicinal mud, after hearing Horn Bamboo's explanation, he could guess that even if the mud had healing effects initially, it might have expired by now.

"You brought this medicinal mud to show me..." Jiaozhu began, sitting cross-legged across the fire pond, his voice low, as if afraid of being overheard. "I think you may have noticed. Da Wu doesn't like A Zhan. As for why he doesn't like him, you can ask A Zhan."

"As for the medicinal mud, you've already seen it, and its effect isn't as good as the big thistle you used. So even if the Great Witch doesn't use medicinal mud to heal A Zhan, A Zhan will recover," Horn Bamboo reassured Luo Zhen earnestly. "A Zhan is a member of our Black Panther tribe. No matter what his health is, everyone in our tribe won't give up on him."

Horn Bamboo seemed unaccustomed to speaking at length and observed Luo Zhen's expression closely after speaking.

Luo Zhen was stunned at first, finding Horn Bamboo's actions a bit baffling. However, upon reflection, he realized that Horn Bamboo likely didn't think he would mind that the witch wasn't willing to use the precious medicinal mud on Lu Zhan.

"Don't worry, I'm not upset about the medicinal mud. A Zhan's wounds are already healing, and I didn't take the matter to heart," Luo Zhen reassured him, feeling a bit dumbfounded. Primitive society may still have its complexities, despite its seemingly straightforward lifestyle.

Kadotake stayed until late, sharing many insights about the tribe with Luo Zhen. Luo Zhen carefully noted them all down, realizing he shouldn't underestimate the knowledge accumulated by these primitive people, despite his modern understanding.

As the night deepened, the fire's light didn't reach far. Crescent moons provided little illumination, leaving only the fire at the tent's entrance to fend off the darkness.

The sound of mosquitoes buzzing felt jarring in the quiet night. Luo Zhen, his arms red and swollen from bites, envied Lu Zhan, who seemed untouched by the pests.

"Why aren't you getting bitten?" Luo Zhen asked, leaning against the stone bed, enviously eyeing Lu Zhan, who appeared to be sleeping.

Not only did the mosquitoes avoid Lu Zhan, but even the area around the stone bed remained untouched. As Luo Zhen battled the relentless pests, he couldn't help but wonder about the mosquito-repellent weeds Lu Zhan had found earlier. He resolved to gather more next time to ward off the insects.

After applying grass juice to his bitten skin and being careful not to touch Lu Zhan's wounds, Luo Zhen tried to get comfortable and eventually drifted off to sleep, despite the discomfort.

The next morning, Luo Zhen awoke as the sky began to lighten.

Feeling sore from maintaining the same position all night, he first checked on Lu Zhan, who was still asleep.

As noises outside the tent drew his attention, Luo Zhen got off the stone bed, his sore feet almost causing him to stumble until someone behind him provided a strong support. The cold touch sent a shiver down his spine.

"Are you awake?" Luo Zhen turned in surprise, facing a pair of dark eyes.