The Survival of the Wild Tribe

59

What Acao planted was not the first batch of wild vegetables that Luo Zhen taught Ahua to plant with the children. When they first planted, Luo Zhen had no experience, and most of the seeds didn't sprout; only two or three pots survived tenaciously.

Initially, Luo Zhen planned to save the remaining seeds until spring when the snow melted and the land thawed. However, seeing the pots of small vegetable seedlings growing well, he decided to proceed sooner. With no shortage of wild vegetables and some experience in indoor gardening, he planned to plant more.

This time, Luo Zhen didn't plant all the seeds himself. Given his limited space, each family took some pots. Additionally, he encouraged the children to teach the adults what they had learned.

Acao was among the few who willingly learned to plant with Luo Zhen, despite her initial ignorance. She was eager to learn, even willing to record every word Luo Zhen said.

Having seen Acao's carefully tended wild cabbage pots before, Luo Zhen was surprised to find them thriving upon his return.

"Don't you want to keep some for yourself?" Luo Zhen asked incredulously. Fresh vegetables were scarce in this season, and Acao's family had only about five pots. Giving away half seemed generous.

"This was planted using the Great Witch's method, so it must be given to the Great Witch first," Acao replied with a smile, her answer seeming self-evident.

Luo Zhen glanced at his mother-in-law, who seemed unaware that Acao had given away the vegetables she had cared for. In the past, having a meal every day was a luxury for the Riyao tribe. They couldn't have imagined growing edible wild vegetables in this season.

Though most preferred meat, no one would reject food that could fill their stomachs. For them, these vegetables, gifted by the tribe's witch, were akin to a divine offering. Back when they were part of the Black Panther tribe, they often offered the best things to their witch.

Luo Zhen wasn't sure what witches in other tribes did, but while they didn't lack food now, the addition of wild vegetables was a welcome supplement.

At times, Lu Zhan would venture beyond the mountains to hunt animals that hadn't migrated back. Thus, these wild vegetables, previously difficult to come by, were now more precious than meat.

Luo Zhen didn't want to reject Acao's gesture. He could see the respect in her eyes. Although these wild vegetables were rare, refusing them might hurt Acao's feelings.

After some thought, Luo Zhen said, "Yesterday, Lu Zhan returned from hunting an adult bighorn deer, and the wild vegetables in my house are almost grown. Why don't you bring these two pots of wild vegetables to my house? We can have a meal together tonight."

"Of course, this time I'll invite everyone in the tribe. We haven't gathered to celebrate since our tribe's founding. I'll ask you to help spread the word," Acao agreed eagerly.

Hearing they were invited to dinner at Luo Zhen's house, Acao, Ganma, and Ahua were thrilled. Although Acao had developed good cooking skills, dining on food prepared by the Great Witch himself was a rare honor.

"We'll bring some food," Acao said, unable to hide her joy.

Luo Zhen nodded. "I'll trouble you to come over and prepare with me later. You're the best craftsman in our tribe."

Praised by Luo Zhen, Acao blushed slightly and could only nod, eager to inform others of the news.

Luo Zhen and Lu Zhan also needed to return home to prepare. Lu Zhan put on the armor made from giant scorpion skin.

Preparing food for over 20 people was no small task. The bighorn deer Lu Zhan had hunted had already been skinned and cleaned. Originally intending to distribute it later, Luo Zhen decided to use the venison as the main dish for tonight's meal.

While the bighorn deer had long been extinct in Luo Zhen's world, in this world, they were ordinary beasts. Though large and plentiful, they were formidable prey, capable of injuring even orc warriors if not careful.

As Luo Zhen touched the impressive antlers, he felt a pang. In a world teeming with beasts, perhaps people like him, with no special abilities, were the true rarities.

Setting aside these thoughts, Luo Zhen began preparations for the evening's dinner.

He knew that team-building was crucial for fostering camaraderie, but with no safe outdoor activities, a communal meal was the best option.

Realizing they'd dine at Dawu's house that evening, many volunteered to help in advance.

Luo Zhen didn't plan to make complicated dishes. With many people, it would be more enjoyable for everyone to work together. He decided on a simple hot pot.

Preparing the hot pot was straightforward. They only needed to gather ingredients and prepare the soup base. Making seasonings, however, posed a challenge.

Luo Zhen used the remaining wild fruits, which Lu Zhan helped him chop. He made jam from the wild fruits and added salted fruits, pork, and even some spicy

polygonum noodles to create several sauces.

Sampling the sauces, Lu Zhan found them mostly acceptable, except for the spicy polygonum noodles.

"Will sticking food in these sauces taste good?" Lu Zhan asked.

Handing him a piece of nearly thawed venison, Luo Zhen replied, "You won't know until you try. Let me slice the meat thinly. We also have a few fish outside."

Grumbling, Lu Zhan protested, "Why slice it so thin? Can't we just eat it normally? Heifu and the others have plenty of food, so how much do they need?"

"It's easier to cook this way," Luo Zhen explained, adding, "And it tastes better."

Satisfied with the answer, Lu Zhan proceeded to slice the meat into thin pieces.

Except for a few warriors on patrol, everyone in the tribe was present, eager to help. Even the children, led by Ah Shui, insisted on assisting. Reluctantly, Luo Zhen assigned them the task of cleaning the vegetables.

Instead of uprooting the wild cabbage, Luo Zhen carefully peeled off the outer leaves, leaving the tender ones to continue growing. Using warm water for washing, they ensured the children didn't freeze.

With the venison sliced and three large pots prepared, along with the fish, every available pot in the house was in use, neatly arranged by the firepit.

Luo Zhen explained the taste of each sauce, allowing everyone to choose their favorite. Only Axue liked the jam with spicy polygonum powder; the others avoided it after tasting.

"When I find more wild fruits and chili in the future, I'll make even more delicious sauce," Luo Zhen promised, smiling at Axue.

"Are those things spicy too?" Axue asked, her interest piqued.

"Yes, eating something spicy in winter warms the body," Luo Zhen explained.

Excited to begin eating, everyone was gathered around when Heifu walked in, covered in snowflakes. Sweating from the intense run, he had just returned from patrol and wasn't aware of the planned gathering at Luo Zhen's house.

Seeing the food and people inside, he looked to Lu Zhan and Luo Zhen, frowning. "Did we make an agreement with the staghorn horse clan to be companions?"