The Survival of the Wild Tribe

93

After scouring the nearby pine trees, Luo Zhen returned to the fire with satisfaction. The roasted birds had begun to emit enticing aromas. Taking a small bite, Luo Zhen noticed the lack of seasoning—he had forgotten to add salty fruit to the barbecue. The flavor was weak, and the bird seemed a bit overcooked and tough.

Beckoning to Chasing Wind, Luo Zhen retrieved a wooden box from the animal skin backpack, placing the freshly picked pine mushrooms inside. He then fetched two salty fruits and offered one to Chasing Wind, who happily nibbled on the weeds nearby.

Before Luo Zhen could sit down, the firewood suddenly erupted into the air, and several golden-roasted birds crashed heavily into the surrounding grass. With Luo Zhen on his shoulders, Lu Zhan leaped backward, while Chasing Wind watched from a safe distance, hesitant to approach.

Luo Zhen reluctantly glanced back at the original fire, where a giant anaconda had emerged from the ground, its menacing presence looming over them. Facing both a fierce female leopard and now a giant anaconda, Luo Zhen wondered when the small forest had become so perilous. Could the absence of Panther Tribe orc warriors patrolling the area be related?

With no time to ponder, the giant anaconda lunged toward them, its gaping jaws threatening to swallow them whole. Lu Zhan swiftly scooped up Luo Zhen and fled, signaling for Chasing Wind to follow. Despite its fear, Chasing Wind hesitated before eventually darting after them.

As Chasing Wind drew near, Lu Zhan hoisted Luo Zhen onto its back. With vegetation aplenty and the wind at their heels, Luo Zhen clung to Chasing Wind's antlers, ensuring he wouldn't be thrown off. Despite the discomfort caused by his grip, Chasing Wind tolerated it, and Luo Zhen apologized before settling into a secure position.

"Run over there," Lu Zhan instructed, patting Chasing Wind's buttocks and pointing in a direction. However, he paused abruptly, halting his gesture.

Chasing Wind sprinted in the direction indicated by Lu Zhan. Without further instructions, it continued until both the giant anaconda and Lu Zhan vanished from sight. Its pace didn't waver, as if intent on racing straight back to the tribe where it felt safest.

"Chasing Wind, stop," Luo Zhen commanded, gently touching its neck to signal for it to halt.

Behind them, loud noises erupted, startling the forest birds into frenzied flight. Although there were no signs of large beasts nearby, Luo Zhen noticed a few hares fleeing from the direction of the giant anaconda before disappearing into the grass.

Intermittent crashing sounds of falling trees echoed behind them, causing Chasing Wind to anxiously circle the area. It pawed at the ground, ready to bolt at any moment, reflecting its unease.

Concerned about Lu Zhan facing a larger anaconda alone, Luo Zhen wrestled with the urge to go back and check. However, abandoning Lu Zhan wasn't an option. Instead, they decided to return to the tribe first, with Chasing Wind in tow.

"Chasing Wind, if we return within sight of Lu Zhan and the giant anaconda finds us, can we outrun it?" Luo Zhen inquired, retrieving his wooden bow from the luggage. Thankfully, he had stored all their belongings on Chasing Wind's back during the skin change, preventing any loss of weapons or recent finds.

Chasing Wind cocked its head, taking time to process Luo Zhen's lengthy question. After a couple of hesitant cries, Luo Zhen patiently repeated himself. He wasn't commanding Chasing Wind but rather discussing the feasibility of their plan.

Though it takes some time, Luo Zhen knows Chasing Wind can grasp his intentions. If the task exceeds Chasing Wind's capabilities, Luo Zhen won't risk going back. However, if Chasing Wind can handle it, Luo Zhen is eager to ensure Lu Zhan's safety. Even if his assistance is limited, knowing Lu Zhan is unharmed brings relief.

"Yeah," Chasing Wind seemed to comprehend. Despite its instinctual fear, it obediently followed Luo Zhen's direction toward the noise.

As they retraced their steps, Chasing Wind slowed its pace, ears perked, alert to every sound. Luo Zhen, seated on its back, felt its tense muscles and remained vigilant, offering occasional soothing strokes while staying wary of their surroundings.

Though the commotion between Lu Zhan and the giant anacondas was close, Luo Zhen remained cautious of other potential predators lurking nearby, ready to prey on them.

Trekking through the trembling terrain, neither Luo Zhen nor Chasing Wind faltered. As they rounded a cluster of dwarf pines, Luo Zhen's heart sank at the sight before him—a haunting image etched in his memory, fueling a desire for revenge. Whenever it crossed his mind, he yearned to avenge Lu Zhan's fate.

He witnessed Lu Zhan entangled by the giant anacondas, unable to break free. Clutching a makeshift wooden stick, Lu Zhan was being swallowed whole, his body disappearing into the gaping maw of the anaconda. Luo Zhen's hands trembled in horror, causing his arrow to veer off course, missing its mark and embedding into a pine tree behind. The anaconda, sated and smug, turned its attention to Luo Zhen, its predatory gaze reflecting hunger and danger, deeming the mere orc insufficient to satiate its appetite.

The giant anaconda wielded its tail, sending a pine tree hurtling towards Luo Zhen with a powerful flick. In its hunting experience, ordinary individuals like Luo Zhen could be easily captured and devoured, providing a quick meal that wouldn't fully satisfy its appetite like the hearty orc warriors.

Initially, the giant anaconda showed no interest in pursuing Luo Zhen after his escape. However, if he willingly presented himself as prey, the anaconda wouldn't pass up the opportunity, harboring animosity towards any creatures encroaching on its territory, perceiving them as threats to its offspring.

Chasing Wind anticipated the anaconda's actions, evading the incoming pine tree by hiding behind a fig tree. The impact reverberated through the forest, dislodging pine needles and fig leaves.

Without a command from Luo Zhen, Chasing Wind stood its ground. Luo Zhen notched another arrow, aiming once again for the anaconda's eyes—the creature's vulnerable spot. Though his wooden bow couldn't penetrate the anaconda's thick scales, targeting its eyes would impair its vision, increasing their chances of escape.

Driven by a single-minded determination to slay the anaconda and rescue its victim, Luo Zhen ignored any notion of retreat. He empathized with the female leopard's plight, consumed by a singular desire to vanquish the threat before him.

Aware of the limited time before his fate mirrored that of the swallowed victim, Luo Zhen urged Chasing Wind forward, launching arrows as they galloped. Though his aim improved, the anaconda twisted its head, causing the arrows to collide harmlessly with its neck.

Despite the missed shots, one arrow grazed the anaconda's neck, drawing blood and staining its armor crimson. "Lu Zhan!" Luo Zhen called out desperately, receiving no response from his typically prompt companion.

Undeterred, Luo Zhen and Chasing Wind pressed on, the latter responding to Luo Zhen's emotions with vigorous movement. The chase continued, with Luo Zhen relentlessly attacking the anaconda.

The cumbersome anaconda struggled to navigate the forest, realizing its attacks were futile against the nimble duo. Frustrated and unsuccessful, it retreated to digest its recent meal, intending to confront the pesky intruders once more.