The Survival of the Wild Tribe

97

"Complete beastification?" Lu Ming's large eyes glanced lazily at the white giant leopard standing beside Luo Zhen, a little surprised.

It was evident that ordinary orc warriors didn't grasp the specifics. Despite questioning a few elder warriors, Luo Zhen received no practical answers. Refusing to return home empty-handed, he dragged Lu Zhan along to seek out the deer.

"Did he consume something with energy?" Lu Ming inquired.

After pondering for a moment, Luo Zhen responded, "Does the giant anaconda's heart count?"

"Giant anaconda?" Lu Ming racked his brain before recalling what a giant anaconda was, remarking, "Ah, it's that creature."

Luo Zhen was utterly perplexed; the giant anaconda dwarfed Lu Ming in size. How could it be considered a mere "bug" in his eyes?

"The energy of the giant anaconda is indeed stored in its heart," Lu Ming observed Lu Zhan with a hint of amusement, "Boy, did you know about the giant anaconda's heart's energy, or did you accidentally stumble upon it and ingest it?"

Lu Zhan raised his head slightly, struggling to maintain eye contact with the towering Lu Ming in his animal form, which he found rather irksome. Though he attempted to vocalize, only a few roars escaped his mouth, rendering him unable to articulate human speech.

As a conversationalist stag-horn horse, Lu Ming had encountered numerous creatures throughout his lengthy existence. Being fluent in the Black Panther Tribe's animal language, he reassured, "You're fortunate. A complete beastly transformation."

Lu Ming wagged his tail and directed his attention back to Luo Zhen. "Don't fret; this lad is robust, and he still carries the blood of another ancient lineage in his veins. Even if every warrior in your tribe underwent full beastification, he'd remain unharmed."

Upon hearing these words, Luo Zhen spent two days fretting before finally letting go. Lu Zhan stretched his neck and rubbed against Luo Zhen. If Luo Zhen could comprehend his animalistic language, he would have conveyed that he felt fine. Not only was he physically sound, but his spirits were also buoyant, ready to embark on a hunting expedition and return with hundreds of prey.

Luo Zhen gently stroked Lu Zhan's head, and Lu Zhan leaned into the touch, lowering his head slightly to make it easier for Luo Zhen to groom him.

"So, when will A Zhan be able to change back?" Luo Zhen inquired.

"We'll have to wait until he absorbs all the energy," sighed Lu Ming. "I never imagined there were orcs who could fully beastify from being half-orcs. Don't mention this to anyone else. The neighboring tribes are covetous, and even if you hide in these mountains, they'll find a way to encroach. I don't want to relocate again."

The Stag-Horn Clan was nearly decimated when they were powerful, and now, their abilities had weakened over generations, nearly to the point of having no offensive capabilities. Lu Ming lacked the strength to lead them to find a new habitat, leaving their hopes pinned on a small orc tribe.

Expressing sincere gratitude to Lu Ming, Luo Zhen had another question. "When the crystal fruit ripens, is it translucent white?"

"Have you encountered it before?" Lu Ming inquired.

Luo Zhen nodded, recounting the discovery of the white crystal fruit in the bamboo grove. Due to their hasty departure, they left the animal skin backpack containing the bamboo shoots behind.

"You're fortunate. No wonder this kid could fully beastify in this barren land where power is scarce," chuckled Lu Ming. "The giant anaconda is likely scouring for this crystal fruit to devour. Let it consume a few more, and you might not stand a chance against it."