The Survival of the Wild Tribe

101

Luo Zhen carefully inspected the wooden shelf before approaching the wide-open window to peer outside. With the city wall in place, it was impossible for animals from the basin to wander into the tribe. The animal shed and cuckoo birds' wooden house stood at a distance, separated by a dirt road, making it impossible for anyone to climb through the window.

Finding nothing unusual, Luo Zhen returned to the wooden shelf and picked up the golden object. Squeezing it gently, he noted its soft texture and caught a faint floral fragrance as he held it close to his nose, sparking his curiosity.

Before he could unravel the mystery of the object, the wooden door swung open suddenly. Ah Shui rushed in, panting, followed by a puzzled A Jiao.

"Great... Great Witch," Ah Shui gasped for breath, "Something's wrong."

"What is it?" Luo Zhen calmly replaced the golden object on the shelf and approached Ah Shui, extending a reassuring hand. "Take a deep breath and tell me slowly."

Ah Shui composed himself and managed to speak, "Great Witch, it's Acao. She's about to give birth."

Luo Zhen's movements halted. "What did you say?"

"She's going into labor," Ah Shui's tone grew urgent. "Granny God sent me to inform you."

Luo Zhen had previously instructed that if Acao was about to give birth, someone must notify him. Although he might not be able to assist directly, he possessed more knowledge than the tribal inhabitants.

In this world, childbirth relied solely on the strength of the pregnant woman or her husband. There were no midwives or medical interventions. While some experienced individuals might offer guidance, they remained passive observers, providing minimal assistance. This approach, while not entirely helpful, was the norm for childbirth in their society.

Luo Zhen lacked experience in caring for pregnant women and had never witnessed a childbirth firsthand. His knowledge of the process stemmed from various television shows, where dramatic scenes depicted women in labor. These portrayals left Luo Zhen anxious whenever he thought of Acao's situation.

He hurriedly followed Ah Shui outside, with A Jiao close behind, ensuring the wooden houses were securely closed before joining them.

Ganma's house was already surrounded by concerned onlookers as everyone in the tribe set aside their tasks to gather. The imminent birth of Acao's child, the first in the Riyao tribe, naturally stirred the entire community's concern.

"Great Witch," the crowd parted to make way for Luo Zhen as he approached.

"How is she?" Luo Zhen inquired anxiously.

Heiya shook his head. "Axue and the mother-in-law are assisting inside."

"Where's Heikun?"

"I've sent Kakutake to find him. He should return soon."

As they spoke, a woman's scream emanated from inside the room, followed by the mother-in-law's comforting words. Though muffled by the wooden door, the scream sent a shiver down Luo Zhen's spine.

Having spent the entire winter with these people from the original Black Panther tribe, Luo Zhen had grown to consider them family in this unfamiliar world. Acao, in particular, was someone he had interacted with frequently, and he dreaded the thought of her facing any harm during childbirth.

Observing Luo Zhen's distress, A Jiao offered reassurance: "Great Witch, judging from the sound, Acao still seems strong. The child will be born safely, so try not to worry too much."

Luo Zhen nodded absentmindedly, finding little solace in A Jiao's reassurance. Sensing his unease, A Jiao proposed, "Maybe I should go in and assist."

"Alright, but if there are any complications or if Acao experiences discomfort, be sure to come out and inform me," Luo Zhen instructed earnestly, nodding repeatedly to emphasize his point.