The Survival of the Wild Tribe

116

Lu Zhan chuckled lightly as he recounted his first experience to Luo Zhen, almost like telling a story.

Despite the strength of the Panther Tribe, it was constantly targeted by other tribes when they first settled in the area. Whether it was for their hunted prey, their women, or the precious stone salt they acquired through trade, skirmishes with other tribes were a regular occurrence.

Lu Zhan vividly recalled the first time he killed an orc warrior at the age of seven. He remembered the abandonment by his father and the daily struggle for survival. Hungry and emaciated, he fought like a wild cub. When he sank his teeth into the orc's neck, he saw the disbelief in the warrior's eyes before life faded away. Though he did vomit afterward, it wasn't fear but rather the nauseating stench of blood slipping down his throat.

During their conversation, Lu Zhan did most of the talking while Luo Zhen listened quietly, interjecting occasionally with questions. Lu Zhan's narrative helped soothe Luo Zhen's emotions, steadying his trembling hands. Hearing about Lu Zhan's hardships, Luo Zhen couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy, realizing he might not have survived such ordeals.

After recounting his past, Lu Zhan redirected the conversation to the events of the night. He speculated that the exquisite silk and satin found were unlikely products of the Great Lakes tribe, suggesting that more than one group had discovered their settlement.

Realizing the vulnerability of their location nestled among mountains, Lu Zhan acknowledged that no matter where they settled, they would always be under the watchful eyes of other tribes.

"Do you want to explore the other side of Changfeng Mountain?" Luo Zhen picked up on Lu Zhan's implication.

"Well, not at the moment," Lu Zhan replied, nodding. "If we leave now, I fear the Sun Yao tribe won't withstand the pressure."

"Our tribe is still too small," Luo Zhen agreed.

"Are you considering recruiting from the Great Lakes tribe?" Lu Zhan asked casually, playing with Luo Zhen's fingers as if discussing breakfast plans.

After some consideration, Luo Zhen shook his head. "No, we injured many of their people last night. They're unlikely to submit willingly. I'd rather not invite trouble."

Luo Zhen knew the complexities of tribal dynamics. When tribes captured others, they often killed the warriors to prevent retaliation. He couldn't bear the idea of actively harming warriors and children from other tribes. His goal was simply to live peacefully in this world.

"Why don't we explore other places? Since nearby tribes have relocated, there might be displaced ordinary people willing to join us. We can offer them safety in exchange for loyalty," Luo Zhen suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Lu Zhan replied with a smile.

The next morning, Luo Zhen and Lu Zhan had breakfast together before heading outside the city walls to clean up the battlefield. Along with Lu Yi, Luo Zhen brought a small group of soldier ants this time, driven by the colony's determination to assist. Other ants were instructed to return to the nest, carrying small portions of Tai Sui to nourish their comrades.

"You're quite generous," Lu Zhan remarked, observing the diminished Tai Sui. Despite its small size, the fruit was crucial for the soldiers' transformation, albeit insufficiently mature for optimal growth.

"Of course, they're my protectors," Luo Zhen affirmed.

Outside the city, messy footprints dotted the snow. Juma's extinguished remains lay amid the ash, being cleared away by Heifu's team. Returning with a cache of retrieved bows and arrows, Heifu handed a bundle of arrows to Luo Zhen. These specially crafted arrows, marked with three horizontal bars drawn from blue grass juice, were a signature of Luo Zhen's design.

"Thank you," Luo Zhen acknowledged, stowing the arrows in his quiver.

"We faced an unexpected number of orc warriors last night. Without the Great Witch's leadership, driving them off wouldn't have been so smooth," Heifu remarked gratefully.

Last night's battle had been the simplest and smoothest Heifu had encountered. They had inflicted damage on the enemy without direct confrontation, demonstrating that even ordinary members of their tribe could hold their own. This realization bolstered their confidence in their ability to defend themselves.

"The youngsters were buzzing with excitement all night. They rushed out early this morning to help with the cleanup," Heifu remarked, gesturing toward Axue, A Shui, and their companions, who were busy collecting arrows nearby. Having participated in their first battle, the overwhelming victory had emboldened them.

Pleased by their efforts, Luo Zhen praised their contribution before sending them back to work.

As the battlefield neared completion, A Qing hurried over with urgent news. "Leader, Da Wu...someone's descended from the mountain again."

"How many?" Lu Zhan inquired, his expression serious. Were the warriors of the Great Lakes tribe regrouping for another attack during daylight?

"Just... one," A Qing stammered.

"One?" Luo Zhen echoed, surprised.

A Qing swallowed and nodded. "I don't know if anyone else is behind, but I only saw one person, and that person seemed very peculiar, as if carrying a large bundle."

The neighboring tribes didn’t use backpacks like the Riyao tribe, instead opting to wrap items in animal skins. Seeing a stranger with a package on his back struck A Qing as odd, given that this method had been introduced to them by Luo Zhen.

"Have the others return to the city, and let the soldiers guard the wall," Lu Zhan ordered.

A Qing quickly relayed the message to those still collecting arrows outside.

Luo Zhen and Lu Zhan returned to the city wall, each armed with a wooden bow, scanning the direction indicated by A Qing. It didn’t take long before they spotted a distant figure descending the mountain, moving at a leisurely pace. Although the person didn’t seem to pose a threat, their downward gaze made it impossible for Luo Zhen to see their face.

"It's him," A Qing confirmed, pointing to the distant figure.

After about an hour, the figure reached the base of the city wall, revealing a thin, unkempt man. Despite his disheveled appearance, his lively eyes betrayed a sense of vitality. Standing below the wall, he fixed his gaze on Lu Zhan.

Lu Zhan, usually composed, darkened upon seeing the man's face. Without hesitation, he leaped from the wall, transforming into a white giant leopard upon landing, and charged towards the man, leaving a deep imprint in the snow.

The man, initially taken aback by Lu Zhan's sudden leap, soon broke into laughter. His softened expression revealed a hint of amusement. "I didn't expect such passion after all this time," he remarked.