The Survival of the Wild Tribe

134

Despite Mossaurus's massive size, its movements were surprisingly agile. Lu Zhan often ventured near this lake during hunting expeditions, honing both his swimming prowess and combat skills against the fierce creatures inhabiting it. The mosquito dragon had been one of his longstanding adversaries.

Before fully embracing his beast form, Lu Zhan typically dealt with less aggressive creatures like catfish. Facing the formidable mosasaurus was out of the question. Although not afraid of death, Lu Zhan's encounters with the creature usually ended in hasty retreats.

Now, the situation was different. Lu Zhan eyed the wound he had inflicted on Mossaurus's back, a fierce determination gleaming in his eyes. Today, he felt capable of slaying the beast.

Mossaurus, weakened from hibernation, had been stirred by the Black Abyss's roar. While its survival instincts were heightened, its strength remained diminished. After Lu Zhan's attack, it sought to flee the waters.

As Mossaurus submerged, Lu Zhan regretted missing the opportunity to rescue Heiyuan. Nevertheless, he dove into the water to retrieve him.

Meanwhile, the fire in the pit continued to burn, filling the air with a charred odor. Despite the discomfort, Luo Zhen focused on aiding those who had fallen into the water.

Using snow and ingredients from his backpack, Luo Zhen prepared a meal over the fire. Shan Qi tended to a pot of broth, which caught the attention of the cold and hungry Dahu tribe members nearby. Though tempted, they remained patient, awaiting their share.

Hequan and a group of orc warriors, along with Heifu, stood guard to prevent any returning monsters from the lake or those that managed to escape.

As soon as Jiang Tang finished speaking, Lu Zhan assisted Hei Yuan back. Both were soaked, and Hei Yuan seemed a bit disoriented. Luo Zhen quickly approached, asking anxiously, "Are you okay? Any injuries?"

"It's alright," Lu Zhan replied, shaking his head as he guided Hei Yuan to the warmth of the fire. "He just swallowed some water and needs to rest."

Luo Zhen handed them prepared animal skins, signaling for them to change into dry clothes.

The stone pot wasn't large. After making a batch of soup, Luo Zhen first offered it to those who were unconscious, then continued to cook until everyone had eaten. Most of the day had passed.

"These people have been on the ice floes too long. The food and skins we brought aren't enough. If this continues, some may freeze to death. We need to hurry back to the tribe," Luo Zhen remarked, surveying the snowy surroundings near the lake. The cold wind blew relentlessly, offering little protection from the elements, even without the threat of monsters. It wasn't a suitable place for prolonged stay.

Luckily, the weather held out for the night, sparing the comatose Dahu tribespeople from further peril.

"I'll go hunt for some food and be back," Lu Zhan announced to the group.

Luo Zhen paused for a moment before nodding. "Be careful. Winter beasts aren't to be trifled with. If necessary, avoid confrontation. Just bring a fishing net and catch some fish."

With Heifu and Horn Bamboo, Lu Zhan returned to the lake.

During summer, Luo Zhen had taught them all to swim, starting in the shallow creek by the tribe and gradually progressing to the Riyao River. With Lu Zhan watching, they learned without encountering danger.

However, Luo Zhen had never taught others to swim before. Preferring solitude and seldom practicing in crowded areas, his own skills were limited to avoiding drowning.

After a summer, the best swimmer in the entire tribe was Heifujiaozhu, the orc warriors. Even with Luo Zhen cheering on the side, ordinary people struggled to let go of their inhibitions in the water, merely managing to stay afloat. Swimming freely like fish would require extensive practice.

Luo Zhen had already planned to dig a new fish pond by the next summer. It would serve as a practice ground for swimming skills, devoid of actual fish. Unlike the occasional fierce beasts in the Riyao River, there was no need to worry about threats, even with Luo Zhen and Lu Zhan keeping watch.

Once Heiyuan's body dried off, he seemed more energetic. With the day darkening, Luo Zhen instructed Heiyuan to lead a few orc warriors to dig several shallow holes nearby for shelter from the wind. After days of anxiety on the ice floes, the group wasn't in high spirits. Despite Luo Zhen's desire to rush back to the tribe, it was clear they needed rest. Better to rejuvenate spirits overnight and depart early the next morning.

As Lu Zhan led the people away, Shan Qi approached with the staghorn horse He Zhan rode. Behind them, several orc warriors carried large and small bags. Upon reaching Luo Zhen, He Zhan, moving with difficulty, gestured for the warriors to present the contents to Luo Zhen.

Curious, Luo Zhen lifted a corner of the animal skin covering the items. Beneath were gray-white stones, a precious commodity. Moved by the gesture, Luo Zhen inspected a piece closely and then looked at He Zhan in surprise. "Stone salt?"

He Zhan nodded solemnly. "These are all the stone salt from our tribe. We're entrusting it to the great witch as we join the Sun Yao tribe. I've informed our people." His eyes showed a hint of emotion, rare for such a stoic man, leaving those around him touched.

"Thank you for saving us," He Zhan said, ignoring his wounds as he thumped his chest in a customary warrior gesture, resonating with a deep "boom." Even Luo Zhen couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.

It was a traditional gesture of gratitude and surrender, expressing He Zhan's appreciation to the Riyao tribe and symbolizing his tribe's allegiance.

"Since you'll be a member of the tribe in the future, these are things I should do," Luo Zhen replied with a salute, speaking solemnly.

There was a significant amount of stone salt brought by the river battle, left behind by the departing tribes. Despite exchanging a batch of stone salt in the summer, they returned not long after, deciding to migrate to the other side of Changfeng Mountain where the Tiger Lion tribe resides. Leaving the salt for the tribes unable to join them was a selfless act uncommon in this wild society. This stone salt could sustain the newly formed Dahu tribe for several years, eliminating the need to risk climbing over Changfeng Mountain and offering an opportunity for integration and development.

Now wasn't the time for casual conversation. After He Zhan handed Shiyan to Luo Zhen, he continued to reassure his people. Lu Zhan soon returned with a large bag of fish, selecting boneless ones to accommodate those unfamiliar with eating fish. Luo Zhen used them to make fish soup, offering warmth and comfort in the cold weather.

Hay branches were spread at the bottom of the pit to insulate from the cold ground. Though sleeping conditions were less than ideal, to the frightened Dahu tribe, it felt like a slice of paradise.

After being comforted by their former leader and the Great Witch of the Great Lakes tribe, those who had eaten and drunk quickly huddled together for warmth, drifting into deep sleep.

However, some couldn't sleep due to lingering concerns.

Yawning widely, Luo Zhen glanced at the child Lu Zhan had rescued from the water, feeding the last bit of Tai Sui into their mouth. Realizing they didn't have enough to fully heal everyone, Luo Zhen could only hope it would lift their spirits. He gently wiped the child's face with a hot towel, noting their thin frame and good features. Based on his experience with the wounded, even with the medicine, it would take several days for the child to wake up, possibly ending up in a coma like Shan Qi.