The Survival of the Wild Tribe

157

The settlement area sprawls across a wide expanse, nestled among several moderately tall hills. The flat ground, meticulously groomed by human hands, boasts knee-high weeds that neatly conceal the orc tents they pitched.

The river they recently crossed bisects this flat terrain. On Luo Zhen's initial visit, he observed many people cooling off by the river, seeking respite from the sweltering heat.

Similar to the Panther Tribe's tents, those in the settlement are fashioned from assorted animal skins. Perhaps due to the scorching summer, the tents are not fully enclosed, with only a few covered for protection against rain. Underneath, hay, branches, or large rocks serve as makeshift bedding.

The tent perimeters are strewn with filth, discarded water pooling at the sides alongside feces and uneaten wild fruits, now rotting and attracting swarms of flies and bugs, their incessant buzzing filling the air.

Since establishing the Riyao tribe, Luo Zhen has maintained strict hygiene standards, with Lu Zhan assisting in oversight. Even the Dahu people, recent additions to the tribe, have adopted good hygiene practices. Witnessing the primitive squalor of the settlement, even Ah Qing, typically nonchalant, recoils, while the chasing wind hangs back, clearly averse to stepping foot in such a place, wary of soiling its hooves.

Settlements lack defined boundaries, but most converge near the Tiger Lion tribe's tent to trade stone and salt. Observing from afar, Luo Zhen selects a clean spot on the periphery, nestled close to the mountain's base and distanced from the river. Positioned uphill and downwind, it's less likely to catch unpleasant odors wafting from the settlement.

Yet, the farther one strays from the settlement's core, the greater the risk of encountering wild beasts. Fortunately, two towering cedars offer shade, even during the midday sun, and with flame ants patrolling nearby, safety concerns are somewhat assuaged.

Arriving late, they erected their tent under the shroud of darkness. Lu Zhan gathered dry branches from the nearby mountain, kindling a fire whose glow stood out against the night. Though their camp sits apart from the settlement, the sudden blaze attracts attention.

Despite many harboring curiosity and apprehension toward Luo Zhen's tribe, a few daring souls approach, eager to explore potential exchanges. Without a head start in the settlement, any desirable goods risk falling into the hands of the Tiger Lion tribe.

"Where do you hail from?" The visitor, a tall middle-aged man clad in an animal skin skirt, inquired. His short, unkempt hair dripped with water, as if he had just emerged from the river.

Swimming isn't common here. Those who brave the river to beat the summer heat tend to stick close to the shallow banks, where the water reaches only waist-deep. These areas are often muddy, and without careful cleansing, one returns covered in silt.

Though the man's feet and back bore wet mud stains, he appeared unperturbed. A visible scratch adorned his chin, tinged with cyan residue, as though he had scraped away an obstruction with his nails. Despite his inquiry, his gaze openly swept past Luo Zhen and company, fixating on their peculiar animal skin bags, their contents a mystery.

"We're from the Ri Yao tribe," Lu Zhan responded, setting down the firewood and stepping forward to shield Luo Zhen. With outsiders present, Luo Zhen preferred not to reveal the pottery, opting instead to use a snapped turtle shell he had hunted as a makeshift pot, now bubbling with broth scented with bay leaves.

The man's nostrils twitched toward the tortoise shell. "Ri Yao tribe? Why haven't I heard of it?"

The man, an orc warrior from a neighboring small tribe, visits the settlement every end of winter to trade. With a sharp memory, he recalls most tribes by name. Yet, the unfamiliar moniker of the Sun Tribe puzzles him.

Tribes typically derive their names from the animalistic traits of their orc warriors, like the Tiger Lion tribe. However, the enigmatic Sun Yao tribe's animal form eludes the man's imagination, leaving him hesitant to offend the four strangers before him.

"We traveled from Changfeng Mountain," Lu Zhan replied vaguely, unwilling to divulge further details.

The man, sensing no hostility from Lu Zhan, remained unperturbed. His curiosity about the items these travelers sought to exchange outweighed any desire to probe further into their origins.

"I belong to the Serval tribe nearby. My name is Maoyou. Are you interested in trading with us?" The cat's nostrils twitched, catching the enticing aroma of their cooking. Could it be the meat from the snapping turtles upstream? Maoyou considered hunting them tomorrow to investigate.

Snapping turtles rarely venture ashore, making them challenging prey. Seeing the newcomers hunt them on their first day left Maoyou impressed with their prowess.

"Serval?" Luo Zhen eyed the cat's robust frame, failing to discern any feline traits.

"Are you familiar with our tribe?" Maoyou puffed out his chest, but upon realizing he was addressing a wizard, he swiftly bowed in respect. Courtesy toward wizards was customary wherever they went.

Returning the gesture, Luo Zhen inquired, "What do you wish to exchange?"

Maoyou pondered, typically bringing traders to his tent. However, the Serval tribe's limited resources and proximity to the Tiger and Lion tribe meant their offerings were sparse. Maoyou hoped for a stroke of luck, willing to exchange if possible or merely sate his curiosity.

Despite his burly appearance, Maoyou's curiosity surpassed that of most, prompting him to approach the new tribe on the same day for trade.

"Why not visit our tent? Our offerings are diverse," Maoyou suggested, knowing he'd prioritize any finds and discard unexchangeable items before winter.

Curious about the Serval tribe's offerings, Luo Zhen hesitated, glancing at Lu Zhan. With darkness settling outside, he wondered about the settlement's safety at this hour.

"It's late now. Can we visit your tent tomorrow morning?" Lu Zhan proposed.

Though disappointed, Maoyou understood the reluctance to venture out at night, realizing ordinary people struggled to see clearly in the dark. Feeling embarrassed by his brashness, Maoyou hesitated for a moment.

Observing Maoyou eyeing the steaming turtle shell, Luo Zhen offered, "Would you like to try a bowl of our broth?"

"Really?" Maoyou's right eye brightened, surprised by the kindness of the smiling wizard before him. How rare to encounter such generosity! Inviting someone you just met for a broth?

"Yes, but the broth needs time to simmer before it's ready. Can you wait a bit?" Luo Zhen asked.

Maoyou eagerly nodded, enticed by the tantalizing aroma. He didn't mind waiting, even if it meant waiting all night.

The broth, made from freshly hunted snapping turtle meat, black beans found along the road, and various spices, lacked the heavy scent of grilled meat. Despite its mild aroma, the hot weather made it surprisingly appetizing.

Served in a wooden bowl, a novelty for Maoyou, who preferred his food not too hot. He admired the bowl as the broth cooled, growing happier with each glance.

"Great wizard, could I trade for this wooden bowl? I have items you can choose from," Maoyou proposed.

Luo Zhen was taken aback. To him, a simple wooden bowl was easily replaceable. That Maoyou would offer items in exchange for it was unexpected. Uncertain about the customary exchange rates between tribes, Luo Zhen hadn't planned to trade until he understood them better. If not for Maoyou's initiative, he would've waited to familiarize himself with the settlement before engaging in trade.