The Survival of the Wild Tribe

160

"Exchange them all?" Hu Chao reacted skeptically to Luo Zhen's bold statement. Such confidence would be unthinkable even for the tribe across from Changfeng Mountain, let alone any other neighboring tribes.

Luo Zhen unplugged the water sac, revealing half its capacity. Pouring a bit of water onto his palm, he demonstrated its function by gently shaking the sac. "With this water, you needn't worry about thirst even in the wilderness. Is this something your Tiger and Lion tribe might find useful?"

Initially puzzled by the thick animal skin surrounding the water sac, Hu Chao's curiosity was piqued as Luo Zhen poured out its contents and explained its purpose. Realization dawned, and his eyes lit up with interest.

For an orc warrior, a portable water source was invaluable, especially during the scorching summers when dehydration posed a constant threat. The significance of a water sac to them was unmistakable.

Hu Chao's gaze lingered on the water sac, contemplating its potential exchange for stone salt. Aware of the temptation it presented, Luo Zhen confidently offered it, understanding the value it held.

Crafting a water sac may seem straightforward, but its creation required meticulous study of internal organs, a process taking almost a year. While its lifespan was limited, its utility was undeniable, a fact not lost on the orc warriors.

Handing over the water sac as a gesture of sincerity, Luo Zhen didn't hesitate. Though many of the water pouches brought were previously used, he was unconcerned about any peculiar odors, knowing the buffalo bladder's potential for decay if not properly maintained.

Hu Chao, with Luo Zhen's consent, emptied the water sac into a nearby stone pot, revealing its impressive capacity. This sight amazed the orc warriors, who had never encountered such a practical item before.

"How much rock salt do you want for this water bag?" Hu Chao inquired, eyeing Luo Zhen and his companions cautiously. Trading for something unprecedented wouldn't be easy for the tribe. Without confidence, they might end up like other small tribes, settling for meager exchanges of prey and animal skins.

Luo Zhen countered with a question, leaving Hu Chao momentarily stumped. After some consideration, he proposed, "Your water sac appears to be made of ordinary animal skins. How about one piece of rock salt for one water sac?"

"This isn't just any ordinary animal skin," Luo Zhen countered. Though crafting the water sac wasn't overly complex, it represented something new and urgently needed for the Tiger and Lion tribe. Luo Zhen wasn't keen on undervaluing it.

Having traveled thousands of miles from the opposite side of Changfeng Mountain, they aimed to maximize their resources and exchange them for the stone salt they needed most.

"Can you replicate these water sacs with animal skins?" Luo Zhen questioned, challenging Hu Chao's stance.

Hu Chao hesitated, mindful of the leader's instructions to swiftly return the stone salt to the tribe. He couldn't afford to exchange all their stone salt for just a few water sacs. While he desired the water sacs, he wasn't willing to strike a deal at a loss.

"Then, what's your offer? I can't trade all my rock salt for these water sacs," Hu Chao pressed, maintaining a firm stance.

Suddenly, Lu Zhan broke his silence, proposing, "One water pouch for ten pieces of rock salt." His unexpected intervention commanded attention, even catching Hu Chao off guard.

Despite the initial surprise, Hu Chao quickly recalibrated, rejecting the proposal as too generous. He suggested a more balanced exchange, mindful of not undercutting their resources.

Knowing their significance to the settlement's survival, Hu Chao remained resolute, unwilling to compromise on the tribe's interests.

However, Lu Zhan wasn't one to abide by the rules. Upon hearing Hu Chao's rejection, he swiftly retrieved the water bag from the opponent's grasp and stowed it back in the animal skin backpack. Urging Luo Zhen to his feet, he signaled their departure from the tent.

The sudden departure shocked those remaining in the tent. Maoyou, bewildered, questioned, "Don't you need stone salt? Why are you leaving?"

"Our tribe has no shortage of stone salt," Lu Zhan explained patiently, addressing Maoyou's query.

Maoyou's confusion deepened, furrowing his brow. If not for stone salt, why had they come to the settlement? Suddenly, he recalled the subtly salty broth from the previous night's meal. Though he hadn't witnessed the addition of rock salt, the broth had possessed a faint saltiness. Absorbed in its deliciousness, he hadn't pondered it then. Now, the realization dawned on him, prompting him to exclaim, "Are you here for training?"

Certain tribes, upon reaching adulthood, ventured out for rigorous training, returning as formidable warriors. Known as "beasts," they seldom frequented settlements, preferring to challenge wild beasts in the wilderness. Given this context, the tribesmen wouldn't easily identify Luo Zhen and his companions as wizards.

Grinning at Maoyou's conjecture, Lu Zhan remained enigmatic.

Concerned by the duo's apparent indifference toward stone salt, Hu Chao intervened hastily, halting their exit. "Ten pieces of rock salt for one water sac is excessive. Let's renegotiate. How much are you willing to accept?"

Curious as to why they suddenly desired to exchange rock salt for water sacs, Hu Chao attempted to salvage the situation. Faced with Lu Zhan's impending departure, he proposed, "Two pieces of rock salt per water sac, equivalent to one fierce animal skin."

"Eight pieces," Lu Zhan countered.

"Eight is too steep. Three at most," Hu Chao bargained, reluctantly offering an additional piece of rock salt. In previous years, such minor discrepancies wouldn't have mattered much. However, recent developments necessitated swift action, leaving the Tiger Dynasty with limited reserves of stone salt.
"Five pieces," Lu Zhan stated calmly.

Hu Chao shook his head. "Three pieces is the highest offer. We can only exchange two pieces of rock salt for each fierce animal skin. No more negotiations."

Realizing Hu Chao's unwavering stance, Lu Zhan glanced at Luo Zhen, silently seeking his opinion.

Three pieces of rock salt for one water sac exceeded Luo Zhen's initial expectations. He nodded slightly in agreement, prompting Lu Zhan to confirm, "We accept. We'll exchange three pieces. How many water sacs do you need?"

Hu Chao was taken aback. Why did it seem like their roles had reversed? Shouldn't these two be asking him how much rock salt he wanted? Then he recalled that the wizard had expressed a desire to exchange all the stone salt in their possession.

Eyeing the pair with a mix of emotions, Hu Chao inquired, "How many water sacs do you have?"

Lu Zhan unfastened his animal skin backpack and retrieved five water pouches. "We brought out five. There are around ten more in our tent, all available for exchange."

Hu Chao's gaze shifted to the sturdy animal skin backpack. It was his first encounter with such a creation made from animal skins. Lu Zhan had effortlessly carried it on his back earlier, showcasing its practicality for orc warriors. It allowed them to carry prey without hindering their combat abilities.

Noticing the assorted items like bones and wild fruits within the backpack, Hu Chao recognized its utility.

"Do you exchange this item?" he queried.

Lu Zhan presented a new animal skin backpack and declared, "Ten pieces of stone salt for an animal skin backpack. No negotiations."

Hu Chao was speechless.

"How many animal skin backpacks do you have?" he inquired, grappling with the complexities of the deal unfolding before him. Today proved to be one of the most challenging negotiations since he assumed control of the settlement.

Lu Zhan grinned. "We have around ten more in our tent."