Chapter 212

Xishui Riverside.

Ma Ling let out a long whistle from afar toward the tents on the shore.

Two beastmen quickly popped their heads out of a tent. One of them, seeing Qi Bai on the white wolf's back, waved vigorously and said, "Leopard White, do you remember me?"

Qi Bai climbed down from the saddle on Lang Ze's back and soon found the familiar face in his memory. He smiled and said, "Xiong Qi, we picked wood flowers together. Of course I remember you. How is Xiong Nuan?"

"He's well. After parting at the trading day, the chief and Nuan often mention you." Xiong Qi was clearly very happy that Qi Bai recognized him at a glance, then热情地介绍道 (enthusiastically introduced), "Oh, this is Yun Jing from the Yun Valley Tribe. You probably haven't met."

This female beastman first scrutinized Lang Ze, then turned and nodded toward Qi Bai as a greeting.

Then, a tall beastman emerging from the innermost tent smiled欣然 (pleasantly) at Qi Bai and Lang Ze: "It really is you."

Lang Ze slightly raised an eyebrow: "Lu Yan, didn't expect to see you here."

Three days ago, Ma Ling returned to the tribe saying he had seen people from the Giant Deer Tribe. However, Lang Ze hadn't expected it would be the chief of the Giant Deer Tribe appearing here. Moreover, Xiong Qi and Yun Jing seemed to hold quite high status within their tribes as well.

In other words, three of the eight major tribes of the Northern Wilderness—Giant Deer, War Bear, and Yun Valley—had actually appeared together by the Xishui River.

Lu Yan扯了扯嘴角 (pulled at the corner of his mouth) somewhat self-deprecatingly: "Don't be too surprised. We came here precisely to find you."

Lu Yan and his group believed that the Black Mountain Tribe, which had taken in large numbers of slaves at last year's trading day, was the mastermind behind the Sanghuo Tribe's slave escape.

Although Ma Ling had earnestly explained upon first meeting them that those Sanghuo Tribe slaves truly had nothing to do with them.

But these words clearly didn't have much effect.

Because Lu Yan's group had precisely followed the trail of the Sanghuo slaves, slowly making their way north.

And coincidentally, those slaves were indeed now within Black Mountain Tribe's territory.

With种种巧合叠加在一起 (all sorts of coincidences stacking up), the original truth of the matter became less important.

Lang Ze's tone was flat: "Black Mountain Tribe is not a tribe of the Northern Wilderness. Apart from the annual trading day, we will not have further contact."

Lang Ze's冷淡态度 (cold attitude) was within the expectations of the others.

On the beastman continent, the area several days' journey outside a tribe could be considered that tribe's territory. Other beastmen trespassing rashly was a threat to the beasts within the territory.

Precisely because of this, after encountering Ma Ling, Lu Yan and the others immediately stopped advancing and waited原地 (on the spot) for Black Mountain Tribe's arrival.

Lu Yan微微颔首 (slightly nodded): "But we have another piece of news here. Perhaps after hearing it, you will have a different opinion."

Mentioning this matter, even Xiong Qi's mood visibly dropped.

Qi Bai asked curiously: "What news?"

"The setting sun city in the west was大半损毁 (mostly destroyed) in last year's great earth tremor. Envoys from the Upper City came to the Northern Wilderness. They want to establish a new city in the Northern Wilderness."

Lang Ze frowned: "They chose the Sanghuo Tribe?"

"Not confirmed yet, but the Upper City's envoys have already taken up residence in the Sanghuo Tribe." Lu Yan's expression turned serious. "But regardless of whether the Sanghuo Tribe will establish a city in the Northern Wilderness, they have already thrown the Northern Wilderness into chaos. We must prepare in advance."

Qi Bai悄悄握了握掌心 (secretly clenched his palm). "Envoys" again? What connection was there between these envoys?

Qi Bai asked: "How did you confirm this news? I remember before last year's trading day, envoys from the setting sun city came to the Northern Wilderness. Didn't the Xu Mountain Tribe agree to join the setting sun city then? Perhaps this time's envoys are also from the setting sun city coming to recruit the Sanghuo Tribe."

Yun Jing, who had been silent, shook her head: "These two groups of envoys are not the same people."

Last year when the setting sun city's envoys came to the Northern Wilderness, they not only found the largest Xu Mountain Tribe but also the second-largest Yun Valley Tribe. However, the chief of the Yun Valley Tribe ultimately decided to stay in their territory, rejecting the setting sun city's envoys.

Precisely because of this conversation, the Yun Valley Tribe became the last tribe in the Northern Wilderness to have contact with the setting sun city. They could confirm that the totem of the envoys entering the Sanghuo Tribe was different from the setting sun city's totem.

Of course, their conjecture was also confirmed by the Xu Mountain Tribe, which had migrated to the setting sun city.

"The Xu Mountain Tribe that migrated to the setting sun city did not enter the city directly but was安置在了 (settled at) a location four days and nights away from the city."

Come to think of it, a city that took years, even over a decade, to build wouldn't轻易接纳 (easily accept) a massive tribe of several thousand people.

When the Xu Mountain Tribe arrived at the setting sun city, they learned that there were quite a few tribes like theirs who had been sought out. What the setting sun city truly needed was not beastmen to reside in the city but power to defend the city.

Fortunately, although the new territory allocated to the Xu Mountain Tribe wasn't large, they did have the opportunity to enter the city for trade. So the Xu Mountain Tribe decided to remain at the setting sun city.

But unfortunately, they had just settled down when the great earthquake suddenly struck. This earthquake nearly razed the setting sun city to the ground.

By then, even if the Xu Mountain Tribe wanted to reconsider, it was too late.

Because after they left, the Xu Mountain Tribe's original territory had already been occupied by other tribes.

Especially the Sanghuo Tribe. Their original attack on the Giant Deer Tribe was just to expand their rather small territory. Now with a large stretch of ownerless land around Xu Mountain, they naturally wouldn't let it go.

Precisely because of this, the Xu Mountain Tribe始终关注着 (always kept an eye on) the situation in the Northern Wilderness.

According to them, the setting sun city's城主 (city lord) was now putting all effort into重建城池 (rebuilding the city) and would absolutely not discuss establishing a new city with another tribe.

And the envoys in the Sanghuo Tribe were envoys from the Upper City. Their status was higher than that of the setting sun city, which was a Lower City. Once the Sanghuo Tribe established a city, it would gain status equal to the setting sun city.

"But establishing a city is no easy task. The Sanghuo Tribe needs more slaves. Our tribes in the Northern Wilderness have become their targets."

Qi Bai's heart sank slightly. No wonder the Sanghuo Tribe had plundered so many slaves in the Northern Wilderness. It turned out they weren't just seizing them but also preparing for city establishment.

Many small tribes of the Northern Wilderness had already fallen into Sanghuo's hands, and major tribes like Giant Deer hadn't escaped either.

First was the Giant Deer Tribe. After receiving Qi Bai's warning last year, the Giant Deer Tribe had already migrated near the War Bear Tribe. But even so, the Sanghuo Tribe kept挤压着他们的领地 (squeezing their territory).

The Yun Valley Tribe, closest to Xu Mountain, suffered even more. Their hunting parties outside were often attacked by the Sanghuo Tribe. But if Yun Valley went to Sanghuo to reason, Sanghuo would never admit it.

Yun Valley couldn't find evidence, or rather, even if they found evidence, as long as the Sanghuo Tribe didn't want to deal with those attacking beastmen, Yun Valley had no recourse.

Lang Ze scanned the three before him: "You are all major tribes of the Northern Wilderness. Since the Sanghuo Tribe is composed of three major tribes, you can also unite to drive the Sanghuo Tribe out of the Northern Wilderness."

"Our War Bear Tribe certainly isn't afraid of battle." Xiong Qi clenched his fist and said loudly.

Lu Yan took a deep breath: "But all war costs more tribespeople's lives. If I can ensure all tribespeople leave the Northern Wilderness safely, I don't want to冒险 (take the risk)."

Their three tribes' combined population couldn't match the Sanghuo Tribe's. Not to mention, the Giant Deer Tribe's people weren't skilled in combat. Relying solely on War Bear and Yun Valley, they didn't have much chance of winning.

The Giant Deer Tribe had already lost too many tribespeople. Lu Yan wasn't without hatred, but he didn't want to gamble all his tribespeople's lives.

Lu Yan looked sincerely at Qi Bai and Lang Ze. "We hope to migrate to the area around Black Mountain Tribe's territory. If Black Mountain Tribe is willing to庇护 (shelter) us, we can swear to the Beast God that we will永远忠诚于 (forever be loyal to) Black Mountain Tribe."

As Lu Yan's words fell, Xiong Qi and Yun Jing simultaneously微微地了下头 (slightly lowered their heads). This was also their thought.

While they bowed their heads, Qi Bai secretly made a苦脸 (wry face) at Lang Ze.

These were all major tribes with populations of several thousand. Even the most declined Giant Deer Tribe had nearly two thousand people.

But now, these powerful tribes were诚恳地 (sincerely) hoping for Black Mountain Tribe's protection.

Perhaps it was because Black Mountain Tribe could produce fine pottery jars and endless salt at will. Perhaps because they firmly believed Black Mountain Tribe dared to compete with Sanghuo Tribe for slaves. Or because Black Mountain Tribe was the first to defeat a several-hundred-strong Sanghuo Tribe team.

In short, in these people's minds, Black Mountain Tribe's strength was already equated with the Sanghuo Tribe's.

Qi Bai really wanted to say: Don't be fooled by our wealth; it's because we can produce unlimited quantities. That doesn't mean we truly have the strength to confront a tribe of tens of thousands head-on.

No, that couldn't even be called confrontation; it would be以卵击石 (like an egg striking a rock).

Lang Ze slightly furrowed his brows. He didn't agree with Lu Yan's view.

If it were him, he would never place hope entirely on another tribe.

Even if there was a real disparity in strength, he would rather lead the tribe to migrate to a completely陌生领地 (unfamiliar territory). Not to mention, Lang Ze didn't think the Northern Wilderness tribes had no chance of winning.

说到底 (When it came down to it), they had lived安逸的日子 (comfortable lives) for too long and had lost the决心 (determination) to fight.

Da Yan, Sang Meng, and Liang Shi—these three major tribes of the Eastern Barbarians could form a giant tribe to seize territory in the unfamiliar Northern Wilderness. The Northern Wilderness tribes lacked such魄力和野心 (drive and ambition).

Ma Ling also挤了挤眼睛 (winked) at Lang Ze.

He had defeated several Sanghuo Tribe warriors, but that didn't mean he was willing to let Black Mountain stand up for these tribes.

Why should they? Their huge tribes hang back, and let our Black Mountain Tribe take the front? There's no such道理 (logic).

Lang Ze沉思片刻 (pondered for a moment) before speaking: "From here, fifteen days' journey back is Black Mountain Tribe's territory."

Lang Ze's demarcation of territory wasn't casual.

Their current location was still four days from the former Xishui Tribe. Another eleven days back would roughly include the old site of the Xiaoniu Tribe.

Although Black Mountain Tribe would protect its territory, their strength was, after all, limited. Whether this vast beastman continent would become other tribes' territory was beyond their control.

Lu Yan and Xiong Qi instantly raised their eyes. Even Yun Jing's face showed a trace of喜色 (delight).

Seeing Qi Bai showed no intention of objecting, Lu Yan finally放下心来 (set his heart at ease).

Lu Yan had met Lang Ze before; he knew Lang Ze was Qi Bai's slave. But now, Lang Ze seemed to be the one making decisions.

Whether Lang Ze was conveying Qi Bai's words or there were other hidden reasons, Lu Yan didn't care at all.

Because Lang Ze's words, while seemingly drawing a clear line with them, also默许了 (tacitly permitted) their tribes' migration.

Although Black Mountain Tribe didn't explicitly promise protection, once they came north, even if the Sanghuo Tribe reached out, could Black Mountain Tribe just sit back and do nothing?

Amid the bleak mountain forest, the running figures of Lu Yan's group gradually grew模糊 (blurry).

This meeting was brief, but both sides obtained important information.

Ma Ling looked困惑地 (puzzled) at Lang Ze: "Why should we help them?"

Lang Ze淡淡看了 (gave a cool look at) Ma Ling, didn't speak, and walked自顾自地 (by himself) to where the saddle was placed, transforming into his beast form.

Seeing Ma Ling's guilty look, Qi Bai explained好笑地 (amusedly): "If we leave them be and let Sanghuo Tribe吞并 (annex) these major tribes, the Northern Wilderness will have no opponent left to匹敌 (rival) the Sanghuo Tribe."

Qi Bai looked toward the southwest: "We cannot allow such a powerful opponent to grow unchecked."

After saying this, Qi Bai收回视线 (withdrew his gaze), quickly climbed onto the saddle, leaned down, and摸了摸 (stroked) Lang Ze's neck: "Let's return to the tribe. We have more important things to do."

"Awooo~"

The white wolf愉悅地甩了甩尾巴 (happily swished its tail).

See, his partner was still the one who shared his heart and understood his mind.