Chapter 98: The Unrestrained Eldest Senior Brother
Upon learning that the Pig Tribe had been reduced to just a few members, with the rest abducted by the Snake Tribe to serve as food, Han Cheng was shocked and heartbroken.
Don't be curious about how Han Cheng knew the names of these two tribes; it was information provided by the author.
Cannibalism, especially for someone like him, a time traveler from a future era, was undeniably too brutal. While studying history, he had come across instances of people resorting to cannibalism during tough times, such as in ancient military campaigns where extreme shortages of provisions led to the consumption of human flesh.
These historical accounts, although cruel, were recorded in books and lacked the immediate impact of the current situation. Han Cheng couldn't help but feel apprehensive, realizing that if his tribe hadn't repelled the evil tribe earlier, his people might have faced a similar fate. His slender and tender body would undoubtedly have met a gruesome end, possibly even fried in oil if it were available in this era.
Although he felt heartache over the unexpected reduction in the tribe's population, Han Cheng had initially envisioned a significant leap forward for his tribe. However, the reality was now a tribe of merely ten members. Despite his disappointment, he recognized the silver lining; the Pig Tribe, having suffered a major blow, was now unburdened by the elderly, young, or infirm, making it easier for the remaining adults to assimilate into the Green Sparrow Tribe.
Unlike the previous encounters, where the leaders of the Green Sparrow Tribe appeared aloof, they now warmly welcomed the addition of the Pig Tribe. Han Cheng and the Shaman expressed great enthusiasm for their new members.
After the Leader of the Pig Tribe agreed to join the Green Sparrow Tribe, he, along with Han Cheng and Shaman, exchanged a different form of greeting a gesture of placing their hands over their left chests, a sign of respect reserved for esteemed members of the same tribe.
Under Han Cheng's suggestion, ongoing tasks like building deer pens were temporarily halted as members of the Green Sparrow Tribe came to the cave to greet their new allies. Despite the Pig Tribe's initial discomfort and feelings of inferiority due to poverty, Han Cheng recognized that time and interaction would gradually overcome these barriers.nove(l)bi(n.)com
After the conclusion of the feast, the relationship between the two tribes deepened significantly.
At Han Cheng's signal, Eldest Senior Brother generously distributed ten pairs of gloves, socks, and rudimentary hats to the Pig Tribe members. Enduring hunger, cold, and the hardships of a long journey in icy terrain, the Pig Tribe had developed varying degrees of frostbite on their hands, feet, faces, and even ears. These items proved to be essential for their well-being.
During earlier interactions, several members of the Pig Tribe had sensed the benefits of such items from their friendly Green Sparrow counterparts. They had admired these warm, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing items. Still, they refrained from expressing their desires due to their newcomer status and the presumed value of such items in the friendly tribe.
Under the orders of the benevolent Divine Child, they received these precious items from the friendly tribe's Leader, evoking heartfelt gratitude. Much like the Green Sparrow Tribe members who had received gloves and socks earlier, they delicately and curiously touched these newfound treasures, finding it hard to believe such valuable items truly belonged to them.
The Leader of the Pig Tribe also adorned himself with a hat and gloves. Watching his people, now well-fed and adorned with these novel and warm items, brimming with smiles, he felt a mix of satisfaction, melancholy, and regret.
He was content that his people could find solace here, melancholic as it seemed that his Pig Tribe was truly on the verge of disappearing and regretful that he hadn't brought his tribe earlier. Seeing the reactions of the Green Sparrow Tribe members, he realized the severe losses his tribe had suffered.
This kind of life is indeed living.
If the Leader of the Pig Tribe initially agreed to join the Green Sparrow Tribe this afternoon mainly because they defeated the evil tribe that caused them immense pain, seeking revenge with the support of the Green Sparrow Tribe, now he had developed a sense of belonging to this friendly and prosperous tribe. After all, this place provided a peaceful life for the people suffering so much.
