In the seventh winter since the founding of the Mang Tribe, a major earthquake occurred, and minor earthquakes happened frequently, lasting for nearly two months.
This winter filled with disasters and hardships, many tribes struggled to survive, except for the Vine Tribe.
However, ti always passes, and winter won't last forever. When the sun shines upon the earth again and snow and ice begin to lt, all the hardships co to an end.
Unconsciously, the eighth year since the founding of the Mang Tribe arrived, ushered in by the gentle sunlight.
"Rustle..."
lting ice fell from the trees in the courtyard, hitting the head of Black Wind Rhinoceros Crescent, who was about to go for a stroll. Crescent shook its head and snorted two bursts of white steam discontentedly from its nostrils.
"Ee..."
Shortly after, a bird's call resonated in the sky, a gigantic purple Fierce Bird descended from above, dropping a prey into Jiang Xuan's courtyard.
"Squeak..."
The wooden door of the main house was opened, and Jiang Xuan erged with sleepy eyes. The dazzling sunlight made him squint slightly.
"Finally, the sun is out!"
Jiang Xuan stretched lazily, basking in the sunshine, listening to the lting ice and snow fall around him, feeling the gloom of the entire winter dissipate.
"Ee..."
Tang Yuan murmured softly, then picked up the prey it had dropped earlier and carried it with a swaying gait before Jiang Ye, clearly looking quite pleased.
"Wow, Tang Yuan, you caught a Two-Horned Beast so early, impressive!"
Jiang Xuan generously praised Tang Yuan, which made it proudly lift its head, and glance provocatively at the lazy Black Wind Rhinoceros beside it.
Black Wind Rhinoceros Crescent paid no attention and slowly walked toward the forest, each step of its giant hooves crushing the ground ice into shards with a "crack."
Being a herbivore, it had no interest in at. During the icy mountain period, it could only munch on so dry grass, but now with the snow and ice lted, it was heading to the forest to eat those green leaves.
Jiang Xuan walked to the pool in the courtyard, washing himself with the lted snow water, which raised his spirits, lifting him from his groggy state.
First, he called two warriors to help, having Tang Yuan's prey skinned and gutted, then used a bronze knife to carve the at from the Two-Horned Beast piece by piece until only a skeleton was left.
The beast hide would be sent to the clothing workshop, and soon it would be crafted into beautiful Beast Hide Clothing by the tribespeople of the Vine Tribe.
The Beast Bone and Beast Teeth would be sent to the bone workshop, so of which would be made into weapons and tools, while another portion would be turned into lovely crafts to be sold at the trading post.
As for the at and innards, half would be left for Tang Yuan to eat, with Jiang Xuan distributing the other half.
Jiang Xuan first gave so at to the helping warriors, then picked a pri cut for Chi Shao, and distributed more to Gou Teng, Shi Qiu, Nan Xing, Jing Jie, and others. By the end of the rounds, there wasn't much at left.
Jiang Xuan boiled a pot, and the remainder was salted and stored in a pottery jar for gradual consumption.
"Gurgle gurgle..."
In the hearth, the at broth bubbled in the large pot, filling the house with a rich aroma.
Jiang Xuan sat by the table, unfurled a scroll of new bamboo slips, prepared so paint, dipped a Beast Hair Brush into the ink, and started writing on the bamboo slips.
"Mang Tribe, Year Eight, January..."
After finishing, Jiang Xuan put down the Beast Hair Brush, reflecting: "Eight years have passed, ti flies indeed."
...
A few days later, with the combined effort of sunlight and the warm south wind, ice and snow finally lted away. The waters of Lobster River surged once more, the doors of the Vine Wall reopened, and all mbers of the Vine Tribe embarked on their busy new year.
"The trading post is open!"
When the gates of the trading post gradually opened, travelers and people from nearby tribes eagerly rushed in.
The long winter had passed, and so people urgently needed food and salt, so needed new weapons, while others sought various tools. Trade demands were very high.
The chief shopkeeper Dong Kui erged and shouted to the crowd, "Everyone, let's keep calm, and line up nicely. Our Vine Tribe has ample supplies, ensuring everyone gets what they need."
"Line up properly, don't push!"
Nan Xing arrived with the Guard Team warriors, over a hundred ard warriors mingled into the crowd, effectively separating them, and directing everyone to line up.
Soon, the chaotic scene of the trading post was no more. Under the guidance of the Guard Team Warriors, long queues stretched before all store entrances, each taking turns for trade.
Seeing this, Dong Kui breathed a sigh of relief, then swapped to a cheerful expression as she moved among the shops in the trading post, assisting shop assistants with various issues.
Besides the trading post, the Vine Tribe's Hunting Team, Fishing Team, Planting Team, Breeding Team, Building Team, along with various workshops, all resud their bustling activity, filling the entire tribe with vibrant energy.
...
By February of the second year since the founding of the Vine Tribe, the Mountain Turtle Tribe leader Shan Jia unexpectedly visited Jiang Xuan.
"Leader Xuan, these are mushrooms that have just grown this year. Please try them fresh."
Inside the house, Shan Jia placed a large bag of fresh mushrooms down, unsealing the bag.
Jiang Xuan stepped forward and picked up a mushroom the size of his fist for inspection. A refreshing mushroom scent wafted over imdiately.
Jiang Xuan put the mushroom down, smiling, "Thank you, Leader Shan Jia, fortuitously I have fresh at here, later we can grill so mushroom at skewers to eat."
Shan Jia proactively said, "Let find so fresh twigs to make skewers, I excel at this."
Shan Jia jumped into action promptly, searching outdoors for suitable twigs, then deftly whittled them into skewers for grilling.
Upon returning indoors, he volunteered to wash the mushrooms, cut the at, and skewer them until the at was marinated and ready to grill; only then did he find a mont to relax.
"Sizzle sizzle..."
After oil was brushed on the mushroom at skewers, under the heat of the charcoal, they soon took on an alluring color and tempting aroma.
While waiting for the skewers to cook, Jiang Xuan casually asked, "Leader Shan Jia, did you visit solely to grill at skewers for this ti?"
Since Shan Jia entered the door, Jiang Xuan sensed he had a matter to discuss, simply using busyness as cover, or perhaps allowing himself more ti for thought.
Shan Jia laughed awkwardly, saying, "Nothing escapes Leader Xuan's eyes."
"Speak freely; we're old friends; anything can be discussed."
Jiang Xuan's words eased Shan Jia's mood slightly. He flipped the mushroom at skewers, took a deep breath, then turned to Jiang Xuan, earnestly: "Leader Xuan, if our Mountain Turtle Tribe wishes to beco the fourth affiliated tribe of the Vine Tribe, would you accept?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan's expression also beca serious: "Leader Shan Jia, such a significant matter, I dare not decide alone; I must first consult the Vine God and Witch. Let's eat first and talk afterward."
"Well... alright..."
Although Shan Jia dearly hoped for an imdiate answer, he acknowledged the impossibility of not consulting the Totem God and Witch on such a significant matter, leaving him to wait patiently.
Once the mushroom at skewers were cooked, the taste was quite delightful; however, Shan Jia felt so anxious that even the best food seed tasteless.
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