Chapter 404: The Arrival of an Uninvited Guest

Beside the fire, Li Xiang had already put on a thick fur coat; the coat looked especially warm, a winter‑gift from Rongdi.

These days Li Xiang's beard is scruffy; after staying with the Ancient People for so long, he himself has become an Ancient Person.

Looking at those design sketches, Rongdi didn't quite understand them, but Li Xiang had already explained them; he thinks the house, once built, will be more comfortable than a Tulou.

More comfortable to live in.

"Alright, then we'll do as you say. It's deep Winter now—how's the tribe's stored food, enough to eat?"

Li Xiang is now the tribe's Second-in-Command, handling all matters; Rongdi has become a figurehead, and of course, when he doesn't understand, he can only turn to Li Xiang, who will help him anew.

"We've already asked around; everyone's supplies are basically sufficient, this Winter should pose no problem. The Treehouse that needed reinforcement has been reinforced, and the cold weather makes it unsuitable to go out."

This is his first Winter living among the Ancient People, harder than he imagined.

Because conditions here are truly poor, he doesn't mind; at worst he'll get by this Winter by keeping a fire. In recent days Duo Luo has hauled back a lot of dry firewood; the tribe relies entirely on that wood, and now the dry firewood has become the tribe's most beloved thing.

Since the Snow has blocked the mountains, they can't cut firewood.

Therefore, the tribe not only prepares food but also enough firewood to get through this Winter; he asked how long this Winter would last, but they couldn't say.

Because here there is no concept of years and months, only very long days; only after they pass does one know how long they truly are.

"Don't worry. I'll have everyone go fetch some firewood now; the rest of the food should be fine. The whole tribe is thirteen hundred people, no problem."

Thirteen hundred is the number he tallied, and now he's recording each tribe member's name, age, and gender on a leaf.

Only this way can he better understand the tribe members.

Hearing that there's no problem, Rongdi finally sighs in relief, slowly stands, and gazes far into the forest; the wind outside is strong, whistling past his ears.

Rongdi recalls last year's harsh Winter, when people died daily—old men—an image that remains vivid.

He hopes that this year, with Li Xiang's arrival, the situation can change.

Now he thinks of nothing else, only that the tribe can safely get through this Winter; then his role as Clan Leader won't have been in vain.

Just as he was about to speak, a lone wolf's howl suddenly came from below.

"Chief, the Lasi Tribe Clan Leader Luosang has arrived."

Hearing that, Rongdi suddenly pushed the door open; the wind outside was fierce. He glanced at Luosang below the Treehouse—Luosang had come with a few people, their Bamboo baskets laden with firewood and a pig, apparently as a gift.

Luosang saw Rongdi standing on the Treehouse, smiling brightly; amid the cold wind he shouted, "Chief Rongdi, I'm here to congratulate you."

Hearing that, Rongdi squinted slightly, "Does your tribe have any happy events now? What celebration?"

This time, Rongdi came down to meet Luosang, inviting him into his Treehouse. After Rongdi left, Li Xiang stepped out; upon seeing other tribe members approaching Rongdi, his expression darkened, "Duo Luo, who is that old man?"

Duo Luo also stepped out, glanced at the opposite side, furrowed her brows, finding the matter odd, "He's a La Si Tribe member from Shanhai Yishi; why is he here?"

"That street?"

Duo Luo, now married to Li Xiang, knows his curiosity and explains, "Shanhai Yishi is a street founded by the ancestors of the La Si Tribe; it's been here for many years. Now the La Si Tribe has come, probably for Ying's street?"

"Is that street related to the La Si Tribe?"

Here, Rongdi invited Luosang into his Treehouse; since Rongdi has no woman, the house feels rather messy.

When Luosang entered, the first thing he saw was an Iron Knife, gleaming sharply; his tribe still uses stone axes, so any envy would be false.

"Chief, this knife is really fine."

Rongdi isn't a patient man; he doesn't think the old man is here to brag about his knife, "Do you have business with me?"

Luosang, a bit cold, hurried to the Bonfire to warm his hands until they were hot, then sat down comfortably, "I brought you some dry firewood and a wild boar, as a greeting gift."

Rongdi shot him a glance, "What are you here for? You just said congratulations—congratulate me for what?"

He has no big celebration right now.

Luosang, seeing Rongdi still unaware, feigned surprise, "Aren't you and Ying brothers? You broke the alliance—didn't you know?"

"What do I... know?"

Rongdi plopped down, then poured a bowl of wine for Luosang, "Drink up."

Luosang didn't hesitate, took the bowl and downed it in one gulp; the strong wine burned his throat, instantly driving away the outside chill.

"Fine wine! Everyone says your wine tastes good, and indeed it does, Rongdi, I'm truly envious of you."

"Enough chatter—just tell me what you need, or go back if there's nothing. I have other matters to attend to."

Rongdi began to usher him out; he's not foolish and knows Luosang's visit isn't a good sign.

Luosang, seeing him try to send him away, immediately stood up, "You really don't know?"