Chapter 461

The resentful little glances kept darting toward Yuan Lang, who stood speaking without a sore waist; this breakthrough to great shaman, you say it like that, how come it's as easy as drinking cold water?

「I really don't have the confidence to become a great shaman within two years, but this time we go out, at the very least we must bring back a totem pole, at minimum we must save these uncles. 」

At worst, after saving them we'll continue our travels; before breaking through to great shaman, each time we'll try to bring back a totem pole as much as possible.

That way, those beastman warriors who have reached the critical point won't have to worry about accidentally upgrading and becoming beasts.

Yuan Lang gave a light chuckle, his big hand covering her head and rubbing it: "Mm, we'll work hard together."

Especially, upgrading is even more important for beastman warriors; he is unwilling to remain just a silver-rank little beastman in the Polar Forest, he wants to become stronger.

Even though he hasn't yet encountered any deadly danger, just thinking of himself powerless before those super-tribe shamans...

Yuan Lang's hand at his side unconsciously clenched: I must become stronger!

The secret of the little female also needs great power to protect; my current self is still too weak.

Both saw perseverance in each other's eyes, and they couldn't help but exchange a smile.

In the afternoon, Wu Yue went to find Xuehu Wu and told him that she and Yuan Lang were preparing to go out to gather herbs.

Xuehu Wu sighed inwardly; although he had wanted to stop them, seeing her bright and determined eyes, he still nodded and agreed.

Forget it, let the young people give it a try; don't discourage them now.

Although he fundamentally didn't believe there was any herb in this world that could calm the mental power of beastman warriors on the verge of losing their sanity.

「Going out is fine, but you must pay attention to safety and not go to dangerous places, understand? 」

Wu Yue obediently nodded: "Don't worry, we won't go into the deep forest."

Having his thoughts seen through, Xuehu Wu's old face darkened, he feigned disdain and waved his hand: "Scram out quickly, these youngsters nowadays are just more and more annoying to look at."

Wu Yue rubbed her nose, gave an embarrassed hehe laugh and retreated; as she walked she muttered, "Nowadays old people really are less and less fond of hearing the truth."

After preparing at home, the next day Wu Yue sat on Yuan Lang's back and the two charged into the forest.

Because after stabilizing the beastman warriors' mental power, several people planned to leave the Polar Forest to seek a breakthrough method, naturally they made some preparations before heading out.

Although they had promised Xuehu Wu not to adventure into the deep forest, for the sake of the crystal cores they eventually went there once and slew many fierce beasts.

「These crystal cores are enough for your trip this time. 」

Wu Yue placed all the crystal cores into her space; at this point, five days had passed since they left the tribe.

Yuan Lang glanced into the depths of the deep forest: "Let's go; after we obtain the totem pole we'll come back."

Having said that, he let out a low roar and transformed into beast form.

Looking at the majestic and sturdy snow tiger before her, Wu Yue affectionately stroked its snowy white fur, then leapt onto its back, and the two headed all the way toward the Snow Tiger Tribe's direction.

After only one day's travel, the two had already reached the territory of the Snow Tiger Tribe.

However, seeing the snow before her still showing no sign of melting, Wu Yue furrowed her brows: "When will this winter finally be completely over?"

「The great shaman estimated there are still less than ten days left, and the tribe's food can still hold out. 」

Yuan Lang wasn't particularly worried; in his memory, the Polar Forest had experienced many disasters before, but they always got through, although the process was somewhat arduous.

Even if the snow hadn't melted, the beastman warriors of all tribes still came out with their weapons to try their luck, and the Snow Tiger Tribe's beastman warriors were no exception, after all, who would complain about having too much food?

While carefully searching for the prey's tracks, two familiar figures suddenly appeared in their sight; everyone was first startled, then overjoyed.

A few days ago, several beastman warriors whose spirits were about to collapse wanted to leave the tribe to fend for themselves in the forest, but were stopped by the chieftain and the shaman.

Afterward, they heard from the chieftain that Shaman Wu Yue had gone out to gather a most miraculous herb that could stabilize the minds of those uncles who had forcefully broken through.

Although, if in the end there's no way and the totem pole upgrade fails to become a true gold-rank beastman, they would still inevitably fall into the fate of losing their sanity; but being able to endure one more day together with the clansfolk makes everyone happy.

One by one, their eyes shining bright, they came over to surround the two.

Yuan Lang and Wu Yue had already seen a group of tribesfolk ahead, and their forward speed gradually slowed.

「Shaman Wu Yue, have you found that miraculous herb? 」

The moment the beastman warriors rushed forward, they began asking about that miraculous herb.

Meeting the beastfolk's expectant gaze, Wu Yue blinked, wondering if the shaman had told the tribesfolk about her going out to find an herb that could stabilize the mental power of those forcefully breaking through beastmen.

Although I don't believe the shaman would be so careless, seeing the beastfolk's expressions, I also know this news must have spread.

She could only smile and nod: "Found it."

As soon as her words fell, the beastman warriors before her each had their eyes shoot out dazzling light.

「Real... really there is such a miraculous herb! 」

「Ow ow ow! The uncles are saved! 」

「My father can now keep me company a little longer, hahaha! 」

「Shaman Wu Yue, you're truly amazing! 」

The beastfolk's cheers echoed through every corner of this forest; even the beasts hiding in the dark couldn't help but stretch out their forepaws to cover their ears, this sound truly was somewhat piercing.

When they returned to the tribe, Xuehu Wu and the Snow Tiger Clan chieftain had already been waiting at the tribe's gate; upon seeing Wu Yue seated on Yuan Lang's back, their eyes instantly lit up, the anticipation in their expressions needing no words.

Even Xuehu Wu, who fundamentally didn't believe such a miraculous herb existed in the forest, was full of anticipation.

I originally thought the two youngsters were just going out to have fun; after all, so many things have happened in the tribe lately, being in a bad mood is natural.

And spreading this news was also because several middle-aged beastfolk in the tribe, wanting not to bring trouble to the clansfolk, actually prepared to sneak out of the tribe.

How could that be acceptable? They became like this for the tribe's sake; how could the tribe abandon them while they're still sober?

Who would have thought that just now a beastman came back to report that Wu Yue's youngster had actually found that miraculous herb.

Xuehu Wu's heart instantly rose with a glimmer of hope, hoping that such a miraculous herb truly exists to keep those beastman warriors who sacrificed for the tribe alive, giving them a lifeline.

「Shaman, how did you let the news get out? 」

Wu Yue gave a wry smile as she descended from Yuan Lang's back; this welcoming spectacle was indeed quite grand, making her inevitably feel a bit fortunate.

Fortunately, I really exchanged for this herb from the system shop.

Xuehu Wu hehe laughed and waved his hand: "Cut the nonsense, where is that herb? Quickly take it out so I can have a look."

Now, not only Xuehu Wu and the Snow Tiger Clan chieftain, but the surrounding tribesfolk all widened their eyes, staring at the basket on Wu Yue's back; that fervent gaze seemed eager to pierce the basket.

Wu Yue amusedly set down her carrying basket, carefully opened it, and took out a palm-sized herb with only two round leaves, tender green in color.

The moment the herb was taken out, a faint fresh fragrance spread, making the surrounding tribespeople feel refreshed.

Their gazes toward the herb grew ever more fervent.

Xuehu Wu's deep old eyes instantly seemed to have countless stars poured into them, his smile growing ever brighter: "Wu Yue kid, can you spare a stalk of this herb for me to study?"

Xuehu Wu said this while gazing at Wu Yue with his sparkling old eyes, occasionally rubbing his hands in anticipation—truly lacking any semblance of a great tribe's shaman's dignity.

Wu Yue amusedly handed over the herb in her hand: "Although it's not much, it's enough for the Beastman Warriors of our four tribes who forcibly broke through; this stalk is for your research."

Xuehu Wu carefully took the herb she handed over, smiling so broadly that his gums showed.

"Everyone, disperse. Go back and summon your forcibly breakthrough uncles to the meeting hall; taking the herb earlier will also be safe."

Seeing the shaman merely staring at the herb and giggling foolishly, the Snow Tiger Clan chief sighed and addressed the surrounding tribespeople.

Only then did he lead Wu Yue and Yuan Lang toward the tribal meeting hall.

Before anyone could even settle their seats, the meeting hall doors were flung open with force as the Black Wolf Shaman and Black Wolf Clan chief stormed in, accompanied by several middle-aged Beastfolk.

Several people, faces flushed, approached Wu Yue; the Black Wolf Shaman looked at her expectantly, opening and closing his mouth several times before finally speaking in a hoarse voice: "Do you really have that kind of herb?"

Wu Yue let out a soft sigh, turned, and took the herb from her carrying basket: "This is the herb that can stabilize the spiritual power of those uncles who forcibly broke through; it's called Settling-Spirit Grass."

I only heard about it from the great shaman of the Huaxia Tribe; Yuan Lang and I went to try our luck, never expecting we'd actually find it.

The Black Wolf Shaman carefully lifted a stalk of the herb and examined it closely.

The Beastfolk behind stared at the herb on the table with eyes full of anticipation, their necks craned forward several inches.

Wu Yue amusedly stood up and distributed the herb to them: "You can just eat this herb directly; after consuming it, you'll feel your spiritual power is no different from before, but the effect lasts only two years."

The Beastman Warriors eagerly took the herb, then all bowed to Wu Yue, their voices trembling: "Thank you for saving us."

Wu Yue hastily stepped aside, giving a wry smile and shaking her head: "You should first let an uncle try it; this herb has never been tested before, so we don't yet know its true effects."

A Beastman Warrior of the Black Wolf Tribe who appeared the oldest opened his mouth and shoved the herb in, chewing and swallowing it.

The Settling-Spirit Grass turned into a cool current that instantly spread through the Beastman's body, the chill rushing straight into his mind, causing him to involuntarily let out a muffled groan.

Wu Yue and those around her paled, wondering what was happening; the Beastman Warrior looked as if he were in great pain.

Wu Yue's hands surged with shamanic power as she prepared to heal the Beastman.

But before she could act, the Beastman's expression of pain was replaced by a sense of comfort, leaving those around staring at each other, their faces bewildered.

At that moment, the middle-aged Beastman felt the initial rush of coolness to his crown ease and spread through his mind, the lingering headache that had plagued him for days vanishing instantly; his head felt unprecedentedly clear and comfortable, making him involuntarily moan.

After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes, only to see everyone staring at him strangely; recalling the groan he had just let out, his old face flushed red.

"How is it?"

The middle-aged Beastmen looked at him expectantly.

But the Beastman turned and solemnly bowed to Wu Yue: "Thank you for giving me two years of time."

Being able to live two more years with his tribesmen before losing his mind, even if he eventually dies, he has no regrets.

Wu Yue sighed, stepped forward to lightly support the Beastman, and said: "You are all heroes of your tribes; how could I bear to watch you lose your minds? Even if there's only a sliver of hope, we juniors must strive."

She then smiled at the Beastmen behind and said: "Uncles, quickly take the herb; we've gathered it for several days already."

Upon hearing this, no one dared to hesitate; they all sat down on the ground and shoved the herb in their hands into their mouths.

Even the Snow Tiger Tribe uncles who entered later imitated the Black Wolf Beastmen, sitting on the ground to begin digesting this miraculous herb.

At this point, the Snow Tiger Shaman and the Black Wolf Shaman finally shifted their attention from the herb in their hands to the Beastmen seated on the floor of the meeting hall.

Especially the Black Wolf Tribe uncle who had already taken the herb earlier was now surrounded by the two shamans, who examined it back and forth.

The herb's effects took hold quickly; after feeling their bodies recover, everyone eagerly wanted to go out and share this joy with their families.

Seeing their restless demeanor, the Snow Tiger and Black Wolf Shamans waved their hands impatiently: "Go on, go on; you're all old enough, yet you act like little kids."

After the people again thanked Wu Yue and Yuan Lang, they swarmed out in a rush.

Moments later, cries of astonishment and choked sobs came from outside.

The few people inside the meeting hall exchanged glances and all sighed in unison.

Wu Yue and Yuan Lang exchanged a glance, sharing an affirmative look, then turned to the two shamans seated in the places of honor: "Shamans, I and Yuan Lang plan to leave the tribe in a few days to seek a new totem pole."

Her words struck like a thunderbolt in the minds of everyone in the meeting hall, including the Snow Tiger Shaman and clan chief, leaving them momentarily unable to react.

After a while, a dry, hoarse voice finally sounded: "Is it because of us?"

The speaker was none other than Uncle Big Stone, who had eaten the herb and not left; his expression was now extremely stiff, his eyes faintly reddened.

"We old folks don't have much time left to live; you're still young, so don't risk yourselves for us."