I Became The Chief of A Primitive Village

After returning to the Tribe, Lu Shi had someone store the linen, then walked directly towards the Shaman’s wooden house.

At this time, the Spotted Deer Tribe happened to be holding their usual market, and Lu Lin was helping to handle some matters in the outer region.

Lu Shi stepped into the wooden house, his face showing respect as he spoke. “Shaman, we have returned. No one was injured, and there are no issues with the exchanged linen.”

“Good work. How was that Tribe?” Shaman Lu Shan was sitting upright at the stone table. It had only been a few days since they last met, but his face had gained more signs of ageing, with visibly more wrinkles around his eyes. Nevertheless, the authority he exuded was still strong enough to inspire awe in ordinary people.

“The Tribe that traded a large amount of linen with us is the Flame Dragon Tribe.” Lu Shi said, enunciating each word.

These past few days, they had been travelling quickly, hardly resting along the way. The usually serious Lu Shi also looked haggard.

“The Flame Dragon Tribe? Since when did they have so much linen? Weren’t they wiped out?” Shaman Lu Shan asked in surprise. He was familiar with the Flame Dragon Tribe. He had some interactions with their Shaman before, though it was only for exchanging goods, nothing deeper than that.

He had also heard that the Flame Dragon Tribe had been attacked by the Black Snake Tribe and should have fallen. Now, not only had they not fallen, but they were also offering linen, which they did not have before to exchange for dried meat. This naturally greatly piqued his interest.

“I was just as shocked when I first heard about this. But they are really the Flame Dragon Tribe.” Lu Shi said with a solemn expression, continuing, “As for why they have so much linen, I don’t know either.”

Shaman Lu Shan narrowed his golden eyes, pondering for a moment before asking, “So what’s the current situation of their Tribe?”

What he was most curious about was the current state of the Flame Dragon Tribe. After all, they had been attacked by the Black Snake Tribe, yet not only were they not wiped out, but they had also developed to be able to produce  linen, which was truly intriguing.

“The Tribe’s current domain is very small. At first, I thought it would be a Large Tribe.” Lu Shi said, recalling the scene from a few days ago, feeling a bit embarrassed.

All along the way, they had thought the Flame Dragon Tribe was a Large Tribe, but in the end, it turned out to be a Small Tribe that realistically could not get any smaller.

Of course, at first, they did not know it was the Flame Dragon Tribe. Once they found out it was the Flame Dragon Tribe, it did not seem as strange anymore. After all, having been attacked by the Black Snake Tribe, it was already an achievement for the Tribe to still be standing.

Shaman Lu Shan nodded thoughtfully, stroking his beard as he said, “It seems like the survivors had obtained the method for making linen.”

“Shaman, I don’t think they’re making the linen themselves.” Lu Shi expressed his doubts.

“How so?” Shaman Lu Shan asked.

“When I went to their Tribe, I found that they had very few people, at most just over 300.” Lu Shi paused, then continued, “But I didn’t see anyone in their Tribe making linen. Of course, they could have been doing it inside the Teepees, but that doesn’t seem quite reasonable.”

“What’s unreasonable about it?” Shaman Lu Shan listened attentively.

“I saw many people outside the Tribe. If they were making so much linen, wouldn’t they all be helping?” Lu Shi questioned.

Shaman Lu Shan furrowed his brow and said, “Are you suggesting that their linen also comes from other Tribes?”

“I can’t rule out the possibility. But in that case, what could they have to exchange with other Tribes for linen? That is something I just can’t figure out.” Lu Shi continued.

“No need to think about it further. If they’re willing to cooperate with us, that’s for the best. The source of the linen is their business. We are not to pry.” Shaman Lu Shan insisted on the Spotted Deer Tribe’s principles.

Lu Shi nodded and continued. “They are willing to cooperate with us, but they have one request.”

“What request?” Shaman Lu Shan asked.

“They said long-term supply of linen to us is not a problem, but they need our help to attack the Black Snake Tribe.” Lu Shi solemnly said.

Shaman Lu Shan’s golden eyes widened slightly in surprise, “They want to attack the Black Snake Tribe? Are they serious?”

He doubted if he had heard correctly. The current Flame Dragon Tribe did not have many people, while the Black Snake Tribe had many. Why would they suddenly want to attack the Black Snake Tribe?

“Yes, they need us to send 200 Warrior Trainees and 60 Totem Warriors.” Lu Shi stated their requirements.

“The number they are requesting for isn’t that high. I thought it would be in the thousands.” Shaman Lu Shan breathed a sigh of relief.

If they requested thousands of people, it would have made him feel troubled. After all, the Spotted Deer Tribe only had just over 3,000 people. They also did not have that many Totem Warriors, only about 300. Sending out too many people would be unsafe for the Spotted Deer Tribe.

Many surrounding Tribes were becoming wary due to the growing strength of the Spotted Deer Tribe. If they learned that over a thousand people had left the Tribe at once, they might harbour some ill intentions.

This was how it was in primitive times. On the surface, relations between Tribes seemed peaceful, but in reality, everyone was privately considering how to swallow up the other to strengthen their own Tribe.

“Indeed, the number of people they’re asking for is small and won’t have much impact on us, but I still wanted to come back and consult with you, Shaman.” Lu Shi said.

“This number is acceptable. Agree to their request. We urgently need the Flame Dragon Tribe’s linen, so we can help with this matter.” Shaman Lu Shan said in a deep voice.

Including the Totem Warriors, it was not even 300 people. This was a number the Spotted Deer Tribe could supply.

“I understand. Then tomorrow, I’ll have someone take dried meat to the Flame Dragon Tribe to inform them of our decision and exchange for linen at the same time.” Lu Shi nodded.

“Find out when they plan to attack the Black Snake Tribe. Have our people go and follow their arrangements.” Shaman Lu Shan added.

“I understand.” Lu Shi solemnly said.

Shaman Lu Shan thought for a moment, then continued, “We’ll take responsibility for the daily food for these 260 people ourselves.”

Lu Shi was taken aback and asked, “Shaman, why is that? We’re helping them attack the Black Snake Tribe, so they should naturally provide the food for our men, right?”

“Do you think they have enough food right now? Besides, they are being considered to us by asking for so few people. They have already shown their sincerity so we should do the same.” Shaman Lu Shan’s expression turned serious as he continued, “As a show of our sincerity, let’s handle the food for those 260 people ourselves.”

“Alright, I’ll arrange everything as you say.” Lu Shi agreed.

“By the way, has Lu Lin caused any trouble for you these past few days?” Shaman Lu Shan asked.

Lu Shi shook his head without hesitation and said, “Lu Lin performed very well on this trip and didn’t cause us any trouble.”

“That’s good. Let her gain more experiences. Only then will I feel confident about handing over the Tribe to her in the future.” Shaman Lu Shan said, his tone more solemn than usual.

“Understood,” Lu Shi also became solemn.

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