Chapter 95: Chapter 23 Tribal Changes_3
Yan Shi said, "The tribe ahead is my territory. Our Pu Yan clan consists of dozens of tribes. My father is the leader of the largest tribe, which makes him the clan leader of the entire Pu Yan clan. Our people are very united; unlike other places where people constantly plot against each other, we don’t constantly think about outsmarting others."
Finally crossing through the forest, everything in front of him took Ah Dai by surprise. It was like a huge village, filled with stone-built houses, seemingly accommodating thousands of families. The tribe was bustling with activity. Smoke from cooking filled the air, indicating that many households were preparing lunch.
Holding his reins, Yan Shi jumped off his horse, turned proudly to Ah Dai and said, "How is it, isn’t our tribe decent? Here, apart from a lack of city walls, there’s no difference between us and a city. We have everything. You should rest well here for a day and we can resume our journey tomorrow morning."
Ah Dai got down off his horse, and immediately felt more comfortable, although his legs were a bit wobbly. He adjusted his internal energy and quickly stretched his sore muscles. At this time, Moon Scar and others also got out of the carriage. Xuan Yue ran to Ah Dai’s side and looked at the tribe in front of her while exclaiming, "Wow, such a big village!"
Moon Scar coughed a couple of times and corrected, "It isn’t a village. It’s a Pu Yan tribe settlement, similar to a common city. I’ve seen even bigger tribes."
Xuan Yue rolled her eyes at him and countered, "I’ll call it a village whether or not you do." As she spoke, she tugged at Ah Dai’s clothing and frowned, "Look, your clothes are all messed up. Let me tidy them up for you." Due to the horse ride, Ah Dai’s clothes were all crumpled up. Ah Dai looked down and saw Xuan Yue pulling at his mage robe, constantly stroking it. The unusual sensation spread throughout Ah Dai’s body like an electric jolt, so he just stood there, speechless.
Yan Shi grinned and teased, "Brother, you keep saying she’s not your girlfriend. Look at how concerned she is for you!"
Xuan Yue swung her blue braid, her face turned slightly red and she complained, "What are you blabbering about? Who is his girlfriend? We only came here together. If his clothes were sloppy, it would be embarrassing for me!"
Yan Shi looked at Ah Dai oddly and suggested, "Let’s go, let’s head into our tribe first. You guys have been on the road all morning, you must be tired. Let’s get something to eat and rest up."
Under the escort of Yan Shi’s soldiers, everyone entered the tribe. Most of the Pu Yan people were of the yellow race, their skin slightly darker than Ah Dai’s, with brown hair as their distinguishing characteristic. Seeing Yan Shi, everyone showed a look of respect.
Uncle Yan Shi, you’re back! Did you bring anything yummy for DongDong?" A little boy about four or five years old ran over. He curiously glanced at Ah Dai and the others, then threw himself at Yan Shi.
Yan Shi laughed heartily, picked up DongDong and said, "DongDong, Uncle was in a rush this time and didn’t have time to bring you any snacks. But I promise, next time I definitely will."
DongDong pouted and warned, "Uncle, you have to keep your promise."
Yan Shi affectionately ruffled his hair and asked, "When have I ever broken a promise to you? Where’s your mother?"
A woman ran over, she was quite beautiful and said to Yan Shi, "Young Clan Leader, you’re back. As soon as DongDong saw you, he rushed over. DongDong, get down now." DongDong glanced at his mother, clung tightly to Yan Shi’s neck and refused to move.
The woman came up to Yan Shi, sighed, and said, "Young Clan Leader, ever since his father passed away, DongDong has seen you as a father figure. If you ever have the chance, I hope you could teach him something."
DongDong looked up at Yan Shi and said, "Yes, Uncle Yan Shi, I want to become a brave warrior like you."
A trace of melancholy appeared in Yan Shi’s eyes. He gently patted DongDong’s hair and assured, "Zhuo Ma, I will. DongDong, be good and get down now. Uncle has guests today, I can’t be with you all the time. In a few days, I’ll start teaching you Kung Fu." Only after being coaxed repeatedly by Yan Shi did DongDong agree to return to his mother’s arms. The woman glanced at Ah Dai and the others, then turned and left.
Watching the woman’s departing figure, a hint of sorrow flitted across Yan Shi’s face. Xuan Yue asked, "Your relationships seem quite entangled! Big guy, who are they to you?"
Yan Shi shook his head and while he led the group towards the center of the tribe, he explained, "Zhuo Ma was the wife of one of my good friends. He died in the line of duty when DongDong was two years old. It’s already been three years since then. It was a tragedy for the mother and son, so I attend to them whenever I have time. There are many in our tribe like Zhuo Ma..." He stopped abruptly, looked apprehensively at Xuan Yue and didn’t continue.
Moon Scar and Yue Ji exchanged glances, while Xuan Yue’s big eyes started to twirl, as if she was mulling over something. Ah Dai consoled Yan Shi, "Brother Yan Shi, don’t be sad. What happened, happened. Their life may be tragic, but at least DongDong still has a mother, which is much better than me." Thinking of his earlier experiences amidst poverty in the City of Nino, Ah Dai couldn’t help but get lost in his thoughts.
