"Hey!!! Which tribe is on the other side?" Suddenly, a loud shout from the orcs on the opposite bank echoed out, attracting the attention of the Watson tribe orcs who were busy on their side of the river.
At the sound, Ji Nuan looked over to see a group of orcs in grass skirts standing on the opposite riverbank. There were probably over thirty of them, fewer than expected, and the items they were carrying for exchange were pitifully scant.
She turned and looked to the proud and still somewhat sulking Silver Wolf beside her, "Brother Xiu Yan, which tribe’s orcs are they?"
Seeing that the little she-cub was willing to talk to him, Xiu Yan’s mood instantly took a leap for the better.
With a relaxed smile curving on his lips and his deep wolf eyes reluctantly gazing at that refugee-like group of orcs, he replied, "They are orcs from the Liangshan Tribe. Their territory is barren mountains with little forest, so the game is scarce.
However, the Liangshan Tribe’s orcs are very brave. They are great hunters, and every year they exchange the food they’ve hunted for large quantities of beast skins."
Meanwhile, Ge Xing had started talking with the Liangshan Tribe’s clan leader.
"I am Ge Xing from the Watson Tribe. Tell me Ped, why is your Liangshan Tribe so late this year?"
Ped was a brown-haired orc with a bushy beard. He looked somewhat older and more disheveled than Ge Xing and Sarkar.
Ji Nuan raised an eyebrow in surprise. It was rare to see an orc looking so dirty in the Beast World, where males were usually fresh and clean.
The orc across the river had a lively personality. Hearing Ge Xing’s name, he waved cheerfully, "Haha! So it’s Chief Ge Xing. This year our tribe brought many sturdy stone tools. We can set aside some for the Watson Tribe when we exchange later!"
The Liangshan Tribe had been robbed by the Tumang Tribe after last year’s meeting because of their small numbers. Fortunately, the assistance of the Watson Tribe, led by Ge Xing, allowed them to return home with more than just empty hands.
So, the honest and simple Liangshan Tribe’s orcs were extremely grateful to the Watson Tribe that had helped them.
With Ped’ words, Ge Xing’s excitement shook his eyebrows, and his sturdy chest shook with laughter.
Therefore, he was not at all stingy about helping out this grateful Liangshan Tribe: "Be careful when you cross the river. Watch out for dead trees floating on the river surface, as those might be monstrous fishes.
Most importantly, don’t get injured. Shedding blood will attract even more vicious creatures."
In gratitude, Ped nodded at Chief Ge Xing, then organized his clan members to safeguard their goods, and started preparing to cross the river.
Ji Nuan thought it over, "The Liangshan Tribe doesn’t live in plenty and their orcs are quite simple and honest. It wouldn’t hurt to build a good relationship."
She nudged the tall Silver Wolf Orc beside her, "Brother Xiu Yan, can you call Chief Ge Xing over for me?"
Xiu Yan was delighted to accommodate the little she-cub’s request. With her beast skin cloak properly covering her legs, he quickly walked to the riverbank and relayed Ji Nuan´s words to Ge Xing.
Ge Xing was chattering with Xiu Yan as he walked over to Ji Nuan, "Ji Nuan, cub, did you need me for something?"
Ji Nuan nodded with a smile, "Yes, Uncle Chieftain, why don’t you send a few orcs to help the Liangshan Tribe?"
As smart as an orc, Ge Xing understood the profound implications behind this offer of help as soon as Ji Nuan spoke.
Sticking together was beneficial! It made tasks so much easier!
Not sure why, but Ge Xing’s expression suddenly became a bit sly.
Giving Ji Nuan a "Leave everything to me" look, he turned and walked towards the orcs who were gathered around the fire roasting meat.
In no time, a downcast Ying Yan and three Eagle Clan members were conscripted and sent to fly over the river.
With help from the Watson Tribe, the Liangshan Tribe managed to safely cross the Eneru River without much peril.
Except for a Cat Beast that was slightly injured by a crocodile while crossing the river, the other orcs were happily eating roasted meat, back to back with the Watson Tribe orcs.
"Haha, Chief Ge Xing, thank you! We never thought you would come up with such an excellent method for crossing the river." Clan Leader Ped’s eyes were full of admiration.
Ge Xing blushed, laughing awkwardly, "It wasn’t my idea at all, it was our tribal shaman’s disciple who came up with this good method.
Plus, considering the relationship between our tribes, there’s no need for formality. Come on, let’s go enjoy some roast meat!"