Chapter 1802 - 462: Dreamweaver Survivors? (Part 2)

Chapter 1802: Chapter 462: Dreamweaver Survivors? (Part 2)

Xiao Lü added:

"Before you recover, this will be your home. We will provide food and healing."

Tu Hu watched them. Although these three little ones had a clear purpose, their eyes were pure, reflecting only a yearning for survival.

He took a deep breath, feeling the slight relief from pain due to food, and nodded slowly:

"Alright, during my recovery, I’ll do my best to... protect you, as repayment."

An alliance based on survival needs was initially formed at that moment.

...

In the days that followed, Tu Hu settled here.

Through conversations, he learned that this adorable-looking race was called the Downspirit Clan.

This race had thrived for thousands of years in the Blackthorn Forest beneath their feet.

The three little ones he conversed with were the leaders of this race, each over 40 years old.

Their names carried blessings like stars, flowers, and forests.

Tu Hu decided to call them Ah Lann, Ah Fen, and Ah Lü based on the color of their scales.

They accepted this straightforward naming happily, even seeing it as a unique mark bestowed by him.

Through conversations, it was revealed that Ah Lann, Ah Fen, and Ah Lü, as leaders of this race, actually bore tremendous pressure inconsistent with their youthful appearances.

Ah Lann patrolled and trained warriors every day, always carrying new wounds.

Ah Fen led a gathering team, leaving early and returning late, searching for food and herbs in the Blackthorn Forest.

Ah Lü, like a little steward, carefully allocated food and resources.

One late night, Ah Lann sat by the campfire, letting Ah Fen apply herbs on him while recounting the tribe’s migration story to Tu Hu, his voice tinged with bitter memories:

"We originally didn’t live here. Our former home was deep within the Black Thorn Forest, where the most fertile ’Star Valley’ was. The land produced the plumpest sweet fruit, the spring water was sweet, and there were many prey."

His gaze drifted to the flickering flames, as though seeing past scenes.

"But the Fierce Tribe came. They were like a black tide, countless in number, very very many... Their strength surpassed ours, their scale armor was thicker, and their claws were sharper." Ah Lann’s voice slightly trembled:

"We chose to fight. Ah Fen’s parents, Ah Lü’s brother, and many many clan members... all fell in the war."

The crackling campfire reflected the shimmering tears in Ah Lann’s eyes and the sudden dimming of Ah Fen and Ah Lü’s expressions.

Those pains, even after a long time, remained vivid in their memories.

"We couldn’t hold the Star Valley anymore. Continuing the fight would mean death for the tribe members, so we could only leave, abandoning the most fertile land left by ancestors, evading pursuit, losing more companions... Until finally, we found the current Spring Basin."

"The food here is difficult to find, and there are new dangers... But at least we survived."

Tu Hu listened silently.

He understood the Downspirit Clan’s current dire situation was behind a history of escape drenched in blood and sacrifice.

The seemingly peaceful new homeland was the final refuge exchanged with countless kin’s lives.

"It’s your turn."

Just as Tu Hu’s thoughts were swirling, Ah Fen suddenly beckoned him, holding a few large leaves covered in dark green herbs.

Tu Hu was slightly startled, then realized Ah Fen’s intention.

Without hesitation, he removed his upper clothing, already beyond repair, exposing his muscular yet scarred upper body.

Unlike Ah Lann’s fine scratches, his scars were more ghastly, crawling over him like centipedes, especially on the chest and back, where several dark purple bruises showed no signs of fading.

Seeing all these scars, Ah Lann stopped licking his wounds, and Ah Lü set down the small stone in his hand; all three pairs of gemstone-like eyes focused on Tu Hu with evident concern.

Xiao Fen gently approached, tiptoeing, delicately applying the cooling herbal leaves onto Tu Hu’s most noticeable bruise on his chest.

Her movements were gentle.

"Hiss."

The instant the herbs touched the skin, a refreshing coolness immediately permeated, like parched land meeting a sweet spring; the burning dull pain was somewhat dispelled, bringing rare relief.

"This is Moonlight Moss, which can only be found near the springs at night. It’s very effective for reducing bruises and relieving pain." Xiao Fen carefully spread the herbs on his chest, explaining with a hint of pride in her voice and blinking large eyes, seemingly asking for acknowledgment and simultaneously comforting him.

Ah Lann nodded beside her, adding:

"We use this when injured, although it’s quite hard to find."

Ah Lü quietly pushed a leaf bowl filled with clear water toward Tu Hu’s hand.

Moved by the unreserved concern of the three little ones before him, Tu Hu felt his heart’s softest part touched.

He said nothing, letting Xiao Fen earnestly apply the herbs with her tiny paws.

In the following days, Tu Hu was no longer just a passive observer.

When the dawn pierced through the mist above Blackthorn Forest, he took up a stone spear made by Ah Lann and joined the patrol and hunting team.

During this time, he silently followed Ah Lann, learning to identify beast tracks, how to use wind and water sounds to cover movements... With his robust physique, he quickly became a reliable support in the team.

Once, encountering a solitary "Thorny Pig," when Ah Lann and the warriors were overwhelmed by its stiff bristles, it was Tu Hu who precisely threw the stone spear, penetrating the Thorny Pig’s head, resolving the crisis.