Chapter 1811 - 465: The Migration Path, Shifting Seas and Fields

Chapter 1811: Chapter 465: The Migration Path, Shifting Seas and Fields

After escaping Star Valley, Tu Hu led the small team of only a few dozen members onto a long migration journey.

Searching for a land where the hope of reigniting the Civilization Fire exists.

The smoke from their homeland turned into ash and frost snow that fell upon their shoulders, the familiar fertile fields replaced by endless barrenness.

During this long journey, they crossed the Frost Wind Mountain Range, feeling the bone-chilling cold currents like swords slicing through their bodies.

On the steep ice cliffs, it was Tu Hu who used his fists to open a path, allowing the tribe to continue forward.

They traversed the Golden Grassland, where beneath the seemingly calm sea of grass lurked deadly quicksand and pack predator beasts. It was Tu Hu’s vigorous rescue efforts that allowed the tribe to narrowly escape death multiple times.

They traveled through the Crying Desert, where there was a huge temperature difference between day and night, with no water source nearby.

Tu Hu taught them how to extract the Water of Life from drought-resistant plants.

This brutal journey was like a Melting Furnace.

Youths who once hid under their parents’ wings now had to grip weapons tightly and face glowing eyes in the dark during night watches.

Death and growth silently alternated within this small team.

It was also the first time they truly realized the vastness and danger of this world.

At the edge of the Golden Grassland, they witnessed the Aerial City State of the Winged Beast Clan, where these intelligent beings with wings on their backs rode the air currents, casting intimidating glances at them as they traversed the land below.

While crossing a deep canyon, they encountered the Crystal Eye Clan dwelling underground. These creatures could cause the mountain walls to shake with their bodies, driving them to the brink of despair. Ultimately, it was Tu Hu’s desperate battle with his battered body that gave them a sliver of hope.

They once discovered the massive skeletons left by a long-extinct giant beast civilization in abandoned ancient ruins.

And once, on a rainy night, they caught a distant glimpse of shining Elemental Life atop a mountain peak.

The world is not just Blackthorn Forest.

This is a cruel stage with countless races, where the weak are prey to the strong.

The former Star Valley was merely an isolated island briefly shrouded in fortune.

Now, with the island submerged, they finally see the vast sea of darkness.

Amidst endless wandering and struggle, Blue Star quickly shed its naivety.

It inherited its father’s bravery and decisiveness, as well as its mother’s resilience and attentiveness.

It began to share Tu Hu’s burdens, stepping forward to protect the tribe.

In the desert, it would give its last sip of water to a dying companion.

The scales on its body, through battles and sandstorm grinding, became increasingly profound, while the diamond-shaped mark on its forehead shone with the same brilliance as its father’s once did under the moonlight.

Watching the growing leadership and wisdom becoming more evident in Blue Star, Tu Hu felt a heartfelt comfort.

And he continued to walk at the front of the team or cover the rear.

Intervening less frequently, more often, he acted like a silent Protector.

Only when the team faced insurmountable crises, he’d fight with his battered body to open a path for the Downspirit Clan squad.

His main focus shifted to teaching.

Every evening by the campfire, he would impart various knowledge to all the Downspirits gathered around him.

Besides Combat Skills, there were also insights from the Crystal Stone of the Dream Weaving Clan.

The essence of Energy, the lessons from the rise and fall of different civilizations, and how to protect the fire of civilization amidst formidable enemies.

One day, they crossed a lake and rested in a seemingly safe area.

"Remember why we wander, and you’ll never lose direction."

The light from the campfire reflected on the determined faces of this small group of wanderers.

Tu Hu’s lectures continued, but with a hint of undetectable fatigue in his voice.

The long narration and the Dark Injury within his body that never truly healed made his face appear somewhat pale under the flickering firelight.

During this time, a prolonged and sigh-like voice echoed in his mind occasionally.

It seemed as though a voice was speaking to him, but it was like being slowed down countless times, becoming a long sigh.

His physical ailments seemed to be growing more severe.

At this moment, Mo Tong, who had been sitting quietly beside him, head down and organizing a leather scroll, cautiously held out a package tightly wrapped in thick leaves before him.

She lifted her head, her dark green scales reflecting the firelight, her clear eyes carrying a hint of nervousness and anticipation:

"Uncle Tiger," she softly spoke up:

"Here, I collected some edible berries from the roadside and tried fermenting them myself, not sure... if it’s any good."

Tu Hu was slightly startled, looking at this girl who faintly held echoes of Ah Lü’s demeanor from back in the day, then glanced at the simple yet carefully wrapped "wine pouch" in her hand.

A flicker of complex emotions passed through his eyes—nostalgia for past people, but even more was the comfort of watching a young sapling tenaciously grow amidst storms.

He reached out, accepting the weighty leaves.

He broke open the clay seal, and a scent of raw fruit acid and a faint fermentation aroma spread out.

He then tilted his head back to gulp down from the leaf pouch.

The liquid tasted as expected—coarse and tart, followed by a unique fruit sweetness and spiciness like a flame bursting forth, roughly burning down his throat all the way to his stomach.

Though not as layered as the brew concocted by Ah Fen, it was like a clumsy yet powerful punch, temporarily dispelling the lingering hidden pain and fatigue.

"Cough... it packs a punch." Tu Hu set down the leaf pouch, exhaling a long, hot breath steeped in the intense aroma of fruit wine, feeling a slight warmth spread through his chilly limbs, the weariness in his eyes seemingly dispersed somewhat by the spiciness.