Chapter 438 - 298: Slumbering Buji

The weather these past two years had certainly been unusual. The Northern Territory, despite being in the north, usually saw its first snow and the start of winter around November or December.

But the preceding months of July and August were typically filled with beautiful sunny days, where one could head to the tavern for a glass of vodka wearing just a short linen shirt.

But now in the Northern Territory, snowflakes continued to fall incessantly, whipped into swirling torrents by the wind, covering the houses and the land in a thick, white blanket.

Beside High Cliff Castle was a small river, no more than six fathoms wide and one fathom deep, yet a certain someone had grandly named it the Bengyong River.

In the opinion of the vast majority of High Cliff Castle’s people, the river was neither rushing nor surging, so why call it the Bengyong River?

The small river had long since frozen solid. Only a group of idle, half-grown Beastman lads would often run out to break the ice, swinging thick wooden clubs to bludgeon the scaly fish visible beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, some young Centaurs, with bows and arrows slung over their backs, would travel in groups through the vast white snow, heading to a place not far from High Cliff Castle to hunt snow rabbits.

This was a type of Low Tier Magical Beast that had suddenly appeared in recent years. It could fire Ice Cones that were only strong enough to pierce a strip of cloth. Beyond that, it wasn’t particularly special, but its snow-white fur was perfect for making a luxurious greatcoat.

Their eyes were sharp, and they could easily spot the snow rabbits hiding in the snow. They drew their bows and nocked their arrows with extremely practiced movements.

In just a few hours, each of them had a catch to show for their efforts.

Although they were still young and green, one could already foresee that when they grew up, they would become outstanding Warriors of the Wilderness.

Baisitina wore an exquisite long gown, with a snow-white coat made from white wolf fur wrapped over it. Only the hem of her gown was visible, fluttering in the wind.

Watching the returning group of youngsters, she patiently straightened their slightly messy clothes.

The population of High Cliff Castle was not very large at the moment, so Baisitina knew everyone and could even call each of them by name.

The fathers of these youngsters had all followed Levi south, so it was only natural that she take good care of them.

"Tina, in a few more years, High Cliff Castle will be even stronger. These little ones are all top-notch Warriors."

As a Half-Elf, Miriel’s constitution was a bit stronger than Baisitina’s, but not by much. She couldn’t help but pull her clothes tighter as the cold wind swept past.

"It’s been damn strange these past few years. The weather just keeps getting colder, and I have no idea why." She sniffled, a worried look on her face as she watched the snow continue to fall.

"We should still tell them not to go out for a while. The snow is getting heavier, and it’s easy to get lost in the Wilderness."

The boundless Wilderness was now a sea of white, with no end in sight and not a single landmark. Even these young Centaurs, who were born in the Wilderness, could easily get lost.

Even the caravans of the Secret Silver Commerce Association bound for High Cliff Castle had temporarily canceled their journeys, forced to wait for clearer days.

"I tried to talk them out of going, but they wouldn’t listen." Baisitina straightened the crooked red neckerchief on the last grinning Beastman kid and sighed. "They heard Levi was coming back and insisted on hunting snow rabbits to make a coat for their Lord with the fur."

"They also wanted to catch the plumpest scaly fish to make soup for him."

The kids just stood there sniffling, their faces breaking into simple, honest smiles.

After Baisitina gave a little wave, they scurried back to the grounds of High Cliff Castle in a flash.

"Levi is held in such high regard," Miriel said, a little envious.

She had seen many Pioneer Lords, but there had never been one like Levi, who not only took these Wilderness People as his subjects, but was also revered by them as one of the Gods.

"Levi says you just have to see them as people and treat them with sincerity." Whenever the conversation turned to Levi, Baisitina couldn’t help but exude a sense of pride.

These Wilderness People were also sapient beings. In ancient times, they even established the Beastman Empire. They understood rites and laws, worshipped their ancestors, believed in the Gods, and mastered the calendar.

They knew how to farm and weave, but all of that was eventually lost to the annals of time.

"Speaking of which, shouldn’t Levi be arriving soon?" A tall figure approached from behind, draped in an exquisite golden silk cloak, her stunningly beautiful face tinged with curiosity.

Baisitina turned around. The newcomer was Ash Wind Speech, Clan Leader of the Wind Speech Tribe from deep within the Wilderness.

She had originally just been accompanying her Tribe’s caravan to deliver wine and other supplies to High Cliff Castle. She never expected the heavy snow to continue falling until the present day. Having been stuck in High Cliff Castle for a long time, she received a letter saying Levi would be back soon and decided to simply stay and wait for his return.

"What are you all talking about?" Like a ghost, the Lord appeared silently behind the three distinctly different beauties.

As they were nearing High Cliff Castle, Levi and a few of his lieutenants had gone on ahead. When the Warriors on duty saw their chief had finally returned, they were about to cry out in excitement, but a signal from him made them clamp their mouths shut. The silence was so complete you could hear a pin drop.

Miriel jumped, patting her chest with a reproachful look on her face. "Levi, I really think you should take a trip to the Forest of Serenity."

"Why?" Levi asked, looking curious.

"Because you’re more of a ghost than the Tree-men in there!" Miriel rolled her eyes.

Levi’s arrival caused the whole of High Cliff Castle to awaken, like a slumbering Giant Beast slowly stirring. People joyfully ran about, spreading the good news.