Mu Fan unleashed a devastating punch, sending the formidable warrior Lance reeling backwards. Lance's companions moved to intervene but were also pushed back by the sheer force. As the dust settled, Mu Fan questioned if they could now talk, revealing his intent was not hostile. Enoch intervened, explaining Mu Fan was his and his father's savior. Lance and his warriors, humbled by Mu Fan's power, offered a sincere apology and an invitation to share wine, which Mu Fan accepted as they headed towards the village.
"The Isaiah Clan Leader has awakened."
As a middle-aged woman emerged from the largest dwelling and announced this, the somber mood that had permeated the village instantly dissipated.
"Thank the Stars, thank the God of the Prairie!"
Upon hearing the news, everyone joined their hands in prayer, offering their gratitude to the celestial bodies.
This was the most uplifting tidings the White Armor Clan had received in recent days.
The aftermath of the Beast Tide had subsided, leaving their tribe with a grim tally of 132 fallen warriors and over 300 injured.
For this modest community of merely 2,000 individuals, the casualty count was devastatingly high.
Furthermore, with the formal confrontation against the Red Stone Tribe, the White Armor Tribe found itself in a state of complete isolation, devoid of any external support.
In the span of just a few short days, these consecutive upheavals had left everyone feeling overwhelmed, placing unprecedented pressure upon every clan member.
The young woman, who had been diligently washing bandages alongside other White Armor women, displayed immense joy upon hearing the announcement. She promptly stood up and addressed the middle-aged woman who had emerged.
"Aunt Dorin, how is the Clan Leader’s injury?"
Upon observing the girl's unblemished face, the joy that had briefly illuminated Dorin's countenance began to fade. After a quick glance around to ensure no one was paying attention, she let out a soft sigh:
"He has just regained consciousness; the spread of the poison has been halted, but the venom introduced by the Red Stone Clan remains stubbornly potent. At present, the Isaiah Clan Leader is incapable of mustering any strength, nor... can he consume any sustenance."
Dorin's eyes were clouded with concern.
The Clan Leader was once capable of consuming half a cow in a single sitting.
Now... it had been two full days, and he showed no appetite whatsoever.
While the tribe had managed to navigate this immediate crisis, the challenges that lay ahead were numerous and daunting...
Especially if conflict were to erupt once more.
If Isaiah, as their leader, could not stand at the forefront to bolster their spirits, the rate of casualties might escalate even further.
Upon receiving this grim information, a shadow of apprehension also fell upon the girl's heart.
Considering all the news gathered over these past days, the overall situation was undeniably unfavorable.
"By the way, Miss Nuonuo, just as I was leaving, the Isaiah Clan Leader specifically instructed me to summon you; he has something he wishes to discuss with you."
"Understood."
The young woman nodded gently, set aside the bandage she was holding, wiped the perspiration from her brow, and promptly hastened her steps towards the Clan Leader's residence.
Pushing open the sturdy wooden door, she was immediately enveloped by a potent aroma of medicinal herbs.
The man, who had formerly exuded a powerful presence akin to a majestic lion, now reclined on the bed, his face ashen and pale.
Compared to his appearance just two days prior, Isaiah seemed to have aged by a decade.
Upon noticing the girl's entrance, Isaiah made an effort to sit up. However, this action appeared to aggravate his wounds, triggering a bout of severe coughing.
"Teacher Wang... cough cough..."
"Uncle Isaiah, please lie back down."
The girl hurried forward, carefully supporting Isaiah.
"This minor wound, it's nothing significant, hehe." Isaiah gestured with his hand, attempting to project an air of nonchalance. Yet, in this particular moment, such a gesture was heartbreakingly poignant.
"During these trying times, I am indebted to your hard work, Teacher Wang. The reason I requested your presence is to offer my counsel as an elder...
"Please, proceed."
"I have spoken with Dorin and understand your recent intentions; you wish to depart from this place to draw the attention of those Red Stone ruffians away from us. However, in truth... those scoundrels are merely using your departure as a pretext. The prairie is vast, populated by countless tribes. If you were to leave abruptly, your exceptional beauty would undoubtedly attract the covetous gazes of others."
"I..." The girl lowered her head, a sense of guilt washing over her. She wanted to speak, but Isaiah softly interrupted.
"I have already made arrangements with Alva; he will be overseeing the tribe's affairs in my stead during this period. That young man has always held feelings for you; I find solace in knowing he will be there to protect you. In a few days, the tribe may consider relocating to a different territory. My personal hope is that you will not object... You are the most precious gift bestowed upon us by the stars, and we all desire to keep you safe among us..."
"Alva is a fine young man; if circumstances permit... I hope you will consider giving him a chance..."
After uttering these words, Isaiah's breathing grew rapid, necessitating deep, steadying inhalations.
"Teacher Wang, please forgive my forwardness in speaking of such matters."
Isaiah closed his weary eyes, his voice imbued with an unprecedented solemnity, "The White Armor Tribe will always honor your decisions."
"I..."
The girl's long eyelashes fluttered downwards, only to gracefully lift moments later, her eyes now reflecting a newly kindled resolve.
"I shall face all challenges alongside the clan members. However, concerning Alva, I must offer my apologies to you on Nuonuo's behalf."
"Within Nuonuo's heart, there is no space for anyone else."
"Please rest assured, the entire clan eagerly awaits your full recovery."
Upon hearing the girl's resolute response, Isaiah managed a faint, bitter smile. He shook his head, then reverted to his earlier pretense of carefree composure.
"The celestial bodies guide all things; your formidable Uncle Isaiah shall mend soon, ha... *cough cough*."
Isaiah coughed fiercely, covering his mouth, then lowered his hand, keeping it turned inward.
He wished for Nuonuo not to witness the blood staining his palm.
Earning his respect was the Goddess who bestowed wisdom upon their tribe, and he felt a deep empathy for this young girl, weighed down by countless untold stories.
Intelligent, pure, and possessing a kind heart.
She represented the most precious gift the heavens had bestowed upon their White Armor Tribe.
"Please refrain from speaking further; focus on your rest. I shall assist Alva with certain tribal affairs," the young woman gently covered Isaiah with a blanket, her voice soft.
A gentle smile graced Isaiah's lips, and he nodded weakly, signaling Nuonuo's permission to depart.
At that moment, a woman appeared at the doorway, breathing heavily, her expression etched with anxiety. She exclaimed, "Clan Leader, envoys from the Red Stone Tribe have arrived once more! Alva and the others are currently engaged in a tense confrontation with them just outside the village!"
"Hmm!?"
Isaiah, on the verge of reclining,’s eyes snapped open, a potent aura surging from his body.
His jaw, clenched tightly, contorted his features.
Disregarding the blood-soaked bandages adorning his form, he strained to push himself upright.
"Have these villains not had their fill? They presume to launch a direct assault upon our White Armor Clan?"
Bang!
A thick hand seized the White Bone Heavy Hammer, emitting a formidable aura.
"Uncle Isaiah, you cannot exert yourself in your current condition!"
The young woman rushed to support him, her gaze drawn to his arm, thick as steel, which was trembling uncontrollably.
This was an undeniable indicator of sheer exhaustion!
"No, they seek a parley with you; they have erected a grand tent just beyond the tribe’s entrance. It is Elder Edgeworth of the Red Stone Tribe who has come, leading a delegation for negotiations. Furthermore, individuals from the Black Water Clan are accompanying them! Alva is exceptionally agitated and poised for conflict; we were unable to reach a consensus and sought your counsel."
"The machinations of those Red Stone scoundrels are truly insidious!" Isaiah’s knuckles audibly cracked as he spoke, his voice raspy. "Alva cannot contend with that old fox; escort me there."
"Nuonuo, remain within the village; those rascals undoubtedly harbor ulterior motives."
"No, Uncle Isaiah, I shall accompany you. Certain matters require my personal decision. Moreover, I possess considerable experience in negotiations."
The young woman’s eyes held a resolute and composed gaze.
"...Very well."
"We shall proceed together."
Isaiah casually retrieved the bowl of Medicine Slurry from the wooden table, downing its contents in a single gulp. He then took a handful of octagonal herbs, crushing them to extract their juice and apply it to his bandages.
Thereafter, this gravely wounded "lion," his imposing frame exuding a commanding presence, moved deliberately, step by step, towards the exit, supported by the devoted young woman.
