Becoming a Leader in a Primitive Otherworld - Chapter 33

The group hurried along, eager to reach their destination as quickly as possible. They feared encountering trouble if they lingered on the road.

The round trip, including their time at the Great Market, took a total of one and a half months.

They had set out at the end of summer, but by the time they returned, autumn was already in full swing.

In the deep mountain night, only the cries of birds startled by their passage pierced the silence, their chirps echoing through the sky.

“I’m so tired,” Lian muttered, staring at his feet and yawning weakly. “When we get back, I’m going to sleep for ten days straight.”

The others smiled at his quiet grumbling. It was clear that Lian had grown too excited about nearing home and hadn’t rested properly during their stops. Now, as they approached their camp, his energy had completely drained.

The night was thick and impenetrable. Guided by the cold moonlight, the group wound their way through the mountain paths, twisting and turning through the winding trails.

“We’re almost there,” Xie Yu said, tugging at the back of Lian’s neck. “Didn’t you notice this path looks just like the ones near our camp? Watch your step.”

Lian immediately perked up. “Eh, heh heh.”

Xie Yu had prepared herself for a quiet return. At this late hour, aside from the night patrol, she doubted anyone would notice their arrival.

Yun Nai must already be asleep. Later, she could sneak into her room and watch her sleeping soundly.

She hadn’t seen her like that before.

With this thought, Xie Yu quickened her pace, rounding a corner halfway up the small mountain.

Beyond the bend lay the brightly lit camp, where a bonfire blazed.

Before rounding the corner, they heard a melodious, though not particularly beautiful, song drifting from the camp.

It sounded like the earth’s deep murmur, awakening the slumbering valley.

Yan exclaimed in surprise, “Huh? Are they still awake?”

Ke chimed in, “Maybe it’s a Tribe gathering?”

Xie Yu rounded the bend first, her eyes reflecting the scene in the camp.

A group of people were gathered around the bonfire, chanting in unison. Lian and the others, realizing it was indeed a Tribe gathering, waved their hands excitedly and shouted. The echoes reverberated down to the bonfire below, startling everyone into looking up at the mountainside.

“Priest, it’s Chief and the others!” the others exclaimed joyfully to Yun Nai. The Priest had suggested celebrating together tonight, saying they might wait for the Chief’s return.

They hadn’t expected her to actually come back.

A thunderous cheer erupted from below, like lightning splitting the sky.

The Tribespeople from the camp rushed toward them.

Xie Yu could only see Yun Nai standing by the bonfire from afar. She knew it was Yun Nai; her eyes were fixed solely on her.

Though it was just a distant, blurry silhouette, Xie Yu knew she must be smiling.

Some of the Tribespeople had already reached the foot of the mountain.

As Xie Yu descended from the mountainside to the base, the Tribespeople came to greet her first. After unloading the burden from her back, she felt considerably lighter.

“This is wonderful, Chief! There’s so much—”

The others gradually joined in, embracing the Tribespeople who had rushed to greet them.

Lian, with his astonishing agility, leaped up, hooked his legs around Ping, and perched on her shoulders.

He even patted Ping’s head. “I’m finally back!”

The noisy chatter faded into silence in Xie Yu’s mind as she walked steadily toward Yun Nai, her steps cautious.

She was about to see her. Now more than ever, she needed to be careful, to avoid tripping or embarrassing herself.

Take it slow, take it slow.

In a moment, Xie Yu finally stood before her. The brief interval was due to Yun Nai also walking toward her.

The moon’s cold light poured freely onto Yun Nai’s hair and shoulders, every detail captured in Xie Yu’s eyes.

Xie Yu reached out and pulled Yun Nai into a warm embrace, her arms locking around Yun Nai’s waist as she buried her face in the crook of Yun Nai’s neck, nuzzling and rubbing against her.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Xie Yu murmured.

Yun Nai’s hands awkwardly patted Xie Yu’s back. Xie Yu’s presence was overwhelming, like a molten lava flow—intensely hot and all-consuming.

Xie Yu leaned down, tilting her head to kiss Yun Nai’s earlobe before her lips drifted to Yun Nai’s left cheek. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Priest, if you can save others, please try to save me too. My longing for you is driving me mad.

Lost in the moment, Xie Yu kissed the moon that belonged only to her beneath the shared moonlight.

Their lips slowly drew closer, Xie Yu testing the waters. If she sensed the slightest hesitation from Yun Nai, she would pull back, maintaining a poised stance ready to straighten up.

She’s moving too slowly, Yun Nai thought, and decisively wrapped her arms around Xie Yu’s neck, gently tugging her closer.

The moment their soft lips met, it was like kindling catching fire—a touch that ignited a burning, insatiable desire.

Their tongues intertwined in a tender dance, the overwhelming novelty of the experience surging through them like a tidal wave.

Like a small boat tossed about in a stormy sea.

As the sweetness filled her mouth, Xie Yu noticed the glistening overflow at Yun Nai’s lips and licked it clean.

With a touch of youthful awkwardness, she traced the shape of Yun Nai’s lips, determined to make their first kiss a perfect experience.

A bad experience was simply not an option.

Yun Nai’s lips were sweet and addictive, each kiss more delightful than the last.

The tribespeople stared in stunned silence as the two women kissed without a care for their surroundings, instinctively taking wide detours back to their thatched huts.

Ke, clutching the hand of her newly purchased slave, took the longest route of all.

Xie Yu’s mind was focused solely on Yun Nai, oblivious to the tribespeople’s reactions.

She only wanted to kiss her.

Her passion grew uncontrollable, her kisses becoming so fervent that Yun Nai struggled to breathe.

Yet Yun Nai didn’t want to stop, her own longing equally intense.

“Hmm…?” Xie Yu felt a ticklish nip on her tongue—a gentle bite that didn’t hurt.

Yun Nai had bitten her tongue… less to resist her advances than to playfully tease her.

Seizing the opportunity, the lightly bitten tongue slipped sideways, launching a counterattack.

Their lips remained locked together until the night wind swept through, finally prompting Xie Yu to pull away. Cupping Yun Nai’s face, she gently pecked at the corner of her mouth.

Yun Nai’s face flushed crimson, as if it were about to drip bl00d.

So adorable! Xie Yu couldn’t resist kissing her again. This is what Yun Nai looks like when she’s shy.

The surroundings were quiet; the tribespeople had all returned to their homes.

“I’m such an idiot. Why didn’t we go inside?” Xie Yu huffed, taking Yun Nai’s hand and rubbing it to warm it up. She led her back to the house and lowered her head to kiss the tips of Yun Nai’s reddened ears. “Are you cold?”

Yun Nai wrapped her arms around Xie Yu’s waist. “I was a little cold earlier.”

She felt Xie Yu’s tongue tracing her ear, her heart pounding with shyness, and tried to pull away.

“But you’re not cold anymore?”

“Not really.”

“Why not?”

“Because I saw you, when I was looking at the mountain.”

This answer made Xie Yu even more delighted. She pinned Yun Nai against the wall, determined to get a proper answer. “I thought about you so much, both on the way here and on the way back. Did you think about me too?”

“Yes.”

“Can I…?”

“Can you what?”

“I want to be with you.”

Yun Nai’s mood brightened. “Aren’t we always together?”

“Nai Nai… you know what I mean,” Xie Yu said boldly and directly. “I like you.”

Yun Nai smiled slyly. “Just like you like me.”

“How do you know I like you?”

“I could tell.”

“Mm, you weren’t wrong.”

“So, about this question… if you’re willing…” Her bright eyes reflected Yun Nai’s face, seeing only her.

“Will you ask this question to others in the future?” Yun Nai asked, seeking absolute clarity.

Xie Yu shook her head. “I’ll only ask you, just you.”

“I’m very willing. I only accept your proposal.” Yun Nai wrapped her arms around Xie Yu’s neck, rose on tiptoe, and kissed her back. “You’re already extraordinary.”

The two embraced tenderly for another moment before Xie Yu suddenly snapped back to reality. “Wait, did you just say yes?”

“I did.”

Her eyes curved into a smile as she pulled out a sugar tablet. She had carefully shaved the large sugar block into small, thin pieces on the way, knowing a whole chunk would be too hard to swallow.

Xie Yu pressed a piece against Yun Nai’s lips. “Sugar? Want some?”

The thin tablet easily slipped into Yun Nai’s mouth.

Xie Yu leaned in and kissed the sugar-tinged corner of Yun Nai’s lips. “Sweet.”

“Do you like it?”

“I do.”

“I brought you lots.”

“I really like it. The children must love sweets too.”

At this, Xie Yu’s eyes welled up. “I love sweets too.”

Yun Nai understood her meaning. She covered Xie Yu’s eyes and pressed her lips against hers.

Xie Yu turned passive into active, her warm, wet tongue gliding across Yun Nai’s lips. She deliberately slowed the pace, forcing Yun Nai to cling to her shoulders in a playful chase.

In the end, Yun Nai couldn’t withstand Xie Yu’s assault and was once again conquered.

“Can I… with you?” Xie Yu asked breathlessly, holding Yun Nai to steady her. Seizing the moment, she pressed her request again.

“Hmm?” Even with her lips slightly swollen from the kiss and her hair disheveled, Yun Nai maintained her composure.

“I want to sleep with you.”

Xie Yu glanced at their separate beds and offered, “It’s autumn now, and the weather’s getting colder. I can warm your bed for you.”

“Really?” Yun Nai teased, leaving Xie Yu hanging on tenterhooks.

“Yes, really.”

“But we have two single beds. How would we sleep together?”

“I’ll hold you.”

Yun Nai found her answer both quick and perfect.

After finishing her morning routine, Xie Yu lay obediently on the outer edge of the bed, waiting for Yun Nai. Her long arms and legs were comically curled up to fit.

When she had the beds made, Xie Yu had originally planned for each of them to sleep separately, thinking it wouldn’t be too difficult to push the beds together later if needed.

But when she tried it earlier, she discovered the gap between the beds couldn’t be completely closed, making it easy to fall through while sleeping.

Still, to ensure their comfort, their single beds were relatively large, so two people could fit without much trouble.

Tomorrow, I’ll definitely have Gan and the others make a proper double bed.

As she pondered the next day’s arrangements, Yun Nai lay down. Xie Yu pulled her closer. “Am I good at warming the bed?”

“Very good,” Yun Nai sighed contentedly.

Now that they finally had time to reflect on the changes in the Tribe since their departure, Yun Nai, Xie Yu, and the others had returned too late to see clearly, but she had keenly sensed subtle differences.

“I had a cellar built,” Yun Nai murmured, snuggling closer for warmth. “Once autumn passes, winter will be here again. In the freezing cold, even wild vegetables spoil easily.”

Xie Yu smiled at her, her eyes unconsciously filled with affection as she tightened the animal hide draped over them.

It was true. With winter approaching, the harvested supplementary ingredients, wild vegetables, and medicinal herbs were vulnerable to freezing damage. A cellar, however, provided warmth and a stable temperature, preserving food and keeping it fresh throughout the winter.

“So, from now on, we can store things in the cellar,” Yun Nai continued. “The old granary is now used for bamboo. The dry weather has made it hard for the wood to rot, so we’ve piled a lot in there.”

Yun Nai had spent the past few weeks reorganizing the Tribe’s resources. Realizing they lacked sufficient tools, she had Ping lead a team to craft new ones from sharpened stones, animal bones, and hardwood. This way, they wouldn’t have to rush to make tools when needed in the future.

“That’s amazing,” Xie Yu murmured, listening to Yun Nai recount the Tribe’s recent developments. She sighed contentedly, savoring the comfort of holding her beloved as she drifted off to sleep.

“And the Pottery Jars,” Yun Nai added. “Everyone in the Tribe now has their own, and each hut has a Pottery Water Jar.”

As Yun Nai spoke, she noticed Xie Yu growing drowsy and gradually fell silent.

She knew Xie Yu must be exhausted.

Yun Nai reached out to touch Xie Yu’s face. Xie Yu didn’t move much, simply shifting her position to hold Yun Nai closer. In her hazy state, she murmured, “Comfortable?”

“……?”

“If you’re not comfortable, I’ll change how I’m holding you.”

“Comfortable,” Yun Nai replied, gently patting Xie Yu’s back to help her drift off.

“Hmm… Oh, right, what about Lei and the other four?” Xie Yu briefly roused herself, opening her eyes.

Yun Nai paused, as if recalling something, before answering, “They’re doing well.”

The newcomers were well-behaved, knew when to advance and retreat, and often helped with tasks around the Tribe. It was clear they wanted to stay, but they were hesitant to ask.

Except for Wu, who always clung to people.

“I almost forgot about them,” Xie Yu murmured, burying her face against Yun Nai’s chest. “I love you the most.”

With that, she drifted into a deep sleep, leaving tomorrow’s worries for tomorrow. She was simply too tired.

Yun Nai smiled softly and, taking advantage of Xie Yu’s hazy consciousness, kissed the corner of her lips while she was still half-asleep, unable to distinguish reality from dreams.

When Xie Yu woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Yun Nai wasn’t in the room. She rubbed her face, got up to wash and dress, and found the outside world still quiet and peaceful, with no commotion.

Though there weren’t many people around, each was busy with their own tasks.

Lian noticed she was awake and approached, handing her some food with a suggestive wink. “Chief, you actually woke up later than the Priest!”

“Hmm,” Xie Yu replied, finding the comment odd but not bothering to argue. “Are Ke and the others still asleep?”

“Still sleeping. Turns out they were the ones who’d be out for ten days,” Lian said, taking a bite of fruit. “I just saw Ke get up and go hunting. I wonder where the little slave slept last night.”

She instinctively assumed that slaves and masters wouldn’t sleep in the same room.

As she spoke, she happened to see the young slave emerge from Ke’s room. For some reason, it looked as if someone had grabbed her by the tail, and she even forgot to chew the fruit in her mouth.

Yuan bowed to them.

“Go get something to eat,” Xie Yu said, gesturing to the food. After Yuan left, she glanced at Lian with amusement. “What? We weren’t talking behind her back.”

Lian was flustered. “Uh…”

Where Yuan slept was none of their concern. As a slave, Yuan’s status remained unchanged unless Ke chose to release her. On every level, Yuan was merely a slave.

The Tribe wouldn’t build a hut specifically for a slave belonging to one of their members, unless Ke herself decided to construct one for Yuan.

Once they finished their current tasks, Xie Yu planned to have Yuan lead her to the tung trees to gather seeds and attempt to extract Tung Oil.

“Where’s the Priest?”

“The Priest is busy. She told me to rest well,” Lian replied, his mischievous grin returning as he raised an eyebrow at her. “Chief, your kisses last night were quite… intense.”

He had wanted to watch longer, but Ping had covered his eyes and dragged him away.

What a pity.

Xie Yu remained unfazed by his teasing. “Is that so? No one kissing you? Feeling envious? You seem full of energy. Forget resting—gather some people and help me sort through the supplies we brought back.”

“……”

This must be what they call ‘lashing out in embarrassment,’ Lian thought, nodding to himself. Definitely lashing out in embarrassment.

“The Priest has already had them cleaned up,” Lian said with a grin, knowing he was off the hook for punishment.

“Then let’s go take a look at those red stones.”

“Red stones… what are they going to be used for?” Lian knew Xie Yu had traded for the beautiful red stones but didn’t know their specific purpose.

Compared to other metals, red copper is relatively soft, making it easier to cut and bend. However, its hardness and strength can be improved through cold working and heat treatment.

Xie Yu would have preferred bronze, which is harder and stronger than red copper. But bronze isn’t pure copper; it’s an alloy made by smelting copper with tin or other materials.

To smelt it, they would first need charcoal.

Xie Yu patted her forehead, trying to clear her thoughts.

“I want to make tools with it. Do you think stone knives and bone knives are easy to use?”

“Yes!”

“…Then would Lian like something even easier to use? These red stones might help us achieve that. You can call it red copper.”

As they spoke, the two had already reached the warehouse.

Upon entering the warehouse, they found the red copper stored separately, a meager amount filling only half a back basket.

Xing hadn’t anticipated anyone buying it, so she hadn’t brought much to the Great Market. She planned to experiment with smelting it first before considering when to trade with the Deer Tribe.

Regardless, Xie Yu hoped to acquire as much metal ore as possible.

Besides the red copper, there were also flax seeds. But with autumn already upon them and winter approaching, it was too late to plant them. They would have to wait until spring.

Fortunately, flax seeds could be stored for one to two years, or even longer, if kept in a dry, cool place.

Yun Nai had already instructed someone to store them in Pottery Jars. The immediate priority now was to make charcoal.

After securing the warehouse door, Xie Yu pondered where to dig a charcoal kiln. Just then, Wu and her younger brother Lei approached.

“Chief Yu,” Lei said, his gaze complex as he bowed respectfully.

He wasn’t ungrateful; he would forever remember Xie Yu’s kindness. Moreover, he had sworn an oath to the Totem.

Then we must uphold it to the end.

Wu had witnessed Xie Yu and Yun Nai’s embrace the previous night. The scene was beautiful, and she felt a pang of envy. After all, she had heard that Xie Yu had only one bonded partner, and their affection was so palpable.

Beyond envy, there was something more…

Caught up in the atmosphere, she had almost rushed forward to greet them, but her younger brother and their three companions remained still. It was then she realized they weren’t members of the Shadow Tribe, merely guests.

They had no right to be the first to welcome them.

Xie Yu nodded to them both, offering polite greetings. “How have you been finding your time in the Tribe? If there’s anything lacking in our hospitality, please let me know. I will ensure it’s addressed.”

Lei and Wu understood that while Xie Yu spoke these words, she was ultimately protecting her own Tribespeople. To her, the five of them were now just pitiful creatures without a Tribe.

“Everyone has been very kind. We’re doing well, and we’re deeply grateful for the Shadow Tribe’s hospitality,” Lei replied.

Lian, standing nearby, chimed in at the opportune moment. “Wu’s wounds seem to be healing nicely. Does it still hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” Wu said, smiling brightly at Lian, as if savoring the memory. “The Cloud Priest applied medicine for me. I’m so grateful to her—she’s such a kind person.”

Lian shuddered at her words. I think I’ve been feeling unwell lately. I should ask the Priest for help when I have time.

Then, curious, she asked, “Have you thought about what you’ll do next?”

The question struck at the heart of the matter. Xie Yu glanced at Lian with admiration. Lian, sensing the praise but unsure of its reason, felt a surge of happiness nonetheless.

Lei and Wu exchanged awkward glances. They had nowhere to go. For the past few days in the Shadow Tribe, they had been hoping to join, but they didn’t know if the tribe would accept them.

Wu, more proactive than her brother, had been considering their situation carefully.

We have nowhere else to go. Our only option is here.

“We wish to earn the opportunity to serve the Shadow Tribe,” Wu declared. “We humbly request Chief Yu’s acceptance.”

Xie Yu breathed a sigh of relief. Good, they’ve taken the initiative.

She stepped forward, but didn’t immediately agree.

Lian, sensitive to the tension, remained silent and moved slightly away from the other two.

A long silence stretched between them.

“Our Totem sympathizes with your plight and is willing to grant you a second life.”

The two figures behind her exchanged a hopeful glance, eager to reply.

But Xie Yu immediately cut them off. “However, I expect you to—”

“Forget your former tribe and Totem entirely, or rather, abandon your hatred for the Elephant Tribe.”

Don’t let your emotions cause trouble for me.

Wu and Lei exchanged a pained look, their hearts twisting with anguish. After a long moment of deliberation, they nodded resolutely. “We agree.”

Xie Yu’s tone carried a pointed implication. “You two have agreed. What about the other three?”

“Chief, rest assured, they will agree as well,” Wu assured her, stepping forward to reassure her. “I will make sure they do.”

“Very well.” Xie Yu waved her hand, signaling them to relax. “However, I’m quite busy these next few days and can’t immediately arrange for you to form a contract with our Totem.”

“That’s no problem. We’re willing to wait.”

“The Priest will notify you when she’s available. Until then, focus on persuading the other three.”

Seeing that they had all agreed, Xie Yu thought to herself that another task was accomplished. She turned her attention to the cubs playing in the distance.

“What are you all playing?” Xie Yu distributed sugar wafers among them. Hmm, Yun Nai said the cubs might like sweets.

The cubs clapped their hands excitedly as they popped the wafers into their mouths. “It’s sweet!”

“It’s sweet!”

Xie Yu patted their heads and reminded them to be careful while playing by the river.

“Chief, I want some too,” Lian said, his eyes fixed longingly on the sugar wafers in Xie Yu’s hand. These wafers were something Xie Yu had traded for herself, unrelated to the Tribe’s supplies, so she could give them to whomever she pleased.

Giving them to the cubs was only natural; cubs always had certain privileges. The older children rarely got any.

But Lian was still a cub.

“I’m just a slightly older cub.”

Xie Yu smiled faintly and handed him a wafer. After all, who could deny that the person Ping had dragged away with his eyes covered was still a cub?

The rest should go to Yun Nai.

“Eat up. Let’s go find a good spot for the charcoal kiln,” Xie Yu said, turning to leave. She wanted to start making charcoal first and then try smelting the red copper.