Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains 189
Chapter 189
The news that Aling brought caused a sensation throughout Qi Ze City. For thousands of years, hyena-drakes and beastmen had been natural enemies. Even though hyena-drakes were far stronger than beastmen, and many tribes had been wiped out by their attacks. Yet no one could have imagined that one day, hyena-drakes themselves might take on the form of beastmen.
Ayan had brought Aling directly to Qi Ze City through the forest. Because there were still many matters in the Lion-Wolf Tribe, he stayed for only a day before leaving with Aling.
Before departing, Ayan told everyone that, due to the thunderstorm, many people in the Lion-Wolf Tribe had high fevers. Chen Qi was surprised that even under such circumstances, they had prioritized bringing this news. Before leaving, Chen Qi handed them several plants of heatgrass harvested in winter, along with a few jars of brewed wine, and taught them methods to help cool fevered patients physically.
Azhang organized a small patrol team to explore the forest. The forest’s periphery was largely unchanged from previous years, with few signs of dragons, though scattered hydrochoerus dragons could occasionally be seen. They had planned to venture deeper, but before reaching the Sanchen River, they discovered a large number of traces of dragon activity. For safety, the exploration near the Sanchen River had to be postponed, and the team withdrew after patrolling only the forest’s edges.
When Chen Qi brought his newly designed city defense map to Azhang, the latter had just finished receiving the patrol report. Seeing Chen Qi enter, Azhang’s frown relaxed considerably. He poured a cup of scented tea with freshly boiled water and handed it to him. “Why come at this time? How’s Aze doing these past couple of days?”
“He’s back to normal. Not as sleepy as before,” Chen Qi replied, sitting at the table and spreading out the scroll in his hands. “Here’s the defense layout I just completed outside the city. Take a look.”
Azhang leaned in, pointing to a ring marked with blue dye outside the moat. “What are these?”
“Water,” Chen Qi explained. “Dragons can’t swim. Last winter, we built many pit traps around the ice wall. When the ice and snow melted, and after several days of rain, these pits filled with water. I’ve studied the plains’ underground—there are water resources hidden deep below. If we dig these pits a few meters deeper, water should seep out. Opening all the pits would create a natural defensive barrier outside Qi Ze. Even if dragons attempted an attack, it wouldn’t be so easy.”
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
“Also,” he continued, “our tribe has grown a lot this year. During summer, we need more land for crops. Searching for food across the plains alone is too inefficient. The flat ground between the moat and these pits is the best choice. If we build another wall beyond the pits, we gain an extra layer of defense and expand our tribe’s territory.”
Chen Qi explained his plan carefully. He had discussed it at home with Aze, incorporating Aze’s local knowledge of the plains. After hearing it, Azhang thought it was an excellent proposal.
He sent for Achu. Though no longer a tribe’s patriarch, Achu was formally given the title of deputy patriarch to assist in managing the newly merged Qi Ze City.
When Achu arrived, he was accompanied by Axu and Ahxu. Axu had been the successor to the next chief of the Salt-Water Tribe, and Achu didn’t hide matters from him. Meanwhile, Azhang, knowing Chen Qi had refused the role of chief, was deliberately cultivating Ahxu to participate in tribal management. Seeing the two newcomers, he simply invited them to sit and repeated Chen Qi’s proposals.
After listening, the group exchanged glances. Axu spoke up, “I think this plan is quite good. With two layers of defense, we’ll be much safer. But right now, everyone is busy building houses. Aside from those working with iron, we don’t have spare hands for anything else. These pits can’t be dug immediately, and they’re already filled with water. Digging further down is practically impossible at the moment.”
Azhang thought for a moment. “It’s only the beginning of summer, and there are no signs of dragon activity around the forest. This place should remain safe until winter. Let’s follow our plan step by step—there’s no need to divert all our manpower, that would only slow things down.”
“If the newly dug pits are full of water, that’s fine for summer, but in winter the water will freeze and be useless, right?” Achu raised his concern.
Chen Qi had already considered this. “We can drain the water before winter. Then, just like last time, we can set up some mechanisms inside. As long as the height is sufficient, even hyena-drakes won’t be able to climb out on their own.”
“Once the houses are all built, we’ll deal with the pits and the new city wall first. The land outside the moat can be planted now. Last winter, we stored plenty of seeds in the cellar, which should be enough to cover the entire plot. Calculating the time, we can harvest two seasons’ worth. That way, even if we don’t go out to forage this summer, we’ll have enough food to last the winter,” Azhang decided.
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
“I’ve also made a new batch of farm tools recently. I’ll lead people in the planting,” Ahxu took on the task. He had worked with Chen Qi last summer and already knew a lot about growing crops.
“I’ll go with you,” Axu added. “Our new recruits also need to learn how to farm. Now, construction is waiting for a new batch of mud bricks to be fired. In the next few days, we can prepare the fields and start planting crops.”
Hearing this, Achu, who had been sitting nearby, shot Axu a glance but didn’t say anything. Ahxu, noticing Achu’s expression, awkwardly rubbed his nose.
“I brought back a few wild rabbits to raise,” Chen Qi continued. “In a couple of days, I plan to catch some other animals from the plains. I’ve already talked to you about the conservatory. Once the houses are built, we can try setting it up first. If there are problems, we’ll have time to make adjustments before winter. If it works well, we can raise the animals from the plains, so even if they migrate, we won’t need to risk entering the forest. Speaking of which,” he paused, “if you no longer need to rely on forest animals for food, have you considered moving deeper into the plains?”
Azhang asked, “You mean the plains across the Dosa River?”
“En,” Chen Qi nodded. “Wouldn’t we be safer farther from the forest?”
The group fell silent for a moment. Achu spoke, “Our ancestors have lived here for generations. None of us have ever set foot on the plains across the Dosa River. I’ve heard it’s home to various carnivores—lions, wolves, hyenas, tigers. Moving there wouldn’t be any less dangerous.”
“Those animals only return to the plains during summer, but their territorial instincts are stronger than dragons. You probably don’t know this since you’ve been living nearby. They’re not as tame as the local animals, and their numbers are dozens or even hundreds of times greater.” Azhang glanced at Chen Qi. “I’ve also heard that the animals on our plains were driven out by those from the other side of the Dosa River.”
Chen Qi was hearing this for the first time. He had assumed that once food was secured, the tribe could relocate somewhere safer. It seemed that dangers in this world weren’t limited to the dragons in the forest.
“I’ve also heard there are beastmen tribes across the Dosa River. They’re stronger than the average female,” Axu added.
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
“Let’s discuss that later. For now, we need to focus on building the tribe’s defenses,” Achu changed the subject. “Chen Qi, don’t mind us. We all think this place is good. There are no natural rocky hills for cover, but the safety level is higher than our old settlement. If we build well, there’s no need to fear dragons.”
“En,” Chen Qi smiled. “Then let’s solve the immediate problems first.”
They went over the details and arranged the upcoming tasks. Chen Qi had arrived around noon. Aze was stationed on the wall under Ake’s supervision. His recent health issues had alarmed everyone, so Azhang didn’t allow him to hunt or do heavy work. Now, as long as he was healthy, he only needed to guard the wall for half a day.
When Aze finished his watch and came to pick up Chen Qi, the room had fallen into an unusual silence.
Azhang stared at Axu and then at Ahxu. “What did you just say?”
Achu glanced at his hesitant son. “They want to register with you. You can help them complete the mating formalities.”
“Aren’t you both females?” Azhang was still in shock. When did the two get together? After decades of chasing Ali, he couldn’t believe how quickly this had happened. Is it really that simple for females to be together?
Axu shrugged and looped his arm around Ahxu’s waist. “Chief, your mate is also female.”
Chen Qi covered his mouth and smiled. He had long noticed the way Axu looked at Ahxu and was happy for them. “Congratulations. Don’t forget to hold a wedding once the new home is ready.”
“I won’t build a house. I’ll just move into Ahxu’s place,” Axu said triumphantly.
After the discussion, Achu didn’t bother responding. He still couldn’t fully accept that his son had chosen a female mate. He planned to go home and make sure his younger son found a male.
Azhang, noticing Ahxu standing shyly and awkwardly beside Axu, cleared his throat and went back to fetch the shadow stone.
Words from the Translation Crew
Miiya: 2 of 3 for the week.
Translator: Miiya
Editor: MushroomKnight73
Proofreader: Yume
Editor stepping into the realm of MTL translating, starting with CLWP. Support this translation with a Ko-fi. Three Ko-fis will add an extra chapter from the stockpile to the next weekly release.
