Chapter 23: A Twist of Fate

Convinced that Zhao Yu was merely feigning ignorance, the group frowned again. "If that is the case, what is he hinting at?"

A true powerhouse would have no reason to act so mindless unless there was an underlying message.

A bearded man suddenly looked up. "Wait, could he be hinting that we shouldn't migrate? Since this involves the internal affairs of our tribe, he couldn't speak plainly and had to resort to such hints."

The others turned to look at him instantly.

The High Priest asked in a deep voice, "Tie Hu, why do you say that?"

"Zhao Yu said that the farm-raised chicken legs lack nutrients and aren't enough to sustain one's health, meaning he doesn't like eating them."

After a pause, the bearded Tie Hu narrowed his eyes. "And when the Chief said that wild game, which must constantly run through the mountains, is nutritious, Zhao Yu agreed. If he was truly dropping a hint, could he be suggesting that if we stay here obediently and stay put, we will remain safe?"

"And if we flee and run for our lives, we will become 'nutritious' and thus fall into the sights of certain malevolent spirits?"

The group looked at each other in dismay. They realized that Tie Hu’s analysis actually held some weight. The mountains were not short of spirits that enjoyed driving people to the brink of despair, savoring their terror before finally "serving the meal."

"But he is not a member of our tribe. How would he know we are planning to migrate?" As they reached this point, many looked at each other again.

...

At the banquet, sensing that the meal was coming to an end, Tie Shi finally spoke. "Brother Zhao."

"What is it?" Zhao Yu patted his stomach. Although the feast lacked nutritional value, it was delicious, and he was quite full.

Tie Shi wore a solemn expression. "Brother Zhao, you came to visit this time—is there anything I can help you with?"

Zhao Yu had come suddenly; there must have been a purpose. It couldn't possibly be just for a meal, could it? Even a joke wouldn't be that absurd.

Zhao Yu, looking lazy as he rubbed his belly, darted his eyes around without answering. He had come to see if his good friend was doing well, to enjoy a grand meal, and perhaps take some meat home for his younger brother and sister-in-law to enjoy. But could he say that? Obviously not! If he said that, his good friend would surely turn against him. He wasn't that foolish!

"Brother Zhao, do you have some hidden difficulty you cannot speak of?" Tie Shi asked, puzzled.

"Well..."

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yu put on a serious face. "It's like this. We hit it off immediately when we first met. Now that the mountains are filled with black winds and many man-eating creatures are wandering about, I thought I would come here to see if there was anything I could help with. After all, friends should help each other out, right?"

Having said that, Zhao Yu added with great, heroic flair, "If there is anything, as long as it is within my power, just say the word! I guarantee I will agree!"

With that said, the purpose of his visit suddenly felt grand and noble.

Tie Shi was stunned once again. If anyone else had said that, he would have been certain it was just empty social grace. But with Zhao Yu... he still remembered that naive little girl. Birds of a feather flock together! The little girl was innocent and unaware of the world's dangers; therefore, those around her must also be people without guile, unlike the cunning, manipulative cultivators outside the Yin Mountains. Zhao Yu’s words must have come from the heart.

Recalling how Zhao Yu had been unreserved at the banquet and had even critiqued the food for not being as good as wild game... Tie Shi finally understood: Zhao Yu was a man who couldn't be bothered with empty pleasantries. If he were to decline now with polite, practiced humility, Zhao Yu would surely think he didn't need help.

Since that was the case...

Tie Shi became embarrassed and hesitant. "Since Brother Zhao has said so, there is indeed one thing I would like your help with."

Zhao Yu, who was still basking in his own heroic aura, was instantly dumbfounded. No, that was just supposed to be a polite gesture! According to the books, after such a display of bravado, shouldn't Tie Shi have said, "No need"? Why did he just nod? How was he supposed to back out now? Should he say he was just joking?

If they were just passing acquaintances, Zhao Yu wouldn't feel any pressure. But glancing at the table of food—though lacking in nutrition, the taste was excellent, and it was perfect for satisfying his cravings! One feels indebted after accepting a favor. Even if he were reluctant, Zhao Yu could only force a smile. "Brother Tie, tell me, what is it that I can help you with? Rest assured, as long as it is within my ability, I will certainly help you!"

When he said "within my ability," he added extra emphasis. If he couldn't do it, he couldn't be blamed.

Tie Shi was overjoyed. "Brother Zhao, do you know of any place that is peaceful and suitable for living?"

Zhao Yu, still trying to save face, was also relieved. "You want to move?" That wasn't such a difficult request.

"To be honest, Brother Zhao, the tribe was targeted by a malevolent spirit, but we failed to root it out completely." After a brief pause, Tie Shi gave a bitter smile. "If the Abyss of Despair hadn't descended, that spirit would have likely come knocking by now... but even if that spirit hasn't arrived, many other spirits from the abyss have appeared in the vicinity of the tribe."

Zhao Yu nodded in deep agreement. "Spirits are indeed terrifying." Although he hadn't seen many, he knew they were just mindless, horrific things that only wanted to eat people.

Tie Shi’s smile grew even more bitter. "Brother Zhao, do you have any suggestions?"

"This..." Zhao Yu began to struggle. As a mere mortal, he hadn't been to many places. How could he know? After thinking it over, he decided to be honest. "Brother Tie, you know I am just a mortal. I have spent my whole life wandering in these mountains and haven't been very far."

Tie Shi’s heart sank; he understood that Zhao Yu was saying he didn't know of any suitable places for the Xiong Tribe.

Seeing Tie Shi’s disappointment, Zhao Yu felt a bit uneasy. He had expected Tie Shi to ask for something difficult, but it was just a question. After thinking again, Zhao Yu suggested, "I can't say for sure about other places, but there are definitely no spirits near my home. Why don't you settle down near me?"

He absolutely wasn't thinking about how convenient it would be to come to Tie Shi’s home to satisfy his cravings; he was simply stating that there were no spirits near his place. After all, if there were any, they would have been tossed away long ago.

Tie Shi hesitated. "Would that be appropriate? Would it be too much of a bother?"

"What's wrong with that? It's lively when there are more people," Zhao Yu said dismissively.

Tie Shi felt a surge of joy. Although he didn't know where Zhao Yu lived, the fact that Zhao Yu could instantly terrify that sinister paper doll meant the area around his home must be extremely safe.

Thinking of this, Tie Shi asked for confirmation. "Brother Zhao, perhaps you misunderstood; I am not moving alone. I want to migrate the entire tribe."

Zhao Yu remained unconcerned. "More people means it's livelier."

Tie Shi stared fixedly at Zhao Yu.

"What's wrong with you?" Zhao Yu waved his hand. Did this guy have some sort of physical ailment? Was he having an episode?