Chapter 725 - 345: Xuesang Tribe (Part 2)

How long has this defenseless coastline persisted? Has no one discovered it? Has no one come to remedy it?

A series of questions arose in You Su’s mind, just as the tribe amidst the snowstorm began to ’emerge’.

...

Two thick candles were lit within the igloo, bringing both light and warmth.

"They’re candles made from the blubber of snow bears, very enduring!"

Little Deer noticed You Su was curious about the candles, so he enthusiastically explained, with a hint of pride in his voice.

The girl had already shed those coats thicker than armor, leaving only two felt pieces, which although not few, revealed a thinner figure compared to before.

You Su nodded, curiously looking around once more. Although the house was clearly built on a foundation of ice bricks mixed with snow, inside it was not cold at all, and instead felt somewhat warm.

"Ice can insulate heat, but it can also block out cold." The Clan Leader seemed to have perceived You Su’s confusion and displayed his wisdom as an elder.

You Su accepted the hot tea the old man handed over, just fifteen minutes ago it had only been a chunk of snow scooped up casually from outside the house.

Warmth in this icy world is the most precious thing.

As the hot water entered his throat, You Su immediately felt as if all the flesh and blood in his body had been activated, a thrilling sensation akin to rebirth. For the first time, You Su felt a cup of hot water was so precious, unable to resist letting out a hum in delight.

Little Deer watched his beguiled expression over the cup of hot water, giggling while covering her mouth.

You Su, aware of his impropriety, sat up straighter, but still couldn’t bear to put down the warm cup:

"Won’t they melt?"

The old man pointed to a hole on top, "Immortal Master, look up to the sky."

You Su pondered briefly, realizing that hole was clearly not for ventilation but to allow excess heat in the igloo to escape. This way, the melting and solidifying of the igloo would reach a delicate balance, even allowing solidifying speed to surpass the melting speed of ice and snow.

Unconsciously nodding, You Su was amazed by the survival wisdom of these people living in the ice and snow.

Humans can indeed go to great lengths to survive.

"Not everyone lives in an ice cave like this. Some households have men skilled in hunting who can gather surplus animal furs, allowing them and their families to live in tents made from those furs, which are much warmer than ice caves!" Little Deer excitedly supplemented.

"Is that really the case..." You Su marveled.

"However, many households don’t have enough fur saved to make such a tent. As long as we can stay warm, it’s sufficient. Now with the snow deer’s fur, mom’s bed can be layered one more time!"

Little Deer giggled cheerfully, her genuine happiness infecting You Su, who reciprocated with a gentle smile.

But the Clan Leader’s expression grew stern, he said seriously with a bitter face:

"Little Deer, the deer was your prey, so its fur can only be used by you yourself. This is the rule of our Xuesang Tribe, not even I can break it, nor can you."

The old man clearly hadn’t emerged from the guilt of pushing the girl into the abyss, yet this girl, abandoned by her parents, still thought of giving extra warmth to her parents, piercing the old man’s heart with her purity and kindness.

He could only half-heartedly wish the girl to be a bit selfish, as if that would ease his guilt and self-reproach somewhat.

You Su suddenly realized, internally noting that even the aged and revered Clan Leader cannot live in a fur tent due to such rules.

Little Deer lowered her head upon hearing this, murmuring a soft ’oh’.

The Clan Leader sighed helplessly, Little Deer must have heard him when he tried to console her...

"Immortal Master, are you feeling better?"

The old man casually scooped a handful of snow from the wall, then added it to You Su’s cup, the snow melting into new tea.

This unique ’tea addition’ method astonished You Su, to which the old man explained:

"Immortal Master, please don’t mind. Here, it’s an etiquette to scoop snow from one’s own wall to add tea for guests."

Upon hearing, You Su gently sipped the new tea as a gesture of respecting their customs and showing goodwill.

The old man smiled wryly, "Immortal Master, as long as you don’t find it disdainful. My name is Sang Yin, just call me by my name."

You Su nodded in agreement.

Had it been before, he would surely decline courteously, insisting on calling others Clan Leader, portraying a gentlemanly manner. However, after his numerous experiences, his character had changed somewhat, and being in an unfamiliar land, it was apt to alter his usual cordial demeanor. At this moment, wielding his Immortal identity as a deterrent could also be a form of self-protection.

"Immortal Master is indeed a distinguished guest of our Xuesang Tribe, if there’s anything you require, feel free to ask Little Deer or directly tell me, there’s no need to be polite." The old man spoke cordially.

"There’s no need for that, I’m not a distinguished guest, just a passerby." You Su declined the old man’s kindness, wanting to appear distant and reserved.

"Even if hurriedly passing by, you are indeed a distinguished guest to us. Our Xuesang Tribe is located in the extreme north, rarely do Immortals visit, your arrival truly illuminates our tribe."

Located in the extreme north...

Whenever at leisure, You Su liked to study the map of the Five Continents jointly drawn by the Five Divine Mountains, and with his photographic memory, he could soon pinpoint his approximate location.

"Is Xuesang Tribe part of Beiji City?"

"Do you know of our Xuesang Tribe?" asked Little Deer amazedly.

You Su naturally did not know about this small unnamed tribe, but Beiji City was the most northern city on the Beiao Continent as indicated on the map.

"I don’t know."

"Don’t know? Then why did you appear here?" Little Deer asked with concern.

Whether it was due to her life being saved by You Su, or excessive curiosity towards this rare outsider, Little Deer showed exceptional concern for You Su.

"I ventured deep into the north to train, unexpectedly met an evil demon, fled frantically, and encountered a fierce snowstorm. When I finally woke up, I was in a cave with the demon. Luckily, after a desperate struggle, I managed to banish that evil demon." You Su displayed a look of lingering fear, "But fortunately, it seems not far from Beiji City."

"I see..." The old man nodded thoughtfully after hearing.

You Su didn’t mind whether the Clan Leader believed his words or not, he just needed to fabricate a reason for his appearance to give an explanation to the Clan Leader for the tribesmen. Whether this reason was true or false, his identity as an Immortal was sufficient.

The old man briefly exchanged pleasantries with You Su, his demeanor was all respectful, fearing any offense.

Afraid of neglecting the Immortal, the old man even requisitioned a tribesman’s tent as a temporary dwelling for You Su, equipped with three heating candles and several precious foods.

You Su didn’t refuse, though he still felt somewhat embarrassed.

Lying on the thick blanket, You Su’s mind was difficult to calm.

Why did the Divine Radiance Stone along this coastline disappear without a trace? Are the people of this Xuesang Tribe truly unafraid of the supernatural? If he guessed correctly, that girl should have been a sacrificial offering to that demon, yet how did none of the tribe fall to become vassals of the evil demon?

It’s also amusing, the people of Central Yuan being so well protected yet fearing the supernatural; while the indigenous people of this extreme northern realm, lacking the protection of a Divine Radiance Stone, surprisingly bear a fierce disposition.

Too many questions piled up in You Su’s mind, feeling his eyelids particularly heavy.

Though there were many problems, his primary task was to rest well, to restore his body’s condition.

Outside the warm tent, the indigenous people sharpened their blades diligently.