Chapter 165 Power of Faith

Only then did everyone realize that Miss Qiao had saved them all. If not for her, they would have likely died in Nanhe County. A lingering fear washed over the crowd.

“Miss Qiao, thank you,” someone called out.

“Yes, thank you for saving us!”

The crowd immediately erupted into expressions of gratitude toward Qiao Suluo.

“I didn’t actually do much,” Qiao Suluo replied. “It was because you all trusted my mother and believed my words enough to relocate together. If you hadn’t believed me, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

In truth, Qiao Suluo hadn’t expected them to trust her so completely. The entire tribe had packed up and moved with her, even though her predictions might not have come true. However, the members of the Cat Clan Tribe were incredibly thankful that they had believed her and chosen to relocate. Hearing about the disaster now sent chills down their spines as they reflected on what could have been.

Not daring to waste any more time, the group hurried to restock their supplies. But once they started shopping in the city, they realized that food prices had skyrocketed.

“What should we do? The prices of both grain and meat have gone up. They’ve more than doubled!”

Prices had practically multiplied overnight. Most people in the Cat Clan Tribe lived frugal lives; back in the tribe, they relied on farming and hunting to remain self-sufficient. Very few Beastmen were able to save up any copper coins or silver. Coarse grain flour, which used to cost eight cents a pound, was now twenty cents. The tribe members, who usually stretched every one cent they had, simply couldn’t bear to buy such expensive rations.

If grain was this expensive, meat was even worse. It was pricey in the stores, and just as costly at the market stalls. The tribe members tried to haggle, but a shopkeeper only sighed.

“It’s not that we don’t want to lower the prices. It’s just that hunting has become far too dangerous right now. Many wild animals have been corrupted by the dark aura and turned into Mutant Beasts. Not only is their meat inedible, but these creatures are also highly aggressive. Getting ahold of safe, edible meat is genuinely difficult.

“If mutated plants and Mutant Beasts keep multiplying, our food sources will only dwindle further.”

With the current chaos and frequent skirmishes breaking out everywhere, a deep look of worry clouded the stall owners’ faces. Qiao Suluo’s expression shifted; she hadn’t realized the situation had grown this severe.

From the time they left the tribe until they arrived here, they had indeed encountered quite a few Mutant Beasts while traveling through the forests. Fortunately, Chu Moyuan and the others possessed superpowers, making it easy to dispose of those creatures and keeping their journey relatively safe. Only after hearing the locals’ explanations did Qiao Suluo fully understand the gravity of the problem.

Just then, the system whispered in her ear. “Host, the Mutant Beasts and mutated plants in the forests are no cause for concern. You can simply use your Purification Ability to cleanse them, rendering them completely safe to eat.

“Furthermore, once purified, the meat and plants will possess a purer aura, boast higher nutritional value, and taste even more delicious.”

At that moment, Qiao Suluo truly grasped the incredible value of her Purification Ability.

“But if the dark aura’s corruption is too severe, my current Purification Ability won’t be enough, right?” she asked.

The system replied, “Once your Purification Ability grows stronger, its range will expand. It will be able to cover not just an entire forest, but a whole state, or even the entire continent.

“Of course, Que Hongjin’s Light Ability is actually stronger. Wherever his light shines, all dark auras will be entirely dispelled.

“If the two of you combine your abilities, it will be incredibly powerful.”

Qiao Suluo’s eyes flickered with realization. She turned back to the shopkeeper and asked, “Do you sell Mutated Beast Meat here?”

The shopkeeper’s face paled. “You can’t eat Mutated Beast Meat! Consuming it will drive your mind into a violent frenzy.

“There are strict regulations now. No one dares to sell it.”

Hearing this, Qiao Suluo understood. It seemed their only option was to go hunting in the mountains.

Several representatives of the tribe stood behind Qiao Suluo. Whenever they faced an issue, they instinctively looked to her; whenever they were unsure, they immediately wanted to ask Miss Qiao for guidance. In their hearts, she had become their absolute beacon of faith.

Seeing their expectant gazes, Qiao Suluo instructed, “We don’t have much grain left, so let’s buy a little bit just for emergencies. Later on, we can hunt in the mountains. Don’t worry, we’ll definitely be able to catch edible beasts.”

Her promise instantly put everyone at ease. In their minds, whatever Miss Qiao said was bound to happen. Furthermore, they had all witnessed the strength of her Beast Husbands during the journey. Whenever danger arose, even the most ferocious predators were no match for them. Every single one of her Beast Husbands was exceptionally powerful, providing the entire tribe with a deep sense of security.

With their budget tight, the group purchased a modest amount of grain and promptly left the city, returning to their camp early.

As soon as they arrived, the rest of the tribe rushed over. “How did it go? Did you buy any grain?”

“Why are you carrying so little? Didn’t you restock our food?”

While they had managed to buy some thick, sturdy clothing, their food haul was pitifully small.

“Food prices in the city have skyrocketed,” one of the representatives explained. “The main issue is the flood in Nanhe County, which caused massive Beastman casualties. On top of that, wars are breaking out everywhere. Naturally, food prices went up, so we could only afford to buy a little bit for now…”

They detailed everything they had seen and heard in the city, causing the faces of the Cat Clan Tribe members to drain of color. They never imagined the situation out there was so dire.

“Thank goodness our entire Cat Clan Tribe relocated. I don’t even dare to imagine what would have happened to us otherwise.”

This flood was far more devastating than any they had experienced before.

“It’s all thanks to Miss Qiao! If it weren’t for her, we would all be dead right now.”

One by one, the tribe members stepped forward and dropped to their knees before Qiao Suluo. Startled by the sudden gesture, she immediately rushed forward to help them up.

“Please, everyone, get up quickly! You’re giving me far too much credit. I really don’t deserve this.”

Many of those kneeling were respected elders of the tribe. Having them bow down to a younger generation member like herself deeply shocked Qiao Suluo, and she hastily pulled them to their feet.

“Su Luo, we owe everything to you,” an old female Beastman said, her eyes brimming with wisdom. “You saved us all. It’s only right that they kneel to you. You are their savior, and the savior of our entire tribe.”

Qiao Suluo looked at the elderly woman. Back when she had first transmigrated and saved Bai Qianluo, it was this very same Grandma Lin who had trusted her and asked her to teach them first aid.

“Grandma Lin, we are all part of the same tribe. There’s no need for such formalities,” Qiao Suluo said softly. “Seeing everyone safe and sound brings me joy. Besides, when I first told my parents and brothers about the potential flood and urged them to move, they couldn’t bear to leave the tribe behind. They wanted to bring everyone along.

“We only survived because we all worked together.”

Though she said that, the tribe’s deepest gratitude was still reserved for her. Everyone silently vowed that from now on, no matter what Qiao Suluo said, they would steadfastly support her.

Right at that moment, Qiao Suluo suddenly felt her Purification Ability surge. She stretched out her hand, inspecting the energy within, and excitedly communicated with the system.

“System, my Purification Ability actually leveled up to Level 2 all at once! How did it upgrade so suddenly?” she asked.

The system, sensing the advancement of her most crucial ability, was equally thrilled. “Normally, this kind of Purification Ability requires the host to form a Contract with a Beast Husband to receive upgrade rewards. I didn’t expect it to reach Level 2 so soon!

“With a Level 2 Purification Ability, it will be much easier for you to cleanse Mutant Beasts and mutated plants. You’ll be able to purify a large amount in one go.

“I just checked the logs. Because you saved the tribe members, you earned their Power of Faith. This Power of Faith can be converted into energy for your Purification Ability, which is why it leveled up.”