Chapter 1805: Ironfire Awakens, Ash Reborn_2

He set various traps along the key passageways on the clan land’s periphery according to the terrain.

Under the paths frequently traveled by the beast herds, he excavated pits with sharp wooden stakes at the bottom, cleverly covered with turf and leaves.

Between the trees, he set up slings and snares using elastic tree trunks capable of hoisting intruders upside down into the air.

During this period, Tu Hu also instructed members of the Downspirit Clan to create rockfall mechanisms, hidden high above the rocky gorge.

When these projects were completed, Tu Hu stood atop the raised wooden walls, looking out.

Under the setting sun, the neat rows of fields shimmered with greenery; the irrigation channels gleamed while solid wooden walls stood solemnly upright, filling him with a strong sense of achievement.

Yet, his civilization transformation project was not yet complete; this was merely the initial phase.

The next step was the transmission of knowledge.

Tu Hu began teaching Ah Lü how to surpass tangible calculations.

He introduced the numerical symbols of the Dream Weaving Clan.

Initially, Ah Lü seemed quite unaccustomed, but gradually learned to record food production, the quantity of weapons, and even the birth and growth of clan members on beast skin using specific symbols.

This shifted the clan’s management from vague experiential judgment towards preliminary dataization.

Ah Lü even started attempting to draw simple maps featuring terrain, resource points, and potential threats to provide a high-dimensional perspective for clan expansion and defense.

Time flowed like water, and several years passed in the blink of an eye.

The Spring Basin was now entirely transformed.

A solid wooden and stone wall capable of surveillance stood erected around the clan land’s perimeter; the sentinels gripping metal spears that flashed with cold light.

The warehouse held ceramic pots and leather scrolls.

Tu Hu stood on the hillside, overseeing the land transformed through his guidance and the united efforts of the Downspirit.

The injuries within him still throbbed faintly, and the mist of memories had yet to clear, but the sense of accomplishment and belonging had already diluted the initial anxiety.

Ah Lann, Ah Fen, and Ah Lü stood quietly beside him.

Their bodies had grown more robust since they first met, the innocence in their eyes replaced by wisdom; their gaze towards Tu Hu intertwined with dependence and admiration.

At this moment, Tu Hu had already become the true leader of this clan.

His words required no explanation, and all plans were always carried through.

But this peaceful development was soon disrupted.

A rare torrential rain swept through the Blackthorn Forest, causing a mountain flood after days of constant downpour.

Murky floodwaters, like a roaring giant beast, surged down from high ground, rushing towards the Spring Basin.

Formerly, when faced with such natural disasters, the Downspirit Clan had no choice but to flee to higher grounds in advance.

But this time, the situation was entirely different.

The solid wooden walls became the first line of defense; they firmly resisted the first wave of the flood’s impact, and though some sections faced danger, they ultimately did not collapse, reinforced by the concerted efforts of the entire clan.

The irrigation channels and reservoir system played an unexpected role at this time.

Most of the floodwaters were diverted through pre-planned channels, guided towards a lower flood drainage area, mitigating the impact on the clan land.

Ah Lü’s simple map played a crucial role.

It clearly marked the surrounding terrain’s highs and lows, enabling Tu Hu and Ah Lann to quickly determine which areas were safe evacuation zones and which places’ resources needed priority relocation.

When the storm ceased and the floodwaters receded, the Spring Basin was a mess; the fields were covered in sludge, and some traps were destroyed, but not a single clan member was harmed, and most of the crucial food and weapon reserves were preserved.

The Downspirit Clan members, survivors of the calamity, looked at the still-standing walls and the home base, disorganized but foundation intact, bursting into deafening cheers.

For the first time, they realized that the changes brought by Tu Hu included not only better weapons and more food but also the ability to confront harsh nature and guard their own destiny.

After the natural disaster, new challenges followed.

A squadron from the Fierce Tribe, far larger than ever before, appeared outside the basin, launching an attack on the clan land.

But they faced no longer the primitive tribe that could only rely on thorns, fences, and warriors’ bodies for defense.

When the first Fierce Beast stepped into the trap zone, sharp wooden stakes shot out from the pit, pinning it to the ground with a shrill howl, and the squadron’s formation was instantly disrupted.

Next, the whistling snares sprang out from the forest, hoisting one Fierce up high.

The Fierce beasts attempting a direct assault from the gorge were met with sudden rockfalls, leaving them battered and bleeding.

Ah Lann stood atop the wall, calmly observing the enemy’s chaos.

Directing the warriors on the wall, using their height advantage for remote javelin throws with metallic spearheads.

The sharp metal easily pierced through the rough hide armor of the Fierce Beasts, inflicting significant damage.

The invaders, leaving behind several corpses, retreated in panic.

This was the Downspirit Clan’s first victory against the Fierce Tribe, achieved at minimal cost.

The significance of this victory was profound.

It validated the effectiveness of the new weaponry and defense systems, and more importantly, it instilled in every Downspirit the firm belief that they now possessed the power to protect their home and even challenge their arch-enemies.

After the battle, Tu Hu stood on the wall, gazing into the distance in the direction of the retreating Fierce Tribe, a deep look in his eyes.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The Fierce Tribe would never let the matter rest; greater tests lay ahead.

He turned to look at the busy Ah Lann, Ah Fen, and Ah Lü, feeling it was time to take the initiative.

As he pondered plans for the next operation, a familiar burning ache silently spread from deep within his organs.