In the Ice Abyss World, the weaker the human camp, the more they yearn to merge with a stronger camp, this is beyond doubt.
After all, the stronger the camp, the higher the survival rate, the better the environment, and the more abundant the resources. Anyone with a normal mind would understand this.
Of course, it cannot be ruled out that a few camps with high-level figures unwilling to give up their superior positions might develop resistance and obstruct the merger in every possible way.
However, the father and daughter Xiao Kangcheng and Xiao Ning before him, despite the short contact, Xia Chuan could basically be sure that they were not such people.
If so, then is there another reason?
Remembering that he was not familiar with the situation of the camps around Five Ape Mountain, Xia Chuan fell silent for a moment, then asked: "It seems like everyone has concerns, can you tell me the reasons? I am not so talented, but I have some say in my own camp. As long as your requests are not excessive, I can promise on behalf of my leader, how about it?"
There was no response to Xia Chuan’s inquiry. Instead, after he finished speaking, Xiao Kangcheng and others became more vigilant.
The scene remained silent for more than ten breaths, then Xiao Kangcheng suddenly gave one of the hunting team a signal, and that person left immediately.
Xia Chuan’s face slightly darkened, some caution rose in his eyes, but he was not too worried. He had just saved Xiao Ning, and with Xiao Kangcheng’s nature, it shouldn’t come to violence against him.
Sure enough, the person who left soon returned.
Except on his back, he carried a Snow Mane and a Frost Wolf, walked over, and placed the two prey in front of Xia Chuan.
This was intended as a farewell!
Seeing the two prey, Xia Chuan immediately understood their intentions.
"Lord Xia Chuan saved my daughter today, I am endlessly grateful. In our Xiao He Camp, except for people, anything you fancy, I will offer with both hands. As for other matters, please do not mention them again."
Xiao Kangcheng’s tone suddenly became so stiff, catching Xia Chuan somewhat off guard.
He did not expect the other party to refuse him directly without even explaining the reasons, rendering all his prepared arguments useless.
Although still wanting to try again, seeing the clear rejection and resistance on Xiao Kangcheng’s face, realizing too much was as bad as too little, Xia Chuan held back.
He only lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then looked up with a hint of a smile:
"Leader Xiao, rest assured, I saved Miss Xiao today purely by coincidence, not for other intentions..."
After saying this, Xia Chuan paused, making eye contact with Xiao Ning. The sincerity in his eyes made Xiao Ning’s stiff expression slightly evasive.
"Since you are not welcoming, Xia Chuan will take his leave!"
With that said, Xia Chuan did not linger, stood up, bowed toward Xiao Kangcheng, and walked out.
"Sir, these two prey on the ground..."
Xiao Kangcheng reminded him to take the prey, but Xia Chuan did not look back, and walked out along the path he had come.
As he was about to leave, Xia Chuan remembered something, paused his steps, took off the iron token from his waist, and tossed it towards Xiao Kangcheng.
"Recently, there might be a lot of people from Great Xia active on the north shore. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, I give this token to Leader Xiao. If any trouble arises, you might try it, it might be useful."
Xiao Kangcheng took the token, his expression softened a bit, but remained vigilant until he confirmed Xia Chuan had left the cave, then he sat back on the chair, his face’s wariness gradually turning into regret and self-blame.
"Indeed, strangers should not be brought back to the camp. I was foolish, not only exposing our location but even letting the strength of our camp be thoroughly assessed. If this person harbors any ill intentions, our situation could become dire..."
Upon hearing Xiao Kangcheng’s words, Xiao Ning and her siblings, along with the hunting team members, became serious.
"Leader, you cannot be blamed. Xia Chuan acted so kind and his appearance was deceiving, revealing his true intentions only after entering the base, none of us expected this."
"If he dares have any ill intentions, no matter how powerful he is, he is alone, and the fact we didn’t act against him today is already showing leniency."
"He knows our location now, what if he goes back and tells the people from their Great Xia Camp to come over, what then?"
"Even if they come, we need not fear. Do you really believe what he just said? If Great Xia’s power was truly as he claimed, why would they come for us? I think he was making it up to deceive us."
"For sure, just like the Three Tigers Camp, first with sweet talk, tricking us into taking the bait, then when we actually went there, apart from the Earth-digging Realm, ordinary people and those of the Logging Realm would be used either as slave labor or as bait for Cold Beasts."
"Such a good Five Ape Mountain has already been ruined into this mess by those three evil tigers, and now, a Great Xia has come."
"The cold wave is coming again, truly a turbulent time!"
"Enough! No more idle talk. Inform everyone in the camp not to venture too far at night for a while, and when going out to chop wood, stay nearby. Go spread the word!"
Hearing the discussions, Xiao Kangcheng spoke up, interrupting them.
Everyone immediately dispersed to notify others, except Xiao Ning who did not move.
Seeing his eldest daughter holding the token left by Xia Chuan, looking somewhat dazed, Xiao Kangcheng looked at her, his expression gradually becoming odd.