The Huang Guo Tribe leader's feelings of regret didn't last long. When he woke up, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the weather had warmed up.
He wrapped himself in fur and moved the stone slab aside, stepping out of the cave to check the situation.
The surrounding area was still covered in white snow but was noticeably warmer. At least he didn't have to wrap himself in the furs as tightly anymore.
The temperature increased significantly as the yellow sun rose higher in the east. The footprints they had left in the snow were already starting to melt.
The leader of the Huang Guo Tribe, with a beard that grew wildly like wild grass and a face covered in dirt, laughed joyfully and shouted with excitement.
Others who had come out of the cave also jumped for joy, feeling incredibly lucky. How could it be such a coincidence that the weather started warming up just when their food supplies were almost gone?
After enjoying the sight, the Huang Guo Tribe leader suddenly returned to the cave.
Then, he had people take a ceramic jar outside to collect melted snow, which was added to the large jar. Afterward, they started a fire to cook.
Once everything was ready, the leader proudly declared that everyone could eat their fill.
Upon hearing this, the people of the Huang Guo Tribe cheered loudly, gathering around the large jar, eagerly waiting for the food to cook.
Seeing their excitement, the leader couldn't help but laugh again. It wasn't that he was trying to make do with what little food was left—he was doing this so that the whole tribe would live better.
They would be able to get more food as soon as the weather warmed up and the snow melted.
This food wouldn't come from wild vegetables or fruit-bearing trees, which needed the snow to melt for some time before they could grow. Instead, it would come from the birds and animals that froze to death during the winter.
Once the snow melted, these creatures, covered by ice and snow, would emerge as a gift from nature to the people who had endured hunger for so long.
In the past, they would go out as soon as the snow started melting, always finding plenty of food.
However, while the temperature outside had risen, it was still quite cold. Without food in their stomachs, it would be hard to endure the cold winds.
Moreover, the tribe had not eaten enough in a long time. Without a hearty meal now, they would not have the strength to go out and search for the frozen, starved animals.
Acting quickly, with as many people as possible going out together, was necessary.
Because if they didn't, other hungry creatures in nature would take advantage of the easily accessible food.
When the food was ready, the leader of the Huang Guo Tribe added some salt, stirred it, and served himself a bowl first, then walked to one side to eat.
This time, there was enough food to feed everyone.
After wolfing down their meals, the tribe members grabbed their long-unused weapons and some animal pelts, followed their leader out of the cave, and headed toward the areas where the snow was continuing to melt.
Except for the very young children and a few people who were too weak, everyone else followed the leader outside.
They needed to gather enough food as quickly as possible, competing with the animals that had emerged from the warmth of the weather to see who could act faster.
Not long after leaving the cave, Huang Guo found a mountain pheasant and happily shouted out.
The others became even more energized, their eyes constantly scanning the snow for more food.
The leader of the Huang Guo Tribe looked at the pack of wolves wandering not far away and the two tigers farther off. He couldn't help but curse out loud. These damn creatures were competing with them for food!
However, at this moment, he had no intention of fighting with the wolves or the tigers.
After his curses, he led his people in another direction to search for food.
But it was clear that, because of the wolves and tigers, the food they would gather would be significantly reduced...
"What’s going on with this weather?"
Some people eagerly hoped for the weather to warm up, while others were deeply frustrated by the change in temperature.
For example, Shang and Mao, who were traveling with the trade caravan, didn’t want the weather to warm up at this time.
After the snow melted, not only would the roads become difficult to travel, but their plans to offer aid to tribes in need, who were suffering from cold and hunger, would also fall through.
They trudged through the mud for a while, picking up two dead sparrows, then Shang and Mao discussed it and decided to turn the caravan back.
First, they didn’t have much food left. Second, it was clear that the tribes were no longer lacking food. Third, the roads were difficult to navigate. Fourth, going back now would allow them to contribute to their tribe’s spring farming efforts.
"From here, we’ll head to Huang Guo Tribe, then pass by Dog Egg Mountain..."
After deciding to turn back, Mao began to outline the route.
At this point, Mao was essentially a living map of the area. Once he’d traveled a route, he never forgot it and could always find the quickest way.
When it came to directions, Shang never argued with Mao. He always trusted him completely.
Once the decision was made, the caravan, guided by Shang and Mao, turned back and would no longer visit the next tribe.
As dusk fell, inside the cave of the Huang Guo Tribe, flickering orange firelight illuminated dirty but smiling faces.
The scent of cooked meat wafted through the cave, filling the entire space and intoxicating the people of the Huang Guo Tribe.
Listening to the sounds of laughter, the leader of the Huang Guo Tribe, feeling satisfied, tore off a piece of meat and chewed it vigorously.
His face was also full of smiles, and he felt a bit relieved. He was thankful that the people of that other tribe hadn’t been there yesterday. If they had followed them, it would have been a great loss.
After swallowing the meat, the leader of the Huang Guo Tribe shouted to the people.
His message was that tomorrow, he would lead everyone to find more food to bring back to the cave.
The tribe members, upon hearing his words, responded with a chaotic but cheerful chorus of replies.