Chapter 050: A Luxurious Formation

Rou Rou and Hui Shan had made it a habit to frolic outside every morning as soon as the pen was opened. On one such morning, Rou Rou, intrigued by the warmth of the brick kiln that had melted the surrounding snow, found a new favorite spot. If not for the need to return to the pen for food, Rou Rou would have happily stayed by the kiln all day.

That morning, however, Rou Rou was not so fortunate. Rat the Great and his group, who had set out on a diplomatic mission, arrived at the riverbank after a long trek, hoping to discover the source of the mysterious regular smoke. They found no people, only a round mound emitting thick smoke, with Rou Rou warming itself beside it.

Unaware of the kiln's purpose, and seeing only the giant creature resting by it, the hunters saw an opportunity for a substantial catch, ignoring their diplomatic intentions. They crossed the river where the ice was thickest and stealthily launched an attack on Rou Rou.

Rou Rou's keen senses picked up the strangers crossing the river. Unfamiliar with these intruders and feeling threatened, Rou Rou let out a loud trumpet. This sound didn't deter the attackers but instead led them to hurl a volley of spears, forcing Rou Rou to flee toward the safety of the cave.

Rat the Great and his men pursued relentlessly, but as they prepared to throw another round of spears, Luo Chong emerged from the cave with the entire tribe in tow. The sight that greeted Rat the Great and his group was staggering: dozens of tribe members, both young and old, armed and ready for battle, rushed out, enveloping the intruders with fierce shouts and the gleam of weapons.

Leading the charge, Luo Chong, adorned with a golden crown and scepter, presented a formidable figure. Behind him, the array of polished bronze shovels caught the sunlight, dazzling the onlookers. These tools, though primarily for digging, were effective weapons in close combat. The group's appearance alone was enough to halt Rat the Great and his followers in their tracks.

Despite the tension, Luo Chong approached diplomatically, questioning, "This elephant belongs to us. Who are you?"

Rat the Great, stunned and bewildered, could barely manage a response. He had not expected such a powerful and well-organized group guarding what he thought was merely a source of heat or food.

Realizing the gravity of their mistake and the potential danger of the situation, Rat the Great quickly signaled his men to lower their weapons. Communicating through gestures and the few words they could guess, he explained that they were from a tribe across the river, drawn by the curiosity of the smoke and unaware of the elephant's association with the tribe.

Luo Chong, assessing the situation, sensed an opportunity not just to resolve this misunderstanding peacefully but also to establish a potentially beneficial relationship. He proposed a trade, offering to exchange knowledge and goods in place of hostility.

As Rat the Great and his men relaxed slightly, recognizing the chance for a peaceful resolution, Luo Chong instructed the elder to convey their willingness to engage in trade and dialogue. The incident, sparked by a misunderstanding, thus opened the door to a new alliance between the two tribes, highlighting the unexpected ways in which conflicts can lead to cooperation and understanding among neighbors.