Chapter 070: Exterminating the Wolf Pack

After dinner, as night fell and the cave became crowded with the increasing number of residents, Luo Chong had previously instructed some men to build a wind-sheltered brick shelter within the walls for the twelve who were tasked with night shifts. Shu Da and his companions were also accommodated here, but instead of sleeping, Shu Da joined Luo Chong on guard atop the wall. Luo Chong watched the forest intently for any signs of nocturnal wolf activity, while Shu Da observed the interior of the enclosure.

He couldn't understand what had transpired in the Han tribe in just a few days to cause such dramatic changes, particularly struck by the sight of hundreds of freshly skinned wolf pelts. Knowing well the ferocity of the creatures those pelts came from, Shu Da was taken aback by the number and the tribe's prowess in having killed so many wolves. He inwardly acknowledged that his own tribe would stand no chance against such a formidable pack.

Reflecting on the day's trade, where the Han tribe seemingly gained new members effortlessly while he had endured days of hardship for lesser gains, Shu Da felt the stark disparity between their circumstances. With a heavy heart, he retired to rest.

During the late-night shift change, Big Tree and Beast Fang reported to Luo Chong about recent wolf sightings. Their numbers had decreased significantly, suggesting that the wolves might have fallen for the tribe's traps. Excited at the prospect of collecting more pelts and meat in the morning, they admired Luo Chong's strategic prowess in handling the wolf threat with minimal risk.

Early the next morning, after bidding farewell to Shu Da and his party, Luo Chong gathered thirty adults for an expedition into the western forest. Accompanied by the eager Meaty and Gray Mountain, who had been confined due to the wolf threat, the group advanced into the forest.

Upon reaching the forest's edge where they had previously laid thorny vines, Luo Chong noted that the vines had disappeared, likely consumed by the wolves, evidenced by disturbed snow and numerous tracks. He signaled for the group to proceed in silence, weapons at the ready, as they followed the trail deeper into the woods.

Hours into the trek, Luo Chong discovered the remnants of two wolves under a tree, their bodies torn apart by what seemed to be infighting or desperation, a gruesome testament to their plight. As they continued, the tracks led them towards the old territory of the Xie Ding tribe, suggesting the wolves might have taken refuge in a cave previously used by the tribe.

The group found several frozen wolf carcasses near the cave, their conditions indicating they had suffered internal bleeding, likely caused by the thorny vines. Inside the cave, they encountered a grim scene: numerous wolves lay dead or dying, unable to pose any threat due to severe internal injuries.

Luo Chong instructed the group to proceed with caution, organizing them into pairs to ensure safety as they dispatched the remaining wolves. This operation not only provided them with additional food and pelts but also removed the threat the wolf pack posed to their community.

Satisfied with the outcome, Luo Chong led a smaller group deeper into the cave, where they discovered an underground entrance.

"Is this where the salt stone is located?" Luo Chong queried, hinting at yet another valuable resource potentially hidden beneath the cave, a new chapter in the tribe's saga of survival and growth.