The scout team led by Meizhou and Xuebao had returned. But everyone had noticed the dark expression imprinted on the faces of the elders from the group. Obviously the result of their task is not good. Zhubao and Priest Anbao had gathered the elders as soon as they returned. Meizhou and Xuebao had to help their tribesmen regain one's composure after hearing that both territories of former Lune and Soleil Tribes were buried under the snow. Nothing was even left to salvage.
Tuzi, who is a modern man, understood the situation as he knew what the word avalanche means.
"If it is indeed an avalanche then we could no longer use that land to live. Baobao where would we live then?" asked Tuzi.
Apprentice Priest Xiong asked, "Leader, is there another land we could choose as our tribe's new campsite?"
Meizhou was the one who replied, "There is no need to look around. We chose this cave and the land around it as our new territory."
Most of their tribesmen were startled with what they've heard. After all the land they were in right now is still the territory of those savage beasts. They were worried about getting eaten by those savage beasts in their sleep.
Warrior Lang spoke, "B-But boss this place is... the territory of the savage beasts!"
"Do not worry. The king of this forest was killed by me a few weeks ago. Haven't you digested him as your meals for a few times? Now that the strongest of all savage beasts is dead the rest were weaklings that you warriors could hunt on your own." retorted Meizhou.
Xuebao added, "Moreover if we choose this place there will be no need to replant those fruits trees and bushes. Since it grows naturally in this place. We will also secure those lands as our new farm land. Don't worry. A'Mei would lead the warriors to clear the surroundings for a few days and then set up patrol and hunting teams to protect our territory. Moreover, I am here. There is no way this land would be destroyed as long as I and Meizhou exist."
Thinking about this plan, just the fact that Meizhou and Xuebao were from their clan made things easier to accept. There is also Tuzi and Sheya, who could help with farming and other necessities for the tribe and their Tribe leader, Xuebao, for more knowledge and new ideas. For the Tribe's protection and defense, they have Meizhou, the strongest in their tribe and Shizi, who is also a great warrior. After the tribesmen considered all this, they accepted the plan to choose this land as their new home.
Meanwhile the elders were having a different meeting.
The topic of their meeting is about the possible casualties caused by the snowstorm. After getting informed of more detailed information about what their former territories had ended with, the elders who were tasked to stay with the tribe just now had gloomy expressions on their faces. They had never expected to lose their home just because of that trial from their Beast God.
An elder asked, "Our former land was really buried under the snow?"
"Yes. Completely. Not even anything but snow could be seen." replied Zhubao.
Priest Anbao spoke, "What's worse is that the snow had even reached the foot of the mountain. Baobao had said that the tribes whose territories were located at the lowlands of the mountain must have suffered the most."
As their meeting continues the dark expression on these elders gets even gloomier.
"Then... the Mountain and River tribes are..."
"Unfortunately they must have suffered the most."
"I just couldn't believe this. Baobao already warned them before the storm arrived. I've also saved a space for them in the cave none of them came!" exclaimed Zhubao.
It seems that before the snowstorm had arrived both tribes had been asked to join them into hiding but the River and Mountain Tribes didn't accept that opportunity leading to their current situation right now.
"What should we do?"
"Shall we send a few warriors to check the foot of the mountain?"
Zhubao spoke, "I will lead some warriors and leave at dawn. We should be able to reach the foot of the mountain by the time the sun has completely risen."
"Sigh~ that's all we could do. But the south forest still had that savage beast king, unlike here in this north forest the beast king was already killed by Warrior Leader Meizhou. What would you do if you bump into it?"
"This..." Zhubao was helpless when he heard about this savage beast king.
It was at that time that someone butts in their conversation.
"If that is the case then let me lead the group instead of the old man." The voice said.
The elders were first startled by that person's presence but instantly calmed down when they saw who it was. It was Meizhou.
Zhubao complains, "Why are you here, brat? Why aren't you looking after your wife?!"
"Bao'er says to call you guys for lunch. The meal have been cook. Let's eat lunch." replied Meizhou.
"Oh~ it was that late already."
"I heard there's barbecue for lunch."
"Let's hurry or those youngsters would not even leave a piece for us old men."
The elders started leaving the area to eat, they had forgotten about the meeting for food. Only Zhubao and the two priests remain.
Priest Anbao spoke, "A'Zhou, you wish to lead the warriors down south. This is not only because you wanted to check on the lowlands tribe is it?"
"Yes. I want to kill the Savage Beast King of South forest." answered Meizhou.
Priest Linshe asked, "Savage Beast King? Why?"
"Not only the one in the south but as well in the east and west forests as well. This needs to be done as soon as possible. The beast tide for the second trial had unknown reasons where it started. But I think the possibility of it caused by Savage Beast Kings fighting is the highest. I want to cut off this possibility as soon as possible. But for now I would focus on the South Forest, first." explained Meizhou.
Priest Anbao murmured, "Beast Tide (Stampede) caused by Beast Kings fighting? This is plausible. I agree with your plan A'Zhou. But you cannot go alone in the south forest and at least bring one more warrior with you."
"If the plan is like this then I suggest that you bring Warrior Shizi with you. With Two Warrior Leaders you should be able to take down a Savage Beast King with less casualties." suggested Priest Linshe.
The advice of the two priests was welcomed by Meizhou as he nodded his head in agreement. Only Zhubao was a bit confused.
Zhubao asked while pointing at himself, "What about me then? Should I still lead a group to check on the Mountain and River Tribes?" he asked.
"Of course old man. We will escort you on the way down. Afterwards we will head to the territory of the Savage Beast King in South Forest." said Meizhou.
"Well that is also good. If it's like this then I want to bring a few tribe doctors and apprentices on this journey. Let Sheya join me for this." said Zhubao.
But this time Meizhou showed an opposition.
"No. Any doctor in the tribe beside Sheya is allowed to join you. Old Man, I will not allow Sheya to leave Bao'er's side at this time." said Meizhou with a frown on his face.
Hearing this the three elders thought that something bad had happened to Xuebao. After all, the expression Meizhou had shown made them uneasy. This is a warrior whose face remains cold aside from looking at his wife.
Zhubao asked, "Is there something wrong with Baobao?!"
"Is it a side effect for using his unique ability?" asked Priest Anbao worriedly.
Priest Linshe spoke, "The leader's unique ability is overwhelming. It wouldn't be surprising if he suffered any side effects."
Zhubao grabbed his collar and glared at him, "Brat! Don't leave this old man in suspense, is my Baobao okay!?"
Meizhou replied nonchalantly, "He is pregnant."
Zhubao, "Huh!?"
Priest Anbao and Priest Linshe, "...!?!?..."
"I told you. My wife is pregnant with my child. It's a month old already. I wanted Sheya to remain by his side while I went out for hunt. This is the reason I won't allow Sheya to leave my wife's side!" explained Meizhou.
He could see the three elders before him look stunned and dumbfounded.
"Baobao... is...pregnant? Eh?" said Zhubao while his mind is completely out of state.
Only the two priests happily congratulate Meizhou.
Priest Anbao, "Congratulations! Because of this we need to schedule your Mateship Ceremony ahead of time!!"
"Wow! A child... This is the most joyous event that happened this year!! We need to celebrate!!" exclaimed Priest Linshe.
The hand gripping on Meizhou's collar loosen as he could see that his father-in-law's face is covered in tears while left stunned. Seeing this, Meizhou couldn't help but pat his back in comfort.
Pat. pat. pat.
Meizhou asked tensely, "Old man, are you that happy?"
Hearing this question Zhubao's tears falls even harder. Meizhou could see this old warrior nodding his head in agreement. The tears now were obviously tears of joy. He is very delighted that he would be becoming a certified grandfather this year.
"3 years ago. I lost my wife from illness. Because of this I truly wanted to follow her steps. He had been with me for decades and we are a fated pair. It was very hard for me to continue living without him. But my Baobao at that time is still very young. Aside from Anbao we had no other relatives, his age is not that less than mine as well. I was afraid that if I was gone our Baobao would suffer out there alone. This is the reason why I wanted to arrange a marriage for Baobao. Meizhou listen. It is impossible for fated pairs to be separated for a long time. Sooner or later I would pass away as well. It may be after winter or next year. When that happens can you really promise not to harm my Baobao and keep loving him? Unless you swore to me properly. I would never allow my Baobao to undergo a Mateship Ceremony with you." said Zhubao.
Seeing the serious expression on the father of his wife in this world in such a state made him uncomfortable. He was imagining what would happen to him if he meets his wife's family in the future. He had a feeling that they wouldn't act like this but at the same time afraid that his situation might be worse than this one as well.
He got down on one knee with his fist on his chest and then he swore.
"I vowed with heaven as witness, to forever care and give my undying love to Xuebao, I offer him my heart and soul. Keeping him in my arms for protection using this vessel as shield. Everything of me shall be offered to keep Xuebao safe and eternally happy. I swore to the heavens I shall fulfill my duties as his fated mate. If I ever broke this vow let me suffer all the punishment that this world could give!"
After hearing this vow the three elders' expressions were solemn and relief, Zhubao even helped Meizhou stand up as he pats his shoulder with force. This shows how happy this old man is.
Zhubao said with a huge grin on his face, "Good. Good. You are indeed a good child. I will entrust my Baobao to you. This is a happy occasion. Let's celebrate!!"
He said as he joined the rest of the tribe for lunch. The simple meal had turned into a celebration banquet. After a few announcements were made. Now the tribe all knew that the Mateship Ceremony between Meizhou and Xuebao would be scheduled ahead of time which now will be done a week later. Then the second joyous news is about the future heir. The child of Meizhou and Xuebao. Because of this two news the tribe had celebrated until evening. It was such a happy occasion.