Chapter 1153, Taking Personal Charge

Translator: Silavin

 

“Shaman, perhaps we could capture some larger Ferocious Beasts to bring back. That way we could transport far more in a single trip.” It was the only solution Sha Lan could think of.

 

“Do you know of any large ones worth recommending? Going out to hunt a few down wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.” Su Bai’s fingers were itching.

 

He had no desire to send the Tribe’s people out hunting any longer. Apart from the considerable danger involved, the Ferocious Beasts they brought back were never particularly large.

 

As things stood, they already had the Six Eyed Red Birds. Their size was decent enough, and their speed was exceptional. Bringing back something of a similar type would be pointless. Anything slower than a Six Eyed Red Bird simply was not worth the effort.

 

“From the look on Shaman’s face, does that mean you intend to go personally?” Sha Lan wondered if she had misread his expression just now.

 

“Of course. Is there something wrong with that? Wouldn’t I be far more efficient about it?” Su Bai nodded as though the answer were self-evident.

 

Mostly it was because he had been cooped up in the Tribe for far too long. He genuinely wanted to get out and wander a little.

 

“Even so, it is far too dangerous. And the Tribe needs you here.” Sha Lan wasn’t sure whether to feel excited or worried.

 

Excited, naturally, because going on an adventure outside the Tribe alongside the Shaman was the happiest thing she could imagine. They had left on many missions before, but going out with the Shaman was always something different altogether.

 

“It’s a small matter. Haven’t the people from the other Tribes been drifting back home one after another? The snow season is nearly upon us as well, so no one will be coming to the Tribe. You could say it’s perfectly safe even without me.” Su Bai gave her a light pat on the shoulder.

 

He understood her concern well enough. It came down to the simple fact that a Tribe’s Shaman was not supposed to leave at will, in case something happened to them or while they were gone, something happened to the Tribe.

 

It was not as though such things had never occurred before. There had been cases where a Shaman’s absence had led to an entire Tribe being wiped out.

 

For other Tribes, the Shaman was everything. Whether as a spiritual anchor or in the practical matters of daily life, their importance could not be overstated.

 

Without their courage to face the Ferocious Beasts, it was the Shaman who rallied everyone, who kept their spirits from breaking.

 

“Understood. But this must be reported to the Chieftain before anything else.” Sha Lan had little choice but to relent.

 

“Of course. I’ve already sent someone to fetch him. Once I’ve sorted out the arrangements, we’ll be off.” Su Bai said it with barely concealed eagerness.

 

He had sent a maid to find Yan Jiao while he was still talking with Sha Lan.

 

*Step step step…*

 

Speak of the devil. Yan Jiao came charging in from outside in a breathless rush, his entire forehead slick with sweat. He didn’t bother wiping it. He swallowed and asked, “Shaman, you called for me so urgently. What has happened?”

 

“Nothing too serious. I’m going to be leaving the Tribe for a short while, so the Tribe will be in your hands for the next couple of days.” Su Bai said it plainly.

 

“Shaman, you are going out!?” Yan Jiao’s voice jumped a full register.

 

“Yes. It’s primarily for the sake of the Tribe’s transport situation. I have to go personally. No one else can do what needs to be done.” Su Bai’s expression was entirely serious.

 

He rarely wore that look. But whenever he did, no one around him said another word.

 

This time was no different. Yan Jiao froze for a moment, then seemed to turn something over in his mind.

 

“Since Shaman has decided, I will do everything in my power to manage the Tribe well. You need not worry.” Yan Jiao straightened up immediately.

 

“Oh…” Sha Lan found herself at a loss. She had half-hoped Yan Jiao might talk him out of it. She let it go quickly enough. In the end, this was truly something only the Tribe’s Shaman could accomplish.

 

If they genuinely needed to secure larger Ferocious Beasts, the Tribe’s Totem Warriors would struggle. They might not be strong enough to handle it.

 

“One more thing. Don’t tell anyone I’ve left the Tribe. This time I’ll only be taking Ah’Lan and Ah’Hua with me, so cover for me while I’m gone.” Su Bai added.

 

He had no intention of riding out with a large escort of Totem Warriors. That would be far too conspicuous.

 

The Flame Dragon Tribe had something of a reputation these days. The surrounding Tribes all knew of it. There was no telling who might be watching from somewhere nearby. If a large group departed at once, it would certainly draw attention.

 

“Everything shall be as Shaman instructs.” Yan Jiao nodded at once, then turned to Sha Lan with a firm look. “I trust you well enough. Keep an eye on Ah’Hua for me. I expect her to do her best to protect the Shaman, but just don’t let her cause any trouble.”

 

The Chieftain knew his Daughter well. Hence the instruction.

 

“Chieftain need not worry. Ah’Hua has become remarkably sensible lately. She absolutely will not cause the Shaman any trouble.” Sha Lan said it with complete sincerity.

 

“Rest easy, Chieftain. Ah’Hua knows her limits. She understands what she ought to do when she’s with me.” Su Bai smiled quietly.

 

Yan Jiao must see his daughter as something of a troublesome child. It made a person want to keep giving warnings.

 

“I heard everything from down below when I was coming up, you know. Father, do you really have so little faith in me?” Yan Hua stepped in through the door with that soft, almost childlike lilt to her voice. “I’m not who I used to be. I’m a Mid-Stage Totem Warrior now.”

 

Yan Hua said it with a trace of pride. She had been up since early that morning running training drills.

 

In truth, the newly recruited soldiers were her primary responsibility to train.

 

Sha Lan had too many things on her hands and had gradually stepped back from instructing that unit.

 

“Of course I’m worried about you. Remember, when you’re out there, protecting the Shaman’s safety comes before everything.” Yan Jiao’s tone returned to seriousness.

 

“Out there? Since when were we going out?” Yan Hua lit up at once.

 

She bounced on her toes where she stood, then crossed quickly to Sha Lan’s side and stared at her with wide, eager eyes.

 

When Sha Lan gave her a single confirming nod, Yan Hua was entirely beside herself.

 

“I’m going out to find some larger Ferocious Beasts to serve as a new transport vehicle for our cargo. That’s why I’m bringing you along.” Su Bai offered the short version.

 

Seeing how delighted she was, he knew he had chosen well. Going out there would be dull enough on its own. Having someone cheerful nearby was no bad thing.

 

“Shaman, please rest absolutely assured. I will not cause you a single moment of trouble.” Yan Hua snapped upright on the spot.

 

“Right then. Any more dawdling and we won’t be going anywhere. Chieftain, I leave everything to you.” Su Bai turned to head out.

 

“Don’t worry, Father.” Yan Hua gave Yan Jiao a light pat on the arm and followed after him.

 

“I hope all goes well…” Yan Jiao offered the quiet prayer inwardly.