Chapter 523, Freezing Over

Translator: Silavin

 

Heavy snow was falling, connecting Heaven and Earth together in a vast expanse of white where one could not distinguish between sky and ground.

 

Crystalline white snowflakes drifted down from the densely clouded sky, slowly settling on the ground and merging with the other snowflakes already there.

 

It had only been snowing for a few days, yet the Flame Dragon Tribe had already accumulated considerable snowfall. Looking around, there was hardly anyone walking about within the Tribe.

 

Su Bai was warming himself by the blazing charcoal on the second floor, his refined features looking particularly handsome in the orange-red glow of the flames.

 

He held a cup of hot tea, took a sip, and asked, “How have our people been recently? What has their reaction been like?”

 

It had been several days since the snow season had arrived, so he wanted to inquire about everyone’s response. After all, this was his first snow season since taking charge of the Tribe, so he needed to assess the situation. If there were any problems, he could make timely improvements to avoid the same issues during the next snow season.

 

“Their reactions have all been quite good. The food distributed is enough, and I haven’t heard them complaining about the cold or anything like that.” Sha Lan reported. She had not become idle because of the snow season. She remained busy within the Tribe every day, wanting to know how the people were faring.

 

“That’s good. The most important thing is ensuring adequate food distribution so that no one goes hungry, and maintaining proper warmth.” Su Bai said with satisfaction.

 

He was certainly not worried about food supplies, as he had prepared plenty before the snow season arrived.

 

What concerned him more was the matter of staying warm, as he had often heard them mention in the past that the snow season was very cold and many would freeze to death.

 

Therefore, for his first snow season after taking charge of the Tribe, the most crucial priority was addressing everyone’s need for warmth.

 

It was precisely for this reason, before the snow season arrived, he had already instructed people to intensify hunting and collecting Animal Hides, as the tanning of Animal Hides also required time.

 

“I’ll arrange for people to make further inquiries in a few days. The snow season has only just begun, so many issues aren’t yet apparent.” Sha Lan said earnestly.

 

“Right, arrange for people to begin clearing the accumulated snow in the next couple of days. The snow accumulation has already begun piling up.” Su Bai instructed.

 

He did not want to see the Tribe become deserted during the snow season. Instead, he wanted people to remain active regardless of the weather, rather than everyone hiding at home with nothing to do.

 

However, the reason the Tribe’s people were reluctant to venture outside was not only related to insufficient food and warmth, but primarily due to the accumulated snow outside. The snow was simply too thick, making it impossible to walk through.

 

Naturally, aside from these factors, there was also the matter of lacking warm footwear. Walking barefoot outside would freeze one to death.

 

“Yes, once today’s tools are all prepared, we can arrange for people to clear the snow,” Sha Lan immediately replied.

 

Before the snow season arrived, she had already instructed the carpenters to begin crafting tools for clearing the accumulated snow.

 

For instance, they bound together many large tree branches to form a very large and sturdy broom, making it easy to clear the snow from the ground.

 

Additionally, there was something resembling a hoe, except this implement was made entirely of wood and had a much wider and longer surface area, enabling it to scrape snow from rooftops.

 

“Give those snow-clearing workers additional portions for their food and distribute more Animal Hides to them,” Su Bai instructed. After all, they would be labouring outdoors and clearing snow, so they required special consideration. They needed to be distinguished from those not participating in the work.

 

“I understand. I’ve already arranged the personnel selection. They’re all former Black Snake Tribe members. So far, they’re extremely diligent and willing to undertake various tasks, even proactively volunteering.” Sha Lan said with a smile. She had been quite surprised at the time, not expecting the first to volunteer would be Black Snake Tribe members, with more of them following suit.

 

“Oh? They’ve become so hard working. Weren’t they rather lazy before?” Su Bai was somewhat surprised.

 

Previously, the Black Snake Tribe people had not been particularly fond of work, as they had previously sustained themselves by raiding other Tribes for food.

 

Now, suddenly having to labour in exchange for food, they were naturally unwilling.

 

Initially, they did not want to work, or they would slack off daily, not wanting to do anything. However, this meant they would receive no food.

 

Over time, they also began working earnestly, though not as diligently as they do now.

 

“Indeed, perhaps seeing that our Tribe’s people receive an abundance of food each day, and that they can obtain it simply by working, they’ve gradually learned to put in more effort.” Sha Lan said, covering her mouth as she laughed.

 

“Well, they’re considered members of our Tribe as well. After the snow season passes, arrange better accommodation for those who work hard.” Su Bai said. He harboured no particular aversion to those people. As long as they were willing to work for him, they were all good people and could all receive food.

 

“Understood. After the snow season, we can continue constructing houses, allowing us to have more cement houses.” Sha Lan said with a smile. She loves the cement houses. Both their environment and appearance were incomparably superior to wooden houses and Teepees.

 

“Right, has the Tribe recently increased the Warriors assigned to patrol? Have the snow boots distributed to them all been provided?” Su Bai continued asking.

 

Since the Warriors all had to patrol in the snow, snow boots were absolutely essential. Otherwise, their feet could easily suffer frostbite.

 

“All of this has been arranged. I’ve already discussed it with the Chieftain, and he’s had my Mother arrange everything,” Sha Lan said earnestly.

 

“Good. Intensify patrols without relaxing vigilance. No one knows what dangers the snow season might bring,” Su Bai instructed seriously.

 

“Yes, the Warriors rotate through several shifts daily, so patrol density need not be a concern,” Sha Lan said responsibly.

 

Since becoming a Shaman Priestess, Sha Lan’s sense of responsibility had strengthened considerably. She approached everything with great seriousness and attention to detail.

 

Particularly regarding tasks assigned by the Shaman, she treated them as matters of utmost importance. She would set aside everything else to first arrange the Shaman’s instructions, even for minor matters.

 

“In cold weather, having them rotate in short shifts is beneficial, allowing them proper rest as well,” Su Bai nodded approvingly.

 

“Indeed, this prevents illness and avoids wasting those Shaman Bone Tablets.” Sha Lan said gently.

 

“By the way, has the river frozen over? The snow season has been here for several days now,” Su Bai inquired.

 

“It has already frozen over, though we have not tested how hard the surface is just yet,” Sha Lan immediately replied.

 

“Let’s go in a couple of days. I’ll take you all to enjoy something interesting.” Su Bai smiled mysteriously.