Chief Buck's gaze darted between Wu Liang's calm face and the supplies in the box.
Although the Cat-ear Tribe warriors behind him didn't understand the common language,
the brightly colored cloth and the gleaming daggers were luxuries and sharp weapons they had never seen before.
"Our Cat-ear Tribe... now has nothing left."
Buck's voice carried a hint of helplessness.
"Our village was destroyed, and all our food and tools turned to ashes in the fire."
"I'm afraid we have nothing to exchange for these precious supplies of yours."
Wu Liang smiled faintly at his words.
He picked up a bolt of sky-blue linen from the box.
He walked over to a little Cat-ear Tribe girl who was peeking out from behind her mother, hiding out of fear.
The little girl looked no more than five or six years old, wearing only a tattered animal hide, and stared timidly at the tall human.
Wu Liang knelt down, a gentle smile on his face, and lightly draped the soft linen over the little girl's shoulders.
"This is my welcome gift for the little one."
His movements were gentle, and his tone was soft.
The little girl touched the smooth fabric on her body in surprise, her amber eyes sparkling with joy, and her timidity seemed to dissipate quite a bit.
"Chief Buck."
Wu Liang stood up and looked at the Cat-ear Tribe leader.
"As I just said, we are here to offer help."
"These... are really for us?"
Chief Buck's voice was a little dry.
He had lived for so long and this was the first time he had met such a generous stranger.
"Of course."
Wu Liang said indifferently.
"This is just a welcome gift."
"As long as we can become friends, there will be more in the future."
He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming more direct:
"Chief Buck, I brought my troops south this time to find a special tree whose sap is of great use to our Tribe."
"As far as I know, this tree only grows deep within your rainforest."
"I need your help, as guides, to lead us to it."
"In return, we can provide you with enough food to get through this difficult time."
"We can also provide weapons to help you rebuild your homes, and even teach you how to build stronger houses and how to defend against wild beasts and enemy incursions."
Wu Liang's words made Chief Buck hesitate.
Food! Weapons!
These were exactly what they needed.
Their homes were destroyed, their tribesmen were starving, and they faced the threat of wild beasts at any moment.
And now, a powerful human leader had laid all this before them.
Chief Buck's heart was filled with struggle.
The relationship between orcs and humans had never been good.
Although there was no deep hatred, mutual suspicion and wariness were deeply rooted.
He didn't know what price they would pay for accepting Wu Liang's help.
"Leader, we cannot trust humans!"
A young and impetuous Cat-ear Tribe warrior couldn't help but speak up, staring vigilantly at Wu Liang, "They are all cunning liars!"
"Silence, Abu!"
Chief Buck scolded.
He turned his head and gave Wu Liang a deep look.
"Respected powerful one, your generosity flatters us."
"But forgive my bluntness, our Cat-ear Tribe has lived here for generations, accustomed to self-sufficiency."
"We... I'm afraid we cannot afford the reward you speak of."
Chief Buck spoke tactfully, but his meaning was clear.
He was worried that this would be an unequal transaction, ultimately turning the Cat-ear Tribe into vassals, or even slaves, of this human Tribe.
Wu Liang smiled.
He had long anticipated Buck's concerns.
For these weak Tribes, vigilance was a survival instinct ingrained in their bones.
"Chief Buck, you're overthinking it."
Wu Liang's tone was calm.
"I said, we are trading, it's an equal partnership."
"I need rubber, and you need supplies to survive; we each get what we need."
He took two steps forward, his gaze sweeping over the hostile Cat-ear Tribe people around him.
"And do you think, with the strength of my army, if I really wanted to do something to you, could you resist?"
As soon as these words came out, all the Cat-ear Tribe people's expressions changed.
Buck sighed.
"I understand, respected powerful one."
Chief Buck's voice held a hint of bitterness.
"We are willing to guide you to find the tree you need."
"That's good, Chief Buck, we will appreciate your decision."
Wu Liang nodded in satisfaction.
He liked dealing with smart people.
"Akomann, Ignis."
Wu Liang turned and called out.
"Here!"
The two women immediately stepped forward.
"From the logistics team, allocate five hundred portions of dried meat and wheat cakes to the Cat-ear Tribe."
"Additionally, allocate one hundred warriors to help them clear the ruins and rebuild their homes."
Wu Liang commanded.
"Yes, Leader!"
Akomann responded crisply.
Ignis, however, pouted and muttered, "They're getting off easy."
But she also knew that Wu Liang's decision was not to be challenged, so she turned to make the arrangements.
Soon, bags of fragrant dried meat and wheat cakes were brought before the Cat-ear Tribe people.
The Cat-ear Tribe children, who had been hungry for several days, couldn't resist the aroma any longer, and their mouths began to water.
Chief Buck looked at the food, then at the Black Rock Tribe warriors who had begun to help them clear the collapsed treehouses, and the last trace of doubt in his eyes vanished.
"Everyone lay down your weapons!"
Chief Buck loudly ordered his tribesmen.
"From today onwards, the Black Rock Tribe is our Cat-ear Tribe's most honored guests and allies!"
With Chief Buck's command, the surrounding Cat-ear Tribe people put down their bows, arrows, and spears.
"Welcome."
Buck extended his hand and shook Wu Liang's.
Mia watched all this, her amber eyes shining.
She ran to Wu Liang's side, looked up at him with her small face, full of admiration.
"Lord Wu Liang, you are amazing!"
Wu Liang rubbed her cat ears; they felt soft and smooth, putting him in a good mood.
"This is just the beginning."
As night fell, several bonfires rose in the rainforest.
The Black Rock Tribe's camp and the Cat-ear Tribe's temporary settlement were not far apart, allowing them to look out for each other.
Inside Wu Liang's tent, he was studying a map with Akomann, Ignis, and Sa Lan.
"Leader, according to Chief Buck, the tree that secretes white sap is in the southeast, about a three-day journey."
Sa Lan pointed to an area on the map.
"That's deeper into the rainforest, the terrain is complex, and there are many powerful magical beasts roaming there."
"Magical beasts?"
Wu Liang became interested.
"How strong?"
"There's one called the Iron-Armored Horned Rhinoceros; its skin is thick and tough, ordinary swords and blades can't cut through it at all."
Sa Lan's expression also became serious.
"Hmph, thick skin and tough flesh?"
Ignis sneered, touching the long knife at her waist.
"I'd like to see if its skin is thicker, or if my blade is sharper."
Akomann looked at Wu Liang.
"Liang, since the journey is dangerous, should we make more preparations?"
Wu Liang nodded.
"Of course, let's start preparing immediately."