With that, he glanced at the Snow Tiger Witch, a little sheepish. "Um... never mind the rest of my people, but could you possibly spare a cave for our witch?"

He’s the witch of a tribe, after all. It really wouldn’t look right for him to live out in the open.

The Snow Tiger Witch’s eye twitched. "Spare a cave? What’s there to spare? When that old coot gets here, he can just stay with me. This cave is huge. You think it can’t fit one more person?"

The Black Wolf Tribe Leader immediately beamed. ’As long as the witch’s accommodations are sorted out, the rest of the tribe can just squeeze in. Given what they’ve been through, just being alive is a tremendous blessing.’

After a long-overdue meal of roasted meat, the Black Wolf Tribe Leader and the Beastman Warriors from the Flying Eagle Tribe departed.

The Snow Tiger Tribe’s cave became lively once more. Because of the slaves’ outstanding performance during the long rainy season, the Half-beastman Warriors had done something quite rare—they had carved out a new cave from the rock wall, one large enough to house all the slaves.

A cave that large might not hold heat very well, but for the slaves, it was a sign of acceptance. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

While the slaves were thrilled, the tribe’s own members were a little puzzled. In the past, whenever danger appeared, the slaves would always be the first to run or shrink back.

But these slaves were different. Faced with danger, they had actually picked up weapons and rushed forward to help.

Previously, they wouldn’t do any of the tribe’s chores without being told, instead just huddling and shivering in their straw huts.

But now, they actually went looking for work themselves.

This one long rainy season alone had completely changed the tribe’s opinion of the slaves.

Looking at the new cave before him and the food the slaves still held—food that hadn’t been sent away—Chang Ye’s heart felt a bittersweet warmth.

Just a moment ago, they had offered some food to the Half-beastman Warriors to thank them for digging the cave, but the warriors had refused it. They simply smiled and left.

"Leader, we have our own cave!"

"We have a cave to live in now..."

"SOB... SOB..."

Many of the female slaves couldn’t help but cry. It had been a long, long time since they had felt so valued.

"The Snow Tiger Tribe is so good to us. We have to do more to repay their kindness."

Chang Ye turned to the other slaves. "We may be slaves, but Lady Wu Yue was right. As long as we keep striving to live, there will always be hope."

"Everything Yue says is right."

The voice of Qingcao, Wu Yue’s biggest fan, echoed from the cave entrance. A few other women followed behind her, each carrying bundles of hay. "This is for you to spread on the ground. The cave floor is still a bit damp."

After setting down the hay, she and the other women left, leaving the slaves staring after them in astonishment.

Chang Ye wiped his face, staring at the hay and the new cave. It all felt surreal.

But as the slaves’ leader, he forced himself to remain composed. "Everyone, go gather some firewood. We’ll dry out the cave with a fire before we lay down the hay."

While the slaves were busy setting up their new home, the members of the Black Wolf Tribe, aided by the Beastman Warriors from the Flying Eagle Tribe, began their great migration.

There was still a long time to go before the end of the long rainy season. If they remained in their own territory, they would undoubtedly be courting death.

When the first wave of refugees from the Black Wolf Tribe arrived at the Snow Tiger Tribe’s territory, clutching their few belongings, they expected to enter a packed and crowded cave.

But to their surprise, the vast, open floor of the main cave was completely empty. They couldn’t help but stare, stunned.

Seeing their confused expressions, the tribesman who led them in explained, "All our people have moved into the side caves. This open area is for you."

He then led them to the far end of the cavern. "You can pick any spot you like. I’ll call you when the food is ready." With that, he left.

The Black Wolf Tribe Leader, who had arrived with his people, emerged from the Snow Tiger Witch’s cave. Seeing his tribesmen standing there, dazed and unmoving, he couldn’t help but sigh to himself.

’It felt like this year had been one disaster after another for the Black Wolf Tribe.’

The Snow Tiger Tribe had tidied the open area, leaving it very clean, so there was nothing to clear away. The people of the Black Wolf Tribe only needed to set down their belongings to settle in.

But arriving in a strange tribe still left them feeling uneasy and apprehensive, especially since this first group consisted entirely of Pure Humans.