Chapter 454 (2/2)

There was a smaller ceramic cup with a small bottom. It was used for measurement. During trades between tribes, they would use this cup as a unit of measurement. However, if the tribes were too far away, they’d make more of these cups with salt placed in them. Then they’d trade with the salt still in these cups. On some level, this was basically a type of currency. That was why the tribe was strict in maintaining their hold on the salt mines. Years ago, they had forced themselves in on getting a share of the salt through battle too.

When Susha left, Wacha asked, “Chief, what would you like to know?”

“Shao Xuan wanted to ask about the salt mines.” Zheng Luo brought two stools and sat with Shao Xuan.

“At the salt mines, in the beginning, the Fox and Shen Forest people showed restraint in their attacks right?” asked Saho Xuan.

“Yes, that’s right.” Although he almost died, he still knew that the other party had shown restraint. If they really wanted to kill everyone, there wouldn’t be so many of them returning alive.

“A few days before the incident, were there any odd movements on the Fox and Shen’s side?”

Wacha shook his head in pity. “I did not notice.”

It was not because Wacha wasn’t observant, they were just too careful. The guards at the salt mines consisted of five tribes, neither tribe trusted each other easily. Since Flaming Horn and Taihe had trade relationships, they sometimes communicated a little. As for the rest, they did not talk much. Plus, every tribe’s guards were stationed in different parts of the mines. Under normal circumstances, they would not set foot into other tribes’ territories.

Zheng Luo had also asked them for any useful information. “That is why it must be something very important inside. The person who discovered it was afraid more people would find it, that’s why he hid the secret.”

Shao Xuan listened to Wacha’s detailed recount of the incident, then excused himself.

“Chief, Elder, we must get the salt mines back as soon as possible! We cannot delay this until winter!” He was familiar with the Fox tribe and deeply understood how cunning these people could be. The longer they waited, the worse the situation would become. Then they might lose the salt mines forever.

“Don’t worry. Just rest. I’ll bring my men and Taihe’s men out to meet the Mountain Wind people. We’ll discuss. If we decided to declare war, we’ll still attack even if it is snowing,” said Zheng Luo.

As they left Wacha’s house, Zheng Luo asked Shao Xuan, “What do you think?”

“The same as my previous guess. The Fox and Shen people’s actions at the beginning and recent behaviour were incongruent. The second time, they did not show mercy and even recruited many tribes for reinforcements. It is obvious they planned well. The mines must be heavily guarded now,” said Shao Xuan.

“That was why the Mountain Wind people suffered badly. They were very confused in the beginning and when they returned to the mines to investigate, they realised Fox and Shen had a complete change in attitude. Of fifty people, only ten returned. Mountain Wind is furious this time. In the past, they rarely left their village during winter but just because of this incident, I believe they’ll declare war even if it means fighting in a snowstorm.” Zheng Luo sighed but his eyes were determined. “No matter what, we must take the salt mines back! Shao Xuan, rest up. Come with me tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

When he returned, Shao Xuan slept well. He finally completely relaxed here in his home and all fatigue was slept off.

The next day, he wrapped the sword Gongjia Heng fixed in leather, then brought with him some necessities.

Zheng Luo was already waiting. Other than Shao Xuan, there were Duo Kang and forty other warriors. Guang Yi remained behind to guard the village, reinforcing defences with the patrol team to prevent ambush attacks.

After leaving the village, they waited a while. Fifty people from Taihe finally arrived, led by the chief. This time, the meeting of three tribes would be attended by all three chiefs.

“How are the Mountain Wind people like?” Shao Xuan was not familiar with this tribe. Other than this incident, Flaming Horn did not meet them much and he rarely heard of them.