Chapter 694 - Draw a Picture (1/2)

Shao Xuan knew that the material they used to make the giant black shields was somewhat similar to rubber, but it wasn’t exactly the same. The Flaming Horns were quite familiar with rubber. They had been living in the forest for so many years. They knew from studying different plants that some types of tree sap could be used to make waterproof clothing and shoes so they  wouldn’t get wet in the rain, but the Flaming Horns had always felt that those were too troublesome and weren’t comfortable. It even hindered their movements, so they rarely used this material. After all, they didn’t have the proper skills to craft it back then and they had limited materials.

Shao Xuan had also thought about giving these materials a try, but he set those ideas aside after he noticed how the other Flaming Horns were not too interested and rarely used it during their hunts. However, when the Chang Le’s used this shield during their mission in the thousand-grain gold fields, the giant black shield caught Shao Xuan’s interest.

It was not ordinary rubber. Shao Xuan couldn’t figure out the processing it went through. This rubber was lighter than the type Shao Xuan usually used, but it could block most of the arrows. It even stood strong against the long spear that he threw. It didn’t penetrate completely. A part of the spear’s handle was still stuck on the shield.

Wu He and the other four prisoners remained unswerved and didn’t answer Shao Xuan’s question. Their eyes were affixed on the bowl of meat, but they did not say a single word.

Some of their faces reddened as they fought the temptation. They tried to hide their tempted expressions.

Shao Xuan looked at the five of them seriously, and then said, “It’s fine if you don’t want to talk about this. Let’s change the conditions.”

“…What is it!” Wu He glared at Shao Xuan. How could they answer such a difficult question? Even if Shao Xuan changed the conditions, Wu He bet the question wouldn’t be much easier. Still, he remained hopeful. As long as he didn’t need to reveal any of Chang Le’s secrets, he could tell him anything, even some of the slave masters’ secrets.

“You guys probably go to many places right?” Shao Xuan asked while he observed the five prisoners across the bars.

The Chang Le’s were always proud to speak when people asked them about the places they’ve been. Even the slave masters didn’t go to as many places as they did. Wu He’s group of five smiled as they heard the question.

“Then draw a picture,” Shao Xuan said.

“Huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“You mean you want us to draw out the places we know about?” Wu He’s fingers scratched at his ear. He emphasized every word to make sure he didn’t hear it wrong. “We’ve been to too many places. How can we draw it all out?!”

“You can’t even draw a map? Too bad then,” Shao Xuan turned around and prepared to leave with the bowl of meat in his hands.

“Wait!” Wu He reached out from behind the stone pillars. “What’s the rush? I never said I couldn’t draw! Why didn’t you say it was just a map earlier?”

Shao Xuan stood still and didn’t move at all.

“You can draw it?”

“Gosh, of course I can! Come back, come back, that……” Wu He pointed at the bowl in Shao Xuan’s hands. “Put that bowl down. We can discuss this nicely.”

They’d never reveal the secret behind the giant black shields even if they starved to death, but if he only wanted a map, they could still draw it for him. Besides all the hideout spots the Chang Le’s didn’t want anyone else to know about, they were very willing to draw anything else, even the slave masters’ cities.

“After we draw it, will you feed us such high-quality meat everyday? I want this kind that you’re holding right now. Please stop feeding us meat that tastes like burnt wood. Oh yeah, the grains too. We want the newly harvested grains, those golden ones…… Hey! Don’t leave! Wait! We can talk more about it!”

Wu He was anxious when he saw Shao Xuan walk out. The four others in the cave desperately wished to beat him up. They were all worried about the food. It was such a rare opportunity for them to improve their living conditions, but Wu He almost ruined all of it.

They were prisoners of war. Their demands were not as high as Wu He’s. They’d be satisfied even with the slightest improvements. At least cover the ground with a thin cushion or a layer of dried grass? The ground here was not flat at all. Their fractured bones had just reconnected, but a night’s sleep here almost broke them apart again.

“Alright, I’ll do as you wish. Where should we draw this map? I’ll draw it real quick so we can eat as soon as possible. Gosh I’m starving,” Wu He sat on the ground as he pleaded.

After Wu He finished speaking, he was kicked to the side. A skinny tall brat was looking at Shao Xuan with a wide flattering smile. He was totally different from the time he stole the grains.

“He’s been starving, so he’s a little out of his mind now. Just ignore him, Grand Elder. Okay, let’s talk about this. What do you want us to draw? Where do you want to know about? How detailed do you want this drawing to be?” The tall skinny brat asked so many questions in a row that his mouth was bubbling up with saliva.