The Monster is Coming

Chapter 466 The Road of Migration, Amidst the Changing Landscape.

After escaping Star Valley, Tu Hu led his small team of only a few dozen members on a long migration journey.

They are searching for a place of hope to rekindle the flame of civilization.

The smoke from the cooking fires of my homeland has turned into ashes and frost that fall on my shoulders, and the familiar fertile fields have been replaced by boundless desolation.

During this long journey, they crossed the Frosty Wind Mountains and felt the biting cold as if knives were scraping their bodies.

On the steep ice cliff, it was Tu Hu who used his fists to clear a path, allowing the tribe to continue moving forward.

They traversed the golden grasslands, where seemingly calm meadows concealed deadly quicksand and gregarious predators. Despite the tiger's fierce efforts to save them, the tribe narrowly escaped death several times.

During the journey, we traversed the Weeping Desert, where the temperature difference between day and night is enormous and there is no water source nearby.

Tu Hu instructed them to extract the life-giving water from drought-resistant plants.

This brutal journey was like a crucible.

The boy who once hid under his parents' wings must now grip his weapon and face the eyes that shine in the darkness while on night watch.

Death and growth alternate silently in this tiny group.

This was also the first time they truly realized the vastness and danger of this world.

At the edge of the golden grasslands, they witnessed the aerial city-states of the Winged Beast Clan, those intelligent beings with wings on their backs riding the air currents, casting a menacing gaze upon them as they traversed the ground.

While traversing a deep canyon, they encountered the Crystal-Eyed Clan, who lived underground. These creatures could cause the mountain walls to tremble with their bare bodies, driving them to the brink of despair. In the end, they only managed to survive by fighting a tiger and sacrificing their own bodies.

They once discovered the massive skeletons left behind by a long-extinct behemoth civilization in abandoned ancient ruins.

I once glimpsed the radiant glow of elemental life atop a mountain peak on a rainy night.

The world is not just about the Blackthorn Forest.

This is a cruel stage where all races coexist and the strong prey on the weak.

The once-famous Star Valley was nothing more than an isolated island briefly blessed with good fortune.

Now that the island has sunk, they can finally see the vast, dark ocean.

In endless wandering and struggle, Blue Star quickly shed its immaturity.

It inherited its father's bravery and decisiveness, and also incorporated its mother's resilience and meticulousness.

They began to share the burden of slaying the tiger and took the initiative to protect their people.

In the desert, it gives its last drop of water to its dying companion.

The scales on his body became increasingly deep with each battle and the erosion of wind and sand, and the diamond-shaped mark on his forehead would shimmer in the moonlight with the same radiance as his father had back then.

Seeing Lan Xing's increasingly evident leadership qualities and wisdom, Tu Hu felt genuinely gratified.

He, however, remained at the very front of the group, or at the rear.

He intervened less and less often, and most of the time, he acted as a silent protector.

Only when the team faces an insurmountable crisis will he risk his injured body to clear a path for the Rongling tribe team.

His main focus shifted to teaching.

Every night when the campfire is lit, he imparts various kinds of knowledge to all the Ronglings sitting around him.

In addition to combat skills, there are also insights gained from the Dreamweaver Clan's crystals.

The nature of energy, the lessons of the rise and fall of different civilizations, and... how to protect the flame of civilization amidst powerful enemies.

That day, they crossed the lake and rested in what seemed to be a safe area.

"Remember why we wander, and we will not lose our way."

The light from the campfire illuminated the resolute faces of this small group of wanderers.

Tu Hu's lessons continued, but his voice carried an undeniable weariness.

The long narration and the hidden injuries in his body that had never truly healed made his face appear somewhat pale in the flickering firelight.

During this time, a long, drawn-out sound, like a sigh, would occasionally echo in my mind.

It seemed as if a voice was speaking to him, but the voice was slowed down countless times, turning into a long sigh.

His physical ailment seemed to be getting worse.

Just then, Mo Tong, who had been sitting quietly beside him, tidying up the scroll, carefully held up an object tightly wrapped in thick leaves and handed it to him.

She raised her head, her dark green scales reflecting the firelight, her clear eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation:

“Uncle Tiger,” she said softly.
"Here, I picked some edible berries from the roadside and tried to make some wine. I don't know... if it's any good."

Tu Hu was slightly taken aback, looking at the girl in front of him who already had a hint of Ah Lü's demeanor back then, and then at the simple but carefully wrapped "wine bag" in her hand.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, a mixture of reminiscence for old friends, but more so a sense of satisfaction at watching the seedlings grow tenaciously in the wind and rain.

He reached out and took the heavy leaf.

When you break open the mud block used to seal the opening, a smell that is slightly astringent and fruity, along with a faint fermented aroma, wafts out.

Then he tilted his head back, facing the leaf sac, and began to swallow it in large gulps.

The liquid entered my mouth with the expected roughness and sourness, followed by a burst of spicy sensation with a fruity sweetness that exploded like flames, violently rolling down my throat and burning all the way to my stomach.

Although it doesn't have the distinct layers of flavor that Ah Fen's concoctions have, it's like a clumsy yet powerful punch that temporarily dispels the lingering pain and fatigue.

"Cough...that's strong." Tu Hu put down the leaf pouch and exhaled a long, hot breath with a strong fruit wine aroma. He felt his cold limbs warm up a bit, and the fatigue in his eyes seemed to be dispelled by the spiciness.

He looked at Mo Tong, reached out, and gently rubbed Mo Tong's head:

"From now on... Uncle Tiger's share will be yours."

Upon hearing these words, Mo Tong's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded vigorously, a bright smile spreading across her face.

The campfire crackled, illuminating the young faces of those sitting around it.

After the lesson ended, Tu Hu held a bottle of fruit wine, watching Lan Xing and the clan's youths discuss the night watch arrangements under the firelight, and watching Mo Tong's focused profile as he continued to organize his knowledge.

The flame of civilization may be faint.

Yet, in the hands of these new generations, they are passing it on, clumsily but firmly, in their own way.

During the long journey that followed, the new generation of Rongling tribe members grew at an astonishing rate.

Lanxing's judgment has become increasingly steady and experienced, enabling him to make the most reasonable arrangements based on the terrain and the state of the team.

Mo Tong not only improved the organization of the knowledge base, but also began to try to combine the theory with the different ecosystems he saw along the way, and collect the seeds of edible plants along the way.

The other young Rongling also took on their own roles, some becoming scouts, others becoming skilled craftsmen who could repair tools under limited conditions and even manufacture weapons using new materials discovered along the way.

Tu Hu led them to survive in the cracks between various races, encountering new crises and witnessing bizarre and wonderful landscapes.

During this journey, they worked together to overcome difficulties.

Tu Hu's teachings are also changing, beginning to guide Lan Xing to think about the future system of the race, and guiding Mo Tong to explore more efficient ways to use resources.

The turning point in their lives occurred in a valley surrounded by mountains, with abundant water and fertile land.

The area boasts lush vegetation and a pleasant climate.

After repeated confirmations by the reconnaissance team led by Lanxing, and Motong's detailed analysis of the surrounding ecology, it was determined that there were no known powerful intelligent races within a radius of several hundred miles.

This valley, like a forgotten pearl, has finally found its master.

As Tu Hu stood in the center of the valley, surveying this land sufficient to sustain the clan's growth and development, he excitedly announced to the entire tribe:
"We have a home now."

All the Rongling tribe members let out a long-suppressed roar, a mixture of tears and cheers.

Hope is truly within reach.

Without a moment's delay, the enthusiasm for construction erupted like a volcano.

Blue Star, Ink Eyes, and all the new generation forged in the crucible of wandering threw themselves into the busy construction work.

During this period, based on the experience gained in Xingxing Valley, Lanxing became more particular about the location of the city wall, making full use of the mountains and rivers as natural barriers, and the design of the defensive fortifications was also more complete.

Mo Tong combines the knowledge preserved in the archives with observations and records made along the way.

They improved the design of the smelting furnace, making it more efficient at utilizing fuel.

Then, based on the soil characteristics of the valley, several high-yield and adaptable crops were planted on a large scale.

They even began experimenting with using water power to drive simple tools for grain hulling and wood processing.

The entire group began to function efficiently.

While on guard duty, the soldiers also participated in the most strenuous physical labor.

The craftsmen worked day and night to create tools and building materials.

The clansmen responsible for agriculture carefully tended to the ever-expanding furrows.

In them, Tu Hu vaguely saw the shadow of his old friends.

They also realized that Alan, Afen, Alu... their generation of children had grown into great trees that could shelter themselves and their tribe from the wind and rain during their journey.

Time seemed to be accelerated during this period.

A brand new city is rising from the ground at a visible speed on this land named "New Star Valley".

The city walls, built of massive stones, are even more magnificent than those in Xingxing Valley. The streets inside the city are neat and the functional areas are clearly defined.

The rhythmic tapping sounds emanate from the workshop area, while smoke rises from the residential area. The new archives, located in the heart of the city, stand like a lighthouse, symbolizing the continuation of knowledge and civilization.

Tu Hu stood on the newly built city wall, overlooking this vibrant scene.

In my hand is a fruit wine that Mo Tong regularly sends over, and its flavor is getting richer and richer.

I took a sip, and besides the spiciness and numbing sensation, there was also the hope of taking root and the sweet aftertaste after the bitterness.

After a long period of wandering and trials, the flame of civilization has finally been rekindled on this new land.

A stable environment brought prosperity to the community.

With the tiger-slaying clan's clear requirement to "strengthen the group in order to establish itself," coupled with the abundant food and safe environment of New Star Valley, newborns were born one after another like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

The once silent valley is now filled with the tender yet energetic cries and playful sounds of cubs. To accommodate the ever-growing population, the city has begun a new round of expansion.

New residential areas, larger school buildings, and orphanages specifically for raising young children were planned and established.

The pace of development has never stopped.

To support the ever-increasing consumption and the grander blueprint, new resource points are constantly being developed.

The prospecting team discovered a richer and higher-quality mineral vein deep in the mountains, and logging and quarrying operations were taking place within a planned area.

Hunting teams, gathering teams, and animal husbandry teams were responsible for supplying food and developing materials.

The city's size gradually surpassed that of the former Xingxing Valley.

Outside the city walls, small satellite settlements emerged, relying on the main city for agricultural production or handicraft manufacturing.

The real transformation occurred through the close collaboration between the "Archives" led by Mo Tong and the workshop.

Through in-depth research into the knowledge of the Dreamweavers, they were no longer satisfied with forging metals and began to extract the energy contained in ores.

Initial attempts are accompanied by dangers.

Several small-scale explosions left Mo Tong and other researchers feeling lingering fear.

But encouraged by the tiger-slaying, they chose to continue.

They eventually succeeded in extracting a stable energy stream that emits a soft, cool light for a long time from a pale blue "fluorite," and applied it to nighttime lighting, replacing some torches and making delicate nighttime work possible.

Subsequently, by refining another type of "fire crystal" containing intense heat, they created an energy furnace with higher and more stable temperatures, greatly improving the efficiency and quality of metal smelting and tool forging.

This leap allowed the Rongling tribe to shift from simply utilizing matter to harnessing energy.

Although it is still in its early stages, the gears of civilization have already meshed onto the track leading to a completely new era.

The dawn of modernization shone for the first time into this once isolated valley.

The development of energy application technology has enabled the Rongling ethnic group to develop even more rapidly.

Having stabilized basic lighting and industrial energy, Mo Tong's team turned their attention to a broader field: mobility.

Inspired by the concept of "constraining energy fields" in the Dreamweaver Clan's knowledge, and combined with a deep understanding of the energy properties of fluorite, they finally succeeded in confining a gentle energy flow within a specific guiding crystal track after countless failures.

The first experimental energy track has been laid in the core area of ​​New Star Valley.

As the simple transport plate, with energy-conducting crystals embedded at its bottom, silently floated above the track under the expectant yet apprehensive gazes of the craftsmen, and began to glide smoothly with the push of energy, the entire valley erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

The heavy wooden planks embody the dream of a race to break free from the constraints of the earth.

Over the years, an energy rail network covering major thoroughfares has been planned and laid out.

Public pods and cargo trucks capable of carrying people and goods have begun to shuttle between cities, reducing a journey that used to take half a day to less than 15 minutes.

The innovation in travel methods has significantly improved the efficiency of personnel exchanges, connecting scattered satellite settlements more closely into a whole.

At the same time, applications in the energy field are beginning to extend to the field of weapons upgrades.

This time, the dominant force is Earth.

He believed that the prosperity and peace of New Star Valley must be protected by a more powerful force.

With Tu Hu's support and Mo Tong's cooperation, he and the workshop's weapon master attempted to restrain and direct the release of the rampaging Fire Crystal energy.

In their initial stages, they experimented with an energy-attaching mode, allowing swords to unleash scorching energy shockwaves when slashing.

However, in practice, it was found that enchanted weapons are inefficient and extremely dangerous.

The explosion generated by the chopping motion could easily affect the person being chopped.

Subsequently, they designed the "Exploding Spearhead," which could briefly store and release the energy of the Fire Crystal in one go.

It produces a small-scale energy explosion when thrown.

The real breakthrough came with the emergence of the prototype of the portable energy transmitter.

It resembles a bulky metal cylinder, requiring two warriors to work together: one to carry the energy core and the other to aim and activate it.

Once activated, it can fire an extremely unstable high-temperature energy beam. Although it has a short range and poor accuracy, and requires a long cooling time after each shot, the destructive power it generates in an instant far exceeds that of any bow, crossbow, or throwing weapon.

Weapon innovation has led to a significant increase in war power.

New Star Valley, a place of hope born from wandering, is moving towards a modern civilization driven by energy and full of infinite possibilities at a speed that surpasses any previous era.

Time flies.

As the energy orbital network of Nova Valley extended to every corner like blood vessels, the race ushered in a peaceful twilight of a new round of prosperity.

Lanxing, the Rongling leader who led his people to establish a new home, was nearing the end of his life, his life force flickering like a candle in the wind.

It lay in a cliffside stone house overlooking most of Nova Valley, its breath faint.

The once deep, dark blue scales have lost their luster and are covered with mottled marks etched by time.

The diamond-shaped mark on his forehead also became dull and lifeless.

Tu Hu gently pushed open the door and went inside.

Approaching the bedside, looking at the aged and withered body on the bed, he could hardly reconcile it with the blue figure in his memory that was so heroic by the campfire and roaring as he charged into battle.

Lan Xing struggled to open his cloudy eyes. After recognizing the person who had entered, he forced a barely perceptible smile onto his cracked lips, his voice hoarse:

"Uncle Tiger...you've arrived."

He caught his breath a few times, his gaze lingering for a moment on Tu Hu's still youthful face:

"Uncle Tiger...you're still...so young."

Tu Hu did not answer. He sat down by the bed and silently held Lan Xing's calloused and wrinkled hand, which was too weak to lift.

This hand once gripped the spear, leading its people and resolutely taking on the heavy responsibility of protecting its community.

"Is the railway in the west of the city... finished?" Lan Xing suddenly asked.

"It's fixed," Tu Hu replied softly. "The road was open to traffic yesterday."

"That's wonderful." Lan Xing's eyes curved slightly.

"Mo Tong promised to show me the records of the opening ceremony... but now I'm afraid I won't be able to see them."

His breathing became rapid, and his gaze gradually lost focus.
"Uncle Tiger, is the training ground we built back then still there?"

"Yes." Tu Hu gripped his hand tightly.

"The combat orphanage you converted is also right next door."

"My mother's favorite berry..."

"The transplant was successful, and it produced a lot of fruit this year."

Lan Xing sighed contentedly, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible:
"That's good... Everyone's still here..."

His pupils gradually dilated, and with his last bit of strength, he tightened his grip on his fingers:

"Uncle Tiger... is what I made... okay?"

Tu Hu bent down and pressed his forehead against the man's cold forehead:
“You did a great job, Little Blue Star. Nova Valley is great, and the race is great.”

"Is that so..." A faint light flashed in Lan Xing's eyes, as if she had received the highest praise:

"That's good... Father, Mother... and Uncle Green... If they can see this... they can rest assured..."

Blue Star's gaze gradually took on a spreading grayish-white hue, and through the rooftop, it seemed to glimpse a distant past:

"Uncle Tiger...I think...I saw Star Valley again...I saw my father teaching me spear techniques...my mother in the fields...smiling at me..." His voice grew softer and softer, filled with a childlike longing:

"It's so warm..."

Tu Hu gripped his hand tightly, feeling its life force rapidly ebbing away. A thousand words choked in his chest, ultimately coalescing into a heavy promise:

"Don't worry, the children and the community... I'm here."

Upon hearing this, Lan Xing raised his head with difficulty to look at Tu Hu. The dim diamond-shaped mark on his forehead flashed slightly before finally falling silent again.

The light in his eyes faded, but a serene smile appeared on his lips, as if he had finally let go of all his burdens.

Tu Hu sat by the bedside for a long time without leaving.

Outside the window, the lights of New Star Valley were just coming on, the energy track was shimmering with color, and the vehicles glided silently, full of vibrant life.

But inside this quiet stone house, the lingering warmth of an era is gradually cooling down.

Time waits for no one.

In the second year after Lanxing's departure, Motong quietly closed her eyes on a snowy morning.

She passed away peacefully, sitting at the wooden table in the archives that had been with her for most of her life, with a newly drawn energy conduction diagram spread out in front of her.

Beside her was a glass of fruit wine made with a recipe she had personally improved, with a note on it that read: "A New Year's gift for Uncle Tiger."

This guardian, who dedicated his life to knowledge, ultimately passed away peacefully surrounded by it.

She inherited A-Lu's will, perfected the memory of civilization, and passed it on to the next generation without reservation.

Upon hearing the news, Tu Hu came to the archives, sat down next to Mo Tong, and held her hand for a long time.

Looking out the window at the eaves covered with fresh snow, Tu Hu's mind was filled with memories of the past.

Another child walked the entire way before his eyes.

With Mo Tong's departure, the second-generation leader of the Rongling Clan has officially come to an end.

He remains a solitary guardian, witnessing the passing of the torch of civilization from generation to generation, and constantly bidding farewell to familiar faces as they fade into the past.

The green hills remain, but travelers come and go in haste; this is the epitome of life.

　I will be writing a detailed account of the story of Tu Hu and the Rong Ling civilization soon, and many questions will be explained later, such as why there was no health regeneration and why there was amnesia.

　　The next chapter will be updated at 11:59 PM.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)