Hearing Vu say that the Stone Tribe has a population many times larger than the Large Stone Tribe, and more than Vu could count, but it is indeed a significant number.
The journey to the Stone Tribe is quite far, and the group moves non-stop. It takes two and a half days before they reach the entrance of the Stone Tribe's mountain pass.
The dwelling place of the Stone Tribe is a large mountain pass, surrounded by towering mountains, forming a natural defensive wall for the tribe.
The tribe opens to the outside through a small gap, about 2 meters wide. At this moment, there are already many people inside the Stone Tribe, mostly from other tribes here for item exchange.
Welcoming the group, Minh Vu is greeted by a tribal captain named KKav.
As usual, upon seeing members of the Large Stone Tribe, the other indigenous people become reserved, paying little attention to them. Especially when they see the Large Stone Tribe bringing women along, KKav's gaze becomes noticeably disdainful.
"Large Stone Tribe! Over there!" KKav points to a small corner inside the trading area. It signifies that this area is designated for the Large Stone Tribe to rest and exchange goods.
Minh Vu, not one to get upset easily, doesn't pay much attention to the hostile attitude of the surrounding natives. However, he doesn't disregard the filth and foul odor in the area designated for the Large Stone Tribe's trading.
The members of the Large Stone Tribe are also disturbed, and they decide to clean up the area before setting up tents and displaying their goods.
While Klu's group is cleaning up, Minh Vu starts to explore the Stone Tribe and other tribes.
Indeed, the Stone Tribe has developed significantly compared to other tribes. The entire tribe has over 1000 people, with 400 warriors, in addition to women and children. Observing the terrain of the Stone Tribe, it's apparent that there is a salt mine within the area, similar to the one Minh Vu discovered, but the salt here is purer and contains fewer impurities.
The Stone Tribe is divided into three main sections. The first section is where Minh Vu and the other tribes are displaying their goods. The second section consists of numerous tents made from animal skins and leaves. The third section is not visible but likely houses the salt mine, guarded by many tribal warriors.
At the trading area, several other tribes have arrived, including the Fire Tribe, Tree Tribe, Dry Tribe, and Spear Tribe, coming to exchange goods. The largest trader is the host tribe, the Stone Tribe.
The Stone Tribe's stall is enormous, resembling a spacious floor, displaying various items such as animal skins, salt, dried meat, stone weapons, bone weapons, dried fruits, and nuts.
In addition to the powerful Stone Tribe, the Spear Tribe also holds a prominent position, as indicated by the items they bring. They have many warriors and hunters, mainly offering dried meat and animal skins. Even Wolf skins are among their offerings, showcasing their strength.
The Dry Tribe seems a bit weaker, but compared to the Large Stone Tribe, they are much stronger. Their stall is mainly filled with dried fruits.
However, when Minh Vu approaches their stall, they show a scornful expression, seemingly unwilling to engage.
"The Large Stone Tribe is again bringing women for food exchange this year! Truly a wretched bunch!" a particularly sinister-looking individual from the Spear Tribe comments.
This person is the leader of the Spear Tribe, and he is accompanied by five well-equipped individuals. Their disdainful eyes focus on Minh Vu.
Minh Vu shows no sign of anger, but he gives the menacing person a deep look, as if peering into his very soul.
At this moment, Klu steps forward. "Vu! The tent is set up! Let's have a meal!"
Minh Vu looks at Klu and then glances over to the Spear Tribe's stall before walking toward the stall of the Dry Tribe.
The Dry Tribe has brought many dried fruits, catching Minh Vu's keen interest. Aside from Stone Beads, the Dry Tribe also has another type of tuber, roughly the size of a fist, with an overall brownish-yellow color.
Seeing Minh Vu approach, the leader of the Dry Tribe steps forward. He is a middle-aged man with a large scar across his chest. Despite the scar, his face appears quite calm.
Akk, the leader of the Dry Tribe, says in a friendly tone, "The Large Stone Tribe has changed its leader this year, it seems!" Akk smiles amicably.
Klu steps forward to greet Akk, the leader. "Akk! How are you?"
"I'm well," Akk replies calmly.
"Vu! Leader of the Large Stone Tribe!" Minh Vu also speaks up.
"This year! Is the Large Stone Tribe doing well?" Akk inquires.
"We are doing well! Very well! Many..." Klu hasn't finished when Minh Vu interrupts.
"Not good! Snow fell early! Not enough food!"
Hearing Minh Vu say this, Klu is taken aback, intending to say something but stopping himself.
Akk, upon hearing Minh Vu's words, becomes somber.
He then says, "Epx! Bring three bags of Op here!"
Epx, standing behind Akk, doesn't seem pleased to hear this and her face droops as she descends from a raised platform with something in her hands.
After a short while, Epx brings three bags made of animal skin, containing the brownish-yellow tubers.
It turns out these tubers are called Op.
Epx reluctantly hands over the three bags of Op to Klu.
Klu's face reddens, unsure whether to accept them or not because his Tribe's leader is lying.
Their tribe has an abundance of food, enough to last without worries of starvation.
Minh Vu, on the other hand, shows no hesitation and quickly takes the three bags from the hands of the young woman, Epx.
"Akk! Dinner is ready! Let's eat!" Minh Vu, now in high spirits after receiving the Op, invites Akk and Epx to join the Large Stone Tribe for dinner.
Akk takes a deep breath and follows Minh Vu and Klu to the Large Stone Tribe's camp along with Epx.
From a distance, Epx sees the dwelling place of Minh Vu's group. Her eyes turn extremely gloomy, not pleased at all.
"The Large Stone Tribe is bringing women again this year to exchange for food. It seems they are truly desperate, I wonder if there is anything for us to eat!" Epx grumbles.
However, upon entering the Large Stone Tribe's camp, Akk and Epx widen their eyes as they observe the items brought by the Large Stone Tribe.
There are only ten bags of grains, five bags of dried meat, and the majority are strange items made from an unknown material.
At first glance, they resemble the Stone Tribe's pots, but they are reddish-brown, and there are many of them.
"What is this?" Akk asks, his old eyes puzzled, not knowing what these items are and what their purpose is.
"These are pots used for cooking. With these, the food portion for one person can satisfy five people and make them feel fuller," Minh Vu explains.
Without letting Akk and Epx ask further questions, Minh Vu leads the two of them into the tent.
At this moment, the other thirteen members are gathered, preparing for lunch.
In front of them are two large clay pots, containing something white and opaque, mixed with a variety of dried meat.
"Leader! Klu! Eat! Let's eat! I'm hungry! Hungry!" Orc, focused solely on the pots, looks eager.
This guy seems to have no interest other than eating.
"Sit!" Minh Vu laughs and then goes to the stove to scoop two large bowls of porridge, containing plenty of dried meat, and hands them to Akk and Epx.
Akk and Epx look at each other, not sure how to eat this unfamiliar food.
They feel the warmth coming from the bowls Minh Vu handed them.