I am a Primitive Man
Chapter 849 – They Must Attack Us
The sun sank behind the mountains, and the afterglow gradually faded at the horizon. The coolness of dusk began to spread.
Shang carried a seed planter, led a donkey, and walked with several others holding tools toward a nearby settlement.
Some were also carrying fish traps, in which a few struggling fish occasionally leapt, still trying to survive.
These fish had been left in the water by the river during work, and now, with the work done, the traps were being pulled out.
Those returning with Shang were mostly men, since most women had already been sent home earlier to prepare the evening meal.
After the Green Sparrow Tribe transitioned from hunting and gathering to primarily farming, men’s physical strength became more prominent.
Farming was physically demanding, mainly before agricultural machinery existed or was widely used.
Additionally, with the tribe’s food now abundant, daily habits had subtly changed.
For example, now, when the sun neared the horizon, women were generally allowed to return home to cook and feed the caged rabbits, chickens, and other livestock.
Compared to the hard labor in the fields, these tasks were relatively light.
The physically stronger men, meanwhile, used this time to finish more work, returning to the settlement as the sun set and the evening glow dissipated.
Carrying the seed planter, Shang looked at the settlement, where smoke rose from chimneys and children played at the entrance. He felt a deep sense of comfort.
Seeing this, he thought the day’s toil had been worthwhile—even worth more effort.
As they walked back, people occasionally discussed the soil moisture this year or which plot should be sown the next day.
“I wonder if the Divine Child and his group have found a warm place yet.”
During the conversation, someone said this, and immediately everyone’s attention shifted.
“The Divine Child will definitely find it. When the weather turns colder, we won’t be afraid anymore.”
“Yes. With the Divine Child’s wisdom, nothing will happen to him.”
Everyone thought of their Divine Child, who led them toward better living conditions, moving steadily toward unfamiliar lands. Their hearts were stirred.
In their simple words, they expressed respect and concern for the one who guided them to a better life.
Shang couldn’t help but look away from the settlement and turn south, thinking of what the Divine Child and his group were doing.
Having spent several years in the trade caravan, Shang understood traveling for trade better than most.
This work is challenging, especially when developing new settlements—it’s even harder.
Now, the Divine Child was heading to a completely unfamiliar, distant land. He would face unimaginable hardships.
Shang regretted leaving the trade team—not because he opposed the Divine Child’s plan, but because, had he stayed, he could have accompanied him and protected him.
As long as he lived, nothing should harm the Divine Child.
In this tribe formed collectively by all, anyone could be replaced, but the Divine Child could not.
Shang knew those joining the Divine Child also shared this mindset. But not going himself still made him uneasy.
After a few more glances south, Shang returned his focus, gripping the planter’s handle tightly.
Since he couldn’t go with the Divine Child, he would handle the tasks assigned to him.
The Divine Child had stationed him at the Copper Mountain residential area. Shang would lead and manage everything there.
First, he would ensure the fields were sown. After spring planting concluded, some people would begin refining copper and tin ingots. Not only should grain yield increase, but copper and tin output had to grow as well.
Additionally, the rabbit, chicken, and sheep populations in the Copper Mountain area should be increased.
This way, the tribe could become stronger.
“￥%￥5#!”
At this moment, a shout rang out. Shang couldn’t understand what it meant—not because it was too far, but because it wasn’t in the common Green Sparrow language.
Thanks to the now-extinct Flying Snake Tribe, there were no other settlements near Copper Mountain.
The Green Sparrow Tribe had lived here for years. Only the Wind Tribe had ever visited, from far away.
Thinking of this, Shang’s heart stirred with excitement.
If newcomers like the Wind Tribe joined them, it would greatly strengthen the tribe.
Shang could barely contain his excitement.
“Everyone, back to the courtyards!”
Shang immediately shouted to the children playing at the gates, ordering them back into the settlement.
Both the main settlement and the Copper Mountain area had conducted military drills, including defense against enemy attacks.
Hearing Shang’s loud voice, the children immediately stopped playing and ran inside, the bigger ones carrying the smaller ones.
Shang then stopped with the thirty or so people walking with him and looked around, trying to see where the shouts were coming from and how many people there were.
“There!”
Someone from the rear pointed to the northeast and shouted.
Shang, at the front, could not see due to the walls. He set down the seed planter and ran back.
“Not many people?”
Shang shouted.
“No! Many! So many people!”
The person’s voice trembled—not from fear, but from excitement.
If all these people could join the tribe, it would be perfect.
Even if they didn’t willingly join, they could attack the tribe and be turned into slaves by Shang and the others.
“Make sure they come attack us!”
Seeing the masses in the northeast, not only did this person feel the thrill of “desiring abuse,” but nearly everyone in Copper Mountain felt the same, including Shang.
Those slaves who had lived in the Copper Mountain area the longest were even more eager.
They remembered clearly when the Divine Child had conquered a half-farming tribe, absorbed its slaves, and granted citizenship to fifty of the best-performing slaves.
Usually, the Divine Child would release only a few exceptional slaves each year—rarely more than fifteen.
This often caused frustration, leaving people with no option but to work hard and contribute to the tribe.
Now, the sudden arrival of outsiders gave them hope.
If these people attacked and were captured as slaves, the Divine Child might grant some citizenship, as he had before.
The thought ignited their excitement.
“These people must not come to trade—they must come to attack us!”
Only then could they openly convert them into slaves.
“Go! Hurry back! Up to the walls!”
Shang suppressed his excitement and shouted.
No matter what they thought, the immediate priority was returning to the courtyards and securing the gates.
The attackers had just returned from work and were armed only with farming tools.
Regardless of their intentions, it was safest to return to the settlement and take up proper weapons atop the walls.
So, the people of Copper Mountain picked up tools, led livestock back to the courtyards, and secured the gates.
A warning gong was struck…
Seeing the massive, orderly walls resembling a cliff in the distance, Shu Pi felt indescribable excitement.
He hadn’t expected to find the Green Sparrow Tribe from his vague memories.
Previously, he had prepared to endure hardship, but now, the remembered settlement stood before him.
The Green Sparrow Tribe had been found—the Black Stone Tribe leaders could die!
Even if not killed, if they attacked successfully, Shu Pi had other plans…
He pointed to the Green Sparrow Tribe in sight, jumping and shouting.
Partly to let the Black Stone leaders see the settlement and know he had not lied, and partly to alert the Green Sparrow people to prepare defenses.
This way, when the attack began, more Black Stone casualties were likely.
The Black Stone Tribe leader felt immense joy—after such a long journey, he had finally reached the settlement!
Thinking of all that Shu Pi had said before, he felt almost ecstatic.
Endless food, soft furs, warm hearths, and cozy caves—all would belong to their tribe!
Seeing Shu Pi shouting with excitement, his smile grew even brighter.
This damned fellow loved trouble—kicking him earlier that evening had led them straight to the Green Sparrow Tribe!
Compared to the Black Stone leaders, the followers were even more elated, especially the impoverished tribes.
They saw the smoking, unusual cave and couldn’t contain their excitement.
They had finally reached the settlement and would enjoy a better life, never worrying about hunger or cold again!
“#￥W!”
“#￥5D!”
Some joined in shouting, signaling their intent to attack the settlement.
They couldn’t wait—they wanted to occupy the settlement and claim its treasures immediately.
The Black Stone leader saw the settlement and then looked back at the eager masses. His smile widened.
With so many people, the settlement had no chance.
Especially seeing those who dared not even approach the cave in fright, he became more smug.
The settlement’s inhabitants were so timid that the attack was even easier!
“#￥5SC!”
He raised his weapon and shouted, intending to capture the settlement and occupy the cave that night.
The already excited masses cheered louder, expressing their eagerness to attack.
However, the Black Stone leader did not advance immediately. He had his people move the rough wooden planks on their backs to the front, using them as shields.
Once prepared, the impatient masses rushed toward the cave.
Typically, hunters approach prey quietly and strike only when close, conserving energy and surprising the target.
The experienced hunters knew this, but now, most forgot it entirely.
One reason was that the settlement had noticed them, making caution seem unnecessary.
Another was that their sheer numbers gave them overconfidence—they believed nothing could stop them.
Preserving energy was no longer a priority.
Additionally, everyone was eager to live the good life, worried that the rewards might be taken away if they delayed.
“%#4!”
But not all tribes acted this way. For instance, the Grass Tribe leader scolded those trying to rush ahead, insisting they not surpass her.
As the distance to the cave decreased, the immense oppressive presence of the cave became more apparent.
They could now see the people standing on the high walls of the cave and the weapons they held.
The Grass Tribe leader noticed bows.
Having followed the Black Stone Tribe against Shu Pi’s tribe before, the current settlement looked familiar.
If the earthen structures around Shu Pi’s tribe had been taller, they would resemble this settlement.
Many had died during that attack; now, attacking this seemingly stronger settlement, even more would likely perish.
Understanding this, the Grass Tribe leader did not rush her people forward.
Sometimes being in front didn’t mean gaining an advantage—otherwise, the Black Stone leader wouldn’t have placed his people at the rear.
“#￥5E!”
She shouted again, ordering her people to use planks, stones, and bark as shields.
The last time they attacked Shu Pi’s tribe, using this method minimized casualties.
Although anxious about falling behind, her people obeyed, holding back and following her.
Nearby, Shu Pi felt confused.
After initial excitement at seeing the tall-walled settlement, he realized something was wrong.
He remembered a river in front of the Green Sparrow Tribe. Now, he saw no river.
Additionally, the back mountain had changed.
Even closer, he saw the courtyard was made of stone, not mud.
Shu Pi was utterly stunned. Everything indicated this was not the Green Sparrow Tribe.
Yet, how could it have walls identical to the Green Sparrow Tribe?
He wanted to warn the others, but seeing the eager attackers and the excited Black Stone leader, he swallowed his words.
If mistaken, let it remain so.
He only hoped the eerie settlement could withstand the Black Stone assault or possess features similar to the Green Sparrow Tribe.
Otherwise… imagining the attackers storming the cave only to find nothing made him shiver.
He feared the enraged attackers would kill him later.
“#￥￥!”
Someone at the front shouted and hurled a stone at the people on the Copper Mountain walls.
The stone arced through the air, rolled along the ground, and hit the stone wall.
Instead of anger, the people on the walls were pleased—it was the attackers’ move first!
“Shoot! Fire arrows!”
Shang shouted loudly.