Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1059 - 1052: The Future of the Wolfman

Chapter 1059: Chapter 1052: The Future of the Wolfman

It is often said that even a steed of a thousand leagues requires a Bo Le to recognize its talent and unfortunately, Luo’er was just such a discoverer. From the very beginning, he never allowed the ferocious appearance of the Wolfman Clan to instill fear or hostility in him, instead treating them as humans and adept at discovering their strengths.

That is why Luo’er was able to make wide connections and even had an ambiguous relationship with the princess of Masya. He truly had a talent for discovering skilled individuals. Though he occasionally misjudged, most of the time his perception was exceptionally sharp.

"Such skills, confined to this small valley, is really a waste of talent. If you leave the mountains to treat illnesses, I cannot say you would become world-famous, but at the very least, you could ensure a basic living," Luo’er said, gazing into his cup.

"Sigh," hearing Taran’s translation, Tu Xiu sighed, then waved his hand and said, "As Lord Luo’er has seen, our fierce looks terrify those from the Western Continent; they wouldn’t let us treat them, they’re scared just at the sight of us. We’ve tried to leave this place over the centuries, but each time we venture out of the valley ends in a blow to our confidence. The Western Continent is vast, yet there’s simply no place for us. Perhaps our situation would be much better if we looked like him?"

As he spoke, Tu Xiu pointed at Taran’s rabbit ears, his envy was more than evident.

"So, they’re not following tradition; they are just shunned by the people of the Western Continent, forcing them to hide in the valley," Cheng Ziang said sarcastically in Chinese.

"Okay, let’s not dwell on such biting remarks," Luo’er interrupted Cheng Ziang’s mockery, then turned to a perplexed Tu Xiu and said, "Since you also want to make a difference, perhaps I could show you a clear path. How does that sound?"

Lord Luo’er, please speak," Tu Xiu said respectfully.

"This is how it is," Luo’er said, "They, the rabbit-eared clan, live in a village less than ten kilometers from here and are constantly attacked by those barbarians, so I’ve applied to our organization to relocate them to a new place to live. If you don’t mind, you could arrange for someone to contact our organization and request that they take your clan with them when they move. If they agree, then you could move to a new place along with the rabbit-eared clan."

"This..." Tu Xiu hesitated after hearing Luo’er’s words.

"I know what you want to say," Luo’er said, "Rest assured, that place is under the jurisdiction of us Earthlings. We won’t discriminate against you based on your appearance; we’re establishing a new political system, unlike the old world. There, everyone is equal, with no nobles or slaves, and everyone’s status is on par with one another. Prejudice does exist and is hard to eliminate completely, but I can guarantee that you absolutely won’t face that kind of inhumane discrimination."

"If you’re interested, you can move there along with the rabbit-eared clan. I can put in a good word for you," Luo’er paused before continuing, "However, there is a cost to everything, absolutely nothing is without compensation. In return, you’ll need to contribute your medical knowledge and help us research the secrets of the Overturning Beast and even those of the East Continent. Also, in the new place, you must unconditionally comply with the local laws and not engage in any criminal activities. Anyone who breaks the law will be sentenced, or even executed."

"I’m not saying these things to frighten you, I just want to tell you that freedom and equality come with a price, and freedom is not boundless. If you want to seek protection from Earthlings, then you must unconditionally follow the rules set by Earthlings. If you prefer the kind of freedom that is without restraint, then I have nothing more to say."

It was still a long speech, and as soon as Luo’er finished, Taran hastily translated. Tu Xiu quietly listened with downcast eyes, as calm as the placid water; just by looking at his face, one couldn’t discern what he was thinking at that moment.

Luo’er listed all the pros and cons for him, letting Tu Xiu make his own decision. Of course, considering their expertise in the field of Otherworld herbal research, Luo’er still very much hoped they would join in the construction of Lipei.

After an unknown period of silence, Tu Xiu finally spoke slowly: "Lord Luo’er means well, and we understand that; however, our family has lived here for a long time, and if we go out... perhaps... we might prefer to stay here..."

Luo’er nodded, expecting such a response. He was never anxious to persuade Tu Xiu in one go, as he was undisturbed by his attitude.

"I am not surprised by Elder Tu Xiu’s words. You are willing to choose to continue living here; that is indeed your freedom. However, I also hope Elder Tu Xiu would consider your clan’s future development, not to restrict the young people’s choices, and to listen more to their opinions," Luo’er said.

"In this village, what I say..." Tu Xiu had just begun to speak when Luo’er interrupted him.

"I know, Elder Tu Xiu, you’re probably going to say that in this village, what you say goes, right? But you can’t represent the young people. Their thoughts directly determine the future fate of your race. So, I hope Elder Tu Xiu can be a bit more cautious in this decision and listen more to the opinions of the young people, as they are the hope of your race’s future," Luo’er interjected.

Upon hearing Luo’er’s words, Tu Xiu fell into silence again. Other people always thought Tu Xiu couldn’t outtalk Luo’er, probably because of the language barrier. Most of the time, it was Luo’er speaking fluently, while Tu Xiu silently listened.

"I have no intention of interfering with your internal affairs," Luo’er continued to persuade, "but what I want to say is, previously when you wanted to integrate into the Western Continent without success, the opportunity is now before you. Don’t give it up due to inflexible thinking. You only get this opportunity once. Once the entire Rabbit-Ear Clan moves away, our organization certainly won’t visit this place again. By then, if you wish to make any demands, you’ll have to travel through Oudallo and north past Otland, traversing thousands of kilometers to find our organization."

"We will consider this matter carefully and hope you can give us some time, alright?" After a long silence, Tu Xiu finally spoke.

"Make it quick," Luo’er nodded and said.

"Um, could you esteemed guests consider honoring us by staying overnight? After we have discussed the matter, we will surely give you a satisfactory answer tomorrow. What do you think?" Tu Xiu looked at everyone and asked.

"Luo’er, what do you think?" Cheng Ziang turned to Luo’er and asked.

"Hmm," Luo’er pondered for a moment, then looked up and said to him, "Here’s what we’ll do: you take Aunt Axia back to the village first, as you know the way. Yue’er, Taran, and I will stay here for the night and take the chance to study the remains of the Scouring Sky Beast."

"Are you trying to send me away?" Axia narrowed her eyes and looked at Luo’er as she asked.

"Uh, no, I’m just worried..." Luo’er faltered before continuing.

"If you guys want to study the Scouring Sky Beast, I happen to know a thing or two, you know. Don’t underestimate an Elf who’s lived for several hundred years," Axia said with a smug smile.

"So that means..." Luo’er scratched his head and then looked at Cheng Ziang.

"How about we all stay here?" Baiyue suggested.

"No, someone has to go back to report that all is well; otherwise, they’ll panic back home," Luo’er shook his head and said.

"How about this: you guys stay here, and I go back alone. Then the Wolfman Clan can provide two members to protect me, and accompany me back to the village. It’s sort of like..." Cheng Ziang said deliberately in Chinese, "a hostage exchange!"

"Heh," Luo’er chuckled upon hearing his words, shook his head, and said, "Clever."

The reason for speaking in Chinese on crucial matters was to keep it secret. Many things Luo’er didn’t say out in the open could be communicated in Chinese. With only three of the five understanding it, there was no concern for the information to be leaked.

Luo’er agreed with Cheng Ziang’s suggestion, so he repeated the proposal to Tu Xiu. The other party fell silent for a long time, but finally nodded in consent to Luo’er’s arrangement.

Although he didn’t say so outright, Luo’er was still cautious of Tu Xiu and the others. Appreciation doesn’t equate to complete trust. Being on someone else’s turf, caution is what allows for sailing a thousand-year ship.