Chapter 183

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Having gone through so much hardship, Irona naturally understood the difficulties and pain involved. The more one experiences adversity, the more they yearn for a better life. This holds true for any race. Since the former leader of the Toothwood Tribe passed away, Irona had taken on the responsibility of leading the entire tribe, guiding a group of half-orcs who only knew how to shout “Ura” and ensuring their survival. The pressure was far from insignificant.

If it were just her alone, perhaps she would have started considering whether to agree or not. But now, the safety and well-being of the entire Toothwood Tribe rested solely on her shoulders. Moving to a completely unfamiliar land, and one that belonged to someone else’s territory, made her approach the situation with even more caution.

Seeing Irona’s hesitation, Ji Chen seized the opportunity to persuade her. “The New Moon Islands are just as magnificent as King Kong Island. They are abundant in food and resources, with forests as vast as oceans and diverse landscapes. You can easily find a place that suits your tribe for settlement. The islands and their surroundings are guarded by hundreds of land-based defenders, as you’ve seen earlier. 1 possess hundreds of such land-based guardians, thousands of sea-based guardians, and even aerial guardians. You need not worry about safety and food. In my territory, the Toothwood Tribe can thrive and reproduce without any concerns. As long as you pledge your loyalty to me, I can provide you with the life you desire.”

Ji Chen spoke confidently, his demeanor and words exuding a sense of nonchalance. With the growth of his power and advancement in his profession, he naturally emitted an aura of royalty. Coupled with his naturally attractive appearance, people couldn’t help but bow their heads in respect and admiration.

Irona gazed at Ji Chen, captivated by his extraordinary presence, her eyes shimmering with a peculiar light. For some reason, her heart began to beat faster, as if a voice within her was urging her to accept his offer.

However, she was still a purple-rare tier hero. In just a moment, Irona forcefully bit her tongue, snapping herself back to reality. After a brief moment of contemplation, she spoke again, slowly and deliberately.

“Great Lord, I believe the Toothwood Tribe is not yet prepared to relocate.”

Hearing these words, Ji Chen couldn’t help but understand her gentle refusal, though he wasn’t disappointed. After all, if a purple-rare tier hero was easily swayed, they wouldn’t be considered as such.

Even Liu Bei had to invite Zhuge Liang three times before he agreed to come out of seclusion. Ji Chen wasn’t in a hurry to immediately recruit Irona into his ranks.

He displayed a slightly regretful expression and continued, “I will be staying on King Kong Island for a few more days. If you change your mind, you can find me in my territory on the southern coast, which is only half a day’s journey from here.”

With that, he stood up, walked to the center of the camp, and summoned a grid-like structure from his backpack. It was approximately 2,000 units of meat.

“These rations are a gift from me to you.”

Irona looked at the mountain-like pile of meat that appeared out of thin air, her eyes brimming with surprise. These rations could greatly alleviate the tribe’s current food shortage. It was truly a timely help!

“Thank you very much for your generosity, Great Lord. The Toothwood Tribe will never forget your helping hand,” Irona expressed her gratitude.

Ji Chen nodded briefly without saying much, bid a simple farewell, and left the camp. He disappeared into the dense forest with his troops, while Irona and the other half-orcs watched him depart with admiration.

As Ji Chen and his group ventured further into the woods, they heard a resounding cheer coming from the half-orc camp. Ji Chen smiled faintly.

Anina caught up to him, her mind filled with question marks. She asked with confusion, “My lord, I can understand why you initially demanded compensation from them, but how come you didn’t receive any and instead even gave them 2,000 units of food?”

Upon hearing her words, Ji Chen simply smiled mysteriously, choosing not to say much.

Alice also smiled gently without saying a word.

Anina looked at Ji Chen, then at Alice, muttering to herself, “Another enigmatic person… With so much meat, 1 could eat well for quite some time. What a waste…”

To Ji Chen, 2,000 units of food meant very little. Considering the food reserves on his ship, giving away 2,000 units of food wouldn’t even scratch the surface. However, it was highly suitable for improving Irona’s and the half-orcs’ favor towards him.

Moreover, 2,000 units of food for the voracious half-orcs of the Toothwood Tribe would only be enough for four or five meals. It could give them temporary relief but wouldn’t completely solve their food shortage issue. That was precisely his intention.

If Irona and her tribe were to face further setbacks and difficulties, or if food scarcity became a pressing issue again, he wanted them to immediately think of Ji Chen, the one who had once helped them..