Chapter 24: Economic Disruption and the Erosion of Trade Networks

Chapter 24: Economic Disruption and the Erosion of Trade Networks

The leader of the Donghe Tribe, affectionately known as "Grandmother," emerged from the sacred temple, her weathered face etched with gratitude. She expressed her tribe's wishes with a delicate euphemism, mindful of their dire circumstances. As a branch of the mighty Donghai clan, they found themselves in a precarious situation, yet steadfastly remained bound to their ancestral beliefs and prayers.

Amidst the uncharacteristically early arrival of winter, a bone-chilling cold had seized the land, causing even the vast East River to freeze over. However, this frigid turn of events did not impede the resilient Garlic Tribe. Today, they reveled in an abundance of food, boasting a bountiful harvest of wheat, potatoes, garlic, and preserved fish and meat.

Furthermore, their transition to sturdy wooden houses had significantly fortified their defenses against the elements, providing them with much-needed warmth and shelter. It was a stark contrast to their previous dwellings, which had been susceptible to the biting winds and relentless rains.

During the harsh winter months, the Garlic Tribe's primary occupation centered around logging. They ventured deep into the forest, seeking timber for heating and storage. However, the ceaseless snowfall over numerous days draped a thick blanket of white upon their entire settlement, including the frozen ditches. The biting cold prompted birds and rabbits, driven by their own hunger, to venture into the tribe's territory, scavenging for sustenance.

On this particular day, members of the Donghe Tribe, laden with bags upon their backs, traversed the frozen expanse of ice. The brutal winter conditions compelled them to dismantle their boats, employing their timbers as firewood for warmth. Fishing, once a vital means of sustenance, had become perilous and arduous. The icy grip of the frozen river prevented them from breaking through and accessing the comparatively warmer waters.

Even the last of the sea monsters had perished beneath the frigid depths, leaving behind no progeny to replace them. The Donghe Tribe, trapped in a cycle of starvation and cold, had lost over a dozen members to the relentless elements and debilitating illnesses. Forced to relinquish their traditions, they had embarked upon a desperate journey to the mainland in search of survival.

With great humility, Grandmother, accompanied by several female captains, knelt outside the temple, beseeching the gods for forgiveness for their past transgressions. Acknowledging their remorse, Lu Yao, in an act of benevolence, spared them further hardship and called upon Yin Shabel to extend assistance, as promised.Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

Adhering to the adage that necessity knows no bounds, Lu Yao recognized the vital importance of the Donghe Tribe. They possessed the invaluable ability to provide water routes and act as a bulwark against their adversaries, the Yanchi Tribe. As the pragmatic leader of the Garlic Tribe, the Prophet warmly received the Donghe Tribe, allocating available housing to accommodate their needs, given the limited daylight hours of winter.

However, following the rescue of the Donghe Tribe, an unexpected turn of events transpired within the Garlic Tribe that Lu Yao had never anticipated. In the depths of this unforgiving winter, a surge of newborns emerged within the Donghe Tribe, much to Lu Yao's chagrin.

"Foolish savages!" one of the Yanchi tribesmen spat, his words dripping with contempt. "You will regret this! The Yanchi tribe no longer considers you as friends!"

With that, the Yanchi tribesmen hastily retreated, disappearing into the western mountains. Lu Yao, utilizing the powers bestowed upon him by the simulator, unleashed a series of earthquakes known as "Miracle." The earth shook and the mountains trembled as boulders tumbled down the slopes.

Earthquake after earthquake rocked the landa total of four seismic events. Vast stretches of mountains quivered, leaving rubble scattered along their ridges. The passage that linked the Garlic tribe with the Yanchi tribe was completely severed. Panic engulfed the Yanchi tribesmen stranded in the mountains.

"We're done! The passage is severed!"

"Our trade route is shattered. We can no longer transport goods through here."

"The losses will be immense!"

"My wool, my garlic!"

Lu Yao clenched his fist, a smirk playing across his face. They wanted to play with economic sanctions? Well, he had taken the initiative. Did they understand the implications of a nation closing its borders? They would soon learn the consequences firsthand.

--- END OF THE CHAPTER ---

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