Chapter 113: New Life After Turbulence

Though she didn’t speak again, she took in every word Masa said.

The information was indeed substantial.

Previously, what she had unexpectedly learned from Xi Yi was only that the various small groups in the settlement would disperse in the later part of the rainy season before each sought out suitable places to live. However, she hadn’t known the exact timing. Now, based on Masa’s words, she had a rough idea of when the dispersal would occur. Moreover, considering Masa’s lament about the current rainy season, she was fairly certain that this time, the dispersal would happen much earlier.

Additionally, the greasy black substance Masa mentioned was likely crude oil. The area beneath this land probably held vast reserves of it, including what they had glimpsed on the other side of the great river. If they could extract some, it would greatly benefit their future lives. It was a shame she hadn’t discovered its true nature earlier on the grasslands by the river—otherwise, they wouldn’t have been forced to wait until the rainy season. Now, they were utterly helpless against it.

Worse still, under the relentless rain, parts of the grassland had turned into swamp-like terrain, increasing the danger. It seemed rafts would be indispensable, and they needed to act quickly.

If they failed to seize the window before the thunderstorms and couldn’t mobilize more hands to help with construction, they might find themselves in dire straits when the dispersal began.

In just a short while, she had considered many things. Meanwhile, Masa continued chattering away.

He was still a child—more mature than modern children, but young nonetheless. Thus, after briefly dwelling on the giant tree that had crashed near the settlement’s entrance, he couldn’t help but immerse himself in recounting his observations. Sha Yi glanced at the torrential rain outside the cave, silently hoping the damage wouldn’t be too severe.

By late afternoon, familiar footsteps finally echoed outside the cave. Sha Yi stood anxiously at the entrance, peering out until Xi Yi’s figure emerged through the downpour.

He looked utterly disheveled—covered in dust, his face streaked with grime where the rain had failed to wash it away. His slightly curly black hair clung to his face and neck in damp strands.

Her heart ached at the sight. The moment he stepped inside, she rushed to wipe the mud from his face. But he seemed indifferent to his own state, instead unfurling a thick animal hide he carried and draping it over her shoulders with a smile.

It appeared the boulders blocking the settlement’s entrance had been cleared.

Xi Yi had arrived empty-handed, and his cheerful demeanor suggested the losses might not be as catastrophic as feared.

As they prepared to leave, she suddenly remembered Masa was still inside. Turning back to call him, she found the boy already darting past her, pausing only to shoot her a mischievous grin before vanishing into the rain.

Resigned to his carefree antics, Sha Yi let him go. Xi Yi, seemingly accustomed to Masa’s behavior, ignored him entirely and simply reached for her hand. She followed without protest.

The hide Xi Yi had brought was unusually remarkable. Though soaked on the outside, it repelled water, keeping the interior dry and warm even as they trekked back to the settlement. The discovery amazed her, but her focus soon shifted to the cave’s entrance.

The fallen tree had been moved aside, but the impact marks were stark—especially around the cave’s mouth, which had borne the brunt of the crash.

Earlier, obscured by debris and rain, she hadn’t seen the full extent of the damage. Now, the sight made her gasp.

The situation wasn’t disastrous, but far from good.

At a glance, three or four small group territories near the entrance had been obliterated, buried under boulders. The entire cave’s opening had effectively shrunk by a significant margin.

By now, most of the settlement’s inhabitants had returned. The cave buzzed with animated discussions—some relieved, others wailing in despair.

Survival during the rainy season was hard enough without losing essentials. While stored food and hides could be salvaged by moving the rubble, shattered containers weren’t easily replaced. Salt crystals, painstakingly produced earlier, had dissolved into puddles. Even the wooden racks for storing items had splintered beyond recognition.

The sole consolation was that no one had been inside these sections when the tree fell. Otherwise, the toll would have been far worse.

Entering the cave, she spotted Saina near the entrance, directing his men to sift through the wreckage. It dawned on her that his group had also lived at the edge—meaning they, too, had suffered losses.

She hadn’t expected him to speak as he did, given their shared plight. His words left her conflicted. Earlier, while talking with Xi Yi, she’d even dismissed him. Now, her feelings were a tangled mess.

Still, Xi Yi’s decision remained the more convincing and responsible one.

As her thoughts drifted, Xi Yi approached Saina. They spoke in hushed tones, too far for her to hear. But their expressions and gestures made it clear they’d reconciled somewhat.

Xi Yi seemed to be thanking Saina, who responded with obvious disdain. Yet Xi Yi persisted, and after more exchanged words, both looked grim—especially Saina, who shot her several dark glances before resuming his usual careless smirk as Xi Yi walked away.

Though his smile seemed bright, she noticed the shadows in his eyes—hollow, unyielding.

So despite her gratitude, she offered no response. He, in turn, appeared neither surprised nor affected, as if he’d expected it.

When Xi Yi returned, she followed him deeper into the cave.

Xigu and the others were sorting wooden containers—some for meals, others for water. It seemed Xi Yi had already informed them of his decision to shoulder the consequences, and they’d rallied behind him.

It made sense. The vine incident hadn’t involved just the two of them—most of the men, except Marui, had participated. Even if they didn’t understand the cause, they knew the root of the problem.

Fortunately, their group had ample wooden containers and salt reserves to share without hardship.

Once everything was organized, Xi Yi motioned for her to stay while he and the others carried the supplies to the entrance. The cave fell silent.

He took full responsibility, and before he could finish speaking, murmurs erupted—some angry, others forgiving.

Sha Yi, though distant, caught the gist. Some resented the disruption, while others acknowledged the good intentions behind it.

But humans were fickle—one grievance could overshadow ten joys. The division, though expected, still weighed on her.

She wished everyone well, yet many refused to share the burden. It was disheartening. Even with the best intentions, she couldn’t help feeling resentful—especially when some turned their ire directly on Xi Yi.

Xigu, fiery-tempered, soon erupted in curses. Xi Yi tried to calm her while apologizing to the crowd, but it was futile.

Amid the chaos, someone shouted, “Get out of the settlement!” The cry spread, growing louder.

True despair, it seemed, looked like this.

Throughout history, the masses were often innocent—but innocence and ignorance went hand in hand.

She understood their anger, their skepticism of her unfamiliar ideas. Yet she hadn’t anticipated that even with the salt-making proof, they’d still distrust Xi Yi.

If they’d truly acted out of selfishness or malice, why would they admit it openly?

Sha Yi’s heart turned cold.

Perhaps many had joined the salt search for selfish reasons. Thankfully, they’d succeeded—or else the backlash would’ve drowned them.

Now, they refused to believe the storm’s danger could be mitigated, convinced Xi Yi’s warnings were excuses—the vine incident a mere trick.

Selfishness, doubt, distrust… these traits existed even in ancient times. Not everyone treated her like Xi Yi did. She’d been naive.

If so, there was no need to keep helping or considering such people.

She was willful by nature. Kindness wasn’t owed to everyone. Perhaps it was time to reconsider—especially since Xi Yi had taken the blame for her. They enjoyed her contributions but scorned her mistakes. Not because she refused to apologize or compensate, but because some were inherently cold.

With that, Sha Yi slowly stood.

Xi Yi noticed immediately. Seeing her expression, he grew frantic—but trapped by the jeering crowd, he couldn’t reach her.

Soon, stones flew. “Get out!” The chant swelled, chaos erupting. Then she saw it—a trickle of blood down Xi Yi’s temple. Others were shoved, struck.

Sha Yi couldn’t hold back her tears, sobbing openly.

Xi Yi saw her grief. With a roar, he shoved through the mob, sprinting to her and pulling her into a fierce embrace.

Pressed against his chest, she wept uncontrollably—more bitterly than even when she’d first realized she’d time-traveled.

He held her silently, equally shaken.

Finally, she lifted her tear-streaked face, sniffling. “Xi Yi, let’s go. Let’s leave this place.”

“Okay.” He agreed without hesitation.

Sha Yi was stunned.

Xi Yi was always responsible, deliberate. This impulsive answer defied his nature.

She’d expected refusal or at least deliberation. But…

Reading her confusion, he wiped her tears gently. “I just want to be with you. Nothing else matters. Leaving the settlement—I can do that.”

“I’m in.” Marui, having broken free from the mob, panted beside them, bruised but grinning. “I’ll fetch Xigu. If she keeps cursing, she’ll get pelted to death. Most of the cave’s turned on us—no mercy left. I won’t stay with them.”

His humor made Sha Yi laugh through her tears, lifting her spirits.

Fine, they’d leave. They’d never relied on any group. That a fallen tree—with no casualties—could spark such fury proved these people couldn’t endure hardship together. The world was vast; surely, they’d find another home.

The decision brought clarity. As Marui gathered the others, they packed swiftly.

Most containers had been given as compensation, leaving little behind. Preserved food, though abundant, was manageable—these ancient folk were strong.

Xi Yi carried her tub. She wore the hide. No one in their group complained. Even the newer members smiled, blaming no one for the disaster.

Only Xigu ranted endlessly, glaring at bystanders. Sha Yi chuckled.

She was lucky—to have met Xi Yi, to join his kind group. Now, having tasted life’s cruelties, she cherished their bond more than ever.

At the ruined entrance, their path was blocked.

Saina stood there, silent until now, flanked by his men and two other small groups.

Without preamble, he spoke, eyes locked on Xi Yi. “What, wreck our things and just leave? We’re not like those ingrates. You really think you can just run?”

His tone was provocative, but the message was clear: alliance. Xi Yi caught on instantly. “Welcome aboard. You lead the way.”

Sha Yi was speechless.

Seeing Xi Yi’s sly side was startling. He knew they had nowhere to go—Saina’s small cave was their only option. By passing the decision to him, he ensured cooperation.

Saina wasn’t fooled. Grinning, he played along. “I had a feeling I’d return to my old cramped cave. Guess I was right. We’ll stay there tonight, then scout tomorrow. Isn’t that how we survived past dispersals? Who’s scared? Let’s go!”

His words were bold, his smirk aimed at her.

Sha Yi half-glared but, remembering his earlier rescue and now his loyalty, looked away.

This was critical. She couldn’t let tensions flare between Xi Yi and Saina. Unity was their survival.

In this era, strength lay in numbers. With enough hands, they could build anew.

Those who stood together in crisis were true allies.

This ordeal had taught her much. Now, with this choice, she looked forward to a fresh start. One day, she’d use her knowledge to help create the best life possible—with them.