The wind howled, rain poured down in torrents, and thunder roared. In just over ten days, the area around the new settlement cave had been turned upside down.
This was likely the onset of the rainy season.
During these days, everyone in the cave was tense and worried—Sha Yi was no exception. For several nights, he tossed and turned, and though he didn’t say anything, she could see his anxiety.
Xi Gu had mentioned that this rainy season was the worst she had ever experienced, with the most dire conditions.
In previous years, though the rains were heavy, they never lasted this long, nor were there as many thunderstorms. As a result, the surrounding environment had never deteriorated to this extent.
But now, the downpour showed no sign of stopping, let alone the sunny weather they had at the beginning.
According to Xi Gu, continuous heavy rain was impossible—only lighter rain could persist for days. Normally, after six or seven days of rain, there would be half a day or even a full day of cloudy or clear weather. By the time the river swelled, roughly two-thirds of the rainy season would have passed, with the remaining time marked by rising and receding floodwaters.
During this period, as long as one could swim, had enough food, and maintained sufficient stamina, survival was possible—though exceptions existed, such as attacks by giant snakes or beasts, or simply running out of energy.
However, since food couldn’t be stored for long periods, and floods often swept away supplies, hunting in the water was difficult. Under these conditions, it was considered fortunate if nearly half of the cave’s inhabitants survived.
Those who made it through could then seek new shelter, gather food, and prepare for winter.
According to Xi Gu, winters here weren’t particularly cold—three or four animal pelts were enough to stay warm. Moreover, food was abundant during winter, making it a more leisurely and comfortable season compared to summer.
Yet, winters were gradually becoming colder, though no one knew why—just as no one understood why the number of giant snakes had dwindled.
Xi Gu vaguely suspected a connection between the two phenomena, but they couldn’t figure it out.
Still, they wholeheartedly welcomed the idea that colder weather might reduce the giant snake population.
Sha Yi found it amusing but kept her thoughts to herself. After all, the knowledge gap between ancient and modern humans was vast. Even she wouldn’t have understood without her modern perspective.
As a modern person, she knew snakes were cold-blooded reptiles. Given the current situation, she guessed—as she had before—that these giant snakes were likely evolved descendants of Titanoboa, now facing natural selection. Otherwise, their size wouldn’t differ so drastically from modern pythons.
On this point, she agreed with Xi Gu and the others: no matter how cold it got, as long as it wiped out those monstrous creatures, she was all for it!
Overall, there was still hope after the rainy season.
For now, though, the relentless downpour left her stuck in the cave with nothing to do. Despite her many plans, she could only idle away the time.
During this period, the deafening cracks of thunder striking giant trees were frequent. Floodwaters even rose into the cave where they cooked, forcing them to move the fire higher and protect their preserved food with large leaves and stones to prevent losses.
The only lingering issue was the unavoidable dampness inside the cave. Those who slept on low, ground-level bedding suffered, but there was no solution—without materials to raise their beds, they had to endure.
The coconut-like fruits that Saina and the others had gathered were nearly depleted. The survival of the three young horses was already a miracle, and Sha Yi couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to them. She prayed fervently for clear skies, and after days of waiting, her wish was finally granted.
The gloom of the past weeks was shattered by the sudden return of blazing sunlight. Sha Yi’s mood soared—it felt like bidding farewell to an unwelcome visitor.
When the boulder blocking the cave entrance was pushed aside, the long-missed sunlight poured in, nearly blinding her with its brilliance. But her joy faded when she saw the knee-deep floodwaters outside.
The riverbank was likely submerged.
Yet Xi Yi burst into laughter, scooping her up and wading into the water, sending splashes everywhere.
Having been cooped up in the cave for days with limited bathing options, Sha Yi had only managed quick wipe-downs. Now, after being scorched by the sun and drenched in muddy water by Xi Yi, she felt utterly uncomfortable.
But the tall, muscular man was relentless. Despite her struggles, she couldn’t break free. Eventually, she gave up and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face against his chest.
Xi Yi, though rebuffed, was too delighted to care. He only held her tighter.
Sha Yi had had enough. Poking his chest, she sighed, “Xi Yi, I haven’t bathed in days. You—”
Before she could finish, he eagerly cut in, “I don’t mind!”
His deadpan expression nearly made her choke. Rolling her eyes, she grumbled, “You haven’t bathed either! What right do you have to mind? And I was telling you to let go, not asking if you minded!”
Xi Yi laughed again, utterly ignoring her complaints. Before she could react, he pinched her waist, and when she pouted in protest, he planted a loud kiss on her lips.
Sha Yi was stunned.
But he was overjoyed, as if the storms of the past days had been an illusion—and his anxiety had never existed.
Glaring at him in mock anger, she was about to speak when she noticed Saina emerging from the cave.
His gaze locked onto her, his expression complex and icy. She couldn’t decipher its meaning.
Recalling his behavior at the old cave settlement and during the giant tree collapse, then seeing him now, Sha Yi couldn’t help but think of one term—split personality.
But the moment passed. In the next second, his face transformed into a bright smile as he smirked at her.
For a second, Sha Yi wondered if she was the one hallucinating. Yet, his eyes held no trace of warmth.
Saina remained as ever—smiling without sincerity, speaking without truth. A contradiction, half-hearted and half-cold, arrogant and inscrutable.
Such a person might be perfect as a leader, but as any kind of friend? Unreliable and unsettling.
Thankfully, Xi Yi wasn’t like that—otherwise, she’d have died fleeing long ago!
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