The arrival of the new group, predominantly composed of women, came at dusk—much later than they had anticipated.
Previously, the men from their side had refrained from venturing into the distant burning forest during their hunts. Instead, wary of the unpredictable arrival of this unknown group, they had stuck to hunting in the immediate vicinity of their dwelling. Yet, the group had not shown up, and the towering flames in that forest had raged for days.
Initially, she had considered extinguishing the fire in the forest, but the reality was just as she had thought when she left—the distance from the water source was too great. Relying on manpower and their rudimentary tools to fight the fire was no small challenge. Moreover, it was questionable whether their efforts would even make a dent in the inferno.
Additionally, since the end of the rainy season, it seemed that rain was a rarity in this world. At the very least, after the last drizzling rain of the season, she had not seen a single drop since.
This group of women arrived nearly a month later than Garlo and the others. She couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason, but she suspected three possibilities.
First, the gloomy man who had ambushed her might have met his end, which would undoubtedly have some impact on his group.
Second, this group might have come from the burning forest. As far as she knew, that forest was a crucial passage connecting to the new lands beyond. To reach their current area from the distant rear, one had to pass through that forest by land—unless they resorted to rafts.
Now, with the forest ablaze for days, the fire might have spread extensively, possibly hindering their progress. Thus, they could have been delayed or forced to take a detour.
Third, there was the obvious issue—the weather.
Over the past month, the temperature had initially remained stable but then plummeted abruptly. Had the drop not been so sudden and severe, she wouldn’t have rushed to make fur clothing.
She had also asked Tuge, who confirmed that the climate in their former dwelling was indeed warmer than their current location. Xiyi had mentioned that with each seasonal cycle, temperatures dropped year by year. Now, within just a few days, the difference had become stark. Not only did Garlo’s group notice it, but even Xiyi and Xigu’s people were acutely aware that this winter was arriving earlier and colder than before.
She feared this winter would be harsher than any previous one.
Though she found it puzzling that the north was warmer than the south, she couldn’t question the facts. After all, this era was vastly different from her own, and she couldn’t rely solely on modern logic to assess the situation.
Since this group lived even further north than Garlo and Tuge, they would naturally struggle to adapt to such drastic temperature changes. This could very well be another reason for their delayed migration.
Compared to modern times, the current temperature hovered between five to ten degrees Celsius—lower than what Xiyi had initially told her. As someone accustomed to subzero temperatures in her time, she should have been fine. However, the rapid change, coupled with the primitive living conditions—poor insulation in shelters and inadequate clothing—left her shivering.
The only saving grace was her modern knowledge and the extraordinary physical strength and endurance of Xiyi and the others, which allowed her ideas to come to fruition.
Yet, problems remained.
This winter was proving unpredictable, much like the sudden migration of this female-dominated group. Their preparations had fallen short—whether it was the fur clothing or the silk-like plants she had hoped to harvest but never saw mature.
She had intended to gather those resources quickly but failed.
Now, the arrival of these outsiders unsettled her. Though she had known in advance and made plans, she still struggled to adjust when faced with the reality.
They had spent the night on high alert, but the newcomers made no hostile moves.
Sha Yi sensed something was amiss. This group likely had other intentions, but for now, it gave her side a buffer.
Take Garlo’s people, for instance. They couldn’t build houses like hers. Crafting metal weapons from copper-tin ore or firing red bricks from clay was beyond their capabilities. Instead, they constructed crude thatched huts by interweaving thick branches, binding them with vines, and covering the exterior with dry grass and leaves.
Functional, yes—but far inferior in insulation and durability.
Over the past days, relations between the two groups had been amicable. She had wanted to help Garlo’s side, but the timing wasn’t right for kiln work. The effort required was too great, so they had to abandon the idea.
Garlo was still missing.
Though she found it odd, there was little she could do to help or advise.
Only the gloomy man—beaten half to death and brought back—remained under Tuge’s watch. Despite the cold, they hadn’t mistreated him, even providing him with fur.
With the weather worsening and the groups living separately, cooking was no longer communal. Only occasionally, or when necessary, did they share meals as before.
She and Xiyi were exceptions. Xigu often brought them food when she woke earlier, insisting that Sha Yi didn’t need to cook for others.
Grateful, Sha Yi was taken aback when Xigu bluntly stated that she should focus on reproduction—bearing Xiyi’s child as soon as possible was the priority.
Embarrassed but understanding, Sha Yi knew delaying childbirth was unwise. They all wanted their group to grow, and winter was considered the ideal time for conception.
Otherwise, when the rainy season arrived, problems would multiply—just like during her first experience with it. Even if they solved natural challenges, unforeseen crises like snake infestations or floods could arise.
Not just her, but Xigu and the other women were also actively preparing for pregnancy, undeterred by the newcomers—despite their proximity, separated only by a small stretch of forest.
With the men assigned night watch, Sha Yi slept soundly. However, her recent loss of appetite had spared Xiyi from guard duty, leaving him to care for her. Though touched, her stomach remained uncooperative, growing even pickier.
This morning, she couldn’t stomach anything—not even the lightest broth Xiyi prepared.
Frustrated, Xiyi rushed to fetch Tuge, who, as usual, had no diagnosis, chalking it up to her being finicky. Only when Xigu arrived and made an observation did Sha Yi realize—her last menstrual cycle had been weeks ago.
Could she be… pregnant?
But she only felt nauseous, never actually vomiting. Plus, her previous cycle had been delayed due to the harsh conditions of the rainy season, so she hesitated to jump to conclusions.
Even though Xigu’s guess was unconfirmed, Xiyi was overjoyed, nearly lifting her in celebration before Xigu stopped him.
Truthfully, Sha Yi hoped it was just a cold from the temperature shift—not pregnancy. Though winter wasn’t dire, the newcomers’ intentions were unclear, and her group lacked ambition. Surviving wouldn’t be easy.
Lacking malice didn’t mean avoiding harm. Even without scheming, trouble would find them—there was no foolproof safety.
She needed to strategize for Xiyi and her group, standing with them through thick and thin.
For now, though, she had to eat—whether sick or pregnant, she needed strength.
Primitive conditions were harsh. While Tuge could handle injuries, illnesses like colds were uncertain.
Gritting her teeth, she forced down some broth and greens—only to vomit violently moments later.
Sha Yi had never felt so wretched.
Xigu, however, was thrilled.
Sha Yi realized—she was most likely pregnant.
Because aside from nausea, she had no fever, headache, or sore throat.
This was it.
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