Chapter 90: The enticed deer

Chapter 90: The enticed deerHan Cheng watched the Deer Lordrun towards him, a mischievous grin on his face. It was finally time for the harvest after expending so much effort and with the snow aiding him.

The Deer Lordarrived before Han Cheng, annoyed at this disobedient two-legged creature. It glanced at the small bipedal creature with a hint of reproach, then obediently nudged its face against the empty hoof the little bipedal creature extended. Without hesitation, it moved its mouth to the other hoof where the green grass was held and started eating.

The proud Deer Lordwagged its tail happily as the delicious grass entered its mouth, feeling no shame in trading its face for the treat.

The other deers followed suit, approaching the humans and using their faces against the offered empty hooves, then eagerly eating the grass.

Yes, they had started the habit of "showing their faces" to eat.

The old Deer Lordfelt a bit dissatisfied because today, despite the little bipedal creature bringing lots of grass, it wasn't eager to share. It barely took a few bites before backing away.

"You touched my face, but you won't give me grass now?" thought the Deer Load. "Where can one get such an easy and free meal? Do they think you can touch my face so easily?"

The proud Deer Lordkept up, unwilling to let go of the little bipedal creature who had touched its face but didn't want to share the grass.

The rest of the group had received Han Cheng's instructions beforehand. They followed his lead, taking the grass and gradually moving away, enticing the deer to leave the salt mountain and head toward their village.

Months of feeding had already familiarized the deer with the people of the Green Sparrow Tribe. They were not cautious or alarmed toward Han Cheng and his companions.

Coupled with the heavy snow closing off access to adequate food like grass and leaves, the deer were not getting enough to eat. The tempting offer of their favorite grass naturally led them to follow Han Cheng and the others.

Han Cheng had set his sights on these deer from the first time he saw them. After months of preparation, he was finally taking action.

"Self-made hay and salt water don't compare to this," thought Han Cheng, the time-traveling individual now playing the role of the tribe's Divine Child.

"These deer must be brought back." Now that the Green Sparrow Tribe had a wall around their territory, there was enough space for these deer.

Han Cheng felt somewhat uneasy about leaving the deer outside the village. If these clueless creatures encountered another tribe and were accidentally harmed them, he, who considered the deer his tribe's private property, would be distraught.

Given the deer's tame nature, confronting another tribe would certainly result in injury.

As they moved on, the proud Deer Lordsuddenly stopped in his tracks, completely engrossed in reclaiming what he considered rightfully earned. His joyful tail ceased its swaying.

The Deer Lordgazed at the unfamiliar mountain wall before him and the little bipedal creature standing at the opening, swinging the dried grass gently. There was something off about the situation.

Seeing them stopping at their doorstep and showing reluctance to proceed, Han Cheng wasn't worried. He had prepared something special to ensure the deer were fully convinced to follow them. Now, it was time to use his trump card.

Reaching for the animal skin pouch hanging at his waist, Han Cheng opened it and retrieved something green and oily.

Yes, it was rapeseed.

Rapeseed was easy to cultivate, especially its sprouts. During autumn, Han Cheng had scattered the seeds around, and after a short time in the fertile, damp soil, they had sprouted and turned into lush, green plants.

Han Cheng went to great lengths to ensure the success of his plan. Before setting off, he had come to the rapeseed field, dug through the snow covering it, and plucked a fair amount, stashing it in his pouch.

Han Cheng waved the green rapeseed before the old Deer Load, bringing it close to the stag's nose for a sniff. The hesitant Deer Loads eyes immediately lit up.

Its mouth opened, and its pink tongue rolled out, ready to curl into its mouth. Han Cheng naturally wouldn't let it succeed.

Prepared in advance, he dodged, avoiding the Deer Loads tongue, then quickly moved a few steps back.

The appearance of the rapeseed made the old Deer Lordforget everything else. Watching the rapeseed, which was about to fly into its mouth, it immediately stepped forward, completely unaware of what this step meant for itself.

Since the lead Deer Lordhad gone in, the younger ones following behind felt no fear. They had always followed the lead Deer Loads actions.

Shaman came out of the cave. Even before, he knew that the Divine Child and the others had found a group of deer near the salt mountain. The Divine Child intended to domesticate them and make them the exclusive property of the Green Sparrow Tribe.

Shaman also wanted to go along after learning that Han Cheng would act against the deer today. However, there was too much snow on the road, so venturing out in such weather was inconvenient at his age. Han Cheng persuaded him to stay behind.

Once Han Cheng and the others left, Shaman began praying to the tribal spirits at the totem pole, hoping for their protection on the Divine Child's journey.

Having experienced the benefits of animal husbandry through the rabbits, the Shaman, who cared deeply about the successful integration of the deer into their tribe, prayed earnestly.

But simultaneously, he couldn't help feeling a bit anxious. After all, what the Divine Child was going for this time were large deer, not small creatures like rabbits.

Before starting his prayer, Shaman had entrusted the young Cheng to convey any news promptly. Hearing Cheng joyfully run in and announce that the Divine Child was returning with many deer, Shaman, who usually wouldn't allow interruptions during prayers, immediately concluded his one-sided conversation with the spirits and rushed outside with the help of Cheng.

Shaman's joy was evident in seeing the deers in the courtyard. He grinned, showing a mouth with half its teeth missing, and laughed happily.

After a few laughs, he suddenly remembered that such laughter might startle the deer. He quickly closed his mouth and gestured for others not to move. He didn't want to disturb the deer that now belonged to their tribe.

When he saw Hei Wa silently close and secure the gate, Shaman grinned again without making a sound. Laughing silently, he walked toward the deer enclosure, where Han Cheng had led most of the deer that had been constructed some time ago. The shaman's expression was benevolent.