Volume 4: How big is the heart, how vast is the earth Chapter 118: Mind
Xiao Yun was not deliberately fooling Evelin. What he said was indeed his understanding of magic, a "form of energy existence" that he could not see or feel.
As a typical pragmatist, Xiao Yun knows very well that it is impractical to use empty gimmicks to grab someone's attention for a long time. Even if it is the business concepts hyped by businesses on the earth to harvest IQ tax, and a whole think tank plus massive funds have been invested in the "detoxification, stool retention" and other seemingly deceiving rhetoric of the people, after a long time, consumers will still see through it and give them the middle finger... This is the case when the public IQ is pulled to the average line (approximately equal to negative). Now facing an individual who is definitely fine in IQ, you can shock people for a short time with a flimsy empty theory, but what about in the long run?
He was not just planning to "deceive" the female elf mage for a while. His plan was to establish a stable and long-term friendship with her. Therefore, what he brought up must have a sufficient theoretical basis - recognizing magic as a kind of radiation energy, using light energy as a reference for analysis and comparison, and even using physical formulas (wave speed = frequency x wavelength) to calculate magic fluctuations and explore magic resonance frequency based on this "hypothesis". Xiao Yun had already used Balk, a "non-natural radiation source that can systematically store magic radiation energy", to conduct experiments...
So after Xiao Yun threw out the physical energy cognition of the Snow Wolf Clan, he turned back to explain the terms he used: "Light energy is emitted to the earth, and green leafy plants absorb energy for photosynthesis and grow strong. We in the Snow Wolf Clan believe that this is the form of green leafy plants using light energy as a radiation energy... We in the Snow Wolf Clan believe that light energy is the most representative energy radiation with frequency and continuity, and has the characteristics of particles and waves. Particles refer to particles that are invisible to the naked eye and store energy, or they can also be called quanta. The wave characteristic refers to the movement frequency of light energy radiation during the process of emission, transfer, and absorption of heat energy by objects. At this time, we in the Snow Wolf Clan assume that the process and intensity of light energy radiation are based on the frequency and wavelength of the emission and transfer process. For example, when the clouds in the sky are thick, the light energy radiation is blocked by the clouds, and the frequency and wavelength are affected. At this time, the sunlight we feel will not be particularly strong, and we can only see the light, and the heat generated by the light radiation is not obvious..."
Ms. Evelyn tried hard to concentrate and listen to Xiao Yun's explanation. Knowledge is something that is interoperable. Although she felt uncomfortable with some of the terms Xiao Yun used, with her strong comprehension and acceptance as a spellcaster, she vaguely grasped the message Xiao Yun wanted to convey: that is, to analyze the common natural phenomenon of sunlight in a certain logical manner, and to try to use a systematic theoretical basis to explain the process of sunlight propagation.
Turning this corner, Ms. Evelin's beautiful eyes widened, and she couldn't help but tremble at Xiao Yun - was she too young? So she actually didn't know anything about the Snow Wolf Tribe? She actually thought of using the analysis and cognition of sunlight to explain the Snow Wolf Tribe's untouchable magic. How could this idea be so bold... and make her heart beat? !
Seeing the female elf mage's undisguised thirst for knowledge and strong curiosity, Xiao Yun knew that this wave was stable... He immediately ended the concept of light energy that he had actually forgotten a long time ago, and turned to talk about magic: "Assuming that magic is a kind of energy radiation, then the naturally existing magic must have a specific propagation frequency and continuous radiation energy like light energy. Balk's process of manipulating magic is the process of artificially correcting the low-frequency and low-wavelength magic radiation energy during natural propagation. For example, the frequency and wavelength of magic in a certain area will be increased, so that the intensity of magic radiation energy will change..."
In fact, Xiao Yun could not analyze this theory thoroughly. After all, he really could not sense any fluctuations of magic power, so his hypothesis in this regard was not very tenable. Fortunately, he had a big killer here - when using Balk for research , he found that the radiation energy of magic power would have concrete manifestations of varying powers when the resonance frequency was raised to different levels. In other words, the natural elements controlled by magic power could artificially simulate and intensify specific natural phenomena, thereby increasing its influence on the material world.
So after explaining it, Xiao Yun dragged Evelyn to the quarrying site, letting the female elf mage personally test the power of magic resonance... Well, actually, this place is a bit tricky, let alone magic, which is unscientific. The resonance of natural wind and buildings can collapse the bridge - but who cares, as long as it can support my theory! Natural science and magic science are all science!
Wind load resonance occurs only when the vibration frequency generated by the lateral force of natural wind is the same as or close to the fixed frequency of the structure. This is a natural phenomenon that can only occur in a specific climate environment (such as a typhoon). The wind element energy artificially manipulated by the caster is much more controllable than natural wind. Xiao Yun asked Evelyn to use wind magic on a boulder weighing dozens of tons to create a specific lateral force on the same side of the boulder. Evelyn drove the wind force as instructed with half-belief, but it was not enough to shake the boulder of that tonnage. Not long after the wind element energy directed the lateral force, the boulder that should have been standing still began to sway violently due to the resonance caused by the lateral force...
Ms. Evelin opened her mouth into an O shape: “…”
"Evelyn, can you control two winds of equal power at the same time? If you can, try to output them to both sides of the boulder at the same time. The wind direction should be consistent, the force point should be the same, and the frequency of the force generated on the boulder should be equal."
The elves were the darlings of magic. This delicate operation that took Balk half a day to perform was like a piece of cake for Evelyn. Then she saw... the boulder was not only shaking more violently, but the surface stone skin was also peeling off as if corroded by the wind...
Xiao Yun nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, it works. This is still working on solid stone. If you, Evelin, use this method on a house, even the strongest house will collapse."
Evelyn stopped releasing the wind power and stared in disbelief at the huge rock that was being destroyed by the lowest-level wind magic. She said blankly, "Is wind magic so powerful... It turns out that I don't know how to use magic...?"
Xiao Yun laughed: "That's nothing. If you can control the resonance of sound waves, you can even shake this boulder into powder, which can be used to open up mountains."
Evelin simply ignored what Xiao Yun said about the spellcaster coming to open the mountain, and said seriously: "Ayun, are you willing to accept me as your disciple?"
"……ha?"
"I've always thought that the power of magic is only reflected in mental strength and control of elements, but I've never seriously considered what magic is and why magic can allow us, spellcasters, to manipulate and control it. I've never even thought about taking the magic that allows us, spellcasters, to borrow elemental energy so seriously... I think perhaps it's ignorance that leads to our arrogance. Teacher Ayun, can I ask for your guidance?" Evelyn became more and more excited as she spoke. She took a step forward, cupped her hands to her heart, and her eyes were full of stars.
Xiao Yun: "..." I want to be your friend but you want to be your disciple...
"Well...actually I already have a disciple." Xiao Yun said tactfully.
"I know, but you are not the only teacher of Saint Bridge's Prince Carlisle Harvey Ferdinand." Evelyn refused to give up and took another step forward. "You analyze and study magic so meticulously. I am ashamed and respectful of your spirit of exploration. I really hope to receive your guidance and explore magic under your instruction."
"...I think this may be difficult. After all, I am a snow werewolf..."
"It is precisely because you are from the Snow Wolf Clan, a race that has forbidden magic, that you have not given up exploring the origin of magic. If you are not worthy of the respect of spellcasters, then the arrogance of spellcasters will be unforgivable."
Xiao Yun retreated again and again, and had to bite the bullet and said, "If I, a member of the forbidden magic race, dare to instruct you, wouldn't that be an offense to your former teacher?"
"How could Teacher Gwendolyn blame me for my devotion to magic?!" Evelyn said in disbelief. "The path of a spellcaster is the path of a seeker. Isn't it natural for the pioneer to be the teacher? You and your race deserve respect from all spellcasters for your careful observation and research of magic. Or do you think I am not qualified to be your disciple?"
When she said the last sentence, her eyes were filled with tears, her voice was choked with sobs, and she was about to cry... Xiao Yun was sweating all over his forehead.
"Training disciples and agents, what the hell do we need to do this again?!"
Xiao Yun, who picked up an elf disciple, sighed like this. He really hadn't thought of cultivating some agents among the forest elves to stir up trouble - although the overall strength of the forest elves could not compare with the snow mountain elves, the ordinary warriors of the snow elves were required to practice both magic and martial arts, while the big-headed warriors of the forest elves were just big-headed warriors. However, he could not afford to covet such a behemoth as the forest elves. Xiao Yun had an idea in this regard.
When he brought Evelyn, who had officially become his disciple, back to the tribe and introduced her to Balk, the stupid dragon was surprised and pointed at him angrily: "Don't you already have me?!"
Xiao Yunlei was so angry that veins popped out on his forehead: "How can you talk like that! Watch your words!"
Evelin was shocked: “Teacher Ayun, did you accept this green dragon?”
"Ayun, what do you want with such a weak elf!"
"Please forgive my intrusion, Mr. Ayun, but green dragons are very difficult to deal with. Once you get entangled with them, it is very difficult to get rid of them. I suggest you think twice."
"You elves are the most annoying! Do you have any evil intentions? Why are you pestering Ayun?!"
"Wait, why are you so hostile? Weren't you all fine before?" Xiao Yun was confused.
"Fundamentally speaking, dragons are not spellcasters. They are just a barbaric race with rudimentary knowledge of magic." Evelyn said bluntly.
"Either she or I!" Balke was more direct.
Xiao Yun: “…”
There's even a discrimination chain within this magic society.
This matter had to be resolved neatly and could not be delayed. The flour mill could not do without Balk for the time being. According to Evelyn, Xiao Yun really needed an agent within the forest elves who could speak for his family - feelings were false, and interests were real. Xiao Yun, who had no feelings, had always been clear about this.
"I think that if the caster considers himself to be a seeker who is exploring the unknown, then he needs to be more tolerant and open-minded. You should know that what hinders people's ideological progress is not ignorance and weakness, but arrogance."
Evelin was stunned for a moment, then slowly lowered her head, saying sadly, “I am narrow-minded, Teacher Ayun.”
"The dragon race is the most powerful race on the continent. As a great green dragon lord, are you sure you want to argue with a young elf about some prejudices between the two of you that do not exist in the first place and are only caused by inertia?"
Balke pouted his lips, but stopped talking.
Xiao Yun concluded: "If you must discriminate against each other out of unreasonable prejudice, then you should discriminate against me first, because among the three of us, I am the only snow wolf who is not blessed by magic."
"Lord Balk, please allow me to apologize for my narrow-mindedness and arrogance." Evelyn bowed hurriedly to Balk. She didn't want to be kicked out immediately after becoming his teacher after all the hard work.
"Humph." Balk turned his head away and muttered, "Anyway, I was here first."
Xiao Yun: “…”
Damn it, why does he feel like he's always been taking care of a child...
Thinking of taking care of a child, Xiao Yun's body trembled violently. Damn it, why had he never noticed this before - there had been no newborns in the tribe for four years!
Evelyn hurried to send the goods back and then come back to study. Xiao Yun told her to bring out some elven magic books if it was convenient. After sending the reluctant female elf away, Xiao Yun immediately ran to find green grass.
"Qingcao, you and Ayue have been together for four years, why haven't you conceived a cub yet? Is there something wrong?"
Qingcao put down the soybean bag on her shoulder, picked up the corner of the bag and poured it into the pool of water for soaking soybeans, without looking back: "Cubs? There is no time to get pregnant. The work team is busy all year round, so how can there be time for estrus?"
Xiao Yun: “!!”
Shit! I really forgot about this!
Even a strong female Snow Wolf like my brother needs a relatively relaxed pregnancy environment to give birth to cubs. After all, Snow Wolves are viviparous, not oviparous. During pregnancy, you must also pay attention to proper rest and relaxation, otherwise it will affect the fetus. The original owner grew up to look like a bean sprout, and a big reason for this was that his mother didn't take good care of herself when she was pregnant with him. She took part in battles, slept in the open air, and so on.
Obviously, the lack of newborns in the tribe is not conducive to long-term development, but asking the females in the tribe who are willing to have children to go home and prepare for pregnancy is not reliable. For example, Qingcao, she spent so much time and effort to get the work team on the right track, and suddenly she was asked to leave for half a year. First, it would destroy the existing stability of the work team, and second, Qingcao might not be willing... If she really thought that pregnancy was more important than being the head of the work team, she would have come to Xiao Yun to talk about it a long time ago.
Xiao Yun was immediately confused... The balance here is a very difficult problem!
Unfortunately, the grassroots chief hasn’t come back yet, and there’s no one to discuss things with!
"The tribe should be harvesting soybeans now. I wonder how the harvest will be this year."
In an unnamed mountain range northwest of the central part of the grassland, endless cattle and sheep are distributed on the slopes and the ground on one side of the mountain. Dozens of Centaurs are patrolling around the sheep, occasionally driving away the wild beasts attracted by the cattle and sheep.
On a mountainside platform about 30 meters above sea level, the grassroots chief stood on the edge and looked towards the southwest with infinite emotion.
Behind the grassroots chief, on the platform that had been slightly tidied up to serve as a temporary camp, hundreds of people were densely packed together, either sitting or lying, trying to recover their strength.
Xiaohua poured all the remaining vermicelli in the leather bag into the iron pot, stirred it with a long chopstick made of tree branches, and smiled faintly on her weather-beaten face: "We will know the harvest when we go back. I am more concerned about sweet potatoes than beans. If we hadn't brought so many vermicelli when we went out, we might be starving now."
"We've almost used up all the extra we brought. We only have one or two thousand kilograms left." Hongye counted the bags of vermicelli and walked back worriedly. "We can still find a way to get food, but we really can't get enough grass for the cattle and sheep. It's too slow to graze them all the way. I'm afraid we won't be able to get back to the tribe by the time it snows. That would be troublesome."
Seven tribes followed the transport team back. In terms of personnel, it was okay, but the cattle and sheep of each tribe were really a burden... No matter how hard they hurried, they could not travel more than a few dozen kilometers in a day. They also had to bypass the tiger tribe and the cat tribe, so you can imagine how slow the team moved forward.
"It doesn't matter. As long as we get out of the central part, we will be safe. We can send some people back to report the news. Ayun will spare some people to help us." The Grassroots Chief turned around and sat down by the campfire with a smile. "Xiaohua, do you have enough salt?"
"It's enough. Ah Tian just checked this morning and there's still plenty of salt, chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns."
"Then add more salt and chili. It's a bit cold at night now, so eating more spicy food won't keep you from getting cold."
While the big pot was cooking noodles, Leopard Fishbone and Snow Leopard Rosemary came back sweating profusely, carrying two pieces of skinned and washed lamb meat. "The lamb is ready. Do you want to cut it into pieces and cook or roast it?"
"Let's cook this sheep, and Maomao can roast the one he kills." The Grassroots Chief called out, and added, "Let Maomao kill one more. We don't have enough vermicelli, so everyone can have more meat."
Yugu carried the mutton over and asked Hongye to chop it. Rosemary turned around and ran out to notify Yu to slaughter the sheep.
It is impossible to be as particular when you are away from home as you are in the tribe. The hundred or so cubs in the seven tribes are given priority in distributing vermicelli, and the warriors can also get a bowl. Others can only take a few bites to taste the flavor, and have to rely more on grilled and boiled meat to fill their stomachs... Fortunately, there are sufficient seasonings, and there are also a lot of pickles that are easy to carry and store to relieve greasiness, and the simply cooked meat is not particularly difficult to swallow.
In addition to the Snow Werewolves, there were also dozens of Centaurs who were "picked up" one after another, more than 20 disabled Gray Dwarves, Cats, and more than a hundred Goblins who followed the team either actively or passively...
The centaurs followed half-heartedly after being persuaded by Sayre. Some of the goblins originally depended on the centaurs or the snow wolf tribe for their livelihood, and some were just accidentally encountered on the way and were chased by Hongye and others to their lair, dug out and taken away - the grassland tribes did not like these dirty little guys, but Hongye and others knew very well how useful these little things that were good at digging holes in stones were, and they would not let them go if they saw them.
Hongye, Xiaohua and Yu, who had eaten their fill, took the Snow Wolf warriors to replace the Centaurs who were guarding the cattle and sheep. The hungry Centaur warrior Sail took over from Hongye and led his people up the mountain with a clatter.
"There are not many vermicelli left, and each person has only one bowl. Eat more meat. We still have pickles to go with the meat." The grassroots chief led the helpful snow wolves to distribute food to the Centaurs. The Centaurs were not very picky about their food, and they ate large slices of mutton with pickles in a hurry.
The goblins who were forced to go along were still not used to being in the Snow Wolf Clan. They huddled together, their big ugly eyes nervously watching the Snow Wolf Clan coming and going. When the Grassroots Clan leader came to give them food, they would stare at him for a long time before daring to come up and take it...
"Everyone is busy on the road now, so we are all exhausted. We can't take special care of you. Everything will be fine once we get there. Some of your people are expatriates in our tribe, and have lived with us for several years..."
Whenever the grassroots chief was free, he would say some soothing words to these timid goblins, but unfortunately it didn't have much effect... In fact, small tribes of goblins who depended on the Snow Wolf Tribe for their livelihood were not uncommon on the grassland. One of the seven tribes had a dozen goblins. However, these little guys were very vigilant. If they didn't live a stable life with him for a few years, they wouldn't believe it even if their fellow tribesmen came forward to tell them about it.
Nearly 600 people had eaten their fill, and the team had to set off. The fast and agile centaurs and some adult snow wolves were responsible for driving the cattle and sheep. The snow wolf warriors were divided into two groups, one leading the way and the other following behind to keep an eye on those who might fall behind. The cubs were protected in the middle, and the disabled cats and gray dwarves sat on the wolf-like snow wolves. More than a hundred goblins walked together, following behind the cubs... Although these little guys have short legs, their endurance is very reliable, and they can keep up even if they trot all the way.
The bloated group walked all the way until the sky was full of stars before they found a place with a hill to stop. The temperature on the grassland at night in autumn could drop below five degrees, and the wind was strong. Even the snow wolf cubs would feel cold, not to mention the cats, gray dwarves and goblins who were in poorer health. The few tents and blankets had to be allocated to them first.
The grassroots tribe leader ran around to make arrangements for the weaker people, and the soldiers also assigned people to patrol at night.
The centaur warrior Searle was on duty in the first half of the night. He and his tribesmen walked briskly around the adult snow werewolves lying on the ground and snoring. Suddenly, he saw a familiar scene out of the corner of his eye, which slowed down his pace.
The Grassroots Chieftain still looked strong and sturdy, but after all, he was old and had abused his body when he was young, so he could no longer withstand the cold wind at night. Fortunately, when Xiao Yun went out, he specially made her a sleeping bag that she could lie in with only her face exposed. It was also made relatively spacious, so the Grassroots Chieftain did not keep it to herself. She opened the sleeping bag and spread it on the dry ground exposed to the wind, then brought the most disabled gray dwarf over to let the old gray dwarf sleep with her.
The old gray dwarf had both legs missing below the knees and his face was severely disfigured. Even Sai'er was reluctant to look directly at his face. However, the grassroots chief didn't care and let the old gray dwarf share a sleeping bag with her every day... Such behavior caught Sai'er's eyes and also fell into his heart.
Along the way, Sayle actively looked for scattered tribesmen, and persuaded every one he found to follow the Snow Wolf People. He also took the initiative to lead the tribesmen to shoulder responsibilities within his ability. To a large extent, he was moved by the behavior of the grassroots tribe leader. No matter how beautiful the words were, they could not move people's hearts as much as actual actions. If the Snow Wolf People could accept even the gray dwarves who were physically disabled and had to rely on others to care for them to survive, what else did Sayle have to guard against them?
Watching from afar the grassroots chieftain once again silently expressing his care for the old gray dwarf with his actions, Sayle withdrew his gaze and subconsciously cast his eyes towards the southwest sky.
He also began to wonder about the home of these snow wolves, the tribe located on the southwestern border of the grassland.
