"The world is so cruel. Sometimes, even when there seems to be no hope, we continue to live with hearts full of hope."

　　As Gong Min and Gong Jie prepared to head back to Windwood Citadel, a group of Tiger Tribe warriors arrived at the fruit grove.

　　Kong Xiao Tian, atop his camel-horse, greeted Gong Min and Gong Jie with a respectful fist salute. "Greetings, esteemed princesses. I am Kong Xiao Tian, chieftain of the Tiger Tribe."

　　"Hello, Uncle Kong," Gong Min and Gong Jie replied, returning the courtesy.

　　Gong Min glanced at Xin Qiu Ping and Kong Ting in the group and asked, "Uncle Kong, where are you headed?"

　　"We are on our way to Windwood Citadel to meet the High Chieftain. Since you've likely finished harvesting, we can travel together."

　　"That's wonderful. Unfortunately, my father is out hunting, so I'm not sure if he'll make it back to Windwood Citadel tonight. Oh, and it seems Aunt and my sister are also part of the group. Are you both heading to Windwood Citadel as well?"

　　Xin Qiu Ping, noticing the question directed at her, gracefully bowed from her camel-horse. "Greetings, Miss and Second Miss. The weather is lovely today, and my daughter and I thought it would be nice to accompany the chieftain to Windwood Citadel for a change of scenery."

　　"Very welcome," Gong Min recalled her mother mentioning Kong Xiao Tian's wife, Xin Qiu Ping. She knew this woman was shrewd and sensed that something unusual was afoot. With the whole family together, there must be more to this journey than met the eye.

　　The two forces merged and set off together toward Windwood Citadel.

　　Their journey was quiet, and as dusk approached, they arrived at Windwood Citadel.

　　At the outer city gate, Gong Min directed the members of the harvesting team to share some breadfruit with the city guards. Then, they entered the outer city and proceeded to the designated neighborhoods, distributing two breadfruits to each household.

　　The harvest had been plentiful, and residents of the treetop houses on dozens of hills received their share of breadfruit.

　　The Gong You clan operated on a ration system. During times of food scarcity, hundreds of rotating harvesting teams ventured into different parts of the forest each day to collect fruit. Each team was assigned to a specific community, ensuring that the harvested fruit reached every household.

　　On the journey back to Windwood Citadel, Su Ziqi felt restless, constantly looking back along the way. However, Gong Kong's familiar figure remained absent.

　　It was odd. Gong Kong, with his rugged appearance, often stuck to her like glue. Sometimes, she found it annoying. But now, with his sudden disappearance, life felt incomplete, as if something were missing.In Windwood Citadel, Gong Kong stood as their sole pillar of reliance and trust. He had become the vital link between them and the esteemed members of the clan. With Gong Kong's presence, there was always a glimmer of hope, and the ambiance remained vibrant. It not only infused them with joy but also a reassuring sense of security.

　　Su Ziqi found it intriguing how swiftly she had grown reliant on Gong Kong. Despite knowing each other for less than two months, she already felt a profound dependence on him. Quietly, she reminded herself, "Dependency breeds vulnerability, and weakness is the ultimate adversary. While grass may find shelter from the wind and rain by leaning on a sturdy tree, it will forever remain in the shade. In this unpredictable world, one's fate rests in their own hands. Su Ziqi, this is your destiny."

　　Setting aside the events at the tree hollow on the Pyramid's ceremonial platform, let's focus on the arrival of Kong Xiao Tian, the chieftain of the Tiger Tribe. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, they arrived at Windwood Citadel only to discover that the High Chieftain, Gong Kang, had not yet returned from his hunting expedition. Consequently, they decided to take lodging at the inn for the time being.

　　During dinner, a messenger from the inn delivered news: the High Chieftain's wife, Yu Jiao, was hosting a banquet at their residence. She graciously extended an invitation to Kong Xiao Tian and his family to join them in the inner city.

　　Upon hearing the news, Kong Xiao Tian's face immediately brightened. He swiftly led his wife and daughter, hastening to the High Chieftain's residence for the banquet.

　　Observing Kong Xiao Tian's impatient demeanor on the journey, Xin Qiu Ping inwardly cursed, "This old man is so desperate to see that vixen. After all these years, he hasn't changed a bit. It's infuriating!"

　　In the banquet hall of the High Chieftain's residence, a long table was already set. The hostess was none other than Yu Jiao, who arrived with Princess Gong Min and Princess Gong Jie to welcome the guests.

　　Yu Jiao donned a vibrant pale yellow dress, her head adorned with a yellow silk scarf, resembling a brilliant butterfly. Years ago, the High Chieftain Gong Dian had decreed that everyone must wear a yellow headscarf. However, women were exempt from fully covering their heads; a simple yellow silk scarf sufficed.

　　"Chieftain Kong Xiao Tian, greetings to the lady," Kong Xiao Tian bowed, his eyes fixed on Yu Jiao with an admiring gaze.

　　Yu Jiao averted his gaze. "Chieftain Kong, no need for excessive formalities."

　　Upon spotting Xin Qiu Ping, Yu Jiao hurried over, her expression joyful as she took Xin Qiu Ping's hand. "Sister, you're here too! Your presence adds luster to our home. Come, have a seat."

　　"Greetings, Lady Yu Jiao," Xin Qiu Ping feigned delight, but internally muttered, "Vixen, who do you think you're calling 'sister'? Am I that old?"

　　"Oh, and Princess Kong Ting is here too. Come, let Auntie take a look. You've grown so much—truly blossoming into a beautiful young lady," Yu Jiao said, approaching Kong Ting while assessing her appearance.

　　"Princess Kong Ting greets the lady," Kong Ting blushed, hastily bowing.

　　Xin Qiu Ping interrupted her daughter, saying, "Kong Ting, you addressed her incorrectly. You should call her 'Mother'!"

　　Kong Ting lowered her head in silence, and Xin Qiu Ping nudged her with her elbow.

　　Yu Jiao finally realized and chuckled, "Of course! My dear, you should call me 'Mother.' After all, you and Gong Kang were childhood sweethearts.""Vixen," Xin Qiu Ping muttered inwardly, "letting my daughter call you 'Mother' is already cutting you some slack."

　　Gong Min and Gong Jie stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Kong Xiao Tian and Xin Qiu Ping. Then, they sat down at the dining table, holding Kong Ting's hands.

　　"Chieftain Kong, Lady Kong, please accept our warm welcome on behalf of the High Chieftain. Unfortunately, he hasn't returned from his morning hunt, so I represent him tonight."

　　"Madam, it's no trouble. Your presence alone satisfies me," Kong Xiao Tian blurted out, much to Xin Qiu Ping's annoyance. She shot him an exasperated look.

　　Yu Jiao, well aware of Kong Xiao Tian's infatuation, didn't mind his words.

　　As they settled in, a sumptuous feast was laid out—meats, corn, fruits, and wine. Surprisingly, each person also had a bowl of egg custard before them.

　　Yu Jiao introduced it as Phoenix Egg Custard. Kong Xiao Tian and his family were touched; phoenix eggs were a rare delicacy, once reserved only for celestial gods. This gesture demonstrated the host's high regard for their guests."A phoenix egg can feed hundreds of people in the inner city, even during the current famine season. The High Chieftain's household reserves are quite ample, as the saying goes, 'The haves dine while the have-nots pine'—it's always been this way."

　　Observing Kong Ting's lack of appetite, Yu Jiao asked with concern, "Dear, are you feeling unwell? Or perhaps the dishes don't suit your taste?"

　　"Well, Madam, it's a bit of a story," Xin Qiu Ping interjected. "My daughter has been like this for some time now."

　　"What, is Miss feeling unwell?" Yu Jiao exclaimed in surprise.

　　Xin Qiu Ping sighed, "As children grow up, they develop their own feelings, you know."

　　"Madam Kong, what exactly do you mean?" Yu Jiao inquired.

　　"She's lovesick."

　　"Lovesick?"

　　Since the topic had been broached, Xin Qiu Ping decided to address it directly. "Madam Yu Jiao, as you're aware, our children have been betrothed since they were young. Now that they're grown, I hope we can arrange their marriage as soon as possible."

　　Yu Jiao had already guessed the purpose of the Kong family's visit. After a moment of contemplation, she responded, "Well...the High Chieftain hasn't returned from his hunt yet. I believe he'll be back in a day or two. Marriage is a significant matter, and it should be decided upon his return."

　　"What about your opinion, Madam?" Xin Qiu Ping pressed Yu Jiao.

　　"Oh...I hope our families become in-laws. I fully support the marriage of our two children. They're both grown up now, and promises should be kept."

　　"That's reassuring. I was just concerned that your son, Gong Kang, might not agree."

　　"Parents have the final say in marriage matters. He doesn't have a say in this."

　　Under the moonlit sky, the Kong family found lodging at an inn just outside the city walls.

　　In the dead of night, Kong Xiaotian seized the opportunity while Xin Qiuping slept soundly and quietly slipped away to visit his old flame, Bai Xue...

　　Meanwhile, atop the pyramid's pinnacle platform, Su Ziqi and her companions sat on a rocky ledge after dinner, their gaze sweeping over the nocturnal panorama of Windwood Citadel. They chatted, as was their custom.

　　Su Ziqi's concern for Gong Kong lingered. "Ya JieJie ," she said, "why hasn't Gong Kong returned yet? I hope he hasn't encountered any danger."

　　Until now, Gong Kong unfailingly arrived at the ritual platform each evening, even if he had been busy during the day, to share dinner with Su Ziqi and the others. Tonight, however, he remained absent, leaving them wondering.

　　Zheng Ya teased, "Ziqi, you've been on edge all day. Still pining for your beloved Gong Kong?" "Ya Jie Jie, spare me your teasing," Su Ziqi blushed as Zheng Ya playfully prodded her. Thankfully, the night's obscurity veiled her embarrassment, shielding it from Zheng Ya and Wang Yue's discerning eyes.

　　"Zheng Ya," Wang Yue interjected, her voice a soft, wistful murmur, "even in this inky, solitary night, my thoughts drift inexorably to my family—my husband, my children, and all those dear to me. I pray they remain safe and well."

　　At 31 years old, Wang Yue bore the weight of motherhood for two. The chasm separating her from her family—spatial and temporal—pressed upon her heart. Perhaps reunion was an elusive dream, and that realization stung.

　　Nearly two months in Windwood Citadel felt like an eternity—a relentless stretch of time devoid of hope. The Martian day, elongated compared to Earth's, persisted as an unyielding reality. Yet beyond the objective challenges, homesickness gnawed at their souls.

　　The day they departed Earth seemed like yesterday, and this topsy-turvy existence left them questioning the absurdity of their predicament. Why had this twist of fate befallen them?

　　In their dreams, they often returned to Earth, joyfully reuniting with their families. But upon waking, reality washed over them like a frigid shower, shattering the delicate bubbles of hope.

　　"Perhaps life itself is virtual, and destiny merely the strings of a puppeteer. Humans have never truly controlled their fate; they drift like marionettes, carried along by the currents.

　　Maybe reality is an illusion, and the surreal holds more truth. In this world, the tangible and the intangible coexist—people sometimes dwell in the mundane but yearn for the fantastical.

　　It's when hope seems absent that we strive to find it, clinging to life. Without the depths of despair, love for existence would not blossom.

　　And why, you ask? Haven't you noticed that despite life's desolation, people in the real world embrace each day with hope? Because being alive itself is a beacon of possibility."