Chapter 207: I Have No Choice But to Go
Looking down from the sky, a long line of people could be seen advancing through the forest.
This was the group from the Spotted Deer Tribe, numbering 260 people. They were heading towards the Flame Dragon Tribe.
They had been travelling for three days since leaving the Spotted Deer Tribe, and today was their fourth day.
“How much longer until we reach the Flame Dragon Tribe?” Xiu asked with a serious expression.
He was one of the more renowned Totem Warriors of the Spotted Deer Tribe, and was a Mid-Stage Totem Warrior. He had a square face, a pair of long pointed ears, and a shark-fin-like hard horn at the back of his head. He stood over 1.8 metres tall.
With his serious demeanour, many people were hesitant to speak with him, as if he might get angry at any moment.
Shu Feng looked up at the scorching Sun in the sky, estimating the time, and replied, “Not much longer. We’ll reach it after passing through this part of the forest.”
“Tell them to hurry up. We shouldn’t waste time. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can rest.” Xiu ordered.
“Understood.” Shu Feng nodded in response.
The group of over two hundred people was advancing steadily and orderly, each person carrying an Animal Hide Bag on their back. The bags contained nothing but dried meat – some for trading with the Flame Dragon Tribe for linen cloth, and the rest was their food for each day.The amount of dried meat they brought to exchange with the Flame Dragon Tribe was the same as before. They planned to trade for linen cloth and return home after the war was over.
Three hours later, the group of over two hundred people emerged from the dense forest and reached the outer region of the Flame Dragon Tribe.
Since Ai’er was on patrol today, she spotted the group from afar.
From their Beast Hide clothing and the patterns painted on their bodies, she knew they were from the Spotted Deer Tribe.
Before a war, each Tribe would paint certain patterns on their faces or bodies as symbols of victory.
Each Tribe had different patterns, locations, and colours for these paintings.
Ai’er had only seen the patterns that the Old Shaman had drawn on the stone walls before. He had said those people were Warriors from the Spotted Deer Tribe, and they had such patterns painted on their bodies.
She had also heard many stories from the Old Shaman about wars between various Tribes long ago.
She had a general idea about which patterns, colours, and locations each Tribe would use for their war paintings.
At the outer region of the Flame Dragon Tribe, Cang Shi and Qing Yan were standing, waiting to welcome the Spotted Deer Tribe.
“My name is Xiu. I’m the one leading them this time.” Xiu said, still looking solemn.
“I’m Cang Shi, the Leader of the Flame Dragon Tribe’s Hunting Team. This is Qing Yan, the Leader of the Crocodile Blade Team,” Cang Shi made a simple introduction and continued, “Our Shaman has already arranged accommodation for you. We’ll set out to attack the Black Snake Tribe tomorrow.”
“You should rest well tonight to be energetic tomorrow. If you need anything, you can ask either of us.” Qing Yan added.
“Good!” Xiu responded sternly.
“Qing Mu, Chi Tu, lead them to their accommodation to rest.” Cang Shi instructed.
“Yes,” Qing Mu and Chi Tu nodded and led the way towards another region of the Tribe.
Su Bai had arranged for the Spotted Deer Tribe people to stay at the outermost part of the Tribe, where several large temporary Teepees had been set up.
Other people in the outer region had given up their Teepees to temporarily house members of the Spotted Deer Tribe.
The original occupants would squeeze in with others for the night, as it was only for one night.
Seeing that all 260 people had left, after a few minutes, Cang Shi started walking towards the Main Teepee and entered. He stood straight and said, “Shaman, the Spotted Deer Tribe’s people have arrived. They have been arranged to rest as instructed.”
“Good. How do they look?” Su Bai was curious about their morale.
Cang Shi thought back to the people in the group and said, “Except for their Leader called Xiu, who seemed quite reliable, the others are… just so-so.”
When he first saw this group, he could not help but twitch his lips a few times. Apart from the few people at the front who looked battle-ready, the rest seemed to be there just to make up the numbers.
“It might be because of the hot weather and a day’s journey. They’ll be better after a night’s rest,” Su Bai took a sip of water and continued, “Anyway, they’re just here to assist us. We don’t need to have high expectations of what they can do. Just treat them as per usual.”
“Understood,” Cang Shi nodded.
As he turned to leave, he noticed Yan Jiao waiting outside the Teepee. Out of curiosity, he did not rush to leave and stayed behind.
“Chieftain, did you need something?” Su Bai asked, putting down his wooden cup.
“Shaman, for this attack on the Black Snake Tribe, you must stay in the Tribe. Let me lead our people,” Yan Jiao solemnly said.
This was the conclusion he had come to after thinking all night. He firmly believes that the Shaman should not unnecessarily risk himself.
Su Bai had thought it was something else that made him come over so seriously. Thus, He waved his hand and said, “I have to go this time, no matter what. This is the first war since I took over the Tribe. How can I not go?”
When discussing the battle plan earlier, Su Bai had clearly stated that he would go along. If for no other reason than this being his first war since he took over the Tribe, and he had to witness their victory no matter what.
“Shaman, it’s too dangerous. If you… if something happens to you, our Flame Dragon Tribe will truly be finished!” Yan Jiao spoke out about his worries.
Su Bai smiled understandingly and said, “You don’t need to worry about that. With me leading you, I won’t let anything happen to the Flame Dragon Tribe.”
“We already know the battle plan. You don’t need to take this risk.” Yan Jiao continued.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine with all of you there. Besides, if you all go, who will protect me in the Tribe? In the end, it’s best if I go with you.” Su Bai understood that Yan Jiao meant well.
Yan Jiao sighed, realising that it was indeed so. He gritted his teeth and added, “Shaman, you must stay in the middle of our formation then.”
Since he could not persuade Su Bai, all he could do was try his best to protect him. After all, injuries were inevitable in war. Although they had Shaman Bone Tablets, having the Shaman present was better than using the tablets, as it would boost the Tribe’s morale.
“En, arrange for a few Totem Warriors to protect our people tonight. We’ll set out early tomorrow morning.” Su Bai instructed.
“Understood,” Yan Jiao nodded in response.
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