Several Jiuli White Tribe villages held ceremonies in succession.
Animal hides painted with simple images of a white flood dragon showed the mountain folk what their sacred totem beast looked like. A flood dragon scale gifted by Bai Yujun was treated as a mysterious vessel and placed at the highest point of the altar. With their most reverent rites, they celebrated their village gaining a totem, offering the three sacrificial animals, fruits, glutinous rice, and other offerings. The priests and holy maidens of every village performed shamanic rituals to announce it to their ancestors.
The iron ball remained in Cloud Remote Ancient Village. Mu Duo and many skilled fighters from the village protected Bai Yujun as they flew toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
It was midsummer, hot and humid, with summer rain falling often. The moment they got good weather, they set out. In the sky, Bai Yujun watched the forests, rivers, and lakes swiftly recede below her, silent and withdrawn.
She was no longer as lively as she had been when she roamed everywhere. Perhaps after facing life-and-death perils several times, she had learned how difficult survival was.
"Just wait. Once my injuries heal, I'll definitely show you what a snake's heart and a scorpion's guts truly are!"
The gray heron spread its wings and screeched at certain wingless creatures flashing past below. The flood dragon glanced at Mu Duo, the holy maiden of Cloud Remote Ancient Village beside her, her flood-dragon brain filled with wild thoughts.
Without question, among the many influential elders of the ancient village, Mu Duo alone had wholeheartedly supported her.
The others were not particularly invested in her as a totem. Ordinary mountain folk were far more devout and enthusiastic. Perhaps those who stood higher knew more, and thus had more complicated thoughts.
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