My Name is Hou Yi, Friend, Where Are You From?

The old witch doctor's herbal medicine was indeed miraculous. Combined with Lin Xuan's own recovery from the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique, in just two to three days, the severe internal injuries he sustained had mostly healed. His fractured bones had begun to mend, and though not fully recovered, he could move around normally without issue.

During these past two days, Kuafu had visited often. Besides bringing him roasted, golden, and oily beast meat and sweet wild fruits, he would also chat with him for a bit. Through Kuafu's straightforward narration, Lin Xuan gained a preliminary understanding of this Witch Tribe settlement. It was indeed a branch under Houtu, the Ancestral Witch of Earth, located in the outer regions of Buzhou Mountain. Their primary responsibility was patrolling this mountain forest, guarding against demonic beasts, and hunting for food. The tribe's customs were extremely simple and fierce, revering strength and courage.

Lin Xuan's bravery in fighting the Fierce Beast Zhen that day, despite his inferior strength, was something the Witch Tribe appreciated. Therefore, most of the Witch Tribe members regarded him, a human who had suddenly appeared, with simple curiosity rather than malice.

One morning, Lin Xuan was in the open space outside his stone house, attempting to slowly practice a few basic movements from the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique to limber up his muscles and adapt to his recovering body. Although he couldn't cultivate intensely, this slow guiding of energy could accelerate his recovery and counteract the Pangu's pressure that still lingered in the area.

Just then, the towering giant who had led the group that day – Houyi – approached with steady steps. He still carried his massive bone bow on his back, his bronze skin gleaming like metal in the morning light, his aura as profound as a mountain.

"Kid, you're recovering quite quickly," Houyi's voice boomed, laced with a hint of admiration. He walked closer, observing Lin Xuan's slow yet strangely rhythmic movements with interest. "What kind of technique are you practicing? It looks soft and yielding, not like a combat skill. It's more like... the methods those Qi Refiners use to regulate their breath?"

Lin Xuan's heart tightened slightly. He stopped his movements and bowed respectfully. "Senior Houyi. Thank you, Senior, and the tribe, for saving my life. This is indeed a rudimentary body-tempering method, focused on building a strong foundation. You've seen through it." He dared not reveal the origins of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique, merely vaguely referring to it as a "rudimentary body-tempering method."

Houyi waved his hand dismissively. "What 'Senior' and 'Senior.' It sounds awkward. We Witch Tribe folk aren't so particular. Just call me Houyi." His tone shifted, and his sharp, eagle-like eyes fixed on Lin Xuan, filled with undisguised curiosity. "Say, friend, what's your name? Where are you from? A human kid, with cultivation... hmm, looks like you've just touched the threshold of Qi Condensation, how did you dare venture into the depths of Buzhou Mountain? That Zhen is no easy foe. You could hold out under its claws until we arrived, you've got some skill."

The string of questions was direct and frank, precisely the style of the Witch Tribe.

Lin Xuan had already prepared his answers. He put on a suitably fearful yet grateful expression and replied with a half-truth: "Brother Houyi, my name is Lin Xuan, and my Daoist name is 'Xuanyuanzi.' I was originally cultivating with my elders outside the mountains when we encountered a powerful enemy. My elders sacrificed themselves to protect me and drew the enemy away. In my panic, I lost my way and stumbled into Buzhou Mountain. As for that Zhen..."

He paused, a timely look of shame and relief appearing on his face. "It was pure luck. I fled into that valley, intending to find a hiding place, but I disturbed the Fierce Beast. When it pounced, I fell to the ground in my panic, narrowly dodging a fatal blow. Then, in my desperation, I randomly threw stones and hit an old wound of its, which enraged it, but also coincidentally delayed it for a moment. If not for you and your tribe arriving in time, I would have long since been reduced to bones and ashes."

His explanation portrayed him as a young cultivator who had suffered a great calamity and narrowly escaped, thus explaining his presence alone in this area and downplaying his ability to injure Zhen (attributing it to luck and Zhen's old wound), thereby avoiding unnecessary attention and suspicion.

Houyi listened, his thick eyebrows raising slightly. He sized Lin Xuan up for a moment, as if checking if he was lying. The Witch Tribe might have simple minds, but they were not foolish. However, Lin Xuan's expression was sincere, and there were no major flaws in his words. Coupled with his genuinely low cultivation, his ability to contend with Zhen seemed more like a stroke of luck. Houyi finally nodded, accepting his explanation.

"So that's how it is. The Primordial Era is a tumultuous place," Houyi sighed, his tone carrying a familiar weariness. "Your survival is a blessing. Since you've arrived at our Houtu Tribe, rest and recover here. We Witch Tribe members respect those with courage the most. Your luck and quick thinking are also a form of skill."

He patted Lin Xuan's shoulder with considerable force, making Lin Xuan wince. "However, Xuanyuanzi, your physique is still too weak. Relying solely on those soft Qi-regulating methods won't do. True strength comes from fighting and enduring! Once your injuries heal, you can have Kuafu and the others train you. Let you experience our Witch Tribe's methods of tempering the body. I guarantee it'll be more effective than your technique!"

Lin Xuan's heart stirred at this. The Witch Tribe, born from Pangu's essence blood, possessed innate advantages and countless years of accumulation in the path of the physical body. Their body-tempering methods, even the most basic ones, were undoubtedly extraordinary! If he could learn from them, it would greatly benefit his cultivation of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique!

He quickly cupped his hands and said sincerely, "Thank you, Brother Houyi! If I can receive guidance on the Witch Tribe's body-tempering methods, Lin Xuan will be eternally grateful!"

"Haha, no problem! I appreciate your straightforward nature!" Houyi laughed heartily. "Alright, you continue to rest. It's relatively safe around the tribe, but don't wander too far. If you need anything, just tell Kuafu."

With that, Houyi turned and strode away, resuming his patrol duties for the day.

Watching Houyi's robust back disappear behind the stone houses not far away, Lin Xuan slowly let out a breath of relief. This first hurdle had been passed. Not only had he gained the initial trust of Houyi and the Witch Tribe, but he had also unexpectedly obtained an opportunity to learn about their body-tempering methods.

[Host's acting skills have improved slightly, barely passing.] the system's complaint sounded at the opportune moment. [However, the 'elders at home' setting is too vague. If it's investigated further in the future, it might cause trouble. It is recommended that the host quickly perfect their background story.]

Lin Xuan responded in his mind, "Understood. I'll take it one step at a time. The most important thing right now is to use the resources here to recover from my injuries and find a way to learn something truly valuable from the Witch Tribe."

He looked up at the stone statue of Mother Houtu in the center of the settlement, feeling the heavy and peaceful aura emanating from the land.

Through a twist of fate, he had become intertwined with the legendary Witch Tribe. This unexpected crisis might just be a massive turning point. Here at the foot of Buzhou Mountain, shrouded by Pangu's pressure, there might be no better "teachers" than the Witch Tribe.

In the days to come, he needed to plan carefully how to gain the greatest benefits from this Houtu Tribe.