Xuanyuanzi's Name Spreads

Since that day discussing the Dao with Houyi and the others, Lin Xuan's standing within the Houtu Tribe had undergone a subtle yet profound transformation.

If his "barbecue diplomacy" had previously earned him closeness, and the visions from signing in at the ancestral land had garnered him respect, then this discourse on the "origin of strength" had truly established him as a "wise man" in the hearts of these straightforward Witch Tribe members. The Witch Tribe revered strength, but they revered wisdom that could elucidate the true meaning of strength even more.

Now, as Lin Xuan walked through the tribe, every Witch Tribe member he encountered, regardless of age, would greet him proactively and with solemnity. No longer was he "that human kid," but addressed with a hint of reverence.

"Brother Xuanyuanzi, good morning! The weather's fine today, perfect for stretching your muscles!"

"Big Brother Xuanyuanzi, that 'Strength Rises from the Ground' you mentioned last time, I've been practicing it, and my spear throws feel much steadier!"

"Xuanyuanzi, come, come, freshly roasted leg meat, saved some for you!"

Even the Witch Tribe aunt who had previously called him "skinny arms and legs" would now smile and press a few of the freshest wild fruits into his hand upon seeing him, muttering, "Eat more, grow stronger, so you can teach us more principles."

Lin Xuan deeply felt this change. He was no longer an outsider living as a guest, but was truly considered a member of the tribe, a partner with unique value, and genuinely welcomed.

One day, the tribe held a small celebration to commemorate the hunting party's successful kill of an extremely ferocious One-Horned Violent Bear, a beast close to the Refinement of Spirit to Void realm. The bonfire blazed brighter than usual, the aroma of roasted meat filled the entire valley, and the clinking of bone-made wine cups was incessant, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

As a hero and honored guest of the tribe, Lin Xuan was naturally ushered to the most central position by the bonfire, dining with Houyi, Kuafu, and several elders.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more fervent. Houyi raised a bowl of potent fruit wine brewed from Spirit Fruit and addressed the crowd, his booming voice cutting through the revelry, "Tribesmen! Today, we celebrate a successful hunt, and even more, we celebrate the Houtu Tribe welcoming a true friend, a brother of great wisdom!"

All eyes turned to Lin Xuan.

Houyi continued, "I'm sure everyone already knows, though Brother Xuanyuanzi is human, his insights into the Way of Strength are profound! His proposals of the 'Chain of Strength' and 'Subtle Control of Qi and Blood' have benefited us greatly! For such wisdom, let us raise our cups!"

"To Brother Xuanyuanzi!" Kuafu was the first to raise his wine bowl, echoing loudly.

"To Xuanyuanzi!"

"To the wise man!"

Numerous Witch Tribe warriors raised their bowls one after another, their shouts echoing across the wilderness, their eyes filled with sincere admiration. Even the few elders who had been relatively silent stroked their beards, smiled, and nodded to Lin Xuan.

A warm current surged through Lin Xuan. He stood up, picked up the bowl of fruit wine before him—which was a "vast amount" to him—and surveyed the crowd before saying loudly, "Big Brother Houyi, Brother Kuafu, esteemed elders, fellow tribesmen! How can I, Lin Xuan, be worthy of such great favor! My Dao is still shallow; it is my honor to discuss the Dao with all of you! The Houtu Tribe treats me like family; this kindness and sentiment, Lin Xuan will never forget! This bowl, I offer to all of you, to the Houtu Tribe's valor and sincerity!"

With that, he tilted his head back and drained the bowl of spicy yet mellow fruit wine in one gulp! The liquid coursed down his throat like a burning fire, yet it ignited a surge of heroic spirit within his chest!

"Good!"

"Hearty!"

Seeing Lin Xuan's unreserved and forthright manner, the Witch Tribe members cheered even louder, and the atmosphere reached its peak.

From this point on, the Daoist title "Xuanyuanzi" was no longer just Lin Xuan's self-appellation, but had truly become a recognized honorific for him throughout the Houtu Tribe. It no longer represented merely an outsider human cultivator, but an "insider" who discussed the Dao with the Witch Tribe, was recognized by the great shaman Houyi, and earned the respect of all through his unique wisdom.

His name, along with his novel theories on the "Way of Strength" and his hearty demeanor that resonated with the Witch Tribe's temperament, became deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Houtu Tribe member, much like the light of the bonfire and the aroma of roasted meat in the tribe. And as the tribe's warriors hunted and interacted with other Witch Tribe branches, his name began to quietly spread to the wider regions surrounding Buzhou Mountain.

The name "Xuanyuanzi" began its journey through the Primordial Era.

As night deepened, the celebration gradually dispersed. Houyi and Lin Xuan stood side by side at the edge of the village, gazing at the majestic silhouette of Buzhou Mountain against the dark expanse in the distance.

Houyi finished the dregs of wine in his bowl and said in a deep voice, "Xuanyuanzi, your talent should not be confined to my small tribe. Though Buzhou Mountain is vast, the Primordial Era is even vaster. When you are ready, have you considered venturing beyond the mountains?"

Lin Xuan's gaze was profound as he nodded, "Big Brother Houyi, I do have such intentions. The Primordial Era is boundless, and I wish to travel and experience a wider world."

While the warmth of the tribe was endearing, the system's quests, his own Dao path, and his heart's curiosity for the unknown world all drove him to venture further. He knew that his period of tranquility in the Houtu Tribe might soon be coming to an end.