The Great Witch Kuafu's Trial

The celebratory clamor gradually died down, and the Houtu Tribe returned to its usual order. Lin Xuan's (Xuanyuanzi's) name was now deeply etched in the hearts of every tribesperson, but he understood that true acceptance, especially the final endorsement from the tribe's highest leadership, required a more formal ceremony. And that ceremony, with the return of one person, was about to take place.

On this particular morning, a steady and rhythmic vibration emanated from the ground. Unlike the chaotic stampede of fierce beasts, this tremor carried a profound weight, as if it were one with the earth itself. The Witch Tribe warriors in the tribe stopped their work, their faces lit with joy as they looked towards the valley entrance.

"Chieftain Kuafu is back!"

Lin Xuan also looked in that direction, and saw a giant, even more imposing and robust than Houyi, striding into the tribe. He, too, wore simple animal skins, his bronze skin adorned with more complex and ancient totems. His face was rugged, but his eyes were as calm as a deep pool, seemingly holding the endless mountains and rivers of time. On his shoulder, he carried the corpse of a massive saber-toothed mammoth, its aura terrifying, yet his steps remained unhurried.

This person was none other than the chieftain of the Houtu Tribe, the Great Witch—Kuafu!

Lin Xuan could feel a Bloodline Power emanating from him, vast as an abyss, even more profound and immense than Houyi's. It was the strength forged through countless ages.

Kuafu set down the prey and exchanged a few words with Houyi and several elders who had come to greet him. His gaze then swept over the crowd, landing on Lin Xuan. His look was peaceful, yet it possessed a penetrating power that made Lin Xuan feel as if he had been seen through completely.

Houyi whispered something to Kuafu, and a faint trace of surprise flickered across Kuafu's calm face before he nodded.

In the evening, Kuafu sent someone to invite Lin Xuan to the center of the village, beneath the stone statue of Goddess Houtu. Only Houyi and a few core elders were present, and the atmosphere was solemn.

"Xuanyuanzi," Kuafu began, his voice deep and resonant, like the rumbling of the earth's depths, "I have heard from Houyi about you. You are human, yet you survived on Buzhou Mountain, wounded Zhen, and even found opportunity in our ancestral land. You discussed and practiced body refinement, with extraordinary insights. The Houtu Tribe, grateful for the grace of Father Pangu, has always treated all beings with kindness, but few have earned our genuine recognition."

He paused, his gaze sharp, fixing on Lin Xuan. "Although you are liked by Houyi and the tribespeople, as the chieftain, I must personally assess you. Do you dare to accept my test?"

Lin Xuan knew this was the most crucial step. He took a deep breath, cupped his hands in a respectful salute, neither humble nor arrogant, "Chieftain Kuafu, Lin Xuan is willing to accept the test."

"Good!" Kuafu let out a low roar, not using any Bloodline Power or divine strength, merely taking a step forward.

BOOM!

An indescribable, heavy pressure instantly enveloped Lin Xuan! This was not malice, but a pure display of power, as if the force of the entire earth had converged upon him, testing his roots and will. Under this pressure, Lin Xuan felt the air around him solidify, his bones creaking, as if he were about to be forced to his knees!

He immediately circulated the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique with all his might. A bronze sheen emanated from beneath his skin, rigidly resisting the pressure. But the Great Witch Kuafu's pressure was terrifying; even a mere probing was far beyond the Pangu pressure in the mountains or the malevolent aura of the fierce beast Zhen. His legs trembled slightly, veins bulging on his forehead, pushing him to his limit.

Just as he was about to collapse, the [Pangu's Sky-Opening Imprint] in his sea of consciousness, obtained from the Pangu Hall projection, seemed to be stirred by a power of the same origin and trembled slightly.

A wisp of extremely faint, yet incomparably pure, ancient, and primal will naturally radiated from Lin Xuan. This aura was weak, but it carried an air of supreme authority, like the origin of all things, the fundamental source of power.

The heavy pressure Kuafu exerted, upon encountering this wisp of energy, became as docile and peaceful as ice meeting the sun. It was no longer oppressive, but transformed into a pure essence of earth, slowly merging into Lin Xuan's body, nourishing his physical form.

"Hmm?!" Kuafu's eyes suddenly blazed with unprecedented brilliance. For the first time, his calm, water-like face revealed an undisguised shock! He stared intently at Lin Xuan, sensing that faint yet fundamentally supreme aura.

Houyi and the elders also felt the subtle change, their faces showing surprise.

Kuafu slowly withdrew his pressure, remained silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh, his tone carrying a complex mixture of shock, relief, and a kind of understanding that seemed to confirm a certain speculation.

"Father Pangu's aura... although it's just a trace of an imprint, it cannot be faked," Kuafu's voice was deep and solemn. "No wonder... no wonder you could cause anomalies in the ancestral land and possess such insights into the Way of Power. So, you have actually received a sliver of Father's will's acknowledgment."

His gaze towards Lin Xuan completely changed. From scrutiny and testing, it transformed into an equal regard, even carrying a subtle respect for the "bearer of Pangu's will."

"Xuanyuanzi," Kuafu's tone became extremely serious and sincere, "your character, courage, and wisdom have passed the test. What's more, you carry Father's affinity. From this day forward, you are not only a friend of the Houtu Tribe, but also a brother recognized by me, Kuafu, and the entire Houtu Tribe!"

With that, Kuafu took out a palm-sized, earth-yellow token from his embrace. It was as warm and smooth as jade. The front was carved with the image of Goddess Houtu, and the back bore an ancient "Earth" pattern, radiating a strong aura of the earth and the tribe's faith.

"This is our Houtu Tribe's 'Houtu Token'," Kuafu handed the token to Lin Xuan. "With this token, anyone belonging to the Houtu Tribe will see you as they would an elder. If you encounter danger, you can seek aid from any branch of the Houtu Tribe with this token. This token will also help you better comprehend the power of the earth, which should be beneficial to your cultivation."

Lin Xuan's heart surged with emotion. He respectfully took the weighty token with both hands. This was not just a token of trust, but a profound promise and protection!

"Thank you, Chieftain Kuafu! Thank you, Brother Houyi! Thank you, esteemed elders!" Lin Xuan bowed deeply. "Lin Xuan will surely not fail the tribe's great kindness!"

Houyi stepped forward, clapping Lin Xuan on the shoulder with a hearty laugh, "Good brother! From now on, when you travel the Primordial Era, announce the name of our Houtu Tribe!"

Thus, Lin Xuan truly gained the complete recognition of the Houtu Tribe, from its chieftain to its members, and received a token symbolizing a solid alliance. At the foot of Buzhou Mountain, he finally possessed a stable base and a powerful backing.