With the guidance of the Primordial Great Map, Lin Xuan's activities around the Houtu Tribe became more purposeful. He took on the system's gathering and exploration quests. With the map's warning function and his growing mastery of the Breath Concealment Technique, he successfully avoided several potential dangers, gathered the herbs he needed, and conducted an initial survey of the area surrounding Black Water Pool, earning system rewards. These gains made him increasingly reliant on the map's functions.
One day, the sky was clear and the weather was fine—a rare treat. Lin Xuan was sparring on an open field outside the tribe with Kuafu and several young Wu warriors. Calling it a sparring match was generous; Lin Xuan was mostly learning to adapt to the Wu's broad, forceful fighting style while incorporating his own understanding of how to channel strength.
"Brother Xuanyuanzi, your footwork's getting slicker by the day!" Kuafu laughed as he threw a punch. His fist howled through the air, but Lin Xuan twisted aside and deftly redirected some of its force. Using that momentum, he drove an elbow toward Kuafu's ribs. Though nowhere near as strong as Kuafu, Lin Xuan chose a tricky angle and struck at just the right moment, forcing Kuafu to bring his arm back to block.
"I have you and the others to thank for all the pointers, Brother Kuafu." Lin Xuan replied with a smile. His breathing was slightly ragged, but his eyes were bright. These practical drills greatly helped him master his own strength.
Just as the two of them traded blows, thoroughly caught up in the fight—
"Caw—!"
A shrill, mournful bird cry, sharp enough to pierce the soul, rang out without warning from high in the distant sky!
The sound carried a cold, eerie power that cut through the air. It shattered the quiet of the mountains and forest, bringing every Wu warrior on the field to an abrupt halt!
Lin Xuan felt his heart tighten as an inexplicable chill crawled up his spine. He looked sharply skyward.
Beneath the blue canopy, a black speck wheeled past at astonishing speed. It was no ordinary bird. Shaped like a falcon but as large as a millstone, it was wreathed in dark purple demonic wind as it spread its wings. Its feathers reflected the sunlight with a cold, metallic sheen. A pair of sharp eyes swept the land below, their gaze fixed in particular on the area where the Houtu Tribe lay!
[Insight Technique!] Lin Xuan activated it on instinct.
[Target: Sky Patrol Scout (Wind Falcon Demon).]
[Cultivation: Refining Essence into Qi, mid stage.]
[Status: Carrying out a reconnaissance mission; marking targets with high qi and blood reactions. Extremely dangerous! Warning: Its field of vision may have already caught sight of the host and the Wu warriors!]
"Demon Tribe!" Kuafu's expression darkened instantly. His thick brows furrowed, his fists clenched with a crackle, and the calm qi and blood around him suddenly surged with fierce hostility. The other Wu warriors gathered around, glaring up at the demonic bird. Their usual good cheer had vanished, replaced by deep-seated hatred and wariness.
In an instant, the atmosphere throughout the Houtu Tribe grew unbearably tense. The Wu women and children who had been working or playing nearby were swiftly ushered into stone houses or behind shelters by their elders. An oppressive feeling hung in the air, like the hush before a storm.
The Wind Falcon Demon circled above the tribe several times, apparently confirming its target. It let out another piercing cry, as if to provoke them, then beat its wings and shot away as a streak of purple-black light, racing toward the depths of Buzhou Mountain. It soon vanished beyond the horizon.
But its unsettling demonic aura lingered.
"Damn those feathered beasts! They're getting bolder by the day! Now they dare spy on us right at the foot of Buzhou Mountain!" A young Wu warrior angrily struck the ground, leaving a shallow pit.
Kuafu drew a deep breath, forcing down his surging qi and blood. "That was a Demon Tribe patrol scout. Looks like those bastards are getting restless again."
Lin Xuan's heart tightened. He knew the history of the Primordial World well. The Wu and Demon Tribes were mortal enemies, locked in conflict for countless eons, a struggle that would ultimately unleash a cataclysm engulfing heaven and earth. Before, deep in Buzhou Mountain, he had mostly felt the dangers of the primeval wilderness. This time, though, he had truly felt the bone-chilling enmity between the Primordial World's two great powers.
"Do they... come here often?" Lin Xuan asked.
Kuafu shook his head, his expression grave. "More and more often in recent years. Buzhou Mountain is Father God's spine, the sacred land of our Wu Tribe, and the center of heaven and earth. The Demon Tribe has always coveted this place, hoping to build some 'Heavenly Court' and rule the Primordial World. These scouts are their eyes and claws."
Just then, Houyi's burly figure appeared at the edge of the field. He had clearly seen what happened. He walked up to the group, his gaze sweeping toward the place where the demonic bird had vanished, sharp as an arrow.
"Stay alert." Houyi's voice was quiet, but brooked no argument. "The Demon Tribe has been making frequent moves lately. Something big may be coming. Kuafu, send out more patrols, especially toward the northern slopes and the river valleys. Xuanyuanzi," he said, turning to Lin Xuan, "you may not be one of us, but you're in our tribe now, so be careful. The Demon Tribe shows no mercy to human cultivators, either."
Lin Xuan nodded solemnly. "I understand, Brother Houyi."
He realized that his peaceful life in this "starter village" might soon be over. The shadow of the Wu-Demon conflict had already fallen over this sanctuary at the foot of Buzhou Mountain. He possessed the Chaos Bead and the system, and had close ties with the Wu Tribe. If he was drawn into this calamity, there was no chance he could stay out of it.
The Wind Falcon Demon's shrill cry had rung like an alarm bell, shattering the tribe's peace. The grand saga of the Primordial World—and the destined, devastating Witch-Demon War—seemed to have quietly begun with this casual patrol and reconnaissance from the skies.
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