The Demon Tribe Patrols the Sky, and the Storm is Coming

With the guidance of the "Primordial Era Great Map," Lin Xuan's activities around the Houtu Tribe became more purposeful. He accepted system-issued gathering and exploration quests. Relying on the map's early warning function and his improved Breath Concealment Technique, he successfully avoided several potential dangers, gathered the required herbs, and conducted a preliminary survey of the outer areas of "Blackwater Pool," earning system rewards. These gains increased his reliance on the map's functions day by day.

One day, the sky was high and the clouds were thin, a rare good weather. Lin Xuan was sparring with Kuafu and several other young Witch Tribe warriors in an open area outside the tribe. It was more of a sparring session for Lin Xuan to learn and adapt to the Witch Tribe's wide-ranging, explosive combat style, while also integrating his understanding of power application techniques.

"Brother Xuanyuanzi, your footwork is getting slicker!" Kuafu laughed and threw a punch, the wind whistling. Lin Xuan deftly sidestepped and twisted his body, deflecting some of the force. At the same time, he used the momentum to strike back at Kuafu's ribs. Although his strength was far inferior to Kuafu's, his angle was tricky and his timing precise, forcing Kuafu to block.

"It's all thanks to Brother Kuafu and all you brothers for your guidance," Lin Xuan replied with a smile, his breath slightly labored but his eyes bright. This kind of practical combat training was immensely beneficial for him to master his own strength.

Just as the two were exchanging blows, engrossed in their fight--

"Woooo--!"

A sharp, piercing cry, as if capable of piercing the soul, came from the extremely high sky without any warning!

The sound carried a chilling, otherworldly quality and penetrating power, instantly shattering the tranquility of the mountains and forests, and causing all the Witch Tribe warriors in the open area to freeze their movements!

Lin Xuan felt a tightness in his chest, and an inexplicable chill crawled up his spine. He abruptly looked up.

Under the vast blue sky, a black dot was circling at an astonishing speed. It was no ordinary bird; it resembled a falcon but was as large as a millstone. Dark purple demonic winds swirled around its wings, and its feathers reflected a cold, metallic sheen in the sunlight. Its sharp eyes were coldly scanning the land below, seemingly focusing on the area where the Houtu Tribe was located!

[Insight Technique!] Lin Xuan instinctively activated it.

[Target: Demon Tribe Sky Patrol Scout (Wind Falcon Demon).] [Cultivation: Refining Essence into Qi Mid-stage.] [Status: Executing reconnaissance mission, marking targets with high Blood Essence reactions. Extremely dangerous! Warning: Its vision may have already captured traces of the host and Witch Tribe warriors' activities!]

"Demon Tribe!" Kuafu's expression instantly turned grim. His thick eyebrows furrowed, and his fists clenched with a cracking sound. The peaceful Blood Essence around him suddenly became turbulent and filled with malevolence. The other Witch Tribe warriors also gathered, looking up and glaring at the demonic bird. Their usual cheerfulness was replaced by deep-seated hatred and vigilance.

The atmosphere of the entire Houtu Tribe became incredibly heavy in an instant. The Witch Tribe women and children who were working or playing nearby were quickly led into stone houses or shelters by the elders. An oppressive feeling, like the calm before a storm, permeated the air.

The Wind Falcon Demon circled the tribe's airspace several times, seemingly confirming its target. It let out another provocative shriek, then flapped its wings, transforming into a dark purple streak of light, and sped towards the deeper parts of Buzhou Mountain, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

But the unsettling demonic aura lingered for a long time.

"Damn it! These feathered beasts are getting more and more arrogant! They dare to come to the foot of our Buzhou Mountain to scout!" a young Witch Tribe warrior angrily pounded the ground, creating a shallow pit.

Kuafu took a deep breath, suppressing his churning Blood Essence, and said to Lin Xuan in a deep voice, "It's a Demon Tribe Sky Patrol Scout. It seems those guys' claws are getting restless again."

Lin Xuan's heart grew solemn. He was well aware of the history of the Primordial Era; the Witch and Demon Tribes were mortal enemies, their conflict spanning countless eons, eventually leading to a catastrophe that engulfed the world. Earlier, in the depths of Buzhou Mountain, he had mostly felt primal danger, but this time, he truly felt the bone-chilling animosity between the two dominant powers of the Primordial Era.

"Do they... come often?" Lin Xuan asked.

Kuafu shook his head, his expression grave. "It's been increasingly frequent in recent years. Buzhou Mountain is the spine of the Father God, our Witch Tribe's sacred land, and the center of heaven and earth. The Demon Tribe has always coveted this place, attempting to establish a 'Heavenly Court' and rule the Primordial Era. These scouts are their eyes and claws."

At this moment, Houyi's sturdy figure also appeared at the edge of the open area. He had clearly seen what had just happened. He walked up to the crowd, his gaze sweeping in the direction the demonic bird had disappeared, his eyes sharp as arrows.

"Be vigilant, everyone," Houyi's voice was not loud but carried undeniable authority. "The Demon Tribe has been making frequent moves lately; a major event may be imminent. Kuafu, increase the patrol personnel, especially towards the shaded side of the mountain and the river valleys. Xuanyuanzi," he turned to Lin Xuan, "although you are not of my tribe, since you are in the village, be careful. The Demon Tribe is never lenient with human cultivators."

Lin Xuan nodded solemnly, "I understand, Brother Houyi."

He realized that his comfortable "newbie village" life might be coming to an end. The shadow of the Witch-Demon conflict had already cast over this pure land at the foot of Buzhou Mountain. With the Chaos Bead and the system, and his close ties with the Witch Tribe, he would have no way to remain uninvolved if he were caught in this catastrophe.

The Wind Falcon Demon's shriek was like an alarm bell, shattering the tribe's peace. The grand narrative of the Primordial Era, the destined tragic war between the Witches and Demons, its prelude seemed to be quietly unfolding from this inadvertent sky patrol.