Primordial Era: Before the Dao was fully preached, the Ancestor Witches had already become Saints

The pioneers trained diligently, and those who followed consciously strove to keep up.

From then on, the entire Witch Tribe entered a brand-new state—cultivation.

Apart from solving daily necessities, almost all remaining time was devoted to cultivation.

Gone were the days when two witches would meet to chat idly or gossip about family matters.

They couldn't afford to waste time either; the moment two met and started a few casual words, one side—inevitably the one more proactive about cultivation—would notice their old friend's cultivation level was nearly catching up to theirs.

How could that stand? They'd naturally bring it up: "No time to shoot the breeze with you—I've got to get back to cultivating!"

And so they'd part on bad terms.

The one turned down naturally wouldn't be happy either, stewing in frustration.

You bastard! Just because your cultivation's a bit higher than mine?

Fine—I'm going back to step up my training too!

Just you wait!

Dijiang watched all this, seeing it in his heart and rejoicing.

Competition was good—competition meant greater progress.

Excellent!

Absolutely wonderful!

Dijiang wasn't worried that this competition would plant any hidden dangers.

He knew well that the Witch Tribe had always been united internally; this seemingly tense atmosphere wouldn't actually spark a real war.

It was nothing but healthy competition—not a hidden danger, but beneficial without harm.

Thus, Dijiang was highly optimistic about the Witch Tribe's future, believing they would surely shine brilliantly.

The Ancestor Witches shared the same opinion and firmly supported it.

However... there was one who held a different view—Li Hao.

He watched the witches grunting and groaning as they cultivated the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Technique, shaking his head and sighing.

Wasn't this too primitive?

From a modern person's perspective, a strong physique was just the foundation.

The best way to quickly take someone down was a pistol.

Of course, as a law-abiding citizen, Li Hao had never touched a pistol back in his day.

But even without a pistol, hadn't he seen machetes, military bayonets, or the like?

If he hadn't seen those, chair legs or table legs would do.

At the very least, the legendary weapon of the streets—a brick—he'd definitely seen one, right?

After all this rambling, what was the main point?

In simple terms, two words: weapons.

A strong physique was just the foundation—weapons were far more important, weren't they?

Imagine, during the Witch-Demon Calamity, if the Witch Tribe hadn't charged in but instead traded magic treasures with the Demon Race, wouldn't the outcome have been different?

Perhaps before Tai Yi and Di Jun could even show their might, the Demon Race would already have suffered countless casualties.

If both sides traded treasures, the Demon Race would have no advantage at all.

The Witch Tribe had powerful physiques—taking a few hits was no problem.

But the Demon Race was different; even though some had strong bodies, that strength was only relative to the Demon Race's fragile constitution.

Facing the Witch Tribe, they simply couldn't compare.

They had a winning hand, yet the Witch Tribe played it terribly.

Insisting on charging through a hail of attacks, using their bodies to withstand magic treasures.

That wasn't bravery—it was idiocy!

With a disdainful glance at the nearby witches, Li Hao made up his mind.

Though, through his intervention, the Witch Tribe was no longer the one he knew, the tribesmen still varied in strength.

When the Calamity arose, there would inevitably be casualties!

This wouldn't do—he had to find some magic treasures.

Arm the tribesmen to the teeth, let the weaker ones provide cover from the rear.

As for them refusing to comply?

You must be joking!

You think a bunch of brawny, simple-minded ancient races can outwit someone from the new world who's had a systematic education?

Just set up a few troop types, certificates, medals, and whatnot.

Throw in some prizes, and who's afraid they won't take the bait?

Once he made up his mind, a new problem surfaced.

How was he supposed to leave the ancestral land?

Eldest Sister Houtu was easy enough—just a little coaxing and she'd give him the moon if he asked for it, no stars allowed.

But the real issue was Elder Brother Dijiang. Sure, he seemed all laughs and carefree, acting dumb day in and day out.

Still, this one wasn't so easy to fool. It might take a whole lot of scheming.

With a try-it-and-see attitude, Li Hao sidled up to Dijiang and said hesitantly, "Elder Brother, I'm thinking of heading out for a bit!"

"Oh? Heading out? Fine!" Dijiang was in a good mood, glanced at Li Hao, and nodded his agreement on the spot.

Li Hao was stunned!

That smooth?

He could hardly believe his ears!

He'd expected a huge ordeal, full of coaxing and trickery!

And this was it?

Just a cheerful, easy agreement?

Li Hao's heart leaped with joy, but before he could celebrate, Dijiang spoke again: "But..."

Li Hao rolled his eyes. Yeah, there it was—nothing normal without a catch.

That sly, sharp Elder Brother of his, how could he be that straightforward?

He knew there'd be a "but" coming.

Still, getting out was better than being stuck.

Only by leaving could he find Magic Treasures and arm his kin.

So, "but" it was.

Li Hao stared seriously at Dijiang, waiting for his brother's next words.

"You can go, but for safety's sake, one of your elder brothers has to accompany you!" Dijiang explained, then glanced at the Ancestor Witches, all staring at him with eager eyes.

After a moment's thought, he added, "I think your Third Brother, Zhu Rong, will do?"

Dijiang had his own reasoning. Zhu Rong might be loud and hot-tempered, but there was no denying his strength was top-notch.

He was born with the Law of Fire, a law of pure, fierce offense.

With Zhu Rong along, Dijiang felt at ease.

The moment Zhu Rong heard his name called, he nearly jumped for joy.

But before he could gloat, Li Hao shouted from the side, "No! Anyone but Third Brother!"

Chapter 13: Houtu's Coaxing, the Ancestor Witches Can't Resist

Zhu Rong's nose nearly twisted in anger. He rolled up his sleeves, stomped over, grabbed Li Hao by the collar, and bellowed, "Thirteenth, oh Thirteenth! If you can give me a good reason, fine. But if you can't, don't blame your Third Brother for being rough!"

In that scene, before anyone else could speak, even before Li Hao could respond, Houtu couldn't hold back. She bristled like an angry kitten.

Oh, come on!

So what if he was Third Brother? Did that mean he could bully her precious little brother?

And he dared to grab him by the scruff?

She shot over like a bolt and slammed straight into Zhu Rong.

You see, Houtu was born with the Law of Earth. Though she was a woman, her physical strength was naturally immense—among the Ancestor Witches, she was one of the strongest.

Now, with the boost from the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Technique, her body had reached a terrifying level.

No exaggeration—at the Fourth Revolution, she wasn't far off from Li Hao at the Fifth.

In short, she was quite a bit stronger than the other Ancestor Witches.

Zhu Rong was no weakling, but clearly, his offense outshone his defense.

That meant in a physical clash, Zhu Rong was bound to lose.

As for attacking? How could Zhu Rong bear to strike his precious little sister Houtu?

Besides, even if he did, his attacks wouldn't do much to her.