Tian Dadao naturally had no understanding of Wang Yang's intentions. He had not grasped even half as much as Xiao Baoyue.
All his thoughts were fixed on his next move. He copied the gestures while desperately searching for a way to extricate himself.
Only when the Junior Ritualist returned to report that the food and lodgings were ready did Wang Yang announce an end to the preaching. He told everyone to go and eat first; he would resume in the afternoon.
Tian Dadao finally seized his chance, saying he had clan business to attend to and would return to feast with Wang Yang once it was settled.
This time, Wang Yang did not detain Tian Dadao. Instead, he very "understandingly" allowed him to go and deal with his business.
Tian Dadao hurried back to his quarters. After a brief discussion with his subordinates, he immediately summoned the Stockade Chieftains and Elders, preparing to order the Barbarian Army stationed outside back into the stockade!
He had already decided on this while chanting "Our god above." Wang Yang's influence was far too great, and the Junior Ritualist's attitude was ambiguous. The soldiers inside the stockade could no longer be used; only the troops outside could be trusted!
But the Yidu tribe was too loosely organized. Although Tian Dadao was one of its three great clan chiefs, he could not issue direct orders to the army and had to consult the elders of the various families. Those men, however, looked before and behind, and might not dare comply. After some thought, Tian Dadao decided not to wait for their deliberations. First, he would assemble the two hundred personal guards from his own clan whom he could command directly. Then he set the terms of the discussion: there would be no mention of the