With matters here settled, Chen Jianduan summoned his giant sword, ready to take Chen Shichong and Mu Bai back to the sect upon it. But before they could step aboard, Lu Nanshen and his clansmen bowed down and knelt again.
"Benefactor, we beg you to root out the evil completely and save our tribe from fire and flood..."
"Benefactor, save us!"
"What do you mean? Are there other Snow Bandits doing evil here?"
Chen Jianduan naturally understood that fostering good required eradicating evil. Otherwise, although his intervention seemed to have helped the Luming Tribe escape the immediate danger of extermination, it would actually have brought the calamity of extermination upon them.
"Exactly, benefactor. Several bands of snow bandits nearby claim to be imitating some sect, gathering together to establish a sect of their own. In truth, they've only been harming our tribes even more."
"Do not worry, elder. I am Chen Jianduan of the Sword Sect, and I understand that evil must be eradicated completely. Tell me the details."
Lu Nanshen led the way, respectfully inviting Chen Jianduan, Mu Bai, and Chen Shichong into the tribe. Snow houses lay scattered in snowy hollows in the mountain depression, their hearths blazing brightly, giving them a warm, clean, and bright feel.
"Benefactors, please have a bowl of wine first to drive out the chill."
The tribespeople brought wine that smelled of medicinal herbs, refreshing the mind and spirit. Chen Jianduan did not stand on ceremony. He raised his bowl, clinked it against Lu Nanshen's, and tipped back his head to drain the wine. Other tribespeople came to toast Mu Bai and Chen Shichong, and both drained their bowls as well. Warmth spread from their Dantian throughout their bodies, as though the solid ice encasing them had melted into spring water flowing through