In the dark square, a huge bonfire burned fiercely in the center, illuminating the entire square with extraordinary brightness.
Many young men and women sang and danced around the bonfire, laughing and chatting happily.
The playground was surrounded by various wooden chairs, tables, and many wooden shelves.
It was covered with a generous amount of food, including meat, wheat cakes, various fruits, and drinks.
As Chen Mu and his two companions walked and talked with the dark-skinned man, they learned that his Gebu Gobu, a skilled farmer from the tribe, and a relatively respected figure in the Weng Mountain Tribe.
"Gentlemen, this way please."
Gebu led Chen Mu and the other two to a rather exquisite table, and then immediately ordered someone to put some dishes on their table.
"We live in a remote, impoverished area, and these are the best dishes we have. We hope you won't find them lacking."
On the table were a plate of braised meat, vegetable soup, flatbread, fruit, goat's milk, and other dishes.
Although it may not seem like much to Chen Village now, three or four years ago, these were things that Chen Mu and his family rarely got to eat, so naturally they didn't find them disgusting.
"Haha, Brother Gebu, you don't need to be so polite. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. You go and do your thing! Don't keep urging us on; we can handle the rest ourselves."
Chen Mu and his two companions had been chatting with Gebu the whole way, and they had become quite close to each other.
After Gebu left, everyone was hungry and started eating.
"Brother, their fruit wine is pretty good, you should try it."
Chen Duo took the wine jar, poured a bowl of wine, and handed it to Chen Mu.
Chen Mu took a sip and found it to be much better than his own brew, and nodded.
"Hmm, not bad."
In the blink of an eye, more than a decade has passed since I came into this world. The experiences of the previous generation seem like a dream, and many things are beginning to fade from my memory.
Just like this beer, he can't quite remember what it tasted like back then.
Perhaps because of the environment, Chen Mu suddenly felt a sense of emotion.
Just then, the sound of women's laughter came from the surroundings. A slender and beautiful young woman, surrounded by others, came over to greet Chen Mu and his two companions.
"Hello, my name is Mazha, and I'd like to invite you to dance!"
She stood tall and poised, appearing quite confident, but her slightly flushed cheeks betrayed her inner shyness.
"Great! Bro, you can dance with them!"
But... I can't dance!
Ignoring Chen Mu's protests, Chen Duo forcibly pushed him to Mazha's side.
"Hello, Mazha, my brother can't dance. Could you please teach him?"
"Okay! It's alright."
Mazha nodded happily.
Then Chen Duo took A Huo's hand and they walked together toward the campfire.
"Brother, let's go! Hurry up."
Chen Mu could only shrug helplessly and follow.
Hello, may I ask your name?
My name is Chen Mu, you can just call me A Mu.
The harsh living conditions in the Wilderness made it very common for people to get married and have children at the age of thirteen. Chen Mu will be fourteen after the Lunar New Year, which is actually the age when he can get married.
However, in Chen Mu's eyes, Mazha was just a little girl, and he felt no interest in her whatsoever.
"The dance we do is very simple; you just need to move to my rhythm."
Like this, one, two, one, two...
Since he was already there, Chen Mu had no choice but to follow along and learn from them.
Is this correct?
"No... you look like a crab..."
As she spoke, Mazha covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
Chen Mu awkwardly touched his nose and quickly adjusted his posture.
"Yes! That's it..."
And so, Chen Mu joined them, dancing around the campfire.
He originally just wanted to go through the motions, but unexpectedly, he found it quite interesting as he danced, and his mood improved considerably.
But then he noticed someone nearby spying on him, and they seemed to harbor a subtle hostility.
He frowned and greeted Mazha.
"I'm a little tired and want to rest for a bit."
"Okay, then you should get some rest."
Although Mazha looked somewhat surprised, she tactfully walked away.
Then Chen Mu went alone, away from the crowd, to a secluded place to rest.
"Come out! Who are you? Why are you following me?"
Chen Mu sat under a large tree and shouted into the darkness in the distance.
The darkness remained silent, and no one answered his question.
However, Chen Mu was very patient. He didn't speak, and he didn't move either, just waiting quietly.
After a long while, a figure suddenly appeared next to Chen Mu.
It's you!
Chen Mu was startled and subconsciously assumed a defensive stance.
Mingye was still dressed in black, with a mask on his face, and his expression was unreadable.
Chen Mu quickly realized what was happening, loosened his clenched fist, and gave an awkward smile.
"Um... to be honest, I don't even know your name?"
Since the other party had shown up, it meant they meant no harm, Chen Mu felt that his actions were somewhat impolite.
" Mingye!"
Mingye answered, his voice no longer as cold as before, but also devoid of emotion.
Chen Mu paused, unsure of what to say.
"Miss Ming, is there something you need from me?"
Mingye shook his head.
Nothing's wrong? If nothing's wrong, why are you following me? Are you a voyeur?
Chen Mu secretly grumbled to himself, but dared not show it, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.
Where are you going?
This time, it was Mingye who spoke.
"Oh, I'm going to the Central Land. I plan to study under a master at the Heaven-Questioning Pavilion."
Mingye nodded, seemingly deep in thought.
"Um... would you like to come with me?"
Chen Mu had a sudden inspiration and actually thought of urging her to go together.
It is said that the Central Land a land of outstanding people and abundant resources, and is the most prosperous place in the world.
I don't think you can go back to the Flame Blessing Tribe. Why don't you come with me to the Central Land and see what it's like?
"If I meet more people there in the future, I might find a good husband, marry him, and live a peaceful and prosperous life. Wouldn't that be much happier than being an assassin in this Wilderness?"
Chen Mu was also surprised to learn that he could be so eloquent, and he went to great lengths to find a more skilled companion.
"Good!"
Mingye agreed immediately.
Chen Mu had only been joking, but he never expected Mingye to actually agree. This unexpected windfall left him feeling a little dizzy.
"Okay, from now on we're comrades!"
Come on, let me introduce A Huo and my sister to you.
After Chen Mu finished speaking, he led Mingye and walked together towards the crowd around the campfire.