A Choice at the Small Market
The Fire Tribe's massive fleet followed the stream into the Fish River, then turned towards the valley stream where the small town was located. They arrived at their destination a day early and calmly made their preparations.
Fifty giant Muzhou, each weighing over two thousand kilograms, were moored like a small fleet in a wider body of water downstream of the valley where the small town was located. The water was deep and wide enough to accommodate these behemoths. Jianshi had arranged for soldiers to be stationed there to guard the fleet and to provide perimeter security. The small river meandered onward and would eventually flow into the mighty Fish River.
Since the trading scale of the small market itself is limited, Jianshi, Wang Yan and others only sailed dozens of light Muzhou with a carrying capacity of 500 jin each into the upstream section of the river, closer to the trading valley, and temporarily moored and camped in a place where the river was slightly wider. Tomorrow, they only need to use these light boats or simply manpower to transport the goods to be traded to the trading location in the valley.
For this trip, the Fire Tribe mobilized more than two hundred warriors. Each large boat was staffed with four people to operate and guard it, while the remaining warriors were distributed on dozens of Xiaozhou or accompanied the group on foot. Core members such as Jianshi, Jianya, Dali, and Wang Yan were all present, making for a truly impressive lineup.
The next morning, the sunlight dispelled the thin mist over the river. Jianshi led about fifty carefully selected warriors, fully armored in the Fire Tribe warriors remained silent, standing quietly behind or to the sides of the goods, their eyes scanning their surroundings warily. They were robust, with sharp eyes; having experienced the bloody battle of Wild Boar Gully, they naturally possessed a fierce, battle-hardened air, like fifty silent rocks, radiating a silent, intimidating power.
Soon, the first tribes to arrive appeared. They were the newly allied Bison Tribe and White Pig Tribe, who lived closer to the market and came together.
From afar, Jijiao and Zongmao spotted the enormous, monstrous fleet moored on the wide expanse of water downstream. Despite being somewhat prepared, they were still deeply shocked to witness the fifty giant Muzhou, far exceeding the size of ordinary boats, arranged in neat rows. Beside them were dozens of smaller but equally orderly fast boats.
"This... the Fire Tribe's water-based strength has actually reached this level?" Jijiao, riding on the back of an ox, muttered to himself, his expression complex. "They really do change every year."
Zongmao was also filled with emotion, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible awe. "Yes, judging by the scale and size of the ships, in this area... perhaps only the Fish Tribe's fleet can rival them." The slight thought that had just arisen in their hearts due to the alliance—"We can also become something"—was completely dispelled by this blatant display of force, replaced by a lingering worry—would the Fire Tribe have any designs on these two newly "independent" little alliances?
When they arrived at the trading area and saw the fifty Fire Tribe warriors, standing as tall and imposing as iron towers, who were already waiting there, this feeling intensified. Just by standing there, their refined martial prowess was overwhelming, making them worthy of the slightest disrespect.
Jianshi and his group had already learned of the alliance between the Bison and the White Pig. They had also discussed the matter internally. Since the Jianshi and his group adopted a neutral attitude towards the arrival of the two tribes.
Jijiao and Zongmao, however, dared not be negligent. The two quickly stepped forward, adopting a very humble posture. First, they repeatedly praised Jianshi in easily defeating Xueya and avenging the surrounding tribes. Then, they explained that the alliance between the two tribes was a helpless move to protect themselves, made out of fear of the remnants of the Wolf Tribe, and had no other intentions. Finally, they expressed their desire to have more exchanges and deepen trade with the powerful Fire Tribe.
Upon hearing Jianshi, Jian Shi laughed heartily, stating that striking at the Wolf Tribe was their duty, and that if the wolf cubs dared to return, the Fire Tribe would show no mercy. He also expressed enthusiasm for the two tribes' desire to form an alliance, proactively offering discounts on pottery and preserved goods during the subsequent transactions, and hinting at potential future collaborations. This reassured Jijiao and Zongmao somewhat, yet left them with a lingering sense of unease—the other side's magnanimity and strength made their own calculations and small alliance seem rather petty.
Not long after the transaction began, the teams from the Deer Tribe and the Green Sheep Tribe arrived one after another. They were equally impressed by the massive fleet downstream, and upon arriving at the trading area, they were even more impressed by the fifty elite warriors of the Fire Tribe. Hearing that the Fire Tribe had nearly eight hundred such warriors, Lu Ming and Wenshi's hearts were completely tipped in their favor.
Unlike Jijiao and Zongmao, who took a roundabout approach, they went directly to Jianshi and Wang Yan. First, they sincerely thanked the Fire Tribe for defeating the Wolf Tribe and eliminating a major threat. Then, Lu Ming cut to the chase. "Chief Jianshi, we've heard that the Fire Tribe has taken in many new members. We'd like to ask, is your tribe's food supply... really enough? Enough to feed so many people?"
The question was direct, even somewhat presumptuous, but everyone present pricked up their ears, including Jijiao and Zongmao, whose expressions changed slightly.
Jianshi and Wang Yan exchanged a glance. Wang Yan stepped forward, his tone firm and calm. "Chief Lu Ming, Chief Wenshi, thank you for your concern. Our Fire Tribe has ample grain reserves this year, in addition to those accumulated in previous years. Not to mention our current members, even with more people, we can ensure everyone has enough to eat and get through the winter safely. Since we dare to openly accept them, we are confident that we can take full responsibility."
These words were spoken with absolute certainty, and coupled with the spirited demeanor of the Fire Tribe warriors and the backdrop of their massive fleet, it was impossible not to believe them.
Lu Ming and Wenshi's eyes shone with joy. Before they came, they had reached a consensus with the tribe's core: as long as the Fire Tribe had sufficient food and was willing to accept them, they would lead their tribe to join! Now that they had received a clear answer, the two of them had no more hesitation.
Lu Ming took a deep breath and declared loudly to everyone (including the grim-faced Jijiao and the Zongmao): "Chief Jianshi! I, Lu Ming, representing over two hundred members of the Deer Tribe, sincerely admire the strength and benevolence of the Fire Tribe. We wish to join the Fire Tribe as a whole, and from this day forward, we will serve Chief Jianshi as our master and abide by the rules of the Fire Tribe. We humbly request your acceptance!"
Wenshi followed suit, expressing the same sentiment of the Green Sheep Tribe.
This sudden request surprised even the high-ranking Fire Tribe, including Jianshi, but was quickly followed by immense joy! This was a genuine act of allegiance, different from the previous defections of smaller tribes forced by survival pressures; it signified a higher level of acceptance and smoother integration.
Jianshi forward and patted Lu Ming and Wenshi on the shoulders forcefully, his voice booming, "Good! Chief Lu Ming, Chief Wenshi! It's my honor that you think Jianshi of the Fire Tribe! The gates of the Fire Tribe are always open to brothers and sisters who sincerely join! Welcome!"
Wang Yan smiled and said, "Both leaders are very understanding. How about this: after the market trading concludes, my Jianya will accompany you both back to the Fire Tribe with part of our fleet so you can see our granaries, houses, and daily life firsthand. If you are satisfied, we can begin arranging the relocation. We will do our utmost to assist with the resettlement!"
"That's wonderful! Thank you, Chief Jianshi! Thank you, Fire Tribe!" Lu Ming and Wenshi were overjoyed and thanked them repeatedly.
Beside them, Jijiao and Zongmao's faces were ashen, pale and bluish-white, as if touched by autumn frost. They suddenly realized why the Deer and Green Sheep tribes had been so ambiguous when they were invited to form an alliance—they had already decided to join the more powerful and wealthy Fire Tribe! Bitterness, disappointment, and a touch of embarrassment at being outdone lingered in their hearts. The two had no desire to linger any longer. After quickly trading the necessary supplies, they departed with complicated feelings.
Next came the trading time between the Fire Tribe and many other smaller tribes. This small valley market had become increasingly attractive in the past two years thanks to the high-quality pottery and affordable salted goods brought by the Fire Tribe. Even those smaller tribes that previously had to travel further to the Pottery Salt Tribe or were being robbed and extorted by the Wolf Tribe came here in droves. The Fire Tribe had plenty of goods, offered fair prices, and the trade proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
Jianshi watched the bustling crowd of people from various tribes leaving, most of them with satisfied smiles. Looking at the two new tribal leaders who were about to genuinely submit to him, he felt a surge of pride. After this small gathering, the Fire Tribe's reputation, strength, and influence would undoubtedly rise to a new level. And apart from the Bison and White Pig, who had formed an alliance for self-preservation, there were no other tribes within a three-sunset journey. This three-sunset journey was essentially the Fire Tribe's sphere of influence.