The two tribes' shock and decision
The hustle and bustle of the market gradually subsided, and the valley returned to its usual tranquility. The Fire Tribe's trading team methodically packed up the remaining goods, preparing to set off for their next, more important destination— the Fish Tribe's autumn market.
Jianya then received a new mission. He led ten light Muzhou, each with a carrying capacity of 500 jin, loaded with scattered goods obtained from the small market trade—mainly medicinal herbs, furs, and a small number of handicrafts. Also on board were Lu Ming, the leader of the Deer Tribe, and Wenshi, the leader of the Green Sheep Tribe, who were both excited and apprehensive, along with several of their respective followers.
The fleet headed towards the Fire Tribe Valley. Along the way, Lu Ming and Wenshi remained silent, their gazes constantly scanning the increasingly familiar yet seemingly strange scenery on both banks. As their dugout Muzhou turned into the stream leading to the Fire Tribe Valley, the scene before them began to subtly change: the riverbanks became more regular, showing signs of human intervention; and in the distance, faint sounds, unlike those of pure nature, could be heard.
As the boat ventured deeper into the river, the changes became increasingly apparent. The first thing that caught their eye was the astonishingly flat and level fields lining both banks of the stream! Although the autumn harvest was over, some fields still bore neat rows of rice stubble, while much more newly cultivated land was meticulously divided into plots, crisscrossed by paths, with irrigation canals clearly visible like veins stretching to the horizon. The sheer scale of the fields far exceeded Lu Ming and Wenshi's expectations—how could a tribe of a few hundred people possibly cultivate and manage such an area?
"These... these are all the Fire Tribe's fields?" Lu Ming couldn't help but ask Jianya in a low voice.
Jianya's face showed pride, but his tone was flat. "Yes, mostly. We planted some this year, and we'll plant more next spring."
The boat docked at the Fire Tribe's pier. The sight before them left the two visiting chieftains utterly speechless.
The dock was filled with more of the small boats they had seen yesterday, all neatly arranged. Behind them were rows of sturdy, orderly wooden or semi-timbered houses, densely packed and stretching all the way to the foot of the mountain, far removed from the scattered and rudimentary shacks they remembered. Further away, a tall, thick, earthen-yellow wall, like the arm of a giant, tightly guarded the core area of the settlement, and the figures of patrolling soldiers could be vaguely seen on the wall.
The air was filled with the unique aroma of cooking smoke, animal manure, and grains. The noisy yet vibrant sounds of people working, dogs barking, and roosters crowing mingled together, creating a scene of unparalleled prosperity and power.
Without a word, Jianya led them directly to the granary area. When the heavy doors opened, revealing mountains of golden rice and various grains almost reaching the roof, Lu Ming and Wenshi's eyes widened, their breath catching in their throats. The rich, reassuring aroma of the grains wafted over them, shattering their preconceived notions. Their own tribe had to carefully calculate and live in constant fear to store food for the winter, while here... the food seemed endless!
Next, they visited the livestock pens. Herds of cattle, pigs, sheep, and deer grazed leisurely in their enclosures, while countless chickens and ducks roamed in larger fenced areas nearby, and further away was a dedicated rabbit breeding area. The sheer number and health of the livestock once again alarmed them.
Walking through the well-planned residential area, seeing the tribespeople busy yet with rosy complexions and relatively neat clothes; watching the Youth Team practicing earnestly in the open space, their shouts resounding; every detail silently speaks of this tribe's astonishing wealth, tight organization, and vibrant energy.
Lu Ming and Wenshi exchanged a glance, both seeing utter shock and a hint of lingering fear in each other's eyes. The speed and level of development of the Fire Tribe had completely exceeded their comprehension. In just two or three short years! From a tribe of similar size, or even more impoverished, to such a state of expansion and transformation! This was not simply "becoming stronger," but rather a leap forward in development that they could not comprehend!
"If... if we stay in the same old place and remain stagnant..." Wenshi's voice was somewhat hoarse.
"What awaits us is either being devoured by vicious neighbors like the Wolf Tribe, or being completely abandoned by the times, ultimately disappearing silently, or being forced to migrate to even more desolate places." Lu Ming continued, his tone heavy with relief, "That alliance between the Bison and the White Pig... now it seems like a complete joke of self-deception. Did they think that banding together would protect them and maintain their independence? Faced with the power of the Fire Tribe, that kind of small alliance is incredibly fragile!"
At this moment, they were incredibly grateful that they had made the right choice. Before coming, they might have had some doubts and anxieties about the unknown, but now, all hesitation had vanished. Joining the Fire Tribe was not a desperate act of seeking refuge for survival, but a wise choice to seize the opportunities of the times and strive for a better future for their people! What they found here was not just a sense of security and basic necessities, but also an order, hope, and immense potential belonging to a more advanced civilization—something they had never experienced before!
"Jianya Fang," Lu Ming turned to Jianya, his tone extremely solemn, "We've seen it all, and we understand. There's no need to look any further. The Fire Tribe's strength and grandeur far exceed our expectations. We'll return immediately, gather all our people, and prepare for our migration! We only ask that the Fire Tribe keep its promise, accept us, and provide us with a place to settle!"
Wenshi nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Seeing their excitement, Jianya felt a surge of emotion. He said solemnly, "Rest assured, both leaders. Since our leader has publicly promised, he will never go back on his word. Go back and prepare. We will immediately begin planning, reserving residential areas for your people, and making preparations for their arrival. The sooner the better; we welcome you at any time!"
Without lingering, Lu Ming and Wenshi, filled with barely suppressed excitement, couldn't even wait to board the boat. They asked Jianya for some provisions and quickly returned along the way they had come. They couldn't wait to fly back to their tribe immediately, to tell all their people about this shocking news and their firm decision, and to begin preparations for the migration right away.
The power and wealth of the Fire Tribe were like a Startling Thunder, completely dispelling the fog in their hearts and strengthening their resolve to integrate into this emerging tribe. The tide of time rolled forward, and they had made their choice. In their eyes, the alliance between the Bison and the White Pig Boar had become an insignificant sandcastle about to be submerged by the tide.