Surveying the Situation Along the Way

The hustle and bustle of Small Gathering Valley was left behind as the Fire Tribe's massive fleet set sail, slowly heading towards the Fish Tribe along the waterway.

Fifty giant Muzhou, each weighing over two thousand kilograms, formed a magnificent column on the river like a mobile fortress. Fifteen lighter boats, each weighing five hundred kilograms, were scattered around, serving as sentinels, liaisons, and navigators. The fleet broke through the calm water, oars and paddles working in unison, sails billowing slightly, orderly and impressive.

Standing on the lead boat, Wang Yan looked back at the small market valley gradually receding into the distance, which now appeared empty and tranquil under the autumn sun. A new thought arose in his mind.

"Father," Wang Yan said, pointing to the valley where the small market was located, and then to the Jianshi beside him, "Look at that valley. It's flat and open, with a river flowing through it, providing ample water. It's a good place."

Jianshi followed his gaze and nodded. "That's right. I heard from the older generation that small tribes used to live there, but the surrounding mountains and forests weren't deep, and there wasn't much prey. It was difficult to support too many people by gathering alone, so it gradually became deserted and turned into a place for people to trade and rest temporarily."

"Exactly," Wang Yan analyzed. "But what if, like our Fire Tribe, we didn't rely primarily on hunting and gathering, but instead cultivated farmland on a large scale? I estimate that the flat land suitable for cultivation in that valley alone is at least five thousand acres! If we could irrigate it and grow rice, it would be a huge granary!"

He paused, a hint of longing in his voice. "Moreover, it's located between our Fire Tribe and the Fish Tribe, only a sunset's journey away by water. If our tribe becomes strong enough in the future, we can occupy it, build walls and fortresses, making it an important transit point for our trade with the Fish Tribe, as well as a place to cultivate land and station troops, truly projecting our influence into this region. Even... it could serve as a forward foothold for future development."

Jianshi's eyes gleamed as he carefully considered his son's words. He had previously only thought of it as a convenient place for trade, but now, after Wang Yan's explanation, he immediately saw its strategic value. Occupying key transportation routes and controlling crucial nodes was indeed an important way to strengthen the tribe and extend its power.

"Yan, you're right. This is a good place. Make a note of it," Jian Shi said in Jianshi voice. "Once we return from the Fish Tribe, the tribe will be more stable, and the Deer and Green Sheep tribes will be settled. Perhaps then we can start considering this matter. For now, let's focus on handling the matters at hand."

The fleet continued onward and soon sailed out of the tributary, merging into the wider, calmer Fish River. The river opened up dramatically, offering excellent visibility. Downstream, the boats' speed noticeably increased.

"Following this Fish River downstream, in about two sunsets, you'll reach the Fish Tribe." Jianshi pointed downstream, then upstream. "Upstream is the upper reaches of the Fish River. Before, we didn't have boats and knew almost nothing about the upper reaches. We only knew that the Fish Tribe, or larger tribes further downstream like the Valley Tribe, would occasionally send fleets upstream to trade with certain tribes deep upstream. I heard they mainly sold coarse salt, and each time in large quantities."

Wang Yan gazed at the deep, unknown upstream river, its waters originating from distant mountains, carrying an air of mystery. "Father," he said, "We now have more and larger boats. Perhaps we can send a fleet upstream to explore. Maybe we'll find new tribes, new resources, or..."

Jianshi Shi said solemnly, "Yes, we should investigate. But there's no rush. We'll make plans after our transaction with the Fish Tribe is settled."

The fleet, aided by the current and wind, sailed downstream at a considerable speed. After about a day and a night of sailing, the fleet passed the mouth of a stream that flowed into the Fish River the next day.

"Father, this is where the Little Stone Creek flows into the Fish River," Wang Yan reminded him. He thought of the survivors who were slaughtered by the Wolf Tribe and eventually sought refuge with the Fire Tribe, and his hatred for the Wolf Tribe deepened.

Jianshi's expression darkened slightly, and he nodded. He carefully observed the terrain near the river mouth. This place was smaller than the previous Small Gathering Valley, but it also had relatively flat riverbanks and gentle slopes behind it. A stream brought fresh water, and the Fish River provided transportation. "This piece of land is not bad," Jianshi commented. "Although it's not as large as the previous valley, it's enough to build a small stronghold, dock, or lookout post. If we really need to wipe out the remnants of the Wolf Tribe in the future, or strengthen surveillance in the north, this place might come in handy."

The fleet did not stop and continued its slow journey. After spending another night on the river, on the morning of the third day, the fleet passed the mouth of another, slightly larger tributary.

"This is where the stream from the Pottery Salt Tribe flows into the Fish River." Jianshi was more familiar with the area. "Jia Li's tribe is not far upstream from this stream; it takes three days to walk to the Fish Tribe, but the waterway is faster."

Wang Yan silently noted down the location. The Pottery Salt Tribe was one of the Fire Tribe's most important trading partners, and this river mouth was a crucial location.

The fleet still did not dock, continuing to sail downstream along the main channel of the Fish River. The river widened, and the scenery on both banks gradually changed from dense hills and forests to more open alluvial plains and mudflats. The traces of human activity also increased significantly, with occasional small settlements or fishing rafts visible.

Finally, on the third night after leaving the Fire Tribe, the outline of a settlement far larger and more densely populated than the Fire Tribe appeared on the horizon along the distant riverbank. Tall wooden watchtowers and fluttering fishbone flags all demonstrated its prosperity and power.

We've arrived at the Fish Tribe.

Jianshi straightened his back, his gaze sharp as he looked ahead. Wang Yan also took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. This trip—trading, probing, observing, and forging alliances—was all crucial to the Fire Tribe's future development. Facing this long-established, powerful neighbor—a force to be reckoned with, and one that might already be wary—how would the Fire Tribe, this rising giant, navigate its situation?