The Hundred Crafts Tribe's Plans

When the Pottery Salt Tribe relayed the alarm to the Hundred Crafts Tribe, the shock was no less than that caused by the Beast Taming Tribe. Wu Xiong, the leader of the Hundred Crafts Tribe, was shocked and, more than anything, furious at the perceived offense, upon hearing the messenger's message—that the Wolf Tribe had once again launched a large-scale attack with brutal methods.

"That damned Xueya! Does he really think this land is his hunting ground?" Wu Xiong slammed his palm on the solid wood, making the pottery bowl on it jump. In the previous two battles between the Pottery Salt Tribe, the Hundred Crafts Tribe also sent reinforcements. Although the losses were not significant, a grudge was formed with the Wolf Tribe.

Kaishan, the chief warrior of the Hundred Crafts Tribe, spoke with a grave expression, "Chief, the Wolf Tribe's strength has expanded too rapidly. A few months ago at the Pottery Salt Tribe, although they didn't gain much advantage, they weren't seriously injured either. What's more troublesome is that even Julang of the Fish Tribe suffered a hidden loss at Xueya's hands, showing that they are indeed formidable now. We cannot let our guard down!"

The Shifu chieftain of the Hundred Crafts Tribe echoed in a deep voice, "Kaishan is right. Xueya is ruthless and cunning, and he holds grudges the most. Our Hundred Crafts Tribe sent troops to help the Pottery Salt Tribe twice before, and he definitely remembers that. He might turn his attention to us this time! We must be prepared!"

Although Wu Xiong was furious, he was not reckless. He nodded, suppressing his anger, and quickly made arrangements. "Leader Lieying, during this time, you must keep a close watch on the Wolf Tribe's movements! Increase the number of scouts; I need to know their every move! Inside the tribe, immediately strengthen security and increase guards; double the night patrols!"

"Yes!" Lieying immediately accepted the order and left, and the other leaders, such as Kaishan and Shifu, followed suit. However, bad news followed one after another. In the next few days, more and more fleeing tribes, like frightened flocks of birds, flew over the edge of the Hundred Crafts Tribe, or simply stopped to beg for shelter. From these small tribes, the Hundred Crafts Tribe obtained more detailed and even more terrifying information.

"The Wolf Tribe is forcing the White Creek Tribe to attack the White Tree Tribe!"

"Several tribes had their elderly and weak wiped out..."

"The Wolf Tribe now has several hundred people, no, maybe over a thousand! And many horses too!"

The pieced-together information paints a disturbing picture: the Wolf Tribe's Xueya is rapidly consolidating surrounding weaker forces in an unprecedentedly bloody and efficient manner. Its current fighting force likely surpasses that of the Fish Tribe, approaching a thousand men!

Just as Wu Xiong was alarmed by this number, a messenger from the Pottery Salt Tribe arrived with an even more urgent message.

"Chief Wu Xiong! Chief Jia Li urgently requests reinforcements!" The messenger was panting, his face full of anxiety. "The vanguard cavalry of the Wolf Tribe, about fifty riders, has appeared on the outskirts of our Pottery Salt Tribe! Chief Jia Li judges that the main force of the Wolf Tribe may arrive soon! He implores the Hundred Crafts Tribe to send reinforcements immediately!"

"Fifty riders? They've already reached the outskirts of the Pottery Salt Tribe?" Wu Xiong's heart sank. The Wolf Tribe's actions were faster and more direct than he had anticipated!

But when the messenger conveyed Jia Li's request for the Hundred Crafts Tribe to immediately send troops to support him, Wu Xiong fell silent and hesitated.

The reason was simple: the latest intelligence brought back by the Lieying leader made him hesitant to act rashly.

"Chief," Lieying whispered in Wu Xiong's ear, "Our men risked going east to investigate. The main force of the Wolf Tribe is elusive, but their general direction... doesn't seem to be directly towards the Pottery Salt Tribe, but rather towards the Marsh Tribe's territory. Moreover, they're gathering their vassal troops extremely quickly, and their numbers may be... greater than we imagined."

The whereabouts of the main force are unknown, their numbers may reach a thousand, and they possess highly mobile cavalry... These factors combined Wu Xiong to be cautious. The Hundred Crafts Tribe can currently muster no more than three hundred warriors. These three hundred are the foundation of the tribe, the core force protecting it. If they are rashly sent to support the Pottery Salt Tribe, and if the main force of the Wolf Tribe suddenly turns to the Hundred Crafts Tribe, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Looking at the anxious messenger from the Pottery Salt Tribe, Wu Xiong said in an unquestionable tone, "Brother messenger, we, the Hundred Crafts Tribe, have witnessed the ferocity and cunning of the Wolf Tribe. I completely understand Chief Jia Li's concerns."

He then changed the subject. "However, according to our investigation, the main force of the Wolf Tribe is currently missing, and the number of vassal troops they have taken with them may be extremely large. The warriors of our Hundred Crafts Tribe are the last line of defense for the safety of the tribe. With the movement of the main force of the Wolf Tribe unknown, we cannot allow them to leave the tribe easily."

Seeing the disappointment and urgency on the messenger's face, Wu Xiong continued, "However, please convey to Chief Jia Li that our Hundred Crafts Tribe will never stand idly by while our allies suffer! Our previous alliance remains valid! If the main force of the Wolf Tribe does indeed appear in the Pottery Salt Tribe and launch a large-scale attack, I, Wu Xiong, swear in the name of the Hundred Crafts Tribe chief that our Hundred Crafts Tribe will definitely send troops to support us! But before that, we must ensure the safety of our own tribe and not fall into the Wolf Tribe's trap."

He concluded by emphasizing, "Chief Jia Li, please understand our predicament, and remember that if the Wolf Tribe turns to attack our Hundred Crafts Tribe, the Pottery Salt Tribe will also need to provide Dali assistance!"

After seeing off the worried messenger from the Pottery Salt Tribe, Wu Xiong immediately summoned all the core leaders for a meeting.

Inside the council chamber, the atmosphere was even more tense than before. Kaishan spoke first, "Chief, the situation is now very clear. The Wolf Tribe's Xueya clan has great ambitions. They have brought along a large number of vassal troops, and with their own forces, their strength far surpasses that of any of us. They didn't gain any advantage in the Pottery Salt Tribe the first two times, and this time, their target is definitely not just the Pottery Salt Tribe. Our Hundred Crafts Tribe is very likely also among their targets!"

The Ruimu chieftain of the Hundred Crafts Tribe chimed in, "Chief, we can't hesitate any longer! We must expand our strength immediately! Our tribe's food and tool reserves are still quite sufficient. With so many small tribes fleeing outside, this is a perfect opportunity for us to recruit manpower! As long as we select the right people and quickly arm and train them, we can increase our number of warriors in a short time!"

Shifu Axe Chieftain also urged, "Yes, Chief! Let's make a decision quickly! The Wolf Tribe is like a ravenous wolf; who knows who it will bite next? We must strengthen the tribe! Without enough manpower, all the good stuff in our warehouse will just end up in Xueya!"

The other leaders echoed his sentiments, their faces showing urgency and worry. Wu Xiong raised his hand to stop the murmurs and said:

"Alright! Let's do it that way!" Wu Xiong's voice was resolute. "Ruimu!"

"Exist!"

"The task of recruiting people is entirely yours! The number... prepare five or six hundred people to start! Once they arrive, immediately distribute basic rations and tools, and have them participate in tribal construction and defense. At the same time, quickly select the able-bodied men suitable for combat!"

"Yes, Chief!" Ruimu responded loudly.

"Shifu!"

"Exist!"

"All newly recruited, combat-ready young men are to immediately begin training. You are in charge!"

"Understood! I will make sure they are ready for combat as quickly as possible!" Shifu nodded emphatically.

"Kaishan!"

"Leader!"

"The tribe's defenses are all yours!"

"Leave it to me! I will definitely defend the tribe like a fortress!" Kaishan straightened his chest.

"Lieying!"

"Exist!"

"Your mission is the most important! Continue to send more men, at any cost, to keep a close watch on the Wolf Tribe! I need to know the exact location, movement, and number of their main force! In particular, are there any signs that they are moving towards our Hundred Crafts Tribe! Report any unusual activity immediately!"

"Don't worry, leader! Even if I have to crawl inside a wolf's belly, I'll still get the information out!" A cold glint flashed in Lieying's eyes.

Orders were issued in rapid succession, and the behemoth that was the Hundred Crafts Tribe was completely plunged into a state of war.