The Tiger Tribe Came South

Just as Yan, the Fire Tribe, was leading his fleet north to pick up people, the Tiger Tribe, located downstream of the Fish River, had already quietly taken action. Giant ships set sail from the Tiger Tribe's dock and traveled upstream along the Fish River.

The leader of the fleet responsible for "beating" the Valley Tribe and attacking the Fire Tribe was the son of the Great Tongding, Tong Dachui — Tong Dachui Hammer. Bronze Hammer was a burly man, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, like an iron tower or a standing bear. His face was full of scars, and his eyes were fierce and arrogant, with drooping corners and upturned corners of his mouth, looking down at people with his nostrils. He wore a leather armor, and a huge Tongchui, weighing at least several dozen kilograms, hung at his waist. The handle was made of Yingmu and wrapped with hemp rope, making it easy to grip. He stood at the Chuantou of the largest ship, a ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 kilograms, with his hands on his hips and his head held high, like an invincible general or a proud rooster.

This time, he brought ten large ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, more than thirty ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, and over a hundred ships with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin each. The ten giant ships lined up in a row, like ten Little Mountain, their Chuantou raised high, cutting through the river and stirring up white Langhua. Behind them followed a dense array of ships, stretching as far as the eye could see, like a group of hungry sharks, creating a very impressive spectacle. This was another large-scale expedition by the Tiger Tribe in recent years.

Now the relationship between the Tiger Tribe and the Shu Tribe to the west has eased. The two sides shook hands and made peace, temporarily ceasing their fighting. The Tiger Tribe no longer needs to fight on two fronts and can spare a lot of troops to fight. This time, the Grand Elder also wants to use this war to enhance his influence in the army and strengthen his power, so that those who do not submit to him can see who is in charge of the Tiger Tribe and who is the backbone of the Tiger Tribe.

Although the Great Elder of the Tiger Tribe had won over the Second Elder, Yan Feng, and the Third Elder He Man, by offering them benefits and making promises, and had also used marriage alliances to win over many leaders of the Great Tiger Tribe —marrying his youngest daughter to Hu Ben, his niece to Hu Yi, and his niece to Hu Wei —making him the most powerful elder in the Tiger Tribe, the three brothers of the deceased leader, Hu Qingtian, still commanded a large army. Even when united, they could only barely contend with him militarily, like three Shitou weighing on the Great Elder's heart. Especially Hu Qingtian's eldest brother, Hu Bashan, who controlled the largest army and was responsible for confronting the Wuyue Tribe to the east of the Tiger Tribe, wielding considerable military power and guarding a region. This caused the Great Elder, Tongding, much frustration, like a thorn in his heart, like a bone stuck in his throat.

Now, the Tiger Tribe is taking advantage of the improved relations with the Shu Tribe in the west to mobilize its forces for a major victory. If they win, Elder Tongding will be able to completely suppress the three Hu Bashan brothers, leaving them speechless and forcing them to obey. For this expedition, he directly assigned his son, Tong Dachui, to be in charge, without relying on anyone else.

However, when Tong Dachui led the fleet halfway, they suddenly received news that Hu Bashan of the Tiger Tribe Tiger Tribe had once again clashed violently with the Wuyue Tribe to the east. Several small battles had been fought, resulting in casualties on both sides, and a major battle was likely to break out soon. The Tiger Tribe's forces had been severely depleted, with their main force having followed Tong Dachui out, leaving their camp vulnerable, like an empty city. Given the magnitude of the incident to the east, the Tiger Tribe had no choice but to send troops back; otherwise, Tiger Tribe stronghold would be unstable.

After hearing the messenger's message, Tong Dachui stood at the Chuantou, his face ashen, like a piece of rusty iron, or the sky before a storm. His brows were furrowed, forming a knot, and deep lines were etched on his forehead.

His fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his knuckles turning white, veins bulging like earthworms writhing beneath his skin. He gritted his teeth, the sound echoing, and after a long pause, he finally spoke, "This plan to strike at the Valley Tribe and attack the Fire Tribe was decided long ago, and Father has made arrangements. We can't abandon it halfway, we can't let ourselves become a laughingstock. But we can't ignore the Tiger Tribe's camp either. We can't let the Wuyue Tribe take advantage of the situation, we can't let our stronghold fall. Here's what we'll do: first, send 70% of our manpower and boats back to the Tiger Tribe camp for defensive maneuvers. I'll take the remaining 30% of our manpower and boats and go strike at the Valley Tribe first. We can't go back empty-handed."

The Hu Wei Might leader beside him frowned so deeply it could trap a fly, his voice filled with worry as he urgently said, "Leader Tong Dachui, isn't this arrangement of manpower and ships too few? Three-tenths of our manpower, three ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, a dozen or so ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, and the rest are all small boats. The Valley Tribe has the support of the Fire Tribe, and I've heard Fire Tribe also have large ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, and dozens of ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each. What if...?"

With a confident wave of his hand, Tong Dachui's voice echoed across the river like thunder, making the ears of those nearby ring. "It's alright! The Fire Tribe's 100,000-jin-capacity ships—our scouts only spotted one last time. Even if they have two, they're no match for our Tiger Tribe. Our Tiger Tribe's 100,000-jin-capacity ships are definitely much sturdier than the Fire Tribe's. Our ships have fought countless battles and weathered countless storms. Their ships were only built a few days ago! How can they compare? Even if I only bring three 100,000-jin-capacity ships this time, I can easily defeat both tribes! Don't worry, follow me, you won't go wrong, and everyone will be rewarded if we win!"

Seeing their leader, Tong Dachui, say this, Hu Ya and Hu Zhua knew that trying to dissuade him was useless, so they could only give up and sigh inwardly. They were both veterans of the Tiger Tribe who had fought in battles and knew that war was not child's play. But Tong Dachui was the commander-in-chief and the responsible leader, so they couldn't say anything more, and it would be useless anyway.

Finally, Hu Ben, with 70% of his men and boats, turned Chuantou and returned to the Tiger Tribe's camp to support Hu Bashan. The fleet sailed down the Fish River in a grand procession, sails billowing and oars cutting through the water, quickly disappearing around the bend in the river.

Tong Dachui stood at the Chuantou, watching the departing fleet. His face was grim, like the sky before a storm, overcast and dark. He knew things couldn't be so coincidental. Why did the conflict with Hu Bashan have to happen now? It must be Hu Bashan's doing, deliberately creating trouble for their Grand Elder's faction and hindering them. But it didn't matter. As long as he led his men to a resounding victory, crushing the Valley Tribe and Fire Tribe, his father's prestige would greatly increase, and then the three Hu Bashan brothers would be no threat.

Thinking of this, a cold smile appeared on Tong Dachui's face. The smile was sinister, as cold as a blade. He waved his hand and ordered the remaining ships to continue forward. Three giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 catties led the way, their Chuantou raised high, cleaving the river and stirring up white Langhua. Behind them followed a dozen or so ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 catties each, and dozens of smaller boats, large and small, like a group of fish fry following behind giant fish, sailing upstream along the Fish River towards the direction of the Valley Tribe.

As the Tiger Tribe's fleet passed the Great Luwei Tribe and entered the territory of the Great Boulder Tribe, the scenery on both banks became desolate. The Hu Zhua chieftain of the Tiger Tribe spoke cautiously and tentatively to the Tong Dachui chieftain, "Chieftain, the Great Boulder Tribe was severely ravaged by the Wolf Tribe last year. Two of their core subordinate tribes were wiped out, their houses burned, and their food looted. The Great Boulder Tribe itself also lost several hundred people. This newly arrived Wolf Tribe is rather brutal, readily slaughtering entire tribes, leaving no one alive, like mad dogs. The Great Boulder Tribe is likely no match for the Wolf Tribe Wolf Tribe; sooner or later, they will be devoured, leaving not even bones behind."

Tong Dachui snorted coldly, his lips curling down in disdain, and said, "Even if the Wolf Tribe has some tricks up its sleeve, it's still a small tribe. They're nothing special and won't amount to anything. Even if they annex the Great Boulder Tribe, they won't be able to stay without our Tiger Tribe's approval. The moment our Tiger Tribe speaks, they'll have to obediently hand over the Great Boulder Tribe."

The leader of the Hu Ya Fangs spoke with a hint of worry in his voice, his brows furrowed slightly, "Then what should we do? We can't just stand by and do nothing, can we?"

Tong Dachui shook his head, a sly glint in his eyes, and said, "No need to do anything. The Great Boulder Tribe and our Tiger Tribe Tiger Tribe n't very close. They usually just buy things from us. They're not that friendly. Last year, they secretly bought salt from the Valley Tribe Tiger Tribe but not from us. Do they think we don't know? Do they think we're blind? They're separated from us by the Great Luwei Tribe Tiger Tribe. It's good that the Wolf Tribe is giving the Great Boulder Tribe a good beating. The more chaotic this area is, the more excuse our Tiger Tribe will have to intervene. Maybe with the Wolf Tribe's actions, our Tiger Tribe can even annex the Great Luwei Tribe, taking their territory, people, and food, making them Tiger Tribe. That way, our Tiger Tribe's power can shift south quite a bit."

Upon hearing Tong Dachui's words, Hu Ya, Hu Zhua, and Hu Wei all understood the Elder's intention—to sit back and watch the tigers fight, wait until they were both exhausted before making their move and reaping the benefits. They nodded and asked no more questions, secretly admiring the Elder's foresight.

The Tiger Tribe's fleet continued upstream along the Fish River. Around noon, they arrived near the Bear Tribe's dock. From afar, they could see a group of people standing on the dock. Xiong Lie of the Bear Tribe had already received the news and was waiting at the dock at the mouth of the Bear River with the leaders of the Bear Tribe Bear Tribe.

When the Tiger Tribe's Tong Dachui, Hu Wei, Hu Ya, and Hu Zhua arrived at the Bear Tribe's dock, Xiong Lie quickly greeted them with a broad smile. His eyes narrowed into slits, and his mouth stretched to his ears, revealing a set of fairly even teeth. He wore exquisite leather armor, a bronze sword hanging at his waist, and his hair was neatly combed. Although Tong Dachui wasn't the leader of the Tiger Tribe, he was now the Tiger Tribe's representative, and his every word and action represented the Elder's will, acting as the Elder's mouth and ears. Moreover, he had brought so many people with him this time, along with three giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each. Xiong Lie of the Bear Tribe dared not underestimate him and received them with great hospitality, wishing he could give them his heart and bring out the best of everything, hoping that Tong Dachui would put in a good word for them with the Tongding when he returned, and that they would receive more benefits and bronze weapons from the Bear Tribe.

After bowing deeply to the leaders of the Tong Dachui and Tiger Tribe, Xiong Lie said, "Chief Dachui, esteemed leaders, you are truly rare guests! It's a rare treat for us in the Bear Tribe to have you here! You must be exhausted from your journey. We have prepared food in the council hall—hot soup, hot rice, fine wine, and delicious dishes. Let's go and have something to eat first."

Tong Dachui nodded, raised his head, snorted, and instructed his men to guard the boats. Then, he led Hu Wei, Hu Ya, and Hu Zhua, following Xiong Lie towards the Bear Tribe's council hall. The group passed through the camp and walked along the stone path towards the council hall. Along the way, the Bear Tribe tribe members stopped what they were doing, curiously watching the group of the Tiger Tribe members and whispering among themselves.

The Bear Tribe's council hall was quite large, capable of seating dozens of people, but it was now packed with people, making it somewhat crowded. The firewood in the hearth was burning brightly, crackling and sending sparks flying. Several animal skin maps hung on the walls, depicting the distribution of surrounding tribes in charcoal. As soon as they sat down, the Bear Tribe brought out fine food and wine: roasted mutton, stewed pork, fresh fish soup, and hot rice—a table laden with steaming, fragrant dishes. Everyone began to eat and drink. Tong Dachui ate meat in large mouthfuls and drank wine from large bowls, showing no restraint whatsoever. He ate until his mouth was greasy and drank until his face was red and his neck was thick. By the time everyone had eaten their fill, the food on the table was empty, and several jars of wine had been consumed, leaving everyone with round bellies.

Xiong Lie put down his wine bowl, wiped his mouth, and said in a voice tinged with resentment, grievance, and a hint of flattery, "Dachui Hammer, although our Bear Tribe has recently received Dali support from the Tiger Tribe, our weapons are much better, we have more warriors, and we're more confident, we're still being suppressed by the Valley Tribe. Our Bear Tribe has suffered several defeats at the Little Valley Camp, with many dead and wounded. After being punished by your Tiger Tribe, the Valley Tribe has become very unruly, secretly trading salt and other supplies downstream of the Fish River, like rats, sneaking around. The Valley Tribe is also constantly absorbing people and expanding its power, recruiting from surrounding small tribes. Now they probably have more than 30,000 people. The Valley Tribe is also flirting with the Fire Tribe upstream of the Fish River, their relationship is very close, like they're wearing the same pants. The Fire Tribe's rapid rise is inseparable from the Valley Tribe's help."

Tong Dachui slammed his fist on the table with a loud bang, rattling dishes, spilling tea and wine. His eyes, wide like copper bells, blazed with fury, and his voice boomed like thunder. "Our Tiger Tribe has come to teach the Valley Tribe a lesson for their disobedience! We'll show them who's in charge in the Fish River Basin! We'll show them what happens when you offend the Tiger Tribe! The Fire Tribe is also a target of our Tiger Tribe this time. Neither of them will escape! This time, our Tiger Tribe will make them cry for their parents, beat them until they're crawling on the ground!"

Next, Tong Dachui inquired about the situation of the Valley Tribe and the Fire Tribe. He asked how many people, ships, and warriors the Valley Tribe had, and how many people were in the Little Valley Camp. He also asked how many people, ships, and warriors the Fire Tribe had, and whether the 100,000-jin ship was real and whether they had built it themselves. Xiong Lie answered each question, embellishing the story and making the Valley Tribe and the Fire Tribe sound even worse, so as to further anger the Tiger Tribe and make them send more people.

Finally, the Tiger Tribe's Tong Dachui invited the Bear Tribe to join forces in battle. Xiong Lie was naturally delighted to accept, nodding in agreement. He had been waiting for this day for a long time. Now that the Bear Tribe had the Tiger Tribe's backing, what did Xiong Lie have to fear from the Valley Tribe? What did he have to fear from the Fire Tribe?

The next day, before dawn, the joint fleet of the Tiger Tribe and the Bear Tribe set off. The Tiger Tribe's three giant ships, each with a carrying capacity of 100,000 catties, led the way, followed by dozens of ships from the Bear Tribe. They sailed upstream along the Fish River, heading towards the Valley Tribe with imposing momentum and a menacing aura.