The Bear-Wolf Alliance

The day after the Wolf Tribe captured the Great Boulder Tribe's camp, just as dawn was breaking, the Great Boulder Tribe's camp became lively. It was more of a chaotic commotion than a lively scene. The Wolf Tribe warriors were still cleaning up the battlefield. The black smoke had not yet dissipated, and the air was filled with the smell of burnt and blood, which choked and made people's throats tight. The prisoners were tied together with ropes, squatting in the corner of the camp, heads down, trembling, like a herd of livestock being herded into a pen.

Xueya emerged from the largest wooden hut, stretched, and yawned. He had slept soundly the night before. After conquering the Great Boulder Tribe, he had the hut where Dashi had originally lived cleaned up, and his own animal hides and bedding were replaced. The hut was far superior to the tent; it was draft-proof and leak-proof, and the thick wooden planks on the floor were much warmer than the mud. He lay on the large wooden bed, covered himself with two layers of animal hides, and slept soundly until dawn, waking up feeling refreshed.

He stood at the doorway, squinting at the sun in the sky, then at the bustling scene in the camp. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips. The flag of the Great Boulder Tribe had been torn down and thrown into the mud, trampled on and covered in mud and blood. The flag of the Wolf Tribe was planted on the roof of the council hall, its black banner fluttering in the morning breeze.

Xueshou walked over from the side, his face still flushed from a hangover, carrying a bowl of hot soup. He drank as he walked, took a big gulp, wiped his mouth, walked over to Xueya, and grinned.

"Brother, isn't this Dashi house comfortable? Much better than a tent! I slept so well last night, I didn't even have a dream, I slept until dawn, and my body is still sore."

Xueya nodded, his gaze sweeping across the camp, and said, "Tell the brothers to hurry up and clear out the area. Move whatever needs to be moved. Although the Great Boulder Tribe has been destroyed, we cannot let our guard down."

Xueshou was about to speak when a Wolf Tribe warrior rushed over, stopped in front of them, clasped his hands in salute, and said breathlessly, "Chief! Someone's here! They say they're from the Bear Tribe and want to see you!"

Xueya raised an eyebrow slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and asked, "The Bear Tribe? How many people have come?"

The soldier caught his breath and replied, "A small group of about twenty people has arrived. The leader claims to be Xiong Pan, the son of Xiong Lie, the chief of the Bear Tribe. They say they have important matters to discuss with you. They were quite polite and didn't bring any weapons into the camp; they just waited outside."

Upon hearing this, Xueya and Xueshou exchanged a glance, both seeing the "I knew it" look in each other's eyes.

Xueshou leaned closer and whispered, "Brother, the Bear Tribe arrived incredibly fast. We barely finished conquering the Great Boulder Tribe before they showed up. They must have had people watching nearby all along, waiting for the moment we succeeded."

The Yexiao emerged silently from the corner, wearing a dark linen robe with the collar turned up, obscuring half his face and revealing only a pair of sharp eyes. He spoke, his voice neither loud nor soft, as calm as a still pond.

"Chief, now that we've completely conquered the Great Boulder Tribe, the Bear Tribe is probably coming to ask us to join forces to attack the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost. They sent someone to our stronghold to express the same idea last time, but we hadn't taken the Great Boulder Tribe yet and our foundation wasn't secure, so we didn't agree to their request immediately."

Xueya nodded and said, "The Bear Tribe came at this particular time, they must have this in mind. They saw that we've taken over the Great Boulder Tribe and our strength has greatly increased, so they think we're even more useful to them."

He paused, his voice becoming more serious, and said, "It seems we can't delay any longer this time. We must make a statement. After all, the largest tribe in the Fish River is the Tiger Tribe, and the territory of the Great Boulder Tribe is not far from the Tiger Tribe. If we occupy this place, the Tiger Tribe can't just ignore it. The Bear Tribe is right; without the Tiger Tribe's approval, our Wolf Tribe cannot gain a foothold in this area."

He turned to look into the distance, his gaze passing over the broken walls of the camp and reaching the northern horizon. "Although our Wolf Tribe has grown quite a bit stronger, we are still far behind the Tiger Tribe. For now, we can only temporarily rely on the Tiger Tribe to establish ourselves in this area. Otherwise, if the Tiger Tribe makes a move, the territory we have worked so hard to conquer will vanish in the blink of an eye."

Xueshou frowned upon hearing this, and the smile on his face faded slightly. He put down the soup bowl in his hand, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and spoke with a hint of reluctance and unwillingness.

"Brother, but after we attach ourselves to the Tiger Tribe, we'll be under the Tiger Tribe control. The Bear Tribe said last time that the Tiger Tribe won't allow us to recklessly disrupt the balance of this region. They told us to be more restrained and not to rob or kill at will like before. From now on, we can't do whatever we want; we have to abide by their rules and watch their expressions."

He paused, his voice tinged with anger. "Moreover, the Bear Tribe wants our help to capture the Bear Tribe Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost before they'll introduce us to the Tiger Tribe. And our Wolf Tribe is ranked below the Bear Tribe Tiger Tribe! Why should the Bear Tribe be superior to us? They're nothing but dogs of the Tiger Tribe!"

Xueya turned around and looked at Xueshou, his gaze calm, like a deep pool of water, its depths unfathomable. He reached out and patted Xueshou's shoulder, the touch light, but it made Xueshou pause slightly.

"Hand, you're right. The Bear Tribe is indeed unworthy to oppress us." His voice was deep and steady, as if stating a fact. "However, we don't yet have the resources to compete with them. The Tiger Tribe is far stronger than us. It's not shameful for us to be subservient to them. Being under their control is better than wandering aimlessly, better than being wiped out by them."

He looked into Xueshou's eyes, a deeper meaning creeping into his gaze. "For now, let's agree to the Bear Tribe's demands, appease them, and gain the Tiger Tribe's approval. Once our Wolf Tribe grows stronger and becomes more valuable to the Tiger Tribe than the Bear Tribe, our status within the Tiger Tribe will naturally surpass that of the Bear Tribe. Whoever is more useful will have more influence."

Yexiao nodded slightly beside him, his voice neither loud nor soft, as if he were agreeing, yet also analyzing. "The chief is right. As long as we are stronger than the Bear Tribe, and more valuable to the Tiger Tribe Bear Tribe, the Tiger Tribe will naturally look up to us. The Tiger Tribe isn't stupid; they only value those who are useful. At that point, what will the Bear Tribe be? Just a stumbling block in our way."

Xueshou listened, remained silent for a moment, and the expression on his face slowly changed from anger to contemplation, and then from contemplation to a knowing look tinged with ruthlessness. He nodded vigorously, clenching and unclenching his fist.

"Alright! Big brother, I'll listen to you! Let's be patient for now and agree to their demands. Once our Wolf Tribe strong enough, we'll show the Bear Tribe who truly calls the shots in the lower reaches of the Fish River!"

Xueya nodded, then turned to the warrior who had come to deliver the message and said, "Go, invite the Bear Tribe people in. Be polite and courteous. Tell them that I, Xueya, welcome them."

The soldier accepted the order and quickly ran out of the camp.

Xueya turned and walked back to the cabin, sitting in the main seat. Xueshou and Yexiao stood on either side of him, like two guards, one on the left and one on the right, one moving and one still.

A moment later, footsteps could be heard from outside.

A young man entered, followed by two attendants who stood at the doorway and did not go any further. The young man wore a dark blue linen robe, with a bronze-buckled leather belt around his waist, from which hung a bronze dagger. His hair was neatly combed and held in place with a bone hairpin. He wore a smile, but his eyes concealed shrewdness and scrutiny.

It was Xiong Pan, the eldest son of Xiong Lie, the leader of the Bear Tribe.

Xiong Pan entered the wooden house, his gaze quickly sweeping around, lingering for a moment on Xueya's face, then on Xueshou and Yexiao, before clasping his hands in a salute, his smile unchanged.

"Chief of Xueya, I have long admired your name! I am Xiong Pan, son of Xiong Lie, chief of the Bear Tribe. I have come to pay you a visit on my father's orders."

His voice was loud and clear, and his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. Xueya also stood up, clasped his hands in return, and smiled warmly and sincerely, as if he were welcoming a friend who had come from afar.

"Chief Xiong Pan, you're too kind! Please have a seat!"

He turned to the side and pointed to a wooden stool next to him. Xiong Pan nodded, and without any hesitation, sat down gracefully, his back straight, his hands on his knees, his posture composed.

Xueya sat back down in the main seat, looked at Xiong Pan, and asked directly, "Chief Xiong Pan, what brings you here today? Our Wolf Tribe has just conquered the Great Boulder Tribe, and the camp is still a bit chaotic. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Xiong Pan smiled and waved his hand. "Chief Xueya is joking. Your Wolf Tribe's ability to conquer the Great Boulder Tribe demonstrates your strength, and my father is happy for you."

He paused, his gaze becoming more serious, and his voice lowering. "Chief of Xueya, I won't beat around the bush. I've come here on behalf of my father to discuss something with your Wolf Tribe that would benefit both of us."

Xueya picked up the earthenware bowl in front of him, took a sip of water, put the bowl down, and looked at Xiong Pan with a calm gaze. "Please speak."

Xiong Pan sat up straight, his voice becoming more formal. "Chief Xueya must know that the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost has always been a thorn in our Bear Tribe. That stronghold is located between our Bear Tribe and the Valley Tribe's main base, like a thorn in our throat. Last year, our Bear Tribe and Tiger Tribe joined forces to attack it, and we were confident of victory, but then the Fire Tribe suddenly intervened, ruining our plans."

His voice carried a hint of resentment and anger. "Our Bear Tribe suffered heavy losses in that defeat. But the Tiger Tribe said that as long as we capture the Little Valley Camp Outpost, Tiger Tribe will give us even greater support. Moreover, the Tiger Tribe has clearly stated that as long as the Wolf Tribe is willing to assist us in attacking the Little Valley Camp Outpost, the Tiger Tribe will recognize the Wolf Tribe's right to establish itself in the Great Boulder Tribe's territory and protect you from invasions by other tribes."

He looked at Xueya, his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. "Chief Xueya, our Bear Tribe is willing to introduce your Wolf Tribe to the Tiger Tribe, making you a vassal tribe of the Tiger Tribe. In exchange, when your Wolf Tribe needs us, you will send troops to assist us in attacking the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost. This is also a good thing for your Wolf Tribe —with the Tiger Tribe's protection, your Wolf Tribe can develop peacefully in this area without worrying about being driven away or annexed."

The cabin was quiet for a while.

Xueya didn't speak, but simply picked up the earthenware bowl, took another sip of water, put the bowl down, and tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, making a rhythmic sound—once, twice, three times—as if he were thinking, as if he were weighing his options. Xueshou stood beside him, his mouth moving as if he wanted to say something, but seeing Xueya's pensive expression, he swallowed his words. He clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles cracking.

The Yexiao remained standing in the corner, motionless, like a stone statue hidden in the shadows, only its sharp eyes gleaming slightly in the darkness.

After a while, Xueya raised his head, looked at Xiong Pan, and smiled.

"Chief Xiong Pan, you are right. Our Wolf Tribe does indeed need the Tiger Tribe's protection to gain a foothold in this land. We are extremely grateful that your Bear Tribe Wolf Tribe willing to make an introduction for us; it is like rain after a long drought, like charcoal in the snow."

He paused, his voice becoming even more Chenwen. "As for assisting you in attacking the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost, our Wolf Tribe is also willing to contribute. The Valley Tribe and our Wolf Tribe have old grudges. If it weren't for the Fire Tribe's intervention back then, our Wolf Tribe wouldn't have been forced to leave our original territory. We've always kept that score in mind."

He looked into Xiong Pan's eyes, his gaze sincere. "Therefore, our Wolf Tribe will agree to all your requests. We will send troops to assist in attacking the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost. As for the Tiger Tribe, we also ask your Bear Tribe Wolf Tribe to help us mediate and gain Tiger Tribe recognition."

Upon hearing this, Xiong Pan's smile widened even more, as if a Dashi had been lifted from his heart. He stood up, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and spoke with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Good! Chief Xueya is indeed straightforward! It's settled then! I will report this to my father truthfully when I return. Once we receive a response from the Tiger Tribe, we will send someone to inform your Wolf Tribe immediately!"

Xueya also stood up and returned the greeting with clasped hands. "Thank you for your trouble, Xiong Pan."

He turned to Xueshou and said, "Go, have someone prepare a banquet. Chief Xiong Pan has come from afar today, so we must treat him well and not let them say that our Wolf Tribe is ill-mannered."

Xueshou nodded, turned and walked out of the cabin to make the arrangements.

Xueya looked at Xiong Pan, his smile unwavering. "Chief Xiong Pan, don't rush off today. Our Wolf Tribe has just conquered the Great Boulder Tribe. Although the camp is still a bit chaotic, we have plenty of good wine and meat. Stay, and let's have a few drinks to celebrate our alliance."

Xiong Pan laughed heartily and didn't refuse. "Then I'll have to trouble you!"

That evening, the Wolf Tribe's camp was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

A campfire was lit in the open space, illuminating the entire camp. A whole roasted lamb sizzled over the fire, its aroma filling the night air and making mouths water. Several jars of wine were brought out and placed on the wooden table; there were fruit wines, grain wines, and a few jars of aged wines that had been salvaged from the warehouse of the Great Boulder Tribe.

Xueya sat in the main seat, Xiong Pan sat to his right, and Xueshou and Yexiao sat below him. Several Wolf Tribe leaders also arrived, sitting around the fire, holding wine bowls, eating meat and drinking wine heartily.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Xiong Pan's face was flushed from drinking, and his speech was somewhat slurred, but he still remained somewhat sober. He raised his wine bowl and gestured towards Xueya. "Chief Xueya, I toast you! Your Wolf Tribe conquered the Great Boulder Tribe and agreed to an alliance with our Bear Tribe! After drinking this bowl, we'll be one family!"

Xueya also picked up his wine bowl and clinked it against his, producing a crisp sound. "Good! We're family! From now on, the Bear Tribe and the Wolf Tribe will support each other and advance and retreat together!"

The two tilted their heads back and drank it all in one gulp.

Xueshou tapped the table beside him, humming an unknown tune that sounded like a song from the Wolf Tribe, or perhaps an ancient war hymn. Yexiao remained seated in the corner, a bowl of wine in his hand, not drinking, just watching. Xiong Pan put down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and looked at Xueya, his gaze a mixture of seriousness and drunkenness. "Chief Xueya," he said, "Next spring, my father plans to personally visit the Tiger Tribe Tiger Tribe to pay respects to their chief and elder. Your Wolf Tribe should send someone along as well, so the Tiger Tribe can meet you and get to know you. Once the Tiger Tribe approves, your Wolf Tribe can officially establish itself on the Great Boulder Tribe's territory."

Xueya's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this, but his smile remained. "Alright! Next spring, our Wolf Tribe will definitely send someone over. We'll need your Bear Tribe's help in making introductions and putting in a good word for us."

Xiong Pan waved his hand and laughed, "Of course! Our two families are allies now, so helping each other is only right!"

He paused, then lowered his voice, as if revealing a secret. "Chief Xueya, with the Great Boulder Tribe's territory, your Wolf Tribe will have a much easier time. The Great Boulder Tribe has a large population, fertile land, and the Fish River waterway. If you manage it well, your Wolf Tribe's strength will double in a few years."

Xueya nodded and replied in a low voice, "Then we'll have to rely on the Bear Tribe and Tiger Tribe for guidance. Our Wolf Tribe is new here and unfamiliar with the place and its customs. We hope you'll give us some pointers in the future."

Xiong Pan laughed heartily and picked up his wine bowl again. "Of course, of course! Come on! Have another bowl!"

The two clinked glasses again and drank it all in one gulp.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

The moon rose high overhead, large and round, like a giant silver platter, illuminating the entire camp. The campfire gradually died down, the flames slowly waning until only a patch of dark red embers remained, flickering in the night wind.

Xiong Pan had drunk quite a bit and was helped to a nearby tent to rest. Xueya stood by the fire, watching Xiong Pan's figure disappear behind the tent curtain. The smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by a deep expression.

Xueshou walked to his side, also looking in that direction, and lowered his voice to say, "Big brother, after they leave tomorrow, are we really going to help them conquer the Valley Tribe?"

Xueya did not answer immediately, but instead gazed at the distant night sky, his eyes filled with a profound sense of longing.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice low and calm. "Help. Why not help? Attacking the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp Outpost would also benefit us. The Valley Tribe is very wealthy; if we take their stronghold, we can plunder a lot of things."

He turned around, looking at Xueshou with a meaningful gaze. "Besides, only by aligning ourselves with the Bear Tribe can we get on the Tiger Tribe's good side. With the Tiger Tribe's protection, our Wolf Tribe can develop peacefully in this area. Suffering a little loss now will bring us great benefits later."

Xueshou listened and nodded thoughtfully.

Xueya patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, go get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Although we've taken over the Great Boulder Tribe, there's still a lot to do to truly make it our Wolf Tribe's territory."

Xueshou nodded, turned and left. Xueya stood alone by the fire, watching the flickering embers, his gaze distant. The firelight reflected on his face, its light and shadow shifting, making his expression appear and disappear. The night wind blew, ruffling his clothes and dispelling the faint smile on his lips.