Undercurrents Surge

As autumn deepens, the air is filled with the scents of ripening fruit and withered vegetation. Three days before the autumn market, an undercurrent unlike any other is stirring around the Fire Tribe. Those tribes that have traded with the Fire Tribe or have been observing Fire Tribe from afar are quietly making important decisions.

Within the Fire Tribe Valley, the joy brought by the recently concluded autumn harvest was strictly controlled within a certain scope. The 100,000 jin of golden rice was quickly transported into the newly built stilted wooden granary guarded by warriors—this was the tribe's top secret. Chief Jianshi and Wang Yan both knew that prematurely exposing such a huge grain reserve might attract unnecessary covetousness and trouble.

However, some things cannot be hidden. The people of the Fire Tribe, regardless of age or gender, all have healthy rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and walk with a brisk pace. This is in stark contrast to the generally sallow complexions and tired eyes of the people of other surrounding tribes.

The Fire Tribe's Hunting Team don't go out very often, but they always return with a bountiful harvest. Moreover, the team members are full of energy, equipped with uniform rattan armor and shields, and are disciplined and obedient. Their fierce and capable spirit is far superior to that of the loose hunters from other tribes.

Even more evident is the Fire Tribe's ever-expanding residential area. Rows of brand-new wooden houses have sprung up in an orderly fashion; thirty large boats with small sails are moored on the riverbank, creating a magnificent sight; and the sounds of livestock emanating from the pens are a constant reminder of their vibrant life.

All this outward prominence silently tells a story: the Fire Tribe is becoming rich and powerful at an unimaginable speed.

Last autumn, about ten tribes had engaged in relatively in-depth transactions with the Fire Tribe. These tribes, ranging in size from fifty to one hundred people, were the backbone of the region capable of independent survival. However, after another year of struggle, especially after vaguely sensing the Fire Tribe's astonishing growth momentum, most of their leaders made a difficult but decisive decision—to lead their entire tribe to join the Fire Tribe!

Heiyan, a tribal chief, stroked a meticulously crafted Shifu and said to several elders, "We are skilled in stoneworking, but we can't exchange it for enough food. The Fire Tribe needs land reclamation, housing construction, and tools; they definitely need our skills! By joining them, our skills can be passed down, and our people will all have enough to eat and wear. My mind is made up; this small gathering is the time for our entire tribe to pledge our allegiance!"

Similar discussions were taking place within the various tribes. They saw the immense potential and inclusivity exhibited by the Fire Tribe (the people absorbed last year were not discriminated against), but they also recognized the bottlenecks in their own development and the threat of a harsh winter. Rather than struggling to survive year after year, they decided to unite their strength and create a stronger future together.

According to a rough estimate made privately, the total population of these several determined tribes is about six hundred people! This is a force capable of changing the regional landscape, and now they are preparing to channel this force into the Fire Tribe.

These six hundred people, and perhaps many more who are still observing, will have their fates intertwined with the Fire Tribe at the small market three days from now. Filled with trepidation, anticipation, and the unique skills upon which their respective tribes depend for survival, they prepare to embark on this seemingly adventurous yet hopeful path of submission.

Meanwhile, in the Fire Tribe Valley, Jianshi and Wang Yan were making final preparations for the small gathering. They sensed that this gathering would not be peaceful and anticipated that people would come to join them, but they were unaware of the surging wave of submission that was about to arrive.