The Wrath of Pottery Salt

The Pottery Salt Tribe is situated beside a clear stream, boasting a unique geographical advantage. Downstream, the stream flows into the Fish River, and the powerful Fish Tribe can be reached in just three sunsets on foot along the riverbank, or in less than a day by the Fish Tribe Muzhou. It is this advantageous location and special relationship with the Fish Tribe that have shaped the Pottery Salt Tribe's unique way of life.

Unlike other tribes in the surrounding area, the Pottery Salt Tribe's camp is more like a market. Rows of wooden houses are neatly arranged, many of which have been converted into warehouses. The air is filled with neither the smoke from cooking fires nor the smell of livestock that is typical of other tribes.

The largest wooden house in the center of the tribe is the residence and reception room of Chief Jia Li. Jia Li is about forty years old, slightly plump, and always wears a shrewd smile on his round face. He wears a garment woven from hemp and colorful bird feathers, a very rare sight and an unimaginable luxury in other tribes.

"These gems are of good quality," Jia Li said, examining a newly arrived gem. "Chief Canglan will surely like them."

The Canglan he mentioned was the leader of the Fish Tribe and also his brother-in-law. This kinship, coupled with Jia Li's constant "gifts," allowed the Pottery Salt Tribe to monopolize the distribution rights of pottery and coarse salt in this area.

"Chief," a tribesman strode in, "There are some unfamiliar faces loitering outside; they don't look like they're here to do business."

Jia Li waved his hand dismissively. "They're probably merchants from afar. Let the Biaotou) go and greet them."

The escort leader is the first warrior of the Taoyan tribe and the captain of the caravan guard. He is about thirty-five or sixteen years old, with a resolute face and sharp eyes like an eagle. He has led the caravan all over the country all year round, which has allowed him to develop excellent skills.

Besides the Biaotou is a term used in Chinese martial arts to describe a skilled warrior), the tribe also has four other renowned warriors:

Qiandai, a trading expert, may have a vulgar name, but he is exceptionally skilled, especially adept at fighting in confined spaces;

Yuantu- range escort, with precise spear skills, able to hit a running beast from fifty paces away;

The Huolang, a logistics expert, appears frail but is actually proficient in all kinds of weapons;

Qiyue and agreement expert, wielding a stone knife with impenetrable skill, and valuing integrity above all else.

These five people are the backbone of the Pottery Salt Tribe and the source of Jia Li's confidence in doing business with various tribes.

Jia Li was counting the gifts he was going to give to Canglan when the head Biaotou bodyguard/escort) walked in with a solemn expression.

"Chief, we've found out," the head Biaotou) said in a deep voice. "Those scouts are from the Wolf Tribe. Their main force is heading this way, and they've already plundered several small tribes along the way."

"The Wolf Tribe?" Jia Li was taken aback at first, then flew into a rage. "They dare to plot against me?!"

The smile on his round face vanished instantly, replaced by the shrewdness of a merchant and the authority of a leader. He paced back and forth in the hall, his fingers unconsciously stroking a gemstone worn at his waist.

"Looks like we haven't fought in so long that even wild dogs dare to provoke us," Jia Li sneered. "Go, summon all five captains."

Soon, the five warriors gathered together. After Jia Li briefly explained the situation, the Biaotou) was the first to speak:

"Rest assured, Chief, if they dare to come, we'll make sure they don't leave alive!"

Qiandai squinted and calculated, "At their current pace, it will probably take them another four days to reach us. That should give us enough time to prepare."

"We can't be careless," Yuantu said cautiously. "I've heard that the Wolf Tribe are all desperate men; they fight like madmen."

Jia Li nodded. "Although we're not afraid, we can't let our guard down. Like this..."

He quickly made arrangements. "Huolang, you immediately organize the tribesmen to move the elderly, women, and children to the caves in the back mountains, and also move the important supplies there."

"Qiyue, you will lead your men to increase patrols and set up more traps around the camp."

"Qiandai, go to the warehouse to inventory the weapons and equip everyone who can fight."

Next, he took out four wooden plaques engraved with special symbols:

" For the Yuantu, you ride your dwarf horse to the Hundred Crafts Tribe to seek help. Biaotou, you go to the Beast Taming Tribe. Tell them you need fifty warriors from each tribe. Once it's done, my Pottery Salt Tribe will reward you handsomely!"

Finally, he summoned the two tribesmen who were the best swimmers:

"Take Xiaozhou and go downstream as quickly as possible to the Fish Tribe and report the situation there to Chief Canglan."

The others obeyed and left, while Jia Li stood alone by the window, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains. Sunlight shone on his slightly chubby face, and his eyes, which always held a smile, now gleamed with a cold light.

"In business, harmony brings wealth," he murmured to himself. "But anyone who thinks I'm easy to bully is sorely mistaken."

At this moment, the Pottery Salt Tribe was like a beehive that had been disturbed. The men sharpened their weapons, the women carried supplies, and the children were evacuated in an orderly manner. The five warriors each performed their duties, and the entire tribe began to operate efficiently.

Outside the camp, Qiyue and his men laid a trap. They dug pits, set traps, and laid bamboo spikes... This warrior, who usually valued contracts the most, showed his ruthless side at this moment.

"Let those wolves know," the Qiyue said to the tribe, "That businessmen are not to be trifled with."

Yuan Tu and Biao Tou had already set off separately. Yuan Tu rode a pony and galloped along the official road; Biao Tou chose a small road, and his figure quickly disappeared into the mountains and forests.

The two tribesmen who had come by boat sailed downstream, their Xiaozhou moving swiftly towards the Fish Tribe like an arrow released from a bow.

Standing atop the newly built watchtower, Jia Li surveyed the scene, nodding in satisfaction. His rule over the Pottery Salt Tribe over the years hadn't been based on mere kinship ties and gifts. Did they really think he, their chief, was a pushover?

As the sun set, a crimson sunset painted the sky. Jia Li stroked the jade pendant at his waist, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

The Wolf Tribe probably doesn't realize that they're not eyeing a fat sheep, but a tiger pretending to be asleep.

This upcoming battle will make everyone realize the true strength of the Pottery Salt Tribe.