A Victory Banquet

Tonight, the central square of the Pottery Salt Tribe is brightly lit and filled with cheers. Dozens of bonfires are burning brightly, and the aroma of roasted meat and rich goat milk intertwine to create a picture of victory.

Jia Li stood at the highest point, holding an exquisite ceramic bowl, his face glowing with health.

"Today's battle is entirely thanks to the valiant efforts of all you warriors! I, Jia Li, here offer you all a toast!"

"Go for it!" A deafening roar echoed across the square.

The Qiandai was already prepared with the rewards. Baskets of exquisite pottery and bags of coarse salt were carried to the center of the square and distributed one by one according to the merits of the battle. Every time a name was called, cheers would erupt from the crowd.

"The Fish Tribe's Julang has slain a Wolf Tribe leader!"

"The Hundred Crafts Tribe Kaishan and killed five wolf soldiers!"

"The Liequan of the Beast Taming Tribe led their men to capture and kill eight wolf soldiers!"

After distributing the rewards, Jia Li announced, "Tonight, every warrior who participated in the battle will receive an additional pound of coarse salt!"

The atmosphere in the square grew even more enthusiastic. The soldiers sang and danced around the bonfire, eating meat heartily and drinking goat's milk from large bowls, celebrating this hard-won victory.

Jia Li, carrying a bowl, personally went to the seats of each tribe to offer his respects. He first came to the seat of the Fish Tribe:

"Brother Julang, thank you so much for arriving in time. I, Jia Li, will remember this kindness!"

Julang downed his drink in one gulp. "Chief Jia Li, you're too kind! The Wolf Tribe dares to provoke us; they are making enemies of our Fish Tribe!"

"Well said!" Jia Li refilled his cup with goat's milk. "When I get back, please give my regards to Chief Canglan, and I will personally visit the Fish Tribe to express my gratitude another day."

Next, Jia Li went to the seats of the Hundred Crafts Tribe:

"Brother Kaishan was truly unstoppable today! The power of that axe strike terrified the Wolf Tribe!"

Kaishan laughed heartily, patting the Shifu beside him. "If Xueya hadn't run so fast, I would have chopped his dog's head off!"

Jia Li said meaningfully, "Today's battle has shown me the bravery of the Hundred Crafts Tribe. Our two tribes should have more exchanges in the future."

Kaishan nodded knowingly. "Chief Jia Li, rest assured, if there's anything our Hundred Crafts Tribe can do to help, just let us know!"

Finally, Jia Li took his seat in the Beast Taming Tribe:

"The Liequan Brothers are really amazing; you caught all those wolf soldiers who tried to escape."

The Liequan rarely smiled, "These are nothing."

Jia Li lowered his voice. "I heard that the Beast Taming Tribe is currently breeding new animals? If successful, could they be sold to our Pottery Salt Tribe first? The price is negotiable."

A glint of light flashed in the Liequan's eyes. "Chief Jia Li's information network is truly impressive. Very well, very well!"

After paying his respects to the tribal leaders, Jia Li returned to the main seat and sat down with his five greatest warriors.

"After today's battle, what do you think of the Wolf Tribe's strength?" Jia Li asked seriously, his smile fading.

The Biaotou) pondered, "They're stronger than we expected. If we hadn't laid an ambush beforehand, a direct confrontation would have likely come at a much higher price."

Yuantu Tu nodded in agreement. "Their reaction was quick, Xueya was especially alert. If the leader hadn't acted decisively and launched the attack in advance, they would have almost escaped unscathed."

Qiyue frowned and said, "The most troublesome thing is that these people are all desperate criminals; they fight without regard for their lives. Although we won today, we also lost several of our brothers."

The Huolang added, "And their retreat was quite methodical; they were clearly seasoned veterans of war."

Qiandai concluded, "In short, the Wolf Tribe is more difficult to deal with than we anticipated. Although we suffered a defeat today, I'm afraid they won't give up easily."

Jia Li nodded slowly. "That's what I think too. That's why we're rewarding the warriors of each tribe today, to make them remember this kindness. We'll need their help again next time the Wolf Tribe comes."

He looked around at his five trusted confidants and said earnestly:

"After this battle, I've come to understand. In this chaotic world, money alone isn't enough; you also need strong military power and a group of reliable allies."

The Biaotou) understood. "What does the leader mean?"

"Starting tomorrow," Jia Li declared resolutely, "We must strengthen the tribe's military. Biaotou, a term referring to a powerful figure or leader), you will train more warriors; Qiyue), you will build more fortifications around the tribe; Huolang, a person or organization), you will procure more weapons and equipment; Qiandai, a person or organization), you will continue to maintain good relations with the other tribes."

The five warriors responded in unison.

Just then, a scout came to report, "Chief, the remnants of the Wolf Tribe have been confirmed to be heading towards the Fire Tribe."

Jia Li said thoughtfully, "The Fire Tribe... I've heard they're doing quite well lately."

Qiandai chimed in, "Indeed. They traded pottery for a large amount of grain from the Fish Tribe, and it's said their population has been increasing for the past two years."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Jia Li's eyes. "It seems we should also try to build good relations with this emerging tribe."

The victory celebration lasted until late at night. The soldiers, having eaten and drunk their fill, returned to their respective camps contentedly with generous rewards.

Jia Li stood alone on the watchtower, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains. Today's victory brought him comfort, but the threat from the Wolf Tribe still hung like a sword over his head. He knew that the power structure of this land was changing, Pottery Salt Tribe had to prepare for the future if it wanted to continue to prosper.

"Someone come here," he said to the soldier on duty, "Prepare a generous gift; I will personally visit the Fire Tribe in a few days."

As night deepened, the Pottery Salt Tribe finally returned to tranquility. But Jia Li knew that the real challenge might have only just begun.