The Bison Tribe's Council

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the Bison Tribe's camp in a golden hue, yet a tense atmosphere permeated the air. Jijiao, the chief who had just seen off the survivors of the Little Stone Creek Tribe, sat solemnly in the council tent, with all the tribe's warriors and high-ranking members seated before him.

"You've all heard, haven't you?" Jijiao's voice was deep and powerful. "The Wolf Tribe is here, less than a day's journey from us."

A commotion immediately broke out inside the shed. Although they were somewhat prepared, hearing the leader confirm it still made everyone's hearts tighten.

"You all saw those people from the Little Stone Creek Tribe yesterday," Jijiao said, looking around at everyone. "Their tribe was wiped out; dozens of people were killed, and only a few escaped. This morning, people from the Tree Root Root Tribe passed by and said their food and women had been stolen."

Barbarian Mangu, the son of Jijiao and the tribe's greatest warrior besides Jijiao, slammed his fist on the table. "These beasts! Father, let's fight them to the death!"

"Yes! Let's fight them!" Several young warriors echoed, their faces filled with anger.

But the elderly men sitting on the right looked worried. The oldest, Niujiao —once the tribe's greatest warrior, though now old, was still very experienced—slowly spoke:

"Fight? What can we possibly fight with? I heard the Wolf Tribe brought over a hundred warriors down from the mountain this time, all seasoned veterans. Our tribe has over three hundred people, but only sixty or seventy are truly capable fighters. If we really go to war, our chances of winning are slim."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the head of a passionate young man.

Jijiao nodded. "Uncle Niujiao is right. And... I know Xueya, the leader of the Wolf Tribe, better than you do."

All eyes were on him.

"Seven or eight years ago, I went to the Fish Tribe to trade, and I encountered them on my way back." A hint of reminiscence flashed in the Jijiao eyes. "Back then, the Wolf Tribe wasn't as powerful as it is now, only a few dozen people, but they were already quite ferocious. I fought Xueya..."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "He was a true beast. Though young, his moves were ruthless, completely reckless. We fought for almost half an hour, neither of us gaining the upper hand, and finally we each retreated."

Sitting in the corner Juti —the young warrior who had escorted the Fire Tribe to the Fish Tribe for trade two years ago—who couldn't help but speak up, "Chief, since you've fought Xueya, you should know where his weakness lies, right?"

Jijiao smiled wryly, "If I had to point out a weakness, it would be that he's too ruthless, sometimes acting without regard for consequences. But that also means that once a fight breaks out, he'll bite like a mad dog and won't let go."

Silence fell over the council chamber. The young man realized the gravity of the situation— the Wolf Tribe not only outnumbered the others, but their leader was a reckless madman.

"Should we... seek help from other tribes?" a middle-aged warrior tentatively asked.

Jijiao shook his head. "It's too late. The Wolf Tribe will arrive tomorrow. Besides, the nearby tribes might not be willing to offend Wolf Tribe. The White Pig Tribe is closest to us, but they're too busy to help themselves; the Fire Tribe is strong, but they're too far away. By the time reinforcements arrive, it will be too late."

He stood up and walked to the center of the shed. "Now, we can only rely on ourselves."

"Everyone, listen up!" Jijiao's voice suddenly rose. "Mangu, you take all the brothers in the Hunting Team and begin torturing them tonight, especially in the direction from which the Wolf Tribe came. Report any movement immediately!"

"Yes!" Mangu stood up abruptly, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

"Dajiao and Benniu, you two are responsible for the Weaving Tribe, distributing weapons, and preparing for battle!"

The two burly men responded in unison.

"Houpi, Zhendi, you are responsible for the safety of the elderly, women, and children. If fighting breaks out, lead them to the caves to the west; they are easy to defend and difficult to attack."

The two experienced veterans nodded in agreement.

"Muye and Huangye, you two take men to reinforce the camp's defenses. Set more traps and prepare more Shitou."

"Ruijiao, Chenwen, Liefeng, the three of you will serve as reserves, ready to provide support at any time."

Commands were issued methodically, and the massive machine of the Bison Tribe began to operate. Despite facing a formidable enemy, under Jijiao's command, everyone found their place.

As night fell, the Bison Tribe was ready for battle. The camp's fence was heightened and reinforced, more pits were dug around it, and hidden stakes were placed along all the key roads. The Hunting Team's warriors were divided into three teams, taking turns patrolling the perimeter of the camp.

Jijiao stood alone on the highest lookout tower of the camp, gazing at the dark mountains and forests to the east. The night wind blew by, bringing the coolness of autumn and a vague sense of unease.

"Father," Mangu walked up to the watchtower and handed over a piece of roasted jerky, "Have something to eat."

Jijiao took the jerky, but didn't eat it right away. "How are the brothers on patrol?"

"They're all in high spirits!" Mangu patted his chest. "Having heard about the Wolf Tribe's atrocities, everyone is filled with righteous indignation and can't wait to charge in right now!"

"Having fighting spirit is a good thing, but remember not to underestimate your opponent," Jijiao said seriously. "Xueya is no ordinary opponent. He was able to develop the Wolf Tribe to its current size in just ten years, and it's not just through brute force."

He paused, then continued, "If a fight really breaks out tomorrow, remember two things: First, don't engage him in a direct confrontation; his fighting style is to trade blows, which we can't afford. Second, if things go wrong, immediately lead your people to retreat; preserving our strength is paramount."

Although Mangu was unwilling, he still nodded. "I understand, Father."

The father and son gazed silently at the night sky. The stars twinkled, the moon was half-hidden behind the clouds, and the earth was utterly still. But beneath this stillness lurked an impending storm.

"Actually..." Jijiao suddenly spoke up, "If possible, I'd rather Xueya just come to extort some food and leave. We may not be rich, but squeezing out some food is better than bloodshed and death."

Mangu asked anxiously, "Father! When has our Bison Tribe ever bowed its head to humans?"

Jijiao sighed, "You're still young, you don't understand. Sometimes, temporary concessions are for better progress. As long as our people can survive and our tribe can continue, what does suffering a little injustice matter?"

But then his eyes narrowed. "However, if Xueya doesn't know what's good for him and insists on pushing his luck... then let him know that although Bison are docile, if pushed too far, their Niujiao can kill!"

Night deepened. In the Bison Tribe's camp, the campfire gradually died down, but many tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Tomorrow would determine the fate of this tribe.

Meanwhile, in the eastern mountains, a campfire burned in the Wolf Tribe's camp. Xueya sat by the fire, slowly sharpening his bone knife. The blade gleamed coldly in the firelight, reflecting the hideous scar on his face.

"Tomorrow... Bison Tribe, if they don't know what's good for them, hmph..." he muttered to himself, a cruel smile playing on his lips.