After a century of worship, I became the ancestor of the tribe.

Chapter 190 Grand Festival
It is located at the border of Ji and Sha.

Within the mountains, the roar was like thunder.

"Mingdang, we are both from the same lineage of Xiaoyang, yet you are so ruthless in killing us!"

The Shepherd King, who had fled into the sand, roared angrily. His body was surrounded by earthy yellow blood energy, but his burly body was covered with wounds, and foul blood was gushing from the corner of his mouth.

It roared as it raced wildly into the distance.

Behind the leader of the Mukang lineage, a figure carrying two short halberds was hot on his heels.

"Mu Kang, the faster you run, the faster the voodoo poison in your body will take effect. Today, this mountain forest will be your death ground."

The one carrying a short halberd is Mingdang, the head of the Xiaoyang Mingcang branch.

Nowadays, the Mingcang branch mainly lives in sandy areas, while some of its smaller tribes live in the mountains and forests of northwestern Ji.

Seeing Mu Kang stagger as he ran, Mingdang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, Mu Kang, you've finally met your match! Mu Xiao, you've finally met your match!"

"You all made me pay for how you forced Mingcang back then!"

Back then, its Mingcang branch also lived in the northern part of Ji, but it was driven to the sandy land by Mu Xiao and Mu Kang and Qiu Yin branches.

It is true that the sandy land is vast, but the environment there is much worse than that of the Ji land. To reproduce an equal population, it would require twice as much land as it would in the Ji land.

These three tribes would occasionally join forces to attack Mingcang and plunder its people.

Forced by circumstances, the Mingcang lineage had no choice but to migrate westward into the sandy lands.

Unexpectedly, thanks to the protection of their ancestors, the Mu Kang lineage was defeated by the human race and forced to flee into the desert.

At the beginning, Mingdang was also unclear about the situation, as well as the situation of the Muxiao and Qiuyin lineages, so he provided a batch of resources to help the Mukang lineage settle down.

After figuring out what had happened in Jidi, it realized that Mu Kang was nothing more than a drowned wild beast.

Because it had acted very kindly before, it invited the Shepherd of the Antichrist to a banquet a few days ago.

Hey, Master Mu Kang really did come swaggering in.

……

"puff!"

As Mu Kangmai ran, he felt his blood rushing up and couldn't help but spit out another mouthful of foul blood.

While voodoo capable of killing Divine Warriors does exist, it is not common in Yongyi.

Even so, voodoo dealt it a severe blow.

Blood rushed to his throat, and the fleeing figure stumbled, nearly falling off the rock he was climbing.

Clang!
At that moment, a short halberd, carrying a strong aura of blood, shot towards us.

The chief of the Mukang lineage couldn't dodge in time, and the short halberd pierced directly into its back.

His entire body tumbled down the rock wall, the short halberd colliding with the rock and sending sparks flying, before piercing through Mu Kangmai's body.

"No, I, your subject..."

Fear appeared in the eyes of the Mu Kang lineage master.

Boom!

But Mingcang leaped up from behind, grabbed another short halberd with both hands from above, and brought it down with surging blood energy.

puff!
The short halberd fell, splitting the Mu Kang meridian master in two, his flesh and blood exploding from the shockwave of the blood energy.

"Hahaha……"

After killing the leader of the Mu Kang lineage, Mingdang brandished his short halberd and laughed loudly.

After laughing, it gathered Mu Kang's remains and quickly crossed the mountains and ridges.

When it returned to its ancestral lands, the Mingcang branch's warriors, who had been prepared, rushed towards the migration grounds of the Mukang branch.

The chaotic battle lasted for more than half a month. After several tribes of the Mukang branch were either killed or fled in panic, most of the Mukang branch was annexed by the Mingcang branch.

Mingcang Mountain.

"Hahaha!"

Laughter echoed throughout the vast mountains and forests.

Mingdang gulped down the wine he had stolen from the human tribe, the air thick with the stench of blood.

One by one, Xiao Yang's skulls rolled on the ground, being kicked around casually by the members of the Mingcang clan.

“Master, after we swallowed Mu Kang, our tribe’s strength doubled. In a few years, we will be able to expand outwards.”

"I think we should go back to Ji, where resources are plentiful. Going west, we'll only end up eating sand."

One by one, the clan elders gathered before Mingcang, showering him with compliments.

"We can't go back to Ji. Even Mu Xiao and the others were defeated. We are no match for the people of Ji. I think we should head west."

There are many people of the Xiaoyang ethnic group in the sandy oasis to the west.

Now that we've swallowed Mu Kang, with Mu Kang's resources, plus what we've accumulated over the years, it's enough to give birth to another Shenzang within the clan.

"Then, we'll march westward, conquering the oases in the sands and annexing their smaller branches. One day, we'll be able to return to Jizhou."

"Shut up, all of you! We're heading west, you can't go east!"

Mingdang spoke up, saying that one of the elders was right. Even Mu Xiao had been beaten into hiding in the mountains. He had only just devoured Mu Kang by trickery. Was he going to go back and get beaten up again?

To the west, the vast sandy land is dotted with oases of all sizes.

Once the location of an oasis is found, whether it is inhabited by human tribes or the Xiaoyang branch, it will be a spoil of war to enhance the strength of the Mingcang clan.

Now that we have the resources of the Mukang branch, once things have stabilized for a while, we can finally take action against the few large oases that we only dared to eye but not act upon before.

"The leader is wise. As long as we don't invade the large human tribes by attacking the oases on the edge of the sandy land, we won't provoke a counterattack from the human race."

On the contrary, the Ji people and my Xiaoyang have been fighting each other for thousands of years, and now we have defeated the Mu Xiao and two other tribes, so it's best not to provoke them for the time being.

"That's right, that's right. Apart from a few tribes near the border, the other tribes of the Yongyi people have a 'not my problem' attitude. As long as we choose a target, those big tribes won't pay any attention to us."

"Hahaha, come and have a drink. Our ancestors are blessing us, and we thank the human race for their kindness."

"May our ancestors protect us!"

A group of owls shouted, "We really have to thank the human race!"

It was precisely because the major human tribes did not take it seriously that Xiaoyang was able to survive the annihilation of its race eight thousand years ago.

Although it cannot compare to its peak eight thousand years ago, at least the overall strength of the clan is gradually recovering.

In fact, in the very beginning, the human race was the weakest of the surrounding creatures on this land.

Later, the Marquis of Yongshan emerged, who used his powerful strength to unite the scattered human race, thus establishing his formidable reputation for conquering east and west, and laying the foundation for the human race's nine-region Yongyi.

……

A valley in the northwestern mountains of Ji.

Countless owls were imprisoned in the valley, and Tian Chuanshan sat cross-legged on a high point in the valley.

One after another, the airships descended from the sky.

"Commander Tian, ​​why are there so many?"

On the lead flying boat, Huo Qing landed, looking at the valley full of Xiao Yang with some surprise.

Tian Chuanshan stood up, his face cold and devoid of any smile, and said in a hoarse voice, "They are all members of the Mukang branch who escaped from the sandy land."

According to their accounts, the leader of the Mukang branch was invited to a banquet by the leader of the Mingcang branch, and then never returned. The Mingcang branch then attacked the Mukang branch.

"Doesn't this mean that all our efforts in Ji County have only benefited this branch of Mingcang?"

"It did make things a bit easier for Mingcang, but it also made it easier for us to capture Xiaoyang. We didn't even have to look for the Xiaoyang offerings that the temple needed; they just came back in large numbers from the west."

These guys couldn't stay in the sand and tried to sneak back to hide in the mountains, but they ended up running right into my Blood Sea Guards.

"That's good. It seems I'll have to bring more flying boats next time."

Huo Qing signaled the flying boat to land, and bucket after bucket of anesthetic was unloaded.

The offerings had to be alive, but transporting live owls through the mountains was not easy, so they could only be allowed to sleep peacefully.

The flying boats that the clan made were only thirty feet in size, and their internal structure was not suitable for transporting living beings.

Even with all nine airships fully loaded, and ensuring that these creatures are not crushed, suffocated, or killed, each trip can only transport a little over four thousand Xiaoyang.

Sufficient defensive forces must also be prepared, requiring three to four hundred tribal soldiers to escort each airship.

Currently, the tribe is building even larger warships.

After the airship landed, one by one, the owls were pulled out, injected with anesthetic, and thrown into the airship after they fainted.

Before long, nine flying boats, escorted by more than thirty Azure Phoenix soldiers, rushed out of the mountains and headed east.

They traveled over mountains and valleys to return to their ancestral home.

After leaving the captives behind, the thirty-odd flying boats, escorted by over a hundred Azure Phoenix soldiers, set off westward once more.

……

In more than ten valleys within the clan's territory, countless owls were fast asleep, and the sides of the valleys were filled with giant crossbows, guarded by clan soldiers.

Throughout the valley, figures could be seen roaming about, administering anesthetic to the owls.

Although it's a bit troublesome, there are too many Xiaoyangs imprisoned within the clan, so this is actually safer.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed. One after another, flying boats patrolled the mountains and fields in all directions of the clan's territory.

On the flying boat was a large drum made of animal hide, and wherever it passed, the 'thump thump' of the drum echoed through the mountains and forests.

Every time they passed through a settlement, countless figures would emerge to watch.

A shaman appeared in the settlement.

"This is the sound of drums summoning the sacrificial rites. It's the annual sacrificial ceremony. We're quite far from the ancestral temple, so we need to hurry and set off!"

“Offerings to ancestors and spirits.”

In each settlement, under the mobilization of the shaman, every household returned home to tidy up.

They put on their best clothes, and some even dressed the dolls in new robes.

After two years of settling down, the harvest was plentiful, and the supply of food from hunting was sufficient. With no more wars, women had time in their spare time to sew clothes for their children and men.

The summoning of clansmen to the ancestral temple for ancestral worship was something that had been announced long ago, and each settlement had made preparations in advance.

The reserve soldiers in the settlement had long been assembled to serve as guards on the way to the ancestral temple.

Some settlements even introduced small wooden carts, leading out some docile long-haired cattle and other wild animals.

The settlements near the river lowered their small boats.

In an instant, the various settlements that received the order from the drumbeats set off towards the ancestral temple from all directions.

"Come on board!"

Along the way, they encountered both those traveling by land and those by water, and some boats docked to take women and children into their boats.

On the wide river, for some reason, two small boats started competing, chasing each other.

"Haha, we're the first ones to arrive at the ancestral temple today."

On a small, narrow boat with a slightly pointed front, a group of young people, each carrying a bundle of animal hides, were rowing the boat quickly.

"Row!"

The small boat shot past the large ships like an arrow released from a bow.

"Where did these kids come from? They're trying to get there first."

"No, we need to send a ship to catch up with them."

……

Some of the shamans, village chiefs, and soldiers from various settlements gathered together and began to discuss the matter.

Soon, the scene began to spread.

“Even with a boat, you still need to rely on water. Amao, you should climb mountains and swim through rivers, bringing the best offerings from our settlement, and be the first to arrive at the ancestral temple.”

A skinny boy, as thin as a monkey, looked at the three figures surrounding him and nodded solemnly.

The boy named Amao grabbed the animal skin bundle, slung it over his shoulder, and with a few leaps, disappeared into the forest.

When it reappeared, it was hanging on a jagged cliff face. Like a monkey, it quickly climbed up the cliff and crossed the mountain that required a detour.

……

Tweet!
High in the sky, a flock of azure phoenixes spread their wings and flew about, constantly surveying the entire territory inside and outside the clan.

This grand ceremony, which mobilized all the tribes, was not only a major event to strengthen tribal unity, but also fraught with danger.

The Azure Phoenix leader, who hadn't appeared for a long time, also showed up.

Since Shen Can gave it a giant eagle's inner core several years ago, it has been in a deep slumber refining the inner core.

Unlike humans at the fourth tier, wild beasts need to condense an inner core within their bodies to advance to the fourth tier, which requires a considerably long process.

At this moment, a phantom pill the size of a bean has appeared inside Cangluan's body.

Once the pill is solidified, it will be fully promoted to the fourth rank.

As a member of the Blazing Flame, the temple is about to hold a grand ceremony. To ensure that no accidents occur during this ceremony, it will naturally need to go out and inspect the surrounding areas.

……

Oh oh oh!
Outside the ancestral temple.

Dozens of priests blew their horns with great effort. As the shamanic power entered the horns, clusters of auspicious clouds emerged from them, surging and rising into the air.

The actual day is two days later, but the atmosphere for the sacrificial ceremony has already begun.

The notices to each settlement were sent out many days in advance, giving the people of each settlement ample time to arrive.

Shen Can, dressed in a magnificent sacrificial robe and adorned with beautiful jade ornaments at his waist, emerged from the ancestral temple.

As she walked, the accessories on her body jingled.

The sacrificial robe was embroidered with animal patterns and plant designs, and was also decorated with various insect shapes.

Walk up to the nine-zhang-high platform outside the ancestral temple and look down in all directions.

This is the first major sacrificial ceremony after the initial integration of the tribes, and it is also a test of the tribes' development during this period.

The reason for such a grand ceremony was that too many owls and spies had been captured.

Killing in batches can indeed reduce the impact, but that would mean missing an opportunity to merge tribes using a grand sacrifice.

This time, Shen Can wanted to awaken all five remaining Yongshan Town soldiers in the sacrificial vessel.

In this way, the seven guardian soldiers complete a great blessing.

As for external dangers, there are indeed some.

However, the development of a tribe cannot be stopped because of external dangers; that would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

If someone foolishly tries to force their way in, that's fine too.

Shen Can was already prepared; he would simply add an extra dish for the sacrificial spirits.

……

It's approaching noon.

Outside the clan's territory, a figure resembling a monkey hurried towards the ancestral temple.

He knelt on the steps below the platform, holding a leather bundle in his hands.

"Your Majesty, I have come to offer the best tribute prepared by my uncle and aunt to our ancestors and spirits!"

The boy's arms, legs, and feet were covered with bruises and cuts, but his eyes were bright and clear.

He tried his best to steady his breathing and respectfully held the offerings.

"Good boy!"

Shen Can's voice rang out in the ancestral temple.

The boy's face lit up with joy upon hearing this.

His chest pounded harder and harder, he felt like it was about to burst out of his chest.

At this moment, on the great river outside the clan's territory, small boats stopped one after another, and teenagers and young people jumped off and ran wildly toward the ancestral temple.

I saw the gaunt boy's back as he entered the ancestral temple.

"Who is this? How come they're faster than us?"

“Uncle said this is the first grand ceremony in the clan. Even though we rushed, we were still a step too late. I’m going to go see who was so fast, and then I’ll compete with them next time.”

"What are you standing there for? The ancestral temple is right in front of us, hurry up and move on."

Some people stopped, while others ran towards the ancestral temple without stopping.

……

A group of teenagers knelt outside the ancestral temple, each bringing the best offerings from their clan.

The offerings from each settlement were naturally more than what the boy was carrying.

These young people rushed over eagerly, naturally wanting to be the first to place their best offerings in the ancestral temple.

At this moment, inside the ancestral temple.

Not only Shen Can watched, but Ji Ling Ji Tianlong was also awakened from the sacrificial cauldron.

"Not bad, he's energetic. With proper training, he can become a backbone warrior of the tribe."

Ji Tianlong thought that Shen Can had woken him up because he wanted to see the young people who were rushing to the ancestral temple.

"Senior Ji, since the Marquis of Bo perished eight thousand years ago, the warriors of Yongyi have lost the will to conquer all directions, resist the calamity beasts, and expand their territory."

As a garrison soldier who followed the Marquis in his campaigns across the north and south, I truly witnessed the Marquis's greatness.

I want to take advantage of this grand ceremony to awaken the remaining five guardian spirits and have them serve as my mentors, the young warriors of the Blazing Flame Tribe.

Tell these young people that Xiao Yang is no enemy at all.

Humanity's true enemy is the Great Wilderness, and even more powerful calamity beasts.

Only by cultivating the will to become stronger can we prepare to conquer the wilderness in the future and resist the giant beasts and natural disasters that may appear at any time.

And at their age, it's precisely the time to cultivate this desire to become stronger.

"you……"

Ji Tianlong looked at Shen Can in astonishment.

(End of this chapter)