Chapter 237

All the long tables and floor cushions in the Black Mountain Tribe’s school had been moved out. On the podium sat two chairs, while ten seats were arranged face to face below, with a small table placed between every two chairs.

At that moment, Ta Yun and Mao Nai were carrying trays, placing tea and snacks on the tables.

Turning the school into a reception hall was unavoidable—after all, the tribe’s buildings were limited in size. Even the office used by the decision-making group could hardly host so many guests at once.

It was only unfortunate for the children of the tribe, who had gone several days without lessons and were practically turning into dropouts.

It was then that the chiefs and shamans of the three tribes were led into the school by Yang Luo and Hou Yan.

They appeared calm, but in truth they had long been dumbstruck by the sight of the Black Mountain Tribe’s interior: the finer houses, the paved streets.

The Black Mountain Tribe did not resemble a tribe at all—it looked more like one of the fabled cities that the Xushan Tribe used to boast about.

Once the guests sat down, they quickly realized something was off.

The six of them had been guided to sit in pairs on the right side of the hall. That was not the issue. The issue was that the high platform—obviously the place of honor—was not occupied by the tribe’s own chief and shaman, but by the much younger Qi Bai and Lang Ze.

Yang Luo and Hou Yan sat across from the guests, showing no discomfort at having the spotlight taken from them. Instead, they calmly lifted their clay cups and sipped from them.

Xiong Han, impatient by nature, had been mulling over Qi Bai’s earlier words the entire journey. Now that everyone was seated, she could no longer hold back:

“Bao Bai, what did you mean when you said ‘a step further’?”

But this time it wasn’t Qi Bai who answered—it was Lang Ze, who had spoken very little since the visitors’ arrival.

“The Sanghuo Tribe is already destroyed. What are your plans now?”

Lang Ze’s voice carried a natural weight of authority, silencing the chamber for a moment.

Perhaps it was because they had grown used to following his orders in Beihuang, or perhaps it was the memory of him tearing Hou Pei apart with his teeth, but even Xiong Han—a tribal chief in her own right—felt her confidence falter in front of Lang Ze.

Worse still was the implication of his words.

The Sanghuo Tribe is gone. There is no longer any power in Beihuang that can threaten you—so why are you still lingering in the North?

Not only Xiong Han, but the others too exchanged uneasy looks. Was he trying to drive them away?

Yet after witnessing the Black Mountain Tribe’s formidable strength and their staggering supplies, the last thing they wanted was to leave. The thought of clinging tightly to the Black Mountain’s thigh filled all of their minds.

Though none spoke aloud, all six had the same instinct: the Black Mountain Tribe was far more than it appeared on the surface.

They glanced toward Yang Luo and Hou Yan, hoping for some clue, since those two had treated them amicably all day.

But to their shock, neither Yang Luo nor Hou Yan refuted Lang Ze’s words in the slightest. It seemed that whatever Lang Ze said, they would support.

In that instant, the guests realized the truth behind the seating arrangement.

The true power in the Black Mountain Tribe did not rest with the chief Hou Yan or the shaman Yang Luo. It rested with the two on the dais—Lang Ze and Qi Bai.

Lu Yan pretended not to grasp Lang Ze’s implication, forcing himself to speak: “Since we’ve already migrated north, we wish to follow our original plan—to establish new territory here.”

Lang Ze lifted his eyes. “And if another Sanghuo arises? Will you migrate again?”

The blunt words struck at the heart of all three tribes’ weakness.

Ever since joining forces with Lang Ze, the Zhanxiong, Yun Gu, and Julu had realized that the once seemingly unstoppable Sanghuo had been hollow inside.

Each tribe harbored its own selfish interests, wary of one another, never willing to give their all. Against smaller northern tribes, they could bully with ease, but when faced with a strong and united force like the Black Mountain, they crumbled.

Yet even knowing this, the three were no better. When Qi Bai and Lang Ze had urged them before to unite against Sanghuo, they had lacked the courage. Only when the Black Mountain acted did they follow.

Xiong Zi, the Zhanxiong shaman, bowed slightly. In that moment she seemed less like a mighty priestess, and more like a weary elder. “The Zhanxiong Tribe does not fear battle. But we must ensure the safety of our people.”

For her, ensuring survival in a perilous land was the true duty of a shaman.

If possible, she wanted to remain in the North—within the Black Mountain’s protection. But beastmen also had their pride. If Black Mountain refused, the Zhanxiong would leave first.

Qi Bai’s voice rang out then: “Why live only to flee? Why not build a land that fears no tribe and no beast?”

Shhh—

Six pairs of eyes turned to him.

“This is what we wish to discuss,” Qi Bai smiled. “The Black Mountain Tribe will build a city—a place that will protect all its people, where none will go hungry or cold.

“It will be Black Mountain’s glory. It will shine across the beastman continent. It will be the Black Radiance City.”

He delivered the prepared words smoothly.

Yes, perhaps a little melodramatic—but sometimes, grand words were needed to stir hearts.

As expected, the six across from him were dumbstruck.

What… what?!

Xiong Han nearly crushed her chair back in shock. So Lang Ze wasn’t driving them away—he was inviting them into the new city!

Yes—this was what Qi Bai had meant by “a step further.” To build a city together, binding them closer than ever.

The others were stunned too. This had been beyond their imagination.

At last Yang Luo set down his cup. “Lang Ze will be the City Lord of Black Radiance. Bao Bai will be the High Priest. If you join now, you will be founding elders—like myself and Hou Yan—elders of the Black Radiance City.”

He exhaled deeply, as though unburdened.

At last, the day had come. Or rather, it should have come long ago.

Since Lang Ze had forced the tribe to abolish slavery, since he had taken command of major affairs, since he had even punished Yang Luo the shaman—

Though in name only the hunt leader, Lang Ze already wielded authority beyond chief or priest.

And Qi Bai—though once his student—had long surpassed him. Charcoal, pottery, iron, weapons, farming, herding… every step of their prosperity had been Qi Bai’s doing.

Yang Luo had no resentment. Though not the High Priest, he would still be an elder of the new city. That was enough.

In fact, two years ago he had been a wandering priest with no tribe. Now he was to be an elder of a city. The thought filled him with pride.

He almost wished his former tribe could see him now.

Hou Yan, sitting at his side, silently confirmed his support.

Clearly, all of this had been decided long before.

As shock turned to elation on their faces, Qi Bai continued:

“The Black Mountain differs from all other tribes, and the Black Radiance City will differ from all other cities.

“First—you have seen for yourselves. In our tribe, there are no slaves. In the Black Radiance City, there will be no slaves. All beastmen will be citizens.”

Yun Tan asked, “Is this at the demand of the Upper City’s envoy?”

The three tribes had not witnessed the capture of the envoy, and Yun Jing had not explained much beyond saying the envoy had been detained. So Yun Tan assumed this was due to Upper City backing.

But Xiong Han, who had been with Lang Ze in Beihuang, thought differently. The Black Mountain’s treatment of that envoy hadn’t looked like petitioning for favors at all.

Lang Ze shook his head. “The Black Radiance City will not be beholden to any Upper City.”

Their jaws dropped. Even the Sunset City had needed Upper City aid to rise. But Black Mountain would build a city on its own.

While the others still reeled, Lu Yan was first to speak: “We are willing to join Black Radiance!”

The Julu Tribe, peaceful by nature, had little conflict with others—and thus few slaves. After years of war, only ordinary beastmen remained. They fit perfectly into this vision.

If they joined, the Julu name might fade—but what tribe did not dream of becoming part of a city?

Even the great Xushan Tribe had begged for Sunset’s acceptance.

Now, the Julu not only could join, but gain elder seats for themselves. For a tribe devoted to healing, no greater opportunity could exist.

Seeing Lu Yan seize the chance, Xiong Han quickly followed: “The Zhanxiong Tribe also agrees.”

They had slaves, yes, but only a few hundred. As warriors born for battle, such details mattered little. Compensation could be given later.

Now all eyes turned to the Yun Gu Tribe, the last to remain silent.

The Cloud Leopards had lived in their valley for nearly a century. Even when Sunset’s envoys came, Yun Tan had refused to leave. No land seemed dearer.

But after hearing Sanghuo had perished, Yun Tan had already begun thinking of migration.

“Outside, the world is changing,” said Yun Zhang, the Yun Gu priest. “If we remain hidden in our valley, greater disaster awaits. Decide, Yun Tan.”

Lang Ze had spoken truth. Even the strongest eight northern tribes had fallen helpless before a real power. To protect their people, they too had to become stronger.

Yun Tan clenched his fists, then looked firmly at the dais. “I hope the City Lord and High Priest will accept the Yun Gu into Black Radiance.”

Qi Bai turned to Lang Ze, who nodded. “Then let us introduce you to another tribe of Black Radiance.”

At his words, Mao Nai darted out. Soon, two towering figures entered, their steps shaking the floor.

The six chiefs and priests were stunned yet again. Now they knew why two seats had been left empty beside Yang Luo and Hou Yan.

But… how could beastmen be so enormous?

“Meet the Great Wind Tribe’s shaman Wu Rao, and their hunt captain Wei.”