Chapter 1173: Grand Chief

The main tribe of the Danque, or Vermillion Sparrow, was established in a basin at the very center of the Great Danque Mountain Range. Leveraging the terrain, it was surrounded by mountains with jagged red rocks, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. From a distance, it resembled a magnificent fiery-red castle.

Strict prohibitions were in place at the Danque main tribe, forbidding entry to any outsiders.

However, Mo Hua, this "outsider," was an exception today.

Dan Zhu, the genius young master of the Danque tribe, personally invited and escorted Mo Hua, the shaman who believed in the "God Lord," into the tribe's main settlement.

With Dan Zhu leading the way, their journey was completely unobstructed.

Ordinary tribal cultivators dared not stop Dan Zhu, who was exceptionally gifted and deeply beloved by his people.

Along the way, people continuously bowed to Dan Zhu, proclaiming their loyalty.

The group continued forward. After a short while, Mo Hua looked up.

He saw a grand gate, shaped like a vermillion phoenix, spanning across the mountains. Below the gate was a long, fiery staircase that stretched into the distance.

On either side of the long street were various tents and structures adorned with totems and architectural styles featuring different kinds of red luan birds.

It was ancient and magnificent, imbued with a hint of wildness, yet also appeared lavish and dignified.

It was completely unlike the backward tribes Mo Hua had encountered before.

Mo Hua gazed at the gate shaped like a vermillion phoenix and couldn't help but wonder:

"I wonder if there's a real divine beast, the Vermillion Bird, or its divine spirit, within this Danque tribe..."

He subtly sensed it and indeed felt a type of ancient, fiery divine soul power, but he couldn't determine if it truly belonged to the divine beast "Vermillion Bird."

Mo Hua didn't dare to probe further. This was a major third-rank tribe with an ancient wilderness heritage, not a place where he could act recklessly.

Mo Hua retracted his spiritual sense, concealed his aura, and followed Dan Zhu to the young master's palace within the Danque tribe.

It was a barbarian palace that wasn't overly luxurious but exceptionally elegant, even exuding an aura of purity.

The Great Chieftain of the Danque tribe had personally built it for his beloved youngest son.

The palace was also named after Dan Zhu.

Dan Zhu courteously and politely welcomed Mo Hua, "Mr. Shaman," into his palace.

Dan Zhu's two elder guards followed, looking wary. At one point, they even felt their young master was "leading a wolf into the house."

They had secretly advised Young Master Dan Zhu many times along the way.

This mysterious "Mr. Shaman" had an unknown origin; it was not advisable to engage too deeply or bring him into the main settlement before his background was clear, lest he bring disaster.

Yet, their young master, who was usually gentle and amenable to advice, was stubbornly insistent this time. No matter what they said, he refused to listen, determined to "befriend" this Mr. Shaman.

This whole matter was truly strange.

Thus, Mo Hua, with his peaceful expression and seemingly sacred piety as a "shaman," was no less than a "heretical sorcerer" skilled in bewitching people in the eyes of these guards.

Young Master Dan Zhu must have been ensnared by him.

The two Golden Core guards looked at Mo Hua with less than friendly eyes, even subtly revealing a hint of hostility.

Mo Hua paid no attention to this.

Having traveled together for three days, Mo Hua had a rough idea of the two Golden Core elders' backgrounds.

The large Golden Core cultivator was named Ba Shan.

On the other side, the unassuming, steady, and low-key Golden Core elder was named Ba Chuan.

Ba Shan means "tall mountain."

Ba Chuan means "river protecting the city."

Neither of these were their original names.

They were not direct descendants of the Danque tribe, but rather warriors specially chosen by the Great Chieftain from subordinate tribes.

The Great Chieftain had exceptionally bestowed these names upon them, so they would guard Young Master Dan Zhu like a tall mountain and a steady river.

They had been Dan Zhu's guards since his childhood, sharing his glory and obeying his every command.

As long as Mo Hua could "deceive" Dan Zhu, these two Golden Core guards would be powerless against him.

Dan Zhu arranged a guest room for Mo Hua, one fit only for "distinguished guests."

The room was styled as a tent with luan birds flying, safe, quiet, and very warm.

Mo Hua had visited many factions and stayed in numerous "guest rooms" for esteemed visitors, but the room Dan Zhu provided was still the most distinctly styled, the most memorable, the most spacious, and the most comfortable he had ever stayed in.

Mo Hua was very satisfied.

Dan Zhu observed Mo Hua, who had a calm and content expression, exuding an easygoing composure that settled his heart.

Throughout their journey, his interactions with Mo Hua made him deeply feel that Mo Hua's speech and demeanor were graceful and extraordinary.

Only the occasional hint of youthful purity felt a little out of place.

This often made Dan Zhu wonder if this "Mr. Shaman" might actually be younger than him.

But he quickly dismissed the thought.

If he were younger, it would be impossible for him to possess such an ethereal demeanor.

He must have experienced many tribulations yet remained pure of heart and devout in faith, thus achieving a state of returning to innocence, like a newborn.

But there was still one more thing...

Dan Zhu glanced at Mo Hua again.

He hadn't been entirely certain when they first met.

However, after traveling together, he was now certain that this "Mr. Shaman" indeed only possessed a Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Why, after experiencing so much and cultivating for so long, was his cultivation still only at Foundation Establishment?

Dan Zhu didn't quite understand.

He himself had formed his Golden Core at twenty.

Is forming a Golden Core really that difficult?

But the question felt somewhat abrupt, so Dan Zhu kept it to himself.

It was fortunate he didn't voice it, otherwise, Mo Hua would surely have been enraged and "blacklisted" him in his mind.

Dan Zhu said gently and courteously, "Mr. Shaman, please rest for a while. We will host a welcome feast for you later."

Mo Hua nodded, "Thank you, Young Master."

Dan Zhu then left.

Mo Hua remained in the tent to rest.

Since he was on someone else's territory and had to maintain the appearance of a "shaman," he couldn't completely relax.

Mo Hua sat cross-legged on the bed, closing his eyes to meditate, exuding an unmoving, mountain-like composure.

About an hour later, Dan Zhu returned, followed by several maids carrying fine wine and delicacies, spiritual fruits, and several sets of barbarian robes in the Danque tribe's style.

Mo Hua bathed and burned incense, then put on the Danque robes. Amidst his handsome and dignified appearance, there was now an added touch of exotic beauty.

Dan Zhu was momentarily stunned upon seeing him.

Afterward, Dan Zhu invited Mo Hua to drink wine and sample the fresh fruits and delicacies of the Danque tribe.

The two chatted for a while. Then, Dan Zhu dismissed his attendants, his expression troubled.

Mo Hua took a small sip of wine and softly asked,

"Young Master, do you have any questions?"

Dan Zhu hesitated, then looked up at Mo Hua. He saw a light in Mo Hua's eyes that seemed to pierce through him, directly seeing into his heart.

"I..." Dan Zhu faltered.

Mo Hua said, "You don't know what you're supposed to do as young master?"

Dan Zhu paused, then slowly replied, "Yes."

Mo Hua gently continued, "You are the young master, beloved by your people, but you're unsure if you can bear the weight of that affection?"

"Yes..."

"You are exceptionally talented and cultivate very quickly, but you don't know why you cultivate? What is the ultimate goal of cultivation?"

"Yes..."

Mo Hua's voice was gentle, "From birth, great expectations have been placed upon you. But you fear that should you one day lose your talent, become mediocre, or live a life of no accomplishment, unable to fulfill your great responsibilities, how would you face your tribesmen who hold such high hopes for you?"

Dan Zhu remained silent for a long time. Finally, he sighed and whispered,

"Yes..."

Dan Zhu looked at Mo Hua again, at his jade-like face and obsidian eyes. He felt as if every word spoken by "Mr. Shaman" resonated deep within his heart, articulating all the confusion and worries that, as the universally admired genius of the Danque tribe, he could never express to outsiders.

His inexpressible inner thoughts were completely laid bare before another.

Dan Zhu felt a mix of shame and relief.

Mo Hua then asked, "Do you, then, have a grand aspiration?"

Dan Zhu was momentarily stunned, then slowly nodded, his gaze firm:

"I have sworn a grand vow: to dedicate everything to ensure my Danque tribe is eternally prosperous and strong, and that my tribesmen are forever wealthy and joyful."

Mo Hua nodded, then spoke plainly, "Your aspiration is quite narrow, and a bit naive."

Even with Dan Zhu's good temper, a flicker of anger stirred within him.

Just now, he had thought that this Mr. Shaman understood him.

He had just revealed the grand "vision" he had held in his heart since childhood.

Yet, it was called "narrow" and "naive."

Dan Zhu felt annoyed, his face slightly flushed, and was about to refute Mo Hua when he heard Mo Hua retort:

"What if... the prosperity and strength of your Danque tribe required you to conquer other tribes, slaughter countless barbarian cultivators, exploit, oppress, plunder, and even enslave many innocent people..."

"Would you still desire such 'prosperity and strength'?"

Dan Zhu was momentarily speechless.

He had never considered this question before.

Dan Zhu frowned in thought. A moment later, he said,

"If... the strength of my Danque tribe were built upon exploitation and slavery, then naturally... that wouldn't count as true 'strength.' Even if it prospered for a time, it would eventually collapse..."

Mo Hua nodded, then added, "Then what if the prosperity of the Danque tribe's upper echelons required 'bleeding' the lower-ranking tribesmen?"

Dan Zhu froze.

Mo Hua explained, "In that case, the prosperity and strength of the Danque tribe and the wealth and well-being of its common members are inherently contradictory; they cannot be achieved simultaneously. Even if they were, it would be fleeting, like a flash in the pan."

Dan Zhu's mind reeled, and his face turned somewhat pale.

What "Mr. Shaman" said was highly counter-intuitive and sounded very contradictory.

Yet, in Dan Zhu's heart, he felt that this might... be the "reality."

In this world, there was no such thing as unearned prosperity.

If you became rich, it meant someone else was becoming poor.

If the Danque tribe became "prosperous and strong," it would mean even harsher enslavement of other tribes and numerous barbarian cultivators.

Furthermore, if the upper echelons of the tribe became wealthy, it inevitably meant the lower strata were being "bled dry."

Even if the whole appeared "prosperous and strong," an imbalance between the upper and lower levels would eventually lead to collapse.

That's why Mr. Shaman said his grand aspiration was narrow and naive.

Because the aspiration itself was contradictory and unrealistic.

It was as if a beautiful "vision" had been unveiled, revealing its cruel and ugly true nature.

Dan Zhu's emotions were a bitter tangle; for a moment, he didn't know what to do.

Mo Hua remained silent, allowing Dan Zhu to slowly process his emotions, gradually grasp these principles, and seriously ponder his life's path.

Time passed slowly. Dan Zhu's mood gradually lightened, and the confusion that once plagued the young genius slowly receded.

What replaced it, however, was another kind of "bewilderment," one that offered no clear path or direction, leaving him even more disheartened.

"Mr. Shaman, I..."

Dan Zhu mumbled, starting to speak.

But before he could finish his question, he suddenly stopped.

He could sense someone approaching from outside.

Mo Hua naturally sensed it too, so he said nothing more, merely raising his wine cup and taking a small sip.

Sure enough, a moment later, footsteps sounded, and a guard respectfully announced,

"Young Master."

Dan Zhu said, "Come in."

The guard entered the tent, bowing to Dan Zhu.

Dan Zhu asked, "What is it?"

The guard replied, "The Great Chieftain is holding a family banquet and wishes to see the Young Master."

"Father..." Dan Zhu nodded, "I understand. Go and tell Father I will be there shortly."

"Yes," the guard said, then withdrew.

Dan Zhu looked at Mo Hua apologetically, "Mr. Shaman, I apologize. I need to go see my father."

Mo Hua nodded, "Please go ahead, Young Master."

Dan Zhu rose to leave, but after only a few steps, still unable to put aside the doubts in his heart, he turned back to Mo Hua and said,

"Mr. Shaman, perhaps... you would accompany me to meet my father?"

Mo Hua was slightly taken aback.

This was something he hadn't anticipated.

He had originally intended to first teach Dan Zhu some basic concepts and help him understand certain principles, then make other plans.

Before this, he had no plans to meet the Great Chieftain of the Danque tribe so soon.

In such a remote, wild land, anyone capable of governing such a large tribe would certainly be no simple character.

He hadn't even finished "deceiving" Dan Zhu, his "disciple," yet now he had to face his father directly—it was indeed too "hasty."

Mo Hua politely declined, "Since it's a family banquet, a sudden intrusion would surely be inappropriate."

Dan Zhu, however, shook his head and said, "I want my father to meet Mr. Shaman."

Mo Hua sighed inwardly.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether this Dan Zhu was easy to deceive or not.

But since things had come to this, further refusal would inevitably make him appear guilty.

So Mo Hua said, "Very well."

Afterward, Dan Zhu led Mo Hua out of Dan Zhu Palace and to the Danque tribe's great hall, where they participated in a rather grand "evening banquet."

At the highest point of the grand hall, a totem resembling a "Vermillion Bird" hung.

Beneath the totem was the "main seat," where a tall, muscular barbarian chieftain with crimson eyebrows sat.

This was the Great Chieftain of the Danque tribe, and Dan Zhu's father.

Behind the Great Chieftain, a row of barbarian women, scantily clad and beautiful, stood.

These women were the Great Chieftain's "concubines," currently serving him at the feast.

Of course, in the Great Wilderness, even among concubines, there were different ranks.

Those closest to the Great Chieftain were clearly dressed the most sumptuously, with gold, silver, and jade shimmering brightly in their hair, looking exceedingly dazzling.

Their skin, covered by luxurious silk and satin, was flawless, and their beauty was paramount.

These beautiful concubines wore expensive silks, not animal skins.

This indicated that the Great Wilderness Royal Court, and even some large tribes, had previously engaged in frequent exchanges and "transactions" with the Daoist Court, the Nine Provinces, and other major powers.

Below the chieftain's main seat were several nearby places.

These were seats set aside for his direct descendants.

Dan Zhu sat among them, his place being fourth.

Barbarian tribes valued seniority, so even though Dan Zhu was the most "favored," his seat wouldn't be above his elder brothers.

Above Dan Zhu sat another Golden Core cultivator.

This person wore a Vermillion Bird barbarian robe, had hawkish eyebrows, a long face, and shrewd eyes.

If Mo Hua guessed correctly, this person was Dan Zhu's third brother, named Dan Bie, which in the barbarian language meant "agile beast."

Above Dan Bie, two seats were empty.

Clearly, Dan Zhu's eldest brother and second sister were not attending this "family banquet."

Besides these, there were other distinguished seats, on par with Dan Zhu and Dan Bie, but further from the Great Chieftain's main seat.

These were for the senior, highly respected elders of the Danque tribe, or powerful elders in their prime.

Further down, seats were arranged according to bloodline proximity, seniority, and elder status.

As a "distinguished guest" invited by Dan Zhu, Mo Hua's seat was not low, just two or three places below Dan Zhu.

The problem, however, was that this was a "family banquet."

Although it was a grand affair, and some elders and youths with "familial" ties were present, the number of attendees was not excessive.

The bigger issue was that almost all the guests were Golden Core cultivators.

Mo Hua, a Foundation Establishment cultivator with an unfamiliar face, stood out as particularly conspicuous and "different" among them.

Initially, no one seemed to pay him much mind.

After all, Mo Hua had been brought in by Dan Zhu.

But as the banquet progressed, this gathering of the Danque tribe's highest-ranking bloodlines continued to eat, drink, and discuss their tribe's internal affairs and relatively private matters.

Mo Hua's presence became quite awkward.

People continuously cast their gazes towards Mo Hua.

Mo Hua, however, acted as if no one else were present, continuing to eat by himself.

After a while longer, some guests finally couldn't overlook it anymore.

From a high seat, Dan Bie, the third son of the Danque chieftain, turned to Dan Zhu and sighed, saying,

"Fourth brother, this is a family banquet. Why have you brought an outsider?"

His tone wasn't accusatory, merely a bit helpless.

Dan Zhu replied, "This is... a new friend... I've made."

Dan Bie glanced at him: "A friend? A Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

Dan Bie didn't use the specific words for "Foundation Establishment"; he spoke in the barbarian language, but Mo Hua still understood.

The cultivation traditions of the Daoist Court and the Great Wilderness shared similar main lineages and comparable major realms, differing only in their specific terminology.

After all, the barbarian terms couldn't be identical to those of the Daoist Court.

However, later, the Daoist Court "changed customs and habits" and promoted its own script.

The term "Foundation Establishment" had thus become common in the Great Wilderness as well.

Only a few barbarian cultivators, high-ranking and from major tribes in the Great Wilderness, would occasionally use ancient barbarian terms to express cultivation realms, thereby distinguishing themselves.

Dan Zhu said, "He is not an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator."

Dan Bie shook his head, "Foundation Establishment is just Foundation Establishment. If you can't reach Golden Core, what difference does 'ordinary' or 'not ordinary' make?"

Dan Bie looked past Dan Zhu directly at Mo Hua and asked,

"Young man, who are you? What is your name?"

Mo Hua's expression was solemn as he slowly replied, "I came to this world guided by the will of the God Lord, and originally had no name. But people respectfully address me as... Mr. Shaman."

At his words, the hall fell silent for a moment.

Dan Bie's gaze grew more cautious, and he asked, "You... are a shaman?"

Mo Hua nodded, "Precisely."

Dan Bie immediately sneered, "How old are you? You can be a shaman? And why are you only at Foundation Establishment?"

Mo Hua was displeased inwardly, secretly thinking, *Do you think I don't want to form a Golden Core? If I had formed a Golden Core, would I let you blabber in front of me?*

But outwardly, Mo Hua maintained a devout and dignified expression:

"I am the God Lord's shaman; all my great power comes from the God Lord's grace."

"As long as one's faith is devout, one possesses immense divine power. As for whether one's cultivation is Foundation Establishment or Golden Core, there isn't much difference..."

"Before the God Lord's boundless divine power, life and death are but a thought away, with no distinction of rank or status. All beings, even flesh and blood life, are equal..."