At dusk, the sun continued to scorch the vast forest, emitting its last warmth. The gentle breeze stirred the trees, creating a rustling sound that added a touch of tranquility to the quiet, prival forest. Birds and beasts frolicked along the canopy, chasing each other, while occasionally a few large carnivores passed by, letting out a few roars, adding so fear and mystery to the dense woods.
A unit passed through the long canyon and arrived at the valley's end. Many fully ard people ca over to help, excitedly greeting each other and assisting with the weapons and equipnt, shouting loudly, creating a very lively scene. In the team, Luo Zheng looked at the high-spirited troops and smiled, knowing that when people are united, miracles can happen. Sam Country isn't invincible as long as everyone stands together.
Captain Li approached with so people to greet, giving Luo Zheng a punch to the chest, raising a thumbs-up. With a face full of admiration, he said: "I've always known your tactical talent is extraordinary and imaginative. This ti I've witnessed it firsthand. Truly impressive! The sa ambush tactics and you dare to use them twice. Such boldness is unparalleled. This battle has not only displayed the might of the Hook Tribe but also shattered the enemy's spirit. What a victory."
"You flatter , but the key is not yet knowing the enemy's conspiracy," Luo Zheng said, a bit troubled.
"Co on, be content. You just eliminated so many enemies at once. Whoever has a big conspiracy won't dare to act easily now. It gives us more ti to understand the enemy's plan. Isn't war just a ga of conspiracies? Why worry so much?" Captain Li laughed indifferently.
"You're right. War itself is about conspiracies. Thinking too much is aningless. We'll deal with it as it cos." Luo Zheng laughed, looked around at the tribal ard forces, and continued: "No matter what, we've won the battle, and that's what matters. Tell the brothers to keep a close watch on the enemy's movents and report imdiately if there's any situation."
"Okay, there's one more thing." Captain Li agreed, looking around and lowering his voice to speak in the national language: "Upon learning about the tantalum tal here, the country mandates us to bring these tals back as soon as possible, to give a solution dostically soon. Also, regarding your sworn brotherhood, the country said it's a personal act, since it benefits the war and national interest, the country must seriously consider it."
"Personal act? What does that an?" Luo Zheng asked in surprise.
"It ans you can only represent yourself, not the country. You can swear allegiance personally but not involve the country. The country tacitly approves your actions and will secretly support you. If anything happens, considering diplomatic issues, they can only abandon you. Of course, this is all on the surface, to show other nations. You know the drill, just change the na and identity." Captain Li explained with a smile.
"Understood." Luo Zheng nodded knowingly, having made up his mind.
After so small talk, everyone proceeded to the valley, the troops each returning to camp. Luo Zheng also went to his room to wash up and changed into clean clothes and ca out to see Hook approaching happily. Outside on the square, three bonfires were lit, and so people were busy slaughtering sheep. Luo Zheng asked in wonder: "Your tribe has an event?"
"No, it's a celebration, you forgot?" Hook laughed.
Luo Zheng realized and smiled slightly, then seriously looked at Hook and said: "Old friend, regarding the sworn brotherhood, the country has agreed to it."
"Really? That's great, perfect for tonight." Hook was overjoyed, rubbing his hands excitedly, looking at Luo Zheng with gratitude, seriously saying: "You are my lucky star. I am honored by your regard. I want to hold a grand brotherhood ceremony according to our customs here, inviting the Wizard to pray to the gods for blessings."
"Sure, you arrange it," Luo Zheng said indifferently with a smile.
"Okay, let's go find Samba. He'll be very happy to hear this news." Hook said excitedly, motioning for Luo Zheng to follow him to the square. Along the way, he called soone over and instructed him, and the person glanced at Luo Zheng with delight before running off into the distance.
Soon, the two found Samba in the square, still bare-chested with a feather in his head, talking to his people, looking a bit heavy-hearted. Luo Zheng guessed it was due to the casualties from the ambush battle during the day. Hook caught Luo Zheng's eye signal and went up to Samba, taking him aside for a quiet conversation. Soon, Samba was smiling excitedly and nodded at Luo Zheng with gratitude.
The matter of the brotherhood was basically settled, and everyone knew that unity brings benefits while division brings harm. Although this brotherhood had so political aspects, it was more about mutual admiration. Luo Zheng understood Hook well, but his understanding of Samba was limited. However, through the dayti battle, he saw that this man was extraordinary, soone worth befriending.
Everyone ca to observe, sitting on the simple viewing platform made of trees. Soon, several Wizards arrived, and the brotherhood affair quickly spread, making everyone excited and spread the news. The brotherhood not only symbolizes friendship but also signifies the tribe's power consolidation and expansion. Everyone seed to see hope, seeing a bright future.
Luo Zheng didn't expect the brotherhood to have such a huge impact, secretly grateful for the decision. Soon, the Wizards began to dance around the bonfire. As the long drum sounded, people from Hook Tribe kneeled on the ground, and Samba's people did the sa. The lively square instantly beca solemn and silent. No one said a word, and not even dared to breathe heavily, with only Wizards chanting sothing, dancing strange dances to the music's rhythm.
Luo Zheng didn't understand, guessing it was so tradition, did not oppose it and was moved by the solemn atmosphere. He didn't expect these people to take the brotherhood so seriously and treat it as a major tribe affair. He felt sowhat touched, silently watching, and after a while, an elder Wizard ca over with a bowl of clear water, first walking up to Hook, who unhesitatingly sliced his palm with a knife, leaving a few blood drops in the bowl.
The Wizard walked to Samba, who followed suit, then approached Luo Zheng, who guessed it was part of the ritual and did the sa. The Wizard holding the bowl walked to the bonfire, raising it over his head, and the other Wizards started dancing centered around this Wizard, chanting sothing, and the kneeling people around yelled three tis whatever it was.
After three shouts, the kneeling people around excitedly whooped and shouted, while the dancing Wizards danced even more excitedly and faster, circling the elder Wizard. The elder Wizard solemnly held the bowl level and slowly poured the water and blood onto the bonfire, causing the fire to flare up with a cracking sound, extrely eerie.
Luo Zheng watched this scene in surprise, wondering how water could fuel the fire. Could it be alcohol? But earlier, he didn't sll any alcohol? At this ti, the kneeling people around excitedly stood up, waving their arms and shouting sothing.
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