April 18th, the Crow Tribe and Jackal Tribe sent out most of their warriors to engage in several battles throughout the day over a forest.
April 19th, both sides went all out, even their Totem Gods joined the fray.
Such commotion naturally attracted the attention of surrounding tribes, and the Mountain Turtle Tribe was hoping they’d fight to the death.
The Vine Tribe, though further away, was aware of these two tribes’ movements because Jiang Xuan had been monitoring the situation here.
"A great opportunity, the perfect opportunity!"
Jiang Xuan riding Tang Yuan saw the tribes’ forces gathering in large numbers.
He pondered for a moment before riding Tang Yuan back to the tribe; he needed to find assistance.
Upon returning to the tribe, he first sought out the Old Witch, asking to borrow the giant eagle once again to transport Vine Tribe warriors.
"The Crow Tribe and Jackal Tribe are about to fight? I’m going to take a look, too."
Upon hearing Jiang Xuan’s news, the Old Witch immediately became spirited; he loved watching exciting events, especially tribal wars.
Jiang Xuan said, "Alright, but when the time comes we might not be able to look after you, old man."
The Old Witch waved his hand, saying, "Don’t worry, I’ll keep my distance when the time comes."
Jiang Xuan knew the Old Witch looked ancient, seeming like he could be buried at any moment, but he had numerous means, so he said no more.
Afterward, Jiang Xuan found Shi Qiu, asking him to bring strong warriors along.
Without asking much, Shi Qiu picked the five strongest warriors from Hunting Team Two, took up weapons, and followed Jiang Xuan.
Jiang Xuan explained affairs within the tribe briefly, then set off with Shi Qiu and the others towards the battlefield between the Crow and Jackal Tribes.
Soon, within the Vine Tribe, the giant eagle took to the sky carrying the Old Witch, Shi Qiu, and others.
Jiang Xuan continued riding Tang Yuan, heading towards the battlefield, keeping pace with the giant eagle.
Upon reaching the forest’s outskirts, the Crow Tribe and Jackal Tribe were in a standoff, tensions high but not yet engaged in battle.
The Crow God and Jackal God were present, the two Totem Gods facing each other from afar, imposing in their demeanor.
The giant eagle and Tang Yuan landed on a nearby hilltop by the forest, Jiang Xuan dismounted, seeing countless crows circling above the forest; the largest was the Crow Tribe’s Totem God.
Jiang Xuan said to the Old Witch, "Old Witch, enjoy the spectacle from here, we’re going in."
"Go ahead, take care."
The Old Witch waved, watching as Jiang Xuan and the others plunged into the dense forest.
Jiang Xuan led Shi Qiu and the others to the edge of the battleground and climbed into the thick trees to observe the situation.
After watching for a while, Jiang Xuan said to Shi Qiu, "Though they’re in a standoff, it doesn’t mean they want to fight; they might wish to talk things over, to clearly define territorial boundaries."
For two tribes of equal strength, a full-scale war could result in mutual devastation, especially since the Crow and Jackal Tribes already fought several battles; they naturally understood this.
Posturing with troops could exert pressure for negotiations, defining boundaries clearly to avoid frequent future clashes is the best choice.
"Chief, what should we do?" Shi Qiu was limited by experience, not understanding why Jiang Xuan said this but trusted his judgment.
Jiang Xuan smiled, "If they really clarify boundaries, they might target our Vine Tribe next, so we must make them fight!"
Only when two enemies are occupied with war can the Vine Tribe have time to grow, perhaps even glean some benefits.
Jiang Xuan pondered briefly, then said, "Everyone, paint the Crow Tribe’s Totem Pattern on yourselves."
Jiang Xuan took out prepared paint, beast hide brush, and a beast skin from the Beast Hide Bag; on the beast skin were traced Totem Patterns of the Crow Tribe and Jackal Tribe.
He mixed the paint, then dipped the brush, following the Crow Tribe’s pattern on the beast skin scroll to paint on Shi Qiu’s and the five warriors’ faces.
Then, he had Shi Qiu paint him as well.
When done, Jiang Xuan packed up, saying, "Follow me, we’ll blend into the Crow Tribe’s ranks."
The seven of them sneaked closer to the Crow Tribe’s formation, appearing at their side, and hid temporarily.
Currently, the situation of the two tribes was indeed as Jiang Xuan guessed, having faced off for ages but not sparking a battle, with both tribal leaders coming forward to intimidate each other.
"I’ll say it again, this place is closer to our Crow Tribe, it’s our Crow Tribe’s Hunting Ground!"
The Jackal Tribe leader retorted, "Nonsense, your Crow Tribe has just been here a few days? This is clearly our Jackal Tribe’s Hunting Ground!"
Then, they exchanged all sorts of filthy language, attempting to claim more of the forest for their tribe’s Hunting Ground.
Their words were extremely intense, seemingly about to trigger a fight at any moment.
Strangely, both tribes’ witches kept silent, and the two Totem Gods merely stayed on guard, taking no action.
Hidden at the Crow Tribe’s flank, Jiang Xuan, observing this scene, thought: swearing , once emotions are vented enough, it’d be time for a real negotiation.
Jiang Xuan whispered to Shi Qiu beside him, "A chance for revenge, find a good spot, aim at the Jackal Tribe’s leader, and shoot him!"