Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Prajna sighed. Although fallen black barbarian shamans were a pitiful group of people that ascetics would have to chase and kill, they had some methods that were extraordinary. 

For instance, the Devouring Heart bug was a secret technique of the black barbarian shamans and it was a mysterious treasure that was artificially made. It could pick out any waver in a person’s heart. 

Although Marquis Chongwu, Ning Qin, was a capable person under the Barbarian King, he was still a Desolate Area man. 

Thankfully, the worst case scenario did not occur. After the Devouring Heart Bug was consumed, nothing happened. This was the best evidence for his innocence. 

The Green Willow Tribe Leader smirked. Suddenly, black energy burst through the air and there was a piercing scream before a fierce and ugly insect emerged. 

The insect looked like a hybrid between a moth and a centipede. All over its white abdomen were a lot of strange, black-colored marks. Its wings beat furiously and it glared at Qin Yu. 

Black Pagoda Tribe Leader’s eyes flashed and he shouted, “Marquis Chongwu, you have evil intentions. Devouring Heart Bug, tear open his chest and savor the sacrifice!”

Blood vow, blood drop, Devouring Heart Bug…all of these were related. After the blood drop was devoured, it opened a back door in the Devouring Heart Bug. As long as it determined there was falsehood, it would ignore everything and attack the person’s heart mercilessly. 

Buzz – 

The beating sound of its wings grew louder and the Devouring Heart Bug screamed as it dashed forward. Right at this moment, Qin Yu looked up and glanced at it. 

His gaze was calm and far-reaching. It seemed like gods in a heavenly palace were looking down at a struggling insect in the dirt. 

A powerful suppression force with boundless fear instantly overwhelmed the Devouring Heart Bug. It screamed painfully before there was a sudden ‘boom’ and it exploded and died on the spot. 

There was utter silence in the world and even the sound of a dropped pin could be heard. Many barbarians’ eyes bulged wide open in shock and they stared blankly at the scene. A fallen black barbarian shaman was terrifying, and most of them had heard of the Devouring Heart Bug. However, who could tell them what had happened? The Devouring Heart Bug was about to consume a heart, but before it could start, it exploded. What was this? 

The Black Pagoda Tribe Leader shouted in anger and he pointed an accusing finger at Qin Yu, “Marquis Chongwu, you dared to kill the Devouring Heart Bug! Regardless, you have revealed your true self!” 

Qin Yu was expressionless, “I am sure all of you are very clear as to why the Devouring Heart Bug would suddenly explode. Trying to force it to do something that it doesn’t want to do. Naturally, the Devouring Heart Bug doesn’t want to attack me and so it self-destructed.” 

Prajna’s body flashed and he got to the spot of sticky goo where the Devouring Heart Bug exploded. He knelt down and used a finger to scoop up some substance. After smelling it, his face immediately darkened, “Cinnamon!” He raised his head and stared at the four Tribe Leaders opposite him, “I will definitely investigate this and find out who was scheming here…the Holy Land will not let the perpetrator off easily!” 

The Black Pagoda Tribe Leader’s expression faltered. Before he could speak, a female barbarian walked forward and bowed, “I am Flower Thorn of the Purple Forest Tribe. Greetings to Master Prajna.” 

She straightened herself and her expression was humble, “We do not dare to counter your judgment. The cinnamon can cause the Devouring Heart Bug to go crazy and it is a secret that only a few people in my tribe knows. The thought that someone dares to manipulate a Devouring Heart Bug is scary regardless of the motive. I request that the Holy Land investigate this thoroughly and finds the person behind the events today to prevent a recurrence of this.”  

Prajna looked at her and nodded, “Tribe Leader Flower Thorn, please rest assured. I will naturally investigate this thoroughly and will not let the perpetrator off.” 

Flower Thorn smiled, “Very well.” She turned to look at Qin Yu, “However, the fact that the Devouring Heart Bug was manipulated does not mean that Marquis Chongwu is innocent. I am even wondering if this is a scheme that the Desolate Area men created beforehand. Otherwise, how can the self-destruction of the Devouring Heart Bug be explained? Firstly, it creates unrest within the Barbarian Clan, and secondly, he can remove the suspicion on him.” 

She paused for a while before she bowed. Her tone was respectful, “As such, the four tribes will not trust his innocence. Master Prajna, please forgive us. After all, we are only doing this out of the concern for the Barbarian Clan’s security. We do not have any selfish intentions behind this.” 

Master Prajna was silent. Although it felt like he was being forced, he had to admit that Flower Thorn’s reasoning made sense. Even if Prajna knew very clearly that she was lying, not everything in this world could be ignored despite knowing the truth. 

As a disciple of Great Shaman Mengshan, and someone born in the Holy Land, his status was invaluable and it was also a protective symbol for him. However, from another angle, it was chains on him. He had to be careful with everything he did or he would jeopardize the reputation of the Holy Land. 

When he held down the Green Willow Tribe back then, this was the case. Now, he was also being forced into a corner by Flower Thorn’s words. 

“Ridiculous! The Devouring Heart Bug came from you guys. Now that something is wrong, you are throwing the blame onto someone else. Tribe Leader Flower Thorn, I truly admire how shameless you can be!” The old Tribe Leader of Green Willow Tribe scoffed and his eyes turned icy cold, “The facts are in front of us. I don’t care about your schemes, but Marquis Chongwu has done what he promised you. Since this problem happened because of you guys, move aside!” 

He waved his hand, “Green Wood Soldiers, make a path for the important guest of the Green Willow Tribe. Anyone who dares to stand in our way is my tribe’s enemy!”  

Master Prajna was bound because of his identity and he had to hold back many times. However, the old Tribe Leader would not be polite with the rest! 

The old Tribe Leader had a good grasp of the situation and he knew that the four tribes had made preparations beforehand and would not let things go easily. Even if the Devouring Heart Bug did not explode and die, they would have come up with another reason to bite onto Marquis Chongwu without letting go. 

Since that was the case, he might as well get straight to the point. Let’s see if they would continue to challenge him! 

“Hey-ha!” 

“Hey-ha!” 

The Green Wood Soldiers of the Green Willow Tribe started making war cries. To them, their tribe’s camp was right in front of them but they were being blocked by the allied forces from four tribes. This was a blatant challenge. 

It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from bit.ly/3iBfjkV.

As for the large difference in strength…in this world there were only sons of barbarian tribes that died in war. There weren't useless cowards who cower in fear. 

Even if they had to die, they would drag a few down with them! 

Flower Thorn’s expression turned dark. This was not because of the relentless cursing and ridicule that she received. As a woman, she was proud to be the stable Tribe Leader of the Purple Forest Tribe. She had lots of tricks up her sleeve and she was not afraid of being spat on. 

The old man from the Green Willow Tribe was truly a thorn and he pricked their soft spot immediately…it was not a big deal for four tribes to ally together to surround the Green Willow Tribe’s homeground and crush the Green Willow Tribe. 

However, an internal conflict within the barbarian tribes was a sensitive taboo. It was also a deadly sin that the Holy Land forbade. 

No one dared to look down on it easily! 

Kaboom –

Opposite her, the auras from the soldiers of the Green Willow Tribe exploded and crashed like roaring waves. 

Qin Yu frowned slightly as he looked at the allied forces. Rourou’s voice came to his mind, “Interesting. Looking at these barbarians, their backing must be pretty strong. They are really going for it when they are forced to a corner. 

“Little Qin Yu, you are the Barbarian King. Now that an internal conflict is about to happen between the barbarian tribes, how do you feel? I am afraid that ten thousand Barbarian Clan members are going to die from this.” 

He laughed bitterly to himself and raised a hand to massage his temples. He did not mind killing those in the Barbarian Clan that had evil intentions. 

This did not come into conflict with the Barbarian Mark that he inherited. 

The Barbarian King was responsible for the entire Barbarian Clan. Since he was responsible for its governance, using violence and killing some people was a natural thing. 

In his opinion, the Green Willow Tribe members should not die. When he pleaded with Rourou to save the Divine Willow to give the tribe another chance, it was not to make them sacrifice their lives and bring the entire tribe to extinction. 

Qin Yu stomped down. There was a loud sound as the earth’s surface cracked beneath his feet and formed a large crater. Soil rolled outwards in a huge wave and screams pierced the air as shockwaves struck the barbarian soldiers and bound the war horses. 

The expressions of the four Tribe Leaders’ changed and there was shock in their eyes. Obviously, they had not expected that Marquis Chongwu would be so strong. 

Qin Yu calmly said, “I entered the Barbarian Clan territory so that we can both get our take. Everyone should benefit, and a war is not what I desire.” 

He stepped forward, “I have already taken a step back. Since you are not willing to let this go, let’s proceed according to the customs of the Barbarian Clan and fight with each other. I have two subordinates. If you can defeat them, I will turn around to leave and never set foot in the Barbarian Clan territory again.

“But if you guys lose? I want one person.” Qin Yu lifted a finger and pointed it at a skinny, silent barbarian beside the four Tribe Leaders who had his head lowered. “Give him to me and I will make arrangements for him!” 

The barbarian who was singled out by Qin Yu did not react and he maintained the same posture as before. 

Sometimes, the lack of a response was the biggest response. 

This man seemed like an ordinary barbarian. However, looking at his silence now, he felt like an unmoving mountain. 

It was tall and its summit peeked through the clouds; no one could see its real shape!

The old Tribe Leader from the Green Willow Tribe frowned and there was a grateful look in his eyes. He knew that if Qin Yu had not intervened, the Green Willow Tribe would have ceased to exist in the barbarian tribes in the future. 

Since the four tribes had taken action, they would eliminate all weeds and would not leave any residue behind…this was very simple logic. If they switched places, he would do the same too. 

Prajna walked to a side and bowed respectfully, “I thank the marquis on behalf of the sons of the Barbarian Clan who could have died in battle today.” 

At this moment, the last thread of suspicion in his heart disappeared. 

Marquis Chongwu was the one chosen by the Barbarian King. There must be a reason why the king chose a man from the Desolate Area. 

Qin Yu smiled, “They are not dead; you don’t have to thank me. I have to trouble Master Prajna to be a witness for me. They shall not continue harping on about this in the future.” 

After a pause, his eyes narrowed, “Otherwise, I will lose my patience. At that point, please do not blame me, Master.” 

The allied forces of the four tribes…so what? Even if he did not do anything, Rourou could easily take care of them. The only problem was that she disliked foul-tasting food and she would not be satisfied with things she could not chew. 

“You are wrong here. If there is anything, we can talk things through. The lack of quality can be made up for with quantity. As long as you nod, I can help you for free this time. I won’t hold a grudge.” 

Rourou’s voice was calm but Qin Yu could swear that she was not kidding. 

Opposite him, an odd icy feeling started to form in Prajna’s heart. He looked at Marquis Chongwu and nodded solemnly, “Marquis, please rest assured.”He turned and walked towards the allied troops, seemingly unafraid for his own safety.

As mentioned before, his status was a binding force but also a protective measure. Unless the four tribes went mad, they would not attack him. 

“Master Prajna!” 

The four Tribe Leaders bowed simultaneously and the troops behind them also bowed to show their respect. 

Prajna said, “Regardless of the decision you guys make in the end, do not forget your identity as barbarians. The Holy Land still has the power to decide your destiny.”

This was the first time that he threatened them directly. With his status, this was a very crude act. However, this was how he showed that he was not joking around! 

The four Tribe Leaders’ faces fell and they lowered their bodies further, “Please tell us your instructions, Master.” 

Prajna said, “Are you going to agree to Marquis Chongwu’s suggestions? Or are you going to start a battle today?” 

The Black Pagoda Tribe Leader hesitated and did not speak. Instead, he turned to look at Flower Thorn. Evidently, this female barbarian was the real decision-maker among the four allied tribes. 

With Prajna’s gaze on her, Flower Thorn was hesitant and she bowed, “We are willing to accept it.” At this moment, she could feel a very strong sense of unease and she chose to lower her head. 

In fact, she had made the right choice. If she had turned it down, Prajna would have killed her instantly on the spot!