BXBX NOVEL Chapter 71: All In
Upon hearing this, Lester burst out laughing.
His companions laughed along, which left the tribe members who stayed behind puzzled.
Even more puzzling was when the group pushed out a cart loaded with sacks of potatoes from behind them. One of them introduced the contents, saying, "These are called potatoes, they can fill our bellies. Most importantly, we can grow potatoes and have a stable food source!"
Members of the Flower Cat Tribe were filled with suspicion.
It wasn't until Priest Lester himself spoke up, "It's true. And furthermore, the Crimson Star Tribe is different from what we expected. The Lord Priest Enzo of the Crimson Star Tribe is an embodiment of the deity, incredibly compassionate and great. He didn't ask for lavish gifts from us, but instead gave us a chance to survive."
Seeing the tribe gathering around, Lester began to recount what had happened at the Crimson Star Tribe.
Everyone listened intently.
When he mentioned the Crimson Star Tribe forming the Adventurer's Association, someone suddenly suggested, "Lord Priest, now that the weather is getting colder and we've been through the rainy season, the jungle's game has dwindled. Why don't we all go to the Crimson Star Tribe and join the Adventurer's Association, become adventurers?"
This idea gained many supporters.
Another person added, "Lord Priest, he's right. If a part of us stays behind to guard the camp, and if we're attacked by wild beasts, the rest won't be able to resist. We might as well all go, since the Crimson Star Tribe doesn't have a limit on numbers anyway."
Lester pondered over it and found the proposal increasingly appealing.
He gave the order, "Very well, let's all go! We'll follow their example and build bamboo huts outside the Crimson Star Tribe's camp, since we don't have too many tribe members."
Once the plan was set, Lester instructed the tribe members to pack their belongings.
And so, the entire tribe migrated.
Upon arriving once again at the Crimson Star Tribe, Lester found that the association reception area had been set up next to the marketplace, overseen by Lord Ward's assistant, Walle, who was confirming information.
There was a long queue.
Lester joined the queue and also instructed a tribe member who had been there before, "Go return the cart to Raham and remember to thank him for me."
The person replied, "No problem, Lord Priest!"
The cart that had transported the potatoes back was the one Raham had lent to Lester.
Before long, it was finally Lester's turn.
Assistant Walle asked, "Are you here to join the association too? Which tribe are you from? Does your tribe's priest vouch for you?"
Lester quickly replied, "Flower Cat Tribe, and I am the tribe's priest myself."
Walle nodded, then asked, "How many people are participating?"
Lester smiled and replied, "All members of the Flower Cat Tribe, a total of one hundred and fifty-seven people."
Walle immediately looked up, astonished. "How many? One hundred and fifty-seven people?! All members of the Flower Cat Tribe are here, wanting to join the Adventurer's Association?"
Lester affirmed, "That's right, including myself."
Assistant Walle was visibly perplexed and said, "Priest Lester, please wait a moment. I need to consult Lord Ward about this."
With that, Walle sought out Ward.
This was unprecedented, and Ward was unsure how to proceed. He had no choice but to seek Enzo's guidance for help.
In the bamboo structure, after listening to Ward's account, Enzo chuckled and said, "Ward, if all the Flower Cat Tribe members want to join the Adventurer's Association, why not accommodate them? Many tasks within the tribe are vacant and in need of manpower."
Ward looked serious and hesitated, "But..."
Enzo patted Ward's shoulder reassuringly, saying, "Ward, there's no need to worry. Are you afraid they will steal the tribe's technology or afraid of their strength? Besides, do you think the Flower Cat Tribe members will still be Flower Cat Tribe members after they've worked here for some time?"
Ward suddenly looked up, seeming to understand something.
However, Enzo didn't elaborate further. Instead, he continued, "Proceed according to the plan we've set. Regardless of how many members from other tribes come, accept them all!"
Ward nodded firmly, "Yes, Lord Enzo!"
After Ward left, a smile formed on Enzo's lips.
Sometimes, conquering a tribe doesn't require using force. In fact, relying on force could lead to casualties.
This time, all members of the Flower Cat Tribe had come willingly.
From a certain perspective, they had forsaken their original tribe and chosen to seek refuge with the Crimson Star Tribe. However, this act of joining the Adventurer's Association now provided them with a dignified pretext—though it was only a matter of time before the members of the Flower Cat Tribe developed a complete sense of belonging to the Crimson Star Tribe.
Because the association itself was an integral part of the Crimson Star Tribe.
In due course, they might even find ways to officially become members of the Crimson Star Tribe.
Unbeknownst to them, the Crimson Star Tribe would quietly grow stronger.
This was the true purpose behind Enzo's establishment of the Adventurer's Association—not just to accelerate the tribe's development, but also to integrate members from other tribes, fulfilling his needs from beyond.
Upon Ward's return, he immediately instructed Walle to handle matters.
With Enzo's clear directives, almost as soon as new arrivals appeared, the Crimson Star Tribe would absorb them.
In just one day, the Adventurer's Association saw over a thousand new adventurers join its workforce. Motivated by monetary incentives, they worked diligently, rapidly manufacturing various tools and gathering raw materials like yellow iron ore and halite ore, infusing the entire tribe with a bustling energy.
Enzo's posted mission stirred interest among many, even though no one had yet accepted it.
It was only a matter of time before it was taken.
Amidst this rapid expansion, the tribal fire also significantly intensified. Though far from transforming into a true Totem Fire, the distance was gradually closing.
Enzo sensed this progress, his smile deepening.
Moreover, the enhancement of the tribal fire brought about an increase in Enzo's own power. This prompted a change in the life sapling totem once again, with the veins of the second leaf beginning to show. Once all the veins were visible, it might bring forth a completely new ability.
Enzo eagerly anticipated what lay ahead.
...
Gold Oak Tribe, on the edge of civilization.
Upon spotting the colossal Gold Oak Tree, traveling merchant Douglas couldn't help but curse, "Oh, damn it, I'm finally back! Richard, let's pick up the pace. I can't wait to see the look of astonishment on their faces! I swear, they'll be amazed by these beautiful colored pottery pieces!"
Douglas was exhilarated.
After more than two months of traveling, encountering many dangers along the way, luckily the reliable people I found ensured a safe return to the Gold Oak Tribe. Moreover, I brought back a total of five pieces of colorful pottery.
This would undoubtedly shake the entire tribe.
Confident now, Douglas and Richard hurried into the tribe.
The Gold Oak Tribe was vast—its exact size was unknown to anyone.
However, anywhere the leaves of the Gold Oak Tree touched was considered within the tribe's territory, indicating its immense expanse.
The tribe was structured into six rings.
The innermost two rings, known as the Inner Rings, were where the tribe's leadership resided, close to the Gold Oak Tree.
The outer four rings, known as the Outer Rings, housed the general members of the Gold Oak Tribe.
The outermost ring was reserved for slaves.
Douglas lived in the Outer Second Ring, which afforded him a certain status compared to the majority of Gold Oak Tribe members.
Several hours later, Douglas finally arrived home.
His dwelling was a wooden house constructed from camphor wood, with a thick layer of moss covering the roof. Dust had accumulated on the door, where there was a circular keyhole for inserting a key.
Upon opening the door, Douglas eagerly grabbed a broom to sweep away the dust.
Then, Douglas carefully took out the five pieces of colorful pottery, checking them for any damage. Once he confirmed they were intact, he let out a sigh of relief. Turning to Richard, he said, "Richard, I need you to do me a favor. Go and inform Roman, Christina, and Fierro that I want them to come and see the treasures I've brought back."
Richard nodded and replied, "Douglas, don't forget our reward!"
Douglas immediately reassured him, "Don't worry, Richard. I'll double your payment!"
Before long, Richard had gathered the others.
Christina was the first to arrive, dressed in a splendid fur coat, exuding a wild aura. She kicked the door open and exclaimed loudly, "Douglas, you're lucky to be alive! You actually made it back!"
After talking,she plopped down.
Upon seeing the colorful pottery on the table, she was amazed. She continued, "You still owe me five hundred gold leaves, with interest, it should be seven hundred by now. These potteries look decent enough, so consider them as payment!"
Christina reached out to take the colorful pottery.
Douglas, furious, said, "Christina, if you dare take them, I won't consider you a friend."
Rolling her eyes, Christina retorted, "You're so stingy."
At that moment, Roman and Fierro entered, one fat and one thin.
Both sat down and laid eyes on the five pieces of colorful pottery.
Roman, with his hefty frame shifting, squinted his eyes amidst his chubby cheeks and asked, "Douglas, did you call us for these pottery pieces? In my view, these ceramics are fine, but aren't worth a summon."