Chapter Twenty-Eight: Exile

Three days later, Ji Xia and Qing Fu awoke. Their bodies remained frail, but they could move without much difficulty. Ji Xia announced to the tribe that it was Qing Fu who had exhausted every ounce of power from the Qingyi clan’s inherited shamanic treasure, the "Life and Death Thorn," thereby neutralizing the terrifying might of the Three-Flavored Fire.

Deep in the Sanglin woods, within a wooden cabin, the senior members of the Fire Raven clan sat in a circle around the fire pit, their gazes fixed upon the somber Ji Shu and the Fire Raven axe-staff in his hand. Only Ji Hao sat behind Ji Xia, squinting as he sized up the ashen-faced Jiang Yao.

"The Fire Raven clan boasts the finest warriors of the Southern Wilderness, yet lack weapons and armor worthy of them," Ji Shu spoke as he toyed with the axe-staff. "The best arms and armor would multiply our tribe’s strength. I have connections that can secure us vast quantities of superior weapons and armor—even shamanic tools and treasures."

Even the old shamans like Ji Kui could not help but exchange furtive glances, a flash of surprise in their eyes as they looked at Ji Shu. Ordinary arms and armor could be traded from other clans, but shamanic tools and treasures were virtually never exchanged in the Southern Wilderness. That Ji Shu had such access was truly remarkable.

"But such things don’t fall from the sky. We need to trade large amounts of refined gold, fine jade, and rare ores," Ji Shu swept his eyes across the clan elders, his voice cold. "Before the ancestral ritual, while leading a hunt, I discovered a vast vein of gold and jade intertwined beneath Cold Creek Valley."

Ji Shu had barely finished when Ji Xiao—Ji Hu’s father and a figure of influence in the Fire Raven clan—spoke up. "Cold Creek Valley? I know the place. Less than two hundred miles from there lies Hundred Springs Mountain, where we have a mine that yields eight thousand bars of refined gold annually."

Ji Shu nodded. "I commissioned a survey. The vein at Hundred Springs Mountain is paltry, but the one beneath Cold Creek Valley is the main vein. With enough mining slaves, it could yield at least two hundred thousand bars of refined gold and thirty thousand bars of fine jade each year."

Ji Kui took a deep breath, his tone gentle. "Ji Shu, what are you proposing?"

Ji Shu raised the Fire Raven axe-staff, his gaze resting on the exhausted Ji Xia. "Elder brother, among the tribe, your strength is unmatched and your judgment reliable. I trust you. Cold Creek Valley is yours to oversee."

Before Ji Xia could respond, Ji Shu continued sternly, "Such a massive vein is vital to the Fire Raven clan. Only with you personally stationed there can I rest easy. Though Cold Creek Valley is far from Golden Crow Ridge, if you wish, bring your family along."

The axe-staff glimmered brightly. Ji Xia fixed his gaze upon it and bowed deeply to Ji Shu. "It is settled. I shall lead our people to Cold Creek Valley at once. But the mining slaves must be dispatched swiftly by the tribe."

Ji Shu smiled warmly. "Of course, there’s no time to delay. With such profits at stake, who would dare?"

Ji Xia rose, silent for a moment before saying, "Three days ago, a great shaman from the Blackwater Serpent clan appeared near Golden Crow Ridge. Ji Hu, Ji Feng, and Ji Shui—all three youngsters have disappeared. About this matter—"

Ji Shu’s brow furrowed, his voice icy. "I will handle it. Elder brother, you are no longer the chief warrior. This is no longer your concern. Focus on guarding Cold Creek Valley."

Ji Hao stood and tugged at Ji Xia’s arm.

Ji Shu, Ji Xiao, Jiang Yao, and the fathers of Ji Feng and Ji Shui all looked deeply at Ji Hao. Especially Jiang Yao—her beautiful face twisted into a visage as fierce as a vengeful spirit, barely restraining her fury.

Seeing Jiang Yao’s contorted face, Ji Hao jabbed her heart once more, bluntly. "Uncle Ji Shu, according to the laws of the Southern Wilderness, if an elder brother dies, his possessions may be inherited by his brothers. Recently, I met Jiang Xue in the tribe. She’s quite lovely and I fancy her. Why not let Uncle Ji Shu grant Jiang Xue to me?"

He wiped his nose vigorously and grinned ‘honestly’ at Jiang Yao. "Though it’s unlucky for her husband to die before marriage, she’s so beautiful that I don’t mind."

With a crack, Jiang Yao clenched her fists so tightly she snapped one of her own fingers.

Ji Shu gazed at Ji Hao for a long time before forcing a smile. "Hao, the rule is as you say… But though Wu is dead, he has several direct cousins. You’re only a distant cousin—it’s not your place to covet Jiang Xue."

Ji Hao sighed, spreading his hands helplessly. "Is that so? Ah, I’d forgotten Wu has several direct cousins. But Jiang Xue is truly beautiful, and I want her. Well then, after Wu’s direct cousins are gone, remember to give Jiang Xue to me. I really won’t mind."

With a rush of breath, Ji Hun—Ji Shu’s younger brother, seated behind him—nearly leapt up. His son was one of Wu’s direct cousins; Ji Hao’s words were essentially wishing an early death upon him.

Ji Shu pressed his palm hard onto Ji Hun’s shoulder, forcing him back down.

Furious, Ji Shu barked, "Enough. Elder brother, you may depart. You have two months to reach Cold Creek Valley and make all necessary preparations. That vein is crucial to our clan’s future—never let it fall into Blackwater Serpent hands."

Ji Xia thumped his chest and said in a low voice, "So long as I live, Cold Creek Valley belongs to the Fire Raven clan."

Ji Hao followed lazily behind Ji Xia as they exited the council cabin.

Only when they left the Sanglin woods did Ji Hao chuckle quietly. "Such patience, father. Did you see Ji Xiao’s face, as if his whole family had died?"

Ji Xia sighed and smacked Ji Hao’s head. "Xiao was close to me as a child, but as he grew, his ambitions changed. They think joining the Bi Fang clan might benefit themselves, but is it good for the Fire Raven clan?"

After a moment of silence, Ji Xia muttered, "Hu, Feng, Shui—what a pity, all fine young men. But they colluded with outsiders and betrayed their kin. Truly deserving their fate."

Ji Hao said nothing. In these past three days, Ji Shu had been unusually calm, but beneath the surface, storms surely brewed.

No matter how Jiang Yao and Ji Xiao sought revenge, let them try.

An hour later, accompanied by the low roars of beasts, a long caravan departed Golden Crow Ridge, heading north into the dense jungle.

Cold Creek Valley was over ten thousand miles from Golden Crow Ridge. To reach it through the wild, primeval forests in two months was no easy feat.

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