Zuan glanced at the Northwestern rebel general who had just taunted the barbarian leaders and said, "The tribal chiefs are in council, what are you outsiders doing here?"
Zuan's words carried an unspoken, inviolable authority that startled the Northwestern rebel general. However, being a man who lived by the blade, he was unwilling to show weakness before the crowd. He shrugged and said, "We were invited by the Barbarian King! If you object, you must see if the Barbarian King agrees."
The city-state residents, accustomed to political maneuvering, shifted the focus to the Barbarian King with a single sentence.
Unexpectedly, Sain boomed, "Zuan's words are my words!"
All the leaders exchanged glances. They could not fathom why the Barbarian King would align with Zuan, and their relationship appeared so close.
Upon hearing this, the rebel generals, knowing they were at a disadvantage, grudgingly departed.
Sain had a chair brought and placed to his left. Zuan, ignoring the departing Northwestern rebel generals, sat down and fixed his gaze upon the leaders who were unwilling to attack Saint Roman. His stare made them feel as if a thorn was piercing their backs.
A heavy, oppressive atmosphere permeated the tent, making the leaders afraid to even breathe. Sain, caught in the midst of it, felt uncomfortable. He turned back to the desk and gazed at the old man.
After a long pause, Zuan sighed and said,
"After the ancient war, the elites of our Wu tribe perished. Though the people are gone, their souls remain. They fell, and there were Great Shamans Hei Yu and Chi Liang. But now, they are all gone. Where are our souls? Are we content to live in this desolate, treacherous land?"
Recalling the glorious past, the leaders grew somber. The history of the Wu tribe was one of unyielding spirit and pioneering.
The Great Shamans of ancient times had never abandoned their ambition to dominate the world once more.
Zuan's ancient, resonant voice seemed to transcend time, transporting them back to the era when the Great Shamans forged their path:
"Now, the land of Atlantis is fragmented, and various forces are engaged in constant warfare. Huodessa once invaded the Beastmen alongside the Saint Roman Empire. The Gujia tribe knows the situation in Atlantis well. Driven by the current circumstances, even the city-state residents themselves wish for us barbarians to rule Atlantis.
As long as we can unite Atlantis, find those ancient powers, and awaken the ancient Great Shamans, we can dominate the Three Realms! We can restore the era of the Great Shamans!"
Zuan slowly stood up, raising his hand and exclaiming, "Leaders! Let us raise our swords and spears and fight for the tribe!"
His powerful and unique voice ignited the blood of these foreign leaders, who followed Zuan in a roar.
"For the tribe!"
"For the tribe!"
...
The barbarian leaders shouted in unison, their voices rising and falling, echoing throughout the camp.
The generals of the city-state exchanged bewildered glances, looking at these frenzied barbarians. A sense of fear began to dawn in their hearts: the world was about to change!
At this very moment, though not all barbarian tribes were gathered in this camp, most were. These tribes were mostly subservient to Sain, forced by his might. But now, they had come to sincerely desire a battle against the Saint Roman army.
In truth, Sain had been hesitant about going to war with the Saint Roman army. Although moved by Zuan, he was also extremely wary of the Saint Roman army's strength.
Especially after witnessing the Saint Roman army quell the Northwest in just over a month, Sain deeply wished to avoid conflict.
Furthermore, Sain had not yet directly confronted the Saint Roman army. However, to Sain's surprise, his beloved daughter, his pride and joy – Jessica – had already engaged the Saint Roman army, even surrounding them in a mud city for half a month.
Though Sain harbored resentment, he could not bring himself to harm his daughter. Instead, he became furious with the high-ranking officers who had besieged the city with Jessica, punishing them severely.
Knowing that their schemes were exposed, Sain, after consulting with Zuan, predicted that the Saint Roman army would eventually act against him. He decided to strike first, preemptively gathering the leaders of the barbarian tribes to prepare for a decisive battle against the Saint Roman army, which led to the scene that had just transpired.
As Sain and others had anticipated, Xiao Xun had already led his army into Kui City, heading directly for the barbarian territory.
Xiao Xun had specifically come to Kui City, having heard of the unrest there. He had expected Mayor Louisfei to guide him into the barbarian lands.
However, upon meeting, he realized that Louisfei had never even ventured into the countryside around Kui City.
The situation in the Northwest was complex, and Jised was a master among the Beastmen. Without a capable individual by his side, how could he have withstood him?
Louisfei ushered Xiao Xun and the other high officials into his residence. After they were seated and exchanged pleasantries, Xiao Xun suddenly asked, "Mayor Louisfei, who was it that defended this Kui City with you, ensuring its safety?"
The adjutant beside him exchanged glances, unsure why Xiao Xun was asking this.
Louisfei was also taken aback. He had heard that Xiao Xun was known as a peerless wise general, possessing uncanny foresight, but he had never fully believed it. He had intended to exaggerate his achievements, but upon hearing Xiao Xun's question, he dared not conceal the truth.
"Reporting to Lord Svein, this humble subject owes the safety of this city entirely to the merit of Kui City's great sage, Faluy!"
Xiao Xun nodded, "Excellent! I wish to meet this Faluy."
Soon, Faluy was summoned to the mansion. Xiao Xun looked up and saw that the man exuded a spirit of vigor, as if an unseen, potent force lay dormant within him. Though deeply concealed, it was not difficult to detect.
Xiao Xun immediately recognized the caliber of the man and inwardly praised that he was indeed no ordinary person.
Faluy's physical prowess was formidable, and even a master like Jised was no match for him, which spoke volumes.
Though intrigued, Xiao Xun smiled and said, "I have long heard of your reputation as a noble recluse of Kui City. Meeting you today is truly illuminating. It seems you are indeed no ordinary person."
Faluy's body trembled slightly upon hearing this. Gazing at the handsome scholar, he felt a sudden, unbidden fear. He bowed and replied, "Reporting to Lord Svein, I am merely a humble individual, insignificant and not worth mentioning."
Xiao Xun smiled slightly, not pointing out anything further. It was truly remarkable that Faluy had remained untainted amidst the Northwestern rebellion, let alone protected Kui City. To press him too hard at this juncture would be imprudent.
Xiao Xun smiled gently and said, "Your courage in stepping forward to safeguard Kui City is immeasurable. I greatly admire you, sir."
Faluy replied calmly, "Living in troubled times, it is my unwavering duty to protect my home and country."
Xiao Xun nodded, "I intend to pacify the barbarians. Do you have any insights, sir?"
Faluy seemed prepared, taking a map from his embrace and presenting it to Xiao Xun. "Reporting to Lord Svein, this is a panoramic map of the barbarian territories that I personally drew, intended for the pacification of the barbarians!"
Xiao Xun took the map and glanced at it, greatly pleased. With this, he felt as if he had gained a significant advantage.
Just as he was about to ask where it came from, Faluy began to explain in a steady voice, "The heroes of Atlantis are locked in a struggle for dominance, and the barbarians, harboring malicious intent, have long been restless, repeatedly invading our borderlands and plundering. We are deeply indignant. Therefore, I have repeatedly infiltrated the western territories to survey the terrain, noting where troops can be deployed and where formations can be set, all of which I have meticulously charted. Today, at last, Lord Svein has arrived for the western campaign, and I present this map to Lord Svein, hoping it may assist you in conquering the western barbarians."
Xiao Xun praised, "Truly enlightened. Since you are willing to present this map, would you be willing to contribute further to the pacification of the western barbarians?"
Faluy smiled slightly and said, "This commoner only wishes to protect this land and has no ambition for military glory. Lord Svein, please do not force my hand."
Xiao Xun narrowed his eyes, looking at Faluy, "Living in turbulent times, sir, it is difficult to remain entirely aloof. If you wish to protect this land, how can you not give your utmost effort?"
These words carried a subtle undertone, which Faluy understood implicitly. Without hesitation, he knelt and said, "If Lord Svein does not disdain me, I am willing to assist Lord Svein in pacifying the western barbarians!"
Xiao Xun, who had been concerned about the arduous and treacherous journey, immediately helped Faluy up and said, "Your name will surely be etched in history!"