"High Priest, the scout has returned."
"Let them in." The High Priest sat at the head of the table.
"Greetings, High Priest."
"What's the situation?"
"Reporting to the High Priest, White Wolf Village, Long Ape Village, and Golden Eagle Village have merged into one. Long Ape Village and Golden Eagle Village have moved into White Wolf Village," the scout replied. "Furthermore, White Wolf Village has erected a barrier, making it impossible for anyone or any weapon to approach."
"A barrier?" The High Priest of Black Panther Village frowned. "Where did a barrier master come from in this area?"
"White Wolf Village recently gained a new resident. This individual is not only a barrier master but also an alchemist," the scout continued. "It is said that the attack on Flame Tiger Village was this person's idea."
"An outsider?" The High Priest of Black Panther Village reacted instantly. "This person is an outsider?"
"Reporting to the High Priest, this person is indeed an outsider," the scout said, looking up at the High Priest. "According to the High Priest of Elk Village, though this person is a woman, her intentions are unfathomable."
"A woman?" The High Priest's expression became deeply intriguing. "A mere woman, yet so formidable. Do you know her origins?"
"This person is an outsider; we could not find out."
"What else did you find out?"
"Elk Village wishes to pledge allegiance to our Black Panther Village."
"Elk Village, that useless village that can't do anything. What's the point of them joining?" the High Priest of Black Panther Village said coldly. "Guards, go to Sun Village and see the Village Chief. Tell him that an outsider has arrived at White Wolf Village."
"Yes, Priest."
"Priest, why are you telling Sun Village about this? Didn't they say they wouldn't get involved?"
"Hasn't Elder Shi of Sun Village always wanted to leave this place? Now that an outsider has arrived, would they easily give up? Moreover, White Wolf Village is now as impenetrable as a fortress. If he wants to capture that outsider, he must join forces with us." A glint of interest flashed in the Black Panther Village High Priest's eyes. He was contemplating how to bring in the elder from Sun Village, never expecting White Wolf Village to provide such a perfect excuse.
The news soon reached Sun Village. The High Priest of Sun Village's expression turned grave. "Are you certain an outsider has entered White Wolf Village?"
"So they say."
"I don't want 'so they say.' I want certainty!" the High Priest of Sun Village said coldly. "Investigate immediately. Has White Wolf Village truly taken in an outsider?"
"Yes, High Priest."
After everyone else had left, Elder Shi paced his room. He had thought he would never have the chance to leave this place in his lifetime. He never expected an outsider to arrive. If this was true, this outsider was the key to their escape, or perhaps, she knew the way out!
The scout sent to investigate had not yet returned when Bao Lao, the High Priest of Black Panther Village, arrived.
Elder Shi invited him in, maintaining a calm demeanor as he sipped tea. "What wind is blowing today that brings you here?"
"Elder Shi, I've come today because White Wolf Village has many uncertain factors. However, that uncertain factor might be useful to you," Bao Lao said, glancing at Elder Shi, who was feigning composure while drinking tea. He inwardly sneered. The elder clearly cared deeply but insisted on acting indifferent; he was cunning and sly.
"I don't think she will be of any use to me."
"If that's the case, then consider me to have visited in vain." Bao Lao put down his teacup and stood up to leave, but Elder Shi called him back.
"Since you've come, why not have a chat?" Elder Shi glanced at Bao Lao and said unhurriedly, "What ability does a mere White Wolf Village possess to make you so restless?"
"It's not restlessness, but White Wolf Village's ambition is considerable now," Bao Lao sat down again. "In a short period, they've annexed Golden Eagle Village and Long Ape Village, their strength soaring past that of the former Flame Tiger Village, and they are subtly surpassing us. We must be wary."
"So what if they are powerful? What does it have to do with us?"
"Elder Shi, don't speak so lightly. How do you know White Wolf Village won't repeat its tactics and attack Black Panther Village or Sun Village?"
"They wouldn't dare."
"If it were the old White Wolf Village, perhaps they wouldn't dare. But the current White Wolf Village dares anything. After all, an outsider is in charge now. This outsider is extremely powerful, skilled in both alchemy and barrier formation, making White Wolf Village impenetrable. Even if Elder Shi himself went, he wouldn't be able to enter."
Elder Shi's eyes flickered. "Is that so?"
"White Wolf Village is entirely enveloped in a barrier. I tried to breach it, and it's very powerful, reflecting attacks. As long as the people of White Wolf Village don't come out, we can do nothing to them."
Elder Shi sneered. "Even if White Wolf Village looted all the food from Flame Tiger Village, they can only stay indoors for at most three months. They will surely come out after three months. If we wait patiently, we will eventually get them."
"Do you truly believe it will be that easy, Elder Shi?" Bao Lao asked calmly. Since they dared to attack Flame Tiger Village, they must have had a plan. If they waited for them to come out willingly, it would be them who suffered. After all, they couldn't keep their entire army guarding them all the time. Sending just a few people wouldn't be enough to watch the people of White Wolf Village.
"Bao Lao, if you have something to say, say it directly. I don't like beating around the bush."
Bao Lao looked at Elder Shi. "Our two villages should join forces. Let's first annex the other villages, and then deal with White Wolf Village. By the time White Wolf Village emerges, they will be isolated and without aid. At that point, we can lead the other villages to capture them all in one fell swoop."
Elder Shi looked at Bao Lao with amusement. How naive could one be to think that White Wolf Village would stand by and do nothing while they attacked other villages? Su Dan Novel Network
"Aren't you afraid that while attacking other villages, White Wolf Village will launch a full-scale assault and raze your stronghold?"
Bao Lao pursed his lips. "That's why we need to join forces. This way, we can send half our men to attack other villages and leave the other half to defend our village."
"Bao Lao, I truly don't know whether to call you naive or ignorant," Elder Shi said mockingly. "Flame Tiger Village was easily taken down by White Wolf Village. Do you think leaving half your men would make you their match?"
"We can try, and perhaps we'll become the rulers of this land. But if we let it slide, we'll be the ones devoured." Bao Lao's goal was clear: White Wolf Village must be destroyed. "We join forces. White Wolf Village belongs to me, and the outsider belongs to you, how about it?"
"White Wolf Village isn't just one village's power; it's three villages," Elder Shi said slowly. "You get three villages, but I only get one person. Do you think that's fair?"
"But one person is enough to offset three villages," Bao Lao said to Elder Shi, his tone resolute. "Or, let's switch. I want the outsider, and White Wolf Village belongs to you. How about that?"