Chapter 124: The Li Clan

In the southern frontier, within the secluded lands of Seven Li Cave.

The Miao sacrificial altar.

In the depths of the dim and silent hall, neither Ghost Li, who was still conscious, nor the Great Shaman spoke a word. Only the crackling sounds of the burning flames broke the silence. Apart from that, there was a strange noise echoing in the quiet altar.

Little Grey, the monkey, had drunk himself into a stupor and was now snoring sweetly in his sleep.

Although Ghost Li often spent time with Little Grey, he had never before noticed that the monkey snored. It seemed the Miao liquor was truly extraordinary. The little primate’s face was flushed, and his small belly rose and fell, making him look rather amusing and adorable.

However, while both were intoxicated, Xiao Bai fared much better than Little Grey. This celestial fox, having cultivated for a thousand years, naturally had a deeper level of spiritual attainment. After this grand intoxication, her skin glowed pink, her head tilted elegantly, and her features exuded a captivating allure that was truly enchanting to all who beheld her.

Ghost Li sighed inwardly and turned his head away.

The Great Shaman still faced the fire, without turning around, but at that moment, he slowly spoke, “Your friend here does not seem to be an ordinary person.”

Ghost Li was startled. He wondered if the Great Shaman had somehow seen through Xiao Bai’s true identity as a nine-tailed celestial fox. Although the customs of the Five Tribes of the Southlands were vastly different from those of the Central Plains, and they were more in tune with the natural world, how would they view such a seductive creature? Ghost Li was unsure.

After a moment’s contemplation, he cautiously replied, “What makes you think so, Great Shaman? Why do you see her as someone special?”

The Great Shaman was silent for a moment before saying coolly, “How could a seemingly frail woman, who can outdrink dozens of our strongest men, be considered ordinary?”

Ghost Li was taken aback but then relaxed. He couldn’t help but shake his head, recalling the impressive scene of Xiao Bai drinking against the Miao warriors.

Perhaps, after being confined in the dark and gloomy Fire Altar for three centuries, she needed to let loose and release her pent-up frustrations.

Ghost Li gently turned his head. Xiao Bai was still quietly leaning against his leg, sleeping peacefully. Her breathing was steady, her lips slightly parted, and her delicate eyelashes occasionally fluttered, as if she were a child with a troubled dream, perhaps dreaming of something.

He wondered if she was having a peaceful sleep or if she was plagued by nightmares.

Xiao Bai’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if she felt his gaze, but then she shifted her head and fell back into a deep sleep. In the flickering firelight, her face seemed to have lost some of its charm, revealing a rare innocence.

Ghost Li looked away and addressed the Great Shaman, “She has drunk too much; she may not be able to answer your questions right now, Great Shaman.”

The Great Shaman was not surprised and did not even turn to look at the woman. After a pause, he slowly said, “There is something you may not know.”

Ghost Li was taken aback. “What is it, please tell me?”

The Great Shaman’s hunched figure cast a shadow in the firelight, and his voice sounded somewhat ethereal. “This Soul Restoring Spell is a secret that has been passed down only among the Miao shamans. More specifically, only the Great Shamans possess this art, and it has never been shared with outsiders, not even with our own people. But this young lady, who seems so young, knows about it. I cannot understand how.”

Ghost Li was puzzled. Xiao Bai, a celestial fox who had cultivated for a thousand years, had only taken on a human form due to her deep spiritual cultivation. She was one of the most knowledgeable and experienced beings in the world.

However, he could not say this to the Great Shaman. Instead, he changed the subject, “Great Shaman, you haven’t even turned around to look at her. How do you know she is a young woman?”

The Great Shaman’s head tilted slightly, and he seemed to chuckle softly. Whether he saw through Ghost Li’s thoughts or not, he said, “Since this lady is already drunk, let us wait until she wakes up. You are our guest, and after you leave, seek out our Chieftain, Tumagu. I will send word to him to arrange for your stay here for a few days.”

Ghost Li frowned. Though he wished to immediately negotiate with the Great Shaman to save Bi Yao, the shaman’s tone, though calm, was firm. He wanted to first ascertain Xiao Bai’s origins. Realizing he had no choice, and having waited ten years, what was one more day?

Taking a deep breath, Ghost Li nodded, “Alright.”

The Great Shaman quietly said, “Then you may go.”

Ghost Li nodded to the Great Shaman’s back and was about to leave when he hesitated. Xiao Bai was sound asleep, using his thigh as a pillow, and she appeared deeply intoxicated. How could he wake her up to walk?

After a few futile attempts, Ghost Li sighed and carefully lifted Xiao Bai, carrying her in his arms, and placed Little Grey, who was still snoring, on his shoulder. He carried the monkey and the fox (human) out of the altar.

The faint fragrance and soft smile of Xiao Bai, whose face was flushed with a hint of pink, lingered in his mind as he carried her out.

Taking a deep breath, Ghost Li stepped out of the altar and into the light.

As he crossed the massive stone pillars at the entrance, the sunlight bathed his face, bringing a gentle warmth. Opening his eyes slightly, he saw Tumagu, standing a short distance away, looking out over the landscape of Seven Li Cave.

A Miao man, dressed as a shaman, emerged from the altar, passed Ghost Li, and whispered a few words to Tumagu. Tumagu turned to glance at Ghost Li and then at the sleeping Xiao Bai, nodding in agreement.

The shaman, with an expressionless face, walked back to the altar and disappeared into the shadows.

Tumagu smiled and approached, “Has the Great Shaman agreed to help you?”

Ghost Li smiled slightly, “Not yet, he has allowed us to stay here.”

Tumagu nodded, “I understand. Follow me.” He turned and walked down the mountain.

Ghost Li, carrying Xiao Bai and Little Grey, followed. Tumagu said, “Our land is humble and poor, not as prosperous as the Central Plains. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable. Haha.”

Ghost Li noted the chieftain’s friendly demeanor and responded, “Thank you, Chief. We appreciate your hospitality.”

Tumagu chuckled and continued walking. As they descended the mountain, many Miao villagers watched them, their gazes often lingering on Xiao Bai.

They crossed the stone bridge Ghost Li had seen earlier and arrived at a small, secluded house by the river, built among a row of green trees.

Standing behind Tumagu, Ghost Li frowned. The house was small, with only one room, simple and unadorned, made entirely of wood. Unlike typical Miao dwellings, there were no animal skins or bones hanging on the walls.

Tumagu turned and said, “This house has been empty for a long time, but we keep it clean. It’s also quiet here, so you two can stay for the night.”

Ghost Li nodded, “Thank you, Chief.”

Tumagu smiled and looked at Xiao Bai in Ghost Li’s arms, “I’ll leave you to rest. I’ll send some food later. Please forgive the simplicity of our arrangements.”

Ghost Li shook his head, “No need to apologize, Chief. Thank you.”

Tumagu nodded and left. Ghost Li watched him go and then turned to examine the house again. It seemed like a house built by someone from the Central Plains.

Carrying Xiao Bai and Little Grey, he pushed open the door and entered.

The room was sparsely furnished, with a bed, a table, and a few wooden chairs. The walls were made of neatly cut tung wood, and a window on one side filled the room with a subtle, woody fragrance.

Ghost Li was not one to care for luxurious accommodations, and this simplicity suited him. He placed Xiao Bai on the bed, where she muttered softly and fell back asleep.

Shaking his head, he put Little Grey, who was still snoring, on the bed as well. Looking at the two sleeping figures, Ghost Li turned to sit at the table. The room suddenly became very quiet, with only their breathing to be heard.

In this unfamiliar dwelling, he sat alone, in silence.

Outside, the sun shone brightly.

Ten miles east of the encircled Seven Li Cave, two men stood on a mountain peak, gazing at the fertile land nestled among the surrounding mountains.

“That is Seven Li Cave,” one of them said, his voice filled with deep sentiment, anger, and longing.

The sun illuminated a strong, tall man, bare-chested and wearing pants made from the hide of a fierce beast. His skin, tanned and scarred from years of battling beasts, bore a tattoo of a bear’s head on his chest. Behind him stood a smaller man, similarly dressed but with a fur coat over his torso.

“Indeed, Chief. That is Seven Li Cave,” the smaller man replied. “It is the heartland of the Miao, who have ruled the Southlands for two centuries. There, in the Miao sacrificial altar, lies our sacred ‘Bone Jade,’ stolen by the treacherous Miao two hundred years ago and hidden under the statue of their evil god.”

The chief clenched his fists, and a creaking sound echoed from his knuckles. “Two hundred years! Two hundred years!”

His companion spoke coldly, “Yes, two hundred years. Our warriors were cursed to death by the Miao’s wicked sorcery, and we were driven to the poorest lands, enduring two centuries of suffering.”

The wind blew fiercely, but the chief, towering like a mountain, did not flinch. His eyes were fixed on the land ahead.

“Losing the Bone Jade is the greatest insult to the Bear God!” the companion continued. “For two centuries, the Bear God has been angered and has ceased to protect us. But once we defeat the Miao and reclaim the Bone Jade, the Bear God will bless us again, and we can claim the best land in the Southlands for our people and future generations.”

His voice rose, “Chief, we cannot let our children continue to fight monstrous beasts like the fire wolves and black tigers just to survive. We need to live and have the best land!”

The chief, his anger evident, finally spoke, “Are the other three tribes truly on our side?”

The companion nodded, “Yes, Chief. The Miao have long been tyrannical, and the other tribes have grown resentful. The Zhuang are numerous but are subordinate to the Miao. The Tujia are isolated, and the Gaoshan are weak. With the bravery of our Li warriors and the blessing of the Bear God, we will soon rule the Southlands.”

The chief’s eyes burned with resolve. “Two hundred years of hatred, we will avenge today!”

The sun cast a warm glow over the mountains. Behind them, countless Li warriors, bearing the mark of the bear, stood ready, their expressions solemn and determined.

In the secluded cottage, Ghost Li sat silently, lost in thought. Time seemed to slow, and in the silence, memories flooded his mind.

Perhaps of the past…

The years of his youth, like a sigh echoing through time, rising and falling, leaving no trace.

His face was expressionless, his brows slightly furrowed.

Outside, the scenery was serene.

Until, a sudden sound broke his reverie.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

A soft tapping on the door.