Doomsday: Gain experience by hunting

Terraced fields appeared on the ground, with lush millet seedlings and large herds of cattle, sheep, and exotic beasts roaming in the valleys.

Neatly arranged trees, orderly houses, constantly flowing canals, windmills, and waterwheels stood by the fields and streams, filling this land of black mountains and white waters with vibrant colors.

"Are we there yet?" Xia Qingge put away her wine gourd, taking in everything before her.

People on the ground were busy with various tasks: weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, fishing, and herding.

Tang Wen observed from above and noticed that most of the busy laborers were male.

Compared to the elites of the White Tiger Tribe, their strength was only average, with hardly anyone exceeding the seventh rank.

"Not yet. This is the periphery, or rather, the rear."

Tang Wen nodded. The strong individuals of various races were fighting in the deep mountains, so the periphery of the Ten Thousand Mountains became the rear of the White Tiger Tribe.

"What about those Vajra Giant Apes? What's their relationship with us?"

The Vajra Giant Ape tribe was located on the White Tiger Tribe's side and rear. If they waited for the right opportunity to cause trouble, wouldn't it be dangerous if the Vajra Giant Apes and some other race attacked from both sides?

"They're considered our vassal tribe. They're not large in scale, and their individual combat power is decent, but they tend to get carried away in battle and charge too recklessly. It's hard for such a race to survive in the Ten Thousand Mountains."

Tang Wen, who was born with a fear of insufficient firepower and found it hard to trust allies, was still uneasy: "How can we allow others to sleep soundly beside our bed?"

Hu Yun rested her chin on his shoulder: "That's an interesting saying."

Tang Wen: "What we can give, can our opponents give? How can we be sure they won't betray us?"

"They were crippled by the Ice Wolf Clan. Their ancestral land was occupied, their sacred artifact was lost, and all the fourth-rank members of their tribe are dead. We accepted them based on the ancient pacts signed by our ancestors. All Vajra Giant Apes entering the White Tiger territory, including their descendants, must swear a blood oath not to harm the White Tiger Tribe," Hu Yun explained in detail.

The races in the Ten Thousand Mountains have a long history of survival.

They once had alliances with each other, with extremely binding blood oaths.

"What happens if they violate it?" Tang Wen asked.

Hu Yun: "Their bloodline will suffer backlash. The stronger the individual, the more severe the backlash after violating the blood oath. Their bloodline talent will wither, their mental strength will gradually become abnormal, and they will eventually go mad."

"Blood oaths are that powerful?"

The wind howled past, but Tang Wen still maximized his concealment technique.

Hu Yun sighed: "Blood oaths are based on ancient covenants, which is why the Ten Thousand Mountains still has basic order. But—"

Her expression turned solemn. Tang Wen gently caressed her hand on his waist and added: "Since there are covenants, does that mean who is an enemy and who is a friend has been predetermined since ancient times?"

"That's right."

With Hu Yun's affirmative answer, Tang Wen's ink-like eyebrows suddenly rose: "So, we have no choice but to protect the Vajra Giant Apes."

"Yes, we have lost many people to preserve the Vajra Giant Ape race."

"Having declined to this point, is there still a chance for them to rise again?"

"Yes."

Tang Wen was surprised: "Are you that certain?"

Hu Yun lowered her eyes and remained silent for a long while.

Hu Qi spoke: "We have declined before."

Boom—

The sound wasn't loud, but it was as if thunder exploded in his ears.

In an instant, Tang Wen understood many things and exclaimed: "No wonder, no wonder there are humans in the White Tiger Tribe."

Hu Qi: "A-Wen, you are very smart. That's right, our ancestors found a way to rise again. The humans who lived near us at the time provided great help. After many years of integration, we have the White Tiger Tribe of today, combining humans and tigers."

Having learned one of the deepest secrets of the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Tang Wen couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted.

Ancient covenants?

What exactly is this thing?

Why does it have such binding power?

Although Hu Yun and Hu Qi were high-ranking members of the White Tiger Tribe, they didn't know much about it either. They only vaguely guessed that it was related to high ranks.

Even fourth-rank powerhouses can't escape the influence of blood oaths, so perhaps third-rank can?

Or maybe even second-rank?

These were too far away. Tang Wen felt that his concealment technique was about to break through again, so he simply asked some practical questions: "Who are our main opponents now?"

"There are quite a few: seven and a half. The elusive Shadow Leopards, the Mountain Eagles with dual strength and agility talents, the Ice Hydras unparalleled in water battles, the Stone Golems invincible in land battles, the charming Nine-Tailed Foxes, the Earth Tyrant Bears, and the Wood Demons."

Tang Wen couldn't help but sit up straight, counting on his fingers: "A total of seven. What's with the half?"

"Well, you'll come into contact with them soon. The remaining half are the furthest from us, the Qingluan Clan. They are skilled in fire abilities."

I'll come into contact with them soon?

Tang Wen raised an eyebrow: Could it be that my and Hu Lan's training is to go to the Qingluan's territory?

"Because they're far away, they're only half an enemy?"

"No," Hu Qi exhaled a mouthful of wind, which rolled up white clouds, outlining a huge white tiger shape.

It was extremely conspicuous in the air.

The people working on the ground looked up.

"Is this, an elder returning from an outing?"

"Maybe a distinguished guest has arrived?"

"The White Tiger cloud aura is coming from the north, it must be that elder from Ganshan City!"

"…"

Having arrived at their own territory, while still in stealth, A-Qi notified the tribe in its own special way.

Having done all this, it continued: "Our two clans once had a verbal agreement to send people to each other's territories for training. However, this is life-threatening, and very dangerous."

As expected, it's the place I'm going to.

The golden wind rustled the branches and leaves on the mountain.

Just as Tang Wen was about to ask more, he suddenly saw three figures appear in the air ahead.

Two women and a tiger.

The two women's ages were indistinguishable. One wore a white robe, with her black hair flowing over her shoulders, and the other wore a green robe, with her hair tied in a high ponytail.

The tiger, on the other hand, looked like an ordinary tiger, not as unusual as Master Shadow Tiger.

But he still immediately determined that it was a fourth-rank!

Three fourth-ranks.

"The white tiger in the middle is our current clan leader—Hu Lie! The green-robed aunt is Hu Yu, the enforcement elder, and the white-robed aunt is Hu Xue, who usually guards the rear. They are all in the Divine Power Realm."

Hu Yun quickly explained the identities of the three. Tang Wen's heart stirred, and the experience panel flashed. Concealment Technique—finally broke through.

[Observation Martial Art, Concealment Technique, Grandmaster → Pseudo-Divine Power (0.1%) Trait: Ghostly Stealth; Pseudo-Divine Power: Dimensional Stealth]

Another pseudo-divine power!

With the White Tiger Tribe's clan leader and two fourth-ranks in front, Tang Wen suppressed his excitement. Not bothering to explore what [Dimensional Stealth] was all about, he quickly removed the concealment technique, and the three people and two tigers appeared together.

Clan Leader Hu Lie's deep voice sounded: "Good skill. To have cultivated such a concealment technique at such a young age."

The green-robed Hu Yu praised in a clear, cold voice: "Not bad, even we can't accurately lock onto your position. Shadow King has taken in a good disciple."

The white-robed Hu Xue didn't speak, only nodded slightly, her eyes full of encouragement.

Tang Wen took a deep breath and quickly saluted: "Clan Leader and two elders are too kind, there is still much for this junior to learn."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Tang Wen, they didn't forget Xia Qingge.

"Qingge, you bear the Earth Vein Curse, yet you can still reach such a realm. Your talent is indeed extraordinary."

Xia Qingge completely put away her usual cynical, lazy appearance, and was as dignified as a red-clothed fairy, generously clasping her fists in salute.

"Coming here is like coming home, let's go, follow us down to rest," the white-robed elder Hu Xue's voice was particularly gentle.

After she finished speaking, she waved her sleeve, the wind rose and the clouds moved, and she wrapped Tang Wen and the others, instantly arriving on a towering peak that went straight into the clouds.

"This is our tribe's main peak—Cloud Heaven Peak. Xiao Wen and Xiao Xia, you will live here from now on."

On the ground, heads were crowded together.

Hu Qi had sent out the signal earlier, and those with good information already knew that the new elder and others had returned.

The tribe all knew that Hu Lan had gone to Ganshan City and left her love token—the United Hearts Mirror—to the wild man there.

At this time, the men and women of the tribe, except for the elderly, all wanted to get closer to the main peak to see the excitement.

Hu Xue pressed down the cloud head and, together with the clan leader, slowly descended with Tang Wen and his group.

The White Tiger Tribe's main combat power consisted of women and white tigers.

Most of the people watching the excitement on the main peak were also young women.

"Look, they're coming down, they're coming down!"

"They all say that our Saintess fell in love with him at first sight, I wonder if it's true!"

"Yes, I've also heard that this Tang Wen is also known as the number one young master of Ganshan City, unparalleled in beauty."

"Hey! If I were choosing a man, I'd see if he could fight. As for looks, aren't they all the same? Our tribe's aren't ugly either... Oh oh oh! Young master, young master Tang Wen! Ah ah ah, so handsome!"

"Elder Tang! You're so good-looking!"

"…"

Life in the Ten Thousand Mountains was monotonous, and it was rare to have anything new.

The women of the White Tiger Tribe didn't have as many restrictions as the outside world, and were more bold and fiery.

Not only were they shouting and heckling, but their gazes were also like lasers, boldly staring at Tang Wen.

Fortunately, no one was using mental power, otherwise, even if he wore a hundred layers of armor, he would be stripped naked now.

"The Saintess has arrived!"

"Make way! Make way, don't stop Sister Lan from seeing her lover! Ouch—"

"Hahahaha—"

The women of the White Tiger Tribe made way in laughter.

White as snow, black hair like a waterfall, unlike any woman of this world.

As soon as she appeared, although the laughter still remained, Tang Wen felt that all the noise was isolated, and only she was left in the world.

He walked towards her step by step, just as she ignored the tribe's well-intentioned teasing and walked step by step.

A meter or two away, the two looked at each other and stopped.

"You've come."

"I've kept you waiting."

"Not really, the timing is just right."

Tang Wen smiled and took another step forward, the distance between the two was only half a step.

"Ooh ooh ooh—"

The young women of the White Tiger Tribe stared wide-eyed and screamed, their eyes full of anticipation.

"They all seem to want to see me kiss you." Looking at the woman in front of him with the temperament of a valley orchid, Tang Wen couldn't help but focus on her pink lips.

"They are not important."

Tang Wen was slightly surprised.

Unexpectedly, Hu Lan directly leaned forward half a step, opened her arms, brought her jade face closer, and kissed him!

"Ooh ooh ooh!"

The women screamed like gorillas seeing bananas for the first time, their voices full of wild enthusiasm.

Tang Wen was as clumsy as if it was his first kiss.

Causing Xia Qingge and Hu Yun, who had kissed him countless times behind him, to snort in their hearts at the same time.

I kissed him so many times.

But why does it feel not as good as this time between him and Hu Lan?

A few minutes later, everyone's shouts gradually subsided.

The two separated their lips, forehead to forehead.

"I missed you, Lan'er."

Hu Lan's pretty face was slightly red: "Me too."

"Aww aww aww!"

The beast-like screams rang out again.

Although the two used small voices, they couldn't stand the hearing of the fifth-rank and sixth-rank being abnormal.

"Ascend the main peak, prepare for the grand ceremony," Hu Yu's clear, cold voice echoed in everyone's ears.

The noisy atmosphere was extinguished in an instant, like a raging fire meeting cold ice.

With a fourth-rank speaking, naturally no one dared to be presumptuous again.

"What grand ceremony?" Tang Wen transmitted his voice.

Hu Lan took his hand and replied via voice transmission: "Your grand ceremony, you become an elder, become a core disciple, and,"

"And what?" Tang Wen squeezed her jade hand.

Hu Lan was a little at a loss, but finally looked him in the eyes: "And become my partner."

Tang Wen's eyes shone with excitement, and he nodded heavily: "Good! This is good! I don't really care about elders, status, or anything. My partner must be you."

Hu Lan smiled and turned her head, looking at the main peak that was covered with ice and snow all year round: "I am at the peak of the sixth-rank."

Tang Wen puffed out his chest: "So what if you're at the peak of the sixth-rank? Let me tell you, I—"

He wanted to use Xia Qingge as an example, saying that the fifth-rank was still obediently conquered?

But fortunately, his brain came online in time and stopped this example that was not only inappropriate but also courting death.

Instead, he said: "I—my master said that my physique is already stronger than an ordinary fifth-rank, so there's no problem with having babies with you."

Hu Lan smiled, her cheeks flushed.

"Our future goal is to break through to the fifth-rank."

"We can be together for a long time."

"…"

The two spoke sweet words, ignoring everyone around them.

For a moment, Tang Wen wished that time would stop like this, so that she and himself could walk to the end of the world together!

The ceremony to become an elder was not complicated, it was just a monotonous and boring mountain worship and ancestor worship.

The people of the White Tiger Tribe, the elderly had seen it at least ten times.

Even the young sixth-ranks had seen it at least three or four times.

Logically speaking, they wouldn't want to see it anymore.

But today was different. Today, the Saintess would walk through all the etiquette again with Tang Wen.

Such excitement was truly a once-in-a-century event.

More and more people came from the outside, filling the mountainside.

If it weren't for the grand ceremony prohibiting the sky, and the main peak couldn't be easily climbed, I'm afraid that not only would both sides be full of people, but even the sky would be full of White Tiger tribesmen watching the excitement.

After about an hour of work.

Tang Wen and Hu Lan finally reached the top of the peak. In front of them, there was no one else, only the clan leader.

At this point, it was completely different from the ordinary elder promotion ceremony.

Chieftain Hu Lie's steady voice echoed throughout the valley: "Today, Shadow King's disciple—Tang Wen, becomes the companion of our White Tiger Clan's Holy Maiden, and an elder of our clan!"

"The ceremony is complete!"

Tang Wen and Hu Lan stepped into the hollowed-out main peak. After bathing, they emerged wearing pristine white robes.

The robes reached the ground, only revealing their feet. Simple and minimalist, they were the traditional attire of the White Tiger tribe.

Hu Lan had also changed into white clothes, but hers were trimmed with gold, making them noticeably more refined.

The two walked out of the cave, where a sea of ​​joyful celebration awaited them.

The night was filled with singing and dancing around bonfires, accompanied by fine wine.

The next day at noon, Tang Wen, having woken up, met with the chieftain again, together with Hu Lan.

"Are you ready? The trial is about to begin."

They exchanged a glance and bowed in unison: "We are at your disposal, Chieftain."