Chapter 2864 - 146: Alliance

Chapter 2864: Chapter 146: Alliance

Beyond the sand falls, there is another world.

This is a natural bastion, with a large expanse of hills within, vast and stable. A large settlement has been built on the reddish-brown hills, with fires burning and the bright red flag of the soaring Danque hanging high.

This should also be a secret location of the Danque Tribe.

Moreover, from the sandy landscape and architectural style, it is a rather ancient secretive place.

Guided by Chi Yan, Mo Hua and Dan Zhu and his party entered the tribe.

Along the way, many barbarian cultivators of the Danque Tribe, upon seeing Dan Zhu, were astonished at first but then showed delight, exclaiming:

"Young Master!"

"It’s Young Master Dan Zhu!"

"Young Master Dan Zhu has returned!"

Dan Zhu held a high reputation in the Danque Tribe, and was well-liked by the people.

Suppressing the unease in his heart, Dan Zhu smiled gently and returned the greetings, exuding an elegant and auspicious demeanor, earning the admiration of all.

Even Mo Hua secretly admired in his heart; Dan Zhu’s appearance, his disposition, this temperament—truly one look and he seems like the stature of a "leader."

However, the upper echelons of the Danque Tribe may not see it this way.

Yet among the lower barbarian cultivators, such wisdom and kindness deeply resonated with them.

Amidst the admiration of the people, Chi Yan led Dan Zhu to the front of the highest hall and turned to say:

"Young Master, the Great Chief is waiting for you inside."

Dan Zhu unexpectedly felt a bit nervous, his eyes slightly narrowed as he said, "I will go see Father." He couldn’t help but look back at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua said, "I will go in with you."

Dan Zhu felt slightly at ease and nodded his head.

Chi Feng and the others were stopped outside.

Thus, Dan Zhu and Mo Hua walked into the Danque Hall together.

Inside the hall, the Golden Platform Hall was rather grand, with ancient representations of Danque flying on the walls, though carrying some mottled traces of time.

Though old, the grandeur of its former days was still visible.

At this time, the towering and mighty Great Chief of the Danque Tribe, Dan Lie, sat in the central high seat.

But compared to before, he was no longer surrounded by concubines, nor was there pleasant singing and laughter—only cold wine and weapons remained.

He was also not wearing the opulent chieftain barbarian robe, but rather a bright red battle armor, as red as blood.

His face no longer showed laziness, but carried the frost from hardship and the weariness of many battles.

Upon seeing Dan Lie, Dan Zhu felt joy mixed with guilt, and couldn’t help but murmur, "Father..."

Upon seeing Dan Zhu, a hint of warmth appeared in Dan Lie’s otherwise cold and harsh eyes.

Yet, moments later, this warmth was hidden away, deep within his reserve.

Dan Lie’s expression gradually turned indifferent, bringing some estrangement, as he lightly nodded and said, "Back?"

Dan Zhu suddenly felt stifled, emotions welling up in his chest, not knowing what to say, so he replied, "Yes, Father, I am back."

After this sentence, both fell silent, and the hall was shrouded in a brief stillness.

The father and son, long apart, were filled with emotions, yet suddenly rendered speechless.

At this moment, a slightly abrupt voice arose:

"Fourth Brother, you’re dusty from travel, take a seat and have some wine and food, rest for a moment."

The one speaking wore a simple cloth robe, with eagle-like brows and a long face, eyes sharp, sitting at the right hand of the Great Chief Dan Lie.

Mo Hua also recognized him, it was Dan Zhu’s third brother, Dan Bie.

The Great Chief of the Danque Tribe had a total of four children: the eldest son, second daughter, third son Dan Bie, and the fourth and youngest son, Dan Zhu.

Dan Lie gestured, "Sit."

Dan Zhu bowed and said, "Yes, Father."

Dan Zhu sat down respectfully.

Mo Hua also sat beside Dan Zhu as if there were no one else present.

In front of him on the table were wine and food.

Mo Hua, feeling hungry, took a piece of meat, found it tough to chew, then sipped some wine, which turned out to be cold.

Raising his head, Mo Hua surveyed the hall.

At this moment, the entire hall was rather empty, with only the Great Chief Dan Lie and Dan Bie present.

Before Dan Zhu and Mo Hua had entered, it seemed the father and son had been discussing something for a long time, as the wine and food had grown cold without a conclusion.

Most barbarian cultivators, being body cultivators, were like buffaloes, able to eat anything, not minding cold or hard food.

But Mo Hua was different; he had been frail since childhood, rather "precious," unable to eat the "raw and cold fare," thus after tasting a bit, he politely put it down.

On the other side, Great Chief Dan Lie looked at Dan Zhu for a long time before slowly opening his mouth to ask:

"You... are with the Shugu Tribe?"

Dan Zhu tried to explain, "No..."

Dan Lie asked, "No?"

Dan Zhu froze, thought for a moment and then could only admit, "Yes..."

After all, the truth was, he was indeed with the Shugu Tribe at the moment.

Dan Lie’s gaze grew colder, even carrying some anger, but he still restrained his temper, his tone carrying a hint of questioning:

"What is your relationship with the Shugu Tribe now? You surely haven’t... truly defected to them?"

Dan Zhu shook his head repeatedly, "No, we... no, I am just... working with the Shugu Tribe. Serving the Divine Lord together..."

Dan Lie frowned, "Serving the Divine Lord?"

To him, this statement seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

He knew well that the Shugu Tribe worshipped the Barbarian God, particularly those who were wild and uncivilized, when did they start worshipping the "Divine Lord"?

The "Divine Lord" was an ancient deity name, a long-standing reference, its existence was still debatable.

How could the Shugu Tribe suddenly change their belief?

Dan Lie couldn’t help but turn to look at Mo Hua, "Mr. Witch, is what Dan Zhu said true?"

Mo Hua nodded, "Indeed."

Dan Lie asked, "The Shugu Tribe previously worshipped... it wasn’t the Divine Lord, was it?"