Chapter 279
C279 – Gathering Place
Posted on October 11, 2018 by AzureOrchid92
According to the records left by the ancestors, there should be two tall stone pillars in the vicinity of fire pit, not one. When Shao Xuan first came to the old haunt, he only saw a one high pillar, as for the other, it might have been destroyed a long time ago, may be man-made or a natural disaster.
In addition, there were other short stone pillars, the meaning was not as big as the former two, so it was more flexible to portray.
Shao Xuan was responsible for the two largest pillars closest to fire pit. The other columns were arranged to depict people, and some symbolic patterns to portray it will do.
The two largest pillars Shao Xuan was responsible for were located on both sides of the fire pit, one in the direction of the sun rising while the other in the direction of the sun setting.
There were mainly totem-like paintings on the stone pillars, but these totem lines were slightly different from those on the warriors. The gaps in the texture were larger, and many large gaps will depict some patterns.
The stone pillar in the direction of the sun rising would be depicting machetes, bows, stone balls, hammers, axes, pickaxes, chisels, and other artifacts commonly used by warriors, including hunting and daily life. In addition, there were all kinds of fierce beasts. Although there were many pictures, each pattern was not complicated, as the painting on the skin rolls were only a few strokes to be able to show their characteristics, so that one could see at a glance what was drawn on it.
The one by the sun setting direction was characterized by a variety of plants, flowers, ornaments and so on. There were a variety of cultivated and harvested species, part of which was commonly used herbs.
The pattern on the stone pillars represented the meaning of harvest and prosperity, as well as the tribe’s aspirations, which was divided into two articles.
Shao Xuan first used his memory to draw on an animal skin roll, and then chop a wood to try it on a smaller model. The small wooden stakes were simple. The day before, Shao Xuan began to engrave so that the next morning, he could take it to the Shaman and the chief to see.
When the great stone pillars were finished, they were put up and the tribe was full of cheers. Even from the wanderers area, as long as one climbed up a tree and pull out the leaves blocking the line of sight, you could see the two pillars standing high up there.
The smaller pillars in other parts of the tribe have also been completed one after another. This was the same on the ancestors’ records, as the tribe from thousands of years ago became more and more close. Perhaps in thw future, the tribe would undergo more changes, but now, they just wanted to try to replicate what the tribe looked like in the past.
The stone pillars were completed and the ancestors’ cremation was carried out naturally.
This time, everyone saw the appearance of the seven ancestors. However, no one was afraid, giving more reverence as well as a more respectful and pious worship. They prayed for the ancestors to bless their harvest, prayed for peace, prayed to be strong, prayed for their young children to be able to awaken smoothly.
In the fire pit, the flame ignited the seven ancestors’ bodies, until even the ashes were gone.
A fierce wind was blowing from the mountains. Unknown whether it was because of the influence of these newly erected pillars, but the wind blowing carried some sounds like anothers’ voice, whispering and singing.
Some said that the ancestors whose bones were not left in the forest were back. Some said it was the ancestors’ response to their prayers.
No matter what the truth was, people thought that was it, since no one would actually stand up to refute.
After the ceremony of the ancestors’ cremation and everyone had dispersed, Ao went to the side of the stacked broken stones and stood for a long time. Most of these stone were fragments of stone pillars destroyed by the people of the Wanshi tribe. There were also building fragments from other places. Whenever they saw these, the Flaming Horns people held their breath.
“The Wanshi tribe, we are definitely going to fight!” said Ao.
Sooner or later there will be a war with the Wanshi tribe, Shao Xuan knew that clearly. The Flaming Horns tribe would not be able to swallow this otherwise, as it was also unworthy to the ancestors. Perhaps, the ancestors were worried that some people would come to destroy the placd so they could only bring those precious “history” to the depths of the forest, hide it far away where others would dare not go to.
“Maybe this war will not be far off.” Ao said, looking to Shao Xuan, “Ah-Xuan, although I do not like the other tribes who meddle in our war, but, for what they call the slave lord, I still care. After all, those are things we don’t know, since the ancestors never recorded them.”
As a leader, naturally he needed to think more and not act rashly. If there was no slave lord, even if the other tribes in the central region opposed, he would not care. But with the slave owner, Ao’s heart indeed have scruples. For the Wanshi tribe which was predicted by their ancestors to die to actually become powerful, what role did the slave owners play in it?
“I’m going to be a good spy on the slave owners after joining that expedition.” Shao Xuan said. Even though he had seen a slave owner, he knew very little and one thing was that: “the slave owner has great ambition.”
Ao also knew this made the central tribes afraid. Even their hatred between each other was put aside, therefore, the slave owner was naturally not easy to deal with.
“Take Lei and Tuo with you this time,” said Ao.
The Flaming Horns tribe could send three people to join the expedition team. Lei was very famous in the tribe’s younger generation. Ater all, his family ancestors had been tribal leaders. Lei’s own strength was also good and he manage to raise a fierce beast. Tuo as well, was not bad, being able to join the advance team early meant that he has enough strength.
The time of gathering according to Huang Ye was already coming close, hence, Shao Xuan together with the two were about to leave. Before he left, Huang Ye gave them a map that marked the location of the gathering.
It was a simple map with a few monotonous strokes and general tribal branch logos which was too vague. If no one led them, it would not be easy to find. Fortunately, Shao Xuan has a more detailed map on hand. Although it was not complete, the location of the gathering Huang Ye mentioned was just near the edge of the map drawn by Shao Xuan.
The edge of the map was naturally not the edge of the mainland. Farther away, Shao Xuan was unable understand and he could not get the exact information from other people. But this time, he could perfect the map himself.
Among the three joining the expedition, Shao Xuan was the youngest but still the one with the highest status, being an elder. Therefore, without Ao and the other people telling them, Lei and Tuo knew that, this time outside, they had to follow Shao Xuan’s decisions. Anyway, they were good at hunting, not exploring.
Because of special circumstances, Lei could not take his own domesticated beast with him, so he left it to his father. Shao Xuan also chose not to bring Caesar, since the external risks were too big which made it inconvenient to bring him.
“You can follow Uncle Mai to hunt but do not wander too much. At home, listen to Old Ke’s words. In the mountain forest, if you caught the eyes of a female wolf, you can bring it back to show everyone, but don’t let it bite the people of the tribe…” Shao Xuan said while brushing Caesar.
Caesar’s interest was not high, but it was a little emotional for Shao Xuan to go out without it. Shao Xuan only whispered a few words to it.
Three days later, Shao Xuan, together with Lei and Tuo left the tribe to travel to the gathering place Huang Ye mentioned. They left when the sun was not out yet, and except for a few, they did not disturb the rest of the tribe.
Note: I was curious why it was Lei. And Ceasar was left again.. Sad..
Two chapters again today! I could read the mtls faster but editing takes longer since I’m looking at two versions, Google and Bing translated.