Chapter 32 Loyalty (1/2)

Chapter 32: Allegiance (12)

Upon witnessing the current scene, the shaman let out another sigh, though this time it was mingled with relief. Torn by a tangle of emotions, he addressed Li Hongshen with a complicated heart:

“We have lost. Your warrior is truly formidable. Please have him withdraw his weapon. I swear upon my own shamanic name—we will not resist, and we shall integrate into your tribe.”

Li Hongshen offered a thoroughly professional smile, revealing six pristine upper teeth. He leaned forward slightly and made an inviting gesture.

“I understand. Please, proceed.”

Hearing Li Hongshen’s words, the shaman’s lips twitched. Gazing at that smiling face, he couldn’t help but doubt his own choice—could a lord such as this truly survive in the endless wilderness?

But the situation left him no room for stubbornness. He calmed his inner turmoil, drew a knife from his belt, and cut his own palm.

“I, the shaman, swear upon my own name and my life, leading my tribe to—”

He faltered, turning to look at Li Hongshen. In less than half a day of contact, he had already handed over his tribe. Now, as he attempted to pledge allegiance, he realized he did not even know the name of the man he was swearing to, nor the tribe he was to join. From the very first encounter, Li Hongshen had controlled the pace entirely.

Noting the shaman’s hesitation midway through his oath, Li Hongshen’s eyes flickered and he quickly supplied, “My name is Li Hongshen, from the Hong tribe. Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. My apologies, please continue.”

Of course, Li Hongshen had not truly forgotten; he had always planned for the possibility of defeat and escape, leaving this group behind as his home’s defense. After all, these people neither knew the name of his tribe nor its location; even if hunting parties crossed paths in the wilds, there would be no reason for deadly conflict.

But now that he had won, there was no harm in revealing his name and tribe—how else could they swear allegiance properly?

The shaman sighed again, increasingly convinced that young people nowadays lacked all sense of honor, bullying the elderly without shame. Seizing the moment before his wound healed, he hurried to complete the oath—better that than having to cut himself again.

“I, the shaman, swear upon my own name and my life, leading my tribe to pledge allegiance to Li Hongshen, and hope the Hong tribe will truly accept us. Let the endless wilderness bear witness: should I break my vow, may my powers be stripped and my life forfeit.”

Upon hearing the shaman’s oath, Li Hongshen was finally able to set aside most of his worries. He quickly stepped forward, grasped both of the shaman’s arms, and gave them a vigorous shake.

“To gain your allegiance today is truly my greatest honor. I will not disappoint you. From now on, we are one tribe, with a bright future ahead.”

The shaman gave a wry smile, unmoved by Li Hongshen’s grand promises. If not for the surprise attack, with the skills of a spellcaster and the advantage of the bamboo grove’s terrain, who knew who would have won in the end?

“My lord, perhaps you should have your warrior stand down—the standoff over there is still ongoing.”

“Haha, yes, yes, I got carried away by the excitement.”

“Li Zhong, what are you waiting for? Stand down! From now on, we’re all family—let’s not harbor grudges.”

Only then did Li Zhong withdraw his weapon. This had been the secret signal from Li Hongshen; until he gave the word, Li Zhong would not have lowered his guard. There was even a separate signal to strike if needed—thankfully, it hadn’t come to that.

Once Li Zhong returned to Li Hongshen’s side, Ke tried to move behind the shaman, but Li Zhong blocked him again.

The shaman shook his head at this.

“My lord, chieftain, since I have sworn my allegiance, it is in earnest. Our tribe may no longer have an altar, but we still remember our customs. Now, would you mind letting go of my hand? It’s not quite proper for you to keep holding onto an old man like me.”

Instead of letting go, Li Hongshen gripped the shaman’s hand even tighter and shook it a few more times.

“On the contrary, what could be more appropriate? You are the shaman, I am the lord. Hand in hand, we will build a harmonious and beautiful future together. Besides, I saw you just now, empowering Ke. You must be exhausted—I’m just supporting you in case you stumble.”

The shaman was once more taken aback by this lord’s shamelessness. In broad daylight, before a crowd, a young man stubbornly clung to an old man’s hand—was this a testament to the distortion of human nature or the collapse of morality?

The shaman said nothing more, simply staring at Li Hongshen with slightly clouded eyes, while Li Hongshen returned the look with his own earnest gaze.

After a brief standoff, it was the shaman who yielded first.

“How about this: let Li Zhong support me while I sit and rest, and chat with you. Meanwhile, your people can help Ke gather our belongings, and perhaps you could help me collect the shamanic items as well.”

Li Hongshen nodded.

“That makes sense. It’s tiring for an elder to stand so long. But how about this: have everyone in your tribe gather here first. I have some rare items that will help us communicate better.”

The shaman shook his head slightly, then turned and spoke to his people. Some rushed into the bamboo huts, others climbed up onto the bamboo platforms.

Li Zhong and the others looked toward Li Hongshen, who gave a faint shake of his head, but subtly waved his arm.

Immediately, Li Zhong and the others turned away, watching the departing tribespeople out of the corners of their eyes. Their bodies relaxed, but their hands remained at their waists, ready to raise shields or draw blades at a moment’s notice.

They did not have to wait long. The women and children who had hidden in the bamboo houses now emerged, and a few warriors carrying bamboo bows descended from the platforms.

When all had gathered, Li Hongshen called out, “Li Zhong, hurry over here—didn’t you hear that the shaman is tired? Support him properly! If he falls, I’ll have words with you.”

Li Zhong dutifully moved behind the shaman and steadied his arm. The shaman shook his head and waved at Li Hongshen.

“I’m old now. Young people these days are truly remarkable. Go do what you must—don’t disappoint an old man like me.”

With that, the shaman stood in place, and Li Zhong supported him without the slightest sign of letting go.

Li Hongshen pulled out a tome of universal language from his pack, and with the first strike, tapped Ke on the head. Then he proceeded to touch each of the others in turn.

Finally, he returned to Ke.

“Now, can you understand what I’m saying?”

(End of chapter)