110: Ancient Covenant

In Qin Jin’s perception, the aura of wish power emanated from the bundle behind the woman, having no direct connection with her.

“It’s like some kind of artifact imbued with wish power, carried by her.”

“A method set up by the Tu Yang Tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit?”

A thought flashed through Qin Jin’s mind, but he did not conduct a deeper investigation.

These visitors from the Tu Yang Tribe currently displayed a very friendly attitude.

Under these circumstances, Qin Jin had no intention of breaking this relationship first. The other party seemed to be carrying an artifact imbued with wish power; just this method alone meant that the Tu Yang Tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit, whom he had never met, was far superior to Fengyu Tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit, Bai Su.

From their mouths, he might be able to obtain more information about the Great Wilderness.

Anticipation rose in Qin Jin’s eyes as he waited quietly.

Xia Yanh Tiger strode away.

The three individuals from the Tu Yang Tribe, for safety reasons, were settled on the outskirts of the tribe, accompanied by other tribespeople who had returned with them.

The two accompanying men were tall and full of vigor, while the woman was comparatively short, but on her right cheek, there were Treasure Technique patterns extending to her shoulder, giving her an unusual wild beauty.

The three stood in place, observing their surroundings with inexplicable gazes.

The construction of the Si Huo Tribe had never stopped. Looking at the Si Huo Tribe members diligently building their homeland in the distance, their hearts couldn't help but stir.

Just then.

Xia Yanh Tiger strode over.

“Three guests.”

His voice was steady: “Our Lord Sacrificial Spirit is willing to meet you.”

Hearing this, the three exchanged glances, all showing joy.

The woman’s eyes showed contemplation, and she said earnestly, “How should we address your tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit?”

Xia Yanh Tiger’s expression remained unchanged: “Lord Sacrificial Spirit’s name is Jin.”

After a brief exchange, the three followed Xia Yanh Tiger deeper into the tribe.

The outermost area continued to be built, while inside the tribe, as night fell, cooking smoke rose, and the aroma of cooked meat permeated the air.

There were also strong tribespeople stationed in the tribe, practicing martial arts together, their momentum shaking the heavens.

With ample medicinal baths and a martial arts system, the Si Huo Tribe members were extremely solid from the ground up, each not to be underestimated. The three visitors from the Tu Yang Tribe looked at all this, exchanging glances, their expressions becoming increasingly solemn.

They went deeper.

Outside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

Xia Yanh Tiger entered first, and after receiving permission, he led the three into the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

The moment they stepped into the hall, before they could even clearly see the full appearance of the Offering Fire Sacrificial Spirit, the bodies of the three suddenly felt heavy, clearly perceiving an invisible pressure permeating all around.

Almost without any hesitation, the leading woman bowed, and her voice rang out.

“Sheng Yi of the Tu Yang Tribe greets the esteemed Offering Fire Sacrificial Spirit, and greets Lord Jin.”

Behind her.

The other two also bowed respectfully.

“Tu Yang Tribe.”

Qin Jin’s voice, imbued with pressure, echoed in the hall: “Are you searching for and visiting other tribes under the command of your tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit?”

Hearing the inquiry, Sheng Yi slowly raised her head.

Just a fleeting glimpse earlier, but now, the full appearance of the azure lightning dark halberd entered her sight, and her eyes unconsciously filled with surprise, clearly seeing such a Sacrificial Spirit for the first time.

As the surprise flashed, she suppressed the turmoil in her heart and said earnestly, “That’s right.”

Hearing her reply.

Qin Jin’s expression was calm, his attention already sweeping past the three and falling on the bundle behind her, and he slowly spoke: “What does the Tu Yang Tribe seek by visiting other tribes?”

“To befriend all tribes.”

Sheng Yi seemed to have met Sacrificial Spirits from other tribes before; her expression had now calmed down. She reached into her embrace and took out a beast hide scroll.

“In the Great Wilderness, fierce beasts rampage, and dangers lurk everywhere.”

“We have explored all the way here and have seen countless ruins and remnants of tribes. All tribes residing in the Great Wilderness should help each other and exchange what they have and lack.”

“We are traveling under the command of our Lord Sacrificial Spirit precisely to establish connections with other tribes, and furthermore, we can set up trade caravans to exchange goods.”

Speaking of this.

She gestured to her two tribesmen, who took the beast hide scroll and unfolded it, one on each side.

This was clearly a map.

It looked like their route from the Tu Yang Tribe to here, with seven or eight tribal locations marked on it, and some ruined tribal remnants also recorded.

However.

The map did not clearly record the location of the Tu Yang Tribe.

As the map unfolded, Sheng Yi’s voice rang out: “Lord Jin, we are willing to present this map as a token of our sincerity.”

“The Tu Yang Tribe is willing to form a good relationship with the Si Huo Tribe. When we return, we also welcome members of the Si Huo Tribe to visit our Tu Yang Tribe.”

Qin Jin’s gaze withdrew from the map.

Whether this map was real or fake, it had reference value for the current Si Huo Tribe.

The azure lightning dark halberd sat on the seat, leaning forward, with his arms resting on his legs, seemingly looking at the map, yet an oppressive feeling swept over them, causing the two who unfolded the map to involuntarily retreat several steps.

Qin Jin’s voice also rang out at this moment.

“What the Tu Yang Tribe seeks is probably more than just this.”

“Since your tribe’s Sacrificial Spirit has also come, and a guest is a guest, why not let it come out and discuss with me in detail?”

His voice echoed in the hall.

When observing from afar outside, it was impossible to be certain.

But now, in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, in his own territory, at such close proximity, ever since Sheng Yi and the two others entered, Qin Jin clearly perceived that the wish power on her back had become active, faintly seeming to be actively observing him.

This gave Qin Jin some clarity.

As Qin Jin’s voice fell.

Sheng Yi, who had been trying her best to maintain her composure, suddenly changed her expression.

She bit her lip. Qin Jin perceived that the wish power aura behind her fluctuated for a moment, as if communicating with her.

A moment later.

Sheng Yi did not speak, but took off the bundle from her back and unfolded it.

Inside.

It was a lamp.

The lamp resembled a large bowl supporting a small bowl, supported by a jade pillar. There was no flame above it, but an ancient aura, entwined with golden mist.

It’s worth mentioning.

The lamp itself looked more like porcelain, cast from unknown material, but compared to the beast hide clothing worn by the Tu Yang Tribe and others, it seemed out of place.

“This is probably an artifact left from the Tiancang Immortal Dynasty period.”

A thought flashed through his mind.

After the lamp was revealed, under Qin Jin’s gaze, the wish power shrouding it rose, and more wish power surged out from within the lamp. The golden cloud mist transformed, finally forming a phantom appearance.

It was a one-horned sheep, about one person’s height.

Its appearance was quite benevolent, with a single horn on its head and long white whiskers below its mouth reaching the ground. From its mouth, an aged voice rang out.

“Offering Fire Sacrificial Spirit.”

“To be able to perceive my existence, your strength far exceeds my expectations.”

“No wonder this place suffered a great disaster, and all surrounding tribes were destroyed, yet the Si Huo Tribe still remains.”

“Could it be…”

He paused here, his phantom figure fluctuating, and he raised a front hoof, stroking his long whiskers, like an old human stroking his beard in thought, gazing at Qin Jin: “Are you also one of the successors of the ancient covenant?”

“But why have I never heard of you?”

Qin Jin’s spirit was invigorated.

“Successor of the ancient covenant!”

This phantom figure before him was clearly the Tu Yang Sacrificial Spirit, manifested through wish power.

Its true body might still be in the tribe, with its wish power entrusted to the artifact, manifesting a clone to accompany them.

Moreover…

It clearly knew many things.

A thought turned in Qin Jin’s mind, and he dismissed the idea of impersonating the successor of the covenant he spoke of.

If the impersonation was exposed, it might affect the relationship between the two sides. For Qin Jin himself, obtaining more information was also more important.

“I am not the identity you speak of.”

Qin Jin’s voice was steady and blunt: “Tu Yang Sacrificial Spirit, since you have appeared, you can state your intention.”

“Not?”

Hearing Qin Jin’s reply, the Tu Yang Sacrificial Spirit’s face rippled, and his gaze towards Qin Jin became a little more solemn.

Its gaze swept over the tribesmen below, and it said in a deep voice: “Leave me here, and you go wait outside.”

The Sacrificial Spirit’s status was extraordinary, and Sheng Yi and the two others seemed to have acted before. Without any hesitation, they placed the lamp on the ground and turned to leave.

Seeing this.

Qin Jin’s eyes flashed with thought, and he waved his hand.

Xia Yanh Tiger cupped his fist and left with them.

After the Sacrificial Spirit’s presence was detected, Sheng Yi’s expression changed noticeably, but as the Sacrificial Spirit truly appeared and communicated with Qin Jin, the expressions of Sheng Yi and the two others quickly calmed down.

In Qin Jin’s view, this was a signal.

This Sacrificial Spirit of the Tu Yang Tribe should have actively appeared and communicated with other Sacrificial Spirits before, and thus—his tribesmen were familiar with this scene and would not be alarmed by it.

The four left together.

Inside the hall, the azure lightning dark halberd sat on the throne, and the phantom one-horned sheep hovered in mid-air. Qin Jin’s voice rang out.

“How should I address you, venerable one?”

“What does the ancient covenant you speak of refer to?”

“Allow me to answer one by one.”

The ripples on the Tu Yang Sacrificial Spirit’s face subsided, and it said earnestly: “This old one is Qi Shan, the Sacrificial Spirit of the Tu Yang Tribe.”

“Offering Fire Sacrificial Spirit, Jin.”

It spoke Qin Jin’s name in the Great Wilderness: “You are not a successor of the covenant, yet you possess such strength; you truly deserve to be called extraordinary.”

“Actually, even if you hadn’t detected me, I would have appeared to meet you after your conversation ended.”

“After all—”

“Having come all this way, seeing the scene of the Si Huo Tribe, and hearing your tribesmen’s praise for you, you have indeed established a deep connection with your tribe and are not a Sacrificial Spirit with a malicious or cruel nature.”

Qi Shan’s tone carried a sense of emotion.

Qin Chi listened quietly.

At this point, Qi Shan changed the subject and asked, “Are you sure you want to know about the covenant?”

“After knowing this, you will also bear corresponding responsibilities. When you grow old, you will also need to travel among the various tribes of the Great Wilderness, like me, to find a suitable successor.”

Qin Jin’s eyes lowered slightly, and his voice rang out: “Please speak freely.”

“Good!”

Qi Shan responded, and more golden mist surged from within the lamp, as it said in a deep voice: “Many years ago, there were no Sacrificial Spirits in the Great Wilderness.”

“Some human sages discovered a special power from an extraordinary treasure, called the power of sacrifice.”

“He investigated its origins, trying to trace it back, and found that it was one of the extraordinary powers existing between heaven and earth, extremely special, generated by sacrifice. But humans themselves could not wield this power. Finally, he found rare treasures and exotic beasts in the world and signed contracts with human settlements, making them the first Sacrificial Spirits and forming the first covenant.”

“Humans sacrificed and offered worship to Sacrificial Spirits, and Sacrificial Spirits provided protection for humans. This is the origin of Sacrificial Spirits.”

Qin Jin listened attentively.

The power of sacrifice it spoke of clearly referred to wish power.

Hearing this, he asked, “How long ago was the human sage you mentioned?”

“Are there any more detailed information?”

The one-horned sheep shook its head.

“Jin.”

“I told you, that was the initial source of Sacrificial Spirits.”

“I also, after becoming a Sacrificial Spirit, was sought out by the previous successor of the covenant and told this information. I do not know more detailed content. According to the Sacrificial Spirit who told me this information, those initial Sacrificial Spirits have long since perished.”

Qin Jin’s eyes flashed with thought, and he said in a deep voice: “What are the specific contents of the covenant?”

“That human sage divided the application of sacrificial power into two parts.”

“Among human tribes, he spread the method of sacrifice and how to establish connections with rare treasures and exotic beasts.”

“And the initial Sacrificial Spirits mastered the methods of applying sacrificial power that that human sage had explored.”

“These secret techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Each Sacrificial Spirit, when old, needs to find their own successor and pass down these secret techniques.”

“Sacrificial Spirits have vastly different personalities. Some exotic beasts appear kind, but after gaining power, their personalities may change drastically, becoming harsh and cruel to humans. What we need to do is to find Sacrificial Spirits who are harmonious with their tribes and truly fulfill their duties, to be their successors.”

Inside the cockpit, Qin Jin slowly exhaled.

In the Great Wilderness, the use of wish power was indeed not limited to body tempering.

It was just that this method was only spread in a small scope, and most Sacrificial Spirits could not touch the core essence of wish power at all.

“In your opinion, do I meet the requirements to be a successor?”

Qin Jin’s inquiry echoed.

“Of course.”

Qi Shan’s sheep head nodded slightly: “From small things, one can see big things. From the state and attitude of the Offering Fire tribesmen, one can see how you, this Sacrificial Spirit, perform. Sheng Yi and the others, having come all this way, communicated with the Offering Fire tribesmen. When discussing Sacrificial Spirits, they were quite wary and unwilling to reveal your information, but that respect was undeniable. This is also why I came with Sheng Yi.”

“After seeing the Si Huo Tribe, I became even more convinced of my point of view.”

“Even if you hadn’t discovered me, I would have appeared voluntarily.”

Speaking of this, it paused slightly and said in a deep voice: “What exactly happened in this area, that so many tribes were destroyed?”

“From the traces, it hasn’t been long either.”

Xia Yanh Tiger was quite knowledgeable. Among the old tribesmen, he served as the head of the hunting team and also had experience communicating with other tribes.

He clearly did not reveal relevant information to these outsiders, after all, the treasures left behind by the exotic beasts were within the tribe.

Hearing the question, Qin Jin answered concisely: “A Ancient Remnant Species attacked from the depths of the Great Wilderness and massacred many surrounding tribes.”

“Ancient Remnant Species?”

Surprise appeared in Qi Shan’s eyes.

Seeing this, Qin Jin’s heart stirred, and he asked: “Do you know what exists in the depths of the Great Wilderness? Do you know the origin of this Ancient Remnant Species?”

“I do not.”

Qi Shan shook its head: “After becoming a Sacrificial Spirit, my true body has been stationed in the tribe, and I have never personally ventured into the depths of the Great Wilderness.”

“However, the previous successor did mention to me that there are great dangers in the depths of the Great Wilderness and not to approach.”

Speaking of this, it pressed on: “Where is that Ancient Remnant Species now? Has it retreated?”

“It is dead.”

Qin Jin replied.

He did not dwell on this topic. Now that he had finally met a Sacrificial Spirit who knew more information, he decisively continued to ask: “Qi Shan.”

“Have you heard of the Divine Kingdom?”