37: Grand Festival

Firelight flickered.

The humans of the Great Wilderness didn't know what machinery was, but the Deep Driller's distinct angles and its black and red coloring, blending into the darkness, made them feel a sense of awe.

“This is?”

“It’s Lord Jin!”

“The Lord Sacrificial Spirit has returned.”

The Sacrificial Fire Tribe people, who had gathered together and prepared for battle, let out joyful shouts upon seeing who had arrived.

Their vigilance dissipated, replaced by a feeling of relief.

In the Great Wilderness, the human race relied on the Sacrificial Spirit.

At the same time.

During this period, the Si Huo Tribe, following Qin Jin’s instructions, had taken in many tribesmen who had fled from other tribes.

Upon hearing someone reveal the Deep Drillers's identity, their first reaction was a bit flustered; they dared not look directly at the revered Sacrificial Spirit, yet couldn't help but steal glances.

Since they had joined the Si Huo Tribe, the massive being before them was the object of their faith.

Qin Jin's gaze swept over them.

At a glance, there were already hundreds of tribesmen gathered in the Si Huo Tribe.

After Qin Jin issued the command to take in other tribes, the Si Huo Tribe experienced vigorous development.

His mind stirred slightly, and he enveloped the python head with Wish Power, lest its inherent Pressure affect the tribesmen.

This was not the complete body of the Three-Headed Strange Python, and coupled with the erosion of time, though its appearance was ferocious, its Pressure was limited.

At the same time, he controlled the mecha through mental power.

The next instant, the lights installed all around the Deep Driller simultaneously lit up, and the darkness around the Si Huo Tribe was instantly dispelled.

The sudden bright light was distinctly different from the firelight, and the tribesmen of the Si Huo Tribe instinctively raised their arms to shield their eyes, but then immediately lowered them.

Humans always yearned for light.

Under gazes that were either eager, respectful, or curious, Qin Jin lifted his right arm, and the Deep Driller's right arm rose, dragging the python head in front of him.

With a burst of strength, it rolled forward half a circle on the ground.

The tribesmen of the Si Huo Tribe were able to see it completely.

What the Lord Sacrificial Spirit was dragging was actually the head of a giant python!

Among the crowd, some looked puzzled, while others, upon seeing the python head, were momentarily stunned before becoming uncontrollably excited.

They recognized the origin of this python head.

At the very front of the crowd.

It was Qi Chuan.

This elder was in charge of everything in the current Si Huo Tribe.

He had already learned from Qin Jin about the demise of the Ancient Remnant Species.

But at this moment…

Upon truly seeing the remnants of the opponent, and the ferocious python head, this elder, who had experienced much and was usually calm, found his expression involuntarily twisting, and hot tears welled up in his eyes.

He didn't hesitate at all, prostrating himself on the ground.

He didn't speak, yet it was as if he had already said something.

Among the crowd.

There were also other tribesmen who, when their tribe faced disaster, had seen the true form of the Ancient Remnant Species, and couldn't help but prostrate themselves alongside him.

Qi Chuan now served as the patriarch of the new Si Huo Tribe, and coupled with the influence of other tribesmen, within a few breaths, a large portion of the Si Huo Tribe's people faced the Deep Drillers and prostrated themselves.

Some knew the truth, some didn't understand its meaning, but bowing to the Sacrificial Spirit was a perfectly normal thing to do.

Qin Jin's voice rang out at this moment.

He did not communicate through mental voice.

With the growth of his mental power, combined with the mental voice for reference, he had already mastered the language of the Great Wilderness.

At this moment, outside the brightly lit, yet extraordinarily quiet Si Huo Tribe, his voice, augmented by mental power, carried authority, and with the assistance of Wish Power, it possessed a sense of sacredness.

He spoke softly, as if a god from beyond the heavens was whispering, his voice reverberating.

“This is the head of that Ancient Remnant Species.”

The brief words were spoken.

Like a floodgate opening, the tribesmen of the Si Huo Tribe prostrated themselves even lower, as if to embed themselves in the earth.

After realizing what had happened, joyous laughter and long-suppressed cries erupted simultaneously.

The Ancient Remnant Species that came from the depths of the Great Wilderness had destroyed everything.

Homes shattered, Lord Sacrificial Spirits fallen, all aspirations turned to dust, embarking on an unknown escape in fear, not knowing where tomorrow would lead.

Until…

They found a new home.

They had the protection of a new Lord Sacrificial Spirit.

The instigator of everything, the Three-Headed Strange Python, had fallen.

At this moment, in Qin Jin's line of sight, a brilliant golden mist rose from the vast, prostrate crowd before him, transforming into a long rainbow that streaked towards the Deep Driller.

Wish Power increased.

Even from the tribesmen who had just joined from other tribes, mist rose above them.

Because this was not generated by worship, but by pure gratitude.

Wish Power merged into his body, bringing a warm sensation.

Qin Jin's gaze swept over, and Wish Power was consumed, empowering his voice.

“All of you, rise.”

Under the influence of Wish Power, his voice had the effect of warming hearts and calming emotions.

Under the soothing effect of this voice, the emotional fluctuations of the Si Huo Tribe people gradually subsided.

Led by Qi Chuan, they gradually rose.

Qin Jin's gaze fell on the elder.

“Qi Chuan.”

He called out softly, about to continue speaking, but Qi Chuan, uncharacteristically, interrupted him and spoke at this moment.

“Sacrificial Spirit.”

Qi Chuan's eyes were somewhat bloodshot from tears, but his voice had already become steady: “We have prepared a Grand Sacrifice for you; please participate first.”

“Grand Sacrifice?”

This was a term Qin Jin, as a Newborn Sacrificial Spirit, had never heard of.

However, for Qi Chuan, who was usually most respectful of him, to interject directly showed its importance.

“Alright.”

Qin Jin's response sounded.

“Please follow me.”

Qi Chuan gave a look to Xia Yanh Tiger, who was not far beside him, and then turned around, gesturing an invitation.

Behind them.

The tribesmen of the Si Huo Tribe, who had been gathered together, now instinctively dispersed to both sides, clearing a wide path.

Qi Chuan led the way.

The Deep Driller followed behind, stepping forward.

Meeting the devout gazes and the Wish Power that occasionally flew towards him, Qin Jin entered the Si Huo Tribe.

He arrived at the Sacrificial Spirit Hall again.

Compared to its initial simplicity, the Sacrificial Spirit Hall had undergone significant changes.

It now had many more decorations and furniture, and even fire-attribute crystal cores were placed to provide light.

The decor was primitive and rough, but considering it was the Great Wilderness, it possessed a unique beauty.

As Qin Jin entered the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

Outside.

Under Xia Yanh Tiger's command, the tribesmen of the Si Huo Tribe began to busily set up.

During the days the Sacrificial Spirit had been away, under Qi Chuan's arrangements, they had already prepared.

…

Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

The Deep Driller turned around and sat on the throne in the hall.

He looked at Qi Chuan, his voice calm, praising: “It seems the Si Huo Tribe has developed well under your management.”

“If not for the Lord Sacrificial Spirit's blessing, it would not have been so smooth.”

Qi Chuan's voice was full of respect.

He bowed and slowly said: “Lord Sacrificial Spirit, during your absence, many tribesmen came seeking refuge, and we also accepted some brothers and sisters from other tribes.”

“The rampage of that Ancient Remnant Species was too widespread.”

Qi Chuan's voice held some sorrow: “Many tribes I had heard of, tribes that had contact with our Si Huo Tribe, have perished in this great calamity.”

“Fortunately.”

“It has fallen.”

“As of today, there are over five hundred people in the tribe, among them…”

Qin Jin listened quietly to his report, thoughts flickering in his mind.

The area where this Three-Headed Strange Python rampaged was wider than he had anticipated.

This… made him think of some other things.

Horse-bodied Human-faced God!

That entity also seemed to come from the depths of the Great Wilderness.

After slaying the Three-Headed Strange Python and taking its crystal core, it chose not to stay and left directly.

Until now…

No one had seen it again.

“Looking at it now, the Horse-bodied Human-faced God could find the other party in the vast Great Wilderness, with such a clear target, it can now be confirmed that it came precisely because of the Three-Headed Strange Python.”

“Everything was not accidental; it seems to be more like an enforcer type of character.”

“So, what exactly is in the depths of the Great Wilderness?”

This was a question that became terrifying upon closer thought.

Qin Jin temporarily suppressed this question in his heart.

Before him.

After Qi Chuan earnestly reported on the recent situation of the Si Huo Tribe, he looked up at the Deep Drillers: “Lord Sacrificial Spirit, there is one more thing to report to you.”

“Speak.”

“Fierce beasts roam the Great Wilderness, but it also contains treasures.”

“There are many places with unique treasure grounds.”

“A few days ago, the tribe accepted tribesmen from the Spring Stream Tribe.

The Spring Stream Tribe was named after a spiritual spring, and it was by relying on that spiritual spring that it attracted the protection of a powerful Sacrificial Spirit, thus rising to prominence.”

“I specifically asked the tribesmen from the Spring Stream Tribe.

Their spiritual spring has the miraculous effect of healing injuries, and it can also assist tribesmen in refining beast blood.”

“I have also heard of tribes where there exists a strange divine fire that never extinguishes.”

“With various tribes being destroyed now, there are quite a few such places.

Xia Yanh Tiger wants to lead people to explore various tribes, bring back what can be used, and leave markers for what cannot be moved.”

Qin Jin raised an eyebrow slightly.

He pondered for a moment: “Currently, how many people in the tribe have awakened Treasure Technique?”

“Three.”

“Xia Yanh Tiger is one of them.

Besides him, there is also Qi Ze, from our tribe's hunting team.”

“Qi Ze has a high talent for practicing the Breathing Method, and his progress is extremely fast.

A few days ago, after they returned from hunting fierce beasts, he successfully awakened his Treasure Technique with the help of beast blood.”

“The third person is from the Spring Stream Tribe.”

“His name is Ding Yang, and he awakened a fire-attribute Treasure Technique.”

Qi Chuan introduced them one by one.

“In that case, let Ding Yang lead the team.”

Qin Jin's voice was calm: “He is most familiar with the Spring Stream Tribe.

As for the other candidates, you arrange them.”

“This old man understands.”

Inside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, Qin Jin and Qi Chuan were conversing.

Soon after.

Outside the hall, footsteps were heard.

A tribesman dressed in animal skins entered the hall: “Lord Sacrificial Spirit, Elder Qi.”

“Everything is ready.”

“Lord Sacrificial Spirit, please follow me.”

Qi Chuan took a deep breath and led the way.

The massive mech moved through the tribe, arriving at the rear of the Si Huo Tribe.

Currently, the entire Si Huo Tribe, including the sentries stationed outside, had been called back and were gathered here.

Men, women, old, and young were all quite quiet, their eyes bright.

Only the infants, held by women, still nursing and oblivious to the world, occasionally sobbed, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

And in the open space behind the Si Huo Tribe.

A platform was built using giant trees and rocks as a base.

At the front of the platform, extremely precious items for the Si Huo Tribe were piled up.

Cores radiating faint light, precious medicines emitting a clear fragrance, and very special beast bones, etc...

At the rear of the platform.

A throne similar to the one in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall was situated.

“Lord Sacrificial Spirit, please ascend the sacrificial platform.”

Qi Chuan’s aged voice broke the silence.

Qin Jin’s gaze fell on the sacrificial platform, and he stepped forward, the Deep Driller ascending the platform amidst respectful gazes, then turning and sitting on the throne.

One mechanical arm of the Deep Driller lifted, resting on its leg, its palm supporting its head as it surveyed the area below.

The mechanical design of the humanoid mech, combined with this posture, brought a unique sense of oppression.

Below.

Qi Chuan held up a smooth fragment of a beast bone with both hands and slowly walked to the front of the crowd.

On the bone fragment.

Lines of secret script were engraved.

The next moment.

Led by Qi Chuan, the tribesmen behind him knelt down like a tide.

Qi Chuan held the bone fragment high with both hands, reciting not in the language of the Great Wilderness, but in a peculiar rhythm, like chanting scriptures.

Behind him.

As he murmured, the tribesmen prostrated themselves on the ground.

Qin Jin observed this scene.

“It looks similar to our first meeting, but it seems more complete.”

“If that’s the case, could this be the complete ritual for forming a contract with a Sacrificial Spirit?”

“Perhaps this is the true ancient wisdom passed down among the Human Race of the Great Wilderness.”

“During our first meeting, Qi Chuan was in a hurry and unprepared, so he could only try with the shortest ritual.”

“And I had just arrived in the Great Wilderness, so since the professional panel was triggered, I directly agreed.”

Qin Jin recalled everything in his mind.

It must be said that his initial contact with the Sacrificial Fire Tribe had led him down an extraordinary path in the Great Wilderness.

He looked to the front.

Amidst Qi Chuan’s murmurs, the peculiar rhythm converged into a song, and the secret script engraved on the bone fragment he held high with both hands actually began to glow at this moment.

Like fireflies in the night.

Initially, only individual characters flickered, gradually linking together into a book, the secret script’s light swaying, radiating a unique brilliance in the darkness.

In the projection of the light, the secret script was reflected in mid-air.

At this time.

Qi Chuan held the bone fragment, leaning forward, and knelt on the ground.

As he knelt.

Just like their first meeting, golden mist rose in the night, above the crowd, forming clouds of smoke above.

If the golden mist during the first worship was as thin as a trickling stream, then now, it was a lake with ripples!

The golden mist rose, gathered together, incredibly dense and pure.

It converged into a torrent, sweeping across the sky, flying towards the Deep Driller.

Where this torrent of wish power passed, beautiful sights visible to the naked eye flickered in the void, then disappeared in an instant.

The next moment…

The wish power entered the Deep Driller, merging into Qin Jin’s body.

He suddenly had an epiphany.

The vast difference from the first worship was not only due to the number of people and the completeness of the ritual, but also because during the first meeting, the Si Huo Tribe members offered their faith out of trust in Qi Chuan, in a state of ignorance.

But now.

Qin Jin, who had returned with the head of a Ancient Remnant Species, had already established unparalleled prestige, and the Si Huo Tribe members were willing to offer everything to the Sacrificial Spirit.

His thoughts were only for a fleeting moment.

On the panel, wish power rapidly increased.

This incredibly pure wish power, merging into his body, brought about a chain reaction.

Qin Jin clearly perceived that his life energy was surging, incredibly potent, like the rising sun, containing astonishing vitality.

His physique was tempered under the influence of wish power, and his mental strength grew as wish power nourished it.

This was merely a secondary effect of wish power.

In Qin Jin’s mental perception, as wish power poured in, the Deep Driller also began to change!

The first thing to change was the glowing orb suspended in front of Qin Jin in the cockpit.

This was the Deep Driller’s control core module; a Martial Artist needed to establish a mental connection with the mech through it to control it.

As wish power poured in, the control core, which originally emitted a soft white light, was colored, turning from white to gold, radiating a brilliant golden glow.

“In that case, even if I switch to a different mech to control later, I can directly replace the control core.”

“Now, it’s truly become a holy relic.”

“It seems that under the influence of wish power, the mech is changing in a modular fashion.”

“The mech itself has no life after all; the target of the wish power is me.”

“So, is it because the Deep Driller mech has a mental connection with me, and the control core, being closest to me, changed first?”

Thoughts rapidly flashed by.

In the next moment.

An epiphany arose in Qin Jin’s mind.

As wish power increased, a quantitative change led to a qualitative change, and he gained insight into a Sacrificial Spirit-related ability.

[Blessing]

Time passed.

The golden mist completely merged into the Deep Driller.

In the cockpit, Qin Jin’s eyes slowly opened, a golden glow flashing across them.

He looked down at the kneeling Sacrificial Fire Tribe members, and a voice, sacred yet containing pressure, rang out.

“All of you, rise.”

As the voice sounded.

Wish power was consumed, and below, the golden mist scattered like fine rain, falling upon every tribesman.

A warm sensation spread throughout their bodies.

Knowing it was a gift from the Lord Sacrificial Spirit, gratitude appeared on the faces of the tribesmen.

And it was at this moment…

Among the crowd, two powerful auras suddenly erupted!

Xia Yanh Tiger!

Qi Ze!

Invisible waves of aura rippled out, and the surrounding tribesmen instinctively retreated a little. The auras of the two of them began to churn continuously, advancing towards the Newborn Realm!

The Human Race of the Great Wilderness, by refining beast blood and tempering their bodies, already had a very high foundation in their prime, when their qi and blood had not yet declined.

In the early stages of practicing the Breathing Method, it was more like a re-cultivation for them.

Xia Yanh Tiger was a standout among them, and Qi Ze had good talent in the Breathing Method. They had already touched the threshold of further advancement, and now, under the influence of wish power, they broke through smoothly!

They broke through to the Newborn Realm!

Newborn Realm Martial Artists would undergo their own transformation!

Both of them entered a state of transformation.

On the sacrificial platform.

Qin Jin did not pay attention to the two of them.

With a slight thought, his professional panel appeared.

Qin Jin’s gaze focused on the changed information.

[Life Index: 43.7]

[Mental Index: 37.2]

His own strength had advanced by leaps and bounds.

He looked at the Sacrificial Spirit profession, and the panel expanded.

[Sacrificial Spirit]

[Current Wish Power: 3735 points]

[Blessing: Lv1 (1%)]

Just like the Breathing Methods and Combat Methods mastered by Martial Artists, a Sacrificial Spirit ability that could be upgraded appeared on the professional panel.

Blessing, as the name suggests, could consume wish power to bless the Si Huo Tribe members, increasing their luck and providing all-around enhancements.

As the Blessing ability improved, its effects would gradually increase.

“Can this ability be used on myself?”

The question flashed through his mind.

Qin Jin did not rush to try it.

His gaze fell on the crowd below.

A large space was cleared around Xia Yanh Tiger and Qi Ze, and their auras were continuously rising, undergoing transformation.

Qin Jin’s eyes shifted, looking towards another figure.

It was a sturdy man with fiery red patterns on his right arm.

Qin Jin knew his identity.

Although it was their first meeting, he had already confirmed that this person was Ding Yang, from the Spring Stream Tribe.

This was not only because he bore the marks left by awakening a Treasure Technique.

It was also because, during the great sacrifice just now, the wish power generated by him was quite considerable and particularly prominent, attracting Qin Jin’s attention.

Individuals with greater talent and strength could provide more wish power.

This was something Qin Jin had known since he first became a Sacrificial Spirit.

During the great sacrifice just now, he clearly perceived that the wish power provided by Ding Yang even surpassed that of Qi Ze and Xia Yanh Tiger.

“Qi Ze and Xia Yanh Tiger both practiced the Breathing Method.”

“His ability to subtly surpass them can only mean one thing.”

“Either his talent is stronger, or the Treasure Technique he awakened is extremely powerful.”

As his thoughts turned.

Qin Jin’s gaze shifted, looking to the other side of the crowd.

The Si Huo Tribe members had all risen at his command.

Qin Jin’s vision focused on a small figure.

It was a little child, about six or seven years old, with pure eyes, looking at the sacrificial platform, one hand held by the woman beside him, the other unconsciously clutching the corner of his clothes, looking quite well-behaved.

“The situation with this little fellow can be directly confirmed.”

The other party was very young, but the wish power obtained from this child surpassed that of other tribesmen.

This indicated one thing.

This little fellow’s talent was extremely strong!