Chapter 116: Bonds of Affection

The Silver Moon Tribe was restless, haunted by the goddess’s punishment inflicted upon their sacred maiden, while the Moon God Tribe remained bustling with activity.

Once the messenger arrived, the entire tribe sprang into action, preparing for war.

Within the chieftain’s great hall, leader Adair was deep in discussion with his mother. Their central concern was how to face the impending conflict.

“Ah, Sun Licheng was such a fine young man. What could he have done to provoke the goddess to issue a divine edict calling for his punishment? The whims of the gods are truly unfathomable,” sighed the elder chieftain softly.

Only she and her son were present in the chamber, which gave her the courage to speak so freely.

“Mother, is there any way our tribe can avoid joining the battle?” Adair asked quietly, hope shining in his eyes.

The old chieftain shook her head, sighing again. “It’s impossible not to go. This is a divine decree issued personally by the goddess. As her children, we cannot resist. If we refuse to fight, the Moon God Tribe will surely suffer her severe wrath.”

Her thoughts turned painfully to Sun Licheng’s past aid to their tribe.

Adair fell silent for a moment, then knelt and took two steps before leaning close to his mother’s ear and whispering, “I want to inform Sun Licheng, so he can prepare himself.” He fixed her with a steady gaze.

The old woman said nothing, slowly closing her eyes.

Seeing this, Adair rose and was about to leave the room when the elder suddenly opened her eyes and softly commanded, “Return.”

Adair halted, his heart heavy, and turned back. Then he heard her continue in a low voice, “Do not go yourself. Have little Ivan secretly ride the elk to deliver the message quickly and quietly. Above all, the tribe’s great shaman must not find out.”

A flash of resolve lit Adair’s eyes. He nodded firmly and then turned to go.

“Ah...”

After her son had left, the elder chieftain closed her eyes again and let out a long, weary sigh that echoed through the empty hall, full of helplessness.

Meanwhile, at the Moonstone Tribe, the one-eyed dragon leader had gathered the remaining dozen able-bodied men immediately after the messenger’s departure, preparing to march to the Star-Moon Tribe.

Suddenly, the tribe’s elder chieftain grabbed his arm.

“Chief, what is this about?” the one-eyed leader asked, puzzled.

“You must promise me two things on this campaign. First, do not charge ahead. Second, avoid the Flower-Planting Tribe unless absolutely necessary—keep your distance,” the elder said sternly, fixing her gaze on his single eye.

“Why? We’re going to attack the Flower-Planting Tribe. If we hold back as you say, won’t the other tribes look down on us? How can the Moonstone Tribe hold its head high in the Moon Alliance then?” the leader protested, displeased.

The elder chieftain scolded him, slapping his head. “Sun Licheng helped us clear the caves and brought us food. You have no choice but to lead this expedition, but rushing ahead would be ungrateful. Besides, you can’t defeat them anyway.”

When the leader stubbornly stiffened his neck again, she smacked him once more and continued, “Who is he? He’s a goblin hero! Even if not for yourself, think of your people. Our tribe cannot afford to lose any more lives.” With that, she released his arm.

The one-eyed leader wanted to argue but glanced at the dozen or so old, weak, and wounded warriors behind him, and his defiance melted away. He nodded reluctantly.

Watching the tribe depart, the Moonstone elder heaved a long sigh. “Silver Moon Goddess, when will this endless cycle of bloodshed end? When can we live in peace for a few days?”

At the marketplace, now deserted, Sun Licheng sighed deeply. The goblins of the Moon Alliance had all withdrawn.

He had not made things difficult for them. Whether out of a desire for peace or mercy, he had not sent warriors to attack these civilians. At least until they took up arms against the Flower-Planting Tribe, they were still common folk.

Would the goblins appreciate this? Sun Licheng bitterly smiled. Days had passed, yet not one familiar face from the Moon Alliance had come to update him on the situation or offer any comfort.

“Perhaps I truly am a failure as a person,” he muttered self-deprecatingly.

Turning, he led the craftsman and others back to the tribal camp.

The camp was similarly empty. After a day, a third of the tribe had chosen to leave. Stone was particularly unwilling to depart, tears glistening in his eyes.

Sun Licheng smiled and patted his shoulder. “You must live well. Only by living on can there be a future. When you leave, don’t join the Moon Alliance immediately—hide first. If, after the war, our Flower-Planting Tribe still stands, then you can come back...” He could not finish the sentence. Against such formidable foes, how could their tribe possibly survive?

He shook his head at the thought.

“Ah...”

He sighed again. Only now did Sun Licheng begin to understand why the two great deities had hidden themselves away. This world was perilous beyond measure.

This was no lawless world where a mortal armed with mere technology could contend with all powers. It was a magical realm ruled by mighty gods, where danger lurked everywhere.

On Earth, even if you committed crimes, crossing borders could often grant you safety. But here, no matter how far you fled, the gods would seize you.

Just as his spirits sagged, the craftsman flew over, bringing news that a young goblin riding an elk had arrived with a message from Adair, leader of the Moon God Tribe.

Hearing this, Sun Licheng recalled Adair’s honest, round face and couldn’t help but smile wryly. “I guess I’m not such a complete failure after all—someone still thinks of me.”

Little Ivan had brought many items with him, including a full set of bronze armor and a fine blade—gifts from Sun Licheng to Adair—which made the young goblin very happy.

Watching the elk’s retreating figure, Sun Licheng said to the craftsman, “Tell everyone to prepare. No matter what, we must move forward. Even if gods stand in our way, they cannot stop our steps!”

The craftsman acknowledged and flew back to the camp.

Sun Licheng stood a while longer, took a deep breath, adjusted his gear, and then turned resolutely back inside.

In the tenth month of the first year of the Flower-Planting Tribe, the Moon Alliance mobilized eight thousand warriors. Led by the Star-Moon Tribe, they advanced with overwhelming might...