Accordingly, if a tribe has too few women, the number of newborn babies will be relatively small, and the newborns cannot make up for the loss of the tribe’s population, so the tribe will slowly decline. After all, this continent is no paradise; people die at every moment.

Therefore, offering young women to the Black Mountain Tribe is digging at the very roots of the Grant Tribe!

“You...!”

Stared at by Charles Bennett's burning gaze, Edward Strong felt as if he were facing a bloodthirsty beast, cold sweat breaking out on his back. Immediately, a surge of rage rose within him—he felt humiliated for being intimidated by Charles Bennett.

With no more experts at the Blood Refining Realm, in his eyes, the Grant Tribe was just a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, ready to be wiped out at any moment. Charles Bennett was nothing but a clown ignorant of his own mortality, while he, Edward Strong, was the young chief of the Black Mountain Tribe, the legitimate son of a Blood Refining Realm master—how could he suffer such humiliation?

Just as Edward Strong was about to explode, Elder Sutton grabbed him, signaling him not to further provoke the people of the Grant Tribe. “Chief Bennett, don’t act on impulse and needlessly bury the lives of thousands of your clansmen!”

“Hopefully, within five days, we’ll see Miss Alice Moore and a hundred young women appear in my Black Mountain Tribe.”

“Farewell! Hahaha...”

With that, the two of them laughed wildly and left.

Watching the two leave as if no one else existed, Charles Bennett's facial veins bulged, the corners of his mouth splitting into a cold smile.

“It’s still uncertain who will win or lose! Since you’re courting death, don’t blame me for making an example out of you.”

Since taking over as chief, Charles Bennett increasingly felt the difficulty of being the head of a tribe. The old chief of the Grant Tribe had gone missing, and for thousands of miles around, the tribe was like a fat sheep—everyone wanted a bite, but each feared others would profit, so all the tribes were watching and waiting. The Black Mountain Tribe just couldn’t hold back and jumped out first.

“Chief, don’t worry. At worst, when the time comes, I’ll risk this old body of mine and never let them succeed. I’ve lived nearly a hundred years, weathered countless storms, slain countless foreign tribes. Now I’m old, my vitality exhausted, with one foot in the grave. If I can’t die on the battlefield against outsiders, let this old body do one last thing for the tribe! As long as we’re still alive, our Grant Tribe will surely flourish again on this continent.”

Seeing Charles Bennett staring blankly, motionless, Samuel Grant gripped his arms tightly and spoke with firm resolve.

Earlier, the old man hadn’t voiced his opinion much. Having lived so long and seen so much, how could he not understand the wolfish ambitions of the Black Mountain Tribe? Even a marriage alliance couldn’t stop their desire to annex the Grant Tribe. Although he didn’t fully agree with Charles Bennett’s decision, since the situation was unavoidable, it was better to fight with their backs to the river—if they won, they’d be reborn in fire; if they lost, at least they’d go out with a bang.

“And me!”

“I’ll join too.”

...

Seeing the elder speak this way, the clansmen who hadn’t yet dispersed began to shout as well.

Helping the old man back to the stone chair, Charles Bennett waved for everyone to quiet down, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

“I know everyone is indignant inside, blaming me as chief for being cowardly, letting others bully us at our doorstep while I shrink back. If it truly comes to a fight, I, Charles Bennett, swear I will be at the very front lines. If I retreat even one step, anyone may cut me down. Unless I die in battle, I will never let any of our tribe’s elders or children suffer at the hands of outsiders. In this critical moment, everyone go back and prepare the troops and weapons, and be on guard against sneak attacks from other tribes.”

After calming the crowd and waiting for them to disperse, Charles Bennett turned to Samuel Grant and said, “Ancestor, with over a thousand brave warriors in my William Grant, there’s no need for you to take the field. Besides, as for Blood Refining Realm fighters, my Grant Tribe will have them too!”

“What did you say?”

Perhaps due to his age, Samuel Grant hadn’t quite heard what Charles Bennett said.

Facing the elder’s question, Charles Bennett didn’t answer, but instead gave him a mysterious smile.

Heaven’s secrets must not be revealed!

Chapter 2: The Supreme Treasure, Mountain and River Seal

The arrogant and domineering attitude of the Black Mountain Tribe quickly spread throughout the entire Grant Tribe. From the elderly in their twilight years to the mischievous toddlers who chased chickens and dogs, everyone was filled with righteous indignation at the conditions proposed by the Black Mountain Tribe. Of course, some clansmen felt that sacrificing a few people for the safety of the tribe was acceptable.

Naturally, as the chief, Charles Bennett did not express his stance on any of this, so people could only discuss it in private.

The threat from the Black Mountain Tribe also brought a sense of crisis to the Grant Tribe. Some young people who were usually lazy and unmotivated became much more diligent. In short, at this moment, most of the tribe was united as one—an outcome Charles Bennett hadn’t expected.

“Looks like I’ll have to prepare a grand gift to thank the Black Mountain Tribe.” Although he said words of thanks, Charles Bennett didn’t feel the slightest bit grateful. The unity of the tribe was something Charles Bennett was happy to see. After all, to repel external threats, internal stability must come first. Only then could he give his all to fight the enemy. “What kind of world is this, really?... The clouds change, and the world is unpredictable.” Returning to his own quarters, staring at the empty stone house, Charles Bennett suddenly muttered this aimless sentence. At the same time, a fist-sized ancient bronze seal had somehow appeared in his palm.