Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the days of the barbarian tribe, Zhang Jin gradually integrated into this new world.
Han Che, her mentor, also became her guide to exploring this land.
He taught her the skills of archery, how to track prey in the dense forest, and how to survive in this wilderness.
One day, they arrived at a riverbank. The river was wide, shimmering with waves, and a thin mist floated above the surface, like a silver ribbon winding through the land.
Han Che Stopping in her tracks, she pointed at the river and said in a deep voice, "This river, we call it Styx. It has been flowing through this land since ancient times, and it is said that the water comes from the springs of the underworld, hence its name."
Zhang Jin gazed at this mysterious river, feeling a chilling aura emanating from the water, as if it was different from the others, hiding many unknown mysteries.
"Is there anything special about the water of Styx?" Zhang Jin asked curiously.
Han Che smiled slightly, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes. He turned around, lightly flicking the water grass on the surface of the river with his fingers, and casually said:
"Legend has it that the water on the other side of the Styx can cleanse a person's worries and help them forget the past. But these are just legends passed down by the elders, and no one knows if they are true or not."
Zhang Jin did not ask further, knowing that every ethnic group has its unspoken secrets. So, she turned to ask Han Che about hunting techniques.
Han Che As he began to explain, his voice carried a comforting charm, and every movement seemed so natural and smooth.
He picked up an arrow, gently placed it on the bow, then drew, aimed, and released the arrow in one fluid motion.
An arrow pierced through the air and accurately hit a distant target.
"Hunting is not just a display of skill and strength, but also an art of harmonious coexistence with nature," Han Che turned around and said to Zhang Jin, "You need to learn to feel the breath of nature and synchronize with it in order to become a true hunter."
Zhang Jin listened intently, nodding frequently.
Under the guidance of Han Che, she gradually learned how to focus on her goals and find tranquility in the hunt.
However, what Han Che didn't tell Zhang Jin is the once-in-a-century ritual of the Styx - the sacrifice of the centennial bride. This is a secretive ceremony where, every hundred years, the barbarian tribe selects a pure bride to offer to the unfathomable God of the Underworld in exchange for the peace and prosperity of the village.
This tradition, to the outside world, is like a ghost in the fog, even the members of the tribe can only glimpse the tip of the iceberg.
Now, there is less than a year left until the next opening of The Gates of the Underworld.
The last festival was a thing of the past a hundred years ago, known only to that generation, and at that time the High Priest strictly prohibited the private transmission of relevant information.
At this time, the young women in the village would find various excuses to leave, either arranged by their parents to go far away, or hastily engaged to someone.
However, the wheel of fate had already turned. The High Priest still had a way, which was undoubtedly to designate a girl. If one wanted to escape this fate, they must go outside and find another girl to sacrifice.
In Han Che's heart, he deeply knew that Zhang Jin was just a substitute sought by Yun Yan to avoid her own fate. He chose to remain silent, unwilling to cause more trouble. As the Young tribal leader of the barbarian tribe, he bore the future and safety of his people, and the heavy burden of fate had long been pressing on his young shoulders.
From a young age, he has shouldered the responsibility of being the clan leader, well aware of the curse that haunts the clan - that every clan leader cannot escape the curse of turning 25. His father also passed away when he was young, leaving this heavy fate to him.
After this bride sacrifice, his mother will also choose a woman for him to continue the bloodline of the Han family.
Therefore, whether it is the new bride of the God of the Underworld or his own bride, the final outcome seems to have been predetermined by fate.
However, a hint of unwillingness has always been hidden in the heart of Han Che. He once secretly read the ancient documents of the high priest and discovered that three years ago, someone successfully escaped from the sacrifice and survived.
That year was the most turbulent year in the history of the barbarian tribe.
The sacrifice three years ago was not only an offering to the God of the Underworld, but also a test of the internal power balance within the tribe.
At that time, a woman with extraordinary abilities appeared in the tribe. Her presence not only disrupted the traditional order of the tribe, but also made the sacrifice ritual full of variables.
From ancient texts, it is known that the woman had the ability to communicate with nature. She could sense the emotions of the God of the Underworld and even communicate with it.
On the day of sacrifice, when everyone thought she would become a sacrifice to the God of the Underworld, she instead reached some kind of agreement with it in a mysterious way, thus escaping the shackles of fate.
But since that woman escaped her fate, she has never set foot in the barbarian tribe, and her whereabouts have become a mystery.
This passage of history was sealed by the high priest in the most rigorous manner because it involved the deep-seated beliefs of the tribe and the foundation of the rule of the barbarian tribe. If this past event were to be uncovered, not only would the impact of the sacrifices be greatly weakened, but the faith of the tribe would also be shaken, possibly even provoking the displeasure and disaster of the God of the Underworld.
Han Che found a glimmer of hope in this historical revelation. Perhaps Zhang Jin could also, like that woman, escape her fate and find her own way out. However, he could not directly tell Zhang Jin all this, as it would make her a target of the high priest of the tribe and could even endanger her life. Therefore, he could only give her guidance in secret and let Zhang Jin resign herself to fate.
The urgency and anxiety in this situation made Han Che even more focused on Zhang Jin's training. He hoped to impart all protective skills to her within a limited time.
"May she be able to protect herself and fight for a chance at survival when the time for sacrifice comes..." A hint of deep concern occasionally appeared in his eyes, like a quiet stream flowing through a deep valley.
Zhang Jin Gradually learned how to survive on this land, but didn't realize that he was already trapped in an ancient ritual.
One day, Han Che deliberately took Zhang Jin to the clan to practice archery. It was a vast open space with several targets set up at different distances, waiting for the hunter's test.
"Archery is not just about strength, but also the combination of skill and spirit," Han Che stood behind Zhang Jin and whispered guidance.
Zhang Jin Gripping the bow and arrow tightly, with a slight frown, she focused on aiming at the distant target. Her fingers gently released the bowstring, but the arrow only went downward, ultimately kicking up a cloud of dust on the ground.
"Relax," a voice, Han Che, sounded in her ear as his hand covered hers, guiding her on the correct way to hold the bow.
Zhang Jin's cheeks involuntarily flushed, and the air was filled with a Han Che atmosphere. His proximity made her heart race, but she also felt a transmission of strength, and her hands were no longer so stiff.
"Breathe evenly, relax your shoulders with each breath," Han Che continued to instruct, his voice calm and powerful.
Zhang Jin took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She drew the bow again, and this time the arrow flew even farther. Although it still didn't hit the target, it was much closer than the previous attempts.
"Progress," came the voice of Han Che with a hint of approval. His hand left Zhang Jin and he stood to the side.
"Try again," he encouraged, his eyes shining with hopeful anticipation.
Zhang Jin refocused and recalled Han Che's guidance. This time, as she released the bowstring, the arrow flew straight towards the target. Although it didn't hit the bullseye, the arrow successfully landed on the target.
"It seems that this bow and arrow have a special connection with you," Han Che said with a smile, warmth emanating from his expression.
Zhang Jin responded with a smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment rising in her heart.
"Thank you, Han Che," Zhang Jin said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"No need to thank me, it's what I should do," Han Che replied, his gaze serious and determined.
They continued to practice until the sun set, and the clouds on the horizon were dyed golden red. In this barbarian tribe, Zhang Jin found new hope.
As time passed, Zhang Jin's archery became more and more precise. Her hands were no longer swollen, and there was a sharpness in her eyes that was reminiscent of a hunter.
And Han Che always quietly guided her from the side, and their tacit understanding deepened with each practice.
However, Han Che never mentioned the secret of Styx. It was a mysterious ritual, a custom that even he could not easily explain to outsiders.
Comment 0 Comment Count