Chapter 903: Chapter 38 Achieving Harmony for Adults_2
"Today not only brought forth champions in various competitions, but, to our delight, we also learned that our tribe’s Mystical Iron Bow has finally been drawn by a brave warrior. We invite this warrior to the stage," announced The Chief of the Northern Tribes. As soon as his voice fell, a wave of amazed exclamation arose from the crowds of the three tribes. During the moment when Ah Dai had drawn the great bow, most people were more focused on the other two competitions, so not too many had paid attention to him. The Mystical Iron Bow was very famous among the Yalian Tribe and was a treasured possession of the Northern Tribes; no one had ever managed to draw it before.
Xuan Yue tugged at Ah Dai’s clothes and said, "They’re calling you to go up."
Ah Dai was startled and pointed at his own nose, "Me, what am I going up there for?"
"Didn’t you draw the Mystical Iron Bow? Maybe there’s some prize for you! Hee hee, go and take a look."
Having never faced such a large crowd, Ah Dai immediately felt embarrassed, "I, I’d rather not go. Shooting arrows into someone else’s target, how embarrassing!"
Xuan Yue gave him a push and said, "Why do you always lack confidence in yourself, you can do it. Go on, otherwise, I’m going to get mad."
By that time, The Chief of the Northern Tribes had called out again, "We invite the warrior who drew the Mystical Iron Bow to the stage, once more."
Tubari also urged Ah Dai, "Young brother, go up and show yourself. If you don’t, it’ll imply that you are despising the Northern Tribes, and you’ll be treated as an enemy."
Ah Dai was taken aback and had no choice but to make his way through the crowd towards the central platform, as the Yalian Tribe around him cheered. Yan Li hadn’t seen Ah Dai’s performance earlier and when Ah Dai reached the platform, he couldn’t help but ask, "Brother, was it you who drew the Mystical Iron Bow?"
Ah Dai nodded gently, not even having the chance to speak before he was pulled forward by The Chief of the Northern Tribes. The chief was in his forties, clad in leather armor, with hands both thick and wide, his face beaming with excitement, "Young man, congratulations, you’re the first person who has managed to draw the Mystical Iron Bow. I heard that when you were drawing the bow, a bright white light emanated from your body. Tell me, was that Dou Qi?" Although studying martial arts in the Federation was not considered much, it was rare for high-level masters to emerge from the nomadic Yalian Tribe. Most people were unwilling to interact with this dark-skinned race, and therefore, Dou Qi was not a common sight here.
Ah Dai nodded and replied, "Yes, it was."
The chief patted his shoulder and said, "Good, true heroes are often young. Even though you’re from another tribe, since you are able to draw the Mystical Iron Bow, we will treat you with the courtesy due to a brave warrior. Today, your reward will be just like Kundu Batulu’s; you may choose the most beautiful girl from our three tribes to be your bride." Kundu was the short, sturdy man who had earlier knocked down Aguti.
Ah Dai was shocked, remembering Xuan Yue’s reaction earlier, his face turned bright red as he waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no need."
The chief laughed heartily, "Young man, there’s no need to be shy, let it be. Alright, today’s competitions have come to an end. Next, we have the grandest feast of the Batron festival. During tonight’s bonfire party, our brave warriors Kundu and this warrior who drew the Mystical Iron Bow will choose their brides. Brothers and sisters, let’s enjoy ourselves to the fullest with food and drink, and revel in dance." With the chief’s cheer, all the Yalian tribespeople from the three tribes erupted in excitement, shouting with joy.
Ah Dai, led by Yan Li, returned bewilderedly to Yan Shi and Xuan Yue’s side. Xuan Yue stood quietly to one side with a somber expression, not saying a word. Ah Dai sidled up to Xuan Yue and whispered, "Yue Yue, I didn’t know this was going to happen. I’m not going to pick any bride, don’t be upset."
Xuan Yue snorted and responded, "Whether you pick a bride or not, what does it have to do with me? I can’t control you!" With that, she turned away towards a grill to eat.
Yan Shi came up to Ah Dai, looked at him with a shake of his head, and quietly whispered something in his ear. Ah Dai seemed surprised as he talked to Yan Shi, nodding continuously.
The night was slowly falling, and on the vast grassland, huge bonfires were lit, with the Yalian tribespeople singing and dancing around the fires, their faces glowing with happiness. Naturally, this did not include Aguti, who had lost the wrestling match, and his beloved Lan Yin, who clung to each other off to the side. Aguti hung his head with a pale face, filled with regret that he hadn’t been able to hold out till the end.
At The Chief of the Northern Tribes’ loud call, all the Yalian tribespeople quieted down.
"Alright, our bonfire party now begins. First, please welcome our two brave warriors who will be choosing their brides today."
Ah Dai and Kundu, already dressed in the clothes of the Yalian people, made their way to the front, surrounded by a crowd of young people.
"Okay, brave warriors, today is undoubtedly a joyous day for you. Young women of the Yalian Tribe, those who are eighteen and unmarried, stand up and let’s see if you are lucky enough to be chosen by our two brave warriors." At the voice of The Chief of the Northern Tribes, hundreds of girls from the three tribes stood up. Most of them wore hopeful expressions, for marrying a brave warrior was a matter of great honor! Of course, this did not include Lan Yin, who stood up slowly under Aguti’s despairing gaze. Reluctantly as she was, she had to comply with the time-honored rules of the Yalian tribe.
