34

Old man Lin boasted a robust figure. Even though he was well into his sixties, he still possessed the vitality of a young man, his voice resounding deep and powerful.

He did not engage in lengthy conversation with the elderly former clan leader of the native tribe but, briefly exchanged few words before hastily heading in one direction with his companions, carrying large specially made bamboo baskets.

The prey in the baskets were not ferocious beasts, only common creatures like horned goats and wild cows. Such meat could be preserved for longer in the winter due to the cold, but in the sweltering summer heat, the meat would spoil within a day if not quickly handed over to the skilful women of the village for processing.

Through the generations, the people in the Wilderness have learned from countless experiences, useful techniques to preserve food.

Batches of fresh beast meat were delivered to the back yard, where the women of Liu Village clearly divided labor. Some were cleaning ceramic containers, some were sharpening utensils, and some were preparing condiments.

They carefully separated the fur from the meat, then cut the meat along the bone, resulting in large chunks.

The fur, thoroughly cleaned, would be sun-dried immediately.

These pelts, key in the creation of beast skin clothing, provide warmth during the harsh winter. They were much in demand as were food, exchangeable commodities between tribes and villages.

As for the remaining meat, it would be preserved in two ways.

One, by evenly sprinkling the meat surface with local mountain rock salt.

And the other, by smoking with branches from the fragrant tree. This tree, a unique product of the Wilderness, when its water-rich branches are burnt, produces a naturally pleasant, non-toxic smoke and hence, is one of the best materials for smoking meat.

After witnessing Old man Lin and others gradually disappear into the distance, the former native tribe's elder, half in doubt, shook his head.

He had experienced an earthquake in his youth, the terrifying force of nature still vivid in his memory. The vibration that just transpired reminded him of that incident.

However, considering the village chief was indifferent about it, he had to suppress his curiosity.

Yet, just as Old man Lin had mentioned, the tremor disappeared after a short while as if it had never occurred.

"Could it really be that Lord Willow God has grown stronger again?"

The elder sighed, feeling ever more that Deity of Worship from his village was quite extraordinary.

During his youth, he traveled far and wide, witnessing many sights, and even seeing a few Deity of Worship in some villages. None, however, had given him as profound and mysterious a feeling as Lord Willow God.

"Whoo…"

"Whoo…"

Just as the elder was deep in thought…

A resonant and sharp horn blew suddenly.

The sound from afar was deep and shocking.

The village horn seldom sounded, but when it did, it meant that something significant was happening in the village and all villagers were required to gather at the central square immediately.

By the time the elder got there, the square was already filled with people.

In the center stood Old man Lin, hands clasped behind his back, with Lin Zhuang, Lin Chen, Lin Rui, and Lin Xin Tong by his side.

After years of rigorous training, Lin Xin Tong's strength had grown tremendously. Her mastery over Treasured Technique had also increased and just by standing there, she emanated a sharpness akin to a sword. Her strength now far exceeded Lin Zhuang's and Lin Chen's, making her the most formidable in the village.

She wore a plain white Beast Robe made from rabbit fur, clean to the point of being dazzling. But it helped highlight the blush on her stoic face, marking her as a true beauty.

Apart from Lin Zhuang, Lin Chen, and Lin Rui, the daughters of old Lin had all inherited Mrs. Zhang's beautiful features. Top-tier genetics turned them into village belles.

In particular, Lin Xin Tong, pursued by many young boys, had high standards when it came to choosing a partner. Ordinary men didn't catch her fancy.

"Everyone, prepare to climb the mountain immediately!"

After the people had gathered in the square, Old man Lin did not speak much. Instead, he gestured with one hand and leapt forward to lead everyone, heading straight for the mountain top.

Close behind him were Lin Zhuang and the others, moving swiftly like agile cheetahs.

Many in the crowd were still bewildered, but those privy to the situation quickly explained, helping the others understand what was going on.

Lord Willow God had made a breakthrough!

Their village's Deity of Worship had become stronger!

For Liu Village, this was certainly an earth-shattering event!

It's worth celebrating, it's absolutely worth celebrating!

At noon, the sun hung high in the sky.

On the mountaintop.

Jiang Hui was deeply engrossed.

In front of him, a translucent panel that only he could see was hung in mid-air.

[Race: God Willow]

[Level: lv5]

[Annual Rings: 63]

[Influence: Liu Village]

[Number of Believers: 86]

[Divine Skills: Five Senses, Necromancy, Huang Liang's Dream]

[Technique: Body Refining Scripture]

[Items: Primary Spirit Gathering Array (Used)]

[Spiritual Power: 500]

[Draw Chances: 1]

After accumulating enough experience points, Jiang Hui did not hesitate and chose to level up directly from level four to level five.

Upon leveling up to level five, apart from the usual draw reward, his personal attributes also changed.

However, the change in the items column was somewhat unexpected to Jiang Hui.

Theoretically, he previously drew a Junior House Construction Order, an Inferior Dragon Elephant Strength Pill, and a Primary Spirit Gathering Array. All of them have already been used.

But the system only displays the Primary Spirit Gathering Array and doesn't show the others.

Jiang Hui thought for a moment and instantly understood the reason.

It must be due to the system's different judgment methods.

Although he also drew a Junior House Construction Order and an Inferior Dragon Elephant Strength Pill, apart from the Primary Spirit Gathering Array that was for his personal use, he had bestowed the other two items on his followers. Therefore, these items no longer belonged to his personal belongings.

After understanding this, Jiang Hui looked at his draw opportunity.

He directly chose to use it.

"The draw has ended, congratulations on receiving three Bronze Giants."

"Bronze Giants: A relatively rare low-level mechanical beast, a hundred meters tall, with strong defensive and offensive capabilities."

This time, the prize introduction is brief.

Jiang Hui immediately summoned it.

The next instance.

The air around him violently shook as if boiling water, emitting a rippling pattern, a pair of huge grayish-green hands directly pierced through this boiling air…

Straight away.

Gigantic body silhouettes forcefully tore through space, a foot stepping out.

These silhouettes, as massive as mountains, radiated a green glow all over, with a peculiar totem densely scattered over their surface like a spider-web.

Their bodies were too enormous, ordinary people standing next to their foot were just as insignificant as ants, merely trivial.

Moreover, their chests were hollow, with a large crimson vertical eye floating. They were continuously observing everything around them. Their first impression was not of sanctity, but instead, it was an indescribable sense of weirdness..