Chapter 1317: Chapter 1317

"Bear-hunting warrior! Friend of the Pomo people!"

Amidst the welcome from the Pomo people, the cloaked Hunter Le Tian proudly declared his identity as a bear-hunting warrior and displayed the token from the Cedar Shaman. Chieftain Bear Wind of the Bear-hunting Tribe took the token, studied it for a while, and showed an expression of surprise and joy. Then, using gestures, he "chatted" with Le Tian for a while and loudly announced to the tribe’s warriors.

"The rowing tribe from the South is a friendly friend! They are people of the Southern Shaman!..."

"Friends! People of the Southern Shaman!... Oh-huo!"

The celebratory cries echoed along the beach at dusk, and the fierce bonfire burned in front of the totem pole. After confirming the identity of the exploration fleet, the Pomo people of the Bear-hunting Tribe exhibited a different kind of exuberant enthusiasm. The bonfire feast, with songs and dances, lasted from dusk until dawn, leaving a deep impression that was unforgettable! Thɪs chapter is updated by NoveIꜰire.net

The exploration fleet docked at the Pomo Tribe for two days, using ten Long Spears and a small bag of Lake Gems to replenish food and fresh water. Then, Exploration Captain Zuwaro, on behalf of the fleet, presented Chieftain Bear Wind of the Bear-hunting Tribe with a Bronze Axe and a Longbow. In return, Chieftain Bear Wind joyfully gifted a black bear pelt he had personally skinned.

In the Pomo language, "Bear Wind" means the fastest runner and the most agile Hunter within the Bear-hunting Tribe. The Bear-hunting Tribe has a tradition of martial prowess, with nearly every chieftain being the most outstanding Hunter. This tradition, combined with legends of tribal origins, also gave rise to the Pomo people’s unique, strong female Hunters!

The dawn’s light fell on the tribe’s small huts. A strong female Hunter strode out from the hut, disdainfully curling her lips. Her strong and powerful arms could almost rival a young bear, and her walking posture was as steady and robust as a bear.

Long after, a painful groan emerged from the hut. Exploration Captain Zuwaro appeared pale, shirtless, and trembling. As the leader of the fleet, he was regarded as the bravest warrior of the team and received special "welcome" from the Bear-hunting Tribe. The one who "welcomed" him was none other than the strongest female Hunter in the tribe!

This is also the custom of the Pomo people—to have the strongest women and the strongest outsiders unite to produce strong and healthy offspring, improving the bloodline of intermarriages within the tribe.

"Miki! Let’s go! Hurry, we must leave today!"

"Yes! The brilliance of the Chief Divine constantly calls to me! I cannot wait here another moment! Quickly! Continue north!... "

That afternoon, the Kingdom’s exploration fleet departed from the farewell of the Pomo Hunters and headed toward the desolate Northern Coast. Before leaving, Scholar Mikki was still regretful. In his view, these tall and strong Pomo Hunters, although few in number, were excellent warriors capable of donning Heavy Armor and wielding Greatbows! If only they could convert the chieftain Bear Wind, recruiting these forest Hunters into the fleet would be such a great addition of Samurai!

"What a pity!... Chief Divine bless! If given the opportunity, convert these Pomo people..."

The fleet continued north, following the ocean currents, traveling six hundred miles in five days, arriving at another valley surrounded by mountains.

In the midday sun, a wide river flowed from the mountains in the East, reaching the marshy coast and then merging into the Western sea. Observing closely, the river water was not exactly clear. Many tribespeople clad in grass garments were busy with some activities by the river.

"I heard the Shaman mention this should be the land of the Wiyot people!"

Hunter Le Tian observed the murky Great River, glanced at the grass baskets of the tribespeople, then confirmed.

"Yes! This is it! This Great River is called the Wik-ni River! It produces many ’Wik-ni’!... Sss! Very tasty!"

"The tribes by the river are not large. The truly large tribe is in the Northern Lagoon bay! It’s a vast lagoon, taking a day to traverse, and a very good fishing ground! Inside the lagoon is a Great Tribe. I don’t know where it is, only that it’s called ’Tuluwat’, ’Tribe’s homeland by the lake’, Lake Tribe!"

That afternoon, the fleet finally found the narrow entrance to the Lagoon bay thirty miles north of the Wik-ni River. The long grass along the coast grew densely in the swamps and shoals, attracting numerous water birds. The clear and tranquil lagoon stretched amidst the shoals encircling from both East and West, extending endlessly from North to South!

Soon, on the east bank of the lagoon, at the narrowest passage most suitable for fishing, appeared the small boats of the Wiyot people. Upon seeing the six arriving longships, one small boat headed back to the eastern tribal village to report, while the remaining boats unexpectedly came forward to encircle them.

The Wiyot fishermen aboard the small boats were full of curiosity, observing the large ships they had never seen and the tribes from unknown origins. The foremost fisherman expressed enthusiasm, using the Wiyot language from the Algic language family, warmly greeting them.

"Maa-mam! Ne-’en-tsuq’! Hello to you! Welcome!... Friends from the sea!..."

Scholar Mikki pursed his lips and looked at Hunter Le Tian.

"Le Tian, do you know their language?"

"Can you dance to express our intentions to them?"

The cloaked Hunter Le Tian innocently blinked and naturally refused.

"The Wiyot people are a fishing tribe, they catch ’Wik-ni’... they are not forest Hunters, and they cannot understand the communication of Hunters at all!"

Helplessly, Scholar Mikki had to take out the translation book of the Cedar Shaman, searching carefully for a long time to find a few usable words, unsure if the Wiyot people could understand.

"Peyek, xemkwe?... Grain, exchange?"

Upon hearing this, the tribal fishermen on the boats scratched their heads and shook their hands.

Scholar Mikki awkwardly looked at Zuwaro but saw him stroking his chin, contemplating the friendly Wiyot people on the small boats, unsure what he was thinking. He pursed his lips, found another word, and tried again.

"Torek, xemkwe?... Food, exchange?"

This time, the Wiyot fishermen thought for a while and finally understood. Happily, from the boat, they picked up a fishing grass basket and shouted to the longships.

It turns out the Wiyot people distinguished very clearly, "Peyek" referred to grains, excluding fish. Their tribe had limited grains, typically stored for winter, rarely exchanged with outsiders.

"Le Tian, does he want to exchange ’Wik-ni’? What is it exactly, fish?"

"Sss! That is delicious..."

Hunter Le Tian slurped and smiled.

"Exchange it! Tonight I’ll show you my culinary skills!..."

Scholar Mikki wore a puzzled expression and looked at Exploration Captain Zuwaro.

"Zuwaro, do you think it will be tasty?"

Exploration Captain Zuwaro nodded affirmatively without hesitation. He stared at the amiable and joyful Wiyot fishermen, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Such friendly and kind tribes... It must be delicious!... Praise the Chief Divine! You will surely illuminate the North!"