Chapter 66

The Human Race, the Huaxu Tribe. Nüwa, being an incarnation of a sage, and with Fuxi's support, has now taken on the role of the Huaxu Tribe's leader and begun to develop the tribe.

However, much of the development is based on the foundation laid by Fuxi and Yelong. The dragon master official system established by Fuxi remains unchanged, and the methods for raising livestock and hunting still follow Fuxi's principles.

It was the measurement system that Fuxi had only partially established, which Nüwa completed after taking over. She also improved the initial laws based on the clan rules set by Fuxi. Rules and regulations are essential; without them, nothing can be properly managed. The three sovereigns established the social order, and the five emperors governed the world. The social and legal systems were formed during the era of the three sovereigns.

This time, Fengye came to the Huaxu Tribe because he sensed a great calamity looming over it. However, this calamity was also a result of the trouble caused by Fuxi and Fengye in the past.

When the two established the Jiazi calendar, setting the year to have twelve months, the cycle of new and old began to alternate continuously. However, this also brought forth a malevolent spirit, which emerged during the transition between the old and new years, transforming into a beast that wreaked havoc among the human race.

This beast, resembling a lion with a single horn, would emerge at the end of each year to harm people. To avoid it, the human race would retreat into the mountains at the end of each year. Despite this, many people still fell victim to the beast. Due to its frequent appearance at the end of the year, it became known as the "Nian Beast."

Since this disaster was caused by the calendar established by Fengye and Fuxi, it was natural for Fengye to take responsibility for resolving it. Fortunately, based on his past memories, Fengye knew the Nian Beast's weaknesses: it feared red, fire, and loud noises.

Fengye had a piece of fire cloud silk, woven from the fire clouds of the Fire Cloud Grotto, which he had made in his spare time. It was a deep red, perfect for countering the beast. For the fire, Fengye held the Sui Ren Lamp, symbolizing the power of fire, and thus had no fear. For the loud noises, a few thunderclaps or the sound of drums would suffice.

However, he couldn't just show up in a grand manner. Fengye thought for a moment, then cut the fire cloud silk into three pieces. He wrapped the largest piece around himself, transforming into an old man in a red robe. The fire cloud silk became a celestial robe, adorning his body.

Next, Fengye extended his left hand, and the red dragon tattoo on his arm flew out, landing in his left hand and transforming into a fiery red dragon staff. Dressed in a red robe, with white hair and a youthful face, he exuded a benevolent and wise aura, like a true immortal.

He looked at himself in a water mirror, then held the Sui Ren Lamp in his right hand, circling the mirror twice before heading towards the Huaxu Tribe. According to Fengye's calculations, the Nian Beast would definitely come to the Huaxu Tribe on the last day of the year, seeking the calendar map left by Fuxi and Yelong.

The Huaxu Tribe had defenses set up by Nüwa, making it difficult for ordinary demons to invade. However, the Nian Beast, born from the calendar established by Fuxi and Yelong, had a divine origin and was not inferior to the celestial deities. It was fixated on the Huaxu Tribe because the tribe possessed the calendar map left by Fuxi and Yelong.

This map was crucial for the Nian Beast's further development. Therefore, the Nian Beast could freely enter and exit the tribe. The eating and causing chaos were secondary. After all, while humans were considered the most intelligent beings, their flesh was not much different from that of wild animals. It would be more practical to find some spirit beasts to eat rather than human flesh.

Fengye arrived at the edge of the Huaxu Tribe, pretending to be a stranded traveler lying on the side of the road, waiting for someone to rescue him.

This was a common trick used by immortals, claiming to test human kindness, ensuring that only good people would receive help. In reality, it was to avoid entanglements and negative karma.

Fengye lay on the roadside for half a day. A child from the Huaxu Tribe saw him and called the tribe members to rescue him, bringing him back to the tribe. At this time, the human race was much more innocent and kind than in later times.

Pretending to just wake up, Fengye looked around and saw a child watching over him. He feigned surprise and asked, "Where am I? Who are you? Why am I here?"

The child opened his eyes and rubbed them, saying, "Grandpa, you're awake. My name is Afu, and this is the Huaxu Tribe!"

The child then began to explain various things about the tribe, gradually lowering his guard and sharing more information. Of course, a child wouldn't know about important matters.

Fengye followed Afu around the tribe. The people seemed to be living in peace and prosperity, not much different from the time of Fuxi and Yelong. Nüwa, being Fuxi's sister and an incarnation of a sage, was naturally capable.

Looking at the buildings around the Huaxu Tribe, the thatched roofs had been replaced with earthen tiles, likely created by Nüwa. The pottery and ceramics were also more advanced than in Fuxi's time.

This era was a period of mixed gender leadership, transitioning from a matriarchal society to a patriarchal one. It wasn't until the time of the Yellow Emperor that men became the dominant force, and women retreated to the background. In this period, gender roles were not as rigid as in later times. Nüwa, as a female leader, was accepted without much resistance, especially given her charisma and leadership in developing the human race, earning her great respect in the tribe.

As Fengye observed the tribe's development, a woman came to find Afu and Fengye, saying that the leader wanted to see them.

Nüwa, as an incarnation, did not bring her memories with her when she was reborn. To better integrate with the human race, she sealed her memories, starting with a blank slate to achieve the position of Earth Emperor.

Nüwa sat on a tiger skin throne, still young but exuding a commanding presence that earned the respect of the tribe.

"Thank you for rescuing me, Leader," Fengye bowed to Nüwa.

"You're welcome. We are all of the same race, and helping each other is our duty," Nüwa's clear voice responded. She was wise and perceptive, recognizing the extraordinary nature of the man before her.

After all, a lost traveler wouldn't have such clean clothes and a clear face, and a man who looked to be in his sixties with bright eyes and a rosy complexion was not ordinary. Moreover, his accent suggested he was not from a nearby tribe. For an old man to be traveling alone was highly unusual.

Given the recent celestial phenomena when Fuxi achieved enlightenment, the Huaxu Tribe was quite open to the idea of immortals. Nüwa suspected that this man might be an immortal.

"Leader, from what I've seen, this tribe is prosperous, but everyone looks worried, gathering food and firewood as if preparing for a journey. Is the tribe planning to relocate?" Fengye asked, already knowing the answer.

Nüwa frowned, "You may not know, but a strange beast has been harassing our tribe for several years, causing many brave warriors to lose their lives. The beast only wreaks havoc within the tribe and leaves once it's a hundred miles away. I have decided to temporarily relocate the tribe to avoid the disaster and return once the beast is gone."

Fengye laughed and patted his chest, "I am deeply grateful to your tribe. I will take care of this matter!"

Seeing the old man in the red robe smile, and ignoring the tribe members' protests, Nüwa nodded, "Thank you, Elder. However, as the leader, I cannot shirk my responsibility. I will stand by your side."

Afu, seeing this, tugged on Fengye's sleeve, also indicating his willingness to stay. The tribe members, seeing their leader and a child staying, became noisy, with many volunteering to stay as well.

Time passed quickly, and two days went by. The tribe members, following Fengye's instructions, made many preparations.

On the last day of the year, as night fell, a cold wind blew, carrying a bloody smell. A beast, stepping on dark clouds, approached. Fengye stroked his beard, adopting a wise demeanor. Nüwa, wrapped in a red silk, was not afraid, having seen many things as the leader. However, Afu, a young child, was terrified, hiding behind Fengye despite wearing the red belly band given by Fengye.

The red silk and the red belly band were made from the remaining two pieces of the fire cloud silk, inscribed with protective talismans by Fengye.

The other tribe members, following Fengye's instructions, hid in the shadows, waiting for the right moment.

The Nian Beast, thinking the humans had all fled, was confident it could easily find the calendar map. However, as it crossed several thatched huts, it saw three red lights, which frightened it. Red was its weakness.

However, remembering the calendar map, the Nian Beast steeled itself and charged at the red lights.

These red lights were Fengye, Nüwa, and Afu. Seeing the red lights ineffective, Fengye took out the Sui Ren Lamp, and the firelight terrified the Nian Beast, making it want to flee.

The Nian Beast, having memories of Fuxi and Yelong, recognized the Sui Ren Lamp, which Yelong had once held. Combined with its instincts, it tried to escape. It had failed several times before and thought it could try again later.

However, Fengye would not let the beast escape. The Nian Beast had devoured many humans and was guilty of grave sins. Fengye signaled to Nüwa and Afu, who beat the drums, signaling the hidden tribe members to set the thatched huts on fire, blocking the Nian Beast's escape route.

The Nian Beast, fearing red, fire, and loud noises, was essentially afraid of light and sound. It appeared at night, fearing the sunlight, and being a manifestation of malevolent earth energy, it represented darkness and silence. It naturally feared the light and loud noises, which it found uncomfortable. Its senses were also impaired, which is why it didn't detect the humans in the thatched huts.

Seeing no escape, the Nian Beast, driven by its ferocity, opened its massive mouth and lunged at Afu, choosing the easiest target.

However, as the Nian Beast lunged at Afu, the red cloth on Afu's body glowed, emitting golden talismans that repelled the beast. Nüwa, seeing this, struck the drum, producing a loud noise that made the Nian Beast bleed from its ears and see stars.

The tribe members then surrounded the Nian Beast with thatched huts, and Fengye pointed the Sui Ren Lamp, sending a fire beam that burned the beast to death.

At that moment, a beam of golden light descended from the sky, enveloping everyone and the three pieces of red cloth.

Fengye's red robe, blessed by the golden light, became impervious to water and fire, invulnerable to weapons, and brought him good fortune and enduring blessings.

Nüwa's red silk gained the ability to stretch and change size at will. Later, Nüwa used this red silk to symbolize marriage and joy, creating red headbands and wedding dresses, which became essential for brides and were passed down through generations.

The piece of red cloth in Afu's hand, blessed by the golden light, entered his mind, protecting his soul. With this protection, Afu would gather good fortune and blessings, ensuring a peaceful and safe life.

Seeing this, Fengye, having accomplished his mission, left with the calendar map.

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Bookworm's Teahouse:

Today, I had visitors at home, so this update is a bit late. As always, please support me by adding this to your collection and recommending it!