Chapter 214 Internal Struggles and External Troubles_2
"When the Deer Tribe was destroyed, we managed to endure and establish a larger Vine Tribe. Now, our situation is much better than before, and we will definitely overcome this crisis!"
After hearing Jiang Xuan's words, Chi Shao's overwhelming emotions gradually dissipated, and reason slowly returned.
She earnestly said, "Xuan, don't worry, I won't be a burden."
"I believe in you!"
Jiang Xuan hugged Chi Shao, gently patted her back, and then released her.
"Let's go, the tribespeople are still waiting for us."
Jiang Xuan tidied up his clothes, straightened his back, and walked out with his head held high.
The Old Witch looked at Jiang Xuan's tall back, deeply admiring his mindset and ability to adapt.
Chi Shao, inspired by Jiang Xuan's courage, did not hesitate and immediately followed him along with the Old Witch.
At this moment, more than two thousand Vine Tribe members in front of the altar were becoming anxious. If it weren't for the restraint from Gow Teng and the other leaders, the crowd might have already become chaotic.
When Jiang Xuan, Chi Shao, and the Old Witch returned, everyone's eyes were fixed on them.
Jiang Xuan calmly cleared the stones on the altar, then stepped onto the altar step by step.
Because the altar was relatively close to the Stone Mountain and was built with soil, it was badly damaged by the falling rocks. Some places were collapsed, and large cracks appeared, looking quite dilapidated.
But an altar is an altar; no matter how broken it is, it holds a high place in the hearts of the tribe.
"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment!"
Jiang Xuan shouted, gestured with his hands to calm them, and more than two thousand Vine Tribe members gradually quieted down, all focusing on Jiang Xuan without further whispers.
At this moment, Chi Shao also stepped onto the altar, standing beside Jiang Xuan.
As for the Old Witch, he was not a member of the Vine Tribe and thus did not have the privilege to ascend the altar.
Jiang Xuan whispered to Chi Shao, "Sister, speak as we discussed before."
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"Vine God..."
Chi Shao was the first to react, her face turning pale, and she staggered towards the half-charred Divine Vine.
Immediately, Jiang Xuan hurriedly followed, and other tribe members followed closely behind.
The ground was littered with stones, making passage difficult. Jiang Xuan quickly led the warriors to clear the stones, carefully placing the broken and charred vines aside.
Despite the vine being charred and only half remaining, it was still immense, with sparks of flame still burning in some areas.
Chi Shao knelt before the Divine Vine, calling out repeatedly, but received no response.
Jiang Xuan stood behind Chi Shao, his heart sinking deeper with every moment.
Originally, it was thought that the Vine Tribe was about to soar, but no one anticipated such a situation.
Without the protection of the Totem God, even a small tribe could pose a threat to the Vine Tribe.
Moreover, the unity of the Vine Tribe would be disrupted.
The Vine Tribe had developed too rapidly, with a population drawn from many different tribes, including many members who had converted from hostile tribes, leading to numerous underlying conflicts.
When the Vine God was present, these conflicts could be suppressed as everyone worked together for a better life.
Once the Vine God is no longer there, these conflicts will gradually erupt.
At that time, facing internal and external problems, the Vine Tribe is likely to fall apart.
This is a result Jiang Xuan absolutely cannot accept.
Jiang Xuan glanced at the crowd with the corner of his eye; some tribesmen's expressions had already changed.
This made Jiang Xuan even heavier-hearted. If it weren't for the uncertainty of the Vine God's life or death, some people might have already started to stir up trouble, right?
Chi Shao knelt before the charred half of the Divine Vine, trying various ways to call upon the Vine God, even softly chanting the God-Summoning Spell.
The result left her utterly hopeless; there was still no response from the Vine God, and Chi Shao was so anxious that tears began to fall.
For a witch, nothing is more devastating than losing the Totem God.
Just at this moment, a path opened up in the crowd, and the Old Witch slowly walked over.
Jiang Xuan quickly stepped forward, whispered, "Old Witch, with your knowledge and experience, please help to assess the Vine God's condition."
The Old Witch nodded silently, and walked towards the charred Divine Vine.
Seeing the Old Witch approach, Chi Shao wiped away her tears and stepped aside.
The Old Witch soothed, "Chi Shao, don't worry, let me take a look."
Chi Shao nodded, watching the Old Witch with tear-filled eyes, hoping for a miracle.
The Old Witch took a deep breath, placed one hand on the charred Divine Vine, and slowly closed his eyes.
Soon, a massive witch power flowed from his palm to the charred Divine Vine, extinguishing the sparse flames instantly.
After a long time, the Old Witch opened his eyes again, withdrawing his witch power.
He glanced at everyone but didn't immediately announce a conclusion, rather, he patted Jiang Xuan and Chi Shao, gesturing for them to follow him.
Jiang Xuan's heart sank further, plummeting to the depths this time.
The two followed the Old Witch into the bamboo forest, finally reaching Jiang Xuan's courtyard.
Chi Shao's courtyard had been devastated by the fallen rocks, while Jiang Xuan's courtyard was relatively untouched because it was farther from the Stone Mountain, with only a few small stones scattered inside.
Jiang Xuan asked, "Old Witch, what is the current state of the Vine God?"
Chi Shao also stared at the Old Witch intently, her eyes filled with anxiety.
"Based on the usual circumstances of other Totem Gods, your Vine God should have failed the calamity,"
The Old Witch's words were akin to a bolt from the blue, causing Chi Shao, who still held hope, to see darkness, staggering a few steps, almost falling to the ground.
Jiang Xuan quickly caught Chi Shao, comforting, "Sister, don't worry yet; let's hear the Old Witch out."
"Yes, Chi Shao, don't rush,"
The Old Witch pondered for a while and said, "If it were other tribes' Totem Gods in this situation, I would say they are definitely dead, but your Vine God is different."
"Its main stem and branches are indeed struck dead, but the roots deeply embedded in the earth are still there, not completely deceased."
Jiang Xuan suddenly understood, "Just like when my sister was afflicted by witchcraft; it seemed she was dead outwardly, but in truth, she could come back to life?"
The Old Witch nodded, "If there are no accidents, it's possible."
"That's wonderful!"
Upon hearing the Old Witch's words, light returned to Chi Shao's eyes, and Jiang Xuan's heart, which had fallen into the depths, also lifted slightly.
"However, I must remind you."
The Old Witch's expression became solemn, "Whether your Vine God can come back to life, when it will do so, and whether its strength will increase or weaken upon revival, no one knows."
"Thus, you must find a way to stabilize all the Vine Tribe members and intimidate outsiders. Otherwise..."
The Old Witch didn't finish his sentence, but Jiang Xuan and Chi Shao fully understood.
They must prepare for the possibility that the Vine God will not be able to protect the tribe for a long time, or maybe never again.
Jiang Xuan pondered for a while and said, "When we go out later, we'll have a united story, telling everyone the Vine God is just temporarily asleep and will soon wake up to protect the Vine Tribe."
The Old Witch nodded; this method could temporarily stabilize hearts.
Jiang Xuan again spoke to Chi Shao, "Sister, cheer up; the tribe needs you now."
"When the Deer Tribe was destroyed, we managed to endure and establish a larger Vine Tribe. Now, our situation is much better than before, and we will definitely overcome this crisis!"
After hearing Jiang Xuan's words, Chi Shao's overwhelming emotions gradually dissipated, and reason slowly returned.
She earnestly said, "Xuan, don't worry, I won't be a burden."
"I believe in you!"
Jiang Xuan hugged Chi Shao, gently patted her back, and then released her.
"Let's go, the tribespeople are still waiting for us."
Jiang Xuan tidied up his clothes, straightened his back, and walked out with his head held high.
The Old Witch looked at Jiang Xuan's tall back, deeply admiring his mindset and ability to adapt.
Chi Shao, inspired by Jiang Xuan's courage, did not hesitate and immediately followed him along with the Old Witch.
At this moment, more than two thousand Vine Tribe members in front of the altar were becoming anxious. If it weren't for the restraint from Gow Teng and the other leaders, the crowd might have already become chaotic.