"Contradictions are everywhere, opposition is an inseparable companion. Contradictions, opposition, and even wars propel the relentless advance of the wheels of history."

As the banquet concluded and night descended, chiefs from other tribes of the Gong family chose to stay within the confines of the Windwood Citadel.

The esteemed Grand Chief, Gong Dian's wife, Yu Jiao, shared a heartfelt reunion with her father, Chief Yu Yong of the Wolf Tribe. The passage of time had kept them apart, and now, hand in hand, they engaged in familial conversations. Accommodations for the night were arranged within the inner city for Yu Yong.

Gexiong, chief of the Bear Tribe, was no stranger to conflict. In a bid for the family chief position against the Dragon Tribe, he faced a harsh defeat. In the aftermath, Gexiong made the difficult decision to send his youngest son, Gewu, as a hostage to the Dragon Tribe.

Later that night, after the banquet, Gexiong and his son Gewu sought solace in a quiet tavern in the outer city. There, amidst the shared meal, they engaged in meaningful conversation.

Gexiong gazed at his son with a kind expression. "Gewu, have you been treated well by the Gong family?"

"Father, I've built a harmonious relationship with them. They've shown great kindness towards me."

"I'm glad to hear that. I've been concerned about your situation. After all, it was our tribe that initiated the conflict back then, and, ultimately, we were the ones defeated."

"Father, about what I mentioned last time, when will you discuss it with the Grand Chief?"

"What matter?"

"It's about me and Gong Jie."

"Oh, you rascal, so it's about that matter. I've been preoccupied with official duties, and I nearly forgot about it. When there's a suitable opportunity next time, I'll propose a marriage alliance to the Gong family on behalf of my son."

"Father, don't forget next time."

Taking a sip of his drink, Gexiong scolded, "You rascal, while you're young, focus on achieving something significant. Don't be preoccupied with love affairs all the time."

Seeing Gexiong getting angry, Gewu quickly changed the subject, "Father, I understand. But don't you find it strange? These 'sky gods' today not only look exactly like us but also seem to be peculiar beings who don't need to eat or drink and don't feel hunger."

"Yes, the world of sky gods is beyond the comprehension of ordinary folks like us. The Dragon Tribe clearly wants to win over these 'sky gods' this time for their own use, but this is a double-edged sword. It might backfire on them."

"Father, what do you mean by 'double-edged sword'? I don't understand."

"You rascal, you don't get this? Today, I visited the Dragon Tribe to discuss our annual martial arts competition with the Fire Worshipper Tribe. The High Priest prays to the Yellow Tribe sky gods on the pyramid platform, hoping for blessings so that our tribe can emerge victorious."

"With the Gong family gearing up for another conflict with the Fire Worshipper Tribe, and our longstanding tensions with the Minotaur Tribe building up for over twenty years, it's like a volcano ready to erupt. War could ignite at any moment, and we're always on the edge, unsure when another major battle might unfold."

"Are you implying that, in times of war, we could rely on these humanoid celestial gods?"

Gexiong cast a significant look at Gewu and added, "Exactly. With our own celestial gods supporting us, our confidence would soar. Sadly, our Yellow Tribe celestial god has long been absent. In this crucial moment, the arrival of these celestial gods in our tribe indicates that Gong Dian aims to forge an alliance with them, seeking support from a formidable ally."

"However, son, you need to understand that the Green Tribe celestial gods and the Eagle Tribe gods are formidable forces. We're unsure if these so-called humanoid celestial gods are allies or adversaries. If they turn out to be enemies, we could face dire consequences."

"Father, I doubt these celestial gods will stay in our tribe."

"It's better if they depart. Boy, you must continue your undercover presence in the Dragon Tribe, promptly reporting any movements from Gong Dian to me."

"All right, Father. Why haven't we seen Mr. Qi?"

"He's already settled in at the inn with the guards."

"Father, aren't you staying at the inn tonight?"

"Lodging can wait for now. I've told the attendants to stay at the inn first. Later, I need to connect with chiefs from other tribes, share some camaraderie, and have a few drinks together. It's crucial to build rapport with chiefs from other tribes; these are emotional investments that might come in handy in the future."

Gexiong downed the wine in his cup in one go, stood up, and remarked, "That old man Kong Xiaotian is probably wandering around the brothels again, Yu Yong has gone to visit his daughter, and Fang Mu, that old man, is always acting mysteriously. I'll go find that scoundrel Xin Biao."

In a cozy treehouse, Chief Kong Xiaotian of the Tiger Tribe found himself in the company of his old flame, Bai Xue.

Bai Xue possessed a certain allure, and at first glance, her features bore a striking resemblance to those of the Grand Chief's wife, Yu Jiao.

Many years ago, Kong Xiaotian had been enchanted by the beauty of Yu Jiao, the lone daughter of Chief Yu Yong from the Wolf Tribe. Driven by his infatuation, Kong Xiaotian, using the guise of the Tiger Tribe, personally extended a proposal for a marital alliance to the Wolf Tribe. Interestingly, the Grand Chief of the tribe, Gong Chang, was concurrently in talks with the Wolf Tribe for a marriage proposal on behalf of his son, Gong Dian.

Within the Gong family, an alliance of five tribes existed, where the chief of the most formidable tribe, typically from the Dragon Tribe, assumed the role of the Grand Chief. However, adamant about securing his son's happiness and reluctant to yield to Grand Chief Gong Chang, Kong Xiaotian resolved to settle the matter through a martial arts competition for the right to marry Yu Jiao.

Yu Jiao, showcasing her creativity, painted a peacock on a folding screen and proposed a competition involving archery to Gong Dian and Kong Xiaotian. The contender who successfully hit the peacock's eye would earn the privilege to marry her.

Shooting a peacock's eye from a hundred paces away is an incredibly challenging feat, but to everyone's surprise, Gong Dian hit the target with a single arrow, winning the heart of the beautiful maiden. Kong Xiaotian was left with profound regret from that day.

Kong Xiaotian's attraction to Bai Xue was rooted in her striking resemblance to Yu Jiao. Yu Jiao had a penchant for wearing long silk dresses in yellow, and Kong Xiaotian insisted that Bai Xue wear the same attire.

Aware of Kong Xiaotian's past with Yu Jiao, Bai Xue mimicked Yu Jiao in every way, capturing the essence of her character and earning Kong Xiaotian's affection. Kong Xiaotian exclusively kept her, shielding Bai Xue from any other patrons.

In the deep of night, a figure stood by the window of a treehouse in the outer city. No lights illuminated the interior.

Tying a letter to a pigeon's leg, the person released it, and along with the pigeon, it soared into the boundless darkness of the northern expanse. The figure vanished into the shadows.