“Embrace life as if heading towards death, and regard death as returning home. This interprets the meaning of existence. Since we exist, we can only face difficulties without fear and move forward bravely.”

　　"On their journey back to the Baihuo Clan, Lián Shān couldn't help but feel incredulous at the feat they had accomplished. They had faced off against more than ten ferocious thorn tigers, yet the combined losses of both clans amounted to just twenty-something individuals. Lián Kuí, still recovering from the intense battle, recounted the harrowing experience.

　　Listening intently, Lián Shān was filled with amazement. "Father," he exclaimed, "it's common knowledge how deadly thorn tigers can be. Even a group of dozens might struggle against just one. How did our small party, along with the Gongyou Clan consisting of only thirty or forty members, manage to prevail against more than ten of them?"

　　Lián Kuí, his voice still bearing the weight of recent events, replied, "Your observation is astute, my son. It was indeed the assistance of Gongkang and the two mysterious figures from the Gongyou Clan that turned the tide in our favor. Without them, our situation would have been dire."

　　Lián Xiāng chimed in, adding to the conversation, "Father, Gōng Kàng referred to those two individuals as 'celestial gods'."

　　Lián Kuí visibly agitated at the mention of Gōng Kàng, snapped, "You... you little girl, you're testing my patience. Why do you insist on associating with that... that troublemaker? What are your intentions?"

　　Having witnessed Gōng Kàng and Lián Xiāng together earlier, Lián Kuí couldn't shake off the rumors circulating within the clan. Initially skeptical, seeing them together only confirmed his suspicions.

　　"What about Gōng Kàng calling them 'celestial gods'?" Lián Shān pressed, trying to divert the conversation.

　　"Not 'gods,' Gòng Diǎn told me they're... they're renegade tribesmen forsaken by the heavens. But that's not the point, brother. I'm asking about your sister and Gōng Kàng."

　　Growing increasingly frustrated, Lián Kuí's words flowed more fluently as his anger mounted. He couldn't fathom the idea of those two individuals being gods, as the legends described them with distinct features like three eyes or wings, which neither of them possessed.""Dad, why can't I get married to Gōng Kàng?" Lián Xiāng turned her head away, her heart aching with hurt.

　　"You... you little... little brat, how... how could you... have no... no shame, you... you..." Lián Kuí was so angry he nearly fainted, his words stuttering out in his rage.

　　"Father, please don't be angry. Sister, let's talk about this when we get home," Lián Shān quickly intervened, his voice steady and calming, trying to defuse the situation.

　　Lián Kuí knew that family matters shouldn't be aired in public. There were already whispers and rumors circulating within the clan, and if he and his daughter continued arguing in front of so many subordinates, it would only fan the flames of gossip.

　　The Baihuo Clan was a complex web of tribes - the Phoenix Tribe, the Great Peng Tribe, the Azure Eagle Tribe, and the White Kite Tribe. Despite both being human tribes, the Baihuo and Gongyou Clans had never intermarried. Especially in recent years, due to disputes over human sacrifices and labor, the two clans had been at odds with each other for many years. Lián Kuí couldn't believe that his daughter would want to marry into the Gongyou Clan, given the circumstances. As the esteemed chief of the Phoenix Tribe and the respected leader of the Baihuo Clan, Lián Kuí naturally sought to weave the threads of unity among the clans. His strategy was to form alliances with other tribes, and the most direct and potent method was through the age-old tradition of marriage.

　　The chief of the Great Peng Tribe had subtly hinted on multiple occasions about a potential marriage alliance between their two tribes. He suggested that his eldest son would be an ideal match for Lián Kuí's cherished daughter. However, Lián Kuí, being a thoughtful and considerate father, did not immediately agree. He chose instead to discuss the matter with his daughter first, valuing her opinion and happiness above all else.

　　Lián Kuí held a deep, abiding affection for his daughter, Lián Xiāng. Ever since her mother's untimely passing, he had indulged her spirited nature, supporting her unconventional choices. Lián Xiāng, a free spirit, eschewed traditional female roles. She had a burning passion for martial arts, and Lián Kuí, recognizing her talent and determination, had enlisted the best martial arts experts in the clan to nurture her skills.

　　Upon witnessing Lián Xiāng with Gōng Kàng, Lián Kuí found himself at a crossroads. He silently resolved to accept the marriage proposal from the Great Peng Tribe as soon as possible, hoping to secure his daughter's future and maintain harmony within the clan.The remaining members of the Gong You Clan, their hearts heavy with sorrow, trudged along the long road back home.

　　During the fierce battle with the Thorn Tigers, their mounts had scattered in fright. Fortunately, the Bai Huo Clan had thoughtfully provided them with eight sturdy camel-horse before their departure.

　　On the arduous journey back, only the Great Chief, Gōng Diǎn, had the privilege of riding atop a single camel-horse. The spoils of their hunt, the meat of the Thorn Tigers, filled over a dozen bags. The remaining seven camels were laden with this precious cargo, leaving the rest of the group to travel on foot, their steps echoing their exhaustion.

　　Of the over twenty brave souls who had participated in the perilous hunt for the male Thorn Tiger, only a handful had managed to return. They were Gōng Diǎn, Gōng Yì, Yī Wú, Gē Wú, Dīng Wén, along with the steadfast captain of the guard, Gāo Hǔ. Additionally, Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi were present, as well as Gōng Kàng who had made a surprising appearance midway.

　　Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi followed closely behind Gōng Yì, their presence a comforting shadow, while Yī Wú, Gē Wú, and Gāo Hǔ brought up the rear, their vigilant eyes guarding the group's flanks.The survivors of the calamity, contemplating the capriciousness of life, engaged in conversation as they made their way.

　　Yī Wúand his companions quietly deliberated Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi's performance in the battle, particularly awed by Huá Měi's remarkable abilities. They questioned whether even Gōng Kàng, the clan's most valiant warrior, could rival Huá Měi's prowess.

　　Gōng Kàng and Gē Wú strode side by side at the forefront, with Gewu expressing heartfelt gratitude to Gongkang for his life-saving actions.

　　Gōng Kàng draped an arm around his shoulder. "Brother, why the formality? After all these years together, you're family to me."

　　Meanwhile, Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi engaged in a hushed conversation.

　　Dōng Yī Fēng‘s legs still trembled from the recent ordeal. "Huá Měi, the first half of the hunt was uneventful, but the second half was perilous. Thank goodness I had my laser gun; otherwise, I might not be here now."

　　"It's my fault for not keeping you safe."

　　"What are you saying? If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here. Your bravery saved us both, and I'm truly grateful."

　　"Professor Dong , no need to be so formal. My job is to ensure the safety of you humans. But I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed by the people on this planet. Their ability to survive is truly remarkable."

　　"Yeah, this planet is crawling with ferocious beasts. The fighting skills of a Thorn Tiger are easily worth three male lions. Huámei, I've got a question for you. What do you think that camel ridden by Liankui, the leader of the Baihuo Clan, is?"

　　"That camel-horse is definitely something special. It's the first time I've ever seen a horse-like creature that actually eats meat. I remember reading about a horse in the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' that could devour tigers, called a Bo. It was described as having a white body, a black tail, horns on its head, and a diet of tigers and leopards. Could it be that the horse Liankui rides is the legendary Bo horse?""It feels like there's nothing we can't unravel ,Huáměi," remarked Dòng Yīfēng. "The 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' is often seen as a collection of fantastical and mythical creatures, but here on this planet, we've stumbled upon real ones like the Azure Dragon, the Phoenix, and even the Bo horse."

　　Huáměi swiftly checked the storage system and chimed in, "There are also mentions of the Bo horse in later literature. For instance, the horse ridden by Duke Huán of Qí was called the 'Bomai,' which might be a variation of the Bò horse."

　　"What's going on with you two?" Gōng Yì, walking ahead, noticed Dòng and Huáměi whispering and turned to inquire in their native tongue.

　　Dòng Yīfēng, brimming with questions, saw Gōng Yì approaching and, turning to Huamei, entrusted his with translating as he posed several inquiries.

　　Below is the conversation between Dòng Yīfēng and Gōng Yì."Gōng Yì, the Gong family took such great risks and paid such a high price this time to kill that male Thorn Tiger and avenge our fallen brothers. But instead, we lost even more brothers. Do you think it was worth it?"

　　"I truly believe it was worth every bit of it. The Southern Gorge Forest is breathtakingly beautiful, yet it's filled with deadly beasts. It's a world of stark contrasts—beautiful yet cruel. Since we can't change reality, we must adapt. Do you know what has kept our hunter people going through such harsh conditions, generation after generation?"

　　"What is it?"

　　"It's a matter of life or death, a choice between the two. 'To be reborn through death, and to die again'—that's the creed of our hunter people. It's either be the hunter or become the prey; there's no other option. Those who harm my people must face consequences; blood debts must be repaid. Even if it means fighting until the very last person, we will never surrender."

　　"This reminds me of something Chen Tang said during the Western Han Dynasty, 'Those who offend the Great Han, even if they are far away, must be punished.' With so many of our brothers dead this time, I don't see much sorrow among the clan members."

　　Huamei couldn't translate the phrase "Those who offend the Great Han, even if they are far away, must be punished," so she only translated the latter part.

　　"We are deeply saddened inside, though it may not show outwardly. We've endured too much separation and loss; we've grown accustomed to life and death." Gōng Yì gazed up at the vast sky, his eyes reflecting a profound sense of loneliness."In this vast world, we humans are mere fleeting specks of dust, our strength inconsequential in the grand tapestry of existence. Each day, countless of our kin depart from this world in service of our clan's interests. Even my father, revered as our clan leader, stands poised to sacrifice himself for the greater good at any moment."

　　Reflecting on Gōng Yì's words, "If something is deemed worthy, that's all that matters; the outcome is secondary."

　　Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi couldn't help but harbor a deep admiration for the Gōng clan. Despite enduring unforgiving conditions, they persevere with unwavering resolve, ensuring their legacy endures.

　　On this planet, revered as the Creator's domain, various magical tribes and ferocious beasts roam freely. Among them, the human race is as fragile as dust, often relegated to the status of 'weak and insignificant.'

　　Yet, the hunters of the GongYou clan confront hardship with unyielding determination, embracing sacrifice, steadfastly refusing to yield, and never conceding defeat. It's perhaps this unshakeable spirit that sustains humanity, ensuring its continued existence and the passage of its legacy in this treacherous world.

　　"For us, this world resembles a living hell, where enduring suffering and pain is our daily reality. Nonetheless, we must confront it with a smile and calm demeanor."

　　"Perhaps death offers liberation for hunters. May our fallen brethren find solace in the embrace of our Yello Clan celestial god in the heavens." Gōng Yì's gaze lingered on the fading sunlight in the distance, his words uttered with solemnity and reverence."The strategist makes a valid point," remarked Gé Xiōng.

　　Without wasting a moment, Gé Xiōng promptly dispatched several nimble scouts to stealthily infiltrate the territory of the Baihuo Clan in search of information.

　　The first scout to return brought news that the battle had concluded, and Gōng Diǎn's group was en route back to the forest. Thus, Gé Xiōng decided it was best to hold their position and wait.

　　As the sun dipped below the western mountains, Gōng Diǎn's group merged with Gé Xiōng's team and opted to spend the night at the Bear Tribe's settlement. Gé Xiōng led the way with eight camel-horse, allowing a select few to mount them while the others walked alongside, heading towards the settlement.

　　Situated northwest of the forest's edge, not far from the outskirts, the Bear Tribe's settlement stood as a heavily guarded fortress by the Gōng clan, serving as a bulwark against the Baihuo Clan, comparable in strength to the Dragon Tribe.

　　By the time they arrived at the Bear Tribe's fortress, night had fallen. Gōng Diǎn and his companions rode their camels, following Gé Xiōng through the city gates. The streets were illuminated by "Night Bright Flowers," casting a gentle glow across the city.

　　Dōng Yī Fēng and Huá Měi, bathed in the soft lantern light, observed the distinctiveness of this city compared to Windwood Citadel. Its buildings were predominantly fashioned from stone.

　　Gōng Yì stepped forward to introduce, "This city is known as 'Stone City,' the earliest settlement established by our Yello Clan celestial gods."

　　Interjecting from the sidelines, Gē Wú chimed in, "Gōng Yì, if we're talking about Stone City, there's no one better suited to discuss its history than me. Once upon a time, Stone City was the political hub of the Gōng clan. It was only later, when the Yello Clan celestial gods ventured to establish a new city in Windwood Citadel, that the clan's central settlement shifted there. When it comes to historical significance, Stone City reigns supreme."