Depthless Hunger

Being a tribal patriarch turned out to be both easier and more tiring than Kai had expected. He wasn't an administrative leader, not by any means, and actually most of the organizational and even strategic decisions were made by others. Instead his job seemed to be composed of two duties: be powerful and dispense more power.

"We've come to pledge fealty." The splinter group of Manticore tribesmen bowed to him, not just at the waist but dropping to their knees and lowering their foreheads to the ground. Kowtowing, Zae Zin Nim had called it.

"Right, we expect you to do the best for the Manticore tribe." Kai waved them upward, then gestured to the servants - basically outer sect members - to bring forth another box. "For your loyalty, we'll give you these qi pills. If you prove yourselves, you'll be given more."

The servants handed them the box, which the cultivators greedily examined. A moment later some snatched up their pills, others stared, and one of the leaders stared at him. "How... you are willing to give us such powerful pills?"

"We have plenty." Kai waved them aside. "Next."

"But how? Such alchemy is-"

"Don't waste the patriarch's time!" Kulha stepped from the side of the tent, roaring at the top of his lungs. "We have wealth and secret methods you can't dream of. Get out and prove yourselves worthy of them!"

Once the group retreated with many more bows, Kai sighed and his shoulders sank. He was getting tired of going around bare-chested all the time to show his tattoo, and even more tired of dealing with the Manticore tribesmen. Maybe the bowing and scraping was gratifying to others, but not him.

"Patriarch, we have some of what you requested." New voices as the next group was allowed inside.