Landlord in the Arctic

Next, the sparks sputtering from the bonfire formed a lifelike walrus. As if granted life, it performed all sorts of graceful movements in the night sky.

One moment it would swing its long tusks, the next it would wave its broad flippers, looking for all the world like a real walrus playing on the ice.

The chiefs of the other Inuit tribes saw this scene.

A moment ago, they had been complaining inwardly with faces full of dissatisfaction, but now they didn't dare voice a single grievance.

Instead, they hurried to join the dancers.

Because they all knew that perhaps their own tribe's Guardian Spirit would soon appear in the same wondrous fashion.

They didn't want to miss this rare opportunity and all hoped to personally take part in the ceremony to commune with the Guardian Spirits.

As it turned out, the chiefs were right.

As long as Feng Mountain kept drinking, cup after cup, into a drunken stupor...

As long as Feng Mountain kept dancing tirelessly...

As long as Feng Mountain kept waving his hands, continuously interacting with the spirits of the world...

...this magical ritual would not end.

Sure enough, after the walrus figure vanished, the sparks in mid-air quickly reformed into an eagle soaring with wings outstretched.

Its wings were spread wide and its gaze was sharp, looking as if it might charge into the heavens to catch its prey at any moment.

After the eagle, the sparks morphed into a massive whale. It seemed to cruise through a vast ocean in the night sky, spouting a high column of water.

After the whale, it became a nimble reindeer, taking light-footed steps as if joyfully running across the snow.

Just like that, the images of one animal after another appeared in succession, leaving everyone dazzled.

What was even more unexpected was the appearance of a Santa Claus figure.

The Santa Claus made of sparks wore a hat and a large coat, and carried a bulging sack of gifts on his back, looking as though he were about to deliver holiday blessings and surprises to the people.

This wondrous sight plunged everyone present into a dreamlike atmosphere, leaving them enthralled for a long time.

The tribal chiefs were utterly dumbfounded.

The Indigenous People believed that all things have spirits, so they could understand the appearance of various animals as Guardian Spirits.

But now that even Santa Claus had appeared, they were at a complete loss.

'Could Santa Claus be a Guardian Spirit, too?'

At that moment, only Natasha and Natalia remained on the outskirts of the gathering, looking completely out of place amid the lively and mystical atmosphere.

Natasha maintained her usual elegance and pride, though a hint of confusion and curiosity showed in her eyes. Natalia stood close by her side, warily watching their surroundings.

As for Andrei's bodyguards, they were nowhere to be seen.

Just then, Feng Mountain suddenly stopped in his tracks. His body swayed, and it looked as if he could collapse at any moment.

He let out a loud, drunken burp, his eyes glazed over with intoxication.

Then, he slowly raised a hand, pointed toward Natasha, and slurred, "Get... get that woman... over here. She has to."

In the eyes of the chiefs, Feng Mountain had seemingly become one with the spirits of the world. His words were like a divine command, not to be questioned.

The chiefs of the Bear Tribe and the other tribes all turned to look at Natasha, their eyes filled with a sense of urgency.

They rushed over and, ignoring Natalia's attempts to stop them, dragged Natasha into the center of the circle.

Unaware of what was going on, Jenny, Erica, Xiaohua, and others who knew Natasha rushed forward, trying to persuade the Indigenous People to let her go.

But the Indigenous People paid them no mind.

To them, Feng Mountain was now the embodiment of the spirits of the world.

Whoever he summoned had to come. No one could defy his will.

Natasha was shoved roughly before Feng Mountain by the crowd. Her fair face flushed crimson like a burning flame, and her eyes blazed with fury.

Her whole life, she had been the center of attention, with elegance and nobility as her defining traits.

'When had she ever been treated so crudely and disrespectfully?'

Her dignity felt like a crystal shattered on the ground, trampled mercilessly, every shard piercing her proud heart.

Natasha bit her lower lip, struggling to suppress her inner rage.

Feng Mountain stared blankly at Natasha, his eyes heavy with drink. He raised a hand, his finger swaying unsteadily in the air like a candle flame flickering in the wind.

The reek of alcohol poured from his mouth, mingling with the smoke from the bonfire, as he mumbled indistinctly,

"You... who'd you call a toad? Dance. You have to dance."

Hah!!

The Indigenous chiefs sighed helplessly, disappointment showing on their faces.

They had been filled with anticipation, thinking that Feng Mountain, like their ancestors, would choose a sacred offering and devoutly present it to the spirits of the world in a profound ceremony.

They never expected that after all that, it was just to make Natasha dance.

Hearing Feng Mountain's words, Natasha was so taken aback by the ridiculous demand that she laughed in anger.

'A petty man,' she thought, mentally adding another "virtue" to Feng Mountain's list.

'All I did was call that Husky a toad, and he's been holding a grudge this entire time.'

Then, the corners of her lips curled into a beautiful yet mocking smile, like a thorny rose—gorgeous but dangerous.

Her eyes filled with disdain, as if to say,

'All this for that? How ridiculous.'

The others who had been trying to intervene were stunned for a moment when they heard Feng Mountain's ridiculous demand. Then, someone couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.