Chapter 325 – Tribal Life, and Journey to the Deathless Tomb - Part 3
Li Yuan’s goals were clear. He didn’t want war, nor did he want to become the next great tyrant looking to conquer the land after the turmoil of the Central Plains. But first he had to twist these tribes into a single rope; reasoning with them about ethics, morality, and strategy would fail where a clear banner would not. Once they stood united, the right to interpret that banner would be his.
Suljagar’s eyes lit like coals. “Then what comes first?”
“To step into the wider world,” Li Yuan said, “we must finish three tasks—
“First is to master the Everflame. We must learn exactly how it grants strength and harness it deliberately, not passively.
“Second is studying the Deathless Tomb. This land is steeped in mystery; I want to know why.
“Third is unifying the tribes of the tundra. If we don’t settle our house here, we’ll tear each other apart out there.”
Suljagar nodded. “There are nine tribes in all. Long ago, we called ourselves the Nine Flames because we all worship the same flame, though the name’s been forgotten. To rule the Nine Flames, you’ll need more than power; you’ll need acceptance. No one outside the nine can command us, no matter how strong.”
“I’m to unite them?”
“Yes. Our folk bow only to the mightiest, and in all my years I’ve seen no one stronger than you. But you must win the approval of the other tribes.”
“How?” Li Yuan asked without a trace of pride.
Suljagar burst out laughing. “Tell me, how did you become a Jen’gal, a Trueflame?”
Li Yuan rubbed his brow. “Surely I don’t need eight wives?”