However, no noble would ever compel their affiliated tribe to such an extent. On the grasslands, everyone knows that population is wealth as valuable as gold.
Yet in such circumstances, there still remains vast expanses of land on the Northern Hun border without an owner.
Not only is there no owner, but others are not allowed to seize it.
Ten years ago, a Great Nobility of the same tribe as the Northern Xiongnu King's Princess Consort, arrogant and domineering, believed that the Northern Xiongnu King's rise was solely due to their support, and so they demanded beautiful concubines, fine horses, strong bows from the king, all of which was granted.
Eventually, he sent people to claim this grassland.
He was beheaded personally by the Northern Xiongnu King, and since then no one dared to covet that lush grassland.
This is the Northern Hun's backyard.
It is the last barrier of the Northern Hun against the southern Great Qin Imperial Court, Heaven and Earth are their eyes, the grassland is the most natural defense. Latest content publıshed on novelFɪre.net
This stretch of grassland is narrow and long, even Great Qin's most elite Iron Cavalry would require two days to cross it, during which they'd inevitably be discovered.
Therefore, no more than a hundred people are allowed to roam here.
Consequently, it is a place where some solitary people seek survival.
Qibi Heli has become the most outstanding falconer in this area over the past few years. Hunting on the grassland is the favorite activity of the Northern Hun nobility, and on the vast grassland, Qibi Heli's trained white eagle can immediately spot the traces of prey. His identity is well-known, making him renowned among the Xiongnu Tribe's local powers.
Unhindered, Qibi Heli rode his horse, arriving before the hundred riders, greeting them from atop his horse, and explaining a few words.
The youth with emerald eyes shook his head and laughed:
"So it's your man, Qibi Heli."
"If that's the case, you should have said so earlier. I invited you so many times, yet this time you finally accepted. Since it's your man, he is my esteemed guest and I won't trouble him. I guess he's one you've recently recruited? Hence the unfamiliarity."
"It's almost half a year since your last visit, I almost forgot how effective your flying eagle is."
Qibi Heli replied with poise:
"Eagles are proud by nature; they must be tempered, but not excessively. They can't continuously engage in ordinary hunting, and must be released into the wild."
"Otherwise, the eagle's pride will vanish, and it won't truly be an eagle."
Helian Pan laughed, "True, true, this is also the difference between wolves and dogs. I've said this many times, but now I must say again; Qibi Heli, now that you've come, you don't need to leave. There's enough lush, broad grassland here to accommodate you."
Qibi Heli smiled without responding.
Helian Pan sighed helplessly:
"Alright, I know you have a stubborn nature, and we aren't such savage people."
"For future hunts, I might still need your assistance."
Qibi Heli raised his hand, placed it on his chest, and slightly bowed.
A moment later, Helian Pan led the hundred riders away, the woman remained silent, while the middle-aged man unexpectedly spoke up:
"You wish to recruit this falconer? I can assist with that."
Helian Pan was surprised momentarily, then waved and smiled:
"There's no need to trouble you. Though a falconer is talented, it's not worth wasting your effort. Besides, he's just like the flying eagle he trains: proud and unruly, with skills. If he accepted my banner, he would be the best scout commander."
"But such people require gradual tempering to erode their pride, like tempering an eagle, that's what's most interesting."
"The satisfaction from personally conquering such a person is akin to possessing a beauty. I've already agreed with a few others; whoever manages to recruit him first will win five hundred Mo Crossbows, one Celestial Horse, and three hundred Black Iron Heavy Armors—I don't wish to lose."
"Moreover, a twenty-eight-year-old Seventh Rank peak Martial Artist is faster than these treasures in value."
"He will almost certainly step into the Sixth Rank later."
"And by then, his value could overshadow even that of a Fifth Rank Famous General."
The middle-aged man nodded: "It looks like you have a plan."
Helian Pan laughed heartily, "Indeed!"
Qibi Heli watched them leave, then slowly rode up to Wang Anfeng, dismounted several steps away, and knelt on the ground. The Northern Frontier Eagle, whom Northern Hun's young powers felt needed many years to temper, bowed down.
He extended his hands, pressed them to the ground, and his forehead reverently touched his palms, his expression was one of excitement.
"Finally, I see you again."
PS: Today's update is here...
Hmm... The word count is somewhat low, four thousand eight hundred words, two chapters would only mean twenty-four hundred each. I admit my mistake, it's just the beginning, and the plot is still unfolding, so I have to gradually write it out...
Once the momentum is built, it will explode~