“Those are hanging coffins, the burial place of our Miao ancestors.”
Black Miao Village was located at the foot of Flower Sea Mountain, at the junction of various Miao villages, making it the most prosperous.
Upon entering Black Miao Village, it was indeed bustling with people. The sound of silver ornaments clinking filled the air, and everywhere were Miao men and women in festive attire, coming from all directions to attend the Flower Mountain Festival.
The village itself was not large, and its prosperity could not compare to places in the southeast. However, today coincided with the Flower Mountain Festival in Miao Territory, and the crowds heading to the event made it as lively as a southeast night market.
Many young men and women from various Miao villages were visiting such a bustling place for the first time. Their excitement was evident as they looked around with eager eyes.
Cerys truly seemed like a leader, constantly calling out to her brothers and sisters from White Miao Village, ensuring they did not get separated.
She organized everything meticulously, from who led to who followed, and handled matters with grace.
Quentin and others watched with amusement. This girl was clever and capable. Given time, she might become the next chieftain of White Miao Village, if only the village did not favor men over women!
“The difference between branches of the Miao Family lies in the color of the threads embroidered on their clothes. Generally, White Miao Village uses white threads, Black Miao uses black, and so on.”
With Cerys’s reminder, Quentin noticed that among the bustling crowd, about thirty to forty percent wore black-threaded embroidery, indicating they were from Black Miao.
“Quentin, you may not know this, but within Miao Territory, Black Miao holds the most power. Other villages must follow their arrangements for major events.”
“The chieftain of Black Miao Village is also the Chieftain of Miao Territory. Every year, other villages must pay tribute to Black Miao Village in grain and money.”
“If they find out you are outsiders, it could be troublesome,” Henry said solemnly. His earlier suggestion for Quentin and Eileen to wear Miao clothing now seemed prescient.
As they walked, young people from various Miao villages, including their own White Miao Village, turned to look at Eileen and Cerys. The two sisters were stunningly beautiful, their smiles captivating all who saw them, quickly becoming a hot topic in Black Miao Village.
Hearing about such beauties, almost everyone in Black Miao Village came to see them. The excitement was palpable, and the crowd blocked the alley completely.
Many young girls also swooned over Quentin and Harry, throwing flirtatious glances and smiles their way.
It seemed as if the Flower Mountain Festival had already begun right there in Black Miao Village.
“What’s going on here? Move along! Don’t block the alley!”
A man in his twenties with thick eyebrows and a sturdy build came forward, holding a machete. He exuded authority without saying a word.
Behind him followed dozens of young men from Black Miao Village, each with a sharp Miao blade at their waist.
Seeing them approach, the crowd quickly dispersed, seemingly afraid of them.
“Quentin, that man is Beckett, the eldest son of Black Miao Village’s chieftain. He is recognized as the strongest man in Miao Territory and wins first place in the Flower Mountain Festival Big Game every year.”
“He has seven wives already. He is violent by nature and bullies others because he is the chieftain’s son. Many people have suffered because of him,” Harry Hill explained to Quentin.
Quentin looked at Beckett, who was chatting warmly with Patriarch Rodney, Wizard Eric, and Elder Ahmed. Except for Wizard Eric’s cold demeanor, Patriarch Rodney and Elder Ahmed seemed very friendly with Beckett.
As they spoke, Beckett glanced over at Quentin’s group and walked straight towards them.
Seeing Eileen and Cerys, Beckett’s eyes lit up. “Cerys, long time no see! Are these two also from White Miao Village? I’ve never seen them before.”
Beckett found Quentin and Eileen unfamiliar; he would have known such beautiful youths.
Cerys’s family did not want to engage with Beckett, their expressions cold, making Beckett feel awkward.
“Long time no see. They are my friends,” Cerys said politely but coldly.
“Do you have a suitor for this Flower Mountain Festival?” Beckett asked shamelessly despite Cerys’s cold attitude.
“Yes,” Cerys replied softly, looking at Quentin with eyes full of affection, a stark contrast to her attitude towards Beckett.
Beckett felt extremely displeased and jealous of Quentin, even harboring a hint of murderous intent.
“Well then, I hope your suitor can beat me in the Clans’ Big Game and take first place. Otherwise, I will propose to you.”
“Cerys, see you on Flower Sea Mountain.”
Cerys remained silent and cold. Beckett left with his men shortly after, and White Miao Village continued towards Flower Sea Mountain.
Cerys deeply disliked Beckett. She had heard of his debauched lifestyle and would never agree to his proposal even if she grew old alone.
Back home, Beckett sat on his bed. Several women lay unconscious on the floor below him, their clothes disheveled and bodies bruised.
Beckett’s expression was twisted with rage. His eyes were bloodshot as he seethed with anger.
He sneered disdainfully. “Hmph, acting all high and mighty in front of me. Let’s see how your suitor fares under my feet!”
“I’ll make him watch as you lie on my bed!”