Passing through Black Miao Village and moving forward, they soon arrived at the foot of Flower Sea Mountain.
Stone steps at the mountain’s base led upward, reaching the peak, which was shrouded in clouds, appearing as if one could ascend directly to the heavens. The golden and jade palaces seemed like a celestial realm.
A waterfall cascaded down the cliff, flowing for thousands of miles. This was the source of the Miao Territory’s mother river, a truly breathtaking sight.
The people of White Miao Village climbed up, not knowing how long it took until they finally reached the summit of Flower Sea Mountain.
On the vast grassland in front of Flower Sea Temple, camps of various Miao Villages were set up in a circular arrangement, forming a ring on the flat ground.
In front of the Flower Sea Temple stood a large altar with five towering totems, engraved with the four divine beasts: Green Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and one sacred beast: Unicorn.
The people of White Miao Village returned to their camp. The mountain was filled with laughter and joy. Miao Family members from all directions, dressed in their most beautiful festival attire, gathered here.
The young women were especially lively, wearing all the silver jewelry passed down through generations. They were radiant and beautiful, with the jingling of their ornaments echoing continuously.
In the middle of the grassland, surrounded by flowers and bustling with noise, stood a flower pole wrapped in pink flowers. It was beautiful, but the top of the pole was empty.
Many young men from the Miao Family gathered around the flower pole, playing reed pipes and mouth harps enthusiastically. The young women sang and laughed around them.
“Cerys, what are those flower poles for?” Quentin asked curiously.
Elaine giggled and said, “Every year during the Flower Mountain Festival, we select the most outstanding young man to hang the multicolored flag symbolizing harvest joy on the flower pole.”
“This is the greatest honor for our Miao People. Every young person in Miao Village aspires to be that person!”
“But before the Chieftain awards the flag, no one is allowed to touch the flower pole. Otherwise, it means you consider yourself first, and every young person in Miao Village will challenge you!”
“What is this Clans’ Big Game about?” Quentin continued to ask.
Cerys smiled and patiently explained to Quentin, “The Clans’ Big Game involves young people from each Miao Village competing in Riding the Horse, climbing Mountain of Blades, crossing the Sea of Fire, and martial combat.”
“The most important event is martial combat. Each Miao Village sends its strongest young people to compete, and they can use any weapon.”
“The winning Miao Village can decide its status in Miao Territory, and the strongest young man can propose to any young woman present by singing.”
Cerys blushed slightly at this point. If Quentin participated and won first place, he could propose to her.
Quentin didn’t quite understand what Riding the Horse was and frowned slightly.
Noticing Quentin’s confusion, Cerys giggled and said, “Quentin doesn’t quite understand what Riding the Horse is?”
“It’s a test of courage for Miao Family youth. You have to grab one of the fine horses and then pass through a ring of fire as quickly as possible. If you succeed, Miao Women will notice you and come to sing with you.”
She pointed with her delicate hand. Not far from the stables, about two miles away, steel rings had been set up but not yet lit. They were about four feet in diameter.
Riding through these rings on horseback tested not only skill but also courage.
Quentin suddenly understood. He hadn’t expected so many exciting events at the Flower Mountain Festival.
“Quentin doesn’t know how to sing Miao Family mountain songs yet? Do you think they sound good?” Cerys asked.
Quentin shook his head and said, “I don’t know how to sing them. I’ve heard villagers sing a few times in White Miao Village and thought they sounded good.”
“But I’ve never heard you sing a mountain song, Cerys.”
Aimee laughed from the side and said, “Our Cerys is known as a nightingale in Miao Territory. Many boys want to sing with her.”
“Mother! You’re making Quentin laugh at me again!” Cerys stomped her foot shyly, making everyone laugh happily.
“In that case, Cerys can sing one now and teach me?” Eileen laughed.
Seeing Quentin and Eileen interested in Miao Family mountain songs, Cerys became enthusiastic.
“Quentin, Eileen, our Miao Family love songs are straightforward. As long as you dare to sing, someone will dare to listen.”
“The tunes are similar and not hard to learn,” Elaine began teaching patiently. “The difficulty lies in the lyrics.”
“These mountain songs have been passed down through generations. My mother can remember a thousand; I can only remember over six hundred so far. I’ll sing one now to teach you. Pay attention!”
Quentin and Eileen were amazed. Remembering over six hundred songs were considered few? They would be lucky to sing a few themselves. They hadn’t expected Cerys to be so modest.
Miao Women were skilled singers and dancers. Cerys’s song was elegant and resonant, perfectly matching the scene and touching hearts deeply.
Cerys’s voice echoed throughout Flower Sea Mountain. Men and women in the mountains were drawn by her beautiful singing and looked at her with admiration.
Quentin and Eileen watched her in awe. “Cerys, your singing is wonderful. Do all Miao Family women have such beautiful voices?”
“Quentin, Eileen, you’re flattering me. All Miao Women have such voices; I’m just one of them,” Cerys said modestly. Her voice was indeed unique in Miao Territory. She blushed slightly; she had mainly sung this love song for Quentin.
But unfortunately, her beloved Quentin couldn’t sense her feelings.