As time passed, Miao people of all ages gradually gathered at Flower Sea Mountain to participate in the Flower Mountain Festival.
The people from Black Miao Village arrived too, with Beckett among them. Beckett walked with his head held high, full of confidence. For the past few years, he had always won first place at the Flower Mountain Festival and was recognized as the strongest young man in Miao Territory.
Leading the group was a middle-aged man dressed in black Miao clothing, adorned with gold and silver. His imposing presence and sharp gaze exuded authority, overshadowing the other village chiefs like Rodney. He was Wesley Pickett, the chieftain of Black Miao Village and the Miao Territory.
As the villagers from various Miao Villages lined up on both sides, led by their respective chiefs, they all greeted Wesley with great respect, “Greetings, Chieftain!”
Wesley led his people back to Black Miao Village and took his seat at the center of the chieftain’s area, surrounded by other village chiefs and elders. The villagers also returned to their respective seats, waiting for Wesley to speak.
“The worship ceremony begins!” Wesley announced solemnly, his voice echoing across the mountain. The villagers stood in reverence.
The worship ceremony symbolized the Miao people’s hopes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperous livestock in the coming year.
Wizard Eric, holding a staff, ascended the totem platform adorned with five beasts. Several strong men from the Miao Family brought a bronze censer filled with incense ash and placed it at the center of the platform. They also set up a large sandalwood table with various fruits, five cups of rice wine, and three slaughtered animals-a cow, a pig, and a chicken.
Wizard Eric lit several thick sandalwood sticks prepared in advance, bowed three times towards the sky, and chanted, “One bow to the ancestors! Two bows to the spirits! Three bows to heaven and earth!” He then inserted the incense into the bronze censer.
The villagers followed suit, bowing in unison. Quentin and Eileen remained seated as they were outsiders and could not participate in the ritual. Cerys’s family stood in front of them to shield them from view, knowing that if the chieftain saw them ignoring the ceremony, there would be consequences.
After the worship ceremony, Wizard Eric returned to his seat at the chieftain’s base camp, and the villagers also sat down.
“Today, we gather from afar to celebrate this Flower Mountain Festival. Enjoy to your heart’s content! The Flower Mountain Festival officially begins,” Wesley declared.
“Thank you, Chieftain!” The villagers cheered enthusiastically.
The festival commenced with joy and laughter as everyone drank and celebrated.
“Play the lusheng music and dance!” Wesley commanded.
Immediately, music filled the air as young women from various Miao Villages took to the stage to dance gracefully. Their elegant movements captivated the young men watching below.
“Cerys, why don’t you go up and dance?” Quentin teased.
“Quentin, I only dance for my beloved…” Cerys blushed deeply, unable to meet Quentin’s eyes.
Seeing her blush, Quentin touched her forehead in concern. “Cerys, are you feeling unwell? Your face is so red.”
Cerys’s face grew even hotter as she quickly moved away from Quentin. “I’m fine,” she mumbled, embarrassed that Quentin had noticed her blush.
“Really? If you’re not feeling well, you should say something,” Quentin said with concern.
Cerys nodded, thinking to herself how clueless Quentin was.
Just then, the music stopped, and the dancers left the stage.
“This Flower Mountain Festival will determine the most talented young man in Miao Territory. Each village should send their best to compete with all their might!” Wesley announced loudly.
“The Clans’ Big Game begins now!”
Each village sent their best young men to compete. White Miao Village was no exception, and Beckett from Black Miao Village was also among them. The competitors gathered on the field, each exuding confidence and determination.
The first event was horse riding. Strong horses of black, white, and yellow were led out from the stables. Rings of fire were lit on the ground, requiring great courage to ride through them without getting burned.
White Miao Village sent two strong young men from their guard squad, but Patriarch Rodney seemed dissatisfied. In his eyes, no one could surpass Beckett.
Patriarch Rodney gave Wizard Eric a subtle signal, prompting him to leave his seat.
Wizard Eric returned to White Miao Village’s camp where everyone greeted him respectfully. He approached Quentin and his group.
“Wizard Eric,” Cerys’s family greeted him while Quentin and Eileen remained seated, ignoring him.
“Quentin, Eileen, please greet Wizard Eric,” Cerys urged nervously.
Quentin and Eileen continued sipping their tea leisurely.
“Wolf Slayer Heroes, could you do us a favor?” Wizard Eric asked politely.
“Speak,” Quentin replied indifferently.
Wizard Eric bowed deeply before Quentin. “Please represent White Miao Village in the Clans’ Big Game!”