[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-becoming-a-god-through-horror":3,"chapter-becoming-a-god-through-horror-becoming-a-god-through-horror-chapter-234":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Becoming a God Through Horror",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2273777,4441,"Chapter 234: Indian Tribe: Calusa Clan, Grave Robbing","becoming-a-god-through-horror-chapter-234",234,"\u003Cp>September 1995.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Florida, Orlando.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very heart of this bustling city, on land worth its weight in gold, a massive construction project was underway; the area was surrounded by barriers, and construction workers in hard hats sweated profusely, while countless excavators came and went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear this was a major project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the site, a nine-story building was rising from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis, dressed in a black trench coat, stood motionless and expressionless, staring at the construction site; his eyes appeared dull, as if lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him stood two strange figures clad in black robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis had already sent his yin spirit out of his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the differences of the other world, his yin spirit could manifest even in broad daylight—unafraid of wind or light; aside from being unable to take physical form and lacking great power or essence, it was nearly identical to his yang spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the azure sky, the ethereal Louis stepped forward, his yin spirit energy spreading like tentacles outward from his center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Location confirmed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Orlando as the main base has some inherent weaknesses, but it’s still our stronghold—adding a few structures and making adjustments will fix that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Build a nine-tiered tower at the center; the eight surrounding directions are earth vein nodes—construct talismans there that align with local beliefs. If we can gain the locals’ approval, all the better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qian and Xun… Earth and Marsh… Line Six…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, good—this feng shui method can be applied here. Teach it to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After memorizing the eight earth vein nodes, Louis’s form plummeted rapidly downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed was unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In barely a second, he fell from the boundless sky and returned to his physical body below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His dull eyes instantly regained their focus; after a brief glance around, he summoned the site supervisor. “These spots—here, here, and here—must be built. Also, make them aesthetically pleasing, and remember to conduct proper survey and planning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The supervisor was a fat man; he barely glanced at the locations Louis marked on the map and understood instantly, but then his brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, most locations are fine—I can handle them—but I’m afraid I can’t resolve this one in the northwest corner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? If you can’t handle it personally, use the corporation’s power—money? Give it. Reputation? Give it. If they refuse both money and face, crush them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis spoke casually, already thinking ahead to his next itinerary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As planned, he needed to visit the three major Native American tribes next—honoring a promise, fulfilling a duty, calming his own mind, and ensuring the High Priest didn’t think him careless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered, he noticed no reply from the supervisor; glancing sideways, he saw the man drenched in sweat, staring at him with obvious distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, that northwest corner borders a Native American tribe. Our corporation normally wouldn’t care—but…” His voice trailed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis understood immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had recently ordered that the three major Native American tribes be treated with care; clearly, his subordinates were hesitating because of that directive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked again at the map—yes, the northwest earth vein node lay close to a major Native American tribe: the Calusa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tribe was one of Florida’s three major Native American groups. “Native American” was a Western term for the continent’s indigenous peoples; in truth, each group had its own name and was not entirely of the same ethnicity. Even now, on the brink of extinction, they remained divided into factions and clans, lacking unity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Florida’s three major tribes—they were mutually hostile. The Calusa were among the better ones, effectively ruling this region’s Native communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d done well—no major disputes, or rather, they were pragmatic, never clashing with the U.S. government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was only because they avoided trouble; within their own territory, they enforced strict control and were highly exclusionary. Without physical force or other means, building within their land would inevitably spark conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the supervisor feared exactly that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to Louis, it was nothing. He smiled. “I’ll handle it. Just arrange your people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The supervisor exhaled in relief. “Guaranteed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, this fat man had once served in the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back home, Louis taught the several women his newly devised method for surveying feng shui and locating earth vein nodes, then sent them on a nationwide journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis then traveled with his team to the northwest region of Orlando.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As boss of a corporation, Louis never handled everything personally—even when action was needed, he always brought a team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when conflict was likely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One military vehicle after another raced down the road, kicking up thick dust; among the convoy of over a dozen vehicles, four or five carried heavily armed men—rifles, grenades, military tactical goggles…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the private armed forces of the Cano Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would the government notice? Would they hold them accountable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe elsewhere—but not in Orlando.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orlando wasn’t yet fully controlled; many basic industries hadn’t been infiltrated, and high positions like mayor were only cooperated with, not fully staffed by their own. Otherwise, this convoy would be entirely private armed forces!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just filling those few vehicles!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the front, a military Humvee led the way, speeding forward—until the black convoy reached the territory of the Native American tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering modernity, the U.S. government, to preserve its international image, had designated specific areas for Native American survival. Legally, these zones were equivalent to autonomous regions; the government only collected taxes and established police stations there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practice? It depended on the region…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, it was already within Orlando’s suburban zone—though distant, it still had schools and residential neighborhoods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the convoy roared past, a boy who had just changed his life happened to be riding his bicycle; he stared at the sleek military Humvee with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out an awed exclamation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped his bicycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two girls—one with blonde hair, one with black—walked past him; the boy, trying to change his fate, nervously approached them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, a muscular boy in a short-sleeved shirt watched the scene with jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis didn’t know what was happening behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he was already inside Native American territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in a police uniform jogged over; seeing Louis and his armed men, he bowed deeply. “Dear boss, I’m Liva, the local police officer—allow me to extend to you the most exalted, fervent, and heartfelt welcome…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomi, standing beside Louis, rolled his eyes. “Hey, Liva, listen—if you keep yammering like this, I’ll shove my gun straight up your ass. Yes, I mean your backside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click-clack…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clicking sound came from Tomi’s backpack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liva turned pale. “My apologies—this way, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he led the way, Liva spoke of the Cano Group’s changes to the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn U.S. government—only talks pretty words. Do you know how much tax they demand from us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twenty percent more than regular citizens!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one dares open shops here—only poachers and grave robbers, those shadowy types, come. Oh shit, just two days ago, I got a report about a grave robbery…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank the Cano Group, thank the boss—if you hadn’t come, we couldn’t even have running water or electricity in town. Look at this smooth cement road, these bright streetlights, these bike paths… See that big supermarket? Built by Cano Group—it’s now the town’s busiest place…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis didn’t interrupt his rambling; he calmly observed his surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within this Native American zone lay vast forests and swamps; they mostly lived among them. The land was rich in natural resources, but America, with its vast empty spaces, never lacked such things—and due to discrimination and suppression, their mistreatment was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small town, built on the edge of the reservation, adjacent to Orlando’s suburbs, was the Native people’s own change—they had stepped out of the forests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the town center, someone was already waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of men, faces painted with pigments, feathers stuck in their hair, yet dressed in shirts and suits, stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center, surrounded by others, stood a man, five feet six inches tall, in his forties or fifties, with streaks of gray in his hair. Most striking was his colorful feathered cloak, extending from his shoulders up to his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was… the Chief’s Crown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Five Native Crowns: the Eagle Feather Crown of Valor, the Gem Crown of Wealth, the Nature Crown of Wisdom, the Chief’s Crown of Authority, the Death Crown of War.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing the Chief’s Crown, this man was surely the chief and ruler of the surrounding region—including other Native tribes—the Calusa tribe’s leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Louis and his group arrive, the chief walked forward, smiling, extending his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis smiled in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their hands clasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Mr. Cano, I am Calusa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, this place is beautiful—I love it, Chief Calusa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked into a newly opened café nearby—yes, business was dismal, and it bore the Cano family’s insignia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis spoke briefly with Chief Calusa, then handed the specifics over to the Cano Group’s specialists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He himself strolled around with the chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not talkative, the chief seemed equally reserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Calusa, how does your tribe usually live here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, mostly hunting and selling furs. In truth, beyond this town, we have other villages deep in the forests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of which, we must thank Mr. Cano—if not for you, our lives would be even worse. The Calusa tribe repays every debt and avenges every wrong. Mr. Cano, if you need anything, just say it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our votes are entirely at your disposal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically, Native Americans also have the right to vote.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, technically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After smiling and calming them down, Louis shifted the topic to the mystical side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be honest, I’ve always been deeply interested in mystical forces. Two years ago, I met a priest in California.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His name is Red Sun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Louis halted his steps without expression, quietly observing Kalusa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalusa frowned slightly, as if trying to recall who that name belonged to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to remember something; his expression turned incredulous, even lifting his head to look at Louis, as if confirming Louis wasn’t joking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not joking. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know his name. He wears three crowns: eagle feathers, gems, and nature. I usually refer to him as the Red High Priest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He instructed me to assist you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalusa’s expression grew complex; he stood motionless for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis did not press him, instead gazing at the scenery in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalusa spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Carno, the Red Sun you mentioned was a chieftain of a tribe that once ruled this land. They were destroyed for their stubborn resistance and total refusal to compromise with the American government—but that happened over a hundred years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not for my grandfather, who told me we have a branch lineage with that tribe, I wouldn’t have known at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Red High Priest was a very famous figure in our tribe. My grandfather called him the priest closest to the Feathered Serpent God.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sadly, he later vanished. I never expected to hear his name again from you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Red High Priest as a bridge, the relationship between them instantly drew closer—or rather, this provided a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to leverage the Carno Group’s power to improve his people’s life; Louis wanted information. Mutual interest naturally ignited the connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis and Kalusa engaged in a deep exchange on mystical forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Kalusa, Louis learned that most Native tribes’ mystical powers are tied to deities. The two mainstream forms are warriors blessed by deities and priests who communicate with deities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, they have lost most of their mystical powers, retaining only fragments and “divine artifacts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think your tribe is pitiful, but I can’t endlessly aid you—it wouldn’t be good for you. You understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, would you be willing to send some of your people to join us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with Louis’s invitation, Kalusa froze. He understood what this meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did he have a choice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the demon of money, this chief, burdened with countless lives, was powerless to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is my honor, respected Mr. Carno.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Kalusa Tribe pledges its service to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis’s smile grew more genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sensed something hidden within the chief’s flesh—something powerful, as strong as his own body!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strength capable of withstanding bullets, overturning cars, rivaling a minor superhuman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he still bowed humbly before Louis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis didn’t even need to use force—just a few words, and a chief wielding mystical power and absolute authority submitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the power of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money is the superpower of modern society!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, Kalusa. I’ve decided to expand your village. Perhaps you’ll enjoy living in neighborhoods with running water and electricity, opening shops, entering various industries, and sending your children to school—to walk the path of the Shangliushe Society...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One promise after another made the chief’s eyes brighten, his posture growing increasingly subservient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Carno, the Kalusa Tribe never takes advantage of benefactors. Though the Red High Priest offered a reward, we have other gifts for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they walked, Kalusa spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though the gods no longer answer us, the divine powers they once granted do not vanish completely. So, over two hundred years ago, our ancestors made a decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To preserve the divine gifts of warriors and priests through special methods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is now our greatest source of mystical power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, we rarely use these powers—only when necessary do we temporarily inherit them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The one I’m taking you to now is the tomb of a priest from our tribe over two hundred years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps you’ll be satisfied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he led Louis to an open patch of land beyond the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pit had appeared on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the excavated hole, Kalusa fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes locked onto the desecrated tomb, his chest heaving violently; a powerful aura erupted from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly raised his head, scanning the surroundings, then let out a deafening roar that sent a flock of birds flying away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who?! Who did this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Kalusa Tribe will not rest until we’ve destroyed him!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red Deer! Where are you? Come out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the chief, who had always seemed weak before Louis, finally revealed a hint of domineering presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps this was tied to his tribe’s traditions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he seemed to recall something and turned toward a direction—beyond the forest, a small cabin was faintly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stomped the ground, leaving a small crater, then shot forward like a bolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He charged straight into the cabin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But moments later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the cabin exploded violently—the person inside was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalusa burst out again, raging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Louis, watching quietly from the side, frowned slightly. “Chief Kalusa, perhaps you should visit the police station.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still furious, Kalusa instinctively turned his head, glaring at Louis. “What the hell are you talking about? Police station? You damn—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, a sharp warning surged from his spine straight to his brain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up slightly—and saw Louis gazing at him coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those deep eyes filled him with inexplicable dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shuddered violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kalusa instantly regained his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2537,"2026-06-19T23:34:31.517Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8c8c056b952dbf8b53f0baa82ce93312891d50288e0548457b3b9343b62a0849","becoming-a-god-through-horror-chapter-235","becoming-a-god-through-horror-chapter-233",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecoming-a-god-through-horror-cover.jpg"]