Chapter 305: Thought Tide

A Jiu's mood was quite heavy.

Yan Buji, meanwhile, curiously observed what the Asuras around him were doing.

Their thoughts were not restrained; everyone was discussing how to improve the Southern Asura tribe, with each Asura putting forward their own opinions.

When an Asura argued until red-faced and couldn't refute, they would pick up a book, flip through it to find knowledge, and bolster their argument.

Of course, there were no shortage of hidebound individuals, but the sparks of thought collided violently, and Yan Buji suddenly had an epiphany.

"So that's it—could the Southern Asura tribe's population development also be a possible path for human development? Without feudal rites and regulations, anyone can voice their inner thoughts. Knowledge is at hand, and anyone can obtain the results they want from it; from results arises thinking, constantly colliding, constantly changing—this is...."

"Thought Tide Revival."

Luo Xiu stood to the side, smiling, and said, "That's what the High Priest said."

Yan Buji nodded, clasped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the instruction."

This is indeed the best way for a group to develop; of course, there may be hidden undercurrents that I don't fully understand, but for the group as a whole....

A group where everyone can participate in building and development makes thoughts and ideas crucial.

This differs from the human race's practice of dulling commoners to strengthen control; it requires the Southern Asura King to have sufficient control and leadership to steer the group's development.

Plus the beast tide A Jiu mentioned, and the current situation where the East Rakshasa tribe and Northern Asura tribe have split the New Netherworld into three, the Southern Asura tribe surely can grow faster in such a harsh environment.

As for whether it will go astray, that depends on whether the leader has the ability to lead the group toward a better future.

As an observer, Yan Buji indeed received a spiritual shock; this was a kind of ethnic development he had never encountered before, just as, being among the human race, he naturally occasionally pondered what the future of humanity would be.

But....

As for him, Yan Buji would not worry about humanity's future just because he witnessed a rapidly developing ethnic group; he lacks the qualification and has no desire to join humanity's development.

Luo Xiu stood before the palace and gestured, saying, "Two honored guests, please come this way."

"Good."

Yan Buji entered with a smile on his face; having seen so much, he grew increasingly interested in the Southern Asura King and the High Priest.

Being able to converse with such formidable figures would greatly advance his own life experience and knowledge.

Walking into the palace, Yan Buji looked at the surrounding Asura women, each a beauty selected from among beauties, dazzling his eyes.

This quality is even higher than that of the Northern Asura tribe.

A Jiu oddly looked at Yan Buji and said, "Divine Envoy, do you still like this?"

"Looking twice isn't illegal."

"Haha, if the Divine Envoy likes them, I could introduce two to him."

Yan Buji was about to refuse when A Jiu scoffed, "You won't even give two maidservants? If the Divine Envoy is willing, I, the Northern Asura tribe women, am yours to take."

Luo Xiu oddly looked at A Jiu and said, "Princess... you're also a woman, right?"

"What's wrong with that?"

"Does what you just said include you?" Luo Xiu asked.

A Jiu paused, then choked up and couldn't speak.

Yan Buji chuckled, "Not that bad—I just appreciate beautiful things. Frankly, there are too many gorgeous Asuras; who could possibly enjoy them all?"

Luo Xiu laughed, "That's true."

A Jiu pursed her lips.

All the way to the palace, seeing the splendid golden hall, Yan Buji followed Luo Xiu inside.

Luo Xiu clasped his hands toward the people inside the hall, turned, knelt on one knee before the throne where the Southern Asura King sat, and said, "Your Majesty, I bring Princess A Jiu and the Divine Envoy."

"Haha, my niece and the Divine Envoy have arrived—please, take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yan Buji and A Jiu bowed.

The two were seated together in the foremost position.

A Jiu fell silent, seeming not to know how to speak.

Yan Buji saw that she had been like this since arriving at the capital, clasped his hands, and said, "Fortunate to meet Your Majesty today—this is my blessing."

"No need for formalities, Divine Envoy. Having come from afar, I, the king, have no special products, but a welcome feast is enough. Come, try the beautiful wine brewed by the Southern Asura tribe."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yan Buji and A Jiu raised their cups together and drank the wine; the taste was indeed not bad, with a faint malt aroma.

"Really not bad, Your Majesty—is this a malt wine? When I first arrived in the capital, I did see vast fields outside the city; I never expected they could brew wine."

The Southern Asura King laughed, "Naturally, this is all thanks to the High Priest's efforts. I don't grasp the key points, but after the High Priest finishes his retreat, you can have a good chat with him, Divine Envoy."

"Oh? Is the High Priest currently in retreat?"

"Hmm, but the High Priest entrusted the king, saying that if the Divine Envoy arrives, he must be properly hosted, and after the High Priest ends his retreat, he hopes to have a good conversation with you."

"That's natural."

Yan Buji found it a little strange—could the High Priest have known he was coming? Otherwise, how could he say such things while in retreat?

But if he could exchange some knowledge of divinatory calculation methods with this High Priest, Yan Buji would be willing to wait.

At the banquet, Yan Buji helped fend off many arrows for the reluctant-to-speak A Jiu.

Only late at night was Yan Buji finally arranged to rest in lodgings outside the palace.

Thump thump thump.

"Please come in." Yan Buji heard the knocking, stopped meditating, rose from the bed, and walked to the table to sit down.

A Jiu walked in and closed the door.

"Divine Envoy."

"Princess, why are you awake at this late hour? Is there something important?" Yan Buji inquired.

A Jiu lowered her head, somewhat shy.

"What's wrong?"

"You.... you what do you think of the Southern Asura tribe?"

Yan Buji looked at A Jiu, thought for a moment: "The Southern Asura tribe is at the beginning of a civilizational transformation; they have a strong leader and a harmonious high priest. Led by them, they will guide this tribe onto a new path."

"Is that so.... the new path...." A Jiu walked over, sat down, and asked again.

"Then what do you think, are there any problems here?"

"Problems aren't now; the opening of thought trends will bring many variables, and no one can guarantee what the people under them will do if they overthink. Once someone takes advantage of a single defeat by the Southern Asura king to rise in rebellion, waving the banner of a better future for the tribe, the Southern Asura tribe will surely fall into internal strife."

"Really?" A Jiu couldn't believe it: "Even so, the Southern Asura king is a powerhouse equal to my father king; with them around, nothing could go wrong."

Yan Buji chuckled: "So the problem lies here; one or two defeats mean nothing to them, at most just growing pains for the tribe's development, but under extreme conditions, this suppressed thought trend will eventually erupt."

A Jiu seemed to understand, nodding: "What about the Northern Asura tribe?"

"Hmm.... I can't say for sure, after all the Northern Asura tribe also has strong individuals. But if the Southern Asura tribe continues like this, I'm afraid...."

"I understand." After saying that, A Jiu stood up, nodded as a signal, and left the room.

Yan Buji didn't care about these; he came just to ask for advice.