The grand ceremony for the deity this time is quite elaborate, requiring extensive preparations.
Therefore, Yu Su scheduled the ceremony for a month and a half later.
Calculating the time, the merchant caravan should return after a month and a half.
Although there is still over a month left, the village chief and others have already actively started preparations.
The bustling trading market in Yu Village spread the news like wildfire to the barbarian forest, villages in the northern plains, and villages to the east, such as Dao Village and Bear Slaughtering Village.
Curiosity among the people soared.
Especially upon learning that Yu Su would perform the deity dance at the ceremony.
Their curiosity peaked.
However, not all villages received invitations from Yu Village. Only those close to Yu Village, such as the Barbarian Forest Beast Deity Temple, Iron Forging Village, and Dao Village, received invitations.
The villages not receiving invitations felt awkward.
They wanted to ask Yu Village why they weren't invited, but did they have the courage to ask?
Usually, they weren't very close to Yu Village, and Yu Village wouldn't show them any favor.
There were a few villages regretting not establishing better relations with Yu Village earlier.
...
Yu Village, Chi Nan comes to find Yu Su.
"Are you going to offer sacrifices to the Lord Bai Ze?" Chi Nan asks.
Yu Su: "Exactly, Mr. Chi, do you know about Lord Bai Ze as well?"
Chi Nan replies: "Although I've forgotten who I am, I still have common knowledge. Lord Bai Ze's reputation spans across the five continents. Only the spirit tribe worships Lord Bai Ze. Are you also from the spirit tribe?"
Yu Su: "No, we are followers of the Mountain God. The Mountain God is a loyal supporter of Lord Bai Ze. As the people under the protection of the Mountain God, offering sacrifices to Lord Bai Ze is only natural and right."
Of course, the most important thing is establishing a connection with Lord Bai Ze.
With the protection of the Beast Deity in the barbarian tribe, how could Yu Village lose?
Following the relationship diagram, offering sacrifices to Lord Bai Ze is entirely justified.
After Chi Nan realizes this, he is momentarily speechless. Yu Su's reasoning is quite sound.
The Blue Marsh under the Deer God Mountain is a spiritual beast under Lord Bai Ze from ancient times, enjoying the trust of Lord Bai Ze. Yu Village, being the people under the protection of Blue Marsh, offering sacrifices to Lord Bai Ze is indeed reasonable. Even if the spirit tribe were to come, they couldn't find fault.
Chi Nan raises an eyebrow, thinking that Yu Village indeed has a remarkable backing.
Seeing Chi Nan speechless, Yu Su feels a bit triumphant.
"Speaking of which, I have a question to ask Mr. Chi. I wonder where Mr. Chi's 'Ancient Chronicles' and 'Tai Abyss' came from."
"They were taken from my storage artifact. Any issues with these two books?"
"From your storage artifact? Not the unopenable box?"
"No, that's just a slightly sturdier ordinary box."
"Oh~"
Facing Yu Su's meaningful gaze, Chi Nan remains unperturbed, seemingly unaware of any issues, demonstrating thicker skin than Yu Su imagined.
"The books are fine. Mr. Chi's teachings are excellent; I am satisfied."
"Then I can rest assured." Chi Nan smiles.
"One last question, where are we currently, in which continent or realm?" Yu Su asks.
Chi Nan looks at Yu Su and slowly says, "West Barbarian Continent."
Yu Su frowns, the West Barbarian Continent?
[Master, according to historical records, the West Barbarian Continent is the most remote among the five continents, separated from the other four by vast, endless seas. Moreover, information about it is the scarcest.]
"..."
In other words, they are isolated in this remote place, and if they want to leave the West Barbarian Continent, the first obstacle they'll face is the endless sea.
Yu Su's expression probably revealed his dismay.
Chi Nan remarks, "Is the witch doctor lord frightened?"
Yu Su regains composure, "Impossible."
Even if the West Barbarian Continent is the most secluded and backward place, sooner or later, they will cross the endless sea and make their name known to other continents.
Of course, there's no need to mention such ambitions to Chi Nan.
When Lu Yan comes over, they learn from Yu Su's mouth where they are now.
For Lu Yan, these are his first insights into the vast outside world.
Turns out, this world is much larger than he imagined.
Yu Su: "West Barbarian Continent is the most remote place, separated from the other nine realms by the vast Endless Sea. Currently, our location should be here."
Yu Su sketches a rough map.
Upon learning they are in the West Barbarian Continent, the all-encompassing elves retrieve data from the Barbaric Era, presenting the map of the West Barbarian Continent.
The current map only outlines the general contours; otherwise, it is mostly blank.
Because information from this era is inherently scarce, especially for such a remote place as the West Barbarian Continent, it's already quite challenging for the all-encompassing elves to find a map of the entire region.
Yu Su draws a circle in a corner on the west side of the map.
Based on the geographical and climatic conditions, they are likely in this position in the West Barbarian Continent.
Lu Yan, looking at the small circle on the large map, is somewhat surprised.
"Our location is just this small circle?"
"According to... um, this is a rough sketch based on 'Ancient Chronicles' and 'Tai Abyss.'"
Although Yu Su sounds uncertain, Lu Yan can tell from the angular map on the table that this is indeed what the West Barbarian Continent looks like.
Someone must have told Yu Su.
If it were Chi Nan or Qing Ze, Yu Su wouldn't hide it.
So, it's likely someone unknown informed Yu Su.
This is Yu Su's secret, which is why he suddenly changed his tone earlier.
Thinking Lu Yan is pondering their current situation, Yu Su says, "Although we have only explored this area for now, we will eventually explore the entire map."
Lu Yan nods and looks at Yu Su, "Should we tell others about this?"
Yu Su nods, "Of course, knowing more is the key to avoiding narrow-mindedness."
"Narrow-minded?" Lu Yan asks.
Yu Su explains, and Lu Yan finds the description quite vivid.
...
Yu Su makes two copies of the map and hangs them in the council chamber and the administrative hall.
Once the map is displayed, everyone can see it.
Realizing they live in such a vast continent, they find it astonishing.
Especially the Five Elements Warriors; looking at the map in the administrative hall, their eyes light up.
"I thought Death Valley was the end to the west. I didn't expect such a large area beyond Death Valley."
"Except for the areas around our village, everything else is blank. Lord Yu Su said those blank areas are waiting for us to explore and fill in."
"Can we really go to such distant places?"
"Why not? Lord Yu Su said that after establishing the foundation, we can control swords to fly and go anywhere we want."
These words make the Five Elements Warriors who came to watch feel impassioned.
Their subsequent cultivation becomes even more diligent.
When Chi Nan also comes to look at the map, he glances at it and reveals a surprised expression with just one look.
He has never seen a map outlining the contours of the West Barbarian Continent.
How did Yu Su draw this?
Clearly, someone must have told Yu Su.
Yu Su is grateful he managed to stay composed. Even facing Chi Nan's doubtful gaze, he calmly says, "Of course, I consulted the Mountain God for this."
Chi Nan is still somewhat puzzled. Why hasn't Qing Ze mentioned this?
But Yu Su is the witch doctor chosen by Qing Ze and has been taught many things by him, so it's not surprising if Qing Ze told Yu Su.
Seeing Chi Nan seemingly convinced, Yu Su breathes a sigh of relief.
Then, during the night, he enters Deer God Mountain and finds Qing Ze.
"Lord Mountain God, there's something I need your help with," Yu Su pleads.
The noble and elegant white deer is sitting or lying on the mountaintop, absorbing the essence of the moon. The pale moonlight slowly descends upon its body, swirling around it before being absorbed.
This beautiful scene makes it look like a celestial being in the sky.
Even though Yu Su has seen it many times, he still feels that Qing Ze, as a creature, is truly unique.
Even if he meditates all night, he might not attract even a bit of moon essence, yet Qing Ze, just sitting here, has moonlight willingly coming to it.
Tears of envy flow from Yu Su's eyes, making his pitiful appearance even more genuine.
Qing Ze looks at him, a hint of surprise in its deer eyes.
What did this little two-legged creature do to be in such a fluster?
Yu Su confesses, "I drew a map of the West Barbarian Continent, and Chi Nan saw it. He asked me how I drew it, and for a moment, I couldn't find a reason, so I had to use you as an excuse."
Yu Su has always been honest with Qing Ze, not just because Qing Ze has helped him a lot but also because, over the years, he has truly regarded Qing Ze as the genuine guardian deity of Yu Village.
He always feels like Qing Ze can see through all his secrets but never asks a question.
This deepens Yu Su's trust in Qing Ze.
After hearing, Qing Ze doesn't ask much, just looks at him with a meaningful gaze and says, "It's a trivial matter, no need to panic. If he has questions, let him come find me."
Yu Su mentally celebrates, "Thank you, Lord Mountain God!"