Time passed swiftly.
Half a month went by in the blink of an eye.
Bloodfang Stronghold.
With the arrival of a large number of tribesmen, construction sped up dramatically. Where once only wooden fences stood, formidable stone walls were now nearly complete.
It no longer looked like a mere stronghold—it had the beginnings of a proper city.
Since Su Xingyu stationed the jackal warriors here, monster attacks had ceased entirely. In the dense and unpredictable terrain of the forest, the gnolls were far more effective than humans. Their keen instincts and relentless combat prowess allowed them to hunt efficiently and patrol the area with ruthless precision.
After several decisive clean-up operations, the magical beasts lurking in the forest began to realize the danger. Faced with extermination, they finally abandoned the blood crystal veins and retreated deep into the Blood Red Mountains.
While not as intelligent as humans, these creatures were far from mindless. They understood survival. Although the Blood Red Mountains were teeming with more powerful monsters and fierce competition, it at least offered a sliver of hope for life. In contrast, the Bloodfang Forest had become a deathtrap.
Su Xingyu made no move to chase the fleeing beasts into the mountains. His goal was to secure the Bloodfang Forest, not to start another war prematurely. For now, he chose stability over conquest.
The time to seize the Blood Red Mountains would come, but first, the stronghold had to be fully fortified. Once the foundation was laid, expansion could begin—one step at a time.
With the region stabilized, Bloodfang Stronghold entered a much-needed phase of peaceful development. The tribespeople who had relocated gradually began adjusting to their new home.
At first, many were dissatisfied. After all, it was obvious to anyone that the Red River region was superior. Here, the newly established stronghold had nothing to offer—no farms, no markets, and not even enough food, which had to be transported from the Red River itself.
No one was thrilled about the relocation, but under the clan leader's orders, they complied.
Surprisingly, over time, their opinions began to shift.
Food and water were plentiful, the accommodations were better than expected, and aside from the early monster threats, life here was, in many ways, an improvement. The forest provided a new rhythm—different but not worse.
Gradually, they adapted.
The same situation unfolded in the Dark Valley.
Before arriving, the tribesmen had been briefed: the gnolls, though of a different race, had already submitted to the Night Tribe and pledged their faith to Eternal Night.
Yet, despite being mentally prepared, seeing it in person was unsettling.
Gnolls had customs and behaviors that clashed starkly with human norms. In comparison, the so-called "barbarian warriors," often labeled as savages, seemed downright refined—at least they were still human.
This cultural clash gave both sides' commanders persistent headaches.
Thankfully, they had one vital point of unity: faith.
Like the blood-red goblins of the goblin plane, the gnolls here had long been influenced by dark elemental energy. Over the years, they had evolved—twisted into something new. Calling them "gnolls" barely described what they had become. They were dark gnolls now, shaped by shadows and baptized by conflict.
The God's Descent outside the Dark Valley had been a turning point. It planted a seed of devotion in many of them. Once they received the favor of darkness, and especially after bonding with the Instrument of Rules, that seed took root and flourished.
Driven by savage competition, these orcs—less thoughtful than humans—were far more eager to embrace anything that could increase their strength.
And when they discovered the power faith could bring, they didn't hesitate.
In less than a month, they had already become devout. Some had even turned fanatical.
Ironically, their lack of critical thinking became a strength. With fewer doubts and less resistance, their loyalty was swift and complete.
While cultural tensions still lingered, their shared belief helped bridge the gap, allowing both sides to work together effectively.
With the gnolls providing tireless labor and the Night Tribe overseeing operations, construction in the Dark Valley surged ahead at breakneck speed.
Now that the two most difficult strongholds had been stabilized, the rest required little attention.
Giant Tiger, Wild Bull, and Black Soil—the three strongholds completed in the early days—were now fully operational.
As for the newly established Wangdong City, its massive scale slowed construction slightly, but it was now finally complete.
Other cities along the Black Soil Plain's borders had only recently begun construction. It was expected that they wouldn't be finished until next year.
Of course, all these strongholds were merely stepping stones. The real heart of the Night Tribe—their greatest ambition—remained incomplete.
The City of Eternal Night.
It still hadn't been built.
Too many tasks required attention. Resources were stretched thin, and not enough manpower could be devoted to this single, monumental project.
"Chief, it's finished. Would you take a look and see if it's suitable?"
Outside a newly constructed building, the weary Minister of Construction reported to Su Xingyu. His pale face and sunken eyes revealed days of sleepless toil.
Su Xingyu examined the towering hall before him. "Yes. It's suitable."
[System prompt: The current building meets the conditions for activating the University Hall. Do you want to use the Origin of a Thousand Worlds to activate it?]
Without hesitation, Su Xingyu confirmed and merged the blueprint with the system.
[University Hall]
Category: Man-Made Wonder
Level: ★★★
Effect ①: Love of Learning – Learning ability +20%
Effect ②: Enlightenment – Students studying here may awaken wisdom early
"This will be the new place for educating students," Su Xingyu declared after reviewing the new structure's abilities. He nodded in satisfaction. With this wonder in place, the tribe's educational level might finally improve.
At present, education in the Night Tribe was abysmal.
So bad, in fact, that Su Xingyu himself often had to serve as a substitute teacher—lecturing young students personally.
It was truly a bizarre situation for a tribal chief.
The University Hall was the final piece in the latest round of development. The two new military barracks had been completed days earlier.
And yes, the construction had gone quickly. After building so many structures, they'd become experts.
After activating the University Hall, Su Xingyu made his way to the tribal conference room.
Gathered there were the elders, ministers, generals, and senior leaders of the Night Tribe. Even Ye San, stationed far away in Wangdong City, had been summoned back.
"Patriarch."
"Patriarch."
"Patriarch."
They all stood and greeted Su Xingyu as he entered.
"No need for formality." Su Xingyu took his seat at the head of the table. "Everyone sit."
The room settled. All eyes were on him.
"I've gathered you here to delegate the tribe's responsibilities. I will be leaving for a time—possibly a long time—and during my absence, the tribe's development will be in your hands."
"You're leaving?" Ye Zhan, seated on the left, leaned forward. "Chief, are you heading beyond the plains?"
"I'm going to my Lord's divine realm," Su Xingyu answered calmly.
The room drew a sharp collective breath.
Silence fell.
"Enough questions," Su Xingyu said, cutting off Ye Zhan's next inquiry with a glance. "Ye San, you'll manage the overall tribal affairs in my stead. The general direction remains development-focused. I'll leave detailed documents. Follow them closely."
"As for night battle training, I've outlined a classification system for our soldiers. Use it as your guide."
"Also, keep a close eye on agriculture. Expand the planting area for blood spirit flowers."
"In the Dark Valley, rotate the jackal warriors on a regular schedule. The same applies to the half-metal giants."
The meeting stretched for two full hours. Su Xingyu left nothing to chance, issuing instructions for matters large and small—ensuring that even in his absence, the Night Tribe would not falter.