The fangirl Sola was also a pretty girl from 'ten miles and eight villages'.
Moreover, her father was an elder of the Huaquan Tribe.
So the headman who was making things difficult for Jon also recognized Sola.
Seeing Sola like this, a smile inevitably tugged at his lips:
"Ha, Vidor, your daughter is really outgoing."
Vidor was also a bit displeased seeing his daughter like this.
This was a father's instinct.
Originally, Vidor had planned to marry his daughter to Harken, so he could help him solidify his authority.
Meanwhile, Harken's expression at the side was very rich at this moment: astonishment, vexation, and disappointment.
"Sola! Get out!"
"Father…"
Sola blinked her deep blue eyes, looking at Vidor piteously.
Hugh Wolf, seeing this scene, found it quite amusing.
If Jon could take Sola away, it would be quite beneficial for him.
At least Harken wouldn't side with Vidor anymore.
Old York was surprised but also felt a sense of crisis.
His own daughter's looks were not as good as Sola's, and now it seemed her initiative might not be as good either.
As far as he knew, a child like Jon, who had grown up without a mother, was most susceptible to such 'direct attacks'.
Perhaps he should prepare a more generous dowry?
Old York shook his head, wondering what he was thinking. This was a tense moment!
Seeing such a situation, the leader who had spoken to challenge Jon suddenly laughed:
"Hahaha, you're really something, kid. You've only been here a few days and you've already picked the most beautiful flower of our Mountain Clans.
My name is Chick, and you are… Jon?"
"Yes, Elder Chick."
Jon looked at the tribal leader in front of him, who was about thirty years old. His eyes were long and narrow, as cunning as a wolf's.
"I am no elder," Chick said, sticking his sword into the ground and sitting back down. "Gentlemen, I think we can trust this young man now."
Seeing him say this, the others nodded one after another.
The reactions of Sola, her father, and Harken were simply too genuine; it couldn't be faked.
In fact, what Chick was worried about was Jon conspiring with the Huaquan Tribe to scheme against them.
Hugh Wolf might not have realized that it was precisely because he had gone to great lengths to help Jon contact these people that it aroused suspicion from the others.
They even thought the Huaquan Tribe was going to conspire with Jon, this outsider, to scheme against them.
Then everyone sat down again, and Old York secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He turned to look at Jon and found that Jon's expression remained unchanged, as if nothing had happened.
This suddenly sparked another thought in his mind: Is my granddaughter worthy of him?
And Old York quickly had an answer in his heart.
If one disregarded his status as a bastard, Jon was truly outstanding.
Superb martial arts, first-rate strategy, and exceptional courage.
If those counts, or even dukes, could have such an heir, they would probably be grinning from ear to ear all day long.
'This might… be a joke from the gods.'
However, the truth was that Jon hadn't figured it out either.
This 'conflict' came and went quickly.
He only found that the suspicion among the various clans of the Mountains of the Moon was very severe.
Chick and the others, having retaken their seats, did not immediately accept Jon's request for an alliance, but instead raised a very practical question:
How would Jon prove that he could lead their tribal warriors to victory?
"He…" Sola, who hadn't yet moved her feet, immediately wanted to interject, but she was stopped by her father.
Sola had wanted to say 'He defeated Harken,' but the words were stuck in her throat.
"Jon, right? Jon, I've seen the Lannister army you speak of; their soldiers almost cover the valleys, their banners almost obscure the sky.
And you've only brought these few people. How can I trust you? Also, you should know that we often shed blood over a well, a stream, or a wild boar.
Even if those tribal warriors are entrusted to you, how will you persuade them to obey your command and fight for you?"
"Elder Chick, just state your demands, and I will do my best to fulfill them."
"Now it's your turn to prove it to me."
Although this Chick kept making things difficult for him, which was somewhat annoying.
However, this guy stated everything openly, and deep down, he wasn't really repulsed by him.
But how to prove himself was indeed a difficult question to answer.
At this moment, Hugh Wolf at the side spoke up:
"Gentlemen, I have a good idea."
Everyone looked at Hugh Wolf, Jon naturally included.
He always seemed to be able to help him at crucial moments.
If he really demanded benefits afterwards, that would be fine, but if he asked for nothing, Jon would have to be wary.
Hugh Wolf stood up and said:
"Everyone knows that our Huaquan Tribe has a Canghuo Peak. A long time ago, our first Fire Witch lived there.
But a hundred years ago, the mountain collapsed, and the original path to Canghuo Peak became incredibly treacherous, so much so that no one has been able to climb it for a hundred years.
I think if Jon can climb Canghuo Peak, perhaps he can prove himself, and I think this might also show that the Gods of the Mountains and the Gods of the Moon acknowledge him, and our warriors should no longer reject Jon, what do you all say?"
So the test is climbing a mountain?
After hearing Hugh Wolf's suggestion, Sola's face immediately tensed up.
She had grown up listening to tribal stories.
As for Canghuo Peak, she was also very familiar with it; that mountain path, destroyed by the collapse of the mountain, was simply unclimbable!
"Agreed!" Elder Chick, who had been making things difficult for Jon, approved Hugh Wolf's suggestion.
"I also agree."
"If he can really climb up, it means both the Gods of the Mountains and the Gods of the Moon acknowledge him. I also agree."
Seeing that everyone agreed to his proposal, Hugh Wolf said happily:
"Then if you all have no objections, I will be Jon's witness. Of course, everyone can also see from the hillside west of our tribe." He then looked at Jon and said, "Jon, if you successfully reach the summit, remember to light a bonfire so others can see it."
'No, you're testing me, but I haven't agreed yet!'
Jon stood up and said:
"Esteemed Elders, I am merely a bastard. How many warriors are there in the Mountain Clans? I do not believe I can necessarily reach the summit.
I would like to go and see Canghuo Peak first before making a decision."
"Good!" Chick said, a hint of admiration in his eyes as he looked at Jon.
If Jon had agreed immediately, he would have been uneasy about entrusting the tribal warriors to him.
But Jon's cautiousness made him appreciate him even more.
So, led by Vidor, the group arrived at a hillside from which Canghuo Peak could be seen.
"That is Canghuo Peak."
Hugh Wolf pointed to the mountain in front of them and spoke.
In fact, he didn't even need to point it out; Jon could tell at a glance which was the steepest and most treacherous peak.
On the east side of Canghuo Peak, it looked as if a giant axe had cleaved off a piece.
It had a flat and smooth 'cut surface'.
The steep rock face was almost ninety degrees vertical!
Compared to that, it was where the people of the Huaquan Tribe used to ascend the mountain.
"How can that possibly be climbed?!"
Old York exclaimed, unable to control himself, after seeing such a steep mountain.
"How about it, kid? If you feel you can't do it, it's not too late to give up."
Chick spoke again in a playful tone.
Hugh Wolf at the side looked at him even more nervously.
If Jon refused this test, all his earlier efforts would be in vain.
Jon looked at the distant mountain, constantly evaluating in his mind.
Suddenly:
"Remaining upgrades: 2"
"I am willing to try."