[Modern times as the main storyline, ancient times as a secondary storyline; ensemble cast, mystery, adventure, political intrigue, a settlement of four clans and six surnames, and the coming-of-age story of a female priestess]
An ancient tribe, a vast primeval forest, and grand sacrificial rites.
What stories will unfold when a newly appointed priestess in charge and a group of people determined to preserve their heritage come together?
“You are the sacrifice I chose for her, so don’t be stubborn!”
A sacrifice used to sharpen a blade is something the priestess need never know about.
Who would remember that trial stone? That obstacle in the way? That catalyst for someone’s growth?
No one would care...
I can stop being stubborn! But I’m a reckless gambler, and I want to stake my life on one bet. What am I supposed to do?
I want so badly for her to know me, yet I’m just as afraid she’ll remember me.
After one trip to Ailao Mountain,
I witnessed one grand sacrificial ceremony after another:
the underwater altar, the piercing-rod rite, the Tea God rite, the Nuo dance rite...
I saw a group of people filled with hope,
and one shattered dream after another.
Zhuang Yi asked herself:
Can sacrifice and worship be brought into balance?
This is the end of an era, and the rise and fall of a settlement. It is a forgotten story, a tale of the present and the past. It is a tumultuous struggle of blood, joy, and sorrow, and a grand sacrificial ceremony. It is about heritage, breaking down to build anew, and a daring quest for redemption undertaken by a group of people.
The author's writing style is fluent, and every scene and character he writes is vivid and clear. The plot is based on real history and has a certain degree of credibility. The story outline is clear. Don't be discouraged if no one reads it. Good stories will always be discovered. There is a chapter describing the heroine's outfit when she goes into the mountains which is a bit ridiculous.