Chapter 120: Encountering Danger
The two found two suitable cedar trees and chopped them down. Kong Zhi skillfully shaved off the thorns on the bark and even polished one of the poles for Xia Lu Nong to use.
The poles were over two meters long, and Xia Lu Nong hefted one, feeling the weight was just right.
Seeing his expression, Kong Zhi asked, “Is it useful? Should we look for another one, just in case?”
“No need, these two sticks are enough. Let’s head back first.”
“Alright,” Kong Zhi agreed. “Shift to human form and ride on my back.”
Kong Zhi transformed back into a golden eagle, and Xia Lu Nong sat on his back, holding the long sticks horizontally in front of his stomach and wrapping his arms around Kong Zhi’s neck.
Kong Zhi ran a few steps and took off powerfully into the air.
Xia Lu Nong squinted his eyes as he looked down, feeling the evening breeze, which was particularly refreshing.
By the time they returned to the lotus field, Xia Huo Qu and Yan Xi Nian had already stopped digging up lotus roots and were instead facing the field, handling river clams.
They were chatting as they worked, and by their feet sat a large wooden basin filled with clam meat.
From high above, Xia Lu Nong could see the thick, pale yellow clam meat in the basin.
Kong Zhi landed gracefully, flapping his wings.
Xia Lu Nong threw the sticks down first, then climbed off Kong Zhi’s back.
Yan Xi Nian, seeing their return, called out, “Xia Nong, Kong Zhi, come over here. I’ve got something cool to show you.”
“What is it?” Xia Lu Nong picked up the sticks and placed them beside the raft, then hurried over. “Is it the clam meat?”
“Of course not. Look at this.” Yan Xi Nian picked up a bowl and handed it to Xia Lu Nong.
“Pearls?!” Xia Lu Nong exclaimed in surprise when he saw it. “How are there so many pearls inside the clams?!”
The bowl was filled halfway with pearls of various sizes and shapes, the most striking being a nearly perfectly round pink pearl at the top.
“This is too beautiful!” Xia Lu Nong marveled, picking up the pearl and holding it up to his eyes. “This pearl is the size of a longan fruit, and it even has a luster!”
“It’s probably reflecting the light of the evening sky,” Yan Xi Nian said with a laugh. “You can keep it as a souvenir if you like.”
Xia Lu Nong glanced at it a few more times before putting it back in the bowl. “I’m just a guy—what’s there to play with? Better to keep it for later, in case we can trade it for something useful.”
Even after putting it back, he couldn’t help but take another glance, muttering, “It’s just too beautiful! Who would’ve thought such an ordinary clam could contain something like this?”
Xia Huo Qu, meanwhile, was opening another clam. From the side of the shell, he pulled out a small handful of pearls and handed them to Xia Lu Nong. “This one has some, too.”
Xia Lu Nong took them and glanced at them in the fading light.
These pearls were also of varying sizes, around twenty of them, mostly the size of soybeans, but with many imperfections and irregular shapes, clearly not as valuable as the nearly round pink pearl.
He placed the handful of pearls back into the bowl and stared at the pink pearl again. “This is honestly the most beautiful pearl I’ve ever seen, and I doubt I’ll come across anything more stunning.”
“You never know,” Yan Xi Nian said with a smile. “Maybe one day, when we take a trip to the seaside, you’ll find even more gorgeous pearls.”
Xia Lu Nong shook his head. “‘Once you’ve seen the vast ocean, all other water pales in comparison.’ I doubt it.”
Kong Zhi, having finished dressing, picked up the pearl and inspected it closely. “If you like it so much, how about I make something small for you?”
“Hmm?” Xia Lu Nong turned to him. “A pearl necklace?”
Kong Zhi raised his eyebrows. “You could wear it if you want.”
“No, no, no,” Xia Lu Nong quickly declined. “I was just joking.”
Kong Zhi, rubbing the pearl between his fingers, looked at Xia Lu Nong’s chest. “I could make you a brooch.”
“Wait, you know how to make stuff like that?” Xia Lu Nong asked curiously.
“I learned a little before.”
Yan Xi Nian chimed in, “Learned a little? You mean, like carving? Jewelry design?”
“Something like that,” Kong Zhi replied. “My grandfather owned a jewelry store. I grew up under his care and picked up a few things.”
Knowing that all of Kong Zhi’s family had passed away and he was the only one left, Xia Lu Nong awkwardly changed the subject. “Let’s cut some more lotus pods while there’s still some light.”
Xia Huo Qu looked up at the sky. “It’s getting too dark to see, and we don’t know what’s hiding in the water. It’s too dangerous. Let’s continue tomorrow morning.”
“Alright, we’ll continue tomorrow. Let’s get some food ready for now.”
Dinner was already cooking, and they’d gathered enough firewood.
Xia Lu Nong glanced around and, seeing nothing pressing to do, pulled a sack of lotus pods from the cart. He sat down with Kong Zhi, and they began peeling the pods to collect the lotus seeds.
The dried lotus pods they peeled off were tossed into the fire as kindling.
It was now nearing mid-August, and the full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival was almost complete. The moonlight was bright and clear, casting a silvery glow over everything. Even without the bonfire, they could see perfectly well.
The group, having worked all day, sat around the fire eating, drinking tea, and enjoying the fragrance of the lotuses. It was the perfect way to unwind, with the day’s fatigue melting away.
Xia Lu Nong sat on a low stool, resting his head on Kong Zhi’s lap, listening to their conversation as he drifted off to sleep.
His brother gently tapped his shoulder. “If you’re tired, go get some sleep. We’ll take the first watch.”
Yawning, Xia Lu Nong replied, “Last night, you guys took the first shift, so tonight you should sleep early. Kong Zhi and I will take the first watch.”
“We’ve gotten used to the routine by now. We’ll keep the first watch, and you guys can take the second shift.”
Xia Lu Nong didn’t argue. “Alright, then. We’ll head to bed.”
“Get some good rest.”
As usual, Xia Lu Nong transformed into his animal form and burrowed into Kong Zhi’s bedding.
He was exhausted and fell into a deep sleep almost immediately after curling up in his cat form on Kong Zhi’s chest.
When it was time to wake up, he groggily stretched, still reluctant to leave the warm bed, and mumbled, “I feel like I just closed my eyes a second ago, and now you’re waking me up.”
“I wanted to let you sleep a bit longer. I could’ve taken the night watch alone, but you insisted I wake you.”
“I’m not the only one who’s tired,” Xia Lu Nong said, pulling on his T-shirt under the covers. “Help me grab my pants.”
Kong Zhi handed him his pants.
As Xia Lu Nong struggled to get dressed under the covers, he mumbled, “Tomorrow, when we get back, I’m sleeping in until the sun’s way up.”
Kong Zhi patted his head. “Just hang in there for one more night.”
Xia Lu Nong whispered, “For now, this is the best we can do.”
The two of them climbed out.
Yan Xi Nian and Xia Huo Qu were still chatting by the fire.
Seeing them approach, Yan Xi Nian asked, “Why are you up on your own?”
“Probably just woke up naturally,” Xia Lu Nong yawned. “Brother, you guys should go to sleep.”
Xia Lu Nong was still feeling sleepy as he sat by the fire.
The night was a bit chilly, but sitting by the fire felt warm and cozy.
Kong Zhi patted his shoulder. “Let’s sit together and watch the stars.”
“If we do that, I’ll probably fall asleep.”
“Then sleep.”
Xia Lu Nong summoned all his willpower, determined not to fall asleep no matter how tired he was. The night passed peacefully until morning.
Early the next day, a thick fog rolled in, and visibility was less than five meters.
Xia Huo Qu and Yan Xi Nian got up and immediately noticed the dense fog.
“Why is it so foggy today?” Yan Xi Nian asked, puzzled.
Xia Huo Qu replied, “Once the sun comes out, the fog will probably clear. Let’s have breakfast first.”
Xia Lu Nong looked up. “Breakfast is ready. Brother, wash up and come eat. We’re having bamboo-seed lotus rice with pan-fried bird meat this morning.”
“Great,” Xia Huo Qu said. “No rush to finish with the fog still here. We can take our time with breakfast.”
Xia Lu Nong handed him the food. “We dug up more than half a cart of lotus roots and seeds yesterday. We should be able to head back this afternoon. If we leave early enough, we might make it back to the base by 10 p.m.”
Yan Xi Nian asked, “Eager to return to the base?”
“Of course! It’s inconvenient out here. Being back at the base is so much more comfortable,” Xia Lu Nong said, glancing at the thick fog outside. He sighed. “I was telling Kong Zhi earlier that we should get up early today, finish our work quickly, and head back. But it looks like the weather isn’t cooperating, so that plan’s completely off.”
Xia Huo Qu reassured him, “It’s just fog. It’ll clear once the sun comes up. After breakfast, we’ll tidy up the truck, then start cooking lunch. We won’t take extra time to rest at noon. We’ll eat and keep working, aiming to finish early in the afternoon.”
“That works,” Xia Lu Nong agreed. “For lunch, we’ll have bamboo-seed lotus rice with diced lotus root and bird meat. We still have some lard from last time. When it’s time to eat, we’ll drizzle some lard and soy sauce over it. I guarantee it’ll be delicious.”
Yan Xi Nian laughed, “I haven’t even finished breakfast, and now you’re making me hungry again.”
Xia Lu Nong smiled, “Good food can make your mouth water just by talking about it. I’m full. I’ll go rinse the rice now. By the way, our stored water is running low. Should I use my powers to grow another bamboo stalk?”
Xia Huo Qu stopped him. “No need. Save your energy. We’ll be busy all day outdoors, and we won’t be back until tonight. Stay safe.”
Xia Lu Nong didn’t think he’d need to use his powers much today, but since his brother insisted, he didn’t argue and decided to use the water sparingly.
After breakfast, everyone went about their tasks.
Xia Lu Nong packed everything into the truck except for the pot with lunch simmering inside and the small stools.
The sun eventually came out, and the fog started to dissipate bit by bit.
Xia Lu Nong looked out over the lotus field, feeling that something was off. He focused more carefully, but couldn’t see anything unusual.
His instincts were usually sharp, so sensing something amiss, he said, “I have a bad feeling today. Everyone should be careful.”
Xia Huo Qu glanced around and said, “Maybe something came out with the fog. Xi Nian, you and Kong Zhi should transform and scout the area. See if you notice anything. Xia Nong and I will stay at the camp.”
Yan Xi Nian and Kong Zhi nodded in agreement.
The giant tiger ran a circle around the area on the ground, while the massive golden eagle circled in the sky.
Their sharp senses picked up nothing out of the ordinary.
Yan Xi Nian said, “Same scents as yesterday. There are only some small animals nearby—snakes, mice. Nothing too dangerous. We’ll just stay alert.”
Xia Huo Qu nodded.
There wasn’t much else they could do. The wilderness was inherently risky, and even with their skills, they couldn’t guarantee absolute safety.
Xia Huo Qu said, “Let’s get to work now. Xi Nian and I will dig for lotus roots. Xia Nong, you and Kong Zhi can cut more lotus pods. Don’t go too far—just take it easy.”
Everyone divided their tasks.
Kong Zhi had Xia Lu Nong follow him, using a raft to move forward.
They had already cut all the pods near the shore the day before, so now they needed to go deeper into the swamp.
The vast marsh still held many lotus pods to harvest.
Xia Lu Nong’s initial excitement about collecting lotus roots and pods had faded. Today, cutting the pods felt like pure mechanical labor.
It was a sunny day, and the sun beat down relentlessly, making Xia Lu Nong sweat profusely.
Wearing a straw hat, he repeatedly wiped the sweat from his face, his cheeks flushed with heat, and his clothes drenched in sweat.
After working for over an hour, the raft was almost submerged under the weight of the lotus pods they had gathered.
Kong Zhi glanced at the load and said, “We can’t cut any more. Let’s take these back first, then come out for another round.”
Xia Lu Nong nodded.
This time, he steered the raft while Kong Zhi stayed behind.
The raft cut through the calm marsh, leaving a long wake and startling the fish and other small creatures in the water.
Fish jumped out of the water, making splashing sounds.
Xia Lu Nong, smelling the fragrance of lotus, felt a little more relaxed.
When they returned with the lotus pods, Xia Huo Qu and Yan Xi Nian had already dug up hundreds of lotus roots, which were piled chaotically on the shore.
Xia Lu Nong glanced at the pile. “Bro, did you guys get faster at digging the lotus roots today?”
“Practice makes perfect. Definitely faster than yesterday. How about you guys? Any issues out there?”
As Xia Lu Nong and Kong Zhi ventured deeper into the lotus field to gather lotus pods, the distance between their team and Xia Huo Qu’s group increased, to the point where they could no longer hear each other even if they spoke at a normal volume.
Xia Huo Qu, worried about his younger brother, asked again if everything was alright.
Xia Lu Nong shook his head. “It’s fine. Everything is going smoothly on our end.”
Xia Huo Qu said, “Don’t let your guard down. Just hold out for the morning, and we’ll head back this afternoon.”
Kong Zhi loaded the bag of lotus pods onto the back of the truck, grabbed an empty sack, and said to Xia Huo Qu, “Brother Huo Qu, we’re going back to gather more lotus pods.”
“Go ahead, be careful. If you get tired, take a break. We don’t need to completely fill the truck to return,” Xia Huo Qu said with a wave.
Kong Zhi continued to pole the raft forward, while Xia Lu Nong followed behind.
They headed deeper into the lotus field.
Xia Lu Nong glanced back at his brother and Yan Xi Nian, now reduced to silhouettes in the distance, and suddenly felt uneasy.
Kong Zhi noticed Xia Lu Nong had stopped and turned around. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Xia Lu Nong said, turning his head back. “I’m just not used to working separately from my brother.”
Kong Zhi smiled slightly.
“Let’s get this done quickly so we can head back sooner,” Xia Lu Nong urged.
Kong Zhi resumed poling the raft forward.
Neither of them noticed that, besides the ripples from their raft, there were several smaller ripples in the water.
The ripples quickly approached Xia Lu Nong’s raft. Several long, slender shapes surfaced and crawled onto his raft.
Xia Lu Nong, feeling hot, took off his straw hat and began fanning himself.
Just as he was feeling comfortable, something cold suddenly brushed against his leg.
The chill seeped through his thin pants, directly touching his skin.
Instinctively, Xia Lu Nong reacted. Without thinking, he let out a loud yelp and leaped forward. Mid-air, he transformed into a cat, using all four limbs to land on Kong Zhi’s raft.
Kong Zhi’s face turned pale as he caught Xia Lu Nong, now a cat. Only then did he notice that several snakes had slithered onto Xia Lu Nong’s raft.
These snakes were patterned, with flattened and thick necks—king cobras!
Xia Lu Nong, now a terrified cat, puffed up all his fur, transforming into a round ball of fur. His ears flattened back, and he hissed, his mouth wide open, letting out a low growl.
He had never been so terrified in his life. His mind went blank, leaving only basic animal instincts.
The scene in front of him was too frightening. More king cobras were swimming toward them, trying to crawl onto their raft.
Surrounded by water, with no land in sight, they had nowhere to escape. It felt like there was no way out.
Xia Huo Qu and Yan Xi Nian heard their cries and, without a second thought, transformed into their beast forms, sprinting along the edge of the field toward them.
But they were too far away to help immediately.
Several king cobras were already coiled on Xia Lu Nong’s raft, raising their heads, preparing to strike.
Each snake was as thick as an arm and over a meter long, with incredible striking ability. If they were bitten by these cobras, the consequences would be dire.
Kong Zhi tensed his muscles. There was nowhere to go, and danger was imminent.
He could transform into his golden eagle form, but the process would take time, and he wasn’t sure he could hold onto Xia Lu Nong safely during the transformation.
The cat in his arms was too small and fragile. He feared his sharp talons would injure Xia Lu Nong in the process.
Leaving Xia Lu Nong on the raft wasn’t an option either. He knew the moment he put the cat down, the cobras would attack.
Everything happened in the blink of an eye.
Kong Zhi stared intently at the nearest king cobra, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
The sweat stung his eyes, but he didn’t blink.
The movements of the cobras seemed to slow down in his perception. As the first cobra coiled, preparing to strike, Kong Zhi made a decision.
With all his strength, he hurled Xia Lu Nong into the air, launching him several meters high.
Caught off guard, Xia Lu Nong was thrown into the air, his heart nearly stopping from fear.
The wind rushed into his mouth, and he was too scared to scream. He could only watch the world spin around him.
At the peak of his flight, gravity took over, and he began to fall.
He could see the king cobras getting closer but was powerless to stop it.
At that moment, Kong Zhi transformed into a massive golden eagle, bursting out of his clothes.
Just as Xia Lu Nong was about to hit the water, Kong Zhi swooped down and caught him on his back, then beat his wings powerfully and leaped off the raft, soaring into the air.
Xia Lu Nong clung to Kong Zhi’s broad back, using both his mouth and claws to grab onto his feathers, accidentally drawing blood in the process.
The scent of blood snapped Xia Lu Nong back to his senses, and he began to assess their situation.
He saw the giant wolf and tiger rushing toward them, and upon seeing them take flight, they let out a roar.
Kong Zhi responded with a cry of his own.
Xia Lu Nong let out a meow, both anxious and relieved. He wasn’t sure if Kong Zhi was hurt, but he himself was unharmed, his skin and fur intact.
This whole ordeal was too terrifying. He had never expected to be attacked by king cobras.
If it had been any other type of snake, they wouldn’t have been in such a dire situation. They might have even caught the snakes to make a soup.
But the king cobras were too venomous, and they didn’t dare touch them.
“Meow—” Xia Lu Nong, in his cat form, reminded Kong Zhi to head back.
With king cobras below them, they needed to return to shore and transform back into human form to discuss the situation.
Kong Zhi circled once in the air and then landed at their temporary base.
The giant tiger and wolf also arrived.
The tiger was carrying something in its mouth—the same king cobra that had attacked them. Now, the snake had been bitten into two pieces, a result of the tiger’s anger.
Everyone transformed back into human form, put on their clothes, and began discussing what had just happened.
The king cobra that the tiger had bitten was now headless, and its body was still twitching on the ground.
Yan Xi Nian grabbed two bags and stuffed the snake’s body into one of them. “What happened just now? Why did the king cobras attack you?”
“I don’t know,” Xia Lu Nong replied, still shaken. “Nothing unusual happened. I was just standing on the raft, and suddenly felt a cold sensation on my leg. My instinct was to shift into my beast form and run, and only then did I realize it was a king cobra.” His voice trembled with fear. “I knew something felt off all morning, and it turns out it was because of the snakes.”
His legs were still weak, and he couldn’t stand, so he grabbed a stool and sat down heavily.
Xia Huo Qu, who was also feeling shaky, took a big gulp of water. “It’s not hard to understand. There’s plenty of food here, like lotus roots and pods, which probably attract birds and small animals. The king cobras must have been lurking here, waiting to ambush prey. We were just unlucky and stumbled right into them.”
Yan Xi Nian added, “We were fortunate nothing serious happened. It’s a lucky escape. But next time, we need to be more careful.”
Everyone chimed in with their own reflections, except for Kong Zhi, who remained silent.
Xia Lu Nong looked over at Kong Zhi, expecting him to say something, but noticed that he was trembling, his face pale.
Xia Lu Nong had never seen Kong Zhi so rattled before. Realizing how shaken he still was, Xia Lu Nong immediately got anxious, forgetting about his weak legs. He stood up quickly and hugged Kong Zhi tightly. “Don’t be scared. It’s over now! I’m here, and nothing happened!”
Kong Zhi began trembling even more.
Xia Lu Nong held him firmly, patting his back to comfort him.
Yan Xi Nian also placed a hand on his back and said softly, “It’s alright. Let’s head back now.”
