Chapter 128: The Plan
Xia Lu Nong and Kong Zhi went to see Dr. Ou to get Kong Zhi’s injuries examined.
Dr. Ou examined him carefully and said, “Nothing major, just some surface wounds. If you’re still worried, you can apply some herbal medicinal oil.”
Kong Zhi nodded and then asked, “Can you check on Xia Lu Nong too?”
“Sure, Xia Lu Nong, come over and let me take a look,” Dr. Ou waved him over. “It’s about time you got a follow-up anyway.”
Xia Lu Nong had previously injured his spleen, so Dr. Ou gestured for him to lift his shirt for an examination.
Hesitating slightly, Xia Lu Nong glanced at Kong Zhi before lifting a small corner of his shirt.
Dr. Ou chuckled and tugged gently, “Come on, you’re a young man, no need to be shy. I can’t see anything with just that little bit.”
Blinking, Xia Lu Nong pulled his shirt up a little more, but to his surprise, this revealed a belly full of reddish-purple kiss marks, especially visible across his abs.
Dr. Ou, noticing the marks, shot the two of them a glance before gently placing her hand on Xia Lu Nong’s abdomen to check his condition.
After a moment, Dr. Ou said, “No issues, you’re mostly recovered.”
Xia Lu Nong sighed in relief and quickly pulled his shirt back down, “Thanks, Dr. Ou.”
“No problem,” Dr. Ou said with a smile. “Just make sure to practice safe habits when it comes to… intimate activities. Take care, both of you.”
Xia Lu Nong coughed lightly, his ears turning red as he nodded. Kong Zhi nodded as well.
Dr. Ou smiled again and saw them out.
The two returned with the medicinal oil.
The sheep was still tied up in the yard, completely restrained.
Seeing them return, Xia Huo Qu asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, Dr. Ou said it’s just surface wounds,” Xia Lu Nong replied as he knelt down to inspect the tightly bound sheep. “Brother, did you find anything unusual?”
“Aside from its unusually large size and aggressiveness, not much else,” Xia Huo Qu replied, glancing at the sheep. “Its mutation seems mild. It only grew an extra sharp horn, but otherwise, it looks like a general evolution.”
Xia Lu Nong thought for a moment, “It seems like the mutated animals we’ve been encountering lately all have relatively mild mutations?”
They hadn’t seen any highly mutated creatures—like those with two heads and four eyes—in a long time.
The same was true for plants. It had become rare to encounter those mutant plants that would suddenly leap out of the underbrush and bite people.
From that perspective, it seemed like a good thing.
Yan Xi Nian, who had been observing quietly, added, “We just received a message from another base, and it seems that the mutation of plants and animals has entered a new phase.”
“What?” Xia Lu Nong’s expression changed. “A message just came in?”
“Not just now—we received it over the past couple of days while we were out,” Yan Xi Nian explained. “We just attended a meeting with the administration where they reported the latest telegraphs.”
Xia Lu Nong immediately asked, “What did the messages say?”
Yan Xi Nian looked around cautiously. “Let’s go inside to discuss.”
Xia Lu Nong quickly realized this was classified information.
He nodded and followed Yan Xi Nian inside.
Once inside, Xia Lu Nong poked his head out the door and called to Xia Hua Jiao, who was tending the plants in the yard. “Xia Hua Jiao, keep an eye out and let us know if anyone comes near.”
Xia Hua Jiao swayed its tree branches and made a “whoosh whoosh” sound in agreement.
With Xia Hua Jiao on guard, Xia Lu Nong felt more at ease and closed the door.
As soon as they were inside, Xia Lu Nong eagerly asked, “Brother Xi Nian, what did the other bases say?”
“They’ve come to a conclusion that’s completely different from the Honeysuckle’s,” Yan Xi Nian replied. “The people at Fireseed Base believe that the mutations aren’t intensifying, but rather slowing down.”
Previously, the Honeysuckle had warned them that the mutations in plants and animals might worsen, and they had notified the other bases. Now, they had finally received a response.
Xia Lu Nong asked, “Why did they come to that conclusion? What evidence do they have?”
“They didn’t share the detailed research, just their general findings,” Yan Xi Nian explained. “But when we cross-referenced this with our own experiences, it does seem to align. You yourself mentioned that recently, we’ve observed that the symptoms of mutation in plants and animals have lessened.”
Xia Lu Nong nodded, as he had indeed noticed this phenomenon.
Yan Xi Nian said, “Exactly. It’s a consensus among all of us that the plants and animals are looking more normal on the outside.”
Xia Lu Nong responded, “But that’s not really helpful. Before, the mutated animals just looked disgusting and scary. Now, they’re even more dangerous.”
Yan Xi Nian’s voice became low and serious, “Yes, the reduction in mutation doesn’t mean these creatures are any less dangerous. The slowing of mutation might not be a good thing for humans—it could mean these creatures are developing intelligence.”
Xia Lu Nong shuddered, thinking of the giant snake he had encountered and the flock of sheep from earlier that day, goosebumps rose from his skin.
He asked, “If that’s the case, what could be causing the tumors at the roots of the Honeysuckle?”
“The Fireseed Base speculated that these tumors might be remnants from the early stages of mutation, only now surfacing,” Yan Xi Nian explained. “Since they haven’t examined the Honeysuckle themselves, they couldn’t provide a definitive conclusion.”
Yan Xi Nian’s gaze swept over Xia Lu Nong and Kong Zhi. “Personally, I agree with Fireseed Base’s conclusion.”
Xia Huo Qu chimed in softly, “I agree as well.”
Xia Lu Nong felt a chill run through him.
As he thought about all the recent events, he realized that the future seemed increasingly perilous.
The four of them sat around the table for a while in silence, each digesting this conclusion.
Xia Lu Nong finally asked, “If mutations are slowing down, does that mean the chances of animals and plants mutating will decrease?”
Yan Xi Nian replied, “It’s hard to say since they didn’t share any concrete research. But in my experience, mutation hasn’t decreased. In fact, it’s increased. Almost every species and every individual is undergoing mutation. It feels less like individual mutations and more like a global evolution.”
Xia Lu Nong exhaled heavily, murmuring, “If that’s the case, the human living environment will only get worse.”
Xia Huo Qu interjected, “Not necessarily. Humans are part of the animal kingdom too, and we’re benefiting from this great evolution. Our ability to transform into beasts is the most significant evolutionary advantage.”
Yan Xi Nian agreed, “Huo Qu’s right, humanity has accumulated so much knowledge and progress over the years. Even if all plants and animals were to start from the same intellectual baseline, we would still have the upper hand. Besides, the majority of these creatures aren’t that smart, their intelligence is just relatively higher, so there’s no need to panic.”
Xia Lu Nong nodded, “Let’s get back to talking about these sheep. If this is the case, it’s even more important that we deal with them quickly. If their population grows, it will threaten our survival space.”
Yan Xi Nian added, “Fireseed Base also mentioned another conclusion—they found that eating mutated creatures with mild mutations can enhance our abilities. These creatures contain some form of energy that can stimulate the growth of our beast forms.”
Xia Lu Nong sighed in relief, “We’ve already noticed that, right? Whether it’s the honey, the honeysuckle flower, or the giant snake, consuming them effectively relieves our fatigue and improves our abilities.”
“Exactly,” Yan Xi Nian said. “So from this perspective, we must catch that flock of sheep at the foot of the mountain.”
Xia Lu Nong then asked, “But there’s another issue—did Fireseed Base share this conclusion with just us or with all the bases? If other human bases know this secret, could there be competition among us? Yacheng is so close to us…”
Yan Xi Nian patted his shoulder, “For now, don’t worry about that. The human population is still too small, and expanding outward is more urgent. There’s no time for infighting.”
“So, we should prepare in advance,” Xia Lu Nong said. “As the environment changes, many things will follow.”
Yan Xi Nian replied, “Your brother and I are keeping that in mind, you don’t need to worry too much right now.”
Xia Huo Qu added, “Our base is strong enough. If Yacheng ever tries anything, they’ll be in for more than they can handle.”
Xia Lu Nong looked between his brother and Yan Xi Nian and nodded.
Xia Huo Qu then said, “You’ve worked hard today. Take a break and go to the cafeteria for dinner.”
“No problem,” Xia Lu Nong agreed. “But what should we do with this sheep? Should we kill it or keep it?”
Yan Xi Nian smiled, “It’s up to you and Kong Zhi. You two caught it. But in my opinion, there’s no point in keeping it. This sheep is so wild—it already chewed through two ropes before you got back. I don’t think it’s suitable for domestication.”
Xia Lu Nong quickly decided, “Then let’s take it to the base and slaughter it. The weather is cold now, so after it’s butchered, we can cure the meat. It’ll keep for a week.”
“How about we have stir-fried lamb with scallions for dinner?” Yan Xi Nian suggested. “I’ll take the sheep to the cafeteria for slaughter. Do you want to trade the offal, head, and hooves with others in the base?”
“Yes, let’s trade it. Keep enough meat for us, and we can trade the rest,” Xia Lu Nong said with a yawn, tears welling up from exhaustion. “After the lamb is butchered, let’s notify Old Liu and Liao Quan Nan to see if they want some. If there’s extra, we can trade with others, and send two pounds to Brother Liao’s house.”
Yan Xi Nian chuckled, “That’s a well-thought-out plan. We’ll handle the sheep accordingly.”
Kong Zhi asked, “Do you need me to help?”
“No, you’re injured. Just rest. We’ll head out now.”
Xia Huo Qu and Yan Xi Nian left.
Xia Lu Nong and Kong Zhi stayed behind to take a nap.
Now that Xia Lu Nong’s brothers had returned, the days of sharing a bed with Kong Zhi were temporarily over.
Lying alone in the cold bed, Xia Lu Nong sniffled and thought to himself that he’d have to sneak a word with his brother. The weather was getting colder, and having a boyfriend but still sleeping in a cold bed was just too cruel!
Xia Lu Nong thought and thought until he fell asleep.
When dinnertime came, no one came to call him, but the delicious aroma in the air woke him up as his stomach growled with hunger.
He slipped on his fuzzy slippers, threw on a jacket, and poked his head out into the living room. “What smells so good?”
Yan Xi Nian responded, “The cafeteria made stir-fried lamb. Since it’s getting cold, they also gave us a stove, so we can keep it warm while we eat. You woke up just in time! I was about to send Kong Zhi to wake you.”
Xia Lu Nong wrapped his jacket tighter around himself, smiling. “No need, I’m already here.”
Kong Zhi handed him a glass of water, staring at his lips. “Are your lips chapped?”
Xia Lu Nong licked his lips and looked up at him. “Not too bad yet, they’re not cracked at least. But we should probably get some more lip balm. Once it gets colder, they’ll definitely crack.”
Kong Zhi replied, “I’ll get some for you tomorrow.”
Yan Xi Nian chimed in, “Let’s worry about tomorrow when it comes. You two hurry up and join us for lamb. I just had a taste, and it’s so good I nearly swallowed my tongue.”
Curious, Xia Lu Nong picked up a piece of lamb and examined it. “Is it really that good? We’ve eaten so many delicious things recently. You should have built up some resistance by now, brother Xi Nian.”
Yan Xi Nian chuckled, “It really is that good. Lamb hotpot in winter is unbeatable, and even though it’s not quite winter yet, it’s close enough.”
Hearing this, Xia Lu Nong popped the piece of lamb, skin and all, into his mouth.
They didn’t usually eat lamb with the skin on, but this time, it had a special texture—rich but not greasy, tender but not dry. The flavor was full and succulent, with a hint of lamb’s characteristic milky taste. It was incredibly tasty.
Xia Lu Nong’s eyes lit up as he chewed the lamb. “This is really delicious! You all have to try it!”
The others were already tasting the lamb themselves.
Yan Xi Nian, biting into another piece, said, “It’s a good thing we came across that flock of sheep. Winter is almost here, and these sheep are like free food delivered right to us.”
“Exactly!” Xia Lu Nong agreed. “Since there’s no longer much risk in eating mutated animals, let’s bring the entire flock back with us.”
Xia Huo Qu said, “Let’s talk about the details. How many sheep are there, what’s their weight, and how aggressive are they?”
Xia Lu Nong nodded vigorously. “No problem. I’ll get some paper and write it all down as I explain.”
Yan Xi Nian laughed, “Let’s plan this carefully. You two got attacked pretty badly last time, so capturing this flock without a scratch won’t be easy. We need to be cautious.”
Dinner consisted of just one dish: the big pot of lamb in the middle of the table. As Xia Lu Nong ate, he felt his whole body heat up, with sweat even forming on his forehead.
He commented earnestly, “Although this lamb tastes great, it doesn’t seem to give as much energy as the snake meat we got a while ago. Eating snake made me feel completely refreshed, but lamb just warms me up. There must be different levels of mutated creatures.”
Yan Xi Nian replied, “We should start keeping detailed records. Maybe we can compile some useful data.”
Xia Lu Nong agreed, “No problem. Kong Zhi keeps a diary. We can copy out the parts about the snake and the sheep and use those to compile our notes.”
Yan Xi Nian nodded, “That works. You two handle this however you see fit.”
They all grabbed paper and pens and moved to the living room.
Xia Lu Nong did most of the explaining while Kong Zhi added details. They shared everything they had observed about the flock of sheep.
Xia Lu Nong said, “The sheep seem pretty intelligent, vengeful, and highly aggressive. Tomorrow, when we go back, we need to be extra careful. Kong Zhi can fly, so he’s relatively safe, but for you two, you need to avoid getting rammed by the sheep. If you get surrounded, it’ll be hard to escape.”
“No problem,” Xia Huo Qu assured him. “We can run fast enough. If anything looks off, we’ll run immediately.” He looked over the notes carefully. “With around seventy sheep, we won’t be able to fit them all in two trucks. Plus, controlling them would be a nightmare.”
Xia Lu Nong nodded. “I was thinking about that too. Either we ask for more help to bring the flock down, or we come up with another plan.”
Xia Huo Qu glanced at Yan Xi Nian. “What do you think?”
Yan Xi Nian said, “I don’t think we need to bring them all back in one go. With our current capabilities, capturing the whole flock would be too difficult. Besides, keeping some of them out there might actually be a good idea.”
Xia Lu Nong urged, “Stop teasing, brother Xi Nian! What’s your idea?”
“Calm down,” Yan Xi Nian said, raising his hand. “We’ve known for a while that there are sheep outside the base. Every now and then, we can catch one or two to satisfy our cravings. If we leave some of the flock, they’ll keep breeding, and we can catch them whenever we want. No need to bring them all back at once and slaughter them. We couldn’t possibly eat that many sheep at once anyway.”
Xia Lu Nong admitted, “That’s a good plan if it’s just us. But with so many capable people at the base, if we leave the flock out there, we might not be the ones who get to catch them in the end.”
Yan Xi Nian replied, “That’s easy. We can domesticate the flock. Find a place to corral them, somewhere big enough, and check on them regularly. Whenever we want to catch some, we just go there.”
Xia Lu Nong thought it over. “That’s actually a pretty good idea. Keeping them outside is safer than keeping them in the base. These sheep are so aggressive, they might attack people if they were kept inside.”
Yan Xi Nian added, “Exactly, and we don’t have enough space in the base anyway. Plus, with all the plants and animals mutating, we should see if a new balance can be established in nature.”
“Brother Xi Nian, do you have a location in mind for where we could keep these sheep?” Xia Lu Nong asked.
Yan Xi Nian asked, “Have you heard of Pingtian Mountain?”
Xia Lu Nong and Kong Zhi shook their heads.
Yan Xi Nian took the notebook and drew a few lines on it. “Our base is here, and Pingtian Mountain is here. The mountain connects with others, forming a pocket-shaped valley.”
Yan Xi Nian explained, “A few days ago, when we went out to patrol near the base, we found that the location of Pingtian Mountain is quite ideal. The valley is not too big or small, and the terrain is long and narrow. It’s full of wild grass and low trees. Before the disaster, it was farmland, and now it would be perfect for us to raise sheep.”
Xia Lu Nong asked, “Won’t they climb the mountain and run away?”
Yan Xi Nian shook his head. “Probably not. The mountains are dense with vegetation, and Pingtian Mountain and the nearby ones are particularly steep. On the valley side, it forms a small cliff. Unless they sense danger, the flock won’t try to escape.”
Xia Lu Nong, staring at the sketch, said, “If that’s the case, then it should be easy. Tomorrow we can spend some time driving the sheep into the valley, then plant trees and put up fences to close it off. I can use my powers to plant large trees, and they’ll grow quickly.”
Xia Huo Qu said, “It’s settled then. Let’s rest early tonight and head out first thing in the morning to round up the sheep.”
Xia Lu Nong nodded and asked, “Are you going to heat water here for a bath or go next door?”
“We’ll go next door,” Xia Huo Qu replied, standing up. “You two get some sleep too. Don’t stay up too late.”
Xia Lu Nong felt like his brother was implying something with that “don’t stay up too late,” but he had no proof.
He cleared his throat and saw his brother and Yan Xi Nian off, saying, “Goodnight.”
When Xia Lu Nong returned, Kong Zhi asked, “Should we pick a day to officially talk to brother Huo Qu about us?”
“Of course.” Now that his brother and Yan Xi Nian had left, Xia Lu Nong no longer felt the need to keep up appearances. He flopped onto the couch and said, “Today would’ve been the perfect time, but we got distracted by the sheep. Finding another good opportunity might be tricky.”
Kong Zhi said, “We can do it when we’re ready. We’ll invite brother Huo Qu to a meal and tell him then.”
“How about in a few days? Let’s deal with the sheep first, then we can talk to him.”
Kong Zhi nodded, gently patting his lower back. “I’ll go get the water ready. You take a bath first.”
“Okay.” Xia Lu Nong went to grab his clothes, and when he came back, he saw that Kong Zhi had already prepared the water. Suddenly, Xia Lu Nong asked, “Want to take a bath together?”
Kong Zhi looked at him.
Xia Lu Nong raised his hands, trying to stay calm. “We could save time and water. Plus, you could scrub my back.”
Kong Zhi kissed him on the cheek. “No, if we bathe together, we might end up making too much noise.”
“We can be quieter. My brother won’t hear us,” Xia Lu Nong whispered. “What do you think?”
“Tomorrow we have to go catch the sheep.” Kong Zhi kissed him again, his voice husky. “I won’t be able to hold back, so let’s skip it.”
Xia Lu Nong looked into his eyes, seeing how much Kong Zhi was struggling to resist. He sighed softly. “Kong Zhi, are you really that self-controlled?”
“Hmm?” Kong Zhi grabbed his neck gently. “Don’t regret this.”
“I won’t regre—”
He didn’t get to finish his sentence, as Kong Zhi sealed his lips with a kiss.
That night, Xia Lu Nong had to work hard to keep quiet, holding back his voice, which made the whole experience more intense—so intense, in fact, that he nearly passed out from exhaustion.
As he was about to fall asleep, Kong Zhi held him close and whispered in his ear, “Do you regret it?”
Xia Lu Nong, teetering on the edge of sleep, smiled faintly and didn’t answer.
