Meng Shi’s illness turned out to be a false alarm. A simple cold was swiftly cured by Jian Mo.
Word of his treatments spread, and people from nearby tribes began seeking him out for colds. In exchange for just a piece of beast meat, a couple of bird eggs, or a basket of collected beast fur, Jian Mo provided treatments that significantly eased their discomfort.
Everyone was happy to come.
These visits also gave them a chance to chat with the He’an Tribe members and exchange information.
Jian Mo’s growing experience treating beastmen and sub-beastmen led him to refine his methods. Over time, he discovered a few secret herbal remedies and eventually developed a highly effective prescription that almost instantly cured colds.
The news spread to nearby tribes. His treatments were effective, and his fees were modest, drawing even more patients to his clinic.
Initially unfamiliar with treating beastmen and sub-beastmen, Jian Mo’s skills improved dramatically through practice. His growing repertoire of remedies further enhanced his reputation as a skilled healer.
On rainy days, when travel was inconvenient, Jian Mo spent his time experimenting with Mien Grass seedlings.
To his surprise, the dormancy period of the seeds was shorter than expected. With his cultivation techniques, the seeds quickly sprouted into three-inch-tall shoots within days.
Jian Mo used the seedlings to make Mien Grass syrup and a batch of nut candies.
The nuts, freshly gathered from the mountains, were carefully shelled and de-bittered, roasted over a low flame until fragrant, and then finely crushed. Mixed with the sweet Mien Grass syrup, they became delightful, crunchy treats.
Even Jian Mo, who had seen his fair share of indulgent snacks, found himself swallowing his saliva at the sight of the luxurious candies.
On a particularly rainy day, Jian Mo decided to stay indoors and take a nap.
He had just drifted off when a loud voice called out to him.
Reluctantly, Jian Mo got up and went to the window to see who was outside.
A group of little ones—both in human and animal forms, including cubs of cats, wolves, and foxes—were huddled together, their small faces turned up expectantly.
When Jian Mo opened the window, they chorused, “Brother Jian Mo—”
“What’s the matter?” Jian Mo asked.
The little ones replied, “There’s a new group of beastmen by the river. The chief wants you to come.”
Guessing they might be seeking medical help, Jian Mo sighed at the sacrifice of his nap. “I’ll be right there. Thanks for letting me know.”
The children cheered, waved, and bounded away happily.
Jian Mo quickly dressed, put on his hat, and headed out.
He had barely reached the river when he spotted Wu Jiong and Qing Kuo talking to a group of strangers. To his surprise, the visitors were… a flock of large birds?
Jian Mo blinked, wondering if he was still half-asleep, and rubbed his eyes to get a better look.
Sure enough, they were oversized birds resembling sparrows, only slightly smaller than Chirpy.
Wild birds didn’t look like this. Most of the ones Jian Mo had seen were similar in size to those on Earth.
Were these some kind of domesticated mounts?
As Jian Mo approached, it became clear he was mistaken.
The birds could talk. They were chattering away in beastman language, definitely not ordinary mounts.
Wait—weren’t beastman forms supposed to be mammals?
These visitors were clearly avian, with large wings and sharp beaks, unlike anything Jian Mo had seen among beastmen.
His curiosity and surprise grew.
Before he could ask, the strangers noticed him. They turned and immediately chirped in unison, “Doctor Jian Mo—”
The bird-like beastmen continued excitedly, “We’re from the Bai Zhi Tribe! We heard you were looking for rice, so we brought some!”
The small sub-beastmen perched on the birds’ backs stood up, holding out finely woven baskets. “Doctor Jian Mo, take a look—this might be the rice you wanted.”
Jian Mo glanced at Wu Jiong, who nodded, and then quickly walked over.
The sub-beastmen from the Bai Zhi Tribe smiled warmly.
They were petite, with fair skin, rosy lips, brown eyebrows, and delicately featured faces. Their charming looks were accentuated by their high cheekbones.
Jian Mo returned their smiles politely and accepted the basket. “Let me take a look.”
The basket was surprisingly heavy. Inside, he found white grains about the size of corn kernels, much larger than typical rice grains.
The grains were smooth and round, with a satisfying weight and texture. They looked promising.
After examining them, Jian Mo asked, “Can I taste one?”
The Bai Zhi sub-beastmen responded generously, “Of course! Go ahead.”
Jian Mo picked a grain and bit into it gently.
The grain was firm, with a faint starchy sweetness that tasted very much like rice.
But how would it cook?
The Bai Zhi beastmen eagerly awaited his verdict. “How is it?” they asked.
Jian Mo hesitated before asking, “It tastes good raw, but what’s it like when cooked?”
The Bai Zhi group exchanged glances, struggling to describe it. “Well…”
Someone suggested, “It’s hard to say. Why don’t you cook some and see for yourself, Doctor Jian Mo?”
“That sounds like a plan. Why don’t you come down, and we’ll cook while we chat?” Jian Mo offered.
The Bai Zhi group considered this and agreed.
After some organizing, the sub-beastmen dismounted from their avian companions, who then transformed back into human form.
Both the beastmen and sub-beastmen of the Bai Zhi Tribe were lively and animated, bouncing with energy—perhaps due to their smaller statures.
Jian Mo invited them to his home, and they eagerly accepted.
Once inside, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong seated their guests in the living room and served them tea.
Qing Kuo and a few others joined to help entertain the guests and gather news.
After a round of tea, everyone became more familiar with one another.
The Bai Zhi Tribe explained how to prepare the grains.
Following their instructions, Jian Mo led them to the kitchen and began cooking the grains as he would rice.
The Bai Zhi beastmen were fascinated by Jian Mo’s kitchen, especially the large iron pot, which captured their full attention.
Jian Mo gave a brief explanation of the pot’s uses, eliciting amazed exclamations from his guests.
The rice in the pot was soon ready, emerging as glossy and translucent grains that looked quite appealing.
Jian Mo scooped some into a bowl, and he, Wu Jiong, and a few others tasted it. The sweetness of the rice was distinctly noticeable.
Compared to rice on Earth, the only major difference was the larger grain size; otherwise, it was virtually identical.
Jian Mo’s eyes gleamed with surprise. However, by the time he looked up, he had carefully concealed his excitement—showing too much enthusiasm wouldn’t be good for negotiation.
Wu Jiong noticed the subtle shift in Jian Mo’s expression and paused, ready to ask the Bai Zhi Tribe about their terms of exchange.
Jian Mo quickly shot him a look, signaling that he would handle it.
He started by asking the Bai Zhi Tribe, “What does the plant that grows this rice look like?”
The Bai Zhi people chimed in enthusiastically:
“It’s a big wild grass, with broad, tall leaves that are very sharp.”
“It only grows in certain places; you can’t find it just anywhere.”
“The rice you’re talking about is the seed of that plant. We have to harvest it one grain at a time, and it’s quite tedious.”
Hearing this, Jian Mo immediately knew the price wouldn’t be cheap.
After a moment’s thought, he asked, “What do you want in exchange? If it’s too much, we won’t be able to afford it. After all, it’s just food.”
His intention to haggle was clear.
The Bai Zhi beastmen responded:
“We don’t need materials.”
“If we did, we wouldn’t have flown all the way here to your tribe.”
Jian Mo was surprised. “Then what do you want?”
The Bai Zhi group hesitated, and then one of them said, “Could you send a few beastmen to come back with us and help beat up some beastmen from a neighboring tribe?”
Jian Mo: “???”
Qing Kuo: “???”
Even Wu Jiong’s pupils seemed to contract in disbelief, his expression unreadable.
Wu Jiong opened his mouth, about to speak, but Jian Mo grabbed his arm and promptly rejected the request: “That’s not possible. The He’an Tribe can’t involve itself in disputes between other tribes.”
The Bai Zhi group exchanged glances. “Really? We’re only asking for this. We don’t want anything else.”
Qing Kuo couldn’t help but interject, “What’s the issue with your neighboring tribe?”
The Bai Zhi people replied:
“They’re so annoying—they keep stealing our supplies.”
“Yeah, we even built our homes on high mountains, and they still steal!”
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong exchanged a glance, suspecting the Bai Zhi Tribe might be hinting at their own experience raiding honeybird nests.
Jian Mo wiped the sweat from his forehead, wisely choosing not to comment.
Qing Kuo asked curiously, “Where is your tribe? Are there any nearby tribes that bully others?”
The Bai Zhi beastmen started listing names: “Have you heard of the Yu Qi Tribe? The Fan Bing Tribe? The Jiu Nian Tribe? The Yun Xia Tribe?”
When they finally mentioned the Yun Xia Tribe, Qing Kuo nodded. “I know them—they’re past the Tian Ning Tribe.”
The Bai Zhi beastmen exclaimed, “Exactly! The information about what you call rice came to our tribe bit by bit from the Yun Xia Tribe. The ones bullying us are the Yu Qi Tribe.”
Qing Kuo asked, “They’re just stealing from you? No blood feuds?”
Tribal relations were generally amicable. With low birth rates and high combat power, unchecked hostility could lead to mutual destruction.
The Bai Zhi people clarified:
“Not a blood feud, but they’re so infuriating! We just want to teach them a lesson.”
“They keep picking on us because our beast forms are smaller, and we can’t fight back.”
“Their cubs even practice hunting birds with us. If we don’t knock them down a peg, we won’t stand for it!”
As Jian Mo listened to their chatter, he got the sense these people weren’t the scheming type. Their complaints had a youthful, almost naive tone.
After some thought, Jian Mo asked, “So you’re only willing to trade this batch of rice if we help you?”
The Bai Zhi group replied in unison, “Yes!!!”
Jian Mo offered, “Our tribe has some other items. Would you like to take a look first?”
Some of the Bai Zhi group seemed ready to refuse, but curiosity got the better of others. After some exchanged glances, a sub-beastman nodded, agreeing to see the items.
Jian Mo went upstairs and retrieved a selection of tools from a chest: scissors, knives, saws, tweezers, and surgical instruments.
These metal tools were meticulously crafted by their tribe. Each curve had been carefully polished with stone, and the edges gleamed brightly.
After receiving permission, the Bai Zhi group examined the tools, marveling at their cold, smooth, and heavy feel. The craftsmanship was evident, and some of them were visibly captivated, unable to look away.
Seeing their reaction, Jian Mo asked, “We also have a batch of glass. Would you like to trade for that?”
At this, Qing Kuo and others went upstairs to fetch three boxes.
Inside were semi-transparent pieces of blue, yellow, and red glass.
The colorful glass was dazzling, clearer than any natural gemstone, and far larger in size. Natural gems couldn’t compare.
The Bai Zhi tribe’s eyes were practically glued to the glass.
Jian Mo suppressed the smile tugging at his lips.
He knew the allure of glass for beastmen and sub-beastmen was irresistible.
Previously, Ah Hu had worn a colorful glass necklace during the All-Beast Festival, and the combination with his outfit earned him the title of “Most Popular Beastman.”
As the Bai Zhi group stared, barely daring to breathe, Jian Mo added, “Oh, I almost forgot. We also made some nut-and-Mien Grass candy. If you don’t want these tools or glass, how about trading for the candy?”
The Bai Zhi group continued admiring the tools and glass, seemingly deaf to Jian Mo’s words.
Undeterred, Jian Mo brought out a plate of the nut-and-Mien Grass candy. “Here it is—sweet and fragrant, with delicious nuts inside. Let me cut some for you to try.”
The addition of nuts reduced the amount of precious sugar needed, making the candy a cost-effective treat. The nuts also made it easier to portion.
Wu Jiong took a knife and efficiently sliced the large block of candy into thumb-sized pieces, distributing them to each member of the Bai Zhi Tribe.
No one could resist a free treat.
The Bai Zhi Tribe popped the nut candy into their mouths, and as the flavor spread, their gazes collectively fixed back on the remaining candy.
The combination of fragrant nuts and sweet candy was simply too delicious!
They exchanged glances, and though no words were spoken, Jian Mo could practically hear their thoughts: I want this. I want that. I want everything. What should we do?
It was clear the Bai Zhi group had completely forgotten their earlier demands. Their full attention was now on the items Jian Mo had presented.
Jian Mo kept it simple, offering them a choice: “So, what will it be? Metal tools, glass, or nut-and-Mien Grass candy?”
The Bai Zhi Tribe hesitated, their eyes darting between the items as they struggled to make a decision.
Just as one of them was about to speak, Jian Mo added, “The rice you’ve brought is a collected resource. I see you only brought three baskets. For that amount, I can offer you a small tool, a single piece of large glass, or three plates of nut-and-Mien Grass candy.”
This only deepened their dilemma. Their gazes swept between the displayed goods, clearly reluctant to give up any of them.
“Can we discuss this?” one of them finally asked.
Jian Mo gestured politely. “Of course, take your time.”
The Bai Zhi Tribe quickly huddled outside, throwing their arms around each other’s shoulders in a tight circle. They resembled a flock of chirping sparrows, hopping and chirping as they debated.
Their discussion was loud enough for Jian Mo and the others to hear without even trying:
“Let’s trade for the candy! It’s easier to divide.”
“I agree. With the candy, we can take some back to the tribe and split the rest now.”
“Hmph, you’re all just thinking about food. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. The tools or glass would last much longer.”
“But how do we divide those? Even if we take them back, who gets to use them?”
“I think Doctor Jian Mo likes rice. How about we trade for the candy first and gather more rice to trade later—”
“Shh, lower your voice. They’ll hear us.”
“I want the nut candy! Let’s trade the rice we collected for candy, and then the rest of you can decide what to trade your share for.”
…
Listening to the discussion, Qing Kuo chuckled softly and said to Jian Mo, “It’s a done deal.”
Jian Mo nodded. “It seems so.”
Qing Kuo sighed. “I feel like they get bullied not just because their beast forms are small.”
Jian Mo replied, “Their forms aren’t that small—just a bit smaller than Chirpy. What if the tribe bullying them has similarly small beast forms?”
“That’s actually possible,” Qing Kuo admitted.
While they chatted inside, the Bai Zhi Tribe finally reached a decision.
They proposed trading for the nut-and-Mien Grass candy and a small knife first. Later, they would return to their tribe, gather more rice, and come back to trade for the remaining items.
Jian Mo gladly agreed.
The Bai Zhi Tribe eagerly completed the exchange and departed just as quickly as they had arrived.
Beastmen with wings certainly had their advantages.
As they watched the visitors fly away, Jian Mo remarked to Wu Jiong, “I never imagined a beastman’s form could look like that.”
Wu Jiong replied, “They’re still beasts, all born from sub-beastmen. But their forms are definitely unique.”
Jian Mo thought of Earth’s platypus and could only say, “The world is full of wonders. It’s an eye-opener.”
Qing Kuo, listening to their conversation, interjected, “Quick, let’s take a closer look at that rice.”
Jian Mo’s excitement returned. “Here it is!”
The Bai Zhi Tribe had brought three baskets of rice. One had already been hulled and was ready to cook, while the other two still had their husks intact.
Jian Mo picked up a handful of husked rice and examined it closely.
The grains were smooth and glossy, resembling pearls.
Peeling back the husks revealed familiar white rice underneath.
“How about we call this pearl rice?” Jian Mo suggested. “It looks like pearls and is quite beautiful.”
Since he had traded for it, the others naturally had no objections.
Qing Kuo mused, “I wonder if it can be planted?”
Jian Mo showed him a grain. “I think it might be possible. Look, you can see the germ on the side.”
Qing Kuo examined it and agreed. “It does resemble a bean.”
“Then I’ll try sprouting it in a few days,” Jian Mo decided. “While I’m at it, I’ll sprout some beans too and plant them around the fences.”
Bean plants had pretty flowers, so growing them wouldn’t hurt.
Having secured the pearl rice, Jian Mo was in high spirits.
One basket of rice had already been hulled, so it couldn’t be stored for long. He decided to use it fresh and cook a batch of rice right away.
Of course, good rice needed an equally good dish.
Jian Mo planned to make a pot of braised meat to go with it.
To that end, he asked De Jiang to catch an Arrowbone Beast.
While other hunters like Ban Ming could also catch Arrowbone Beasts, De Jiang, the strongest feline beastman in the tribe, was the most skilled.
For De Jiang, hunting an Arrowbone Beast was as easy as a cat catching a mouse.
Jian Mo made the request that day, and by evening, De Jiang had delivered.
Using the Arrowbone Beast, Jian Mo prepared braised meat.
With just the right balance of fat and lean, he rendered the fat, caramelized the sugar, added spices, and simmered the meat in a large pot for hours. The result was tender meat, quivering with a slight jiggle, the fat nearly melting into the lean portions, and the whole dish infused with a rich, savory sauce. He garnished it with fresh green onions before serving.
As the meat hit the table, Jian Mo sniffed deeply, his mouth watering. “Ugh, I’ve been craving braised meat with rice forever.”
He called Wu Jiong over. “Come on, scoop some sauce over the rice and dig in.”
Wu Jiong extended his bowl. “Got it.”
Jian Mo eagerly mixed the sauce with his rice, took a bite of the braised meat, and followed it with a mouthful of rice.
The tender, fragrant meat combined with the sweet, glossy rice created a perfect harmony that was more than the sum of its parts.
Blowing on his spoon to cool the next bite, Jian Mo’s eyes glistened with emotion. “This is exactly what I’ve been dreaming of—braised meat with rice.”
Wu Jiong knew.
Wu Jiong picked up a large piece of meat and placed it in Jian Mo’s bowl. “When the Bai Zhi Tribe comes back, we’ll trade for more.”
Jian Mo nodded eagerly. “Trade! However much they bring, we’ll take it all! I wonder if it’s still possible to plant some this year? If we can, let’s grow as much as possible—then we’ll never run out of rice.”
To live in the beastman world with an endless supply of polished rice and fine flour—what a beautiful life that would be!
