Under the expectant gazes of the Broadleaf Tribe and Yu Qi tribe, Jian Mo diplomatically explained, “Since we’re traveling with the rest of the group today, it’s difficult to break away for a separate visit. Let’s plan for a trip to your tribes next time.”
Both tribes pouted, dissatisfied with Jian Mo’s official-sounding excuse.
Jian Mo grinned. “We’ll be here for the next two days. Feel free to come visit us if you have time.”
The members of both tribes agreed, though somewhat reluctantly.
Jian Mo and his group settled into the Snowfoot Tribe. It was clear that Yun Long was well-acquainted with this tribe, as the arrangements were exceptionally considerate.
The Snowfoot Tribe, familiar with Jian Mo’s reputation and aware that Wu Jiong was the chief of the He’an Tribe, assigned them to a stilt house by the lake. When they opened the wooden windows, they were greeted by a shimmering lake and the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance.
After exploring the small house, Jian Mo discovered a small door leading to an outdoor platform. The platform was the perfect spot to sit and admire the lake, the mountains, and the vast sky.
Jian Mo sat on the platform, letting the breeze wash over him, and gazed in awe. “These people really know how to enjoy life! This view is incredible.”
Wu Jiong replied, “Their tribe does have beautiful scenery, but their resources are relatively scarce. There aren’t many plants or animals here, so they rely heavily on fish for sustenance.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Makes sense. With such a large lake and no nearby forests or grasslands, fishing is their best option.”
He continued to gaze at the scenery, unable to suppress his wonder. “This place is stunning. By the way, do you think this platform is sturdy enough?”
Wu Jiong inspected the structure. “It seems fine. Why?”
Jian Mo immediately grabbed his arm. “Then transform into your beast form—I want to lie on you.”
Obliging, Wu Jiong transformed into a massive white wolf. Jian Mo eagerly tossed aside his shoes, climbed onto Wu Jiong’s back, and nestled comfortably against his neck. Burrowing into the thick fur, Jian Mo sighed contentedly. “This is amazing. Wu Jiong, I love you so much!”
The giant wolf turned his head and gently nuzzled Jian Mo’s forehead. “I love you too.”
Jian Mo hugged the wolf’s head, rubbing affectionately against him. “I suddenly feel so happy.”
They lounged on the platform, taking in the ever-changing shapes of the clouds and the rippling waves of the lake. The tranquility was mesmerizing but never dull. Jian Mo became so relaxed that he drifted off to sleep.
He was only woken when Wu Jiong called his name, and he realized the sun had already set.
The Snowfoot Tribe members came to fetch them for dinner.
The tribe led them to a large hall for their meal. Jian Mo had expected a bonfire feast outdoors, so he was surprised.
Smiling, the tribespeople explained, “The wind is too strong at night. For those unaccustomed, dining outside could cause headaches.”
Jian Mo nodded in appreciation. “You’re so thoughtful.”
The tribespeople laughed. “It’s all based on experience.”
Inside the hall, Jian Mo was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of food and the sight of people huddled around a fire for warmth. Despite it being summer, the temperatures dropped drastically at night in the Snowfoot Tribe, making the fire a welcome comfort for anyone lightly dressed.
The caravan paid for their stay with goods, including plenty of meat and delicacies from various tribes. Tonight’s feast was a combination of these specialties and the Snowfoot Tribe’s fresh fish.
Catching a familiar scent, Jian Mo walked over to help with the cooking. Everyone was aware of his excellent culinary skills, so they gladly made space for him in the middle.
Surveying the ingredients, Jian Mo remarked, “Hey, is this powder from the Yellow Umbrella Mushroom?”
A beastman from the Meng Shui Tribe replied, “Yes, we brought it specially from the Sharpfang Tribe. It’s great for cooking meat, but we’re curious how it’ll work with fish. We were just about to try it.”
“Fantastic!” Jian Mo exclaimed.
The pot was filled with simmering fish. The tribespeople had decided against frying it, as there was simply too much fish to prepare. Stewing was the most convenient option.
The seasoning for the fish was unique—a sauce made from fermented fruits. A member of the Snowfoot Tribe offered Jian Mo a taste. Dipping a finger in, Jian Mo found the sauce tangy and salty, with a distinct umami and fruity aroma. It tasted like a blend of plum and soybean paste.
Jian Mo’s eyes widened. “This sauce is incredible!”
The Snowfoot tribespeople puffed up with pride. “We collect the fruits carefully from the wild, choosing only the ripest and freshest ones. We wash them in snowmelt water, then dry them on the sunniest and breeziest days.”
Jian Mo was tempted to barter for the recipe or the sauce itself but decided this wasn’t the time. Instead, he offered effusive praise.
The stewed fish and meat were delicious, complemented by the local wild vegetables cooked into a savory soup. Jian Mo was thoroughly satisfied, finding the dishes both unique and flavorful.
The group split into smaller circles, eating and chatting. Jian Mo listened in on the conversations, learning many things he hadn’t heard before.
The gathering included chiefs and elders, who discussed recent events, weather patterns, and the distribution of prey. They tried to predict the year’s prospects based on this information.
Jian Mo listened with admiration. The beastmen’s analytical approach struck him as surprisingly scientific.
However, as someone unfamiliar with such discussions, Jian Mo simply enjoyed the conversations without contributing. If he had more experience farming, the information might have been more useful. But as this was his first year cultivating crops, he didn’t yet understand the growth patterns of plants.
Wu Jiong, on the other hand, wore a serious expression as he exchanged useful insights with the others.
The discussions continued late into the night, after which everyone returned to their temporary lodgings.
Exhausted, Jian Mo could barely keep his eyes open. As soon as they reached their quarters, he quickly washed up and collapsed onto the bed. Thoughtfully, he shifted toward the edge, leaving plenty of room for Wu Jiong.
Unless something unusual happened, Jian Mo preferred to sleep beside Wu Jiong in his human form.
Jian Mo woke up to the bright morning light streaming through the window. From his bed, he could see the shimmering surface of the lake in the distance, leaving him momentarily disoriented about where and when he was.
A voice called from outside, “Brother Jian Mo, wake up! The Yu Qi tribe people are here to see you!”
Recognizing Ban Ming’s voice, Jian Mo cleared his head and replied, “Coming!”
He got out of bed, dressed, and freshened up quickly before opening the door. To his surprise, Chief Qi Ming of the Yu Qi tribe was standing right there.
Qi Ming greeted him with a smile. “Did you sleep well last night? Are you comfortable with our surroundings?”
Jian Mo returned the smile. “I’m very comfortable. Being with my partner makes any place feel like home.”
Qi Ming chuckled. “That’s wonderful to hear. We came today to invite you to visit our tribe and, if possible, conduct some health checks for us. Would that be alright?”
Though surprised, Jian Mo didn’t refuse. “Of course! Let me inform Wu Jiong first.”
The caravan was staying at the Snowfoot Tribe for two days to allow nearby tribes to exchange news and trade supplies. Those not assigned tasks were free to move around, provided they stayed safe and avoided dangerous areas.
The Yu Qi tribe posed no threat, and Jian Mo was curious to see what their settlement was like, so he didn’t mind making the trip.
Ban Ming offered eagerly, “Brother Jian Mo, do you need me to fetch the chief? I’ll go call him.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Thanks. Ask if he’s free, and if not, whether there’s anything he needs me to handle. If not, I’ll head to the Yu Qi tribe. Also, bring Bei Ya over—I’d like to check on his wounds.”
Ban Ming agreed energetically and ran off to relay the messages.
Turning to Qi Ming, Jian Mo smiled apologetically. “Please wait a moment.”
Qi Ming replied graciously, “Take your time.”
Before long, Ban Ming returned with Bei Ya in tow.
Jian Mo gestured for Bei Ya to sit and donned gloves and a mask before examining his wounds. Perhaps due to his youth or the naturally strong constitution of sub-beastmen, Bei Ya’s injuries had already closed up. In the cold weather, the wounds showed no signs of redness or infection. If this rate of healing continued, it seemed likely that Bei Ya would have minimal scarring—or none at all.
Satisfied, Jian Mo checked the tension-reducing patches on Bei Ya’s face. They remained intact, with no signs of irritation or swelling.
Smiling, Jian Mo said, “You’re healing very well. Keep up the sun protection, maintain a light diet, and rest properly. I’ll check again tomorrow.”
Bei Ya nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with gratitude. Unable to speak, he expressed his thanks with an intense gaze.
Jian Mo patted his shoulder. “Alright, you can go now. Come see me again tomorrow.”
Bei Ya nodded once more, stood, and left.
Qi Ming, who had been observing, remarked, “Doctor Jian Mo, your medical skills are exceptional, and you’re so kind-hearted.”
Jian Mo waved off the compliment. “It’s simply what I should do.”
They chatted for a while longer before Ban Ming returned with Wu Jiong, who was carrying a small basket. Inside were neatly wrapped portions of roasted fish, grilled meat, and a small container of root vegetable soup.
Wu Jiong greeted Qi Ming before saying, “Everything’s arranged. Eat a little first, and then we’ll head out.”
Jian Mo lit up. “You’re coming with me?”
Wu Jiong nodded.
Qi Ming glanced between them, envy evident in his expression as he observed their dynamic. Meanwhile, Ban Ming remained oblivious, grinning cheerfully at the scene.
Jian Mo asked Qi Ming to wait briefly while he ate. As he ate, he inquired about Chirpy and Ying Ao.
Wu Jiong replied, “I fed them earlier. They flew around the lake for a while and seemed to have a lot of fun.”
Since Qi Ming had come personally to escort them, flying to the Yu Qi tribe on Chirpy wasn’t an option. Jian Mo asked, “Can we leave them here at the Snowfoot Tribe?”
Seeing his hesitation, Ban Ming volunteered eagerly. “Leave Chirpy and Ying Ao to us! We’ll take them out to play.”
Jian Mo agreed. “Alright, but keep an eye on them—especially Chirpy. Don’t let it get too close to the Snowfoot Tribe’s young ones. If they get overly excited, someone might get hurt.”
Ban Ming assured him, “We’ll take them outside. Actually, Ah Meng hasn’t ridden Chirpy before. Can I let him try?”
Jian Mo laughed. “Sure, as long as Chirpy doesn’t mind, I have no objections.”
Ban Ming rolled up his sleeves. “No problem! I’m practically best friends with Chirpy by now. It won’t refuse me.”
With that, Ban Ming dashed off.
Watching him leave, Qi Ming remarked, “The young people in your tribe are so lively.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “They’re alright. Your tribe’s youth seem even more spirited.”
If the Yu Qi tribe’s young ones could spar with the feisty Broadleaf Tribe, there was no questioning their energy.
After breakfast, Jian Mo tidied up his dishes and got ready to head to the Yu Qi tribe. A group of steady, middle-aged men from the Yu Qi tribe had come to escort them. Once Jian Mo was ready, the group transformed into their beast forms to lead the way.
Jian Mo rode on Wu Jiong’s back as they traveled along the lake and eventually took to the mountain paths. The scenery gradually changed, with more green trees and warmer weather than at the Snowfoot Tribe. Jian Mo marveled at the transformation.
The Yu Qi tribe was quite a distance from the Snowfoot Tribe’s settlement. They ran for a long time, only arriving after the sun had risen high into the sky.
Like the Snowfoot Tribe, the Yu Qi tribe’s houses were built on stilts. However, their homes nestled among the mountains, blending beautifully with the lush greenery, giving them a refined and natural charm.
Small Pallas cats lounged atop the roofs, basking in the sun. As the group approached, one of the round little creatures yawned widely, exposing sharp teeth and a pink tongue. It looked just like a domestic cat, and Jian Mo’s palms itched with the urge to pet it.
One Pallas cat perked up upon spotting the group. It stretched its neck to peer at them for a moment before recognizing its father among them. Excitedly, it cried out, “Meow-ow! Daddy!”
The little Pallas cat trotted over on its short legs and, when it got close, leaped straight toward a large Pallas cat’s back.
The little Pallas cat was clumsy and missed its mark entirely, falling half a meter short of landing on the large Pallas cat’s back.
The larger lynx turned its head with practiced ease and gently caught the little one by the scruff of its neck. With a precise motion, it placed the small Pallas cat securely on its back.
Delighted, the little one rubbed its head affectionately against its father’s back. “Daddy! Daddy!”
The large Pallas cat licked the smaller one’s fur tenderly, its gaze warm and devoid of any reproach.
Jian Mo finally understood why the Pallas cats of the Yu Qi tribe were so lively—the people here truly doted on their children.
Qi Ming’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “We’re here.”
At his words, the beastmen reverted to their human forms and donned fur robes.
Qi Ming turned to Jian Mo and Wu Jiong with a smile. “Welcome to our tribe.”
Jian Mo replied, “Thank you. Your tribe is beautiful.”
Hearing this, Qi Ming visibly brightened, his smile growing even more genuine. “Thank you! Would you like a tour of the village?”
Jian Mo’s eyes lit up. “If it’s possible, that would be wonderful.”
“Of course it’s possible! Follow me,” Qi Ming said with enthusiasm.
He led them around the village, explaining the architecture and sharing the history of their tribe. The Yu Qi tribe was over a thousand years old, and some of the buildings were ancient, having undergone several rounds of restoration and repairs.
Jian Mo admired the designs and craftsmanship, his amazement evident.
After touring the village, Qi Ming brought them to his home for a visit. His house was as tidy as the rest of the village, but what truly surprised Jian Mo was the presence of a modern-looking toilet in the stilt house.
A toilet!
In a world where mischievous little Bai Zhi Tribe retaliated by pooping on people, the Pallas cats of the Yu Qi tribe had toilets.
Jian Mo was utterly stunned. The Yu Qi tribe’s way of life was far more civilized than he had imagined!
