As Jian Mo stared in shock, Qi Ming explained, “We developed ceramic pipes long ago; they work wonderfully as sewer drains.”
Jian Mo replied, “I know they’re practical, but I’m amazed at your level of technology and your philosophy on living.”
Qi Ming chuckled. “It’s nothing extraordinary. Would you like to see the system outside? It might make things clearer.”
Without hesitation, Jian Mo nodded. “Yes, please!”
Qi Ming led them outside to inspect the setup.
The toilets were connected to sealed tanks that resembled modern septic systems. The tanks had an outlet at the top for excess water, which flowed into a channel where it was purified by diverted river water and then carried far away downstream.
The volume of water flowing through the channels was significant, keeping them clean. On either side of the channels, the fertile soil nurtured blooming wildflowers, adding a vibrant touch to the scenery.
Jian Mo was astonished by the Yu Qi tribe’s integration of toilets and wastewater treatment. Their method was on par with, if not better than, modern systems on Earth. With fewer people here, pollution was minimal, and nature could easily handle purification, unlike Earth, where the population density required extensive treatment facilities.
Familiar with the principles of modern plumbing, Jian Mo understood the system without needing much explanation. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “When we get back, we absolutely need to build one of these. It shouldn’t be too hard, right?”
The latter half of his statement was directed at Wu Jiong.
Seeing Jian Mo’s eager expression, Wu Jiong nodded. “It’s not hard at all.”
Qi Ming smiled. “If you need assistance, feel free to ask. We’d be happy to help.”
Jian Mo replied, “Thank you! If we run into any difficulties, we’ll definitely consult you.”
After the tour, Jian Mo conducted health checks for the tribe members. Their issues were similar to those seen in other tribes—minor ailments like muscle strain, rashes, occasional headaches, fevers, and joint pain.
Afterward, Jian Mo left some ointments, powders, and medicated patches for them, then prepared to return to the Snowfoot Tribe. He insisted the Yu Qi tribe not escort them back to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Traveling alone was faster anyway. Wu Jiong’s massive wolf form was much larger than the Pallas Cats, allowing them to move swiftly without needing to stop.
As they made their way back, Jian Mo contemplated the best way to construct the toilets for their tribe. Lost in thought, he barely noticed when Wu Jiong stopped. Looking up, he saw a group of Bai Zhi Tribe waiting by the road.
Their expressions were full of grievance, and their words were even more so:
“So, traveling with the main group makes it inconvenient to visit other tribes, huh?”
“Coming to visit our tribes next time, huh?”
“Doctor Jian Mo, you definitely didn’t visit the Yu Qi tribe on your own, did you? We must have imagined it.”
Jian Mo wiped his forehead, feeling sweat break out. These birds were reciting his own excuses back to him, and their passive-aggressive tone was unmistakable. How petty could they be?
Seeing Jian Mo’s reaction, the birds chattered indignantly. “We were your friends first, but you visited the Yu Qi tribe before us? Hmph, what kind of friend is that?”
Jian Mo raised his hands in surrender. “That’s on me. But they came to pick me up—”
The birds cut him off. “We’re here to pick you up too!”
Jian Mo hesitated. “Pick me up? Wait, where are you taking me?”
One of the birds replied, “Didn’t you mention wanting to raise honey sparrows? We have a sub-beastman who specializes in taming them. We can take you to meet him.”
Surprised, Jian Mo asked, “Honey sparrows can be raised? Wait—how did you know I wanted to raise them?”
The birds puffed up proudly. “We asked around. Your tribe loves using sugar.”
Amused, Jian Mo gave them a thumbs-up. “You’re incredible! So smart, resourceful, and thoughtful. You even did your research on us.”
The Bai Zhi Tribe puffed their chests even further, feigning modesty. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
After Jian Mo showered them with praise until their tails practically curled in delight, the birds suggested, “It’s still early. Why don’t we head over today?”
Jian Mo asked, “Today? Is there enough time?”
“No problem,” they assured him. “But we’ll need to fly there. Do you want us to carry you, or will you take your winged beasts?”
Jian Mo hesitated, feeling awkward about having them carry him. Sharing a glance with Wu Jiong, he said, “Let’s take the winged beasts. It’ll be more convenient.”
The Bai Zhi Tribe didn’t mind. “That’s fine. We’re not exactly built to carry tall people anyway.”
As they spoke, Wu Jiong gave a long whistle, summoning Chirpy and Ying Ao from the Snowfoot Tribe.
Chirpy quickly responded, “Chirp—!”
Moments later, it came flying toward them, flapping furiously before landing near Jian Mo in a dramatic swoop, stopping just short of him. It nudged its fluffy head against his face. “Chirp chirp!”
Jian Mo chuckled, petting Chirpy’s head before wiping the stray feathers off his face. “Chirpy, we’re heading out for a bit.”
Chirpy chirped enthusiastically and nuzzled Jian Mo again until he gently pushed it away.
Seeing the interaction, one of the Bai Zhi Tribe snickered. “See? Isn’t shedding feathers just the worst?”
Jian Mo pretended not to hear the jab and turned to the birds with a smile. “I’ll need you to lead the way.”
“No problem,” they chirped.
As they prepared to leave, Ying Ao insisted on coming along and carrying one of them. Originally, both Jian Mo and Wu Jiong sat on Chirpy, but they decided to split up, with Jian Mo riding Chirpy and Wu Jiong on Ying Ao.
Once everyone was ready, the Bai Zhi Tribe took a few running steps before taking off, calling out spiritedly, “Let’s go—”
Chirpy echoed loudly, “Chirp chirp!”
The birds flew swiftly, and Chirpy and Ying Ao flapped their wings hard to keep up. The birds soared higher into the sky, higher than Chirpy usually preferred to fly, making it a bit of a struggle.
Jian Mo gazed at the scenery around him, marveling at the breathtaking views. Despite having seen it before, he was always awestruck.
As they ascended, they reached the clouds. While clouds and mist weren’t fundamentally different, weaving through them offered a uniquely magical experience.
They flew for a long time, only reaching a high mountain meadow as the sun was about to set.
Jian Mo couldn’t tell exactly how high they were, but it was clear this was a plateau. The air was colder, and the oxygen noticeably thinner.
Nestled in the meadow were a few small wooden houses, surrounded by tidy vegetable gardens. The sight was so picturesque it felt like something out of a fairy tale.
The Bai Zhi Tribe landed and immediately called out, “Ji Xun, we’ve come to see you!”
After a few shouts, a tall young man stepped out of one of the wooden houses. “Here to trade something?”
“Nope,” one of the birds replied. “We’ve brought two people to meet you—this is Wu Jiong, the chief of the He’an Tribe, and Jian Mo, their healer. They’re a couple, and we mentioned before that they’re interested in raising honey sparrows.”
Ji Xun turned his gaze toward Jian Mo and Wu Jiong, nodding politely. “Welcome. Are those your winged beasts?”
His eyes shifted to Chirpy and Ying Ao. “They’re well-kept.”
Chirpy seemed to understand the compliment, puffing up proudly and letting out a loud, “Chirp!”
Jian Mo chuckled, patting Chirpy’s neck. “This one is Chirpy, and the other is Ying Ao. They are indeed very good.”
Ji Xun nodded approvingly. “You can leave the winged beasts outside. Come on in.”
Jian Mo hesitated. “We usually don’t tie them up; they won’t cause trouble. Is that okay?”
Ji Xun glanced at Chirpy and Ying Ao again, then nodded. “As long as they don’t damage my garden.”
Jian Mo smiled. “We grow vegetables too; they know better than to mess with them.”
Reassured, they let Chirpy and Ying Ao roam freely before following Ji Xun inside.
The small wooden house quickly became crowded with everyone inside.
Jian Mo glanced around. The cozy space had a firepit, cabinets, and even small potted flowers in clay jars. Though compact, it was tidy and radiated a warm, homely atmosphere.
Ji Xun was clearly someone who enjoyed life.
He invited them to sit and picked up a pot. “I’m cooking dinner. Should I make some extra for you all?”
The Bai Zhi Tribe chirped enthusiastically, “Yes, please! We won’t be shy!”
Turning to Jian Mo and Wu Jiong, they added, “Ji Xun’s cooking is amazing—absolutely the best.”
Ji Xun brushed off the praise modestly. “It’s nothing special, just different.”
He began rinsing the rice, and Jian Mo noticed the grains were irregularly shaped, likely wild pearl rice. Unlike cultivated rice, which was more uniform in size and shape, these grains were a mix of plump and misshapen.
Ji Xun rinsed two large pots of rice, setting them side by side over the firepit. Next, he brought down some dried meat, which immediately caught Jian Mo’s attention.
The meat was marbled with equal parts fat and lean, with a moisture content much higher than typical dried meat. It hadn’t been air-dried completely but was instead coated in a glossy layer of sauce.
Using a metal knife, Ji Xun sliced the meat into pieces, spreading them evenly over the rice. The cut slices revealed a tender, slightly gelatinous texture, with translucent fat and rich, juicy lean meat that looked incredibly appetizing.
Once the meat was arranged, Ji Xun covered the pot and sealed the edges with grass, leaving only a small vent hole at the center for steam.
Jian Mo observed with interest. “We have a similar method back home called clay pot rice. Once the rice is nearly cooked, we add vegetables and crack an egg on top. Before serving, we drizzle a sauce over it.”
Ji Xun glanced at him. “I’ve made it that way before too.”
Jian Mo asked, “Do you intentionally create a crispy rice crust? It’s a delicacy back home—extra fragrant.”
Ji Xun smiled faintly. “I do. I love the rice crust.”
The two began exchanging tips on making claypot rice, then shifted to discussing agriculture. Ji Xun revealed he was originally a sub-beastman from the Nong Liu Tribe. However, disliking constant social interactions and tribal life, he eventually moved out to live alone.
“Gathering plants on my own was too much trouble,” Ji Xun explained. “And it wasn’t safe to go far. So I started planting what I gathered near the house. Over time, I cultivated this plot of land. It’s easier than foraging.”
Jian Mo nodded in agreement. Growing one’s own food meant always having what you wanted without relying on luck while foraging. Ji Xun shared the same philosophy, and the two found themselves kindred spirits.
Before long, the rice was ready. Ji Xun took them outside to pick vegetables, which they washed in snowmelt water and then drained. The greens were tossed into the pot along with a drizzle of oil.
Following Jian Mo’s suggestion, Ji Xun also cracked a few bird eggs over the rice before sealing the pot again. By the time the meal was fully cooked, the eggs had just set, and Ji Xun drizzled sauce over the rice. He then scraped up the crispy rice crust from the bottom, mixed everything together, and served it.
Each person received a bowl of steaming hot rice.
The rice was perfectly cooked—soft yet firm, with a unique aroma. The crispy rice crust added a satisfying crunch, crackling with every bite.
Jian Mo took a spoonful and immediately exclaimed, “This sauce—it’s similar to the one from the Snowfoot Tribe, isn’t it?”
Ji Xun nodded. “It is. I traded for it there.”
Jian Mo nodded knowingly. “I thought so. It’s incredible—rich, savory, and full of flavor!”
Ji Xun grinned. “Try the meat. I came up with the recipe myself.”
At his suggestion, Jian Mo tried a piece of the dried meat. It was slightly sweet, perfectly tender, and bursting with umami. The juicy meat practically melted in his mouth, balancing the flavors of fat and lean without being greasy. Paired with the rice, it was absolutely divine.
Jian Mo gave him a thumbs-up. “This rich, flavorful taste is irresistible. It completely whets the appetite.”
The Bai Zhi Tribe couldn’t even speak, too busy devouring their bowls of rice.
Ji Xun’s eyes sparkled. “If you like it, have some more. There’s plenty in the pot.”
Feeling a bit sheepish, Jian Mo asked, “Could I take two extra portions? I’d like our winged beasts to try it too.”
Ji Xun looked surprised. “They eat human food?”
Jian Mo explained, “They can, as long as it doesn’t make up too much of their diet.”
Most of Chirpy and Ying Ao’s meals came from fresh forage like grasses and roots, with only a small portion consisting of cooked food.
Ji Xun admired their dedication. “You take great care of them.”
Jian Mo said, “It’s important to take good care of our own beasts, after all.”
Finding a kindred spirit in Ji Xun, Jian Mo, and Wu Jiong followed him after dinner to see where he kept his honey sparrows.
Ji Xun pointed to a row of nests on the hillside behind his house. “I raise them here. Most of the time, they forage for their own food. They even stash extra honey blocks in their nests, which I collect. I only take the surplus.”
Jian Mo nodded. “We’ve encountered honey sparrows before and interacted with them.”
Ji Xun smiled. “No wonder you’re interested in raising them. Honey sparrows are great to keep; they’re not too much trouble. My main tasks are driving away predators, providing food when it’s scarce, and bringing them inside during extreme weather. Other than that, they mostly take care of themselves.”
Jian Mo’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “How do you tame them? I’ve noticed they’re quite aggressive and don’t seem to like humans. They’ll peck at anyone who gets close. If you take their nests, they abandon them and flee.”
Unlike bees, which are loyal to their hives, honey sparrows will take any chance to escape, abandoning nests they worked hard to build. Preventing them from foraging isn’t an option either; they need to collect a lot of nectar to produce honey blocks, which is the whole point of raising them.
Ji Xun chuckled. “That’s the secret to the trade. I can’t just give that away.”
Jian Mo blinked. “Huh?”
Ji Xun glanced at him. “If you want to raise them, I can provide you with some of their nests. These nests are highly attractive to honey sparrows. Once they settle in, they won’t leave.”
Jian Mo considered this and found it acceptable. “How would we trade for them?”
Ji Xun said, “One nest for a basket of pearl rice.”
Jian Mo gasped. “That’s way too much! A single honey sparrow doesn’t even produce enough honey blocks in a year to justify that cost.”
Ji Xun insisted, “If you raise them properly, you’ll recover the cost in three to five years. After that, it’s all profit.”
Jian Mo frowned. “Three to five years? There’s no guarantee the honey sparrows will even live that long.”
Ji Xun assured him, “As long as you care for them properly, they’ll live well past five years.”
Jian Mo shook his head. “No, a whole basket of pearl rice is too much. Since we can’t guarantee success in raising them, I’d be willing to try for half a basket.”
Ji Xun disagreed. “Half a basket is too little.”
The two haggled back and forth for a while but couldn’t reach an agreement.
Finally, Ji Xun sighed. “Why don’t you think it over after you get back? If you decide to trade, you can come back and find me. Raising honey sparrows is truly worth it. Look at me—I live comfortably here, and most of my supplies come from trading honey blocks. I hardly need to hunt or forage anymore. It’s a great arrangement, isn’t it? I imagine people in your tribe value honey blocks even more.”
Jian Mo admitted, “They do, but a whole basket of rice per nest is still too steep for us.”
Ji Xun reasoned, “The nests are made from honey blocks themselves. Even without the sparrows, a single nest could be traded for half a basket of rice on its own.”
Jian Mo countered, “Exactly, which means the honey block material plus the attraction value of the nest should trade for three-quarters of a basket at most. How can you ask for a full basket? And we’d still have to catch the sparrows ourselves!”
Seeing Ji Xun’s disapproval, Jian Mo added sincerely, “Catching honey sparrows is no easy task. Other than us, I doubt many people could even manage it. You should consider whether anyone else will come to trade for these nests after we leave.”
Ji Xun sighed. “Let’s think it over.”
Jian Mo smiled. “We’ll be leaving the Snowfoot Tribe the morning after tomorrow. If you’ve made up your mind by then, you can come down and find us.”
Ji Xun replied, “If you change your mind, you’re welcome to come back up. Either way, it’s been a pleasure meeting you.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Likewise.”
Night had fallen, and the sky was quickly darkening. Jian Mo and his group bid farewell to Ji Xun and prepared to fly back.
The Bai Zhi Tribe offered to escort them to the Snowfoot Tribe, but Jian Mo politely declined. “It’s almost dark—you should head back too.”
The birds, being teenagers, shouldn’t stay out too late. Besides, the Snowfoot Tribe was quite far from the Bai Zhi Tribe, and escorting them back would mean a long delay.
After some thought, the birds agreed but couldn’t resist asking, “Doctor Jian Mo, raising honey sparrows would be really useful for you, right?”
Jian Mo didn’t mention the unresolved negotiations, simply nodding.
The birds puffed up with pride. “So, doesn’t that make us way more thoughtful than the Yu Qi tribe?”
Jian Mo realized they had been waiting to hear this and calmly replied, “We do love honey blocks. Compared to other resources, they’re incredibly important to us. Thank you so much for bringing us here and introducing us to Ji Xun.”
Sincerely, he added, “You’ve been so kind to us. Usually, only fellow tribe members are this considerate, but you’ve treated us just as well. Even though we come from different tribes, you’re practically family.”
His genuine tone made the birds beam with pride. Puffing up their chests, they replied modestly, “It’s great to be of help to you.”
Jian Mo gave them a thumbs-up. “A huge help.”
The birds chirped, “So, we’re better than the Yu Qi tribe, right?”
