In the evening, Jian Mo was feeding Chirpy.
Sensing Jian Mo’s low spirits, Chirpy paused in its chewing, its round eyes gazing at him with concern. It lowered its head and gently rubbed against his side. “Chirp?”
Jian Mo looked up and saw the worry in Chirpy’s eyes. Despite his mood, he couldn’t help but smile. “You silly thing.”
He reached out to rub Chirpy’s head and playfully tugged on its ear. “I’m fine.”
Chirpy wasn’t convinced. It nuzzled against Jian Mo’s chest and let out a series of soft chirps. “Chirp chirp chirp.”
Then, Chirpy lay down, glanced back at its own back, and then at Jian Mo, as if signaling him to climb on.
Jian Mo raised an eyebrow. “You’re offering me a ride? Wait, I haven’t grabbed the reins yet.”
Chirpy wasn’t about to let him leave, grabbing the sleeve of Jian Mo’s shirt with its beak and refusing to let go. “Chirp!”
Jian Mo chuckled, meeting its determined gaze. “Alright, alright.”
He climbed onto Chirpy’s back. Chirpy swallowed the last of its jerky, took a few running steps, and spread its large wings, soaring into the sky.
The autumn evening winds were chilly, whistling through the air and rustling Jian Mo’s clothes. His hair flew wildly in the wind, and his eyelashes fluttered against the gusts, forcing him to squint.
When he opened his eyes again, the entire landscape of the He’an Tribe unfolded beneath him. Rivers, grasslands, forests, snow-capped mountains, the setting sun, and even the lands of neighboring tribes—all of it lay in full view.
Chirpy wasn’t satisfied with the altitude yet and flapped its wings harder, climbing higher into the heavens.
Despite Jian Mo’s improved physique, the high-altitude chill still bit into him, but the view and the experience filled him with exhilaration.
Unable to contain himself, he shouted, “Ahhh—”
Chirpy joined him, letting out a cry of its own. “Screech—”
Its call, however, lacked the imposing roar of an adult winged beast and sounded adorably high-pitched.
Jian Mo wrapped his arms around Chirpy’s neck, laughing. “No screeching! Try chirping instead. Chirp!”
Chirpy stubbornly cried, “Screech!”
Jian Mo insisted, “Chirp!”
Chirpy answered again, “Screech—”
They went back and forth until Jian Mo’s throat was dry from shouting. By the time he realized it, he was doubled over with laughter at their silly game.
Chirpy carried Jian Mo through the sky, seemingly dancing with the vibrant hues of the sunset. The light refracted off the clouds, creating dazzling displays that made Jian Mo’s eyes sting.
The scenery was breathtaking, and Jian Mo couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Without Chirpy, he might never have had the chance to see this world from such a perspective.
Hugging Chirpy’s neck tightly, Jian Mo fell into silent contemplation. Chirpy, sensing his mood, stopped crying out and simply glided gently above the land.
Eventually, the cold began to creep into Jian Mo’s hands, making them stiff. He patted Chirpy’s neck and shouted into its ear, “Chirpy, let’s head back. The sun’s setting, and it’ll be dark soon.”
With a soft cry, “Chirp—,” Chirpy angled its wings and began descending.
When they landed, Jian Mo slid off Chirpy’s back, rubbing his cold hands together. Glancing around, he noticed Wu Jiong sitting atop Ying Ao nearby, having followed them silently.
Jian Mo turned to Wu Jiong with a smile. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”
Wu Jiong dismounted and walked over, taking Jian Mo’s hands in his own to warm them. “I figured. You want to take Fen Hui to the Chu Xing Tribe?”
Jian Mo nodded.
Wu Jiong rubbed his hands, blowing warm air onto them before replying. “We’ll go together. A person’s life is more important than a few days of delay.”
Jian Mo’s eyes welled up slightly. “How did you know what I was thinking?”
Wu Jiong smiled faintly. “Isn’t that what being partners is about?”
After a pause, he added, “A few days of effort isn’t a waste. We’ve been working hard to stockpile supplies for moments like this.”
Jian Mo nodded. “You’re right.”
Wu Jiong stood tall, his voice steady. “I’ll speak to the people from the Hai Zuo Tribe. They’ll likely agree.”
Jian Mo added, “Fen Hui’s body won’t handle the journey on foot. I plan to have Chirpy carry him while we travel together.”
Wu Jiong agreed without hesitation. “That’s a good idea. I’ll handle him.”
The two walked home hand in hand, discussing their plans along the way.
Even though the journey to seek treatment might disrupt their usual tasks, Jian Mo felt it was worth trying. Knowing about the Chu Xing Tribe’s shaman meant they had a chance, and ignoring it would weigh heavily on his conscience.
Their decision was met with widespread support from the He’an Tribe.
Qing Kuo reassured them, “Don’t worry about your home. We’ll look after your animals while you’re away.”
De Jiang chimed in, “The tribe will be fine. Take your time.”
With such strong backing, the Hai Zuo Tribe had no objections either. Their leader spoke earnestly, “You’ve already done so much. We’ll cover the expenses for the journey.”
The Hai Zuo leader offered cotton cloth and metal pieces. “Take these with you. If it’s not enough, we’ll replenish it after you return.”
Wu Jiong addressed the gathered crowd. “Let me make this clear: we’re willing to help, but we can’t guarantee the outcome. If things don’t work out, we’ll have done our best.”
The surrounding tribes echoed their support:
“That’s right! The Hai Zuo Tribe needs to be prepared for any outcome. You can’t blame the He’an Tribe if things go wrong.”
The Hai Zuo leader solemnly vowed, “We’ll bear the consequences, no matter what. We won’t harbor any resentment toward Wu Jiong or Doctor Jian Mo. If we do, may the Beast God forsake us.”
Yun Long of the Meng Shui Tribe added, “We’ll bear witness to your words.”
Kang Ying of the Bing Jiang Tribe declared, “If you go back on your promise, don’t expect our tribes to maintain friendly relations.”
The Hai Zuo leader assured them, “We won’t. We’re not that kind of tribe.”
With everything settled, Jian Mo, Wu Jiong, and Fen Hui prepared for their journey.
Wu Jiong rode Ying Ao, carrying Fen Hui for comfort, while Jian Mo rode Chirpy. Ying Ao’s steady flight made it ideal for carrying the ill, while Chirpy’s obedience made it easy for Jian Mo to handle alone.
As they departed, surrounded by the tribe’s blessings, the three began their journey to the Chu Xing Tribe in search of hope.
Since they were bringing Fen Hui along, Jian Mo and his companions didn’t stop to rest much during the journey. Their days were spent traveling, eating, and sleeping, with occasional stops to ask for directions from passing beastmen and sub-beastmen.
Many tribespeople they encountered had heard of Jian Mo’s reputation. Upon learning they were traveling to seek medical help, these strangers often treated them with kindness, offering food and supplies.
In fact, despite packing plenty of provisions for the trip, their supplies only increased along the way. They hadn’t needed to hunt even once.
Fen Hui, though physically weak and appearing gravely ill, seemed to regain a bit of spirit on the journey.
One night, while they rested on a hillside, Fen Hui, wrapped tightly in a beast hide blanket, spoke up. “Doctor Jian Mo, if I manage to recover this time, I’d like to become your student and learn medicine from you.”
Jian Mo smiled encouragingly. “Alright. Normally, I’d have to evaluate potential students first, but in your case, you’re already accepted. Once you’re better, we can even learn together from that renowned shaman.”
Fen Hui looked both shy and determined. “Doctor Jian Mo, you’re already the most incredible shaman in my eyes.”
Wu Jiong, seated nearby, gave him a glance.
Fen Hui quickly added, “And Wu Jiong is the greatest beastman hero I’ve ever known. You two are a perfect match!”
Satisfied, Wu Jiong handed him a bowl of medicinal porridge. “Drink this before it gets cold. You can praise us while you eat.”
Fen Hui reached out from under his blanket, his hand trembling as he took the bowl. “Thank you, Chief Wu Jiong.”
Though the journey was filled with hope, it wasn’t easy. Both Jian Mo and Wu Jiong found it grueling, but Fen Hui fared the worst. By the time they neared their destination, his cheekbones were gaunt, and his sunken eyes seemed unnaturally large and bright. However, the whites of his eyes were cloudy, making him appear even more frail.
Jian Mo patted the tall, emaciated young man on the shoulder, silently wishing for his recovery.
After traveling for six days, they finally arrived at the fabled Chu Xing Tribe on the seventh morning.
The Chu Xing Tribe sprawled across a flat plain, its size and numerous buildings showcasing its affluence. It was also the first tribe they’d encountered without patrolling beastmen.
The people of Chu Xing moved about casually, working in small groups near their homes. When they spotted Jian Mo’s group descending on their winged beasts, several individuals stopped to watch.
An elegant sub-beastman called out, “Are you here to seek medical help?”
Jian Mo replied, “How did you know?”
The sub-beastman smiled knowingly. “Your group looks like it. You’re here for Shaman Xing Yi, right? Wait here, I’ll send someone to fetch him.”
Jian Mo bowed slightly. “Thank you. Where can we leave our winged beasts? Is there a designated spot?”
Another sub-beastman pointed to an open area. “You can leave them there, but make sure to tether them. We have a lot of people here, and it’d be trouble if your winged beasts accidentally hurt someone.”
Chirpy seemed to understand and let out a long cry of protest. “Screech—!”
The sub-beastman chuckled. “Oh, it’s upset! What a spirited creature. Don’t worry, we’re just being cautious. Safety benefits everyone.”
While they spoke, Wu Jiong dismounted Ying Ao and carefully carried Fen Hui down.
Fen Hui, by now, had no strength to walk or even extend his arms fully. His hands hung limply at his sides.
From the crowd of Chu Xing Tribe members, another sub-beastman approached and examined Fen Hui briefly. “He’s in serious condition. Is it his liver or gallbladder?”
Jian Mo was startled by the accurate guess. “I suspect so, but we haven’t been able to confirm it without proper tools.”
The sub-beastman nodded knowingly. “It’s likely his liver or gallbladder. We’ve seen similar cases here before. Wait a moment—our shaman is currently treating someone outside the tribe. He’ll be back by evening. In the meantime, come with me to rest, eat, and drink some water.”
The sub-beastman gently patted Fen Hui on the shoulder. “Hold on a little longer. The shaman will be back soon. Don’t be afraid.”
Fen Hui, visibly surprised that someone here might be able to help him, had tears welling in his cloudy eyes. His chapped lips quivered as he whispered, “Thank you.”
The sub-beastman’s expression softened into a warm smile. “You’re welcome.”
