Chapter 179: A New Method
When Jian Mo and Wu Jiong returned to the He’an Tribe, it was the middle of the night.
Originally, they planned to rest outdoors and wait for daylight before heading back to the tribe. But both of them were eager to return home and decided to arrive that very night, looking forward to resting properly in their own home.
The He’an Tribe always had sentries patrolling at night.
As soon as they approached the tribe, a patrolling guard spotted them and rushed over, his excitement evident. “Chief, Jian Mo, you’re back?!”
Wu Jiong nodded. “We’re back.”
The guard could hardly contain his joy. “This is such wonderful news! Wait here, I’m going to tell Qing Kuo and the others.”
Jian Mo quickly stopped him. “It’s already so late—don’t wake everyone up.”
The guard shook his head. “That won’t do! Everyone’s been worrying about you two. They’ll be thrilled to hear this. I’ll be right back!”
Before Jian Mo could say another word, the guard dashed off into the darkness.
The bird beastmen who had accompanied them back chuckled. “Brother Jian Mo, your tribe’s atmosphere is so warm and welcoming.”
Jian Mo smiled. “It’s because the people here are wonderful. You all take a seat while we tidy up the house. Stay here tonight and get some rest.”
Wan Zheng immediately waved his hand. “No need! We’ll head back to our tribe after unloading the goods.”
Jian Mo frowned. “It’s so dark, and you’ve been flying all day. Aren’t you tired?”
“The moonlight’s bright tonight; we can see the road clearly. If we get tired, we can always find a place to rest on the way. It’s just one night; no need to trouble yourselves preparing a place for us.”
Despite Jian Mo’s insistence, the bird beastmen politely declined, unloading their goods and setting off for their tribe.
Fen Hui also left with them, saying he’d come back to thank them properly another day.
Watching them leave, Jian Mo sighed. “They’re too polite.”
Wu Jiong smiled. “I think it’s because they feel at ease with us. That’s just how they are—free-spirited and independent.”
Jian Mo nodded. “You’re probably right.”
Even though they had been away for nearly a month, their home was spotless, the bedding carried the fresh scent of sunlight, and the entire place felt airy and well-kept. Clearly, Qing Kuo and the others had been regularly cleaning, airing out the house, and keeping everything in order.
Wu Jiong fetched water and started heating it for a proper bath.
Unlike the quick washes they managed while traveling, this was their first chance to bathe thoroughly. Wu Jiong didn’t mind bathing outside, but the colder weather and Jian Mo’s weaker constitution made him cautious. He prepared extra hot water so Jian Mo could bathe indoors.
As they were washing, Wu Jiong suddenly paused. “Someone’s here—it should be Qing Kuo and the others.”
Recently, Jian Mo’s body had improved thanks to the supplements he had been taking. His beast ears, which used to droop, were now perking up a bit. He instinctively twitched his ears, listening carefully. “You’re right; it sounds like them.”
Wu Jiong smiled. “Finish bathing first.”
Jian Mo hurriedly finished up, wrapped himself in a clean robe, and went out while drying his hair. Sure enough, Qing Kuo and several others had arrived.
Feeling a little self-conscious, Jian Mo greeted them. “It’s so late—what are you all doing here?”
Qing Kuo grinned. “What do you think? We haven’t seen you in so long. Of course, we’d come to check on you as soon as we heard you were back.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “I just thought it was late, and you’d already be asleep. Waking up to come over must’ve been tiring.”
Qing Kuo dismissed his concern. “Not as tiring as your journey must’ve been.” He gave Jian Mo a once-over. “How was the trip? You look thinner—and a bit tanner. The chief, though, looks exactly the same.”
Jian Mo laughed. “We spent a lot of time outdoors, so I guess I caught some sun.”
Qing Kuo grew serious. “How’s your health? And Fen Hui? Did his treatment go well? Was that him earlier, passing through our tribe?”
Ye Luo chimed in, “Did you meet any other tribe’s healers? Were they anything like Lian Ke?”
Jian Mo waved his hands quickly. “Not at all! The healers we met were skilled and kind-hearted. Fen Hui has recovered almost completely, and my health has improved a lot too.”
Everyone was full of questions and brimming with enthusiasm.
Jian Mo invited them to sit in the courtyard to chat.
Before long, the children of the tribe arrived, drawn by the commotion. They rushed up to Jian Mo, hugging his legs and waist. “Brother Jian Mo!”
The leopard cub Ban Jiu, now much larger than before, tried to climb into Jian Mo’s lap as he used to. But his beast form now weighed over 70 or 80 pounds, too heavy for such antics. Frustrated, Ban Jiu rose on his hind legs and nuzzled Jian Mo’s neck with his round head. “Brother Jian Mo!”
Nearby, the white wolf Zhou Dao, as fluffy as a Samoyed, circled excitedly. The fox Bai Lu took advantage of the moment to burrow into Jian Mo’s arms. “Brother Jian Mo, we missed you so much!”
Now in their thick, soft autumn coats, the cubs were irresistibly cuddly. Jian Mo stroked each one in turn, ruffling the hair of the human-form children. “I missed all of you too.”
He Feng pouted. “We thought you weren’t coming back.”
Jian Mo reassured them, smiling. “How could that be? This is our home. If we didn’t come back, where else would we go?”
Under the moonlight, everyone sat chatting, eager to hear about Jian Mo’s adventures.
Patiently, Jian Mo recounted their journey: their time in the Xing Chu Tribe, the new medicinal recipes he learned, the herbs he identified, the abundant seafood, and the stunning ocean views.
Wu Jiong added details as they went along.
Everyone listened, their mouths agape.
Qing Kuo exclaimed, “It sounds like the trip was worth it.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Absolutely. We gained so much this time. Once this path becomes familiar, everyone can go out and see the world.”
Ye Luo’s eyes sparkled. “You said the bird beastmen from the Bai Zhi Tribe are already trading between tribes. I think we won’t have to wait long—maybe we can start this winter!”
Jian Mo considered this. “That would mean raising winged beasts.”
The biggest challenge of raising winged beasts was their enormous appetite. Unless there was a pressing need, such as for long-distance trade, the cost often outweighed the benefits.
Ye Luo nodded thoughtfully. “If we decide to raise them, we’ll probably need Chirpy and Ying Ao to teach the others.”
Jian Mo laughed. “Chirpy’s not reliable for that. Let’s see if Ying Ao’s willing.”
Eavesdropping from the side, Chirpy ruffled its feathers indignantly and let out a gravelly squawk. “Caw!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Jian Mo affectionately rubbed Chirpy’s plump rear. “Chirpy, your talent isn’t in teaching other winged beasts. You’re best at bringing joy to everyone.”
Chirpy might not have understood the words, but it clearly felt Jian Mo’s affection. Pleased, it tried to nuzzle into Jian Mo’s chest.
Jian Mo quickly grabbed the feathers at the back of its neck. “No nuzzling! You haven’t bathed in ages, and you’ve got grass stuck to your head!”
Chirpy fluffed up indignantly, shaking its body and stubbornly burrowing into Jian Mo’s embrace. “Chirp!”
Everyone laughed again as Qing Kuo remarked, “Chirpy really acts just like a cub.”
Jian Mo held Chirpy’s chubby cheeks and teased, “Chirpy’s getting smarter by the day.”
The group continued chatting in the courtyard, their conversation stretching on until the dew began to settle and the first light of dawn appeared. Reluctantly, they yawned and dispersed, promising to meet later that evening.
Qing Kuo suggested holding a bonfire celebration to welcome Jian Mo and Wu Jiong home properly.
Jian Mo agreed enthusiastically. “We’ve been away for so long; it’s about time we all gathered for some fun.”
After tidying up the courtyard and washing their hands, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong held hands as they climbed the stairs to their room.
Though they had traveled with capable companions and lacked for nothing in terms of food, shelter, and clothing, nothing compared to the comfort of their own home.
As soon as Jian Mo crawled into bed and curled up in Wu Jiong’s arms, he fell into a deep sleep.
He didn’t wake up until the afternoon, his limbs feeling languid and soft. Stretching and yawning, he slowly got out of bed, washed up, and prepared to head downstairs.
From the window, he noticed that the leaves outside had turned completely yellow. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the treetops, the sky was a brilliant blue, and flocks of birds soared gracefully overhead. The serene beauty of the scene filled Jian Mo’s heart with joy.
Pulling his robe tightly around him, Jian Mo descended the stairs, only to find Dan Guan sitting in one of the chairs, waiting for him.
The moment Dan Guan spotted Jian Mo, he let out an excited yelp and sprang to his feet. “Jian Mo! I missed you so much! Can you cure the patches on my fur now?”
Jian Mo smiled in surprise. “What brings you here? I did learn a new treatment method while I was away, but I’m not entirely sure it will work.”
Dan Guan’s eyes lit up. “I’ll try anything! I heard from the Meng Shui Tribe’s messenger—he said you were back, so I rushed over!”
Jian Mo chuckled. “All right, let’s head outside. Shift back into your beast form so I can take a look.”
“On it!” Dan Guan said immediately.
Jian Mo added, “Hold on, let me grab my stethoscope first.”
“I’ll be waiting outside!” Dan Guan promised as he bounded out.
By the time Jian Mo joined him, Dan Guan had already transformed into his beast form.
Dan Guan’s beast form resembled a tiger cat. Lately, his workouts had clearly paid off—his muscles were more defined, giving him a sleek and powerful appearance. Unfortunately, the bald patches on his fur stood out and ruined the effect.
Jian Mo instructed, “Lie on your side for me. During my trip, one of the healers I met mentioned that your condition might be a form of seborrheic dermatitis. Let me examine you to confirm.”
The large tiger cat nodded eagerly, curling his long tail under his belly. “Check all you need! I’ll do whatever you say.”
Jian Mo laughed. “No need for anything extreme. Just lie still so I can listen to different parts of your body.”
Thanks for the chapter!