Chapter 180: A Promise
The giant tiger cat sprawled on the ground, looking no different from a housecat—except for the fact that he was using his fluffy tail to modestly cover his belly.
Jian Mo instructed him to spread his limbs, then climbed over him carefully, listening to different parts of his body.
The tiger cat watched Jian Mo’s furrowed brows, a nervous “meow” escaping his throat. “Jian Mo, what’s the verdict?”
Jian Mo put away the stethoscope. “Your symptoms do match those of seborrheic dermatitis. I’ll prepare some medicine for you.”
The tiger cat tucked in his paws and rolled to his feet. “That’s fantastic!”
Jian Mo added, “It might hurt a little.”
The tiger cat trotted beside him, his large eyes shining with determination. “I don’t care about pain—I just don’t want to stay patchy forever!”
Jian Mo chuckled. “Let me fetch the medicine.”
Jian Mo had anticipated Dan Guan’s case and had brought back black blade grass and white clay from the Star Yi Tribe, specifically to treat this condition.
After rummaging through his supply basket, Jian Mo located the ingredients, carefully measured the right amounts, and began preparing the medicine.
Star Yi Tribe had provided him with a small balance scale for precise measurements, which he now put to good use.
Dan Guan, back in his human form, watched eagerly as Jian Mo weighed the medicine with the delicate scale, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Jian Mo glanced at him. “Hold on, I still need to grind these into powder and mix them with water.”
Dan Guan offered eagerly, “Is there anything special about grinding them? If not, let me do it—I’ve got plenty of strength and won’t get tired!”
Jian Mo handed over the task. “Just grind it finely. I’ll go fetch some clean cloth.”
Dan Guan threw himself into the task with enthusiasm. After grinding the ingredients into powder, he even sieved them meticulously to ensure the mixture was as fine as possible.
Jian Mo inspected his work and found it satisfactory. He mixed the powder with cool, boiled water to make a paste, then applied it to the patchy areas on Dan Guan’s fur, wrapping them carefully with clean cotton cloth.
Dan Guan looked comically bandaged, but his grin was wide. “Jian Mo, how long will it take before it works?”
Jian Mo replied, “You should see some improvement in about ten days. If there’s no change by then, we’ll try a different approach.”
Dan Guan clasped his hands together in prayer. “It’ll work—it has to work!”
Jian Mo smiled. “I hope so too.”
After finishing the treatment, Jian Mo washed his hands and extended an invitation. “We’re having a bonfire celebration in the village tonight. Why don’t you stick around and join us?”
Dan Guan brightened. “I saw them prepping when I arrived. They were chopping meat and making meatballs for grilling and hot pot.”
Jian Mo was pleasantly surprised. “They’re making hot pot too? Then you absolutely have to stay. Our hot pot is fantastic!”
Dan Guan readily agreed. “I’ll go help out!”
Jian Mo finished washing up and joined the preparations as well. By the time he arrived, the others were already frying the hot pot base, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of spices.
Sniffing the spicy scent, Jian Mo teased, “Isn’t that a lot of chili? This hot pot’s going to be fiery.”
Qing Kuo glanced back at him. “Everyone loves it spicy now—if we don’t add enough chili, it feels bland.”
Jian Mo suggested, “Remember, the hot pot gets spicier the longer it cooks. Maybe tone it down a bit.”
Qing Kuo reassured him, “Don’t worry. We’ve got mild soup and sour soup bases too. The mild one isn’t spicy at all, and the sour soup only has a tiny kick.”
Jian Mo inspected the bubbling bases and nodded. “Fair enough.”
Nearby, Zhou Fu called out, “Jian Mo, come over here and check our fish and meatballs. Help us adjust the seasoning?”
Jian Mo walked over and saw them shaping meatballs from freshly prepared fish and beast meat. “You don’t need much seasoning; these are going into the hot pot anyway.”
Zhou Fu grinned. “But the elders will be eating from the mild pot—they’d appreciate some extra flavor.”
Jian Mo relented. “All right, let me handle it.”
Using an array of spices like mushroom powder, shellfish powder, chili powder, and basic salt, Jian Mo gave the meatballs a light seasoning. As they boiled the meatballs in water to firm them up, Jian Mo admired the feast. “This is a real banquet.”
Zhou Fu laughed. “Of course! It’s all to celebrate your return.”
Jian Mo smiled warmly. “Thanks, everyone.”
As the sun set, the bonfire crackled to life, illuminating the gathering. Smoke curled upward, carrying the scent of wood and spices. A massive ceramic pot was placed over the fire, its bubbling contents releasing tantalizing aromas.
Hunters and foragers returned in small groups, bringing fresh ingredients for the feast. The pot simmered with broth enriched by bird meat and bones, and its flavors deepened with every passing moment.
Qing Kuo counted heads to ensure everyone was present before starting the meal.
Jian Mo, noticing Wu Jiong’s return, ran over. “Where did you go? You were up so early—I thought you’d sleep in longer.”
Wu Jiong handed Jian Mo a bundle of freshly picked berries wrapped in leaves. “It’s autumn, so the game is plentiful. I took a group out hunting.”
Jian Mo popped a berry into Wu Jiong’s mouth before eating one himself. “Must’ve felt good to stretch your legs?”
Wu Jiong nodded. “It did.”
With a smile, Jian Mo led Wu Jiong to sit by the mild soup pot, where they began savoring the evening’s meal. Others gathered around, asking about their recent travels while youth like Ban Ming expressed eagerness to join future trips.
As they chatted, someone began singing. The melody rose and fell, weaving through the trees, evoking stories of their ancestors.
Listening, Jian Mo’s face softened into a smile.
Wu Jiong leaned in. “Thinking about our discussions on epics back at Star Yi Tribe?”
Jian Mo clinked his fruit wine against Wu Jiong’s cup. “You got it.”
Many had eaten their fill and stood up to dance.
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong sat quietly, watching the joyful crowd with warm smiles on their faces.
The lively atmosphere continued with eating, chatting, and playing until well into the night. One by one, the crowd began to disperse.
Jian Mo lay sprawled on Wu Jiong’s back, his warm cheeks pressed against Wu Jiong’s neck, his eyes glimmering. “Why does this year’s fruit wine taste better than last year’s?”
Wu Jiong replied, “We used the lees from last year’s batch as a starter this time. The fermentation process was smoother and purer.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “I can feel it. I’m getting a little tipsy.”
Wu Jiong supported him with one arm under his thighs, his other hand reaching back to check Jian Mo’s forehead. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Jian Mo shook his head. “Not at all. I feel really good.”
The slight motion caused his face to nuzzle against Wu Jiong’s neck, and Wu Jiong, feeling the warmth against his skin, murmured, “Let’s head back early, take a bath, and get some rest.”
When they returned, sleep wasn’t their immediate priority—they pulled out a jar of balm to use before turning in.
Jian Mo stretched out lazily on the bed, feeling soft and content. “We should go to Meng Shui Tribe to trade for some balm. What do you think?”
Wu Jiong raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”
Jian Mo covered his eyes with his arm. “Our balm is great, but theirs has its own unique qualities. It’s nice to have variety.”
Wu Jiong leaned over to kiss him lightly. “Sure.”
By the time Jian Mo finally fell asleep, the sky outside was starting to brighten. He woke up late, feeling refreshed but with a desire to move.
Grabbing a hoe, he decided to head to the fields.
Their crops, left unattended for quite some time, were nearly ready for harvest.
The Mien Grass was starting to turn yellow, and the tuber crops had grown plump and ripe for picking. Jian Mo inspected the fields and determined the Mien Grass could wait a bit longer, but the tubers were ready to be dug up.
He figured some fresh tubers would be perfect for replenishing their pantry, which had been nearly emptied. As for the vines, they could be used to feed the Tou Tou Beasts and long-tailed birds.
Working in the field, Jian Mo took his time, pacing himself due to fatigue. Fortunately, it was just their personal plot, so efficiency wasn’t a major concern.
Soon, the village’s children, who had been playing nearby, noticed him working and ran over to join in.
Jian Mo tried to wave them off. “Go back to playing! I can handle this myself.”
Jiang Xing, now looking more like a young teenager, replied earnestly, “We want to help. Brother Jian Mo, can you tell us more stories from your travels while we work?”
Jian Mo smiled at him. “Didn’t I talk until my throat was dry last night? You still want more stories?”
Jiang Xing nodded seriously. “We could hear them a hundred times and never get bored.”
The other children chimed in enthusiastically, “Exactly! Tell us more!”
Jian Mo laughed. “All right, let’s talk about the ocean this time.”
As they worked, Jian Mo shared stories about the vast sea and its wonders while the children listened in awe, helping him dig up the ripe tubers.
Once the tubers were harvested, Jian Mo planned to plant grass in their place to enrich the soil. By next spring, the land would be even more fertile, producing better crops.
While they worked, a group of beastmen was seen approaching the He’an Tribe. From their direction and speed, it was clear they were headed straight for the village.
He Feng craned his neck. “Those are people from the Hai Zuo Tribe.”
The little fox, Bai Lu, stood upright on his hind legs, front paws curled at his chest. “They’re carrying lots of game too.”
Hai Zuo Tribe was a mixed-heritage tribe with beastmen of various forms. It took Jian Mo a while to recognize them, whereas the sharp-eyed children spotted them instantly.
Jiang Xing guessed, “They’re probably here to thank you, Brother Jian Mo, for curing Brother Fen Hui.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Maybe. Let’s go meet them.”
He led the children to wash their hands by the river before heading toward the arriving group.
The Hai Zuo Tribe members were indeed here to express their gratitude. Spotting Jian Mo, they greeted him warmly. “Jian Mo, Fen Hui has fully recovered, so we came to thank you personally.”
Jian Mo replied, “Fen Hui already thanked me. You didn’t have to make the trip.”
One of the visitors insisted, “No, we had to. Saving a life is a great kindness—we couldn’t let it go without showing our gratitude. Please accept these supplies as a token of our thanks.”
Since most of the He’an Tribe’s members were out hunting or gathering, the village was quiet, with only a few elders and patrolling beastmen around. Jian Mo invited the Hai Zuo Tribe group to his home for tea and conversation.
The children stayed nearby, as their classes hadn’t started yet. Jian Mo didn’t send them away, figuring it would be good for them to observe how to interact with people from other tribes.
The Hai Zuo visitors were curious about Jian Mo’s recent travels and asked many questions.
Fen Hui, having accompanied Jian Mo’s group on the journey, shared some of what he’d seen. However, since Fen Hui spent most of his time recuperating, his perspective was limited compared to Jian Mo’s.
The Hai Zuo Tribe was particularly interested in agriculture, asking detailed questions about farming practices in other tribes.
Jian Mo explained that the Star Yi Tribe relied heavily on their rich marine resources and had little need for agriculture. As a result, their farming techniques were less advanced than those of inland tribes. This news disappointed the visitors, though the allure of the outside world still fascinated them.
By late afternoon, after a long conversation, Jian Mo escorted the Hai Zuo group back to the edge of the village. He firmly insisted they take back the extra supplies they had brought. “You know how I operate—I only take what’s fair. There’s no need for more.”
The Hai Zuo members, unable to argue with Jian Mo’s reasoning, reluctantly agreed, expressing their gratitude one last time before departing.
As the days passed, more visitors from nearby tribes came to see Jian Mo and exchange goods.
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong traded for balm at the Meng Shui Tribe, exchanged pearls and mother-of-pearl with the Dien Xin Tribe for custom jewelry, and used Jian Mo’s newly learned medical techniques to treat various ailments.
Before they knew it, ten days had passed.
One morning, restless from staying in the village, Jian Mo grabbed Wu Jiong’s arm. “Let’s go out gathering! Sitting around drinking tea every day is going to make my muscles atrophy!”
Wu Jiong chuckled. “Where to?”
Jian Mo’s eyes sparkled. “Remember the Kun Zhi trees? Let’s go collect some tree sap today.”
The Kun Zhi tree leaves had been taught to him by Lian Ke, though Jian Mo hadn’t found much use for them at first. However, on his recent trip to the Star Yi Tribe, he discovered several medicinal recipes that used the sap to make ointments.
Wu Jiong nodded. “It’s the perfect season for it. We can also gather herbs and nuts while we’re there.”
Jian Mo climbed onto his back, wrapping his arms around his neck. “Do you think there’ll be mushrooms? Autumn mushrooms are amazing—we could use them to make long-tailed bird stew.”
Wu Jiong supported him with ease. “There should be. If not, we can take a detour and find some.”
With that, the two set off, ready for another productive day.
Chirpy saw them preparing their baskets and immediately ran out of its nest, calling out as it trailed closely behind them, refusing to be left behind.
Seeing this, Ying Ao also stepped out and joined in.
And so, what was initially a quiet outing for two turned into a lively family expedition of four.
Jian Mo brought out a few extra baskets. “Since Chirpy and Ying Ao want to come along, let’s gather more while we’re out.”
Chirpy hopped a couple of times and lay down, waiting for Jian Mo to climb onto its back. “Chirp!”
Jian Mo waved it off with a smile. “Not today. You’ll have to fly on your own. Wu Jiong and I are walking this time.”
Chirpy cocked its head in confusion and let out another chirp, shaking its head as though urging Jian Mo to hurry up.
Ying Ao, understanding the situation, grabbed one of Chirpy’s wings in its beak and tugged lightly. “Chirp.”
Jian Mo pushed against Chirpy’s fluffy rump. “Go on, you two fly ahead.”
Finally, Chirpy grudgingly followed Ying Ao, running a few steps before catching the wind and soaring into the sky.
Wu Jiong transformed into his giant wolf form, and Jian Mo climbed onto the familiar broad back. Feeling a bit giddy, he scooted forward and reached out to stroke the thick, velvety fur on Wu Jiong’s ears.
The wolf’s ear twitched reflexively in his palm, soft and springy, prompting a smile from Jian Mo.
They ran through the vibrant autumn landscape, crossing shallow rivers, skirting mountain foothills, and dashing through forest after forest until they reached the grove of Kun Zhi trees.
Wu Jiong, familiar with every corner of the He’an Tribe’s territory, led them straight to their destination.
Once there, they began their work. Using wooden spikes and tubes, they tapped into the trees, peeling back small sections of bark to collect the dark green, viscous sap. It would take time for the sap to accumulate, so they moved on to gather other resources—medicinal herbs, wild greens, fruits, and mushrooms—planning to return for the sap later in the day.
As they worked, Chirpy ran over and tugged on Jian Mo’s sleeve. “Chirp?”
Jian Mo tilted his head. “Chirpy, are you trying to take us somewhere?”
No wonder Chirpy was so energetic today.
Stretching its neck, Chirpy let out another chirp, a firm affirmation.
Jian Mo didn’t hesitate this time. He climbed onto Chirpy’s back and waved Wu Jiong over. “Alright, Chirpy, lead the way.”
Once Jian Mo and Wu Jiong were seated, Chirpy ran a few quick steps before lifting into the air. It turned back to call to Ying Ao. “Chirp!”
Ying Ao followed silently, gliding steadily behind.
As they flew, Jian Mo gazed down at the familiar scenery and suddenly exclaimed, “Isn’t this the alpine meadow where Chirpy brought us mushroom hunting before? Are there still mushrooms here?”
Chirpy let out an enthusiastic chirp in response.
Jian Mo chuckled, recalling the first time Chirpy had led them here to gather mushrooms. Though it was only a few months ago, it had already become a cherished memory.
They landed in the meadow and began searching. Before long, they indeed found mushrooms—though a different variety from before. These were plump, meaty, and delicious-looking.
Not one to hold back, Jian Mo enlisted Wu Jiong’s help, and together they harvested as many mushrooms as they could. These would be dried in the sun and stored for winter, perfect for stews or as a savory filling for dumplings.
Chirpy darted around excitedly, pawing at the grass and uncovering mushrooms for them to pick. Ying Ao, by contrast, was much calmer, using its claws to scrape up a pile of mushrooms neatly for Jian Mo and Wu Jiong to collect.
As Jian Mo gathered the mushrooms, he remarked, “Chirpy and Ying Ao are so well-behaved. Our life really is blessed, isn’t it?”
Wu Jiong patted his back gently, his voice low and warm. “The people here have lived this way for years, but it’s only with you that it feels truly blessed.”
Jian Mo looked up at him with a smile. “I’ll always be by your side.”
Wu Jiong hesitated, then said softly, “I’m afraid that one day, you’ll return to where you came from.”
Jian Mo didn’t even pause to think. He met Wu Jiong’s eyes and answered earnestly, “I won’t. Even if I do have to go back, I’ll take you with me. I’d never leave you behind.”
Wu Jiong’s voice was quiet. “Don’t you miss your old home?”
Jian Mo smiled faintly. “I do, but I have a mate now. Wherever we live, being together is what matters most.”
Wu Jiong stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him tightly.
Jian Mo allowed himself to be held for a moment before patting Wu Jiong’s back. “Relax a little, I can’t breathe.”
Wu Jiong nuzzled his chin against Jian Mo’s hair. “Mm.”
Jian Mo returned the hug. “When we decided to be together, we promised to grow old side by side. And now, we even have Chirpy and Ying Ao, don’t we?”
Hearing its name, Chirpy perked up and chirped loudly from the side, oblivious to the conversation but determined to make its presence known. “Chirp!”
The ever-attentive Chirpy earned itself a laugh. Wu Jiong nudged Chirpy aside with a smile in his eyes. “Alright.”
Thank you for the chapter~~