Chapter 185: A Gentle Reminder
The effectiveness of the salve couldn’t be determined immediately, and the hunting festival continued in full swing.
The next morning, Jian Mo and his group headed to watch Ye Luo’s match first.
Ye Luo faced off against someone from the Qin Hai Tribe and secured a clean victory, looking completely at ease. It was nothing like his earlier claim of “not being very skilled.”
Jian Mo clapped Ye Luo on the shoulder excitedly. “You’re amazing! You and Qing Kuo are both incredible. Your skills are absolutely top-notch.”
Ye Luo smiled modestly. “Not really. My opponent today wasn’t particularly strong.”
Jian Mo exclaimed, “That’s already very strong! I couldn’t even follow their movements.”
Qing Kuo wrapped an arm around Jian Mo’s shoulders and whispered into his ear, “What Ye Luo means by ‘not particularly strong’ is that they weren’t strong for him, not you.”
Jian Mo widened his eyes. “Wow, that’s just mean.”
Ye Luo and Qing Kuo exchanged a knowing look and burst out laughing.
With Ye Luo’s match finished, other exciting battles followed. Since they didn’t have much to do that day, Jian Mo and the others stayed in the stands to enjoy the competitions.
Jian Mo noticed a marked difference from last year’s festival. The fights this year seemed far more strategic and methodical, whereas last year leaned heavily toward raw strength and wild brawls.
With little combat experience himself, Jian Mo struggled to follow the details. Thankfully, Ye Luo and Qing Kuo sat on either side of him, providing commentary on the matches.
After a while, Qing Kuo left to assist with hosting duties, and Ye Luo was also called away to help. Jian Mo was left to watch alone.
As the festival doctor on call, Jian Mo had been asked to stay nearby in case of accidents, so he couldn’t wander too far.
While watching, he suddenly felt someone sit down beside him. Turning to look, he was surprised to see Ji Xun.
Jian Mo greeted him with delight. “Ji Xun! What brings you down the mountain?”
Ji Xun smiled. “Mo Ah was invited to participate in an exhibition match, so I came with him. But honestly—”
He added with a laugh, “The matches are so exciting that even if Mo Ah hadn’t been invited, we’d still have come to join in the fun.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “You’re always welcome! Hey, how have you been? Any discomfort or issues lately? I could give you a check-up later.”
Ji Xun shook his head. “I’m fine. Everything’s been great. By the way, I heard something interesting—someone said Zhi is expecting?”
Jian Mo’s bright eyes turned toward him. “I can’t comment on that—it’s someone else’s private matter.”
Understanding, Ji Xun nodded knowingly. “So it’s true. And it’s Qi Ming’s, isn’t it?”
Jian Mo neither confirmed nor denied it, simply holding Ji Xun’s gaze.
Ji Xun grinned. “I bet it was an impulsive moment, right?”
He chuckled again. “Actually, it might be for the best. Knowing Zhi’s calm and self-controlled nature, without a bit of impulse, they might have never taken that step.”
Jian Mo covered his mouth and muttered softly, “Sounds like you’re quite familiar with their situation?”
Ji Xun shrugged. “We’re friends and neighbors. We’ve crossed paths often enough to know a thing or two. Once my condition stabilizes, I plan to send them a congratulatory gift.”
Jian Mo quickly waved off the idea. “Better not. If you stir the pot and Zhi isn’t ready to face it, it might make things worse.”
Ji Xun laughed again. “I was guessing it was them, but now I know for sure.”
Jian Mo froze. “Wait, were you fishing for information?”
Ji Xun raised a hand in mock innocence. “Not really. I just used your reaction to confirm my hunch.”
Jian Mo sighed, pressing a hand to his forehead. “You people—one’s sharper than the next.”
Ji Xun teased, “You people? Who else are you accusing?”
Jian Mo warned, “Don’t even think about tricking me a second time.”
Ji Xun grinned. “Fair enough. Let’s keep watching the matches.”
After the sub-beastmen’s matches concluded, it was the beastmen’s turn.
This included Mo Ah and the Red Mane Tribe’s leader, Huo Meng, in an exhibition match.
Huo Meng’s prowess was unquestionable; he had earned his position as a major tribe leader through strength and skill. Surprisingly, Mo Ah’s abilities were on par with his.
The black-and-white panda and the fiery red mane beast clashed in a fierce display of power, their massive bodies slamming into each other with such force that the arena itself seemed to tremble.
Jian Mo, watching intently, whispered, “So cool!”
Ji Xun nodded in agreement. “Mo Ah has always been strong.”
Jian Mo added, “Wu Jiong is strong too. They sparred once, but it ended in a draw.”
Ji Xun commented, “Today’s exhibition match probably won’t have a winner either.”
Jian Mo understood. “It’s not the right setting to decide a victor. Maybe they can settle it privately someday—it would be amazing to watch.”
Mo Ah and Huo Meng continued their dramatic fight, neither giving an inch. Eventually, they rolled apart and bowed in their beast forms to the cheering crowd.
Their match marked the start of the official beastmen battles.
The first bout of the afternoon was between Zhou Fu’s mate, Jiu Yin, and Meng Shui Tribe’s Ya Zheng.
Initially distracted by conversation, Jian Mo refocused on the arena when he recognized the two combatants.
Jiu Yin’s beast form was a crimson giant fox, while Ya Zheng was a massive armored beast. The fox was nimble, the armored beast resilient, creating a tense and drawn-out battle where neither could land a decisive blow.
Eventually, the fox seized an opening. Using its agility, it flipped the armored beast onto its back, legs flailing helplessly in the air, bringing the fight to an end.
The crowd erupted in cheers, none louder than Zhou Fu’s, whose voice cracked with enthusiasm. The fox turned to glance at Zhou Fu, its eyes twinkling with amusement.
Ji Xun leaned toward Jian Mo. “That was spectacular.”
Jian Mo puffed up with pride. “They really put on an incredible performance.”
Ji Xun remarked, “Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like everyone in your He’an Tribe has improved their combat skills. From sub-beastmen to beastmen, everyone seems sharper.”
Jian Mo thought for a moment. “That’s probably true. We have combat training classes, and a lot of people attend, even if they’re just curious.”
After completing the exhibition match, Mo Ah sat beside them and chimed in, “It’s not just listening; sometimes they even step in and demonstrate for the little ones.”
Jian Mo nodded. “That’s about right. They learn as they go, and everyone gets stronger.”
Mo Ah nodded in agreement.
Ji Xun smiled. “We’re lucky we moved near your tribe. Once our little one is born, we’ll send them over often to learn.”
Mo Ah said confidently, “Even if they don’t attend classes, I’ll train them personally, and they’ll be plenty strong.”
Ji Xun shook his head. “No way. School is necessary. Let them go play with the other kids. I don’t want to babysit all day.”
Mo Ah chuckled and patted Ji Xun’s back gently.
As they chatted, Jian Mo casually mentioned, “The scar-removing effects of the ???—Throat Berries—should be pretty good. We’re still testing it. If it works, I’ll send you some later.”
Ji Xun glanced at the scars on his hand and said, “It’s fine; I don’t really mind them.”
Jian Mo waved it off. “It’s just a small favor; it’s not some rare treasure. Speaking of which, I got the Throat Berries by trading with a sub-beastman from your tribe.”
Ji Xun chuckled. “From Tian Zhi, right? I heard about that. Our tribe does have some good medicinal plants. You haven’t visited there yet, have you? If you ever have the chance, you should. Our tribe’s folks are pretty easygoing.”
Ji Xun, a sub-beastman from the Nong Liu Tribe, had chosen to live independently, preferring solitude over communal life. His tribe had no objections, though they hadn’t offered much support either.
Jian Mo mused, “Throat Berries are quite rare. That little sub-beastman said he only found a handful and couldn’t find more after that.”
Ji Xun nodded. “I know what kind of fruit you’re talking about. They grow under shady trees. When I was younger, I found plenty, but we didn’t know it could be used for scars. We mostly used it as a seasoning for meat—it tastes pretty good.”
Jian Mo’s curiosity was piqued. “Really? Doesn’t the strong fragrance overpower the meat?”
Ji Xun smiled. “Not at all. It’s great for masking gamey smells and enhancing flavor. In autumn and winter, when we make cured meat, adding Throat Berry powder makes it incredibly aromatic—it gets more fragrant the longer it’s dried.”
Jian Mo was skeptical but intrigued.
Ji Xun grinned. “You’ve got me craving it now. If you manage to find some Throat Berries, let me know. I’ll trade for them. I haven’t tasted that flavor in years.”
Jian Mo asked, “Are Throat Berries a specialty of your tribe? Do other tribes have them?”
Ji Xun shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never seen them elsewhere.”
Mo Ah, who had been listening, added, “I’ve roamed across this region for a long time and haven’t come across them either. Maybe they really are unique to the Nong Liu Tribe.”
Jian Mo hadn’t been overly curious about Throat Berries before, thinking he just needed enough for his uses. But after hearing the two talk, he suddenly wanted to gather a whole stash of them.
Ji Xun noticed his enthusiasm and chuckled. “Do you have any left? If you do, you can try using some first. If you like it, then go looking for more.”
Jian Mo sighed. “Nope, I used it all for medicine.”
Ji Xun teased, “You didn’t save any?”
Jian Mo explained, “There wasn’t much to begin with, and saving it would’ve compromised its medicinal properties.”
Ji Xun nodded. “Then after the hunting festival, you can talk to the people from the Nong Liu Tribe. Your He’an Tribe has a lot more influence now, so they should give you some face.”
Jian Mo agreed, “I’ll ask when the time comes.”
Ji Xun studied him with interest. “You haven’t explored that area much, have you? The Li Chi Tribe, Meng An Tribe, Nong Liu Tribe, Fan Bing Tribe, Shan Ming Tribe… I haven’t seen many of their people come to your He’an Tribe for treatment either.”
Jian Mo paused and smiled wryly. “Why does it sound like there’s more to what you’re saying?”
Ji Xun laughed. “I’m just saying—you’ve gone to the trouble of learning all these medical skills. Now that you’re a legitimate healer, it’d be a shame not to put them to full use. Those tribes are rich in resources. You should visit, expand your reach, and practice your craft.”
Jian Mo tilted his head thoughtfully. “I can do that?”
Ji Xun replied confidently, “Why not? Your skills are top-notch. It’d be a waste not to let them experience it. Besides, you could use the opportunity to check up on Bei Ya. You’ve got all the reasons lined up.”
Jian Mo smiled at Ji Xun. “You’re truly a sub-beastman who can live independently—both clever and resourceful.”
Ji Xun raised his chin slightly, clearly pleased. “Naturally.”
After a pause, he added, “Those tribes aren’t far from here. If you ride your winged beasts, it’ll only take a few days to reach them. Make a few trips, get acquainted, and everything will fall into place.”
Jian Mo nodded. “I’ll think about it and discuss it with Wu Jiong.”
Ji Xun smiled. “Whatever you decide. I’d love to see stronger ties between the tribes—I miss some of the Nong Liu Tribe’s goods myself.”
Thank you for the chapterb??