Chapter 205: Extra (5)
The clothing in this era wasn’t very accommodating for transforming into beast forms, so Wu Jiong stayed in human form as they followed the road signs at a leisurely pace.
Jian Mo was thankful that the written language hadn’t changed too drastically over the years. Although he couldn’t recognize every character, he could guess most of them. Spoken language, despite the heavy accents, was still largely comprehensible.
They navigated their way toward the park, reading signs and occasionally asking for directions. The park was well-lit with streetlamps, bustling with activity. People strolled about, while others played with their younglings, creating a lively atmosphere.
Jian Mo glanced around but didn’t see any groups dancing or singing like those on Earth. Despite some similarities, this place was fundamentally different.
Wu Jiong’s gaze flickered as he looked ahead. Jian Mo noticed his good mood and asked softly, “What’s on your mind? Feeling something?”
Wu Jiong lowered his voice. “I didn’t expect people here to live so peacefully and comfortably. I wish Chirpy and Ying Ao could have come along—we could fly up and take a look from the skies.”
Jian Mo reassured him, “Maybe we’ll find a chance to climb a mountain. The view will still be amazing.” Wu Jiong nodded. “Good idea.”
The two wandered through the park and came across several sculptures. One in particular caught their attention, labeled “Doctor Jian Mo and Chief Wu Jiong.” The sculpture depicted a young man seated atop a massive wolf.
The young man’s features were sculpted with a soft, refined beauty, while the wolf appeared grand and imposing.
Jian Mo circled the sculpture and found an inscription detailing their supposed deeds. Staring at it, he was stunned. After reading it several times, he turned to Wu Jiong and said, “This doesn’t look anything like us.”
Jian Mo’s own appearance leaned more toward a sharp, clean-cut look than the gentle features depicted, and Wu Jiong’s beast form, while commanding, was more austere than majestic.
Wu Jiong remarked, “The sculpture looks fairly new. The sculptor probably never saw us in person.”
“Could be,” Jian Mo agreed. He bumped Wu Jiong with his shoulder and teased, “What do you think of seeing yourself in a sculpture?”
Wu Jiong replied calmly, “This isn’t us. It’s their imagined version of us, which has little to do with the reality.”
Jian Mo grinned. “If there’s a sculpture, there must be more records about us. I suddenly want to find a bookstore or library.” Wu Jiong held his hand and looked around. “Let’s keep walking and ask around.”
After several inquiries along the road, they eventually found a small, self-service book kiosk that was open 24/7.
The kiosk was unattended and devoid of other customers. A small cash box sat on the counter near the entrance, meant for self-service payments. Through the glass side of the box, Jian Mo could see the metallic coins inside.
The coins were intricately designed, almost like works of art, with different patterns corresponding to various denominations.
Jian Mo tugged on Wu Jiong’s hand and whispered, “Don’t these coins look like the pins we designed for the hunting festival?” Wu Jiong studied them carefully. “The patterns are somewhat similar.”
Jian Mo marveled, “How fascinating. Let’s see what books they have.”
They browsed the kiosk for a while, finding history books, regional guides, magazines, and novels. Jian Mo pointed to one of the novels. “Look at this—it’s about our deeds.”
Wu Jiong glanced at the cover. “The Chief and the Doctor’s… what?”
Jian Mo squinted at the text. “Looks like it’s titled A Legendary Romance. Uh, this is awkward. The story has nothing to do with us.”
The language had evolved considerably over the years, making it difficult for Jian Mo to read fluently. By piecing together context and guessing, he understood only bits and pieces. One thing was certain: the book was a melodramatic romance, entirely fictional and far removed from their actual lives.
Wu Jiong picked up another book, prompting Jian Mo to lean over. “The Radiant Chronicles of the Witch Doctor. Another love story.” Wu Jiong flipped through it briefly. “Written by someone else.”
Feeling increasingly awkward, Jian Mo pushed Wu Jiong lightly. “Put it back! Stop reading these romance novels about us. Let’s look for something else.”
Wu Jiong asked, “What are we looking for?”
“Medical books,” Jian Mo replied. “Maybe I can learn something new.”
Wu Jiong returned the book. “Good idea.”
They searched the kiosk but were disappointed to find no professional texts. The kiosk felt more like a creative merchandise store for tourists than a proper bookstore.
Jian Mo did find a book on the history of witch doctors. In it, “Jian Mo” was referred to as a doctor, a title distinct from the others labeled simply as witch doctors. It seemed “doctor” had become an honorary designation reserved for a special figure.
Meanwhile, Wu Jiong was deeply engrossed in another book, carefully piecing together its content.
With no better options, the two stayed in the kiosk overnight. By dawn, they stepped out hand in hand.
Jian Mo asked, “What was that book about?”
Wu Jiong replied, “It described how this region became the center of the continent and the birthplace of the sacred He’an Tribe. Apparently, the tribe expanded significantly, eventually absorbing others to form the He’an City-State.”
Jian Mo looked back at the kiosk, surprised. “That impressive? I didn’t see that.”
Wu Jiong held his hand firmly. “It happened long after our time.”
Jian Mo shrugged. “Fair enough. Where to next?”
Wu Jiong suggested, “Let’s find a public restroom to freshen up.”
After washing up, they felt much more refreshed. Wu Jiong then led Jian Mo to a charity center offering free breakfast. Each received a pancake, a drink, and a piece of fruit, which they ate gratefully.
While returning their trays, Jian Mo whispered, “This era is incredible. I like it here.”
Wu Jiong asked, “Do you want to stay longer?”
Jian Mo shook his head. “No matter how nice it is, it’s not our time. I miss home, and I miss Chirpy and Ying Ao. Let’s visit the museum first, then head to the mountains for a look. After that, we’ll wait by the lake to see if we can return.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “That’s what I was thinking too.”
Hand in hand, they headed for the museum.
By now, they were familiar with the layout of the town and found the museum without much trouble. Admission was free, and they walked right in through the main entrance.
Because they arrived so early, aside from a few guards, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong were the only visitors in the museum.
As soon as they entered the exhibition hall, they were greeted by a wall carving depicting tribal life. At the main entrance, a glass case housed a sculpture.
The sculpture portrayed the two of them, but this time it included Chirpy and Ying Ao.
Jian Mo felt deeply gratified and pointed at it through the glass. “Look, it’s our family.”
Wu Jiong’s eyes held a hint of warmth. “Yes, it’s us.”
They followed the pathway deeper into the museum and soon came across various artifacts—ceramic jars, metal hammers, surgical knives, and woven baskets. Some were replicas, while others were items they had actually used.
It seemed that their written records and artifacts had been remarkably well-preserved. Perhaps this was due to the low population of beastmen and sub-beastmen or the absence of major wars in this world. The abundance of relics and clear documentation was astonishing.
Hand in hand, the two explored the exhibits, viewing not only the tools from their era but also the advancements of later generations.
Jian Mo was filled with emotion. In that moment, he felt as though time wasn’t a continuous flow but a collection of overlapping blocks—all existing simultaneously and unchanging. Moving from one block of time to another didn’t erase the past; it simply meant most people had left that time and couldn’t return to it.
With his thoughts in a tangle, Jian Mo whispered his musings to Wu Jiong.
Wu Jiong held his hand tightly. “Anything is possible.”
Fingers interlocked, Jian Mo said softly, “The world is amazing, isn’t it? But as long as we’re together, I can handle anything extraordinary.”
Wu Jiong replied, “The same goes for me.”
By the time they exited the museum, more visitors had started to arrive. Among them were beastmen, sub-beastmen, and younglings who hadn’t yet learned to transform. The cubs, dressed in tiny outfits, were carried by their fathers and looked absolutely adorable.
Jian Mo watched the cubs with a smile, his eyes filled with fondness.
Outside the museum’s entrance, Wu Jiong said, “Let’s head to the mountains now.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Let’s go to the mountain near Ji Xun’s old home. I wonder if their ruins are still there? It’s high enough to give us a great view.”
Wu Jiong, equally curious, agreed. “Let’s go.”
Once outside the town, Wu Jiong found a secluded spot and transformed into his giant wolf form, letting Jian Mo climb onto his back.
The wolf sprinted swiftly through the wind, passing clusters of elegant stone houses. These seemed to belong to people living in scattered settlements rather than in tightly-knit tribes.
When they reached the mountain near Ji Xun’s old home, they discovered a beautiful little village nestled there. The village was lively with panda cubs playing outside, accompanied by a few fox and white wolf cubs.
The cubs gave them only brief glances before continuing their games.
Jian Mo, holding onto the giant wolf’s neck, gestured for it to turn its head. Speaking softly, he said, “These must be Ji Xun and Mo Ah’s descendants. I even spotted a panda cub that looks just like Mo Ah.”
Having spent enough time around pandas, Jian Mo could now distinguish their features and tell them apart.
The giant wolf lightly bumped Jian Mo’s face with its muzzle. “I saw it too.”
Jian Mo sighed in wonder. “Isn’t it incredible?”
“It is,” the wolf agreed. “Shall we head to the edge of the mountain?”
Jian Mo tightened his grip around the wolf’s neck. “Let’s go!”
They soon reached the mountain’s edge. From their vantage point, they could see the village, the town, and winged beasts flying in the distant sky.
The world seemed to have aged countless years, yet it hadn’t changed much from their time.
No, it was different. Civilization had advanced.
The presence of electricity suggested they had entered the electrical age, and industry had likely developed. Yet the tranquility of this world remained—a rarity.
Could it be because the population was still small?
While browsing the books at the self-service kiosk earlier, they had learned that birth rates here had always been low, and population growth remained stagnant.
If the population had grown significantly, this serene scene might not exist.
As Jian Mo gazed at the beautiful land below, he thought that this limited population might be a gift from the heavens.
After taking in the view for a while, the giant wolf turned its head and said softly, “Shall we head to the lake now?”
This place was wonderful, but it wasn’t their time. It held neither their home nor their family and friends. They didn’t belong to this era.
Jian Mo hugged the giant wolf’s neck tightly. “Let’s run down and hope we can sleep in our big bed tonight.”
The wolf’s deep voice rumbled soothingly. “Hold on.”
Jian Mo tightened his grip as the wolf began to run, carrying him swiftly down the mountain toward Baisha Isle. They were going home.
Thanks for the chapter!