Chapter 206: Extra (6)
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong returned to the lakeside to wait.
They sat in the woods at dusk, watching the shimmering surface of the lake and planning to dive in when the portal appeared again.
Jian Mo rested his cheek on his knees and turned to Wu Jiong. “What a magical experience this has been. I wonder if we’ll ever have something like this happen again?” Wu Jiong reached out and took his hand. “We can visit the lake more often. Maybe we’ll figure out a pattern someday.”
Jian Mo said, “I still think this was an accident.”
Wu Jiong replied, “I’m not so sure. We just don’t know the cause yet.”
As they spoke, a circular shadow appeared on the surface of the lake. To most observers, it would have looked like a cloud casting a faint shadow on the water. But to them, it was the hope of returning home.
Jian Mo immediately grabbed Wu Jiong’s hand and stood up. “Let’s go. Into the lake.”
They moved quickly, aiming to dive in before the patrolling guards along the shore noticed. Any delay might cause complications.
This time, they didn’t bother removing their clothes or shoes. If they ended up in another unfamiliar world, at least they wouldn’t have to search for clothing again.
Holding hands awkwardly, they swam toward the shadow, neither daring to let go for fear of what might happen.
Thankfully, the shadow wasn’t far from the shore. After a short swim, they reached it.
Jian Mo glanced back. “The patrol is coming. Hurry—” Before he could finish, Wu Jiong pulled him into the shadow, diving beneath the surface.
They felt a peculiar sensation, as though they were pushing through something gelatinous. When they tried to touch it, it shifted back into water, as if the thick texture had been an illusion.
When they surfaced again, Jian Mo immediately scanned the shoreline for familiar landmarks. Relief washed over him as he saw no trace of the patrol station or the stone houses—they had left that world behind.
Jian Mo’s heart swelled with joy, but before he could fully celebrate, two shadows leaped out of the water beside them.
Startled, Jian Mo instinctively clung to Wu Jiong and dodged aside, splashing water everywhere.
Floating nearby were two small animals—a long-haired gray kitten with sweet features and a chubby white wolf pup. Both creatures paddled with their little paws, their round eyes fixed innocently on Jian Mo and Wu Jiong.
Jian Mo’s excitement turned to confusion as he backed away with Wu Jiong. “Where did this kitten and wolf come from? Don’t they look a bit familiar?”
Wu Jiong frowned, his brows furrowed. “The gray kitten looks like you, and the white wolf looks like me.”
Jian Mo felt a chill run down his spine. “Don’t tell me we’ve crossed into another dimension, and these two are… our kids?” He even touched his belly instinctively, though his reproductive cavity hadn’t fully developed yet. There was no way he could have children—at least, not here. “Unless… parallel worlds are different?”
Wu Jiong said calmly, “Let’s get to shore first.”
They swam to the shore, the kitten and wolf pup trailing closely behind. As they climbed onto the bank, the gray kitten turned into a flash of gray light and disappeared into Jian Mo’s body. Meanwhile, the white wolf transformed into white light and merged into Wu Jiong.
Jian Mo’s beast ears, which hadn’t appeared for some time, twitched involuntarily—a reflex born of shock. The soft, furry ears flicked once in a startled motion.
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong stared at each other. “You saw that, right?” Jian Mo asked.
Wu Jiong nodded. “I saw it.”
A moment later, Wu Jiong frowned in concentration. White light shimmered around him, and the light coalesced on the ground into a small white wolf pup.
The pup looked up at them with shiny black eyes and scratched its ear with its hind leg. “Woof awooo—” Its adorableness was overwhelming.
Jian Mo stared at the pup. “What’s going on?”
Wu Jiong observed it thoughtfully. “It seems like this little guy is a part of me. Try summoning the gray kitten. Focus on it.”
Jian Mo took a deep breath. “I’ll give it a shot.”
Concentrating on the image of the kitten, he imagined it vividly in his mind. Soon, gray light emanated from his body, and the little gray kitten appeared on the ground. It raised its round head and meowed softly, “Meow.”
Jian Mo was stunned. “It really came out?”
He crouched down and picked up the kitten. To his surprise, it felt solid—warm, soft, and incredibly silky to the touch.
The kitten seemed friendly, even giving Jian Mo’s hand a gentle lick with its barbed tongue.
Speechless, Jian Mo held the kitten out to Wu Jiong. “Look at this.”
Wu Jiong extended a large hand to pet the kitten’s head. At the same time, Jian Mo felt a tingling sensation travel from his tailbone, making him shiver involuntarily. “!”
Wu Jiong paused. “When I pet it, you can feel it?”
Jian Mo nodded quickly. “Of course I can. Here, let me try petting your wolf pup.”
He handed the kitten to Wu Jiong and crouched down to pet the little wolf.
The pup immediately stuck out its pink tongue, wagging its tail so enthusiastically that its entire hindquarters wiggled. “Woof awooo!”
Jian Mo had never seen such an exuberant little wolf before. Even the chubby wolf pups of the He’an Tribe paled in comparison.
He understood why—it was because Wu Jiong adored him. The little wolf, as a manifestation of Wu Jiong’s spirit, naturally reflected that affection.
Wu Jiong, holding the kitten, studied it intently. “This is incredible.”
Jian Mo agreed. “It really is. Oh, look—the shadow in the lake has disappeared.”
Wu Jiong glanced at the water, confirming the shadow was gone. “Maybe the portal only appears at dusk and vanishes quickly.”
Jian Mo said, “That’s possible. So, what now? Should we explore this world a bit?”
Wu Jiong replied, “Let’s take a look and figure out where we are.”
They attempted to recall the materialized wolf and kitten back into their bodies but found it difficult to master. Whenever their focus wavered, the two little creatures would reappear.
After several tries, they gave up.
“Well, if they want to stay out, let them,” Jian Mo said. “They can tag along while we explore.”
He turned to Wu Jiong. “Can you still transform into your beast form?”
Wu Jiong gave it a try and replied, “I can’t transform into my beast form anymore, but I can make the little white wolf grow bigger.”
He focused on the small white wolf. Under his gaze, the wolf pup quickly grew to the size of a giant wolf, resembling Wu Jiong’s beast form.
However, unlike Wu Jiong’s beast form—where his tail would typically hang low—the little wolf’s tail wagged furiously like a propeller, its tongue lolling out, giving it a resemblance to a Samoyed.
Watching the wagging tail, Jian Mo couldn’t help but feel his mood brighten.
Wu Jiong said, “Let’s get on its back.” The giant wolf crouched down to make it easier for them to climb up.
The moment it lowered itself, the gray kitten in Jian Mo’s arms leaped down with a kick of its hind legs, scrambling up onto the wolf’s back in a few agile movements. Once it reached the wolf’s head, it sat there like a brooding hen.
Jian Mo was stunned. “Where did this little one learn that?”
Wu Jiong shrugged. “Maybe it’s instinct. Let’s get up there.”
Helping Jian Mo onto the wolf’s back, Wu Jiong climbed up after him.
Sitting on the wolf, Jian Mo leaned against Wu Jiong’s chest, marveling at the surreal situation. “I never imagined we’d be riding ‘ourselves’ like this. It’s incredible.”
Wu Jiong agreed. “I never thought I’d one day ride on my own beast form.”
Jian Mo laughed. “Feels like a dream, doesn’t it? Where are we heading next?”
Wu Jiong replied, “Let’s look around. Maybe we’ll find people or a town nearby.”
He directed the giant wolf to run in a certain direction. They had barely traveled far when a group of people with bows and arrows came running toward them.
“Guides? Are you guides?” one of them called out.
They spoke in beastman language, but their heavy accents made it hard to understand. Jian Mo and Wu Jiong exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of the situation. Even the gray kitten perched on the wolf’s head tilted its head in confusion.
Sensing the awkwardness, one of the newcomers explained hurriedly, “We’re sentry scouts seeking help! One of our companions was attacked by a Cloud Scorpion. His mental body is collapsing, and he urgently needs the assistance of powerful guides!”
Jian Mo hesitated. “Wait, we’re not…”
Before he could finish, the scout pleaded, “You must be strong guides and sentinels! Please come and help—we’re begging you!”
As a doctor, Jian Mo couldn’t ignore a cry for help. Seeing the desperation in the scout’s tearful eyes, he exchanged a glance with Wu Jiong. After a silent agreement, they decided to assist.
It would also be a good opportunity to learn more about this world.
When they agreed, the group immediately led the way. “Our companion is just ahead. His mental body is so unstable that we didn’t dare move him.”
The giant wolf easily kept pace with the running scouts.
Jian Mo asked while riding, “Do you have any medicine on hand?”
One of the scouts replied, “Medicine? Can collapsing mental bodies even be treated with medicine?”
“I don’t have anything on me,” Jian Mo admitted. “Do you?”
“We don’t either,” the scout said grimly.
They soon crested a small hill and found the injured person lying motionless on the slope, surrounded by anxious companions tending to him.
Beside the injured man was a massive, octopus-like creature. Its eyes were rolled back, and its dozens of tentacles were tangled in knots—some with two or three knots on a single tentacle. The entire creature lay limply on the hillside, resembling a pile of dead seafood.
Seeing the tangled mess of tentacles, Jian Mo understood why the group believed the man was on the verge of death. He felt the same.
One of the scouts turned to Jian Mo with desperation in his eyes. “Guide, please! Can you save him?”
Jian Mo hadn’t anticipated that being a “guide” would involve medical treatment as well. After a moment of thought, he said, “I’ll try untangling its tentacles first. That should help stabilize things.”
The scout’s eyes lit up. “You can see his mental body? Thank you!”
That’s when Jian Mo realized the others couldn’t see the chaotic octopus-like entity.
Turning to Wu Jiong, he raised an eyebrow in question. Wu Jiong, understanding the unspoken query, nodded slightly. “I can’t see it either.”
Jian Mo realized that perhaps only guides could see these mental bodies.
He dismounted from the wolf, followed closely by the gray kitten. It hopped down from the wolf’s head to its back, then to its legs, rolling to the ground before shaking itself off and walking confidently to the octopus creature.
Unsure how to instruct the kitten, Jian Mo gestured toward the octopus and then at the kitten.
The kitten tilted its head but quickly understood. It pounced on the octopus, batting at its tentacles with its tiny paws.
Though small, the kitten was surprisingly effective. Every tentacle it touched began to loosen and untangle, as if the knots were dissolving on their own. The elasticity of the tentacles caused them to gradually spring back into place.
The kitten worked diligently, occasionally flicking its ears. After loosening each tentacle, it smoothed them out meticulously, as though grooming fur.
As the kitten worked, the injured man visibly improved. His complexion regained some color, and his breathing became steadier.
Jian Mo stepped closer, listening to the man’s chest and abdomen with practiced precision. “He’s stabilizing,” he announced.
“That’s wonderful!” one of the scouts exclaimed. The group shared tearful smiles of relief. “Thank you so much! Please, help us a little longer. Afterward, we’ll take down that Cloud Scorpion and have some of its chest meat to recover our strength.”
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong, having overheard earlier mentions of the Cloud Scorpion, were unsure what it was. But based on the scouts’ tone, it sounded valuable.
They exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the differences between this world and the beastman world.
Meanwhile, the gray kitten continued its efforts, while the giant wolf reverted to its smaller white wolf form. The pup wagged its tail energetically in front of the kitten, tilting its head and staring intently.
After a while, the white wolf suddenly turned toward a specific direction, barking loudly. “Woof awooo!”
The scouts became alert. “The Cloud Scorpion is coming back! Prepare for battle!”
Wu Jiong stood, his gaze sharp. “I’ll help.”
The scouts parted to make space for him, assuring earnestly, “Don’t worry, we’ll protect the guide with everything we have!”
Wu Jiong responded, “Yes,” while watching the growing commotion.
As they spoke, the sound of beating wings filled the air. Jian Mo, still guiding the gray kitten in untangling the octopus-like creature’s tentacles, glanced upward.
What he saw sent a chill down his spine—a group of insects, each as large as a helicopter, was flying toward them. There were six or seven of them, their tails armed with ominously black stingers. The sight alone was enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
Jian Mo rubbed his arms, shivering. “Be careful!” he called out to Wu Jiong.
Wu Jiong turned his head and gestured reassuringly for Jian Mo to stay calm.
As they exchanged signals, the other scouts began emitting various flashes of light. Their mental bodies materialized as massive beasts that charged toward the oncoming Cloud Scorpions.
The white wolf, now in its giant form, stayed back initially, watching how the other mental beasts engaged with the Cloud Scorpions. After observing for a while, it sprang into action, using its agility and seasoned hunting instincts to evade the scorpions’ mouths and venomous stingers. It lunged at one from the side, biting down hard.
With a sharp crunch, the giant wolf killed one of the Cloud Scorpions.
The remaining scorpions, entangled with the other mental beasts, were too preoccupied to retaliate. However, upon noticing their fallen companion, they let out shrill, piercing cries of fury.
Fortunately, the scouts were reliable. They tightened their formations, preventing the enraged scorpions from attacking the wolf.
Wu Jiong, calm and focused, directed the wolf to seize an opportunity. The giant wolf leaped at another scorpion on the periphery, pinning it down and dispatching it with a single bite.
With the wolf’s swift elimination of two scorpions, the others quickly realized its strength and worked to support it.
Whether it was the excellent teamwork or the wolf’s overwhelming power, the entire group of Cloud Scorpions was soon defeated.
The scouts invited Wu Jiong to rest while they took out knives to cut into the scorpions’ chests, extracting two pieces of translucent meat from each. The flesh resembled lychee in appearance—glistening and beautiful.
One of the scouts approached Jian Mo and Wu Jiong with the meat, asking, “The chest meat of Cloud Scorpions doesn’t keep well. Should we roast it right now? It’s edible for mental bodies, so we can use it to replenish their strength.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Do as you’re accustomed to.”
The group quickly got to work. Someone gathered large leaves to marinate the meat, then wrapped it tightly in the leaves. They coated the bundles in mud and placed them into a fire to roast.
Watching this process, Jian Mo couldn’t help but compare it to the “beggar’s chicken” cooking method. He observed closely, his curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, the gray kitten had nearly completed its work on the octopus-like mental body. With the immediate crisis resolved, Jian Mo allowed himself to relax slightly and focus on the meal preparation.
The group’s survival skills were impressive. Jian Mo could tell from a few practiced movements that the roasted chest meat was going to be delicious.
Sure enough, a rich aroma soon wafted from the fire. It was a complex blend of meaty, seafood-like, and subtly fruity scents. The tantalizing smell made Jian Mo’s stomach growl, even distracting him momentarily from the gray kitten’s task.
The scouts diligently turned the mud-coated bundles, eventually breaking them open to reveal the roasted meat inside. The translucent flesh, now resembling lobster meat, was placed on clean, fresh leaves and served to Jian Mo and Wu Jiong, two pieces each.
The scout who delivered the meal said, “Cloud Scorpion chest meat is extraordinary, and mental bodies can benefit greatly from it. Thank you for your help.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Thank you. I’ll let my mental body eat and rest first to regain strength before continuing to help your companion.”
The group expressed their gratitude and sat down to eat.
Both the gray kitten and the white wolf received pieces of chest meat. The two creatures curiously sniffed the food before taking cautious bites.
When the gray kitten tasted its first bite, Jian Mo felt a warm sensation in his soul—akin to the euphoria brought on by eating sweets. The feeling was strong and strangely satisfying.
Though the gray kitten was an extension of Jian Mo, it displayed its own emotions. Upon tasting the meat, it hopped up, pawed the ground excitedly, and purred as it devoured its meal.
Jian Mo turned to the white wolf, which was eating with even more enthusiasm. It gobbled the meat eagerly, its tail wagging furiously.
Jian Mo couldn’t help but worry aloud. “Good thing this chest meat doesn’t have bones. Otherwise, I’d have to perform surgery on you after finishing with the octopus.”
Sitting beside him, Wu Jiong noticed Jian Mo’s distraction. He tore off a piece of chest meat and held it to Jian Mo’s mouth. “Try it. It’s delicious.”
Jian Mo took a bite, and an indescribable umami flavor exploded in his mouth. The intense savoriness enveloped him like a rising mist, leaving him utterly captivated.
It was a profound level of deliciousness—so rich and overwhelming that it stirred an insatiable hunger. Jian Mo hadn’t even swallowed his first bite before yearning for more. The heat, the flavor, and the sheer indulgence left him sweating with delight.
He finally understood why the gray kitten and white wolf had been so eager. Compared to this, their excitement had been restrained.
The scouts, too, were ravenous. After finishing the chest meat, they even crumpled the leaves it had been served on and ate those with great satisfaction.
Curious, Jian Mo tried the leaf himself, only to be met with a bitter taste that spread across his tongue.
One scout, noticing Jian Mo’s expression, explained sheepishly, “Normally, we wouldn’t eat the leaves—they’re bitter. But after absorbing the chest meat’s flavor, they’re a treat.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Understandable. We rarely get to eat something this delicious either.”
The scout added, “We saved two pieces of chest meat for you to take back. You can enjoy them tomorrow morning.”
Thinking of Chirpy and Ying Ao back home, Jian Mo didn’t refuse. “Thank you. After I rest a bit, I’ll continue helping your companion.”
The group quickly agreed.
Though weary, Jian Mo resumed guiding the gray kitten to untangle the octopus-like mental body. The kitten’s efforts visibly strained him; every time it grew tired, he felt a dull ache in his head. Still, he persevered.
After a long while, the kitten finally untied the last knot. The octopus creature’s owner stirred, opening his eyes.
Jian Mo checked him over and found that while the man was conscious, his thoughts were hazy, likely a lingering aftereffect. Still, his condition was improving and would likely stabilize soon.
Jian Mo advised the group, “I’m not an expert in treating this kind of condition. Once you return, consult someone reliable to ensure a full recovery.”
The scouts nodded fervently.
Jian Mo glanced at Wu Jiong and signaled that they should leave. Spending the night among strangers wasn’t ideal, and he preferred to find a more secure place to rest.
Wu Jiong agreed without hesitation.
When the group learned they were leaving, they quickly gave them the Cloud Scorpions’ stingers as a reward. After Jian Mo and Wu Jiong declined the local currency, the scouts also gifted them two
daggers and two jars of spices.
Satisfied with the exchange, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong said their goodbyes. Riding the giant wolf with the gray kitten following, they set off to find a quieter place to spend the night.
Thanks for the chapter!