Explicit Content Warning
When Jian Mo and the others returned, it was later than expected, with the sky already darkening as they reached the tribe.
Aside from the patrolling beastmen, it was the playful cubs who first spotted them. With excited yelps, they rushed forward, calling out to their fathers.
Despite being away for only a few days, the cubs had clearly missed their parents dearly. As soon as they saw them, they clung to their fathers’ legs, demanding affection.
The fathers, especially the sub-beastmen, couldn’t resist the heartwarming scene. Many picked up their cubs by the scruff or neck and handed them to their partners.
The atmosphere was filled with familial warmth.
Watching the scene, Jian Mo rested his cheek against the back of the giant wolf beneath him.
Chirpy, who had landed on the ground, waddled over and tried to nuzzle them, mimicking the cubs.
Jian Mo chuckled, rubbing Chirpy’s head, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. A perceptive pet was truly different.
However, when Chirpy tried to climb onto the giant wolf’s back like the cubs, Jian Mo immediately put a stop to it. “No way!”
Chirpy seemed to be comparing itself to the cubs. Whatever they got, it wanted too. But given its large size, Jian Mo knew this was absolutely impossible.
Feeling rejected, Chirpy let out a pitiful, “Chirp.”
Jian Mo patted it consolingly. “Come on, carry the meat back home. Tonight, we’ll have a feast.”
The hunting group had brought back a massive haul of meat. Some of it would be distributed to the tribe, while the rest was for individual households to handle as they saw fit.
Jian Mo’s household had its fair share of meat.
Although much of it had been initially processed, it hadn’t been fully dried and required further preparation.
Jian Mo took the salted meat that had already been sun-dried and set it out to finish drying. The fresh meat from that day was cut into strips and slowly fried over a low flame in oil, turning it into shredded jerky for preservation.
The fried meat, stored in a cool and dry place, could last at least a month. It was convenient to eat and had a better texture.
They worked late into the night to process the food they had brought back.
Exhausted by the sticky feeling on his skin, Jian Mo convinced Wu Jiong to accompany him to the river for a late-night bath.
Gazing at the moon overhead, Jian Mo asked, “The second full moon of spring is coming soon, right?”
The second full moon of spring marked the Beast Festival, a lively celebration Jian Mo was looking forward to. Unfortunately, the natural months here were much longer than those on Earth, and the wait for the full moon felt endless.
Wu Jiong did a quick mental calculation. “Six or seven more days.”
Leaning against his arm, Jian Mo murmured sleepily, “Let’s take it easy for the next few days. We brought back plenty of food, but this trip was exhausting.”
Wu Jiong stroked the back of his neck. “If you want to rest, just rest. We have enough food.”
Tempted by the suggestion, Jian Mo hesitated before shaking his head. “No, we can’t live like that.”
After their bath, Wu Jiong carried Jian Mo home, and they both fell into a deep sleep.
Jian Mo didn’t wake until late the next morning, the sun already high in the sky. Stretching and yawning, he wandered around the house, only to discover that Wu Jiong had already left to hunt with the others.
The food left for him in the cabinet was simple but filling.
As he ate, Jian Mo pondered. Life here was straightforward, but at least it lacked pesky insects like cockroaches.
If there were pests, he could always bring back a cub to deal with them. Whether feline or canine, a cub would surely make quick work of bugs. The thought made him chuckle as he sat alone at the table.
After two days of rest, Jian Mo felt revitalized.
He retrieved the Green Velvet Beetle nest, squeezing and filtering its liquid through a cloth. Then, using a new clay pot, he set it to boil.
The liquid was precious and would spoil if not processed soon.
The initial yield was small, not even half a jar. Inspired by local methods, Jian Mo added some beast oil and a few anti-inflammatory herbs before boiling it again.
The result was a smooth, glossy ointment, superior to anything he had previously traded from the Meng Shui Tribe.
Curious, Jian Mo roped Wu Jiong into testing it with him.
Wu Jiong held Jian Mo’s wrists and kissed him, whispering, “Will this make cubs? Your body isn’t ready yet—you can’t carry one.”
Jian Mo waved his fingers in front of Wu Jiong’s face. “Look, my claws haven’t even fully grown. I’m not capable of having cubs yet. Besides, we can’t keep abstaining forever, can we?”
Recently, Jian Mo’s fingertips had been itchy, a sign of developing claws. Squeezing them revealed partially formed claws beneath the skin, though they were far from complete.
Amused by Jian Mo’s enthusiasm, Wu Jiong nibbled his ear.
The night that followed was both joyous and frustrating.
Frustrating because Wu Jiong insisted on exploring Jian Mo’s reproductive cavity. Jian Mo, thoroughly annoyed, nearly kicked him.
Wu Jiong meticulously confirmed that Jian Mo’s cavity hadn’t developed yet—only a shallow slit with no possibility of conceiving.
In retaliation, Jian Mo bit Wu Jiong several times, leaving clear teeth marks.
Before the second full moon arrived, Jian Mo hosted two hotpot feasts at home.
With access to better spices and tools, his hotpot base was even more fragrant this time.
Once solidified, the base had a stunning greenish-yellow hue, reminiscent of Sichuan pepper hotpot. The generous use of peppercorns gave it a similar numbing and spicy flavor, while ground garlic added a distinct aroma.
Looking at the hotpot base, Jian Mo found himself craving crawfish.
The base wasn’t just for hotpot—it could also be used to stir-fry crawfish for an equally delicious dish.
As summer approached, Jian Mo realized he used to enjoy crawfish every summer back on Earth. Though this world lacked beer and watermelon, there might still be a substitute for crawfish.
He described crawfish to Wu Jiong, detailing their appearance and taste.
Wu Jiong thought for a moment before saying, “There’s a similar creature in the Green Swamp where we fish. It’s much larger, and we call it a Plank Bug.”
“Plank Bug?” Jian Mo was baffled. “Is it called that because it eats wood?”
“No,” Wu Jiong replied. “It’s wide and flat, like a plank, so that’s what we call it.”
Intrigued by the name, Jian Mo wondered just how plank-like the creature was. “Let’s go see them tomorrow, shall we?”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Alright, I’ll make the arrangements.”
Jian Mo originally intended for this trip to Green Swamp to be a quiet outing with Wu Jiong—at most, they’d bring Chirpy along.
But when Ban Ming and a few others overheard, they clamored to join.
Ban Ming made a compelling argument: “The chief has never been a fan of this stuff, but we’re different! When we’re bored, we even go out of our way to catch them for fun. We know exactly where to find the fattest Plank Bugs. Take us with you; we’ll make it worth your while.”
Ah Hu chimed in, “The current Plank Bugs have roe. While eating them is a bit troublesome and there isn’t much meat, the roe is absolutely delicious.”
Ran Wu, who was listening curiously, asked, “Isn’t the roe a little fishy?”
Ah Hu replied confidently, “Not at all. Just skewer it on a stick and roast it over the fire—it’s completely fine.”
Faced with their relentless pleading, Jian Mo reluctantly agreed to let them tag along.
Seeing the growing group, Wu Jiong decided to include the tribe’s cubs as well.
Ban Ming objected, “But the cubs can’t even shift yet! Why bring them along?”
Wu Jiong explained, “Green Swamp isn’t dangerous. Bringing the cubs will let them play and experience the outside world.”
Despite some grumbling, Ban Ming and his group eventually agreed.
With Wu Jiong present, the parents in the tribe had no objections.
The cubs, of course, were overjoyed. Their bright, gleaming eyes and high-held tails spoke volumes about their excitement.
By the crack of dawn, the cubs were already waiting outside Jian Mo’s house.
When Jian Mo opened the door, he found a furry pile of cubs and children sleeping huddled together. The sight softened his heart.
He carefully carried them one by one into the living room, letting them continue their nap.
After breakfast, Ban Ming’s group of adolescent beastmen and sub-beastmen finally arrived.
Everyone in the tribe was accustomed to looking after the cubs, so when they set off, each giant beast carried several furry cubs or little sub-beastmen on their backs as they ran toward Green Swamp.
The cubs proved to be impressively capable. Whether clutching their older siblings’ fur with tiny hands or biting onto it with their mouths, none of them fell off.
If a giant beast happened to run too fast and the ride became bumpy, the cubs would laugh triumphantly, proud of their ability to hold on.
Watching the scene, Jian Mo felt a pang of regret. His phone was long dead.
If only he could snap a picture of this parade of big fluffies carrying little fluffies—it would make the perfect piece of artwork to hang at home.
With the cubs’ lively antics, the journey to Green Swamp felt surprisingly short. Amid laughter and chatter, they soon arrived.
Once at their destination, Wu Jiong instructed the adolescent beastmen to gently set the cubs down. He then organized a patrol to ensure the area was safe.
Though large predators were uncommon in Green Swamp, a thorough check was always prudent. They needed to confirm there were no hidden marshes or newly deepened streams or rivers caused by the recent heavy rains.
Jian Mo couldn’t take his eyes off Wu Jiong as he directed the group.
Behind him, the cubs and adolescent sub-beastmen started teasing. Jian Mo turned to them with a broad grin. “Don’t you all think your chief looks especially handsome and charismatic right now?”
The cubs didn’t dare disagree, but it was clear from their confused expressions that they didn’t quite appreciate Wu Jiong’s appeal.
Observing their reactions, Jian Mo chuckled. “That’s why I’m his partner.”
Not far away, Wu Jiong’s ears turned a faint shade of red.
Ban Ming and his friends, undaunted, joined in with loud cheers and laughter, filling the air with good-natured teasing.
Once Wu Jiong finished assigning tasks, he instructed each beastman and sub-beastman pair to supervise a group of cubs, ensuring their safety while they played.
Only after ensuring every cub was accounted for did Wu Jiong wave his hand, granting everyone the freedom to explore.
Jian Mo walked up to Wu Jiong and joked, “Aren’t we going to watch any cubs? Ban Ming’s group might complain about favoritism.”
Wu Jiong replied nonchalantly, “Let them complain. I’m the chief, aren’t I?”
Jian Mo burst out laughing and tugged at his hand. “Come on, let’s go find those Plank Bugs you mentioned.”
Wu Jiong had already asked where the Plank Bugs were most likely to be. Hearing Jian Mo’s eagerness, he led him to a small muddy creek.
The area was rarely visited, and the creek teemed with fish. Before they even found a Plank Bug, Jian Mo had already caught several fish.
Not one to waste an opportunity, he tossed them into his basket, which he then submerged in the creek to keep the fish fresh. “These will be great for frying or making fish balls later,” he remarked cheerfully.
After a while, Wu Jiong unearthed a muddy, wide creature from the mud. Holding it up, he announced, “Here’s a Plank Bug.”
The creature flailed its limbs furiously. Jian Mo leaned in for a closer look, noting its flat, wide body. “This really does look like a plank,” he mused.
The creature was larger than Wu Jiong’s hand, with claws waving aggressively as it struggled. Its head bobbed, and two large pincers snapped menacingly, trying to attack its captor.
Jian Mo blinked. “Isn’t this a slipper lobster?”
“A lobster?” Wu Jiong asked.
“It’s a type of shrimp found in the sea. Hard to explain, but I recognize it—and it’s delicious!”
Wu Jiong glanced at the Plank Bug skeptically. With its hard shell, scant meat, and fearsome appearance, it didn’t exactly scream “delicious.”
But Jian Mo was insistent. “Trust me. Whether steamed or stir-fried with spices, it’s amazing. Toss it in the basket; let’s find more!”
As Wu Jiong added the Plank Bug to the basket, Jian Mo hesitated. “You think it’ll attack the fish?”
Wu Jiong shook his head. “It’s too slow to catch them.”
While Jian Mo and Wu Jiong were chatting, Ban Ming’s voice called out from ahead: “Brother Jian Mo, how many have you caught? We’ve already got several over here!”
Jian Mo responded instinctively, “We’ve caught one so far, but I just spotted another. Give me a bit, and we’ll catch up to your count in no time!”
Ban Ming and his group had only meant to tease Jian Mo a bit, but his response left them momentarily stunned.
Then, a chorus of laughter erupted. Even the little cubs joined in, their milk-sweet voices chiming with cheerful “haha”s.
Ban Ming exclaimed, “Brother Jian Mo, you’ve changed!”
Jian Mo grinned. “Not at all—I’ve just revealed my true self.”
The laughter only grew louder, even Wu Jiong’s eyes glimmering with amusement.
Catching Plank Bugs required some skill. Jian Mo followed along for a few rounds, always wary that the bugs might retaliate.
Fortunately, as long as he grabbed them from behind, avoided their claws, and didn’t let their shells scrape him, it wasn’t too difficult.
He soon realized that, likely because no one else ate these creatures, the bugs in this area were exceptionally large and plump.
Some were even longer than his arm.
After a morning of hunting, everyone returned with an abundant haul.
However, all the cubs had turned into little mud-balls, their fur matted and drooping.
Wu Jiong took one look at the state of the cubs and ordered Ban Ming and the others to take them for a bath.
Grumbling under their breath, Ban Ming and his friends couldn’t defy the chief’s command and reluctantly herded the little ones toward the river.
The cubs, however, had rarely had so much fun. They were exhausted but still giggling, their voices hoarse from laughing too much.
When Ban Ming and the others returned with freshly washed, fluffy cubs, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong were busy scrubbing the Plank Bugs in the courtyard.
Ban Ming and his group crowded around, pushing Chirpy to the back.
Ban Ming asked, “Brother Jian Mo, how are you planning to cook these Plank Bugs?”
Jian Mo replied, “I’ll stir-fry them with a hotpot base spiced with pepper bud powder. Are you interested? Wait—have any of you even eaten these before?”
Ban Ming’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about? Who didn’t sneak a taste of Plank Bugs as a cub?”
Jian Mo chuckled and asked, “Did anyone get a rash after eating them?”
Ban Ming and the others shook their heads in unison. Whether beastmen or sub-beastmen, their hardy constitutions left them unbothered by such concerns.
“Alright then,” Jian Mo said. “Once it’s cooked, you can all have a taste and see if the flavors of my hometown suit you.”
Hearing this, both the teens and the cubs lit up with anticipation.
Ban Ming, ever quick to catch on, grabbed the grass Jian Mo was using to scrub. “Brother Jian Mo, let us do the washing.”
Jian Mo considered it. “Fine, but be careful not to get pinched.”
Ban Ming laughed. “Come on, if we didn’t get pinched while catching them, why would it happen now?”
The others nodded in agreement.
With the task of cleaning the Plank Bugs delegated, Jian Mo took Wu Jiong to the fields to gather broadleaf garlic.
The garlic had a bitter taste, but Jian Mo planned to lightly fry it over low heat to bring out its fragrance. Once crisp, he’d drain the oil, leaving behind a deliciously aromatic garlic crumble.
By the time Jian Mo finished preparing the seasoning, Ban Ming and his group had cleaned the bugs.
Following Jian Mo’s instructions, they twisted off the bugs’ heads, keeping only the meaty tails. This part was for the older teens and adults; the cubs weren’t allowed to help.
For the seasoned hunters and gatherers among the teens, the task was simple, and they quickly processed two large basins of Plank Bugs.
Jian Mo got to work at the stove.
He started with a generous amount of oil, frying various spices until fragrant. Then he added bone marrow oil for extra richness before tossing in the bug tails.
As the tails cooked, they turned a vibrant red, and a mouthwatering aroma filled the air. Jian Mo expertly flipped the tails with a large spatula, ensuring they cooked evenly. Once done, he poured in fruit wine to eliminate any lingering fishiness and enhance the flavor, followed by water and mushroom sauce for a savory glaze. A dash of sugar and shellfish powder rounded out the taste.
The courtyard and kitchen were filled with an irresistible scent.
The teens managed to maintain some composure, but the cubs and Chirpy were practically drooling, their eyes glued to the bubbling pot.
Once the sauce thickened and coated the tails in a glossy sheen, Jian Mo added the crispy garlic crumble and stir-fried it all together. He scooped the finished dish into two large basins, which the teens carried to the courtyard.
“Dig in,” Jian Mo said. “Careful—it’s hot.”
A chorus of enthusiastic replies echoed back.
The heat didn’t deter the thick-skinned teens. They eagerly grabbed tails, sucking out the flavorful juices before cracking open the shells to reveal tender, snow-white meat.
Each bite was juicy, springy, and bursting with rich flavor, with no trace of fishiness—only layers of savory delight. Beneath the meat lay orange roe, its creamy, briny taste adding another dimension of indulgence.
For the teens, the process was swift: grab, suck, crack, devour.
The cubs, however, took their time. Using their tiny hands or paws, they slowly gnawed at the shells, breaking them open bit by bit to savor every morsel.
Chirpy, with its less-than-sharp teeth, ate much like the cubs. It held the tails with its stubby front paws, nibbling and slurping contentedly.
Jian Mo glanced around, ensuring everything was in order, then turned his attention to the tail meat Wu Jiong had thoughtfully peeled for him.
He took a bite and couldn’t help but sigh in satisfaction. Freshly caught seafood truly had no equal. The meat was firm, succulent, and bursting with natural flavor—a stark contrast to farmed seafood, which often lacked such depth.
Though preparing it was a bit of a hassle, the result was well worth it.
Jian Mo happily concluded, This might just be the perfect alternative to crayfish.
Thanks for the chapter! With such variety in their food, it keeps them healthy.
Can you imagine all that fluffy cuteness?