As the crowd reluctantly dispersed and went home to finish their dinner of now-unappetizing dried meat and red root, a few people stayed behind to clean up and wash the pots and tools in the stream.
Ziqian, together with Xue, led Bei, Lia, and five elders inside. At the front walked Elder Sen, a stern yet graceful female with sharp eyes. Behind her came Elder Yun, a one-eyed beast, his scarred face telling of countless battles. Elder Yue, a white-haired sub-beast, carried a quiet dignity, his years etched into every line. He was the previous high priest before Lia. Elder Wan, a one-armed beast, moved with rugged strength despite his missing limb. Last was Elder Kue, a younger sub-beast whose calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the others' severity.
They were the five great elders who helped in managing the tribe, each commanding several loyal subordinates. Yet despite their influence, all five remained steadfastly loyal to the patriarch and devoted to the tribe.
Ziqian placed before them a large bowl of sunflower seeds and a pot of diluted lume fruit he had prepared earlier as refreshment.
He sat with them, his expression soft but serious. "I hope I'm not troubling the elders for taking some of your time," Ziqian gently started. "I just want to hear your thoughts and ask for your support for my plan on the vacant lot near the tribe."
Elder Sen said thoughtfully. "You are not troubling us, child."
Then, Ziqian explained patiently, describing not only the process but also the long-term benefits of farming. He just repeated all the things he already discussed with Xue.
The elders listened carefully as Ziqian continued, his tone earnest.
Xue had already told Bei and Lia about the concept of farming earlier, but at the time, neither had fully grasped its value. Now, after tasting the unfamiliar yet mouthwatering dishes Ziqian had prepared and hearing how they could avoid constant trips into the dangerous forest, both leaders leaned forward eagerly, their earlier casual agreement transforming into genuine excitement.
Bei nodded firmly, his deep voice carrying weight. "If we can grow food within reach of the tribe, females and sub-beasts won't need to risk their lives gathering in the wild. It could change everything."
The elders exchanged thoughtful glances before one of them, the one-eyed Elder Yun, finally spoke. "That piece of land has been abandoned for years… full of weeds and fruitless trees. If it can be made useful, then it would be a blessing."
Elder Yue leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "But how can we be sure plants will live where we place them? Some grow only in the forest, where they choose."
Ziqian smiled faintly, already anticipating the question. "That is why we test carefully. Some may fail, but many will survive if given the right care. Water, sunlight, and good soil—these are what plants need. With patience, we will learn which plants can be farmed."
Ziqian turned his gaze toward the man beside him. Xue, sitting tall and steady beside him, nodded. His presence alone was like a silent pillar of support for him. Then he looked back to the elders, his tone earnest but calm. "It is also the main reason why we are asking for your support. We cannot do it with only me and Xue." The way he said it carried no complaint, only a quiet determination.
"Tell us, little one, how can we help?" Elder Wan asked while stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"We need people who are willing to be farmers. Farmers are the backbone of farming, and they must tend the crops day after day. It is not an easy task—that's why it cannot be forced," Ziqian said gently, his voice steady yet persuasive. "If they don't do it willingly, the crops will suffer, and no one will benefit."
He glanced at the cauldrons, now empty, and smiled faintly. "That is why I wanted as many people as possible to taste today's food. Once they've experienced something better than roasted meat or boiled roots, they will crave it. That craving will become motivation. They will want more, and they will be willing to work for it."
Elder Kue's eyes softened with understanding. "So you used food not only to feed them but to open their hearts to change."
Ziqian chuckled quietly. "You can say it like that. If they see that with just a little more effort and patience, their meals can be richer and tastier, then farming will no longer feel like a burden. It will be their own choice."
The elders exchanged looks, the firelight flickering in their eyes. For the first time, they began to imagine a future where their people no longer lived in fear of hunger.
Lia's usually calm expression carried a rare trace of excitement. "We'll need to gather people and organize labor. The sooner we start preparing, the sooner we'll see results."
"Yes, yes," Elder Yun agreed, tapping his knee. "We'll need young ones with strength to work the ground. I know many beasts who would be willing."
Everyone nodded, full of excitement and anticipation.
Ziqian's chest tightened with warmth. He could feel that their support wasn't born of mere politeness but from a genuine willingness to help and embrace change.
After finalizing the plan for the farm, the elders lingered in Ziqian's tent, cracking open sunflower seeds and sipping on freshly pressed lume juice. The atmosphere was light and warm, filled with quiet laughter and soft chatter, as if they were already celebrating the future harvests to come.
That night, Ziqian slept soundly, his heart at ease.
What he didn't know was that by dawn, his name would be on everyone's lips. News of him cooking different kinds of foods spread through the tribe, igniting admiration, curiosity, and envy in every corner.
_______________.
The next morning, Ziqian and Xue set out for the forest once more. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp leaves and fresh earth. Unlike their usual trips, Ziqian had no intention of wandering deep.
He only wanted to replenish some of the vegetables he had used up during yesterday's feast.
It was the sixth day since Huo's departure, and Ziqian couldn't help but feel a little restless. If everything went smoothly, their group might return today.
Xue had explained it to him—two days to reach Mount Nebo, two days to hunt, and two more days to travel back. Six days was the fastest they could possibly make it. But if they encountered danger or worse, heavy casualties, it might take longer.
That was why Ziqian chose not to go too far. He wanted to be near the tribe when Huo returned. He didn't know what to feel about Huo.
When he learned that the man had left, anger had been the first thing he felt in his chest. How could Huo confess so suddenly, stir his heart, and then vanish without even saying goodbye? It felt irresponsible—almost cruel. That touched places inside him he'd rather not remember, memories of being left behind, of promises broken without explanation.
And because of that momentary anger, he had gone and done something reckless—he had intentionally seduced Xue.
But the day before yesterday, Yan had spoken to him about her husband, Ren, who was part of the same hunting group. Her eyes carried both worry and resignation as she told him that the group's departure had been rushed, so rushed that she herself nearly missed her chance to see Ren off, despite living under the same tent.
Knowing what happened that night while he was sleeping peacefully, Ziqian's anger softened. He now understands that Huo hadn't meant to hurt him, and yet, the pain of being left without a word lingered, confusing him. Did he resent Huo? Miss him? Or something more complicated that he didn't dare name?
Ziqian now felt complicated and… guilty.
Huo was the first person he met when he arrived in this world. He would not deny that he was attracted to the man at first sight, drawn by the warmth hidden behind Huo's boldness, his confident grin, and the way his eyes shone whenever he spoke, which stirred Ziqian's heart.
Then there was Xue, silent yet dependable. He rarely spoke, but his actions spoke louder than words—carrying all their things without complaint, shielding him without hesitation, and quietly watching over him in ways that felt both comforting and disarming.
Ziqian couldn't deny the comfort he found in Xue, nor the quiet pull between them, yet Huo's absence still tugged his heart.
Do I really… like Huo? What about Xue?
The questions circled endlessly.
Xue's sharp eyes never strayed far from Ziqian. He noticed the way Ziqian's gaze flickered every now and then toward the direction of the tribe.
"Are you worried?" Xue asked, his deep voice breaking the silence.
Ziqian paused. "Worried? About what?" He tried to sound casual, but the slight tremor in his tone betrayed him.
Xue studied him for a moment, then lowered his voice. "Your eyes keep searching for something that isn't here. Or… someone."
Ziqian's heart skipped, but he quickly turned his back to hide his expression. "You're overthinking."
Xue didn't press further, but the faint crease in his brow showed he wasn't convinced. He let it go for now, silently walking closer to the sub-beast as he hugged him from behind. "I'm here," he simply said.
But these words only make Ziqian feel more complicated. His chest felt tight, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. Huo, Xue… what do I really want?