Chapter 201: Chapter 201: The Magical Black Fish

“This black fish is amazing!”

Changxia was astonished. She exchanged glances with Shen Rong, then looked around at the others in the stone beast den. Except for Elder Pukang and a few others who already knew, everyone had been drawn in by the salty aroma and completely immersed in it.

Nan Feng licked her lips and said, “I’m definitely having seconds later.”

“It really is strange. I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” Shen Rong said, squeezing Changxia’s soft hand. Just now, it had felt as if he and Changxia were soaking in a hot spring, surrounded by warm, comforting steam.

“Hee-hee-hee—” Pukang chuckled, explaining, “Black fish can calm the mind and nourish the body, helping to heal hidden injuries. There are all sorts of benefits. Unfortunately, the Wei River is dangerous, and few beastfolk dare to venture deep into the Moonwatch Mountains to fish. We got lucky this time—the stretch of the Wei River at the foot of Wei Mountain is relatively safe, and the tribe hasn’t fished here in years.”

That’s how they’d gotten so lucky.

Of course, it also helped that there weren’t any river beasts living in this part of the Wei River at the foot of Wei Mountain.

With no natural predators,

the fish in the Wei River could grow as big as they liked.

Just a casual catch had netted them several fish one or two meters long.

If they were fishing in the Wei River up in the Moonwatch Mountains, that would be impossible.

There, river beasts outnumbered black fish, and if you tried to fish, you’d probably catch a river beast instead of a black fish.

Actually, some river beasts tasted pretty good, too.

But river beasts were too fierce and too hard to hunt.

“Black fish might be just as valuable as anaconda,” Changxia said.

Shen Rong handed Changxia a piece of roasted fish, then took another for himself. To his surprise, the black fish was very firm and chewy, completely different from any grilled fish he’d had before. It was springy, but not tough or unpleasant.

All in all, it tasted great.

After one bite, he felt a warm sensation spread through his body.

“This black fish—” Shen Rong suddenly looked up at Changxia.

Changxia looked up at the same time, exclaiming, “Elder Pukang, is this black fish meat medicinal?”

“It’s not medicine, but it’s better than medicine. Black fish even has another name—the beastfolk call it ‘medicine fish.’ They feed it to the beast cubs, hoping they’ll grow up strong and healthy. You ate the most black fish when you were little, but ironically, you were the weakest of all.” Elder Pukang sighed.

"Here is a natural, fluent English translation of your text:

Just counting the times Elder Pukang went to the Wangyue Mountains to catch blackfish, it was five trips in total.

And it wasn’t just him—other elders from the tribe helped as well.

For Changxia to survive those long summers, the Heluo tribe really worried a lot about her.

But now, as an adult, Changxia is always grateful to the tribe, always thinking of others and doing her best for everyone.

This warms the hearts of the tribe members.

It lets everyone know that all the care and effort they put in over the years was not in vain.

“Changxia, eat some more.” Nan Feng handed her another piece of grilled fish, urging her to eat.

Elder Pukang never mentioned these things.

Changxia had no idea.

Even if Gen knew, he wouldn’t say anything either.

After all, raising young cubs is simply what a tribe does—it’s only right.

Whether it’s beastfolk, birdfolk, or fishfolk, everyone values their young. Back then, when the shaman found Changxia, she didn’t hesitate to raise her instead of abandoning her.

In their eyes, every young cub—no matter the tribe—deserves protection.

Even if there’s deep hatred between two tribes, that hatred never extends to the children.

For a wanderer to kidnap a young snake cub—that already crosses the bottom line for any intelligent being. Even if the Snake Mountain tribe didn’t issue a kill order, the beastfolk tribes of the Twilight Forest would still help hunt down those wanderers.

Even if they fled to the Qinghai Plateau or the East Sea,

All that would await them is relentless pursuit.

There is no reason or excuse that could justify raising a butcher’s knife against the young, who represent inheritance and hope.

Hiss hiss—

At this moment, the little snake cub seemed to catch the scent of grilled fish.

Hissing, it kept tapping Changxia’s arm with its tail, reminding her not to forget there’s a little snake waiting to be fed!

“The grilled fish is a bit tough, better give him some fish soup,” Nan Feng suggested.

Changxia thought about it and agreed.

But the fish soup wasn’t ready yet.

The snake cub looked absolutely famished, lying listlessly on Changxia’s arm.

It was hard to watch.

So Changxia had no choice but to chop up the grilled fish with her ironwood knife and feed the little snake cub with wooden chopsticks. Just as she was about to start, Shen Rong took the chopsticks from her and said, “You eat, I’ll feed him.”

With that, he picked up the snake cub from Changxia’s arm and set it on his own knee. He took the chopsticks, picked up a bit of the chopped grilled fish, and brought it to the snake cub’s mouth.

Shen Rong carried Changxia’s scent.

The snake cub quickly adapted, its tail tentatively wrapping around Shen Rong’s left wrist. Once it was sure Shen Rong wouldn’t push it away, the little snake happily opened its mouth, waiting to be fed.

The two of them—one big, one small—got along perfectly.

Bathed in the glow of the fire and the shining stones, the scene was especially heartwarming.

“This little snake sure has an appetite!” Shen Rong exclaimed.

Tribe leader Gen spoke up: “Snakefolk have always had good appetites—they can swallow prey several times their own size. If this cub is really Elder Sheguo’er’s child, his appetite will definitely outstrip that of an ordinary snake cub.”

“He’s amazing to have escaped from the wanderers,” Changxia said.

Before they entered Mount Wei, the snake cub kept hissing to warn them. But once he realized their destination was Mount Wei, he quickly quieted down.

It showed just how smart he was.

He’s only a few months old, yet so sensible—truly remarkable.

As they chatted, Changxia couldn’t help but ask about the Snake Mountain tribe.

She’d always heard the tribe elders call the snakefolk “mad snakes,” and she was curious.

“Tribe leader, why do you call the snakefolk ‘mad snakes’?”

“Once a snakefolk sets its sights on prey, almost nothing escapes. They’re like leopards or wolves on the grasslands—once they’re after you, there’s no getting away. Plus, snakefolk hold grudges. If you offend them, they’ll never forget.”

“I hate fighting the snakefolk the most. It’s such a headache.”

As soon as Changxia asked, everyone started complaining. The more she listened, the more interesting she found it.

But she also noticed something different.

Even though they were complaining, there was no real hatred in their words.

At most, it was just dislike—mainly for the snakefolk’s fighting style after they transform. Snakefolk like to fight by wrapping around their opponents, which the beastfolk really dislike. No wonder the tribe calls them “mad snakes.”

They chatted and ate.

Soon, the fish soup in the stone pot was ready.

It smelled amazing.

Thanks to the grilled fish earlier, Changxia didn’t lose her composure this time.

Compared to grilled fish, blackfish is even better for soup. The rich, savory blackfish broth warmed her whole body with just one sip. As she drank, Changxia couldn’t help tugging at her clothes, feeling the heat.

Mount Wei was chilly,

But the blackfish from the Wei River had an incredible magic to it.

How interesting—truly fascinating!

“Elder Pukang, there are three blackfish. Should we save one to take back to the tribe? Two, plus the blackhorn beef, should be plenty for us,” Changxia asked softly.

“Whatever you like,” Pukang replied.

As far as he was concerned, as long as there was food, it didn’t matter what they ate.

“Changxia is always so thoughtful—she always remembers the tribe when there’s something good,” Gen praised, then shot a glare at Nan Feng. This kid really has changed—she’s hopeless.

Gen started thinking about which tribe he could pick an honest, reliable male from, to bring back and marry off to Nan Feng. This kid is useless now; her only value is to get married and have a few cubs for the tribe.