Chapter 324: The Proud Beastman Rongdi

Twilight hung low, and the jungle was unusually lively.

The Bonfire gathering of the Ying Tribe is coveted by many tribes, because the Ying Tribe has the tastiest food on Jiuzhou Dadi and even some fun attractions.

The aromatic Fruit Wine and spicy lamb kebabs make people linger and never forget.

Rongdi, accompanied by Gu Lang, ate his fill this time; moreover, Ying personally ladled a bowl of rice for Rongdi, saying, "Rongdi, try the taste of our new rice."

Last time Rongdi sneaked here to see their rice grains, but he didn't get a single grain to eat.

Seeing that bowl of white rice, Rongdi's gaze stayed fixed on it; he wanted to eat but felt embarrassed, and that look was quite cute.

He knew this was Ying's friendly gesture for peaceful coexistence, and his nostrils tingled with sourness for a moment.

"Is this the big rice?"

"This is rice, made from big rice. In the future, when you harvest your rice, you should do it this way. Also, you must first boil it, then steam it in a bamboo tube for the best taste. Remember that—want to try?"

Rongdi pouted, "I'm a Beastman; I'm not used to these foods."

Ying, aware of his stubbornness, said, "Who says Beastmen don't eat rice? Look how Gu Lang enjoys it."

Gu Lang was scooping rice with his hands; hearing this, he quickly lifted his head and grinned, "Leader, give it a try—so fragrant!"

Rongdi swallowed saliva, then reached out to take it, "You ladled it already; it'd be wasteful not to eat it."

He took the bowl, his eyes never leaving the white rice; the Earthen Bowl warmed his palm and released waves of rice fragrance.

He once imagined his first rice meal would be in his own tribe, with his people living in tall, safe Tulou, free from wind, sun, or raging storms.

He happily savored that bowl of rice, yet now the rice he longs for was given to him by Ying.

His nostrils tinged sourly, and without hesitation he scooped a handful into his mouth—the taste was superb!

"Leader, how does it taste?"

Not only Rongdi, but also Gu Lang and Xuan Feng wanted to know his assessment. "This is amazing—soft, fragrant, truly a mortal delicacy."

For Rongdi, this was his first time tasting rice. As a Beastman, he had been accustomed to strange raw meat; later, under Nan Qinghuan's influence, he began cooking, and when Li Xiang arrived, he made many dishes he found tasty. Once food had flavor, everything changed.

When a plain palate is awakened by the taste buds, it becomes a world‑shaking transformation.

Seeing Rongdi eat rice reminded Ying of his own first rice meal; he let out a low chuckle, "How is it? Have you, Beastman, gotten used to eating it?"

Ashu was somewhat displeased with Rongdi, always thinking Rongdi was no good; even after peace, he believed they'd still end up fighting.

Why is Ying being so kind to him? Rongdi practically gulped it down, nodding repeatedly after, "The taste is good."

"Ha ha, if you like it, eat more. Rongdi, now that we are friends, I'll drink this bowl of Blood Wine. For the Blood Oath, I hope this is the last time."

After saying that, Ying had two wine bowls brought over, then drew his long knife and gently sliced his own arm, letting fresh red blood drip into the wine.

In an instant, the clear wine turned red with fresh blood.

It swirled into blooming blood flowers.

Rongdi, seeing this, naturally refused to be outdone; he immediately took the knife from his hand, sliced his fingertip, let the blood drip in, then lifted the bowl and walked with Ying to the long‑abandoned Sacrificial Altar.

The Ying Tribe hadn't performed a ritual in ages, but the Heavenly God still demanded respect.

They prepared to perform the Blood Oath under the moon.

"Today, I, Rongdi, stand here to make a Blood Oath with Ying. From now on we are friends, our two peoples shall live in peace and pursue development together. If I, Rongdi, break this oath, I shall meet a terrible death."

He had never spoken these words before; the previous times were merely stalling tactics. Now it's different, because he truly feels Ying is not hateful.

If he could hate him, he would have thrown himself there that day; he is a true hero, and he admires such a person.

These words left Ying astonished, "Rongdi…"

"I'll go first as a sign of respect."

Rongdi had just swallowed it, and as Ying was about to speak, Nan Qinghuan's voice came from behind.

"Ying"

Both turned toward the sound; beneath the Bonfire, Nan Qinghuan and Li Xiang walked toward them. Ying squinted slightly and hurried forward to meet her.

"Why did you come? It's cool at night; you should rest well."

After saying that, he asked Dashan to fetch his Tiger Skin and drape it over Nan Qinghuan. Though she had taken Bodhi Root, he still worried about her health.

When he entered the house today and saw the fresh blood, he was terrified—it was Nan Qinghuan's and her child's. His heart nearly shattered. So Rongdi could unconditionally bring the Bodhi Root to save the mother and child; this was a monumental favor to him. Since Rongdi is willing to live peacefully, he chose to trust him, because Rongdi also needed Bodhi Root, yet he gave it to Nan Qinghuan.

Having saved Nan Qinghuan's life, he also wishes to repay her with some favor.

Ying's care for Nan Qinghuan made Li Xiang feel heartbroken; even a wild man can reach this level of meticulous concern. What reason does he have to claim Ying is unworthy of Nan Qinghuan? It's he who is unworthy; his love is too narrow and selfish!

Nan Qinghuan also enjoyed his care, stars flickering in her eyes, "I'm fine, Ying; I've already spoken with my senior brother."

After saying that, she glanced at Rongdi; his condition wasn't great either, yet he saved her.

"Rongdi, thank you for bringing the Bodhi Root that saved me and my child. To show our sincerity, we are willing to coexist peacefully; our peoples will help each other in the future. I hope this Blood Oath is the last one."

These words sounded like bringing up old grievances, making Rongdi a bit embarrassed. Indeed, he had once made a Blood Oath with Ying, but later he still opposed Ying.

It was impossible for them not to fight, but now he has completely changed that thinking.

Ying saved him; without Ying, there would be no Rongdi now.

So… he smashed the bowl, then drew an Iron Knife and handed it to Nan Qinghuan, solemnly saying, "Qinghuan, if I ever oppose the tribe in the future, you may use this knife to cut off my wings."