Page 403

Soon, Shu Tao, the chieftain of the Dense Forest Tribe, came out to greet them.

Hearing that they wanted to trade chili peppers and had already visited the Salt-Drying Tribe, Shu Tao said, "It's getting late. Why don't you stay at our tribe's place tonight, try our chili peppers, and then decide how you want to trade?"

Jian Mo and Wu Jiong agreed.

Seeing their hesitation, Shu Tao laughed and said, "We're not that kind of vicious tribe. If we were, the Salt-Drying Tribe wouldn't have introduced you here."

Jian Mo smiled and said, "We're just a little nervous because we suddenly arrived in an unfamiliar tribe."

Shu Tao: "I understand, relax. Our tribe treats witch doctors very well. Doctor Jian Mo, you're a witch doctor, right? Although we live in a rather remote area, we've heard of your reputation."

Jian Mo nodded. "Yes, I am a witch doctor."

Shu Tao led Jian Mo and Wu Jiong to sit down by the campfire and asked the tribesmen to start cooking.

Jian Mo stared at the people of the Dense Forest Tribe, surprised and excited as they took out long, red chili peppers.

There were indeed familiar chili peppers here, only these were shorter and had more wrinkled skin, but they looked almost identical to the chili peppers he had now.

The people of the Dense Forest Tribe used metal knives to cut chili peppers, and also chopped a bunch of plants that Jian Mo recognize.

Then they put the chili peppers in an earthenware pot and cooked them with various meats.

The air was soon filled with a pungent smell, and Wu Jiong was sneezing uncontrollably.

Seeing this Jian Mo quickly took out a mask and made Wu Jiong put it on.

Shu Tao stared at Jian Mo with great interest. "Doctor Jian Mo, which tribe are you from? Have you ever eaten chili peppers before?"

Jian Mo smiled and said, "I'm from the Riverside Tribe, and I've eaten chili peppers before."

Jian Mo refused to reveal any further details.

Shu Tao felt a little regretful, but he didn't press the matter further.

Jian Mo asked them about their relationship with the Mountain Ridge Tribe.

Shu Tao said, "The people of the Mountain Ridge Tribe are breaking the rules by hunting and gathering in our territory. As you know, this season is when prey and food are most plentiful. They've broken the rules, so naturally we can't just stand by and watch."

Jian Mo: "Is anyone injured?"

Shu Tao: "The minor injuries are almost healed."

Seeing Jian Mo's worried expression, Shu Tao smiled and said, "Several nearby tribes have sent people to mediate. Don't worry, there won't be a fight, and you won't be in danger."

Jian Mo smiled and could only assume there was no danger.

While they were chatting, the people of the Dense Forest Tribe quickly prepared dinner.

This tribe actually adopted a system of separate meals, placing dinner on each person's plate. Jian Mo and Wu Jiong each received a large plate of rice.

The people of the Dense Forest Tribe thoughtfully provided Wu Jiong with dishes that didn't contain much chili, showing their consideration for him.

As for Jian Mo, his plate was covered in a sea of red chili peppers.

Jian Mo hasn't seen chili peppers in so long, and now she's really craving them.

Shu Tao invited them to eat, Jian Mo's first fork went straight for the chili peppers.

The chili peppers were lightly stir-fried until soft, coated with animal fat and salt, and had a meaty flavor. They tasted spicy with a sweet aftertaste, and were quite delicious.

Jian Mo took only the first bite, and tears welled up in her eyes.

It's definitely the chili pepper he's familiar with! So appetizing, so delicious!

Shu Tao looked at Jian Mo and said, "Doctor Jian Mo, you can really handle spicy food!"

Jian Mo hissed, grabbed her cup, and took a big gulp of cold water to suppress the overpowering spiciness. "Ugh, I haven't had this in a long time. I can't eat as much as I used to."

Shu Tao: "Then you should eat less today, otherwise you'll definitely feel unwell tonight."

Jian Mo: "Okay. It's really spicy, but it feels so good too."

Shu Tao laughed, "We also feel that if we're used to eating spicy food, we'll lose our appetite if we don't have it for a meal."

Jian Mo: "Yes, that's why we came all this way to find chili peppers."

When you share common interests, it's even more enjoyable to chat.

Jian Mo chatted with Shu Tao, he felt that the Dense Forest Tribe was more friendly than he had imagined.

Until Jian Mo changing the chili peppers--

Shu Tao said, "Our tribe's chili peppers are very rare; they're practically unique among all the surrounding tribes."

Jian Mo had a bad feeling. "Indeed."

Shu Tao: "So we need a lot of supplies, just metal blocks."

Jian Mo gave a stiff smile, "How many metal blocks do you need?"

Shu Tao: "I've seen the metal blocks you brought. How about we exchange three metal blocks for a basket of our dried chilies?"

Jian Mo and Wu Jiong looked at each other.

The two quickly exchanged glances, both feeling it was worth a try. After all, they had come all this way and were almost there; it wouldn't make sense not to change the chili peppers.

Jian Mo said, "Okay, let's exchange six for now."

Once they get back, they'll make a trip to the Jintuo Tribe and earn the metal block back!

Shu Tao nodded. "Then it's settled first, we'll only exchange the chili peppers, not the seeds. So all the chili peppers have been steamed, and the seeds won't be able to germinate anyway."

Jian Mo's eyes widened. The Dense Forest Tribe was so ruthless when they did business! No wonder the Mountain Ridge Tribe would fight them!

Three metal blocks for a basket of dried chili peppers—the price was a bit high, but not unaffordable. However, the chili peppers had been steamed, and the seeds had become inactive, which was unacceptable.

Jian Mo thought for a moment and said, "Our tribe is too far from yours, and it's very troublesome for us to come. If we can't exchange the seeds back, then this exchange doesn't seem to make much sense."

Shu Tao said sincerely, "Every tribe has its own unique characteristics. Chili peppers are our specialty. If we exchange our seeds, our tribe will have nothing to offer in the future."

Shu Tao: "I've heard that you have something called glass, which is very exquisite. You wouldn't share your glassmaking methods with other tribes, would you?"

Jian Mo: "That's the processing formula, different from the seed formula."