I lunged from the table, snatching the scroll from the melon-cap old man’s hand, my other hand gripping his voluminous robe as I roared, "Where is my wife!"

"W-what did you say?" Old Nine was startled by my sudden move, but he clearly hadn't understood me. In my haste, I had spoken in Chinese; it would take a miracle for him to comprehend.

"This woman, where is she?" I calmed myself and repeated the question in broken, incomprehensible tongue. Though the painting was slightly distorted by the artist's skill, the woman's bursting bosom and her supremely arrogant air were unmistakable: it was Cheng Susu. I never thought that after such a long search, I would find her so easily. All eight of them must have arrived on this strange planet, which resembled ancient Earth, after traveling through the wormhole just as I did, only to be separated by a meteor shower.

Melon-Cap Old Nine was obviously a scoundrel himself, and my aggressive actions had put him in an awkward position. Even though I claimed to be a god descended from the heavens, there were clearly some who didn't believe in gods. He turned his face away, pointedly ignoring my question.

Dali Wan shot up from his seat and slapped the table with a bang. "You son of a dog! The Bird God asks you a question, say something!"

Dali Wan was definitely cursing, but I didn't have the time to verify which specific national treasure of their ethnic group he was using; I could only translate based on his tone and gestures.

Melon-Cap Old Nine was clearly intimidated by Dali Wan. This brute was nothing like my delicate skin; a single palm strike might be too much for him to handle. "Let me go, let me go and I'll tell you everything slowly," Old Nine mumbled.

Having calmed down, I realized that if Cheng Susu was here, the other seven were likely nearby as well. With my current lack of power, finding them quickly was impossible. I needed to assess the situation before acting. Otherwise, not only would I fail to rescue my wives, but I might lose my own life here, which would be a far greater mess.

With this realization, I gave up my impatience. I released Old Nine and returned to my seat. Just then, Er Danzi's father stepped in to mediate. "Esteemed elders and neighbors, today my family celebrates the birth of a new descendant. Please show respect, eat and drink your fill, but absolutely do not harm the harmony among us. If you trace back your lineage, we are all originally one family."

A man standing next to Melon-Cap Old Nine said, "Enough, enough. We are merely eager to see the woman; it's no great matter. Old Nine, continue your story."

Laisiji leaned in conspiratorially to my ear. "Brother Zhao Qian, do you know the woman in the scroll?"

I trusted Laisiji completely. "To tell you the truth, Brother Lai, she is one of the wives I have been searching for. I never expected her to reach the Twin Star Kingdom. Now, even if I wanted to leave, I can't. I must find the other seven."

Laisiji leaned closer. "Brother Zhao Qian, there is something I feel I should tell you."

From my earlier conversation with Dali Wan, I knew that the orbital cycle of this binary star system was very similar to Earth's. Their year was also over three hundred days long. However, their timekeeping was different; they generally only used morning, noon, afternoon, and evening, lacking a precise hour system. Yet, they still counted age in years. Dali Wan was younger than me, but Laisiji was a few years older.

I replied, "Brother Lai, the first person I met here was Brother Dali Wan. You are all good people, completely trustworthy. I will tell you everything I know, so please feel free to say whatever you wish."

Laisiji subtly bowed to me. "Good. For those words, Brother Zhao, I, Laisiji, consider this friendship settled. My brother and I will fully support your search. However, from what I observe, you are ignorant of many things here. Judging by this sister-in-law's appearance, the other seven are likely as celestial as she is. In troubled times, this is never good. Beauty has always been a source of disaster. If all eight girls are as lovely as this one, I fear much untoward has happened in the time you've been separated. Though I have lived in Gourd Village my whole life and know little of the outside world, I suspect things aren't much better out there. You must be extremely cautious on this path to find your wives; don't lose your life here. Then, what good will it do to find the eight sisters?"

What Laisiji said was reasonable. If I couldn't find the eight, or if anything happened to them, what use was my life? But caution was necessary. If my superpowers hadn't been sucked away by that damned wormhole, I wouldn't fear a thing.

"Brother Lai, I understand. I may need to trouble you for help in the future. Little brother only needs to hold on until people from my home arrive to fetch me, and this world will be completely transformed. The technology in my homeland far surpasses anything in your world."

Laisiji chuckled. "I know; you can fly. Here, only the Bird God can do such a thing. Brother Zhao, don't underestimate that Old Nine from earlier. He was originally an idle villager hired by Chief Wa, always helping Chief Wa transport furs to Flying Fish County Town and bring back salt, tea, and cooking utensils. Later, he got involved in profiteering and was fired by the chief. He stayed in Flying Fish County Town, becoming a petty gangster. Rumor has it he knows many people and is someone not to be provoked."

I nodded. "Thank you, Brother Lai. I have it in mind. Let's hear what Old Nine has to say about my wife."

Melon-Cap Old Nine licked the spittle from his lips. "Fellow villagers, who am I, Old Nine, to cheat you with a mere woman? You all saw her appearance just now. Though she is full-figured, sexy, and stern, she also possesses a charming, delicate side. I once saw her on the county office street while she was sitting at a tea stall, frowning in deep thought. That look of being lost captivated me for days. I secretly squatted beside the stall and watched her for a long time. Later, an old lady called out to her, and when she smiled sweetly, she nearly stole my soul. When that plump, firm little backside of hers lifted, the two huge mounds on her chest trembled and shook, shaking my heart along with them. I involuntarily followed her path. And then, what do you think happened?"

A group of villagers wiped their mouths and asked in unison, "What happened?"

Melon-Cap Old Nine exclaimed, "She actually entered the County Office compound! I couldn't stop my legs and followed inside, only to be kicked back out by two yamen runners. That's when I realized I had narrowly escaped trouble; turns out, she belongs to the County Magistrate!"

"Pah!" I spat inwardly. Susu was not someone fickle; I believed her. Old Nine's story hadn't been entirely useless; at least I knew Susu's whereabouts. If I could find one, why worry about the other seven disappearing? I had to go to the County Office to find Susu!

A villager shouted, "You dare set your sights on the County Magistrate's woman? Old Nine, have you run out of lives? Don't implicate us, your own kin."

Old Nine replied, "At first, I also thought she was the County Magistrate's wife or concubine, but later a brother of mine said she is the County Magistrate's goddaughter. Rumor has it the magistrate found her when he was inspecting outside the city. Some people saw her crack open from a giant egg that fell from the sky. I say, it’s most likely some goddess who descended to the mortal realm. If we startle a goddess, the world might descend into chaos."

The social system in this world was also patriarchal, where men held superiority. Although the people of Gourd Village didn't have multiple wives and concubines, based on what was heard from the county town, having three wives and four concubines was common practice, and the social morality was extremely corrupt. One only needed to look at this group of men, old and young, openly fantasizing together to see a glimpse of it.

I let out a relieved sigh. With Susu being the County Magistrate's goddaughter, I didn't have to worry about scoundrels harboring wicked intentions toward her. However, a new crisis emerged. Susu likely landed here in an escape pod, meaning the transport vessel probably malfunctioned. In that case, were the others safe? No, I couldn't wait. I had to leave for the county town immediately.

I said to Laisiji, "Brother Lai, I can't wait any longer. Can you find someone knowledgeable to tell me the route to the county town? I need to go find Susu right now."

Laisiji looked up at the sky. "You can't leave at this hour. If you must go to the county town, you have to leave early tomorrow. The nearly fifty li journey is no small matter. Furthermore, there are wild beasts on the path and the trails are deep and winding; you cannot pass safely alone. Let's discuss this further when you return home."

I sighed. I was truly too rushed. Why did I have to become a powerless pretty boy? Was Heaven deliberately testing me, putting my love and loyalty to my seven wives to the test?

The banquet finally dispersed after much waiting. Er Danzi and his father kept me behind, thanking me profusely. Although this was a world where men held supremacy, it seemed Er Danzi's wife was the true leader of their household—exceptions were everywhere.

Er Danzi's mother came out of a room and said to me, "Bird God, my wife wishes to thank you personally, but she is weak. Might the Bird God deign to enter the inner room?"

I hesitated. Although I had rashly burst into the delivery room yesterday, that was a necessary act of rescue. Entering the domain of a woman who had just given birth seemed improper. But the moment Er Danzi heard his wife requested the Bird God, he shoved me into the room. This husband was severely afraid of his wife.

Unsure if she was nursing the baby, I stood awkwardly at the doorway, head lowered, and asked, "Sister-in-law Er Dan, has your health recovered a bit?"

A weak female voice replied, "Is the Bird God here? Could you come a bit closer to speak?"

I took two steps toward the bed. I hadn't looked closely at Er Danzi's wife yesterday. Now, seeing her, though her complexion was pale, she was a decent-looking woman. Perhaps for ease of breastfeeding, she wore a loose, split-front white robe, but the casually draped clothes did little to conceal her full breasts.

I glanced away quickly in embarrassment and retracted my gaze. "Sister-in-law Er Dan, if you are well, I should take my leave. As for the 'Bird God' title, please don't mention it again; it's all just rumor. I am merely an ordinary person."

Er Danzi's wife scrutinized me closely, then suddenly blushed and laughed. "If the Bird God wasn't possessed by a god, could you have cut my baby out? You saved both of us, mother and child; we should pay our respects with a grand ceremony, but alas, my body..."

"No need, no need. Rest well now is what's most important. Cesarean section has nothing to do with the Bird God. I only told Linglong that yesterday to calm her down, otherwise, if I failed after the first cut, she would have been frightened to death."

The baby suddenly cried out loudly. I thought my voice had been too loud and was about to apologize, but then I saw Er Danzi's wife pull open her clothes. Whoa! A flash of white light revealed a pair of full, ample breasts. Er Danzi's wife cradled the baby to her side, brought the nipple to the infant's mouth, and the crying instantly stopped.

Blushing, I started to back out. "Since the baby needs to nurse, I'll go now."

Er Danzi's wife suddenly waved her hand. "Wait, Bird God, don't leave yet. I have a few things to say. What were you doing touching and cutting me yesterday, and today you just look? I really don't know what you're thinking."

This woman was truly bold. Although I knew little about their society, I had been listening intently for the past two days to learn the language, and hearing such audacious words from a married woman and mother was shocking.

I said apologetically, "Sister-in-law Er Dan, I was only trying to save a life yesterday, and I apologize for the intrusion. I hope you won't take it to heart. I believe Brother Er Danzi will understand."

Er Danzi's wife snorted. "He dares not! This time I bore him a son; he must listen to whatever I say, ha ha. What is the Bird God's name?"

I kept my head down. "My name is Zhao Qian. Please stop calling me Bird God from now on. In my hometown, the word 'bird'—ahem—carries a somewhat derogatory meaning."

Er Danzi's wife chuckled sweetly, and the two large white globes on her chest shook along with her laughter. The baby perhaps wasn't latching properly and cried out again. Er Danzi's wife simply opened her robe completely, revealing the full glory of her cleavage. She picked up her son and changed positions, and only then did the crying stop.

"Is your hometown far from here? Hehe, Zhao Qian, you had better keep the title of Bird God. That way, idle outsiders won't have anything to say. Otherwise, if they think you are just an ordinary person, and what you did to me yesterday evening... well, it might be improper."

I couldn't figure her out. This woman seemed bold, yet now she was acting coy. If she was coy, why did she show me her chest without reservation? I should leave quickly; Susu’s breasts were far more beautiful than hers, no need to stay here in awkwardness.

"Sister-in-law Er Dan, I understand. Little brother truly has urgent matters. I must take my leave now." Saying this, I ignored Er Danzi's wife's attempt to make me stay and left the room. Dali Wan was standing outside, holding a basin filled with a white, soupy liquid.

I asked in confusion, "What is this? You're full, but you’re taking a basin of soup back?"

Dali Wan grinned foolishly. "This is a treasure! If we hadn't followed Brother Zhao Qian, we wouldn't get to drink this. Only the chief and a few elders of status are allowed to consume it."

On the way back from bidding farewell to Er Danzi's family, I asked Laisiji, "What is this soup? Why is it so prestigious?"

Laisiji uttered a term I didn't understand, then painstakingly explained it to me. When I finally grasped that it was the placenta from Er Danzi's wife's womb, I nearly threw up the lunch I had just eaten. I knew the placenta was a good thing—it could be made into medicine or high-grade tonic—but emotionally, I couldn't accept it. I had explicitly told Linglong to throw that stuff away, and unexpectedly, they had made soup out of it.

The four men had barely settled back into the three small thatched huts when Linglong’s mother, who had assisted me with the C-section yesterday, came looking for me. I wasn't in the mood to deal with her. I was about to discuss heading to the county town early tomorrow morning with Old Man Lai and Laisiji, but little Linglong was unreasonable and dragged me to the doorway.

"Bird God..."

I interrupted Linglong. "Call me Zhao Qian, or I'm leaving right now."

"Zhao... Zhao Qian, my father invites you to dinner tonight."

"I'm not going. I’m waiting to rescue someone and have no time."

"My father rarely invites people to dine," Linglong explained with a touch of anger.

"I truly can't go. I must leave for the county town tomorrow to rescue a very important person. Thank you for your father's kind invitation." With that, I ignored Linglong and turned back into the hut. Laisiji was right; I shouldn't mention that seven of the eight women were my wives in front of outsiders, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"You..." Linglong stomped her foot behind me in anger. "Damn Bird Zhao Qian! I advertised you so highly to the villagers, and you... you're not a good person!"

At this moment, I had no energy to pretend to be a good person in front of her mother. My wife Susu! I might see her tomorrow. Thinking of her voluptuous, captivating figure, thinking of her soft moans in my embrace, an unbearable itch rose in my heart for some reason. My little brother seemed to stir restlessly. My superpowers were gone, but thankfully, the power of my little brother should remain undiminished.

Of course, I wasn't foolish enough to go to Flying Fish County Town alone. But Old Man Lai had never been to the county town, let alone his two sons. Seeking help from Chief Wa might mean he was still angry. If he decided to use that torture device again, it would be troublesome. But without someone to guide the way to the county town, it was disastrous. This wasn't contemporary Earth where one could just follow a main road. According to what Old Man Lai heard from the fur traders, the terrain was extremely complicated, and only those who had traveled it two or three times could reach the town safely.

"Are you going to the county town? Hehe... that road is tricky. With my experience of having walked it three times, giving you some guidance shouldn't be impossible." Just as the four of us were at a loss, someone spoke from outside the window.

Good heavens, little Linglong hadn't left but was eavesdropping outside. I pulled open the door. "Come in, come in, and tell us in detail."

Who knew that Linglong wouldn't obey me? Instead, she looked up at the sky. "My father is still waiting for someone at home. If I take too long, I can't guarantee I won't forget the way to the city."

It seemed I had no choice but to go drink this tea, otherwise, we would have to beg Chief Wa's people. But I had just had a falling out with him yesterday, and I still hadn't returned his precious knife; he certainly wouldn't help us now. What if he deliberately misled us?

I said to Old Man Lai and the other two, "I'll go have a word."

Old Man Lai said, "Linglong's father, Chang Feng, is the literate teacher in our village. He is broad-minded and often takes Linglong with Chief Wa's entourage to and from the county town. If he guides us, we won't have trouble getting out of the mountains."

I left the hut and said to Linglong, "Let's go. If you go back on your word, be careful I don't cut you."

Linglong stuck out her tongue at me. "Are you trying to scare me? You're the Bird God; you only save people, you don't harm them."

"That's not certain. If someone offends me, I will certainly harm them."

Linglong seemed slightly afraid of me. "I haven't offended you, have I? I spoke many good words about you in front of the villagers today."

My calling Linglong's father 'Chang Feng' was quite appropriate. He was tall and thin, wearing clothes looser than ordinary villagers, and sported a long beard. Standing at the door against the wind, he truly had an air of an immortal sage.

"The Bird God has arrived. I, Chang Feng, have been waiting a long time."

I couldn't tell if I was truly immersing myself in the ancient setting of the Great Dragon Kingdom, or if people here just enjoyed flowery language. I could only follow Chang Feng's lead and offer a slight bow. "Uncle Chang Feng, you are too polite. Here is a pair of pig ears, a gift to honor you, elder."

Chang Feng, Linglong's father, visibly froze. He didn't take the two pig ears I had pilfered from Dali Wan's house. He turned back to look at Linglong standing behind me, his face full of confusion. Linglong’s pretty face flushed red. She snatched the pig ears wrapped in a large leaf from my hand. "Why would you give such a gift as pig ears? I... I am so young; I don't want to get married yet."

I was stunned. What did giving pig ears have to do with her getting married? Chang Feng, seeing my own look of confusion, burst into hearty laughter. "Bird God, you don't know our village custom! Offering pig ears is a sign of proposing marriage! I have only this precious daughter; frankly, I am reluctant to part with her."

I jumped in alarm and quickly tried to snatch the pig ears back from Linglong's grasp. "I didn't mean that! Truly, Uncle Chang Feng, I didn't know about this custom here."

Linglong protected the pig ears in her hand when she saw me reaching for them. "What? Zhao Qian, am I not worthy of you?"

Uncle Chang Feng’s face hardened. "Linglong, you must not be foolish! Since the Bird God didn't know the custom, it doesn't count."

After Uncle Chang Feng said that, I became more composed and stopped chasing the pig ears. "Uncle Chang Feng is right; the ignorant should not be blamed. I heard that you often travel to the county town with Chief Wa's fur brigade. I need to go to the county town tomorrow to find a very important friend. Could Uncle Chang Feng possibly point out the mountain path for me?"

"Come inside and talk. I also have questions for you."

Linglong's home was not like the homes of the other three men. Although they were also thatched huts, this one held a different sense of quietude, a touch more comfort. There were calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls. Finally, I saw the writing of this planet—characters that were ugly and looked like stones. Although I could speak their language, I could not read a single character.

A woman with a pleasant appearance emerged gracefully from the inner chamber and placed a plate of dishes on the dining table. Judging by her looks, she must be Linglong’s mother, but Chang Feng didn't introduce her to me. This confirmed that the status of women in his home was indeed low. Old Man Lai had said he was broad-minded; perhaps the patriarchal influence from the city had made him even more stubborn. However, since he had taken Linglong to the county town three times, he must still dote on his child somewhat.

Politely, I rose to greet Aunt Changfeng, and Linglong’s mother smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. After serving the food, she took her daughter back to the inner room. Uncle Changfeng raised his stone cup. “Come, Lord Bird God, let me toast you first.”

“Forget it, Uncle Changfeng. I’m no Bird God. Just call me Zhao Qian. I’m really not used to that ‘Bird God’ title.”

“Zhao Qian? That’s a strange name.”

I thought to myself, this name is perfectly normal. I actually think the names here are the strange ones.

Uncle Changfeng asked, “Zhao Qian, are you truly not the Bird God descended to earth?”

I countered, “Uncle Changfeng, is this Bird God very powerful? Have you ever seen him? Could it be that the ancients here mistook old spacecraft for gods? Is it possible there’s a super-civilization here too?”

Uncle Changfeng replied, “The Bird God? None of us have ever seen him, but the fact that birds can fly in the sky—how magical is that? If they aren't gods, how else can it be explained? You told others you flew here, and although we haven't seen your actual flight, you certainly emerged from the depths of the forest. Unless you were naturally birthed by the forest, we can only believe you flew in from the outside and were discovered by Daliwan.”

I explained, “Uncle Changfeng, the fact that birds fly has a natural scientific reason. It’s not supported by any supernatural power. Besides having wings, their bones are light and hollow, filled with air, and their muscles are strong and powerful—this allows them to better overcome the planet’s gravitational center and soar in the sky. In fact, as long as we have enough motive power to overcome a planet’s internal gravity, we humans can also fly unaided.”

Changfeng clearly couldn't grasp these concepts immediately. It seemed the backwardness here was truly unusual. He stroked his beard and mused, “Science? Gravity? Motive power? Can humans truly fly like birds?”

I affirmed, “Yes. You mentioned it yourself just now—I was discovered by Daliwan after flying into the forest. It’s just that my aircraft malfunctioned midway. Tomorrow, I need to go to the town to find friends, and also see if I can get the aircraft repaired. If you’re interested then, Uncle Changfeng, I can take you for a tour of the sky.”

“Really!” Changfeng, in his forties, looked at me with wide, curious eyes like a child. I continued, “Really. But Uncle Changfeng, you first need to tell me how to get to the county seat. Only after finding someone to fix the spaceship can I take you up into the heavens.”

Changfeng was captivated by my promise. Thinking about soaring in the sky like a bird—what an exciting prospect that would be! His face flushed deeply. “I’ll take you to the county seat myself. The mountain path twists and turns, and there are wild beasts. I wouldn’t feel safe letting you go alone.”

The inner door opened, and Linglong and her mother stepped out to intervene. “Absolutely not. You aren't well enough for a long journey.”

I exclaimed in surprise, “So Uncle Changfeng isn't feeling well? Then he certainly shouldn't travel far.”

Changfeng looked troubled. Having traveled the road to the county seat, he knew there was a degree of danger; otherwise, the villagers would have long since gone to the city themselves to trade furs. Linglong saw her father wavering and said, “Father, let me take Zhao Qian to the county seat. I’ve gone with you three times; I know the way even with my eyes closed. Besides, the fur caravans of Clan Leader Wa have worn a path over these years; if we follow their footprints, we won't get lost.”

Changfeng countered, “Knowing the way isn't enough. Someone needs to protect you along the way. There are wild beasts on the road. Even though it’s only a half-day trip, one moment of carelessness could cost a life.”

I assured him, “Uncle Changfeng, you don't need to worry about that. I plan to leave with Daliwan and the Raisky brothers.”

Changfeng nodded. “That’s good, that’s good. With that brute Daliwan protecting you, I am relieved. Come, let’s continue drinking, the two of us.”

This wine, which resembled coconut juice, was indeed delicious. Furthermore, I had already learned from Raisky that it was brewed from a type of sweet fruit and was called 'Drunken Immortal Wine'—a wine, they claimed, potent enough to intoxicate even a Bird God like me. I hadn't drunk much at noon because I was worried about Cheng Susu, but knowing I would be reunited with my wife tomorrow made me happy. Combined with Changfeng’s constant encouragement, I ended up quite inebriated.

In the course of our drinking and talking, I discovered that Uncle Changfeng, who possessed an air of immortal wisdom, was actually a capable young man—no, middle-aged—whose talents had gone unrecognized. In his youth, he had studied in the county seat and learned what they considered advanced culture. He originally aspired to serve the Twin Cities Nation, but alas, the cosmic bureaucracy was as corrupt as anywhere else, and no one wanted their own position threatened. In a fit of anger, Changfeng returned to the village with his wife to live in seclusion. After Linglong was born shortly after, he became even more reluctant to leave the village. However, once someone harbors grand ambitions, nostalgia is inevitable. Thus, he occasionally accompanied the fur teams into the city to observe the current state of the world.

The Twin Cities Nation was a landlocked country famous for producing beautiful women. Among its known neighboring nations were the Jin State and the Ten Thousand Horse Nation. The Jin State was renowned for its metallurgy, while the Ten Thousand Horse Nation was famous throughout the land for its swift horses.

I had initially assumed that the horses here were similar to the pigs I had ridden recently, imagining the scene of ten thousand pigs stampeding must be magnificent. Unexpectedly, after Changfeng’s explanation, I learned that the horses of the Ten Thousand Horse Nation were a species fundamentally similar to the horses on Earth. However, the Ten Thousand Horse Nation was intensely proud of its horses and refused to introduce this rare species to the Twin Cities Nation, often using their horses to raid property and women along the border of the Twin Cities Nation.

Due to the difficult roads and the insular nature of the Twin Cities Nation, beyond these two bordering countries, the vast remainder of the border was unclaimed territory. No one explored those regions to see if other nations or human settlements existed, as the two known neighboring nations already kept the current emperor constantly vexed.

The Jin State was a nation the Twin Cities dared not offend in the slightest. Although they frequently infringed upon the Twin Cities, all of its ironware, including weaponry, was supplied by them. To fight them would be courting disaster. As for the Ten Thousand Horse Nation, a few hundred cavalrymen were far too formidable for the Twin Cities Nation's infantry armed with wooden clubs.

Changfeng, fueled by the wine, inquired about my origins. “Nephew Zhao,” in the span of time it took to discuss everything under the sun, our relationship had suddenly grown closer, “where exactly do you come from? And where are you headed?”

I initially considered offering a cryptic Buddhist phrase—that I came from where I came and was going where I was going—but I feared the elderly man wouldn't comprehend the profound depth of Chinese phrases. So, I answered honestly: “Uncle Changfeng, it’s not that I wish to hide anything, but the place I came from is simply inconceivable within your understanding. It is incredibly far, so far that you cannot possibly imagine it, so far that the very craft I used to fly could not reach it—it required a special passage to arrive here. My eight friends were lost in your world when the ship crashed. I am here to find them, and then we will return to our homeland together.”

Changfeng stroked his beard and pondered. “So far that even the vessel you used for flying couldn’t reach it—I truly cannot imagine. But I understand. You will eventually leave here, disappearing from our world once you have accomplished what you must.”

I nodded. “Yes, Uncle Changfeng, I will leave here, but I will return soon. And when I come back again, I will bring advanced technology for you. Then, you won't treat a piece of scrap iron as a divine blade, nor will you use a pig as a horse. I will build great towers for you and bring crops suitable for cultivation. You won’t need to struggle by hunting to survive; you can simply operate machinery to grow grain to meet all your needs.”

Changfeng chuckled. “Can what you speak of really come to pass? Still, I don't need to go hunting. Teaching a few village children to read at home earns me enough to eat. Last spring, I also cleared an acre of wasteland. Though the yield is small, it’s enough for two women if we are frugal.”

I dared not speak too much of the future. After all, I couldn't even secure my own safety right now. The future would wait for the future. The most pressing matter was finding Cheng Susu, and then investigating the whereabouts of the other women. Once all eight were found, hopefully, the ship would be repaired, and then we could all happily go home. After that, I could consider the development and construction here.

Changfeng took a sip of wine and hesitated. “My young daughter mentioned that Nephew has a real divine blade. Yesterday, you used it to cut the Clan Leader’s divine blade and then sliced open Erdanzi’s wife’s belly, delivering the child safely from within. If it's not too much to ask, could this old man be permitted to look upon it?”

So, Changfeng invited me to drink just to see the blade? Then this meal was a huge gain! Although it was just ordinary wild vegetables and foraged food, it tasted fragrant to me. Letting him see the blade in exchange for a meal—that was worth it.

I took out my military knife and handed it to Changfeng. “Uncle Changfeng is exaggerating. Please, take a good look. It’s just an ordinary knife, nothing as mysterious as you imagine.”

Though I said that, Changfeng still took the knife with extreme care, turning it over and examining it meticulously, almost as if he were about to test its edge on some wood or scrape an iron pot. “A good knife, truly a good knife. Unlike the Clan Leader’s impractical object, which only boasts a glittering exterior, this is the true divine blade. Look at the hardness of this edge; I fear even the Ten Great Artifacts of the Jin State might not match it.”

So, the Jin State had Ten Great Artifacts? I ought to see them given the chance. I wonder if they are as unimpressive when tested as Clan Leader Wa’s piece of scrap iron. Changfeng then asked, “Where did Nephew learn the magic of cutting the abdomen to deliver the child? I have read some ancient medical texts, but none mention such a marvelous technique.”

I replied, “Uncle Changfeng, that is called a Caesarean section. It is very popular in my hometown. Many young women are afraid of the pain, so when labor nears, they go to the hospital and have the baby cut out with a knife. I only looked into related information because my own wife was approaching her delivery time. Yesterday evening was pure luck; it probably has a lot to do with the constitution of the people here as well. The fact that Erdanzi’s wife bled so much and survived is a miracle.”

Changfeng blinked in surprise. “So, Nephew is already married in his hometown?”

I scratched my scalp. “Well, we haven’t had the ceremony yet; we just live together.”

“What!” Changfeng shot to his feet. “How can you live together without performing the grand rites? And she bore your child! This, this, this is heresy! A man may have three wives and five concubines, but this sort of illicit cohabitation is absolutely forbidden! You shouldn't ruin a young girl’s reputation!”

I was soundly scolded by Changfeng and couldn't offer a single rebuttal. Indeed, living with the women under ambiguous circumstances was unfair to them. But now, as the Chairman of the Earth Federation, to suddenly take twenty-plus wives home—wasn't that reckless behavior? Should I encourage my subordinates to follow suit? It completely conflicted with the current system on Earth.

My silence seemed to sober Changfeng. He respectfully set down my military knife and bowed deeply. “Nephew, please forgive me. I was too hasty just now, trying to restrain you with local etiquette, which is ridiculous. I beg your pardon, I sincerely beg your pardon.”

I quickly helped Changfeng stand up. “Uncle Changfeng, actually, your lecture was correct. It’s just that… I have my own difficulties to explain. But as soon as I find my eight friends and get them home safely this time, I will certainly marry them with full ceremony!”

Changfeng stroked his short beard, looking me over from side to side. “Nephew is not an ordinary mortal; naturally, he shouldn't be judged by worldly standards. You are destined for great achievements in the future. I just wonder which fortunate woman will marry into the Zhao family.”

I had drunk quite a bit tonight, and Linglong’s mother had mentioned earlier that Changfeng was feeling unwell, so I shouldn't linger. After arranging the departure time with Linglong for the next day, I left with a floating gait and headed home. Linglong walked me to the door. “Zhao Qian, do—do you really have a wife in your hometown?”

It seemed little Linglong had overheard our conversation. I stammered, “Of—of course! I’ll introduce one to you tomorrow.”

Linglong’s expression dimmed. “You’re drunk. Go back and rest early. Don't let it delay tomorrow’s journey.”

When I returned home, only Daliwan and Old Man Lai were there. Raisky must have gone out somewhere. The three of us agreed on our wake-up time for the next day and then dispersed to sleep.

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