The Female Supporting Character Refuses to Be Human Again - Chapter 207.1

“Alright, I’ll go with you to the river,” one of the hunters said after a moment of hesitation. “The quicker we wash up, the sooner we can return.”

The other hunter nodded in agreement, adding, “You two go ahead. I’ll handle the Striped Beast’s carcass. Once you get back, we’ll relocate immediately.”

Meng Changjin tried not to let her frustration show. She had staged this whole scene just to create an excuse to slip away alone. If she had to go with one of them, her plan to scout and gather resources in private would fall apart!

“That’s not necessary,” Meng Changjin insisted, flashing a smile. “One person handling a beast this size would take too long. It’d be better if both of you take care of it while I quickly rinse off.”

The two hunters exchanged a look, their brows furrowing in concern. “No,” they said in unison. “It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.”

Meng Changjin gave them a calm, confident smile. “I defeated the Striped Beast all by myself, remember? I’ll be fine.”

The realization dawned on them. Meng Changjin had indeed just taken down that massive beast with her own hands—a feat that proved her strength was far beyond theirs. After a moment’s hesitation, they nodded reluctantly. “Alright then, but be quick. We need to leave this area before more predators arrive.”

“Understood,” Meng Changjin said with a nod, suppressing her excitement at finally being able to go out on her own.

Keeping her face neutral, Meng Changjin left the cave and swiftly moved out of their sight. Once she was far enough away, she used her spiritual energy to shake off all traces of the blood from her clothes and skin. There was no need to waste time actually washing up at the river—that had just been a convenient excuse.

Finding a hidden spot, Meng Changjin reached into her spiritual storage space and pulled out a few valuable items. She wrapped them in large leaves she gathered from nearby, then splashed a bit of water on herself to make it look like she’d washed. Once she felt everything was in order, she headed back to the cave.

When Meng Changjin returned, the two hunters had already made good progress on processing the Striped Beast. They’d divided it into two halves, gutting it quickly to prepare for transport. In the wild, it’s better not to break down a kill into too many pieces; smaller parts can easily get lost or attract scavengers.

Seeing Meng Changjin safe and sound, the hunters heaved a sigh of relief and gestured for her to follow them. Each one hoisted up half of the beast’s massive carcass, handling the weight as if it were nothing.

“We’re really leaving this place just like that?” Meng Changjin asked as they began their trek to a new location. “What if the Chieftains come back here and run into the beasts drawn by the blood?”

“No need to worry,” one of the hunters replied. “We’ve left clear marks nearby. The Chieftains will see them and join us at the new cave.”

As they spoke, Meng Changjin marveled at the hunters’ strength. They were carrying almost as much as an entire bull, yet they didn’t even seem out of breath. It was a stark reminder that even the women of the Yan Tribe had incredible physical strength, thanks to the mystical flame that boosted their power.

Meng Changjin couldn’t help but click her tongue in appreciation. That flame was truly something special! It seemed to amplify not just their weapons but their bodies as well. Still, as tempting as it was to try to take a piece of that fire for herself, she knew she had to respect its significance to the tribe.

After all, her mission was tied to the flame. The quest to keep the flame alive and the tribe thriving took precedence over her personal ambitions. If she messed up and let the flame go out, all her efforts would have been for nothing. No matter how alluring the flame’s power, the risk wasn’t worth losing sight of her true goal.

As they walked, the hunters’ steps were light and fast, even with the heavy load. Meng Changjin followed, the bundle in her hands weighing almost nothing in comparison. They continued at a steady pace until the hunters finally slowed down, approaching a hidden cave camouflaged by thick vines.

With practiced ease, the hunters pushed aside the curtain of greenery and entered the cave. Once they were inside, the vines fell back into place, concealing the entrance once more. Meng Changjin followed them in, pulling back the vines and stepping into the dimly lit space.

Inside, the two halves of the Striped Beast were set down, and the cave fell silent for a moment. After catching their breath, the hunters wasted no time and began setting up a fire.

The cave was dark, but as soon as the flames sparked to life, the entire area brightened, casting dancing shadows on the rocky walls. The glow brought a sense of warmth and safety as they prepared to settle in for their next steps.

🌿 Kliraz’s Curious Cat Corner: “Survival Smarts and Secret Plans! (¬‿¬)”

Let’s take a moment to talk about Meng Changjin’s clever maneuvering in this chapter! (≧▽≦) Her quick thinking and tactical moves aren’t just about tricking her companions—they reveal a lot about survival instincts honed over time. It’s all about making sure she has the space to operate on her own terms without drawing too much attention. Just like in ancient hunter-gatherer societies, knowing when to blend in and when to stand out can make all the difference.

In traditional Chinese strategy, there’s a concept known as “Zhi Da Ye Ming” (知大也明), which translates to “understanding the bigger picture makes you wise.” It’s the art of seeing the long game rather than just the immediate action, much like the strategic thinking seen in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. Meng Changjin’s actions show this wisdom perfectly—she knows when to act boldly and when to step back, all to achieve her goals without raising suspicion. (^‿^) (Sawyer, R.D. (1994). The Art of War. Basic Books.)

But this kind of tactical thinking isn’t just a Chinese trait! In Indigenous cultures like those of the Native Americans, survival often depended on understanding both the land and the mindset of one’s prey or even fellow tribespeople. Whether in scouting missions or hunting tactics, their ability to blend in with the environment and outthink their opponents often determined their success. This way of moving unnoticed, acting with a purpose, is very much like how Meng Changjin uses her spiritual abilities to shake off the blood and sneak in a bit of resource-gathering. (˵ •̀ ᴗ – ˵ )✧ (Nabokov, P. (1989). Native American Testimony: A Chronicle of Indian-White Relations. Viking.)

Even in today’s world, these strategies still apply, whether you’re navigating the politics of the workplace or pulling off a smooth side hustle! Sometimes, knowing when to play it cool and when to step up is the key to getting ahead without setting off any alarms. So, when life gives you a Striped Beast, remember Meng Changjin’s strategy—keep your moves smart, your intentions quiet, and your ultimate goal in sight! (¬‿¬)