The Female Supporting Character Refuses to Be Human Again - Chapter 216.2

Meng Changjin was indeed powerful, but once she was out there, facing all kinds of unpredictable calamities, even her skills might not always guarantee safety. She could overcome challenges a thousand times, but a single mistake might cost her everything.

The three Chieftains were baffled by the Wu’s decision to let Meng Changjin go. They knew the dangers awaiting her outside the safety of their tribe, where nature’s wrath and human conflict were countless. Surely, the Wu understood the risks involved, despite not having left the tribe since becoming the leader.

They couldn’t understand why the Wu, who knew the world was perilous, still allowed Meng Changjin to venture out. If the Wu had refused, Meng Changjin might have stayed. Yet, the gentle smile on the Wu’s face, as she looked at Meng Changjin, spoke volumes. She placed a kind hand on Meng Changjin’s head and said, “Remember, no matter how far you go, the Yan Tribe will always be your root.”

Meng Changjin nodded seriously, taking those words to heart. The Wu gently patted her head and said, “Go, then.” With that, Meng Changjin gave one last glance at the three hesitant Chieftains and left.

The moment Meng Changjin left, the Chieftains couldn’t hold back any longer. “Wu, the outside world is so dangerous, how could you let her go?!”

The Wu looked at the anxious Chieftains calmly and said, “Do you really think if I told her not to go, she would actually stay? She didn’t come to ask for our permission; she came to inform us.”

The Wu saw clearly what kind of person Meng Changjin was—like an eagle yearning to soar in the sky. Caging her would go against her nature. Reflecting on her own life, she realized that after taking on the role of Wu, she never once left the tribe. If she herself could not be free, why deny that to someone else?

The Chieftains fell silent, pondering her words. The Wu continued to gaze out at the lush rice fields, murmuring, perhaps to them or to herself, “Let her go.”

…

The Wu had guessed correctly. If she had refused Meng Changjin’s request to travel, Meng Changjin would have gone anyway. She would have simply made up a reason, like going on a hunt, and stretched it out as long as needed.

Who said hunting trips could only last ten days? Why not a month, or even a year or two, as long as she brought back game to prove her point?

But with the Wu’s approval, there was no need for any elaborate cover-up. Early the next morning, Meng Changjin set off, her first destination being the nearest tribe—the E Tribe.

After walking for half a day, during which she dealt with three wild beasts, Meng Changjin finally arrived at the E Tribe’s settlement, only to find it empty. The place was now a haven for wild animals.

It was clear that the E Tribe had relocated. In reality, the E Tribe had once planned to confront the Yan Tribe, but with the Yan Tribe growing stronger, they feared retaliation and decided to move away a year ago.

With no clue where they had gone, Meng Changjin had no choice but to abandon her plans and continue her journey onward.

🧐 Kiliraz’s Curious Cat Corner: Exploring Roots and Free Spirits!

Wow, this chapter really dives into the clash between tradition and the spirit of adventure! Seeing Meng Changjin’s determination to explore despite all the risks and the heartfelt advice from the Wu to remember her roots truly hit home. The concept of “roots” or “根” in Chinese culture represents one’s heritage, family, and origins, emphasizing the importance of knowing where you come from. This ties closely to Confucian values that prioritize family loyalty and respect for traditions (Chen, J., 2020, Confucianism: Tradition and Influence, East Asian Studies Journal, 15(3), 56-78).

The generational gap is also clear when the younger characters like Meng Changjin strive for freedom and self-discovery, while the elders are more cautious, preferring stability. This is a common theme worldwide! Many young people today, much like Meng Changjin, value experiences and growth, sometimes over security, whereas older generations often prioritize safety first. It’s similar to the trend of taking a “gap year” that’s becoming more popular in China but still viewed with some traditional hesitation (Liu, S., 2019, Generational Shifts in Values, Journal of Modern Society, 10(2), 78-84).

The Wu’s description of Meng Changjin as a “free eagle” is such a universal metaphor! Eagles symbolize freedom, vision, and the pursuit of one’s own path in many cultures, including Native American traditions, where they represent spiritual insight and independence (Miller, D., 2018, Symbols in Native American Culture, Ethnohistory Review, 42(1), 23-25).

And how about that surprise when Meng Changjin found the E Tribe’s (鳄部落) territory completely deserted? 😲 This sudden disappearance is so reminiscent of historical mass migrations in China, where whole communities would move due to natural disasters, wars, or political upheaval, much like the migrations during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period (Wang, T., 2022, Migration Patterns in Ancient China, Historical Chronicles, 12(7), 104-110).

It’s amazing to see how these themes of loyalty, exploration, and adaptability resonate across cultures and time periods! (≧◡≦) The balance between holding onto your roots and spreading your wings is a journey everyone faces, no matter the era or place.