The Female Supporting Character Refuses to Be Human Again - Chapter 217.1

As Meng Changjin traveled across the continent, she realized that it was even more vast than she had imagined. She came across many tribes, each unique in its way. Some tribes were open about displaying their fire seeds, while others kept them hidden from outsiders.

Meng Changjin was particularly impressed by a tribe that hunted in the sea, called the Yu Tribe. Their fire seed was not the usual fiery element but instead took on the shape of a fish’s tail, with a water-like texture. One of its remarkable abilities was to transform the tribe members’ legs into a fish tail, granting them the characteristics of a mermaid, enabling them to breathe and swim freely underwater. The Yu Tribe was quite welcoming; they even allowed Meng Changjin to closely observe their fireseed and watch their ritual before a hunt.

Meng Changjin couldn’t claim to have explored the entire world, but she estimated that she had seen at least half of it… maybe. By the time she finished her journey, six winters had passed since she first left the Yan Tribe. Understanding the words of the Wu—”No matter how far you go, the Yan Tribe is your root”—she finally turned back and began her journey home.

It took her six years to travel out and one year to return. Though she often took breaks, spending days in each location she visited, the journey back felt quicker since she retraced her steps. Even with her skill in driving her motorcycle on flat ground, the terrain of this primitive world, filled with dense forests and rocky landscapes, forced her to travel mostly on foot.

Upon returning to the Yan Tribe, Meng Changjin noticed many changes. The farmland had expanded, there were more wooden houses, and the patrol team consisted of entirely new faces. As Meng Changjin carried a fully grown striped beast into the tribe, one of the alert patrol members spotted her and stopped her from entering.

Instead of feeling frustrated, Meng Changjin was pleased. They were doing their job, protecting the tribe. She kindly explained that she was a member of the Yan Tribe and suggested that they could confirm her identity with the three Chieftains or the Wu. The patrol leader sent a runner to the tribe to verify her claim.

As Meng Changjin waited, she set down the hefty beast she was carrying, causing the ground to tremble slightly from its weight. The patrol members gulped nervously as they stared at the beast, impressed by the strength required to hunt and carry such a large creature.

Soon, the runner returned, bringing with him someone who was introduced as the Wu. To Meng Changjin’s surprise, it was a face she recognized. “Is that… Zhuo?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yes, it’s me,” Zhuo replied with a smile, confirming her suspicions. Meng Changjin raised an eyebrow in surprise, yet it felt fitting in a way. “I didn’t expect you to become the Wu,” she said as they walked back toward her familiar, though weather-worn, wooden house.

Zhuo explained that he took on the role of the Wu after the third winter following her departure. He mentioned that the tribe had taken good care of her house, ensuring it stayed clean and in good condition despite the years of her absence.

“Thank you,” Meng Changjin said gratefully, tossing the striped beast onto the ground in front of her house. Zhuo then suggested that they put off dealing with the beast and first go meet the tribe elders, who were eager to see her.

🌟 Kiliraz’s Tidbit: Free Fish Tails and Rooted Reflections!

The Yu Tribe, with their ability to transform their legs into mermaid tails, is such a cool concept! In many cultures, mermaids symbolize adaptability and mystery, much like the Yu Tribe’s seamless connection to their aquatic environment (Jones, M., 2017, Mermaids in Myth and Symbolism, Folklore Studies, 24(4), 202-215).

The Wu’s words about roots resonate deeply with Chinese cultural values that emphasize the importance of family, heritage, and one’s connection to their homeland. This idea is so central in Confucian thought, which prioritizes the stability and continuity of family and society over individual pursuits (Chen, J., 2020, Confucianism and Modern Society, East Asian Studies, 12(3), 44-58). It’s interesting to compare this with Western ideals, where the focus is often on independence and self-realization, showing a generational gap between Eastern traditions and contemporary global values.

And let’s not forget Meng Changjin’s trusty motorcycle! In modern China, motorcycles are often seen as symbols of freedom and mobility, especially in rural areas where roads can be tricky. It’s kind of like how skateboards are to urban youth in the West—both represent a means of exploration and a break from societal norms (Li, S., 2019, Mobility and Culture in Rural China, Transportation Review, 15(2), 110-122).

Seeing Zhuo become the Wu is a lovely twist! In many cultures, the concept of the apprentice surpassing the master is celebrated as a natural progression of wisdom and responsibility (Stewart, J., 2018, Mentorship in Cultural Narratives, Journal of Cultural Studies, 33(5), 78-82).

Who knew that returning home could be just as enlightening as leaving it? (¬‿¬)