After making breakfast and feeding the little ones, Hu Jiao Jiao hadn’t even gone to find the chief before he arrived at her doorstep with a group of beastmen.

Holding a handful of small black fruits, the chief looked at her, both hopeful and concerned. “Hu Jiao Jiao, we found these salt fruits, just like you described,” he said.

She glanced at them, recognizing them immediately—they looked exactly like the salt fruits she’d seen yesterday. This time, however, each fruit was attached to a thin branch, forming clusters on longer stems, but the branches were sparse, as if many fruits had already been picked.

Before she could speak, the chief continued with a sigh, “But we only found three salt fruit trees. Most of the fruits had already been eaten by wild animals, so this is all that was left….”

He tried to look on the bright side. “It’s not a lot, but better than nothing.”

Hu Jiao Jiao nodded, her gaze thoughtful. She hadn’t expected this; it seemed salt fruit trees were rare here. No wonder the tribe had to trade with sea beastmen to obtain salt. If the forest were full of salt fruits, the tribe would have found them long ago.

“It’s alright, Chief. These salt fruits will be enough,” she said with a smile, her eyes brightening. “I know where we can find plenty of salt.”

Her words stunned everyone. Outside her home, more beastmen had gathered, curious to see the “salty” fruit for themselves. Originally, hearing that there wasn’t much, they had been preparing to leave, disappointed. But her sudden announcement sent a thrill through the crowd.

The group erupted with questions:

“Is it true? You know where there’s salt?”

“Where is it? Enough for us to survive the winter?”

“Hu Jiao Jiao is blessed by the Beast God! She’s saved the tribe many times already. Of course I believe her!”

The chief, barely containing his excitement, asked, “Jiaojiao, where is this place?”

Recalling the fox and dragon cries she had heard in her dream, Hu Jiao Jiao reasoned that the lake filled with salt flowers must be in the west, based on the direction of the sunrise in her dream.

“There’s a large lake in the west, covered with salt crystals that look like flowers. These ‘salt flowers’ can be used in place of salt,” she explained, her voice steady. “It’s likely high up, maybe on a mountain….”

The chief’s eyes widened, his face practically glowing with joy as he trembled with excitement. “I’ll send a team to find these salt flowers immediately!”

Hu Jiao Jiao nodded, hiding a smirk. She almost felt like a spiritual guide, delivering visions and instructions, complete with stories of dreams sent by the Beast God. She was grateful that the tribe believed her so readily.

“However…” she hesitated, recalling how the previous salt had mysteriously dissolved in the cave, “Chief, once we find these salt flowers, we’ll need to store them very carefully to prevent them from melting again.”

Who knew how far the lake was or what dangers they might face on the way?

The chief nodded gravely. “You’re right; this time, we’ll make sure no moisture touches it.”

“By the way,” Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t help but ask, “Chief, did anyone investigate why the salt in the cave melted? Was it just because of the cave’s humidity?”

He sighed, looking weary. “I looked into it. The damp cave ceiling caused condensation to drip onto the salt, dissolving it overnight.”

“I see,” she replied, her doubts fading.

“I’ll gather the beastmen and have them search for the salt flowers. Jiaojiao, how many do you think we should send?” the chief asked, deferring to her judgment.

It was the busiest time of autumn, with resources to gather, potatoes to tend, and charcoal to prepare. Thinking it over, she said, “Seven or eight should be enough. They should be strong and able to handle the terrain and defend themselves if necessary.”

“Understood,” the chief agreed readily.

At that moment, a timid voice spoke from the crowd, “Is it wise to search for salt flowers based on a dream? It might be too hasty….”

The other beastmen, initially ready to retort, turned to see the speaker was the delicate-looking female, Huang Yue, and softened their expressions. Her words had simply reflected her concern for their safety.

“I don’t mean to doubt; I just worry that someone might get hurt,” she murmured apologetically, and the men were quick to excuse her. How could they be upset with someone so gentle?

Seeing an opportunity, Mother Lu stepped forward with a face full of resentment toward Hu Jiao Jiao. “She’s right! What if something happens because of this wild goose chase? Will you take responsibility?” she demanded.

She sneered, her tone bitter, “Flowers that taste like salt—who’s ever heard of that? I certainly haven’t. Foxes are known for their tricks and lies!”

Mother Lu had always held a grudge against Hu Jiao Jiao. Now that she saw an opening, she wasn’t about to let it go.

Huang Yue slipped back into the crowd, hiding her satisfaction at the trouble unfolding.

“I don’t see why we should listen to her. Ever since she started having these so-called ‘visions,’ disaster has followed us at every turn! She’s no blessing—she’s a curse!” Mother Lu ranted, her voice wild and frenzied.

The other beastmen exchanged uneasy glances. They neither agreed with her nor wanted to confront her directly.

Hu Jiao Jiao’s gaze turned icy as she stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “If I’m truly a curse, then you’ll be the first one I drive out of this tribe.”