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Upon hearing the call, Su Zhi immediately changed her shoes and jumped off the kang, running outside. She saw Shen Zi’an standing at the door, looking out through the small hole she had deliberately left in the door. Hearing her footsteps, he turned his head. Su Zhi saw the surprise on Shen Zi’an’s face and thought to herself that it must be the Sacred Beast!
“Is it the Sacred Beast?”
Su Zhi ran over joyfully and also looked outside through the small round hole.
The call just now was indeed the howl of a wolf. Even if ordinary wolves were brave, they wouldn’t come to someone’s door and howl like this. Moreover, Su Zhi felt that the howl was somewhat different, carrying a sense of dominance. It sent shivers down one’s spine more than the howl of an ordinary wolf. She felt that only the Great White Wolf could produce such a sound.
Su Zhi was indeed correct. The Great White Wolf had arrived, standing not far from the courtyard gate. It was still majestic, its white fur shimmering in the evening sun like silver, resembling a piece of exquisite satin. If it weren’t for the fact that it was a wolf, one might even be tempted to reach out and touch it.
“Zi’an, the Great White Wolf is here! We’ve been searching for them all this time, and now it’s come on its own. Isn’t it amazing? Quick, open the door and let it in!”
Su Zhi smiled at Shen Zi’an. She had encountered the Great White Wolf before, from initially being afraid to later feeling unafraid, and now, after these days of searching, seeing the Great White Wolf brought her nothing but joy.
Shen Zi’an listened to Su Zhi and opened the door. He had heard from Su Zhi about their interactions with the Sacred Beast and knew that it was very spiritual. From Su Zhi’s descriptions, it seemed like the Sacred Beast and its family were almost like intelligent beings, despite not being able to speak. Shen Zi’an knew that Su Zhi was not one to exaggerate, so he believed her. That’s why he accompanied her to search for the Sacred Beast and was willing to invite some wolves to their home. He had been standing at the door just now, momentarily stunned by the sight of the wolf and feeling surprised by its beauty and majesty, especially the way it stood there and howled, as if announcing its arrival to everyone. It was just as Su Zhi had described – this wolf was indeed quite human-like!
As soon as the door opened, Su Zhi dashed outside, with Shen Zi’an quickly following suit. He couldn’t help but feel nervous seeing his wife standing next to a wolf!
“Great White Wolf! You’re here! Where’s your wife? And Little Black and Little White?”
Su Zhi stood before the Great White Wolf, asking eagerly. While she was happy to see the Sacred Beast, she was even more excited about the two wolf cubs. Not seeing them, she felt a bit disappointed. She wondered if the Great White Wolf had come for some reason related to the cubs. Was something wrong with them? Her heart began to race with worry.
“Are the two little ones sick?”
Su Zhi thought that the only thing that could attract the Great White Wolf here was the Magical spiritual spring. She knew that the entire wolf family loved to drink from that spring.
After studying for these days, Su Zhi had almost figured out the effects of the spring water and the lotus flower.
The spring water not only had the effect of promoting plant growth and enhancing flavor but also proved effective for animals. She added some spring water to their cattle and chickens, and the results were remarkable. The cows seemed to have better fur and were growing stronger, while due to adding the Lotus Flower to feed the Chicken , which had previously been balding and reluctant to lay eggs, began producing eggs again after drinking the water. Even in winter, it laid an egg every day. Moreover, Su Zhi found that people who drank the spring water felt more energetic. If the lotus flower was medicine, then the spring water was like a nutritional supplement for both humans and animals. It couldn’t cure diseases but could promote better health.
The Great White Wolf let out a call, then turned and bounded a few steps to the side before looking back at Su Zhi.
Not only Su Zhi but even Shen Zi’an could tell from the wolf’s eyes that it wanted Su Zhi to follow it. Seeing that the wolf wouldn’t harm Su Zhi, Shen Zi’an felt relieved and truly believed in the wolf’s spiritual connection.
Su Zhi immediately took two steps forward, with Shen Zi’an following closely behind.
The Great White Wolf glanced at Shen Zi’an, clearly indicating that it was only here for Su Zhi and remained wary of the man, its eyes gleaming with coldness.
Su Zhi quickly reassured, “This is my husband. He won’t harm you. Let him come with us. If anything happens, he can help.”
The Great White Wolf glanced at Shen Zi’an once more before running ahead.
Shen Zi’an was certain he saw disdain in the wolf’s eyes and chuckled. He thought the wolf must be thinking he couldn’t harm it! Now he truly understood why his wife said this wolf was spiritual; it couldn’t speak, but its eyes conveyed its thoughts perfectly! Moreover, the wolf was truly imposing, giving off an intimidating aura. If they could bring it back home, it would surely deter those with ulterior motives from entering, reducing a lot of trouble for his wife. Shen Zi’an followed his wife, trailing after the Great White Wolf, lost in his thoughts.
Su Zhi noticed that the Great White Wolf was leading them towards the bamboo forest, which was still within their courtyard.
Before they entered the bamboo forest, Su Zhi saw a black furball rolling out quickly, resembling a rolling ball. She couldn’t help but laugh; it seemed Little Black had grown a bit, but it was still fluffy and adorable like a ball!
Little Black ran up to Su Zhi and started circling around her, looking incredibly cute. Su Zhi bent down, picked it up, and gave it a kiss on its forehead.
The Great White Wolf glanced briefly before continuing to run ahead.
Shen Zi’an, initially concerned when he saw his wife picking up the little wolf, felt relieved seeing that the Great White Wolf paid it no mind. It seemed his wife and the little wolf got along quite well. He looked at the little wolf and couldn’t help but think it looked more like a puppy. It had no hint of wildness, with its round big eyes and chubby appearance resembling the family’s little puppy. Watching its wagging short tail, he couldn’t help but smile.
Su Zhi, holding Little Black Wolf, walked towards the bamboo forest with Shen Zi’an. Not far into the forest, they spotted the big black dog and the little white wolf.
Shen Zi’an finally understood why the offspring of the Sacred Beast were black and resembled dogs. It turned out the mate of the Sacred Beast was a black dog!
Although the black dog was black, it was quite cute and appealing. Its ears drooped as it lay there, but when it heard them approaching, it opened its almond-shaped eyes, just like Little Black Wolf’s. It looked gentle and docile. It was clear it was sick; its nose was dry and cracked, revealing a pinkish hue, and its eyes lacked brightness. It lay there, gazing at Su Zhi, while the Great White Wolf approached and licked its head and neck.
Little White Wolf had been standing guard beside the black dog, but now it was looking at Su Zhi, or more precisely, at Little Black Wolf in Su Zhi’s arms.
Little Black Wolf whimpered a couple of times, prompting Su Zhi to put it down. It bounded back to Little White Wolf’s side before nuzzling against the black dog. However, the black dog moved away, seeming to realize it was ill and shouldn’t be licked.
“This dog is sick, and it’s quite serious,” Su Zhi remarked.
Shen Zi’an remarked that he understood why the Great White Wolf had come to find Su Zhi. This wolf truly understood human nature, knowing to seek help from familiar individuals. He also set aside his worries. People’s attitudes towards dogs and wolves varied. A wolf that could understand humans and was companions with dogs was undoubtedly more reassuring than an ordinary wolf.
Su Zhi also noticed this. As she looked at the Great White Wolf, she realized it was asking for her help to save the big black dog.
Of course, Su Zhi would help. Setting aside the fact that this was a request from the Sacred Beast, she had always loved dogs. Moreover, this dog was the mother of Little Black and Little White, making it even more important to save.
“I will treat its illness. However, it’s not good for its condition to stay here. Since you’ve come to me, it means you trust me, right? Let’s go to my house. It’s warm there, and the dog’s condition will improve. Don’t worry, no one will harm you. The villagers dare not harm you; after all, you’re the Sacred Beast.”
Su Zhi spoke to the Great White Wolf, knowing that it likely couldn’t understand all her words. So, she pointed to the big black dog, then to her house, and made a drinking gesture. She hoped that this intelligent wolf would understand these simple gestures.
The Great White Wolf seemed to understand. It looked at the black dog, then at Su Zhi, before lowering its head to nudge the black dog. Then, it lay down on the ground.
The black dog staggered to its feet and collapsed onto the white wolf. The white wolf stood up, carrying the black dog on its back.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi were both astonished. They marveled at the wolf’s intelligence. Su Zhi had seen trained horses bend down to allow riders to mount, but she never expected a wolf to do the same. Had anyone trained it? It seemed the wolf had learned on its own. Su Zhi wondered how intelligent the wolf truly was. Perhaps they had underestimated the intelligence of wolves all along.
With the white wolf carrying its mate, they followed Su Zhi back home. She settled the family of four into the westernmost house. It was secluded enough that visitors wouldn’t easily see them, and the house, though small, was warm.
Su Zhi instructed Shen Zi’an to bring in some dry hay and spread a thick layer on the ground. Then, she fetched two old quilts and placed them on top, making a soft bed for the big black dog to lie on. The little black dog also climbed onto the bed to play, eventually settling down. It seemed to enjoy the comfort. The little white wolf stayed nearby, crouching as if keeping watch over the two.
“I’ll treat it soon,” Su Zhi assured, noticing both the big and little white wolves staring at her. They seemed to be asking for the spring water, but with Shen Zi’an present, she couldn’t give it to them. All she could do for now was reassure them. Then, she thought of sending Shen Zi’an away.
Shen Zi’an nodded. He was reassured now; the sacred beasts were indeed extraordinary. He trusted that Su Zhi would be safe. Thinking of prioritizing the treatment for the black dog to avoid displeasing the wolf, he quickly headed to Physician Huang’s place to get medicine for treating severe fever and typhoid.
As soon as Shen Zi’an left and closed the door behind him, Su Zhi immediately summoned the spring water.