Chapter Sixty: The Cats’ Feast and Arrival at Hualang Town

After Su Yi settled the camping gear on a small platform beside the waterfall’s pool, he and the others, together with Coral and her companions, crossed through the falls and returned to the Plateau Melody Tribe’s village.

At that moment, the felines were busily preparing food, and upon seeing Su Yi’s arrival, they began to blow their horns and beat their bongo drums, filling the air with lively music.

The pure-hearted and kind felines expressed their gratitude through their passionate performance, thanking Su Yi for his aid. To them, Su Yi had not only solved the problem of the Dazzling Bird, but had also driven away the fierce Claw Dragon, and provided medicine and food when they were in need. To call him the savior of the tribe was no exaggeration.

“Su Yi, let us cook for you this time!” Coral said, as the felines behind her set up grills and began preparing their highest-grade tribal dishes.

Su Yi didn’t refuse the Plateau Melody Tribe’s hospitality. As he listened to their unique and exuberant music, he watched their cooking with curiosity.

The felines worked together, methodically crafting each dish. Dried shellfish meat was diced and simmered with coral shrimp and sashimi fish to make seafood soup. Wing roots from the Fragrant Winged Dragon were placed on the grill, slashed open, and glazed with golden secret honey for a rich roast. Marinated salted fish was simply baked and sprinkled with the unique spices of the Plateau Coral.

Various fresh fruits were sliced and arranged into a vibrant fruit platter. There was even pearl juice made from soaked coral eggs.

Su Yi was truly amazed. This tribe, having survived here for countless years, had mastered and made full use of everything their land offered.

“Dinner is served!” Coral called out joyfully.

Adorable mountain cats carried steaming trays of food, placing them on the stone table before Su Yi.

For the first time, Su Yi truly experienced a “cat meal”.

“I’m digging in!”

“Let’s eat!”

A sip of the fragrant seafood soup banished all fatigue, the lingering taste of ocean bounty delighting the palate.

Su Yi picked up a hefty piece of roasted Fragrant Winged Dragon wing root, inhaling the aroma of grilled meat mingled with honey’s sweetness, the colors and scents teasing his appetite.

“Mmm!”

One bite revealed chewy yet exceptionally tender meat, honey and juices wrapped together in a flavor so sweet and enticing it was impossible to resist.

He drank a mouthful of pearl fruit juice, then picked up a piece of grilled salted fish, savoring its salty, delicate flesh.

“Eat with us, Coral,” Su Yi said.

“Meow!” Seeing Su Yi enjoy their cooking so much, the felines cheered and invited their tribesfolk to join the feast.

As night deepened, the Plateau Melody Tribe’s village glowed with scattered lights, the stone table now a chaotic mess.

Su Yi swallowed his last bite of silky, delicious fruit and let out a satisfied burp.

“Why wasn’t I born with a hunter’s constitution? If I were, I could eat even more.” Su Yi rubbed his belly and sighed.

“Meow~” Dewgrass lounged beside the stone table, contentedly licking her paws.

“Are you satisfied?” Coral asked.

Su Yi smiled, “More than satisfied, Coral. May I learn to cook your tribe’s dishes?”

Coral nodded, “Of course!”

That night, Su Yi didn’t return to his camp, but stayed under the open sky with the felines atop the plateau.

This kind of genuine, unpretentious interaction was comforting to Su Yi. Though there were no modern appliances or varied entertainment, he felt the pulse of survival here—the optimism and fullness of living by making use of everything at hand.

...

The next day, as Su Yi prepared to leave, the felines stuffed him with bags and bundles of ingredients, just like a grandmother who thinks you’re starving and piles food into your arms at New Year’s.

Su Yi gifted some medicines and tools in return and then departed the Monster Hunter World.

...

“Would you like help loading your things, sir?” The steel-armored crow taxi operator asked, seeing Su Yi burdened with packages.

With a thud, Su Yi tossed his things into the carriage and smiled, “No need, thanks. My destination is Kalang Town.”

...

Kalang Town, the hometown of Champion Dande, was still imbued with the atmosphere of gym challenges. Posters of Dande adorned the streets, and people discussed his thrilling battles.

Out in the countryside, ranches raised Wooloo and Tauros-like Pokémon; Greedent leapt among treetops, and flocks of young Starly occasionally soared through the sky.

Here, people and Pokémon lived together in harmony, the air full of pastoral serenity.

...

Entering a large courtyard and standing before a two-story house, Su Yi knocked at the door.

“Is it big brother?” An expectant voice called from behind the door. With a swift movement, the door opened, revealing a lively youth with a slightly dark complexion.

“Oh, not my big brother. Well, he does tend to get lost,” the boy muttered upon seeing it wasn’t his brother.

“Hello, Hop. I’m Dande’s friend, invited to visit his home and to attend your birthday as well,” Su Yi said politely.

“Meow!” The feline waved a paw.

“My brother’s friend?” Hop asked curiously.

“Hop, don’t leave our guest at the door,” came the voice of Hop’s mother from inside.

“Oh! Sorry! Please come in.” Hop smiled and led Su Yi inside.

“Dande told me about you. You must be Su Yi. Welcome to our home,” Hop’s mother said, bringing out drinks and fruit to welcome him.

“Thank you. These are some gifts I brought. When Dande returns, please allow me to cook a meal for everyone,” Su Yi replied, handing over the carefully chosen ingredients.

Hop’s mother was surprised by the large bag, “You’re too generous, bringing so much.”

Su Yi smiled, “It’s nothing. Dande has helped me a lot; these gifts are hardly worth mentioning.”

As he spoke, Su Yi took out some fruits unique to the New World and set them on the fruit platter.

“How’s my brother doing? Why isn’t he back yet?” Hop asked Su Yi.

“He’s very busy, but he’s also a truly responsible champion,” Su Yi answered.

Hop replied proudly, “Of course! That’s my big brother!”

“So, how did you meet my brother?” Hop was very interested in Dande’s affairs.

“I met Dande just over a month ago on Armor Island. We battled once—no battle, no friendship, as they say. After that, he helped me a lot,” Su Yi explained.

Hop was amazed, “Eh?! You actually battled my brother! You’re a trainer too, right? Can I see what Pokémon you have?”

Seeing Hop’s enthusiasm, Su Yi didn’t refuse.