Werebeast Gongs CH 139 Holding The Ceremony
Lei Jin had verbally agreed, but inwardly, he had no clue. What needed to be prepared? Where should he even start? He had no idea. He’d seen others hold ceremonies before, and it seemed quite simple—none of the complicated formalities of modern times. It was basically just hosting everyone for a meal and announcing the partnership in front of everyone. But now that it was his turn, he realized it was nothing like that.
"What about your clothes? The things prepared for the room? Roughly how many people will come that day? How much food should we prepare? Where will it be placed? The weather’s so cold now, what if it’s windy or snowing that day…" Roger started listing a slew of questions as soon as he opened his mouth.
Lei Jin’s head spun just hearing it. Was it necessary for a simple ceremony to be so troublesome?
Moya, sitting beside him, noticed his distracted look. He squeezed Lei Jin’s hand and fed him a piece of the newly learned white rice cake he’d made, filled with a whole wild jujube soaked in fermented rice wine.
"Ivey really has a knack for brewing. These wine-soaked jujubes are delicious," Lei Jin murmured, squinting contentedly as he slumped lazily against Moya’s shoulder. Ivey had a talent for brewing. Back when the tribe only drank fruit wine, he could already make grain wine. His main ingredient used to be wheat. Now that the tribe’s rice production had increased, he started experimenting with rice wine. Wheat wine had a mellow taste, while rice wine was softer and sweeter. Overall, both were quite good. Feeling a craving to try himself, Lei Jin had asked Ivey for the method and a packet of yeast. After several failed attempts, he used the leftover yeast to make two jars of soybean paste instead.
After finishing one piece, Lei Jin opened his mouth again. Moya smiled faintly, picked up another piece, and fed it to him. "If someone said Apple wasn’t your child, no one would believe it," he teased. "This lazy demeanor is exactly the same."
"Don’t bring him up with me," Lei Jin groaned, feeling a vein throb on his forehead at the thought of that chubby Apple. The vexing child couldn’t even stand, let alone walk. Rolling was his only mode of transportation. He wasn’t a ball, but if he kept eating like this, he’d soon resemble one. "Actually, Apple is quite well-behaved. He doesn’t cry or fuss," Mingya bit his lower lip, hesitating before deciding to defend his son. Apple just ate and slept a lot, but otherwise, there was nothing wrong with him.
Lei Jin pressed his hands against Mingya’s face, rubbing it playfully. "Of course the dummy would speak up for his little dummy son," he laughed.
Mingya tried to argue again, "Mingya is not a du— Mmph…" His words were cut off as Lei Jin squished his face.
"Alright, alright, we’re discussing serious matters here, you three…" Xiya rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. None of the four of them understood anything about the ceremony, and there was always Lei Jin who disrupted the discussions halfway through. He was starting to suspect Lei Jin was deliberately trying to avoid holding the ceremony.
Sure enough, the next moment, Lei Jin spoke up, "How about… we just skip the ceremony?" After all, everyone in the tribe knew about their relationship. Did the ceremony really make that much difference?
"No." This time, the three brothers were unanimous.
"Just a thought," Lei Jin stretched lazily. At this point, it was too late to back out. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he sat up straight. "Roger, how about we do it ‘self-serve’ style?" He said something only Roger would understand.
"What do you mean by ‘self-serve’?" Roger asked, unsure what scheme Lei Jin had cooked up now.
"Do you remember the fried meat we sold at the tribal market three years ago?"
"You mean letting a bunch of people gather around an oil pot and fry their own food?" Xiya asked, then immediately shook his head in negation. "That won’t work. Life in the tribe is much better than before. Back then, cooking was either roasting or boiling, and an occasional fried meat dish felt like a rare delicacy. Doing that now would be too simplistic." Holding a ceremony was a very important event in the tribe. Lei Jin was their most beloved person, so this ceremony had to be prepared meticulously.
"This time, we won’t fry; we’ll boil."
After listening to Lei Jin’s explanation, everyone agreed his idea was excellent. The food situation was settled. Next came the miscellaneous details. Clothes? Xiya and the others were easy—they could wear the outfits from their coming-of-age ceremonies, as was tribal tradition. Any minor alterations needed could be done easily. As for Lei Jin, it was even simpler. He had plenty of new clothes; he could just pick one. There weren’t strict rules about this, as long as it was new. For families that could afford it, they would prepare a snow-silk robe for the female partner to wear at the Sacred Lake. Regardless of how many ceremonies a female partner might hold in their lifetime, this silk robe was only worn for the very first one.
Snow-silk was incredibly soft and precious. From collecting the cocoons, reeling the silk, to making a single robe, even a skilled female craftsperson would need at least three to four months. And there weren’t many in the tribe who possessed this skill. Back when Roger held his ceremony, due to the rush, there hadn’t been a snow-silk robe.
"There’s not enough time," Xiya said, resting his chin on his left hand, his brow furrowed with frustration.
"What does it matter? I’m not particular about that," Lei Jin dismissed. It was just a silk robe. It wasn’t like he’d never worn one before.
"Xia Wei’s grandpa promised to make one for Lei Jin. It should be almost finished," Moya interjected.
"Second Brother, so clever!" Mingya understood and cheered.
Xiya clasped his hands, a sudden realization dawning. "How could I forget Xia Wei’s grandpa? He’s the most skilled craftsman in our tribe!"
Lei Jin nudged Moya’s stomach with his elbow. Since when did you become so sly? You secretly arranged this?
Moya grabbed his arm and pulled him into his embrace. Stop poking, it’s uncomfortable after just eating. Xia Wei’s grandpa was getting older, and his eyesight wasn’t what it used to be. He rarely worked with his own hands anymore, mostly leaving it to Xia Wei’s papa. But upon hearing Moya was holding his ceremony, the old man was delighted and offered to personally make a robe for his female partner.
"No need to worry about the colorful felt rug either. I prepared it long ago," Roger said, looking relaxed. He’d finally waited for this day. Seeing Xiya and the others get married with his own eyes made staying behind back then worthwhile. Though he hadn’t expected the three brothers to share one partner, as long as they were happy, it was fine. Besides, he genuinely liked Lei Jin—there was nothing wrong with the man. For each of his children, after they came of age, he had commissioned a bright red rug from tribal artisans, saving it for their ceremony day.
The rugs had been made many years ago, especially Xiya’s, which was nearly a decade old. But Roger had stored them sealed and well-preserved. Taken out of the cabinet, they still looked vibrant and new, woven with red and gold threads—gaudy yet festive.
Everything was ready. The priest divined an auspicious date: the first day of the sixteenth month. Less than two months remained until the end of the fifth year. Finally, the day arrived for Lei Jin, Xiya, Moya, and Mingya to hold their ceremony.
The house bustled with activity before dawn. The morning sky was overcast, and everyone feared snow, working faster. Many females from the tribe helped with cooking and decorating the rooms, led by Mura, Zhu Xi, and Su Rui. Lei Jin, clueless about these things, simply let them turn the rooms into a riot of colorful decorations. The werebeasts arrived too, many carrying tables, chairs, benches, and pots. After setting them down, they immediately started chopping firewood, fetching water, and mincing meat.
"Watch your little brother. And don’t run around," Lei Jin instructed in the children’s room. Apple, oblivious to everything, was still fast asleep. Grapes, Pomelo, and Orange were already awake. Lei Jin brought them breakfast: white rice topped with a thick layer of cured meat and a large bowl of shredded chicken tofu soup.
Grapes, now over five years old, roughly understood the significance of the day. He clenched his little fist. "Daddy, I’ll watch Apple and make sure he doesn’t roll out of sight!"
Pomelo and Orange blinked their identical violet eyes and chorused, "Ol’ Dad, we’ll listen to Eldest Brother!"
"Hurry and eat before it gets cold," Lei Jin patted their big heads, a rare flash of paternal affection surfacing. These were his children. He’d never dreamed such a day would come in his past life.
Pomelo and Orange touched the tips of their tails together, silently thinking, Ol’ Dad really isn’t normal today. He’s usually all about force; suddenly being so gentle is weird.
Traditionally, those holding the ceremony had to bathe in the morning. The water was infused with strangely scented leaves and small brown fruits. After the bath, they changed into the prepared clothes. Coming-of-age ceremonies were in autumn, so Xiya and the others' outfits were a bit thin for this season.
"Put another layer on," Lei Jin said, feeling Mingya’s sleeve.
"It’s fine. We’ll be back soon after returning from the temple," Moya reassured him, wrapping a thick scarf around Lei Jin and fastening his hat securely against the wind.
By noon, when they headed to the temple, the sun had emerged. The old priest waited at the entrance, holding a wooden tray. Xiya and the others stepped forward and reverently placed their bone knives, made from saber-toothed tiger bones, upon it. No one spoke during this; a solemn silence filled the air. Lei Jin, affected by the atmosphere, set aside his usual casual demeanor and became uncharacteristically serious and focused.
This was Lei Jin’s second time entering the temple. The first was during Mingya’s coming-of-age ceremony, and he hadn’t had time to look around. This path was clearly different from the last one. The corridor windows were open, letting in crisp air. The old priest walked slowly ahead, leading them up a sloping path. They finally entered a large, mostly empty space. Facing south, bathed in sunlight, stood two enormous stone statues, their features indistinct against the light.
The bone knives were placed on the altar before them. The old priest placed a hand over his heart, bowed, and recited a long passage. Lei Jin didn’t understand a word, simply mimicking Xiya and the others' actions. Finally, the old priest returned the knives to Xiya and his brothers.
Lei Jin knew these were meant for him and automatically held out his hand. But Xiya didn’t give it to him. Instead, he drew the knife across his own wrist. Blood welled up instantly.
"You—" Lei Jin started to protest, but Xiya’s look stopped him.
The old priest stood to the side, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Xiya pressed his bleeding wrist to Lei Jin’s lips. "Drink a little," he implored softly.
This wasn’t part of the plan! Lei Jin was confused, unsure what was happening. Now wasn’t the time for questions. He lowered his head and sucked gently. Xiya’s lips curved into a pleased smile. He kissed Lei Jin’s forehead and stepped back. Next came Moya, then Mingya, each repeating the ritual.
The temple ceremony concluded. As the old priest saw them out, he pulled Lei Jin aside. "What did you think of the ceremony just now?"
"Their blood tasted awful," Lei Jin leaned casually on the old priest’s shoulder, no trace of formality. "You could’ve warned me beforehand." The metallic taste still lingered in his mouth.
"It seems you truly know nothing?" The old priest chuckled. With Lei Jin, he shed his sacred aura completely, becoming just a kindly old man.
"What am I supposed to know?" Lei Jin raised an eyebrow dismissively.
"You should know that in werebeast tribes, unless accidents happen, werebeasts generally live much longer than females."
Lei Jin nodded. He knew that. The females' constitutions weren’t as robust. But what did that have to do with today’s ceremony?
"Just now, before the gods, those three swore an oath. They vowed they would accompany you at all times."
Lei Jin’s heart jolted violently. It took him a long moment to find his voice. "Are you saying… if I die one day, all three of them will follow me to death? Is that the meaning?"
"You child! Today is a joyous day for your ceremony, talking about death!" the old priest chided gently. "But… essentially, yes. How do you feel now? Quite moved, I imagine?" Most females would be in tears by now.
Lei Jin flexed his wrist and sighed. "As such an important person, I suppose I really should live to be a hundred."
Stunned speechless, the old priest stared at him—this was a first.
"You should come to our place for lunch, old man. We made a lot of good food," Lei Jin said. He touched his cheek—it didn’t feel unusually warm. He jogged towards Xiya and the others, who were watching him expectantly.
The wind on the grassland was mild that day. Iron pots and ceramic pots were lined up, bubbling with thick, milky-white bone broth, rich and fragrant. Some pots held generous handfuls of chili peppers, turning the broth fiery red. Platters of sliced meats, dried bamboo shoots, tofu, bean sprouts, cabbage, radish, and wild yam were brought out. Freshly fried chili oil, freshly ground sesame paste, peanut butter, whole jars of fermented tofu paste, and leek flower sauce were set out. Many females, already familiar with the method from Lei Jin, demonstrated to the werebeasts: pick what you like and cook it yourself—free and unrestrained. Given the season, it couldn’t be truly warm, but gathered around the spicy broth on a winter day, everyone ate until they felt warm from the inside out, silently resolving to try this at home.
Chunji and Tian Qi arrived in the afternoon. A group of females was chatting with Lei Jin, each holding a small bowl of sweet peanut glutinous rice balls. Seeing the newcomers, the group subtly shifted away, seeming slightly uncomfortable.
"Took you long enough! Didn’t want to help with the work, so you hid from me?" Lei Jin reached out to support Tian Qi, who batted his hand away.
"I’m still strong! Don’t treat me like an old man."
Could you be any more stubborn? Lei Jin silently complained about the old man.
"For you," Chunji handed him a large bundle of bright red flowers. Each petal was encased in a layer of transparent ice crystals, looking fresh and dewy.
"What beautiful Snowfrost Blossoms!" exclaimed a nearby female who recognized them.
Lei Jin, never one for aesthetics, simply found a wide-mouthed water jar, stuffed the flowers in, and placed it on the windowsill. Sensing the awkwardness, he told the others to make themselves at home and excused himself, saying he needed to check on the children. He led Chunji and Tian Qi to another room.
The children were all napping. Tian Qi removed the black cloth covering his face, revealing the many scars that obscured his original features. Lei Jin had seen his face before but felt no particular curiosity.
"How’s Apple doing lately?" Tian Qi sat on the edge of the bed, feeling Apple’s small frame from head to toe.
"We’re controlling his portions. Only letting him eat a little at a time, then giving him more when he’s hungry again."
"That’s the right approach. Cutting back drastically wouldn’t be good either."
Roger, hearing Chunji and Tian Qi had arrived, brought over two large bowls of the peanut rice balls.
Chunji nodded in greeting.
"Didn’t you have something to ask them?" Tian Qi prompted.
The filling inside the rice balls was scalding hot. Chunji stuck out his tongue, took a sip of warm water, then composed himself. "Since you’re both here, I wanted to ask you a question. Are you both willing to stay now? Wholeheartedly?"
Hearing a noise outside the window, Roger looked up just in time to see An Bu walking past carrying a bucket of hot water. He pressed his lips together and didn’t speak. This question was twenty years too late for him; it held no meaning anymore.
"What’s this about, Chunji? Today’s my ceremony! Are you seriously telling me now that I can go back to the modern world? If that’s true, I wouldn’t mind popping back for a visit! Got any good methods? Spill it." Without a choice, his resolve was firm. But the lure of the modern world was strong; he wouldn’t mind an occasional trip back if possible.
Chunji looked deeply at them both, then bared his teeth in a smile. "I was just kidding." Roger and Lei Jin had already given him their answers. It might not have been a beautiful beginning, but he hoped they could have a happy process and ending.
This was the mission their predecessors had left them. When he died, the Door of Time would close permanently. There would be no more crossers. Let that distant history be completely buried. Chunji lowered his head, avoiding Roger’s searching gaze.
The grassland temperature dropped sharply at night, but blazing torches lit up half the sky. Large chunks of roasted meat, bowls full of grape wine… Many werebeasts were limbering up, eager to try. There was an unwritten rule in the tribe: before the newly mated couple entered their room, any werebeasts wishing to make a final bid could issue a challenge—provided the female agreed.
Lei Jin was magnanimous, accepting every challenger. This put Xiya and the others through their paces, forced to face wave after wave of opponents. Everyone knew, deep down, that most were just joining the fun. Few would seriously try to snatch someone away during their ceremony.
After a day of hard work and festivities lasting until midnight, the crowd gradually dispersed. Lei Jin plunged into a hot bath. Coming out, he saw Xiya, Moya, and Mingya sprawled haphazardly across the bed. The large crimson rug beneath them made all three look exceptionally handsome and… delicious.
Lei Jin’s lust surged. This was his wedding night. These were his wives. If he didn’t spoil them, who would?
"Lei Jin, what are you doing?" Mingya gasped, the weight on his chest making it hard to breathe. He forced his eyes open to see Lei Jin fumbling with his clothes.
Lei Jin patted his butt. "Tonight, I’m doing it." It had been years since he’d been on top, but his skill at undressing people hadn’t rusted. Maybe it was innate talent?
Mingya’s remaining drowsiness vanished instantly. "T-tonight?" he stammered. He wasn’t opposed, just… scared.
Lei Jin lifted his chin and kissed his lips. "Relax. My technique is excellent. Much better than you lot charging in like bulls. I guarantee I’ll make you feel good."
Good technique or not, Lei Jin was determined. Mingya squeezed his eyes shut, spread his limbs wide, and steeled himself. "Go ahead. Mingya isn’t afraid of pain."
Lei Jin laughed at his martyrdom. Starting with Mingya was clearly the smoother path. He fetched the jade mugwort lubricant from the cabinet.
Xiya’s long leg hooked around Lei Jin’s ankle as he jumped onto the bed. Lei Jin lost his balance and landed squarely on top of him.
"Don’t forget, you promised me too," Lei Jin pinched Xiya’s cheek. He wasn’t getting out of this.
Xiya’s response was to pull off his own belt and toss it off the bed. He grasped Lei Jin’s member, smiling lazily yet seductively. "The first time… is mine." If he couldn’t be the first there, he would claim the first time here.
Their commotion woke Moya. His green eyes were foggy and unfocused at first. Lei Jin leaned in and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Moya took in the scene before him and offered no objection.
A chaotic night passed. The four of them slept until noon the next day. As for what exactly happened that night, none of them ever spoke of it again.
About half a month after the ceremony, Lei Jin and the others set out for the Sacred Lake.