C15 I'm Not a Cat I'm a Raccoon!

Ma Tianming and Snake King Mah silently observed the dark golden snake cat as it indulged in the Flat-head Wind for quite some time.

Eventually, the snake cat's body swayed and it collapsed.

"No way! It actually worked!"

Snake King Mah, known for his snake-catching prowess, was well-versed in the ways of wild animals like wild cats and foxes. Yet, the idea of using alcohol to intoxicate them had never crossed his mind.

Young Master Ma was truly a revelation.

"Mmm! That's delicious!"

The snake cat savored the rich taste lingering in its mouth, a flavor that was unforgettable. But with its head spinning, it decided to lie down and rest for a bit.

In its blurred vision, the snake cat felt a large hand press down upon it before being scooped up.

"Ah, ah, ah..." the snake cat mentally cried out, though it could only muster a weak, protesting "gurgle, gurgle, gurgle." "Why am I so powerless now?"

Ma Tianming, puzzled, inquired, "You said this is a snake cat? It doesn't quite resemble a regular cat, and its cry is so different too."

"The snake cat has this unique cry. It may not look like a cat, but that's what we call it."

"Snake cat? You dare call me a snake cat? You two ignorant humans, I am formidable, formidable, do you understand? I prey on venomous snakes, the very creatures that strike terror into your hearts. When snakes encounter us, they're the ones filled with dread, got it?

This 'formidable' is a name you humans bestowed upon us, but we are modest and never boast about our bravery, hence we refer to ourselves as mongoose."

Snake King Mah scrutinized the mongoose, remarking, "However, a golden snake cat like this one is quite uncommon! There are plenty of domestic cats with golden fur, but golden wild cats are a rarity.

With so many predators in the wild, it's unusual for such a golden cat to survive to adulthood."

As Snake King Mah spoke, he gently stroked the mongoose, "And such soft, fine fur! It's kept its coat immaculate."

"Don't touch me."

The tipsy mongoose was annoyed and thought to itself, "This less attractive, older-looking human does seem to know a thing or two, but he doesn't even realize I'm not a cat. Should I inform him that I am a Golden Fur Mongoose?"

Ma Tianming suddenly exclaimed, "This isn't a snake cat; it's a Golden Fur Mongoose."

"A Golden Fur Mongoose? What's that?"

In Guangnan, people often refer to mongooses as snake cats, tree rats, or wild raccoons, but the term mongoose isn't commonly used. So, it wasn't surprising that Snake King Mah hadn't heard of it.

Yet Ma Tianming was puzzled: How did he know this was a Golden Fur Mongoose? Even the local term 'snake cat' was something he'd learned from Snake King Mah.

Somehow, Ma Tianming just knew, as if someone had whispered it to him.

"This is indeed a Golden Fur Mongoose! It has golden fur and is especially fond of eating snakes." While speaking, Ma Tianming cradled the tipsy creature in his arms, stroking it gently. It felt incredibly nice to the touch and looked so adorable. He thought it would make a perfect pet for Xin.

"It's a Golden Fur Cat, right?" Snake King Mah was aware that the same animal could have various names depending on who you asked: rat, raccoon, cat, wolf, weasel—he wouldn't be surprised. But mongoose was a new one for him.

And now it's being called a cat!

The Golden Fur Mongoose suddenly leaped from Ma Tianming's embrace, baring its teeth at Snake King Mah. If Ma Tianming hadn't been holding it, the mongoose would have surely lunged at Snake King Mah.

"Is it upset?"

Snake King Mah remarked dismissively, "What's there for a little cat to be upset about? But I must admit, its fur is quite exquisite and could fetch a handsome price."

"Gugu..." If not for Ma Tianming's firm grip, the Golden Fur Mongoose would have already sprung from his hands and attacked Snake King Mah.

"Enough," Ma Tianming interjected.

He wondered, "Could this Golden Fur Mongoose understand our conversation? Why else would it get so angry at the mention of its fur?"

The Golden Fur Mongoose seethed with rage upon hearing Snake King Mah talk about skinning it. Ma Tianming's hold alone wasn't enough to soothe its fury.

"Golden Fur Mongoose, relax. Your fur is so soft and comfortable; I wouldn't dream of stripping it away!"

"Did I ask you to touch me?" Ma Tianming's attempt at comfort only agitated the Golden Fur Mongoose further. "I'm a female, and only the male Golden Fur Mongoose I fancy is allowed to touch me. What gives you, a human, the right to touch me so casually?"

Yet, this female Golden Fur Mongoose had never come across another mongoose with fur the same golden hue as hers.

"Is this one female?" Ma Tianming hadn't initially been concerned with its gender, but now, for some reason, he found himself curious. He flipped the Golden Fur Mongoose over to check between its legs.

Indeed, it was female.

"Hey! That's indecent!" The female Golden Fur Mongoose let out a cry of protest.

Ma Tianming quickly flipped her back over, covering her private area from view.

"Why am I even considering the mongoose's feelings?" Ma Tianming wondered, but then he quickly snapped back to reality. The golden cat had just devoured a Flat-head Wind, which had been soaked in Intoxicated Wine, meaning it had also ingested the alcohol.

Looking at the Golden Fur Mongoose, it certainly seemed drunk.

So now, the Golden Fur Mongoose was submissive and compliant with Ma Tianming.

Ma Tianming mused, "Even though this Golden Fur Mongoose doesn't have the same intimidating presence as the Flat-head Wind, it seems much more intelligent than the original Flat-head Wind."

Having such a creature as a pet would indeed be a fine choice.

Snake King Mah suggested, "It's still quite wild. Maybe we should tie it up to prevent it from escaping."

"No need."

"No need?" Snake King Mah was puzzled. "Do you not want it, or do you think you can easily recapture it if it escapes?"

"I don't think it will run away."

Snake King Mah paused. He would usually dismiss such a claim with a laugh, but recalling how Young Master Ma had captured the Flat-head Wind, he couldn't help but think there might be some truth to it.

"Young Master Ma, do you possess some secret method that makes these animals obey you?"

Should he reveal the secret of the Intoxicated Wine to Snake King Mah?

Considering they were heading to Top Touching Mountain together, facing shared hardships and potential life-or-death situations, there seemed little reason to withhold secrets from him.

Ma Tianming was shrewd. The Intoxicated Wine was a valuable asset. He knew that if Snake King Mah were to disclose its existence to profit-seekers like Mei Jiangshan and Mei Zhengyao, it would spell trouble.

"I don't have any secret techniques! But I do have a secret that I'm ready to share with you now."

"A secret?"

Both Snake King Mah and the Golden Fur Mongoose were taken aback, falling silent in anticipation.

"You see, by a stroke of luck, I received a divine blessing. A god granted me a special wine, which, when mixed with my blood, can tame beasts. Just like the Flat-head Wind that drank it earlier, they become completely obedient to me."

Could it truly be that miraculous?

Snake King Mah thought back to how the Flat-head Wind had behaved and found himself convinced.

The Golden Fur Mongoose, however, was caught off guard: "Wine?"