Chapter 331 New Year's Gift from the Master! With so many high-quality mountain products laid out before them, the Oroqen people were the first to react!
Several experienced mountain runners hurriedly squatted down, carefully picked up the ginseng, and examined it closely against the light, their fingers trembling slightly.
"Good heavens... this ginseng shape, this reed bowl, it must be at least fifty years old!"
The scars on the rootstock are used by experts to determine the age of wild ginseng.
"I've wandered around these mountains for half my life and I've only run into them a handful of times! And these little guys just sent them over as a makeshift thank-you gift?"
"This Ganoderma lucidum... judging by its color and thickness, it's top-quality!"
The crow, who had been perched on Xia Zhining's shoulder peeking out to watch the commotion, suddenly flew down upon hearing this and landed beside the pile of medicinal herbs, its black bean eyes wide open.
It nudged the largest pine cone with its wing:
[Wow! These little brats are something else!]
[The scale of this offering... is quite generous!!]
"Expert Xia!" The old Oroqen mountain herder walked forward shakily, looking at the mountain of precious mountain goods piled on the ground... His voice trembled with excitement: "These, these treasures combined are probably worth millions! You must keep them safe!"
The young hunters nearby clicked their tongues in amazement, their faces full of surprised smiles: "These little animals earn more in a day than we do in a whole season of hard work. They're not just helpers, they're practically walking gold mines!"
After the old mountain runner laughed, his expression became serious: "Expert Xia, you are very capable and kind-hearted. Even the animals recognize you."
"But you must tell them that their ability to deliver mountain products must not be known to outsiders."
The surrounding tribesmen nodded in agreement, their faces showing no jealousy, only a deep-seated reverence and love for the mountains and forests.
An older woman said gently, "We live off the mountains, so we know better than anyone how to cherish and nurture them."
"If everyone relies on small animals to dig, this mountain will be hollowed out in no time, which is a path to extinction for future generations."
As they spoke, several skillful Oroqen girls had already found clean birch bark boxes and soft moss, and carefully helped Xia Zhining wrap and pack these heartfelt "gifts of nature" one by one.
Xia Zhining was touched and picked up several high-quality ginseng roots to share with everyone: "These are the result of everyone's joint efforts, so they should be..."
"Hey, Expert Xia, this won't do!" The old mountain runner quickly waved his hand, his smile simple yet firm. "This is a gift of gratitude from the mountain spirits, a token of their appreciation. We can't accept it."
He puffed out his chest, his eyes shining with a light brighter than any jewel: "This time, we've gained something far more precious than mountain goods: the nation's recognition, and the glory of protecting our homeland!"
"This is better than anything else!"
At this moment, Officer Xie also came over carrying a specially made velvet box.
Inside are two small, exquisite gold eagle medals specially made for this operation.
"Expert Xia, this is for good fortune and peace," Officer Xie said with a smile. "They have made great contributions, and this is the honor they deserve."
Xia Zhining solemnly accepted the medal and, under everyone's gaze, personally pinned it on the chests of the two proud gyrfalcons.
Sunlight shines on the medals, reflecting a dazzling light that mirrors their proud gaze.
Following that, Officer Xie, on behalf of his superiors, awarded the "National Guardian Warrior" medal and bonus to all the Oroqen hunters who participated in the manhunt.
The hunters' dark faces glowed red as they excitedly patted each other on the shoulder.
The Oroqen chieftain accepted the medal, clutching it tightly in his hand, his eyes slightly reddening.
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