Chapter 526 - 523: The Males’ Faces Darkened

Chapter 526: Chapter 523: The Males’ Faces Darkened

On the way to their living quarters, the other males were discussing things nonstop.

After saying his piece, Zhu Xiu walked quietly by Bai Wanwan’s side, his handsome face showing no particular expression.

As far as he was concerned, it made no difference to him whether the other tribes prospered or fell, waged war or made peace.

His entire focus was on the female and cubs under his protection.

His only worry was that a larger, uncontrollable crisis lay hidden behind these strange incidents, one that would eventually affect Bai Wanwan and the cubs.

As long as his own little family wasn’t threatened, he had no intention of interfering, no matter how chaotic the outside world became.

After returning to their quarters, Bai Wanwan and Aunt Shuang got the cubs settled for the night. The little ones had been clinging to Aunt Shuang lately, and she was more than happy to enjoy the family bliss.

Bai Wanwan let them be. When she returned to her room, she found that besides Zhu Xiu, the other males were still discussing matters outside the cave.

"Are they still not done talking?"

"No. Don’t worry about them. Come to bed."

Bai Wanwan murmured her assent. Freshly washed and trailing a hint of clean mist, she slipped into Zhu Xiu’s warm, solid embrace.

However, she lay awake for a long time, her clear eyes staring into the darkness.

"What’s wrong?" Zhu Xiu’s deep voice rumbled from above her. He lowered his head, and in the faint moonlight filtering through the window, he could see the wakefulness in the eyes beneath her curled lashes.

"I was thinking about what Jin Yi said today," Wanwan sighed softly, burying her face in his chest. Her voice came out muffled. "Those tribal conflicts, those Beastman refugees..."

She already had several dozen cubs, and in the future, that number would only grow.

Her bloodline would continue and flourish on this continent.

As a mother, she sincerely hoped her descendants could live in a land of peace and stability, not one filled with war and displacement.

Zhu Xiu’s long fingers gently combed through her soft hair, his strokes carrying a soothing magic.

"If you’re worried," he said after a moment of thought, "I’ll have Jin Yi and Yan Lie stay here tomorrow to look after you and the cubs. Yin Ze, Xin Feng, and I will go out and carefully scout the area around the tribe to see if we can find more clues."

The proposal put Bai Wanwan’s mind at ease.

With them going out to investigate, she would at least get more reliable information.

"Okay," she nodded, nuzzling against him dependently. "If you go check on the situation, I’ll feel more relieved."

"Mm," Zhu Xiu tightened his arms, holding her more snugly in his embrace. His deep voice carried a reassuring strength. "Now, close your eyes and get some sleep. We’ll take care of everything."

Enveloped by his rhythmic strokes and reassuring scent, Bai Wanwan’s nerves gradually eased. Her breathing became even and deep, and she finally sank into a deep sleep.

「A dreamless night.」

When she woke, the spot beside her was already empty, with only a trace of warmth remaining.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting bright patches of light on the ground.

Inside, only Jin Yi and Yan Lie were there, watching over her.

"Did Zhu Xiu and the others already leave?" Bai Wanwan asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

"Yes. They left at dawn. They’ve been gone for a little while now."

Jin Yi replied in a gentle voice as he approached with a basin of warm water, ready to meticulously help her wash up.

Yan Lie, meanwhile, brought in a fragrant bowl of dough drop soup that had been kept warm on the small stove all morning.

"Wanwan, hurry and eat once you’re washed up. It’s the perfect temperature."

After washing up, Bai Wanwan sat at the table, taking small sips of the delicious dough drop soup. "Where are Aunt Shuang and the cubs?" she asked.

"Don’t worry." Yan Lie walked to her side and naturally tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He stared at her, his gaze so focused it was almost scorching. "Aunt Shuang took the cubs out to play in the yard. They’re having a great time with the other cubs from the tribe."

He didn’t look away for a single moment as he spoke.

Bai Wanwan, having been subjected to his direct gaze for a while, subconsciously touched her face. "What is it? Is there something on my face?"

"Nope," Yan Lie grinned, his smile open and full of undisguised adoration. "I just think my female is beautiful from every angle. I can never get tired of looking at you."

People say the females of the Merfolk Clan are gentle and beautiful, and the females of the Fox Clan are bewitching, but in his eyes, all of them together weren’t worth a single strand of Bai Wanwan’s hair.

Her every smile and frown could easily stir his heart.

Wanwan gave him a sidelong glance. Seeing him still smiling, looking both silly and sincere, she decided to just let him be, a sweet feeling bubbling up inside her.

Just then, Shi Hua’s clear, energetic voice came from outside the door. "Sister Wanwan! Are you up?"

"We’re up, we’re up!" Wanwan yelled back, quickly finishing the last of her soup. She set down her bowl and chopsticks and went outside.

Shi Hua was standing at the courtyard gate, smiling and waving. "Sister Wanwan, the weather’s great today! I know you like fish, so how about we go catch some in the river outside the tribe? We can take the cubs to play in the water, too!"

"Go out and catch fish?" Wanwan hesitated. "There are so many cubs. What if one of them wanders off and gets lost?"

Shi Hua laughed, her tone light and confident. "Don’t worry! The Golden Lion warriors are patrolling all over the place outside the tribe now. Ever since the Bear Clan was driven away, no other tribe around here has been reckless enough to cause trouble for us. It’s perfectly safe!"

Hearing this, Wanwan felt tempted.

She did miss the clear river water and the delicious fish and shrimp.

"Alright, then! It’s been a while since I’ve had fresh river fish."

Hearing this, Yan Lie immediately sidled up to her. "Wanwan, you want fish? Should I go catch some Cannibal Fish? Their meat is even more tender and fresh! We can go to the big lake over there when Zhu Xiu and the others get back!"

Wanwan smiled and shook her head. "No need to go to all that trouble. River fish will be fine for today. We can go catch Cannibal Fish next time when we have more time."

And so, the large group set off for the crystal-clear, bountiful river in the forest outside the tribe.

When they arrived, the riverbank was already bustling with females and cubs from the tribe. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and splashing, making for a lively scene.

Wanwan took her own cubs and Shi Hua’s cubs into the water to play as well.

The river water was cool and refreshing, and the cubs excitedly splashed about, chasing and roughhousing with one another.

In the height of their play, a few of the little rascals accidentally sent a huge splash of water flying, drenching Bai Wanwan.

Her thin Jue Sha skirt was instantly soaked, clinging tightly to her skin. It outlined her exquisite, graceful curves, the sheer fabric leaving little to the imagination and creating an incredibly alluring sight.

This sudden "scenery" immediately drew the gazes, both open and furtive, of many nearby male Beastmen.

Jin Yi and Yan Lie’s expressions darkened simultaneously.