46: Even the Snake King, after arriving in the tribe, has to do housework.

Right after Xuan Mo agreed to Bai Yao's request, Lin returned, carrying a massive Gu Gu Beast.

The prey was much fatter and stronger than what he usually hunted; clearly, Lin also realized that the household had an extra mouth to feed.

“Lin, you're back!”

Bai Yao immediately went to meet him. “This Gu Gu Beast is huge today. You're amazing.”

Lin was slightly embarrassed by her straightforward praise; a faint blush appeared on his bronze skin as he silently set the prey down.

He habitually pulled something out of the Animal Hide Bag he carried—wild fruits and unusual plants he had gathered along the way: “I saw these on the road. I don't know if you can use them.”

Bai Yao squatted down, rummaging through the pile of green and red fruits. Her eyes suddenly lit up: “Sichuan Peppercorn? And this is Wild Chili and leaves that look like fennel?”

Excitedly, she picked up a few items and examined them; they were indeed the spices she was familiar with.

“This is wonderful! With these, I'll make you something delicious for dinner tonight.”

Lin looked at her shining eyes, his heart softening. He felt it was worth running farther and searching more.

Xuan Mo, who had been sitting silently nearby, felt inexplicably stifled upon hearing Bai Yao's generous praise for Lin and seeing her joy over wild plants he considered useless.

He turned his face away and interjected stiffly, “These things are everywhere in the forest. What's so special? I'll find you something better next time.”

Hearing his tone, Bai Yao knew the Jealous Snake had started again.

Suppressing a laugh, she placated him: “I know, our Xuan Mo is the most capable. Next time you go out, can you also keep an eye out for fresh spices for me?”

Xuan Mo grunted through his nose, a reluctant acceptance, and his expression softened slightly.

Looking at the two vastly different Males before her, Bai Yao felt she had to find them something productive to do, lest they clash when idle.

She surveyed the low, dilapidated Thatched Hut and recalled the awkwardness of the three of them crowding onto one bed last night, which solidified her decision.

Winter was approaching, and this Thatched Hut definitely wouldn't withstand the wind and snow; it had to be rebuilt.

“Xuan Mo, go prepare the Gu Gu Beast. Lin, you come help me.”

Bai Yao began delegating tasks. At home, even the Snake Emperor had to do chores.

Xuan Mo was clearly unwilling to do such menial labor; he usually ate raw food directly, and no one dared to order him around like this. But under Bai Yao's pleading gaze, he still stiffened his face and followed Lin toward the water.

While Xuan Mo was gone, Bai Yao quickly pulled Lin outside and whispered her plan: “Lin, this house is too small and won't last through winter. I want to dig a cave on the hillside behind us.

“It will be like an enlarged Cellar, but sturdier and habitable. The entrance will be reinforced with stone and wood, and the inside divided into two bedrooms. Then, the middle will be a separate living room and kitchen...”

Lin listened to her detailed description, surprise flashing in his eyes. Beastmen were not without cave dwellings, but most were crude and prone to collapse.

Bai Yao's design was entirely different, considering ventilation, support, and even functional partitioning.

“Can this work?” He was hesitant.

“If we do it as I describe, it should be fine.”

Bai Yao picked up a branch and drew a simple structural diagram on the ground. “You go prepare the materials and tools first, and select a good location.”

Lin looked at her certain gaze and nodded. “Alright, I'll give it a try.”

Just then, Xuan Mo returned, carrying the prepared meat. His actions were swift and clean.

From a distance, he saw Bai Yao and Lin huddled together, whispering about something, and that indescribable feeling of annoyance surged up again.

Why did he always feel that Bai Yao only discussed important matters with that Wolf Beast?

“Xuan Mo, you cleaned it up so well.”

Bai Yao immediately noticed him and smiled as she approached. “Hurry and hang the meat up to dry.”

Her praise promptly smoothed out the slight irritation in Xuan Mo's heart.

He gave a muffled “Mm” and did as he was told.

After he finished the task, Bai Yao finally told him about the cave expansion plan, emphasizing:

“This is different from the Mountain Rock Crevice you lived in before. The earth structure requires special support. You and Lin should work together; he is familiar with the terrain here, and you have great strength and power, so it's a perfect match.”

Xuan Mo listened, and although he found the Female's ideas odd, hearing the words “you have great strength” slightly balanced his competitive heart, and he tacitly accepted the arrangement.

Before long, the two actually started cooperating.

Lin directed the site selection and initial excavation, while Xuan Mo used his formidable strength to efficiently clear the earth and stone and tear down the old house.

For a time, dust flew behind the house, and the figures of the two tall Males silently working together achieved a strange harmony.

Bai Yao felt a little reassured and turned to start preparing dinner.

She rendered oil from the fat of the Gu Gu meat Lin brought back, then stir-fried the Sichuan Peppercorns, Wild Chili, and other spices until they released a pungent aroma. She then added water and boiled it to make a simple Hot Pot Base.

Next, she sliced a portion of the Gu Gu meat thinly and prepared the potatoes, wild vegetables, and bamboo shoots she had stored previously and secretly taken out of her spatial storage.

Soon, a rich, spicy fragrance, never before encountered in the Beast World, spread throughout the area.

“Dinner's ready!”

Bai Yao called toward the back of the house.

Lin and Xuan Mo stopped their work almost simultaneously. Lin was already somewhat familiar with the scent but was still expectant.

Xuan Mo, however, was smelling such a dominant scent for the first time, and a flicker of surprise crossed his cold snake pupils.

The three sat around the Stone Pot. Bai Yao picked up a hot slice of meat, blew on it, and contentedly put it in her mouth—numb, spicy, fresh, and savory.

Although the seasonings were simple, the long-missed taste of hot pot nearly brought tears to her eyes.

“This is the flavor!”

Lin copied her actions, eating until sweat beaded on his forehead, yet feeling immensely satisfied.

Xuan Mo hesitantly picked up a piece of meat and put it in his mouth, mimicking them.

The next moment, he suddenly widened his eyes as a burning sensation exploded on his tongue and shot straight down his throat.

But he forced himself not to spit it out, swallowing it hard. His pale skin instantly flushed red, his lips swelled, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his temples.

“Hiss...”

He sucked in a breath, looking somewhat wronged.

“Drink some water, or dip the meat in plain water before you eat it.”

Bai Yao quickly handed him a water bowl, finding his appearance both funny and pitiful.

Xuan Mo glanced at the unflustered Lin and stubbornly turned his face away. “No need.”

He absolutely couldn't show weakness in front of that wolf.

So, enduring the searing pain in his throat, he picked up another piece of hot meat, only to be so overwhelmed by the spice that physiological tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.

Bai Yao watched him suffer just to save face, about to persuade him again.

Suddenly, a flurry of hurried and disorderly footsteps sounded in the distance, drawing closer, clearly heading their way.

The three of them paused simultaneously. Lin instantly stood up in alarm, and Xuan Mo also put down his chopsticks, his snake pupils sharply scanning the distance.