109: Chapter 109 The New Chief Outwits the Tribe

Herman clasped his hands behind his back, his two claws twisting together, "I like you because you're beautiful, pretty, prettier than me."

That's it? Nothing else?

"Many males like me. Am I supposed to accept every single one?" Sang Qing smiled at him calmly and unyieldingly, unable to take this reason seriously.

Hmm, that seems right too! Herman tilted his head, lowered his eyes, seeming somewhat doubtful.

"But I'm very strong!"

He tried to highlight his strong points to win her heart.

"My mates are all stronger than you." Without a doubt, this condition wouldn't work either.

Sang Qing's eyes and brows held a smile as she refuted softly.

Herman felt like his brain was mush today, unable to think of anything.

"But females often have many mates. You only have four; surely you'll have more in the future. Why can't you give me a chance?"

After thinking for a long time, this was the only thing Herman could come up with.

Four? He felt even forty would be fine.

Sang Qing shook her head with a smile, "You're mistaken. I think four mates are already enough; I don't need any more."

She preferred males she met during her low points; they wouldn't hastily pursue her just because she had a pretty face.

Herman was good-looking and had a pleasant voice, but she no longer wanted to form a Pair Bond with any male.

"So..." So that was why she was unwilling to tell Aniel the truth?

Herman's heart felt as if a bottle of mixed flavors had been overturned—it was very unpleasant.

If only he were one of those four mates.

"What?" So what?

Sang Qing didn't hear his following words.

Herman shook his head and gave her a bright smile.

He would keep this secret to himself, not wanting to use it to threaten her.

What if she got angry and completely ignored him? Better to let it go.

"I'll make you like me."

We'll see about that.

Sang Qing didn't understand where his confidence came from.

But Herman was beaming, a gleam of triumph shining in the corners of his eyes and brows, "You don't believe me? Then let's wait and see."

The nonexistent big tail behind Herman was almost wagging fast enough to take flight.

He had already thought of a way to attract her.

Another two days passed.

The Xita Tribe's new chieftains had been selected—they were the previous chieftain's cubs. Two of them.

That's right. To deal with the Bai Guo Tribe, the Xita Tribe's new chieftains also became two.

Because their Tribe had no Seventh-Rank Warriors; the Sixth-Rank was already the highest level.

But the Bai Guo Tribe had five Sixth-Rank Warriors. If they only chose one chieftain, they would definitely not be a match for the Bai Guo Tribe.

Therefore, Endo's two cubs directly overpowered all others and became the new chieftains.

Moreover, they had learned that the culprit who killed their Father was sent by the Bai Guo Tribe. So, their first act after taking office was to avenge their Father.

On this day, the new chieftains' trusted subordinate found out that the Bai Guo Tribe was going to hold a victory celebration, having caught many beasts and gathered many fruits.

He decided to teach them a lesson.

Standing on the hill, Sang Qing crossed her arms, watching the Xita Tribe's warriors ambushed on the necessary route back to the Tribe for Sa Yu and the others. A subtle light flashed in her eyes.

Herman stood beside her. Watching her skirt flutter, revealing glimpses of her well-proportioned long legs, his eyes darkened slightly, "The wind is strong here. Why don't you head back to the Tribe first?"

"It's fine, I'm not cold." It was almost Hot Season; what was a little wind?

Sang Qing waved her hand, squatted down, and found a rock to sit on.

Had enough of standing.

Herman smiled, took two fruits from his chest, and handed them to her, "Don't worry, everything is arranged. Your mate won't get hurt."

Sang Qing didn't stand on ceremony, took the fruit, and took a bite, "I'm afraid of 'what ifs.' Nothing is absolute."

Also, she wanted to see the combat level of the Xita Tribe's warriors.

Crunch, crunch. Herman sat down beside her, taking big bites of his fruit.

"You care about him quite a bit."

His words inexplicably carried a sour note.

Herman felt both jealous and pleased. A female who cared so much for her mates—he couldn't miss out on her even more.

"Who else would I care about if not my mate?" Sang Qing chatted with him, but her gaze remained fixed on the situation below.

After mingling with Herman and the others for a few days, Sang Qing's attitude had become much more familiar.

However, she still maintained her refusal regarding Herman's habit of giving her things.

Herman pouted, knowing he wasn't on her mind yet and didn't dare speak out of turn.

"I want to know why you don't like me?"

He suddenly threw this question at Sang Qing again.

Sang Qing turned her head and gave him a strange look, "I don't dislike you."

"Then you like me?" Herman's voice suddenly shot up, almost scaring the soul out of Sang Qing.

His eyes were bright as he looked at her, with an expression of disbelief and excitement, as if he was about to faint. The fruit in his hand was crushed.

Patting her chest, Sang Qing looked at him speechlessly, "I meant I don't dislike you.

Also, keep your voice down!"

Was he afraid the Beastmen lying in ambush from the Xita Tribe wouldn't hear? Luckily, the wind was against them here.

"Oh!" Herman's heart thudded back into place.

He had been presumptuous again, hadn't he?

"Then what kind of male do you like?"

Herman plucked the green grass beside him, inquiring tentatively.

"Handsome ones!" Sang Qing said without turning her head.

For the first time, Herman doubted his own looks. He touched his face, a trace of bewilderment showing, "Am I not handsome?"

Quite a few females in the Tribe fawned over him.

The Tribesmen had praised his looks since he was a child.

"Passable." A delicate face, fox-like eyes, a high nose bridge, distinct features, and a defined jawline—giving off a charming, bewitching vibe.

Overall, ninety points.

The remaining ten points because he wasn't hers.

Bah, bah, bah.

What nonsense was she thinking?

Sang Qing shook her head, suppressing the strange feeling in her heart.

She must have been dazzled by Herman's Beast Form yesterday.

She hadn't expected Herman's Beast Form to be so beautiful and elegant. His big, fiery red tail was fluffy and soft, swaying gently—a breathtaking sight. If she hadn't been mindful of keeping her distance, she would definitely have gone over to pet it a few times.

So beautiful.

The title 'Fire Fox Beastman' described it perfectly. Herman's Beast Form was like a burst of flame—fiery and dazzling.

Oh, right, like a fox spirit.

In her past life, she had also treated a few pet foxes. That white fur, so soft, felt absolutely amazing to hold.

If Herman were a female, she would definitely cuddle him to sleep. Too bad he wasn't.

Was 'passable' a yes or a no?

Herman sighed gloomily, his head drooping like a large, despondent dog.

Sang Qing glanced at him, resisted the urge to pat his head, and continued focusing below.

Not far away, a hunting team was heading toward the Bai Guo Tribe as if nothing was wrong, cheering and jubilant.

"They're coming!"

Herman quickly returned to his normal self, observing seriously.

Soon, the Xita Tribe's ambushing warriors clashed with the Bai Guo Tribe.

Sang Qing clenched her hands, nervously looking down.

The situation below was chaotic; she couldn't tell who was who at a glance. Luckily, her eyesight was good, and she spotted Sa Yu's figure.

Seeing his feigned defensive posture, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.

The battle didn't last long. The Bai Guo Tribe's warriors seemed to flee in disarray, leaving behind a pile of freshly killed beasts.

The plan proceeded smoothly. Sang Qing withdrew her gaze.

Time to head back now.

Tossing the fruit core aside casually, Sang Qing stood up, ready to walk back.

Herman followed slowly, seemingly lost in thought, absent-minded.

"Aah!" A sudden exclamation came from behind.

Sang Qing instinctively turned to look. Herman was sitting on the ground, blood gushing from the sole of his foot.

A sharp stone had extended its claws and easily attacked him.

Sang Qing raised an eyebrow and quickly walked over to squat beside him and check.

"You weren't watching where you were walking."

She examined Herman's wound and quickly took out the necessary items for treatment from her small leather bag.

His wound was not shallow.

First, she pressed on his wound to stop the bleeding. Herman moved his foot, his handsome face flushing, "Don't!"

His foot was dirty.

Sang Qing turned a deaf ear.

Only when the blood stopped flowing did she begin to clean and suture his wound.

"You're really amazing, Sang Qing."

Sitting on the ground, Herman looked at her with starry eyes, his heart sinking deeper into infatuation.

Sang Qing immediately applied a bit more pressure with her hands.

Herman's face paled, grimacing in pain, but he endured it.

"Can't even praise you?"

He bit his hand, muttering discontentedly.

"Logically, you shouldn't have gotten injured." Sang Qing thought he might have intentionally hurt himself to gain sympathy, so her attitude wasn't very good.

Herman looked at the culprit that injured him, puffed out his chest, and retorted, "I didn't think of getting hurt on purpose. Don't speculate. I was just lost in thought and didn't notice the stone under my foot."

What was good about getting injured? He disliked getting hurt the most.

Even to pursue a female, he wouldn't intentionally put himself in danger.

He genuinely hadn't noticed it just now.

"That's for the best." Sang Qing paused her hands, then continued bandaging him.

"It seems one of your mates has done something like this before, right?" Seeing her expression, Herman couldn't help but make the connection. A ripple stirred in his crystal-clear red eyes.

"None of your business." Sang Qing spoke calmly.

But she still remembered that silly fish, Fu Ning.

Herman pressed his lips together, not very happy.

"All done!" After finishing the bandaging, Sang Qing washed her hands with alcohol.

Herman stood up. The moment his foot touched the ground, he groaned, "Hiss~"

The location of this wound was truly something else.

Seeing there was still a long way to the Tribe, how long would it take him to hobble back?

Sang Qing frowned and advised, "Pay attention when you walk next time."

"I will." A look of joy appeared on Herman's face.

She was concerned about him!

"You should go back first. I'll walk slowly by myself." Looking at the distant Tribe, he felt somewhat ashamed.

"Can you manage?" Sang Qing looked around, teasing him.

"Of course!" It was just a foot injury, not a broken bone.

He could walk back slowly.

"Then I'm leaving." She needed to go back and see if Sa Yu was injured. It was too far earlier; she couldn't see clearly.

After saying that, Sang Qing left him behind and strode back.

Herman stood alone in the wind, bewildered, shouting at Sang Qing's retreating figure.

"You're really leaving?"

She actually left him here?

Ah, ah, ah!

Heartless!

She truly had no heart, leaving such a weak and helpless Beastman all alone. What if a wild beast appeared? What would he do then?

Sang Qing turned back, looking at him with a half-smile. "Wasn't it you who told me to leave?"

How come you're changing your mind now?

"...I only told you to leave with my words, not with my heart," Herman mumbled to her, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Could she possibly have mind-reading abilities? Sang Qing gave a light scoff, looking at Herman's crimson cheeks. "Let's go."

Are you planning to stand here and sprout roots?

Herman rubbed his buzz cut, a deep, murky darkness swirling in his eyes as he reached out and grabbed the corner of Sang Qing's clothes.

"I want you to support me!"

Sang Qing's eyes widened slightly as she looked at him with resistance. "No."

males and females should maintain propriety; she couldn't support him.

If she did, he would definitely find an excuse to pester her. No, absolutely not.

"Then just leave me here to be fed to the beasts!" Unable to meet her gaze directly, Herman had to tilt his head down slightly, looking at her with a face full of grievance.

"??" Sang Qing was utterly confused by his behavior.

But the next second, when her eyes met his, her hand involuntarily reached out and supported him.

The corner of Herman's mouth lifted slightly as he leaned against her, gripping her hand tightly and walking forward with delight.

Sang Qing snapped back to reality. Looking at the male leaning on her, a deep question flashed through her mind.

???

Had she overlooked something?

She wanted to pull her hand back, but Herman held it firmly.

"You were the one who offered to support me. You can't go back on your word now."

She offered? How did she offer?

How truly strange.

She had actually reached out on her own just now.

A flicker of puzzlement passed through Sang Qing's eyes, but she didn't push him away again.

Herman didn't dare put all his weight on her, afraid of crushing her. So, by the time they were halfway there, limping along, fine beads of sweat had already begun to appear on his face.

Sang Qing glanced at him. "Need to rest?"

"No need, I can manage. Let's hurry back," Herman shook his head and refused.

But he noticed that the skin where he was in contact with Sang Qing was damp, clearly soaked with sweat, and he couldn't help feeling apologetic.

She was the one who loved cleanliness the most, yet today he had left a terrible impression on her.

Alright then. Sang Qing continued supporting him as they walked forward.

As they walked, she suddenly caught a faint, elusive fragrance. It was very unique; she couldn't quite place it. It wasn't the scent of flowers or fruit.

She looked left and right.

There weren't any plants around, just grass. So where was this fragrance coming from?

"What are you looking for?" Herman noticed her unusual behavior and quickly asked.

"Can you smell a fragrance?" Sang Qing withdrew her gaze, looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Fragrance?

Herman was stunned for a moment. A wisp of scent brushed past the tip of his nose, and his expression suddenly froze.

She... she she she could smell it?

Herman's face flushed red with embarrassment, and he tugged at the animal hide around his waist.

Sang Qing didn't understand why he was getting shy again. It was just a question, wasn't it? Was it really necessary to react like this?

Incomprehensible.

She helplessly raised an eyebrow.

But that fragrance lingered, not dissipating.

Sang Qing only felt the tip of her nose growing a bit itchy.

As they neared the Tribe entrance, Sang Qing saw a figure standing there, craning his neck and peering in all directions like a 'Husband-Longing Stone'.

"Sa Yu!" Sang Qing immediately let go of Herman's hand and ran towards him with a laugh.

His hand now empty, Herman felt saddened.

Then, seeing Sang Qing throw herself into Sa Yu's embrace, he shot Sa Yu several resentful side-glances.

How infuriating!

Ignoring Herman's gaze, Sa Yu happily hugged Sang Qing and kissed her several times right there in public.

The two of them left Herman behind and entered the Tribe, leaving Herman standing there alone, stunned and heartbroken.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Sang Qing took Sa Yu's hand and circled him, checking him over.

"Just a minor injury, it's nothing," Sa Yu said casually, glancing at the small wound on his arm.

"Mm-hmm, we'll apply some medicine when we get back," Sang Qing nodded with a smile.

But they didn't go home. Instead, they headed for the Tribe's meeting place.

Soon, they would be setting out to ambush the Xita Tribe. Ao Wei and Dax were currently counting the number of warriors, waiting only for Heng Dun's message before they would charge into the Xita Tribe.

Sang Qing would be going with them when the time came.

It was still early. Sang Qing sat under a tree to enjoy the cool shade.

"Qing Qing. Once we deal with the Xita Tribe, can we go home?" Sa Yu wrapped his arm around her waist, trying his best to ignore the scene he had witnessed earlier.

He missed his own two Little Cubs. It had been so long, he was almost forgetting what they looked like.

Sang Qing nodded, playing with his slender fingers. "It's still a bit early for that."

They still had to wait for the Beast King City to be completed and pass her inspection before they could return.

But it wouldn't take more than a few days.

Xita Tribe.

Singing and dancing.

The new chieftains, En You and En Zuo, who had successfully seized the fruits of the Bai Guo Tribe's labor, were sitting in the square, watching their Tribesmen happily gather in a circle, ready to enjoy the plundered food.

Their ambush today had gone extremely smoothly for the two brothers. The only pity was that they hadn't captured any of the Bai Guo Tribe's Tribesmen, or else they would have had one more form of entertainment.

The aroma of food gradually wafted out, attracting more and more Tribesmen to the square.

En Zuo was smug and satisfied, looking happily at his people.

"Brother, look. Our Tribe will grow stronger and more prosperous.

Once we avenge Father, the Xita Tribe will become the most powerful force on the grasslands."

En You laughed heartily, envisioning a beautiful future.

"Chieftains, the food is roasted."

En Zuo and En You exchanged a glance and laughed. "Then let the feast begin!"

This was all prey from the Bai Guo Tribe; it was sure to be delicious.

Climbing onto Sa Yu's back, Sang Qing looked towards the direction of the Xita Tribe, her brow slightly furrowed.

The drug's effect should be taking full hold by now. It was time for the next step.

"Herman, you're injured, so you shouldn't go," Ao Wei said, picking up his stone axe, full of imposing momentum.

"I'm fine." Of course he was going.

He had finally waited for this day. He wanted to witness this heart-stirring moment and completely reclaim what was rightfully his.

Herman gazed ahead with unwavering determination.

Dax gave Ao Wei a look.

On such an important occasion today, Herman definitely had to be there.

Let him be. He only had a foot injury; he just wouldn't participate in the fighting later.

Sa Yu took Sang Qing ahead to scout the path.

Ao Wei and the other three led the Tribesmen along a small path towards the Xita Tribe to rendezvous with Heng Dun, who was already prepared to assist them.

In the square below, several thousand Beastmen lay scattered about, some in Beast Form, some in human form, all snoring like thunder, their bodies greasy.

Seeing this, the various females paid them no mind and continued eating the fruit in their hands.

The Xita Tribe didn't treat its females very well. Although they could eat meat, it wasn't available every day. What they ate most daily was fruit, which meant not many females had passed out.

The females were weak and posed no problem.

Sang Qing and Sa Yu landed at the Tribe entrance. The Guard Beastmen, upon seeing the two of them, began shrieking loudly, likely aware of their identities.

A few of Sang Qing's Flying Needles flew over, and they too fell unconscious.

Entering the Xita Tribe unimpeded, Sang Qing warmly offered a Flying Needle to any Beastman she saw who hadn't yet collapsed.

Several months of practice had elevated her Flying Needle technique to a masterful level. Within a hundred meters, no one could escape.

Sa Yu stood behind Sang Qing, gazing at her eagerly, thinking her movements were incredibly dashing and cool.

By the time Sang Qing and the others were about to break into the very center of the Tribe square, the belatedly reacting Xita Tribe warriors finally realized their home was being raided.

Dax led a massive swarm of warriors charging into the Xita Tribe, with Aniel and Ao Wei not far behind.

Though Aniel, transformed into his Beast Form and carrying a rather heavy fox on his back, was somewhat holding them back.

"Ah!" The females in the Tribe let out terrified screams.

When they saw the Bai Guo Tribe warriors charging into the square, they panicked, scattering and fleeing in all directions.

"Go, round up all the Beastmen and bring them to the square," Ao Wei ordered directly, kicking the unconscious Beastman at his feet.

Herman walked over to En Zuo and En You and immediately slapped them several times across the face.

Unfortunately, they still didn't wake up.

Chaos erupted in the Xita Tribe.

At least a third of the Beastmen hadn't passed out. Unable to leave the Tribe, they had no choice but to pick up their weapons and resist the Bai Guo Tribe's Beastmen.

The sounds of battle echoed around them. Sang Qing stopped her actions and went to Herman's side.

Glancing at the two Beastmen lying on the ground, she took out the antidote and waved it under their noses.

En Zuo slowly opened his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, he met Herman's cold face.

He sprang up. "Herman!!!!"

But his limbs felt weak, and he quickly stumbled and fell back to the ground.

He looked around, his pupils suddenly constricting.

He realized the warriors surrounding him were unfamiliar; they no longer seemed to be from the Xita Tribe.

Heng Dun walked over, looking at him mockingly. "Awake?"

"You... you all..."

In his ears were the miserable cries of his own Tribesmen.

En Zuo clutched his chest, looking at them in disbelief.

What was going on?

He remembered he had just been holding a celebration in the square.

"The meat was tasty, wasn't it," Aniel said, crossing his arms and staring at him with a playful look.

En Zuo still wore a blank expression. At that moment, En You woke up.

"Brother... why am I sleeping on the ground?"

Rubbing his heavy head, En Zuo didn't have time to notice the surroundings and complained loudly.

And his face hurt a bit too.

"Ah!" Once he clearly saw the situation around him, he let out a shocked cry.

"You... what are you all doing here?" En You was utterly stunned.

At first, he thought he had been kidnapped, but looking at the familiar surroundings, he was still in the Xita Tribe.

"What do you want?" En Zuo calmed down for a moment, sitting on the ground, his expression grave as he looked at them.

It seemed the meat they had eaten was the problem.

"Herman! It was you! You did this! Are you going to kill them? These are your Tribesmen!" En You was more frantic. He glared at Herman beside him and questioned him viciously.