117: Chapter 117 The Fifth Companion, Trouble in the Black Tiger Tribe

The inner city was the commercial district. According to Sang Qing's arrangement, every shop was divided into an outer courtyard and an inner courtyard. Stalls were set up in the outer courtyard, while the inner courtyard served as living quarters. This way, the inner city gained a sense of everyday life and wouldn't feel so desolate.

Finally, the Beast King Palace.

A manor adorned with flowers opened its welcoming gates to Sang Qing.

Except for the reception area, the remaining living areas, residential quarters, warehouses, and basement were all interconnected.

Sang Qing and Sa Yu toured it one by one. As they walked, Sang Qing introduced the furnishings and how to use them to Sa Yu.

In truth, she hadn't completely remodeled it to be like the modern world; after all, she had to adapt to reality. Thus, there was no high technology; everything was quite casual.

As Sa Yu watched Sang Qing introduce the items in the house to him as if she knew them by heart, an absurd thought flashed through his mind.

While standing on the roof of the residential area to admire the moon, Sa Yu picked her up to sit on his lap, holding her in his arms with a hint of fear.

“Qing Qing.”

Sang Qing was nearly squeezed breathless by his embrace, but fortunately, he showed restraint and gave her some breathing room.

“Hmm?”

He wanted to ask something.

“You and us...”

“...are not beasts from the same world, are you?”

After speculating for a long time, Sa Yu finally voiced the doubt in his heart.

Combined with how sadly she had cried that day, saying she regretted Pair Bonding and didn't want to have Cubs, he had become somewhat suspicious.

Sang Qing raised her eyebrows in surprise, hooked her arms around his neck, and met his gaze.

The eyes of both beasts held their own distinct brilliance.

Sa Yu tensed his jaw, waiting for an answer.

Sang Qing let out a light chuckle and hooked her finger under his chin. “That's right.”

He's quite smart.

Sa Yu's heart jumped into his throat, and his body stiffened considerably. “Then you...”

For no reason, his voice choked up slightly.

“...Will you really leave me?”

Sang Qing smiled and shook her head, giving him a flick on the forehead. “I won't.”

Because she couldn't go back.

“I will stay with you all until I grow old.”

Sa Yu's eyes grew moist, and a few tears unhelpfully escaped. “Can you tell me about your life before?”

What kind of beast was she before? Did she already have many mates?

Sang Qing took his large hand in hers and began to recount as if reminiscing, “In the past, the world I lived in was very strange. There were no beastmen there, and one couldn't assume a Beast Form.

We were all humans. We didn't live by hunting. Everyone had their own skills, but everyone seemed to live unhappily.”

“My job was similar to a Shaman's; I provided treatment for many people's pets... My Father and Mother passed away very early. I bought a small house... and I never had a mate...”

She spoke softly, and Sa Yu listened intently. The moonlight shone on their huddled bodies; at this moment, it felt as if they were the only two figures left in the world.

Their breaths intertwined as Sa Yu constantly stroked her long hair, his eyes filled with deep emotion and pity.

Sang Qing smiled nonchalantly and kissed the corner of his mouth. “I haven't thought about things from the past for a long time.”

Let the past remain in the past.

She still had a very beautiful future.

The corners of Sa Yu's eyes were red, and his handsome face was full of love as he leaned down to kiss her delicate lips. “I love you, Qing Qing!”

No matter when.

After Sang Qing and the others finished touring the Beast King City, the city was placed in a temporarily closed state; no beast was allowed to enter.

The next day, the beastmen who discovered a massive city had appeared on the opposite bank of the river collectively erupted in excitement.

They wanted to get closer, but there was absolutely no entrance.

Even flying beastmen could not descend from the sky.

Some curious beastmen even ran a full circle around the city, wanting to discover its full extent.

After breakfast, Sang Qing had Sa Yu pack up and prepare to head back, while she went to find Herman to explain things.

Arriving at Herman's home, Sang Qing found that he wasn't there.

She frowned slightly.

Where is this beast?

Where did he run off to?

Sang Qing had no choice but to ask the Tribesmen in the Tribe, but even they didn't know his whereabouts.

She then turned to the stone house where the Tribe discussed matters. Although she didn't find Herman, she saw Heng Dun and Dax.

“You mean Herman? He went out hunting early this morning.” Heng Dun was still holding his Little Cub, looking like a cold-faced 'nanny dad.'

“He went out!?” Sang Qing was utterly helpless.

This guy really knows how to pick his timing.

“Are you looking for him for something?” Dax glanced at her, a thick eyebrow arching.

“Yes, I'm planning to return to the forest with Sa Yu first, and I intended to say goodbye to him.” Sang Qing teased the Little Cub in Heng Dun's arms, a gentle expression appearing on her face.

Dax and Heng Dun exchanged a look, and Dax rubbed the bridge of his nose. “How about you wait for him a while? He'll probably be back soon.”

If Herman knew she left without saying goodbye, he would probably chase her all the way to the forest to settle the score.

Sang Qing scratched behind her ear and hesitated for a moment. “Alright then.”

Regardless, she had to go back today.

Sang Qing had no choice but to return to Herman's home and wait.

As the sun rose, Sang Qing sat on a stone stool outside the house, dangling her legs and waiting leisurely.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, Herman's thin silhouette finally appeared in her field of vision.

It was unclear who had provoked him again, but he looked gloomy, his brows drooping like an abandoned large dog, and his steps were unsteady.

“Herman!” Sang Qing couldn't help but call out to him.

Can't you walk a bit faster? You're like a snail.

Herman was still immersed in the whirlpool of disappointment over Sang Qing abandoning him and leaving. Hearing her voice unexpectedly caused his body to stiffen slightly.

He abruptly looked up. Not far away, the female with the graceful figure was staring at him with a strange look in her eyes.

She didn't leave?

Herman was overjoyed. He rushed toward her, scooped her up, lifted her over his head, and spun around happily.

“Ah, Herman, put me down quickly!” Sang Qing cried out, her vision spinning.

Enough, enough, she was so dizzy.

Stinky fox, stop spinning!

Overjoyed, Herman put her down and immediately dragged her into the house. Before she could react, he pinned her down on the bed.

Sang Qing shook her dizzy head and grabbed Herman's paws. “What are you doing? I have something to tell you.”

He's a certified rogue; his mind is purely filled with those lewd thoughts.

Herman completely ignored her attempts to stop him. “Go ahead, I'm listening.”

She could say her piece, and he could do his; it didn't interfere at all.

It was great; she didn't leave, she didn't abandon him.

“Can't you be a bit more serious?” Sang Qing dodged his kisses with a headache and kicked him in the leg.

If he didn't behave, she would resort to force.

Herman's dark, enchanting eyes were incredibly soul-stirring. After giving her a casual glance, he curled his lip. “No!”

Sang Qing took a deep breath, nearly punching him in the face. “I'm not joking with you. Get off first.”

By all her ancestors, is his head filled with nothing but lewd thoughts?

Herman leaned down and kissed her pink lips, biting and nibbling several times before reluctantly letting go. “Fine, tell me, what is it?”

Only his wandering hands didn't let go.

Sang Qing's face flushed, and she nearly lost her breath. She raised her foot and kicked him right off the bed.

“You're bullying me again.” Herman scrambled up from the floor, patted his backside, and glared at her with annoyed eyes.

Sang Qing straightened her disheveled clothes and spat at him, “Serves you right!”

Herman was so angry he felt dizzy. He lunged at her again, baring a mouthful of white teeth as if to bite her.

“You're a fox, not a dog!” Sang Qing's shoulder was bitten, the veins on her forehead throbbing as she pinched the soft flesh at his waist and gave it a twist.

But he acted as if nothing had happened, not feeling the pain at all.

Herman licked from her shoulder all the way to her collarbone, then nipped at the soft flesh of her neck, saying huffily, “I really want to bite you to death, you're so annoying.”

After all, he had gone out of the Tribe early in the morning to catch wild beasts for her, only to return and find the house empty with not a soul in sight.

He had even been thinking about quickly packing up to chase after her.

Sang Qing was forced to tilt her head back. Her lips twitched as she reached out to hug him. “Alright, stop messing around.”

Herman's body stiffened. Feeling her embrace him, his gaze softened.

Don't think he would forgive her just like this.

Sang Qing stroked the bony ridges of his spine and met his dark eyes. “I'm going back to the forest with Sa Yu. I came specifically to tell you.”

Herman let go of her neck and sprawled on top of her, licking her face a few times. “I want to go with you.”

“I'll be back very soon.” Sang Qing didn't want to take him back. Firstly, it was a hassle, and secondly, she would be back in a few days.

Herman got angry and pinched one of her cheeks hard. “What if you don't come back? You bad female, taking my body but not taking responsibility, and being so fierce all day. I really regret it.”

“Hey, don't give me that. You came to me yourself.” Sang Qing didn't indulge him and slapped his hand away. “If you regret it, it's not too late. We haven't done the Pair Bonding yet anyway.”

Herman's expression froze. He stared at her in disbelief, his eyes practically spitting fire. “I knew you didn't want to take responsibility! Bad female! Bad female!”

He had already softened his stance, what else did she want?

Could it be she really had the heart to watch him grow old alone?

Sang Qing squeezed his chin and looked at him with sincere eyes. “So, the reason I looked for you today was to ask if you're willing to do the Pair Bonding with me!”

Who knew he would drag her to the bed without a word? This lewd, flirtatious fox—she hadn't even spoken yet, and he was already whining and shouting.

Herman's expression immediately became bashful, and he spoke haltingly, “You... are you serious?”

Sang Qing nodded solemnly.

“Then will you always be good to me?” Herman's heart began to pound as he stared at her without moving.

Sang Qing gave a half-smile. “Depends on your performance.”

“You're getting a bargain and still acting coy. How could you not like such a handsome and powerful male like me?” Herman pouted and quickly sat up while holding her, straightening her clothes and muttering, “You should have said so earlier. If I knew, I wouldn't have gone hunting today.”

It caused him to waste so much time.

Otherwise, the Pair Bonding ceremony would have been completed long ago.

She's so bad.

Sang Qing just wanted to roll her eyes. It was unclear who was getting the better deal.

Herman pulled her toward the Shaman's residence, their fingers intertwined with no gap between them. “But Qing Qing, I still want to go to the forest with you.”

“Hmm? Why?” Sang Qing was puzzled.

Herman glanced at her, his gaze landing on the wound on her cheek. “First off, I'm not saying I'm repulsed by you...”

"But females love beauty. The scar on your face is so severe. I plan to go to the forest Market to trade for a divine medicine. I heard this medicine can heal scars on beastmen, so your face can be restored."

Herman looked at her cautiously and worriedly, fearing that any word he said might displease her.

"Since you don't mind it anyway, why trade for divine medicine?" Sang Qing teased, her heart stirred.

Of course he wouldn't mind.

Herman wrinkled his nose, "But... but..."

What she said made sense, but he always felt something wasn't quite right.

"What if your other mates mind it?"

Herman pinched his ear and gave her a confused look.

"Then let them be," Sang Qing smiled dismissively.

She was only afraid of causing unnecessary trouble, which was why she hadn't taken the Muscle Regeneration Pill. Once she left the Bai Guo Tribe, she could restore her appearance at any time.

She hadn't expected him to misunderstand.

"That won't do. Don't you want to be beautiful forever?" Herman shook his head.

She really had a big heart.

A subtle emotion flashed through Herman's mind. Before, he had searched high and low for a beautiful mate, but now that he had met the female he liked, he felt that even if her appearance was strange, he wouldn't care.

When he saw her covered in blood that day, he had only one thought: he wanted her to live, even if it meant giving his own life.

Feelings are truly a mysterious thing.

He just couldn't figure it out.

Sang Qing gave a playful smile, "Can I stay young forever?"

Herman pursed his lips, his gaze firm. "Who's talking about that? Anyway, don't worry about it. I'm going to the forest Market."

"Alright, I'm done teasing you. That divine medicine you mentioned, I have it myself." Sang Qing blinked and gave him a mischievous smile.

She was afraid that if she kept going, he really would leave with her.

!!!! Herman was stunned for a moment.

"Then why didn't you use it?"

Sang Qing's lips curled into a grin, her playful gaze landing on him. "I just wanted to see if you'd still like me after I became ugly."

Herman lowered his brow, staring at her in disbelief. "Am I such a shallow male? You actually thought that of me? Humph!"

He was angry!

Bad female, making him worry for so many days for nothing.

Herman pulled her along, walking forward angrily.

"Hey, hey, slow down, my leg hurts!" Sang Qing was speechless and tried to shake off his hand.

Herman quickly stopped and looked back at her, his face full of remorse.

How could he forget she still had injuries?

Thinking this, he bent down and hoisted her over his shoulder, marching forward aggressively.

Sang Qing's eyes twitched. She swung her legs and patted his shoulder, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Put me down quickly."

Don't make a scene, okay? Can't you see the Tribesmen are all watching us?

The corners of Herman's mouth curved up wildly as he slapped her bottom. "I won't."

It was the perfect chance to show the Tribesmen that he had a mate.

The Bai Guo Tribe originally had two shamans, but after the shaman from the Xita Tribe joined, the number suddenly increased.

However, Su Qigu was excluded by Herman. He directly stripped her of her shaman status and treated her like any other elderly female.

Su Qigu was unwilling, especially since she had a young granddaughter, but Herman was a man of his word and ignored her pleas entirely.

Seeing this, the other shamans from the Xita Tribe didn't dare to speak out of turn and could only do their duties properly.

After finding the current Great Shaman of the Bai Guo Tribe, Herman explained his intention.

The Great Shaman was overjoyed and immediately performed the Pair Bonding ceremony for Herman and Sang Qing.

"Leader Herman, Sang Qing, my blessings to you both."

Sang Qing nodded with a slight smile. "Thank you~"

Great, now she had five mates.

She suddenly felt a bit of a headache.

After leaving the shaman's residence, Herman looked at the bonding mark on his arm with a silly grin, his steps light as if he were walking on clouds.

"Herman!" Sang Qing stopped walking.

"Huh?" Herman snapped out of it, his eyes sparkling as he stared at her. "What's wrong?"

"I have to go." A faint smile hung on Sang Qing's face, but to Herman, it seemed a bit cruel.

Leaving—those were the words he liked least.

He didn't want her to leave.

Herman became dejected, grabbing her hand and pleading pitifully, "Can't you stay? Besides, we just bonded. You haven't compensated me with our first mating yet."

How could there be a mate like her?

Herman's heart felt a crushing pain.

Ugh... It was rare for him to show such weakness, but Sang Qing felt helpless.

"Be good, okay? I'll really be back soon, trust me."

"I'll make it up to you slowly when I return."

Her plans couldn't be disrupted.

She had many things to handle after she went back.

"Just take me with you." A pleading look appeared in Herman's eyes, as innocent and pitiful as a cub. "I have no family left, Qing Qing. If even you don't want me, what am I supposed to do?"

He was terrified because the distance between the prairie and the forest was vast. If she never came back, if she forgot him, what would he do?

He would rather make her angry than not be by her side.

Sang Qing frowned hesitantly, reaching out to stroke his face. "But, Herman, you are the leader of the Bai Guo Tribe. You can't just up and leave."

"Those things can be left to Aniel and the others. I want to leave with you." Herman's jaw tightened as he looked at her nervously.

Seeing Sang Qing's hesitation, he quickly pressed his advantage. "I won't be able to sleep without you, Qing Qing. I promise not to cause any trouble. Just take me with you."

"..." Not able to sleep? She highly doubted that.

He had slept quite soundly last night.

Sang Qing smoothed her brow and stood firm again. "No, Herman. You stay in the Bai Guo Tribe and wait for me."

Herman wailed and stomped his feet, his gaze becoming resentful.

"I won't abandon you, Herman. Just listen to me this once." After thinking it over, Sang Qing still felt she couldn't take him back.

In a fit of pique, Herman cupped her face and took a bite of her lip.

In the end, Herman reluctantly let her leave.

Standing at the Tribe's entrance, he watched them go with longing, tears falling on the spot.

Sa Yu looked back at the gradually shrinking Bai Guo Tribe and flapped his wings forward.

Going home! He wondered how his Little Cubs were doing.

The forest was right before them, but it was already evening. Sang Qing decided to rest for the night first.

Coincidentally, the Black Tiger Tribe was near the edge of the forest. She thought she hadn't seen Zhou Wanwan in a long time and might as well take a stroll through the Black Tiger Tribe.

The afterglow of the setting sun poured down, bathing the entire forest in orange light.

Sang Qing climbed down from Sa Yu's back. Seeing the dilapidated entrance of the Black Tiger Tribe, an ominous premonition rose in her heart.

It was quiet—too quiet. Something was very wrong.

Sa Yu's eyes were sharp as he scanned the lifeless surroundings. He spoke softly, "Qing Qing, something might have happened."

Otherwise, why wasn't there even a single Guard Beastman in sight?

Sang Qing's heart tightened. She nodded slightly and stepped inside.

She prayed that Zhou Wanwan was okay, but the sight of the messy and ruined scene inside the Tribe still shocked her.

Not a single part of the Tribe was intact. All the caves had collapsed, the trees were severely damaged and lay scattered about, withered yellow leaves drifted everywhere, and rotten food was covered in maggots and flies.

Broken spears and defensive weapons were strewn across the ground, with faint traces of dried, dark red blood visible on them.

The surroundings were silent, without a single sound.

Sang Qing clutched her chest, finding it hard to accept.

What had happened here?

She wanted to call out but feared attracting things that shouldn't be there.

Sa Yu looked around warily, a knife already in his hand.

He hadn't been here before, but he knew a normal Tribe shouldn't look like this.

Right, check the shop area.

Sang Qing followed her memory of the path inward. Broken trees blocked the way, and the dim evening sun made the scene before her appear desolate.

After weaving through the debris, she finally reached the shop. Seeing the shop still intact but empty, she stepped inside.

"Wan Wan?" Sang Qing called out, but there was no sign of anyone on the first floor or in the basement.

She went up to the second floor.

The second floor was also empty, but everything was in order, without even a speck of dust.

It seemed they had encountered something and left.

She hadn't seen any bodies of the Tribesmen, which meant they should still be safe for now.

She wondered what they had run into. Sang Qing pursed her lips, her gaze darkening.

Sa Yu approached her and rubbed her shoulder, asking worriedly, "Qing Qing, should we just head straight back to the Jinshi Tribe?"

He could fly; this distance was no problem for him.

He felt inexplicably worried.

Sang Qing had the same idea. She nodded and prepared to head downstairs.

As the light shifted, Sang Qing suddenly noticed something in the nearby bushes.

"Wait." She pulled Sa Yu back, took out a steel needle from her small leather pouch, and cautiously walked toward the bushes.

What was that?

Sa Yu stopped her, his gaze earnest. "I'll go."

He couldn't let her take any more risks.

The wind blew through the bushes, faintly revealing a mass of white. From a distance, it wasn't very clear.

Sa Yu didn't sense any living thing in the bushes. So, he pushed aside the weeds, and several giant grey eggs with mottled, uneven surfaces appeared before him.

"Qing Qing, come look at this."

What kind of beast's eggs were these? They were huge.

There were seven or eight such eggs in the grassy nest, varying in size. Some had already hatched, while others were still intact.

But these eggs were simply too large.

Sang Qing walked into the bushes. When she saw the eggs before her, her pupils suddenly constricted.

These... She stepped forward, first examining the shattered eggshells. The thick shells were incredibly hard; she touched one and found she couldn't break it without using force.

As for the other intact eggs, she also reached out to touch them and even tapped them firmly.

If nothing was wrong, these eggs should be... "System, scan!"