167: Chapter 167 Invitation to Visit, Breakthrough to the Eighth Rank

Later, upon hearing laughter resembling that of a Merfolk Clan Little Cub, they tentatively called out a few times.

There were over a dozen young merfolk. Once they boarded the ship, aside from their initial awe at Fu Ning's formidable presence, their remaining gazes were entirely fixed on the vessel itself.

After obtaining Fu Ning's consent, they happily ran about the Deck, looking left and right, their eyes filled with curiosity.

It was the first time they had ever seen such a large object and had no idea what it was.

It was also then that they discovered this object had no life; it was an inanimate thing.

How incredible! This thing could move through the sea just like they could.

After wandering around for a bit, several of the females lost interest.

At that moment, they set their sights on Little Five in the water.

What an adorable Little Cub!

Is she Brother Fu Ning's?

The moment they saw Little Five, they couldn't move their feet. They immediately plopped into the water one after another, like dumplings dropped into a pot, intending to play with her.

Once the female merfolk entered the water, Sa Yu and Xuan Xiao exchanged a glance and silently moved their own Little Cubs to a corner, leaving the space for them.

It was Little Five's first time seeing so many beautiful female merfolk, and her little face immediately blossomed into a smile.

Wow, so many pretty tails!

Although Fu Yu and the Mermaid Clan Queen often came to visit her before, they were always in human form and had never shown their Beast Form in front of her.

Today was the first time she had seen a merfolk's Beast Form besides her own Father's.

Pretty aunties, baby likes.

Little Five was overjoyed, hugging a young female merfolk and nuzzling against her chest.

"Hahaha~" The female merfolk let out a charming laugh, pinching Little Five's chubby little hands and feet, not feeling offended in the slightest.

The other female merfolk also wore full smiles, splashing water at her with their tails.

They had never seen a Little Cub born so exquisitely. Compared to the Mermaid Clan Queen, she was not only more beautiful but also possessed a charm that made them feel an instinctive affinity.

One young female even took off her own shell necklace and placed it around Little Five's neck.

The entire pool echoed with Little Five's gleeful giggles, making even Sang Qing open her eyes to glance over a few times.

That little face-lover, Little Five, is probably going to be so happy today she won't know which way is up.

Sang Qing had noticed before that her Little Five was particularly drawn to beautiful and exquisite things, especially her younger brother, Little Six.

She only ever kissed Little Six, not Little Four, simply because Little Six was better-looking.

With a helpless smile, Sang Qing asked Sa Yu to bring out some fruit to serve them.

The sea breeze blew, and the merfolk played on the ship for a long time. Sang Qing even worried they might not find their way back.

But Fu Ning said they wouldn't, so there was no need to worry.

Since that was the case, Sang Qing thought, meeting them was fate. She might as well have Fu Ning dive into the sea to catch some sea beasts, and they could have a barbecue.

Hearing there was food, Aniel and Herman's eyes lit up.

Fu Ning had no objections and immediately jumped into the sea.

Xuan Xiao handed the cubs to Sa Yu and Chi Yu, then went to the Kitchen to prepare the necessary tools.

Barbecuing for so many beasts would take some effort.

They didn't matter; what mattered was their own mate.

After Fu Ning returned with the sea beasts, Sang Qing ended her cultivation and helped process the ingredients.

Seeing the sea beasts, the Little Cubs lost all interest in playing in the water.

Want to eat... Chi Yu wiped their drool, really wanting to ask them, had there ever been a day they were short on food?

How could they be so greedy?

Sang Qing lit the charcoal, brushed oil on the grill, and once the temperature rose, placed the cleaned sea beasts on the rack.

In less than three seconds, the aroma of meat wafted up.

Two young, handsome merfolk tried to approach her but were ruthlessly glared away by Fu Ning.

He could entertain them warmly, but if they dared to covet his mate, they would only share the same fate as the sea beasts in his hands—a dead end.

Hmph~

Sang Che waved his little hands, stepping on Sa Yu's shoulders, trying to climb out of the pool.

No more playing, he wanted to go find Mother for some meat.

Sa Yu's mouth twitched. He gave the little guy's bottom a push and lifted him out of the water.

This kid... Sang Yu was no exception.

After Chi Yu changed them into clean clothes, he carried them over to Sang Qing's side.

Sang Qing first roasted two skewers of sea beast meat for them without adding any seasoning.

Seeing them eat with relish, she reached out and pinched them, "Only two skewers each."

Sea beast meat was relatively soft and easy to eat, with no bones. She wasn't worried about them choking, but she couldn't give them too much.

If they ate too much, they wouldn't be able to digest it.

After they turned two or three years old and could gauge their own appetite, she would stop restricting them.

Sang Ling, holding a piece of sea beast meat larger than her fist, nodded obediently.

Actually, their appetites were already quite substantial at this age.

Xuan Xiao leaned over, raising a piece of roasted sea beast meat to feed to Sang Qing.

"Qing Qing, try it. It's not hot anymore."

Sang Qing smiled at him and took a bite of the brightly colored, seasoned roasted meat.

"Mmm, delicious. Add a bit more chili for me."

Fresh sea beast was simply delicious.

Sang Qing glanced at her own Little Cubs, who were staring eagerly, and paid them no mind.

They were too young to eat chili.

Xuan Xiao nodded, added a bit of chili to the first piece of roasted sea beast, and placed it before her.

Then he started roasting for the other beasts.

With three grills, Fu Ning was responsible for entertaining his Tribesmen.

Tasting seasoned, cooked sea beast for the first time, the merfolk were stunned.

Wow, it's really delicious.

"Brother Fu Ning, teach us. We'll roast our own." The males approached Fu Ning, smiling as they spoke.

Being invited onto the ship to play was one thing, but having Fu Ning barbecue for them would be too embarrassing.

Fu Ning nodded and taught them the barbecue technique without holding back.

Sang Qing flipped the Long-whiskered Beast in front of her and brushed on some more oil.

Sang Yu clung to her leg, drooling profusely, waiting to eat that last piece of meat.

Sang Qing found it amusing. She gave her spot to Chi Yu and picked Sang Yu up, walking to the side.

There was too much smoke and oil here; she'd better sit obediently in the chair and wait.

Sang Yu hugged Sang Qing's neck, planting a kiss on her cheek, her little eyes bright and sparkling, filled with starlight.

Although she looked exactly like Sa Yu, her pair of bright, large eyes strongly resembled Sang Qing's.

Standing together, one big and one small, their eyes alone revealed they were Mother and daughter.

The glow of the setting sun spilled onto the Deck. Sang Qing sat with two Little Cubs in her lap, holding them as she gazed at the distant ocean.

Nowadays, the only thing not affected by the Catastrophe should be this vast sea.

However, being completely unaffected was impossible. It was just that, fortunately, the ocean was vast and could be somewhat spared.

Right, why hadn't she thought about fishing?

Her points were almost depleted. These next three days would be perfect to have them help catch sea beasts to sell in the Mall in exchange for points.

But today was almost over. She'd bring it up tomorrow.

Discuss it with them tonight.

Ending a pleasant day, the young merfolk bid farewell to Fu Ning and the others and happily jumped back into the sea.

Little Five, clinging to Fu Ning, nearly jumped down after them, but fortunately, Fu Ning caught her in time.

Fu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, giving her a resentful look.

Goodness, his heart nearly stopped.

Little rascal.

"Cub, you're still too little to jump."

So exhausting.

Little Five rubbed her head, giving her Father a confused, toothless grin.

Fu Ning's heart immediately softened.

Ah.

Sang Qing chuckled nearby, let out a little burp, and turned to get some water.

With them taking care of the kids, she was always at ease.

After cleaning up the mess, Sang Qing stretched, looking at the moon slowly rising over the sea, a smile spreading across her face.

What a beautiful night.

The last time she saw the moon by the sea was when she lived in the Sea Eagle Tribe.

That was all a long time ago.

After the Catastrophe passed, she would find time to go out on the sea for fun like this again.

After finishing his tasks, Herman took her hand and led her back into the cabin.

Herman looked at Sang Qing with a serious expression, a mysterious smile appearing on his face.

Stroking Herman's now longer hair, Sang Qing thought he was going to tell her something. Instead, he just showed her his newly acquired eighth-tier beast markings.

"When did you break through?" Sang Qing's gaze paused, looking at the fresh markings on his arm, reaching out to touch them.

Herman grinned smugly, wrapping his arms around her neck and bouncing excitedly in front of her, "Just now."

He had finally broken through to the eighth tier.

Hehe.

Mwah mwah mwah! Herman happily planted several big kisses on Sang Qing, his enchanting eyes full of excitement.

Finally not the weakest beast in the house anymore.

The corners of Sang Qing's lips lifted. Trapped in his embrace, kissed until her face was covered in drool, he nearly gave her a facial wash.

But she was happy for Herman.

"So awesome!"

Caressing his handsome, chiseled face, Sang Qing did not hold back her praise.

Who knew Herman would immediately push his luck, leaning close to her ear and saying with a mischievous smile, "There's something even more awesome. Does Qing Qing want to see?"

He guaranteed Qing Qing would like it.

Sang Qing couldn't help but blush, pinching his waist, "Shut up."

Don't even think about disrupting her Dao heart.

Herman shot her a coquettish look, overjoyed by her shy demeanor, and teased, "I was talking about my Beast Form. What were you thinking about, Qing Qing?"

After breaking through to the eighth tier, his Beast Form would become larger, its fur softer, its colors more vibrant, and its allure to females would be greatly enhanced.

He just wanted Qing Qing to see his Beast Form.

Who knew what she was imagining in her head.

He wasn't even in a hurry yet.

Sang Qing hit him once and pushed him away directly.

"Don't want to see."

Bad beast, teasing her.

"Look, Qing Qing. Just one look." Herman quickly grabbed her, pulling her into his embrace, wrapping around her with intense fervor.

"Won't look, won't look." Sang Qing turned her face away, pretending to be uninterested.

Herman blinked, a trace of sadness surfacing in his clear, deep eyes as he hugged her with a mournful expression, 'Qing Qing, look at me. I worked so hard to finally break through to the eighth tier.'

He shook Sang Qing's arm, acting like a big dog begging for attention, and said to her pitifully.

He even said he wanted to show his Beast Form to his mate as soon as possible.

Sang Qing felt dizzy from his shaking and had long since been unable to hold back, the corners of her mouth curving upward.

'Then why don't you hurry up and Transform into your Beast Form?'

He only knew to ask her to look, but look at what? The air or his big face?

Giving him a reproachful glance, Sang Qing said to him haughtily.

Upon hearing this, Herman immediately brightened up, showing her a mouthful of white teeth before quickly transforming into his Beast Form.

A spacious room was suddenly filled with a fiery red fox, occupying one-third of the free space, startling Sang Qing slightly.

Whoa!

Why has Herman's Beast Form grown so much bigger?

A pink tongue licked Sang Qing's face back and forth, a big tail wrapped around her, and Herman lay on the ground, exposing his soft belly to Sang Qing.

His already fluffy tail was now even denser and softer than before. Sang Qing estimated that Herman's tail was probably almost as long as she was tall.

Like a fiery red giant tree.

But it was indeed so soft it made her heart flutter.

Sang Qing unhesitatingly pounced toward Herman's belly.

Burying her head into the soft, clean fur.

Taking a deep breath, Sang Qing happily rolled over in his embrace.

My goodness, Herman's Beast Form is so huge.

If any fur-obsessed person saw this, they'd definitely scream frantically.

Although she wasn't a fur enthusiast, who could resist a large, beautiful, enchanting, soft, and warm toy?

Herman wrapped Sang Qing against himself with his tail, a flicker of secret delight passing through his dark red fox eyes.

Hehe, he knew Qing Qing would like it.

He should have realized that day when he saw Qing Qing petting Aniel.

His fur was so soft and so beautiful, why should Aniel be the one to attract her?

It was all because he hadn't been proactive enough.

From now on, he must keep a close eye on Qing Qing. Once she wants to pet Aniel, he'll immediately Transform into his Beast Form to entice her.

With his Beast Form, he's definitely ten, a hundred times more attractive than Aniel.

Sang Qing lay in Herman's embrace, watching a few red-and-white strands of fur float past her eyes. 'Herman, you're shedding.'

She reached out and grabbed these strands, holding them up to examine them closely.

'...' Herman pouted, his wet nose nudging her twice, firmly refusing to admit he was shedding.

Besides, what beast doesn't shed?

Qing Qing is mean, dislikeing him.

Lying on Herman, the strong, steady heartbeat transmitted through flesh and blood to Sang Qing's ears. She blew away the red fur in her hand. 'I wonder if Little Six will have a Beast Form like yours.'

If Little Six is also born this beautiful, she wouldn't have to worry about his Pair Bonding in the future.

'Of course he will.' Little Six is his own biological cub, he'll definitely perfectly inherit his Beast Form. He might even be more handsome.

Herman viewed all the cubs through a thick filter, not because he liked them, but because he loved Sang Qing, and thus loved her loved ones.

Hearing his mate's words, he agreed without a second thought.

Sang Qing found it amusing, kneading his soft fur and taking another deep breath. 'Your word doesn't count.'

We'll have to wait until after he Transforms to really see.

Probably around the time the rainy season arrives, it'll be about right.

Herman's tail stroked her back idly as he said nonchalantly, 'Why bother about him? He's still young.'

'Qing Qing, quickly Transform into your Beast Form. I'll groom you.'

He also wanted to see his mate's Beast Form.

Grooming?

No way.

Sang Qing never liked anyone grooming her; it felt weird.

'No.' Sang Qing rolled around in Herman's embrace, flatly refusing.

'Qing Qing~' Herman began to act coquettish, his eyes turning seductive, his voice stirring her heartstrings.

male fox spirit.

Sang Qing cursed inwardly, determined not to let him have his way.

Herman gritted his teeth, his eyes changing, turning dangerous. 'Qing Qing~'

Perfect timing. He'd just broken through to the eighth tier and hadn't had a chance to try out his Seduction Skill yet.

Seeing him like this, Sang Qing immediately knew what he was planning.

She shot him a warning look.

If he dared use his Seduction Skill on her, then he wouldn't be allowed out of bed for three days, or she'd throw him into the sea to feed the sea beasts.

Awoo~ Herman opened his mouth and gently bit her fair finger that was pointing at him, staring at her reproachfully.

He was also a bit indignant.

Why wouldn't she let him groom her?

He wanted to, he just did.

Herman started acting stubborn, flipping over to pin Sang Qing beneath him, his tongue starting to lick her all over.

If he couldn't groom her Beast Form, then licking her like this would do.

Sang Qing looked utterly helpless and had no choice but to quickly Transform into her Beast Form.

females don't fight and don't have Warrior Ranks, so their Beast Forms are more petite. Plus, due to Sang Qing's race, her Beast Form was less than one-third the size of Herman's.

Sang Qing lay on the ground numbly, letting Herman groom her.

To be honest, this was the first time a beast had ever groomed her. It was a very novel experience.

'Ah!' Sang Qing suddenly yelled.

Damn that Herman! He groomed her without brushing his teeth first!!!!

That meant she'd have to take another bath.

Sang Qing couldn't help but toss the shrunken Herman into the Bathtub.

She really wanted to stab him.

Stinky fox.

Herman was utterly aggrieved.

Isn't grooming always like this?

But then again, a nice Couple's Bath wasn't bad either.

Moon over the Sea.

Tides Ebb and Flow.

Waking up from a nap, Sang Qing only felt sore all over... After changing clothes and leaving the room, Sang Qing looked at the rising sun, stretched, and went to find Fu Ning first.

After hearing Sang Qing's plan, Fu Ning agreed without hesitation.

He'd been bored staying put for a while and wanted to go down to the sea to catch sea beasts.

Since Qing Qing had an arrangement, of course he'd follow it.

After breakfast, Sang Qing went to the Deck.

Little Cubs were crawling all over the place, happily sunbathing.

As for her mates, they were either training or looking after the Little Cubs.

Aniel happily bounced over to her. 'Sister, good morning.'

His vibrant, sunny smile was somewhat dazzling. Sang Qing paused for a moment, then reached out to pat his head.

Aniel also promptly put on a very well-behaved expression.

In high spirits, Sang Qing took Fu Ning and the available beasts to catch sea beasts.

After buying Fishing Nets and Bait from the Mall, she got straight to work.

Because the Yacht traveled fast, the net Sang Qing bought wasn't large.

Anyway, they had many beasts and great strength; they could catch them slowly.

The entire morning, Sang Qing was busy catching sea beasts.

During that time, Fu Ning and Chi Yu even got competitive, seeing who could catch more sea beasts within a set time.

Sang Qing let them play.

After a morning of effort, all the caught sea beasts were exchanged by Sang Qing for points.

Over three thousand points. Sang Qing was overjoyed.

She planned to continue fishing tomorrow.

They were disembarking tomorrow. She hoped to gather ten thousand points by the time they got off the ship.

In the Bathroom, Sang Qing finished her shower.

After catching sea beasts all morning, she was covered in their fishy smell, which she couldn't stand.

Wearing a Bathrobe, before she could change, she saw a figure stride right in.

Sang Qing's hand, which was removing her clothes, paused, and she quickly turned around.

Fu Ning walked in with a playful smile, his head dripping wet, his whole body carrying a misty aura, clearly having just showered as well.

'Qing Qing~'

He walked in barefoot, reached out, and pulled Sang Qing into his embrace.

Sang Qing's expression relaxed. She had wondered who it was.

It gave her a fright.

'What's up?'

She took a towel to dry Fu Ning's hair, and Fu Ning naturally took the towel from her hand.

The two beasts began drying each other.

The scene made Sang Qing laugh.

Fu Ning planted a loud kiss on her forehead.

After making sure their hair was mostly dry, he hugged her close and said affectionately.

'I'm free this afternoon. I plan to go catch more sea beasts with Chi Yu. Can you give me a large storage ring?'

His storage ring had limited space, able to hold only about a dozen small sea beasts at most. If they were bigger, two or three would probably fill it up.

So he specifically came to find his mate to discuss it with her.

Sang Qing frowned, gently stroking his sharply defined face. 'No need. We caught so many this morning; it's enough.'

Fu Ning's eyes were clear, shimmering with a bit of moisture, full of tenderness. 'I know the sea beasts you need definitely aren't just that many. Qing Qing, I'm idle anyway, and it's rare to have a chance to help you. Please let me go.'

The sea was his territory. Especially after he broke through to the eighth tier, no sea beast was a match for him.

Besides, he was close to breaking through to the ninth tier, so safety was absolutely not a problem.

Fu Ning's voice was crisp and pleasant. His big, bright eyes looked at Sang Qing as if she were his most treasured possession.

Sang Qing's heart melted. She smiled gently. 'Alright.'

If she didn't agree, Fu Ning would probably pester her to death.

Fu Ning was extremely happy, in a joyful mood.

Finally, there was something he could do to help her.

Gazing at the smile on his mate's face, he lowered his head and kissed her, starting a blissful, lingering kiss.

Sang Qing tilted her head back. Even though Fu Ning had already lowered his head, the height difference between them was really becoming more and more pronounced.

Just kissing made her neck ache.

Helpless.

As they kissed, Fu Ning bent down, lifted her to sit on his lap, trying to deepen the tender, passionate kiss.