68: Chapter 68 The Mermaid Queen, Successfully Forming a Bond

Sang Qing gave her brother a subtle glance and nodded slightly. "Can I apologize to him in a bit? I'm so hungry, I want to eat."

Meng Lai frowned in dissatisfaction.

Maybe he should go apologize on Qing Qing's behalf first?

That seemed like a good idea!

Sang Qing sat down, and Meng Lai walked toward Chi Yu, who was talking to Zhi Zhi. Upon hearing his words, Meng Lai's steps came to an abrupt halt.

"...She's mean. She insisted on kissing my face but wouldn't let me kiss her back, and she even said she doesn't want to bond with me yet. Zhi Zhi, did I do something wrong?"

Meng Lai's eyes twitched. He looked back at the culprit who was currently eating meat, his face full of disbelief.

So, *this* was the 'bullying'?

As a single beast, Zhi Zhi naturally didn't know how to console her brother, but... "Then why didn't you know to refuse or dodge?"

She didn't believe for a second that her brother couldn't overpower Sang Qing's small frame.

Chi Yu touched his face and lowered his head bashfully. "I just like letting her kiss me."

Meng Lai and Zhi Zhi shared a look, rubbed the goosebumps on their arms, and both beasts turned away from Chi Yu at the same time.

Zhi Zhi thought to herself, 'You've changed, Brother. You weren't like this before.'

Now he was speaking in a strained, delicate voice and had stopped shouting.

Tsk!

Why did it feel a bit nauseating? Better hurry up and eat some meat to calm her nerves.

Plonking down next to Sang Qing, Zhi Zhi waved away the Little Cubs who wanted to snatch the meat and nudged Sang Qing's foot. "Sang Qing, are you willing to stay and live in the Sea Eagle Tribe?"

After all, she had already kissed her brother; she couldn't just refuse to take responsibility.

"Why would I stay in the Sea Eagle Tribe?" Sang Qing took a bite of the meat in her hand and shook her head gently as she looked out at the open canyon.

"Huh? Then you won't bond with my brother?" Zhi Zhi grew anxious, not even bothering to take the roasted meat Sang Qing offered, and grabbed her arm in worry.

Sang Qing paused, her small mouth pouting slightly. "I haven't decided yet."

During the time she was unconscious, she had been thinking about the matter of Pair Bonding.

Perhaps she had overcomplicated the idea of bonding, which was why she had been so resistant before.

The males in the Beast World were different from the men of her past life. Most males were responsible and reliable, focusing entirely on how to care for their mate and cubs, putting them above all else. They were completely different entities from men. Even the lazy mates of her original body's Mother would take care of her in other ways if they lacked hunting ability.

Plus, with the addition of the mate mark, she didn't have to worry about betrayal at all.

Over the past two days, she had thought it through. Bonding wasn't impossible, but for now, she could only accept having one mate.

Looking around, Chi Yu seemed the best; he had the most stable emotions, was neither manic nor cold, and his strength was decent enough.

It was just that she didn't have much feeling for him yet, so she'd wait and see.

Furthermore, she had just heard her brother's words. If she didn't bond, her brother wouldn't either, which would hold him back.

He should have his own place to belong, rather than focusing everything on her.

Zhi Zhi was incredibly anxious and began her sales pitch. "Sang Qing, my brother is very smart. If you bond with him, you won't have to go to the Market to trade for things anymore; you can just live peacefully in the Tribe.

And my brother is a Fifth-Rank Warrior and the Tribe's Shaman. You would receive the same respect in the Tribe.

Besides, although my brother's cooking is a bit bad, he's great at washing hides, sewing them, making necklaces, and taking care of Little Cubs."

The more Sang Qing listened, the more she wanted to laugh. She swallowed the meat in her mouth and glanced at Zhi Zhi. "Alright, alright, I get it."

Why did this feel like a supermarket sales pitch?

"What about you? Why haven't you bonded yet?" Sang Qing asked Zhi Zhi curiously.

"Me? The males in our Tribe aren't as strong as me, and their cooking is terrible. I don't like it.

Plus, before I reached adulthood, Mother took me to live on the plains and we only migrated back after the Cold Season, so bonding was delayed."

Zhi Zhi took a bite of the roasted meat and explained to Sang Qing with her straightforward personality.

Looking at the muscles on Zhi Zhi's body, Sang Qing was filled with envy.

She just wondered if her brother could take a beating.

While Sang Qing and Zhi Zhi were chatting, a strange Sea Eagle Beastman flew over and spoke to Chi Yu with a nervous expression. "Shaman, this is bad. The Mermaid Clan Queen has come to our Tribe. She wants to see that female from the Wildcat Tribe."

Chi Yu's smile vanished, and he knit his thick brows. "Where is she now?"

To think the Mermaid Clan Queen herself had come to the Tribe to find her. It seemed that Merfolk male was already on the verge of death.

"On the beach outside the canyon." The Sea Eagle Beastman glanced at Sang Qing, his eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny.

Chi Yu turned back to Sang Qing and spoke solemnly, "Sang Qing, you wait here. No matter what, you must not leave the canyon. I'll go meet her and come right back."

She likely came with ill intent; Sang Qing must not come to harm.

Sang Qing wiped the corners of her mouth and stood up. "No, I'm going with you."

This has nothing to do with him; innocent beasts shouldn't be dragged into it.

Meng Lai was anxious. "No, Qing Qing, it's too dangerous outside. You can't go out."

Chi Yu had said they must wait until the day that Merfolk male died for the restriction on Qing Qing to be automatically lifted.

Sang Qing's gaze remained firm and stubborn. Meng Lai sighed.

Zhi Zhi stood up then, brushing the dust off her animal skins. "Brother, I'll accompany Sang Qing. If the Mermaid Clan Queen makes a move, I can protect her."

She also felt that her brother's strength alone wouldn't be enough to stop the Mermaid Clan Queen.

Chi Yu thought for a moment and agreed.

On the beach, the sound of the waves was deafening. A long-legged, middle-aged female wearing exquisite mermaid gauze held an oversized merfolk pearl. Her eyes held a mix of anger and helplessness. Her stunningly beautiful, androgynous face was clouded with worry. Her aura was powerful, like the rising tide, as she fixed a sharp gaze on the Sea Eagle Tribe leader, her chest heaving slightly.

"Xiang Lan, hand over that female quickly. For the sake of all the years we've lived without conflict, I might overlook the fact that you've been hiding her."

That female was almost ready to agree to bond with Fu Ning. If they hadn't intervened, things might have changed long ago.

"Hmph, what is there for you to overlook? Fu Ning is truly your cub, using the exact same methods as you. What do you Mother and son know besides scheming?" Crossing her arms, the Sea Eagle Tribe leader gave a light snort, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.

The Sea Eagle Tribe leader's heroic face had become somewhat weathered by time, but her aura was not a bit weaker than the Mermaid Clan Queen's. Her wheat-colored skin, polished by the sun, made her look strong and healthy. She stood on the boundary line with the Merfolk Clan, a mass of Tribesmen behind her, all looking at the Merfolk in the sea with curious eyes.

"You..." The Mermaid Clan Queen was speechless with rage, the lines at the corners of her eyes nearly splitting.

She had no idea her cub would give away his merfolk pearl for a female. If she had known, she never would have allowed it to happen.

But now her cub was dying, his life hanging by a thread, and she couldn't afford to blame him.

If he didn't bond with that female soon, he would die.

Xiang Lan glanced at the pale Fu Ning soaking in the water. Although she had watched him grow up, his actions this time still made her feel uncomfortable. "You should have known this day would come. Not all females care to bond with your Merfolk Clan."

If he had the ability, he should have pursued Sang Qing openly. What was the point of scheming against others?

"Enough, Xiang Lan! Stop the nonsense and hand over that female. My cub is failing. Do you want to watch him go see the beast god? Don't forget, you were very fond of him when he was little."

The Mermaid Clan Queen felt her cub's life force gradually weakening. Her heart was in her throat, and her patience was exhausted.

Fu Ning was one of her favorite cubs; nothing must happen to him.

Many other Merfolk stood behind the Mermaid Clan Queen, all looking at Fu Ning with worried faces, their hearts heavy.

The smile on Xiang Lan's face faltered, and she took a deep breath. "I've already sent my Tribesmen to call her. If she doesn't come, what can I do?"

If only they had known then what they knew now.

"Then let me in to find her." The Mermaid Clan Queen's face grew urgent, her well-defined brows furrowed into a knot. Her long hair, smooth as seaweed, blew in the wind, and the waves behind her shifted constantly with her emotions.

"Impossible. This is our Tribe's territory." Xiang Lan refused flatly. If she let her in and a conflict broke out with Sang Qing inside the Tribe, how would she explain it to the Wildcat Tribe's leader and Shaman?

A sharp cry echoed from the sky, and all the beasts on the beach looked up.

Xiang Lan had excellent vision and immediately saw the female on Chi Yu's back, her expression changing.

Didn't they say not to let her out? She wouldn't have let the Mermaid Clan Queen take a single step into the Tribe anyway.

Sigh!

Chi Yu lowered his altitude and landed on a large rock, with Zhi Zhi following close behind.

Sang Qing jumped down from Chi Yu's back. Facing the salty sea breeze, she walked down from the rock with a steady gait. Chi Yu quickly grabbed her.

"Sang Qing, stand behind me."

Why did it feel like she was heading into battle with the Mermaid Clan Queen?

Chi Yu protectively led her forward, his heart full of worry.

The Mermaid Clan Queen turned, and when she saw Sang Qing's face, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.

But then she thought about how Fu Ning was risking his life for such an ordinary female, and she was instantly a bit piqued.

Chi Yu led Sang Qing to Xiang Lan's side. A gaze followed them the whole way. Chi Yu looked at the Mermaid Clan Queen standing in the seawater; it was she who was staring intently at Sang Qing.

"Sang Qing is here. Queen Bo Li Ya, what do you want to say to her?"

The Mermaid Clan Queen pursed her rosy lips and pointed at Fu Ning, who was lying in the sea, pale and unconscious. "What will it take for you to bond with Fu Ning? He's dying."

Yes, her cub shouldn't have schemed against her. It was all her fault for not teaching Fu Ning well and not telling him that some things cannot be forced.

If he couldn't win Sang Qing's affection in the future, what would he do then?

But things had already reached this point, and she couldn't change anything. Her only option was to get her to bond with her cub as soon as possible.

"I want you to apologize to me, and I want him to apologize to me as well." Sang Qing stood up with a cold face, not even sparing Fu Ning a glance.

"..." The Mermaid Clan Queen's body stiffened.

The Tribesmen behind her immediately became furious.

"You female, you've already received Fu Ning's merfolk pearl and you're still not satisfied? Why should our Queen apologize to you? Don't go too far."

Fu Ning's other brothers clenched their fists and roared in dissatisfaction.

"Satisfied with what? Getting a mate I don't like and being subjected to his Mother's restriction? It's already good enough that I didn't just kill him with one strike."

Sang Qing's aura was sharp, her gaze stabbing into them like cold blades.

She was the victim, and they should accept all of the victim's requests.

That Merfolk wanted to say something else, but was stopped by the Mermaid Clan Queen. She nodded, "Fine, I can apologize to you. As long as you Pair Bond with Fu Ning, I can also compensate you with shell crystals, salt crystals, mermaid gauze, and pearls."

Knowing she liked shell crystals, she had already sent beasts to her Tribe to inquire about her preferences. So as long as she was willing to compromise, a mere thousand shell crystals were plenty in her palace.

This was exactly the sentence she was waiting for. A glint of light flashed in Sang Qing's eyes. "Fine, then I want another thousand shell crystals."

If she didn't fleece them hard, it would be difficult to vent the anger in her heart.

It was said that the Merfolk Clan was the wealthiest race in the Beast World, so she wouldn't be polite.

Since she was being asked to make a sacrifice, she had to be given appropriate compensation.

After Chi Yu heard her agree to the Pair Bonding, he felt an inexplicable pang of distress in his heart.

But he had no right to stop her now.

He hoped that after Sang Qing Pair Bonded with Fu Ning, she could also Pair Bond with him.

Sang Qing's change of heart came from her deep feelings during those two days of unconsciousness. Pair Bonding had no downsides for her. On the contrary, because she had no fertility value, these males wouldn't have designs on her womb. This way, she could still do whatever she wanted.

It was quite good.

"...No problem!" After the Mermaid Clan Queen heard the number she proposed, a breath of frustration was stuck in her throat, unable to go up or down.

If she had known that a thousand shell crystals would make her agree to the Pair Bonding, why would she have gone through the trouble of placing a restriction on her?

Just for a thousand shell crystals, she had almost killed her cub. She really didn't know what was in the head of the female Fu Ning liked.

Xiang Lan glanced at the somewhat dejected Chi Yu and ordered the other Tribesmen to go back first, leaving only a few here.

The seawater washed against Fu Ning's weak body. His handsome face, devoid of any color, was stained with some fine sand. His hair was messily spread out, his powerless hands rested on his abdomen, and a beautiful large tail that had lost almost all its luster was submerged in the seawater. The whole beast looked as if he were floating in the water.

If it weren't for his faint remaining breath, Sang Qing would have thought he had gone to see the beast god.

The Mermaid Clan Queen's heart ached. She knelt by his side, touched his hair, and shouted at Chi Yu, "Hurry up and start, Fu Ning isn't going to make it."

She had already ordered beasts to fetch the shell crystals, and they would be back soon, but Fu Ning could no longer hold on.

Sang Qing frowned, but after calming her emotions, she turned to look at Chi Yu.

She pulled the tall Chi Yu aside, ignoring the Mermaid Clan Queen's glare. She looked up and met his puzzled gaze, "Chi Yu, do you also want to Pair Bond with me?"

Letting Fu Ning be her first mate made her feel unhappy and stifled.

Chi Yu didn't know why she asked this, but he still nodded readily and directly, "Yes, I want to Pair Bond with you."

I want to watch the sun rise and set with you, and see the moonlight spill down.

"I agree!" Emotions can be cultivated, but she didn't want Fu Ning to be her first mate.

Sang Qing looked at him, her lips moving as she spoke her answer.

Chi Yu was startled, looking at her in disbelief. Even Zhi Zhi and Meng Lai, who were eavesdropping, were shocked.

Just as Zhi Zhi was about to say something, Meng Lai quickly covered her mouth, "Shh!"

Don't say anything more. His sister changes her mind very quickly. Witch Chi Yu must seize the opportunity.

"Mmm mmm mmm..." No, what was he doing? She had to make her brother hurry up and nod his agreement.

She didn't know why he was just standing there in a daze. Hurry up and agree to Sang Qing!

Meng Lai thought she was going to ruin things, so he simply dragged her away.

"Mmm mmm mmm..." Ahhh, why was Meng Lai dragging her? She hadn't finished watching yet.

"You don't agree?" Sang Qing saw that he hadn't answered and couldn't help but be puzzled.

Could she have guessed wrong?

"No, no, no!" Chi Yu snapped back from his joy and quickly took Sang Qing's small hand. "I... I'm just too happy, I didn't react for a moment."

"I agree, I'm willing to Pair Bond with you."

Chi Yu's heart was fluttering; he felt like he could take flight even without wings.

Ahhh! Happiness came too suddenly, and he didn't intend to sober up for a while.

However, he guessed that Fu Ning was a factor in Sang Qing's proposal for Pair Bonding, but it didn't matter. He didn't mind, didn't mind at all.

Anyway, he had a mate!!!

The Mermaid Clan Queen's hearing was extremely sharp. When she heard the conversation between Sang Qing and Chi Yu, her face instantly turned dark.

What did this mean? Was the cub of the Mermaid Clan Queen, a Sixth-Rank Warrior, not even worthy of being her first mate?

On the other hand, the leader of the Sea Eagle Tribe was overjoyed.

Oh my, their Tribe's Witch had finally Pair Bonded.

The Pair Bonding ceremony was very simple. They only needed to hold each other's hands tightly and answer with agreement under the blessing of the Witch's incantation.

Chi Yu had presided over many Pair Bonding ceremonies, but it was the first time he presided over his own. This wonderful feeling made his heart surge.

Holding Sang Qing's soft small hand, Chi Yu murmured incantations, his attitude more solemn than any previous Pair Bonding ceremony.

When Sang Qing said the words "I am willing," she only felt a bit of heat on her outer thigh. Lifting her skirt and looking down, a small black Sea Eagle beast mark appeared on her skin.

Uh... it really was magical.

But why was it on her thigh? Weren't other females' marks all on their arms?

Meng Lai, who was watching the Pair Bonding ceremony, secretly wiped away a tear. Wuwu, Qing Qing had finally Pair Bonded.

It was just a pity that Father couldn't see it.

Zhi Zhi leaned on Meng Lai, looking delighted. "Hehe, Brother successfully Pair Bonded with Sang Qing."

She just loved such quick decision-making.

Next, would it be her and Meng Lai's turn to Pair Bond?

In front of all the beastmen present, Chi Yu planted a kiss on Sang Qing's forehead. "My mate, let me take care of you from now on."

The warm kiss was very light but exceptionally devout. Sang Qing's heart skipped a beat. She lowered her eyes to hide her indifferent expression and nodded slightly.

Feng Yuan, far away in the Tribe, suddenly felt a sense of unease in his heart. He accelerated his handling of the matters at hand, intending to go to the Civet Cat Tribe to find Sang Qing again.

He needed her very much. No matter how beautiful other females were, they didn't have the slightest attraction for him.

His heart was already lost to Sang Qing.

Sang Qing—he murmured the name in his heart, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curling up slightly.

Chi Yu then performed the Pair Bonding ceremony for Sang Qing and Fu Ning.

Color slowly returned to Fu Ning's face. The Mermaid Clan Queen was overjoyed, almost unable to hold back her tears.

She gave Fu Ning a lingering look, then handed the animal skin bag containing shell crystals and other items to Sang Qing. Looking at her cold face, she couldn't help but plead, "Sang Qing, even if you don't like Fu Ning, please don't hurt him in the future."

"Fu Ning is very simple; he just doesn't know how to love a beast. I hope you can change your negative thoughts about him."

A female that Fu Ning would rather lose his life and offspring for... she didn't want to criticize her too much. It was just that as Fu Ning's Mother, her heart was full of pity, and she still wanted to say a few more words.

Sang Qing nodded calmly, "Mhm."

The Mermaid Clan Queen sighed. She didn't know if Sang Qing had taken it to heart, but as long as Fu Ning's life was saved, she was relieved.

Dozens of large Merfolk with thick, beautiful fish tails disappeared from the coast. Chi Yu supported the still-unconscious Fu Ning and brought him back to the Tribe.

Sang Qing was bathing in the cave where Zhi Zhi lived. While washing, she felt lucky that her brother was clever enough to bring an iron pot; otherwise, she would have had to take a cold bath.

She took out a new skirt from her Storage Grid and put it on. Sang Qing dried her hair while sitting at the well-lit entrance of the cave, intending to let the natural wind dry her hair.

A tall figure appeared. Chi Yu walked over with cheerful steps. Seeing Sang Qing at the cave entrance, a smile blossomed on his face. "Eh? Qing Qing, are you finished washing?"

Sang Qing looked up at him. "Mhm, what is it?"

Her tone was still somewhat distant; after all, they weren't familiar.

Chi Yu didn't notice at all. He shook the animal skin bag in his hand and knelt down, his resolute face showing a hint of shyness. "These are all my shell crystals. I heard from Meng Lai that you like shell crystals very much, so I thought of giving them to you."

Although it wasn't as much as what the Mermaid Clan Queen gave her, as long as he had shell crystals in the future, he would give them all to her.

Sang Qing took the animal skin bag and glanced inside. There were about dozens of shell crystals, feeling quite heavy in her hand. "No need, I have shell crystals to use."

She already felt guilty toward Chi Yu, so how could she take his shell crystals?

A person of noble character acquires wealth through proper means!!

Chi Yu took the opportunity to hold her hand, looking puzzled. "You don't like them? Or is it too little?"

"Don't worry, I'll have more shell crystals in the future, and I'll give them all to you."

Their Pair Bonding was too hasty; he hadn't had time to prepare other gifts for her. Only the shell crystals were ready, so he thought of giving them to her first.

Sang Qing's heart stirred slightly, and she chuckled. "No, it's enough. You keep them for me for now. I'll ask you for them when I need them in the future."

With the shell crystals the Mermaid Clan Queen gave her, she certainly wouldn't lack shell crystals for a long time.

"Alright then." But Chi Yu always felt something was a bit strange, though he couldn't say exactly what.

Chi Yu looked at her damp hair, reached out to touch it, and then looked at the skirt she was wearing. "You didn't wear the animal skin I prepared for you?"

Was it because she didn't like it or it didn't fit?