85: Chapter 85 Carefully Planned Couple Ceremony

Looking at the bright and airy environment, with a patch of grass growing fresh wildflowers in front of the door, it perfectly met Sang Qing's requirements for a living space.

Sang Qing turned to look at Xuan Xiao, giving him a radiant smile. 'Thank you.'

She could feel his thoughtfulness, and that was enough. She was very satisfied.

Xuan Xiao took her hand. His deep green pupils were exceptionally clear and bright under the sunlight. The corners of his lips lifted as he hugged Sang Qing, feeling extremely happy. 'You're welcome, Qing Qing. It's what I should do.'

He had been afraid she wouldn't like it.

Sang Qing smiled charmingly, lightly raised her willow-leaf eyebrows, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cool, thin lips.

His pupils contracted and trembled slightly. Xuan Xiao hurriedly lowered his head to respond to her kiss, then scooped her up in his arms and headed into the house.

'Let's take a look at our home.'

Looking at the bright interior, a faint, fresh scent of wood filled the air. In one corner of the Treehouse, several clusters of delicate, vibrant flowers were placed, their fragrance lingering. Crystals of various colors hung from the ceiling, swaying gently. Several snow-white beast pelts were spread on the bed, looking incredibly soft, and even the floor was covered with a layer of pelt.

There weren't many things in the room, making it feel very clean and refreshing.

Xuan Xiao hugged Sang Qing from behind.

'Mmm...'

...'Chief!' A loud shout suddenly came from outside the house.

Xuan Xiao's body stiffened abruptly. Sang Qing chuckled softly, pushed him away, and straightened her disheveled skirt.

Argh! Xuan Xiao stepped outside with a pair of crimson eyes that could kill a beast. 'What is it?'

Austin was so frightened he stumbled backward, shrinking his massive frame. His imposing presence instantly diminished by more than half. '...W-well, all the beasts have been caught. I came specifically to tell you that your and Sang Qing's Pair Bonding ceremony can be held smoothly tonight.'

Wah, the chief is terrifying. Why does he seem... unsatisfied? Did I come at a bad time?

Just then, he caught sight of Sang Qing leaning against the doorway, watching them with an amused expression. Seeing her unusually flushed complexion, he quickly lowered his head in fear.

So I interrupted the chief during mating... argh, I was wrong.

Should I just leave?

'Got it.' Hearing this good news, Xuan Xiao gave him a slightly better look. 'By the way, what about Savage Iron? Is he still angry?'

Upon learning that he and Qing Qing were going to bond, Savage Iron had been so furious he challenged him ten times in three days, nearly driving him crazy.

'No, but he went to pursue a female from the Leopard Tribe, got into a fight with her mate, got his face scratched up, and is now hiding, too embarrassed to show his face.' Austin found it somewhat funny but had to hold it in, so he lowered his voice to speak to his chief.

'...' Pathetic. Can't even beat a Leopard Beastman. He's disgracing the Jinshi Tribe.

Oh well. Considering Savage Iron's loyalty, he shouldn't mock him.

'Take Savage Iron to Aunt Mohua to find Fia. She's a female with a sixth-level fertility value. I hope you two can seize the opportunity.'

They were both good beasts he trusted. He could give them an advantage, and besides, they were also very strong.

'What?' Really? Is the chief not tricking me?

Austin's eyes immediately lit up, and he straightened his back.

Level six? He could count the females with a sixth-level fertility value he'd encountered on his fingers.

Xuan Xiao's gaze instantly turned cold, his brows furrowing. 'Would I lie to you? Go quickly. Also, tell the Tribesmen to gather at the Altar at nightfall.'

Awoo!

Austin let out an excited cry and ran off happily.

The corner of Xuan Xiao's mouth twitched slightly. Did he even listen to the rest of what he said?

If this delays his and Qing Qing's Pair Bonding ceremony, he'll skin him alive.

Turning back with a troubled look, Xuan Xiao saw Sang Qing standing in the doorway, smiling at him. He quickly pulled her back into the house.

'Qing Qing, let's continue.'

Damn that Austin. He'd only gotten a little taste. Not happy.

'Wait!' Sang Qing's expression changed. Her eyes shifted slightly, as if she'd thought of something. 'That male just now...'

Why did he seem so familiar, like she'd seen him somewhere before?

Oh no. Does Qing Qing know about him encouraging Austin and the others to pursue her?

Damn it. He immediately felt his skin tighten all over.

A flicker of nervousness passed through Xuan Xiao's eyes. He swallowed and hurriedly interrupted Sang Qing's train of thought, leaning down to kiss her. 'Him? What about him? Maybe he does look a bit familiar. Never mind him, okay? Let's continue.'

'Hey, let me think for a moment...' Sang Qing let out a small cry as her little hand was also pressed against his pectoral muscles.

No, she really felt he was familiar.

But soon, her thoughts were pulled back by Xuan Xiao... After dozing for a while, Sang Qing was scooped out of bed by Xuan Xiao. He personally dressed her in the mermaid gauze dress he had sewn and put on the necklaces and bracelets he had traded for, made of various gems and pearls.

'Wake up, Qing Qing. Time to get up.' Xuan Xiao held her on his lap, looking utterly content as he lowered his head to kiss her rosy, delicate cheek.

So adorable. His Qing Qing.

Sang Qing wiggled her fingers, her voice lazy and slightly hoarse as she drowsily opened her eyes a slit. 'I want to sleep. Why get up?'

'I asked the Shaman to hold our Pair Bonding ceremony at the Altar. It's almost time.' Xuan Xiao explained gently to her, his eyes darkening again as they lingered on the marks on her neck.

Just as Sang Qing was about to ask why they had to go through all this trouble, she saw the look of anticipation on Xuan Xiao's face, so she just rolled over and got up.

Glancing at the new dress she was already wearing, its texture was exceptionally soft, much more comfortable than she imagined. Though it had no patterns, it shimmered with a flowing, radiant light, dazzlingly beautiful. No wonder females loved mermaid gauze.

Xuan Xiao really was a qualified mate, just like Chi Yu.

Washing her face and re-braiding her hair, Sang Qing then followed Xuan Xiao out of their home.

A hint of blue still lingered on the distant horizon, but night was about to fall. Sang Qing was astonished.

It had been morning when she arrived here.

How long had she been... occupied with Xuan Xiao?

She suddenly remembered Zhou Wanwan's words. No, no, no. She shook her head. Must not indulge in lust, must not indulge. Must exercise restraint.

Holding Sang Qing's small hand, Xuan Xiao led her straight to the Altar.

Flames soared into the sky. Dozens of bonfires burned fiercely, illuminating everything around the Altar.

All the Tribesmen of the Jinshi Tribe had already arrived at the Altar, sitting cross-legged in family units, waiting for their chief's arrival.

Food emitted a rich aroma, but there were even more images. The area around the Altar was adorned with freshly picked flowers of all colors, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

The Jinshi Tribe had many Tribesmen, far more than the Wildcat Tribe, roughly over two thousand beasts.

But among them, males were the most numerous, followed by females and cubs, with elderly beastmen being the fewest.

Mei Lin sat beside her mate, stroking her protruding belly, her face full of curiosity.

She heard the chief's mate was also from the Wildcat Tribe. She was eager to find out who it was.

Was it Fina? Or Honghong?

She heard she was very beautiful, but how could the chief allow a female to leave the Tribe?

She was quite puzzled.

Mei Lin was now bonded with Gu Li, but she had been expelled from the Wildcat Tribe. If not for the fact she was still carrying a cub, a beast of her character would likely have starved to death in some forest corner or become dinner for wild beasts.

After all, Golden Snake Beastmen valued cubs, so she was accepted by Gu Li and brought back to the Jinshi Tribe.

But her movements were restricted; she couldn't leave the Tribe at all. Moreover, Xuan Xiao had assigned her several males she didn't like, insisting she bear cubs for all of them before granting her freedom.

If not for Mei Lin's decent fertility value, Xuan Xiao wouldn't have allowed her to join the Jinshi Tribe.

Mei Lin's mate took reasonably good care of her. She was now almost three months pregnant. It was just boring staying in the Tribe. The Golden Snake females were too aloof and didn't pay her much attention, so she could only stay at home all day, eating, sleeping, sleeping, eating. Her whole beast had gained several extra layers of fat.

But she didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it. It was pretty much the same as when she was in the Wildcat Tribe.

A commotion of noise approached. Mei Lin looked up.

In an instant, her expression turned somewhat ugly.

By the firelight, when she clearly saw the female walking side by side with Chief Xuan Xiao, her small mouth opened in disbelief.

It was her!

Sang Qing?

She quickly rubbed her eyes, thinking she must be seeing things.

It really was her.

Looking at the beautiful female dressed in a brand new mermaid gauze dress, wearing a gemstone chain on her head, her smile was bright, her features outstanding. A pair of pure, moving almond-shaped eyes were full of tenderness. Protected by Chief Xuan Xiao, she walked slowly towards the Altar.

Mei Lin, emotionally agitated, was about to stand up when Gu Li stopped her.

'Mei Lin, be quiet.'

The chief had reminded them to absolutely keep an eye on their mates and cubs and not to delay the important matter of his Pair Bonding.

They all knew the chief's methods. Gu Li didn't want anything to happen to Mei Lin, nor did he want to displease the chief, so he quickly restrained her.

'Let go of me! What do you know? Sang Qing has no fertility value. How can she become the chief's mate?' Mei Lin tried to shake off Gu Li's iron grip restraining her. Her plump face was full of indignation, as if championing Xuan Xiao's cause, desperate to spread the news far and wide that Sang Qing couldn't bear children.

'Shut up.' Gu Li's icy gaze swept over her. Then, considering she was still carrying a cub, he lowered his voice and warned her sternly, 'Savage Iron has already told the Tribesmen not to bring up the issue of the chief's mate. Remember, if you dare to shout it out, there will be no place for you in the Jinshi Tribe anymore.'

What?

Mei Lin didn't believe it.

How could Chief Xuan Xiao accept a female with no fertility value?

Absurd.

But after struggling a few times, her body was too heavy, and she still couldn't break free from Gu Li's restraint.

Gu Li had initially liked Mei Lin, finding her passionate and kind, plus she quickly became pregnant with his cub. However, after going to the Wildcat Tribe, he learned that not only was she a beast who liked to gossip and twist the truth, but she also hurt Tribesmen and had been locked in the Black Mountain Cave twice.

As Gu Li's affection for her faded, he reluctantly accepted her only because she was still carrying his cub.

On the Altar, stared at by countless pairs of eyes, Sang Qing forced a smile at the corner of her mouth, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Mainly, their gazes were overly dark and sinister, making her feel a bit uncomfortable.

Xuan Xiao seemed to sense her discomfort. He raised his hand to hold her shoulder and looked at her with smiling eyes.

"Qing Qing, from now on you are the Chief's Wife. Don't be afraid; they will all be your Tribesmen."

His broad palm wasn't warm, but it gave a beast an extraordinarily calming feeling. Sang Qing's emotions settled considerably, and she gave him a slight nod.

At that moment, she also noticed the flowers arranged around the Altar, identical to those at home. The corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift a little higher.

The Shaman, dressed in grand attire, still wore a very stern expression as she watched the pair of mates walking towards her.

She raised the bone staff in her hand, her profound gaze falling on Sang Qing's slender frame, tinged with a hint of displeasure.

Poor Xuan Xiao, who knows how she managed to bewitch his mind.

My great and valiant Chief, your legacy is about to be cut short.

Seeing Xuan Xiao's exceptionally happy smile, the Shaman sighed worriedly in her heart.

Hand in hand, the two beasts walked up to the Shaman and extended their hands, awaiting her blessing.

"&*@￥%...#￥&&&."

A stream of incantations, completely incomprehensible to Sang Qing, came from the Shaman's mouth. The surrounding Tribesmen held their breath and watched the scene quietly.

Xuan Xiao was a bit nervous. No, he should be said to be very nervous. Fine beads of sweat were faintly visible on his forehead, and his eyes were exceptionally solemn and deep.

He had waited a long time for this day, to finally become mates with his beloved female and protect her always.

The Pair Bonding ceremony, lasting less than two minutes, ended. For some reason, Sang Qing felt the Shaman, who had seemed somewhat rejecting of her earlier, suddenly had a much softer gaze.

Strange.

The Shaman's peripheral glance swept over Sang Qing's flat abdomen. Her tense cheeks relaxed, and a strange glimmer flickered in her eyes.

Her benevolent hand fell on the back of Xuan Xiao's hand, her voice resonant. "My child, may the beast god bless you and bless our Tribe."

"Bless our Tribe." All the Tribesmen repeated the Shaman's words in unison.

The deafening sound echoed around the Altar, making Sang Qing's heart tremble along with it.

After the ceremony ended, the previously somewhat serious Tribesmen suddenly changed as if they were different beasts. They cheered and clamored, coming onto the Altar to sing and dance.

Surrounded by the Tribesmen, Xuan Xiao lowered his head and kissed Sang Qing. A devout kiss landed on her brow. The firelight illuminated their figures, making this moment exceptionally sacred.

Meanwhile, Fia shrank her small frame, overwhelmed and unsure how to handle the swarm of males surrounding her, all vying for her attention.

Wuwuwu, sister, save me!

Chong Ling and A Ye flanked Fia, one offering her the tenderest roasted meat, the other presenting freshly cut fruit on a platter. Austin watched angrily as the two monopolized Fia, his face darkening.

Hmph!

He was here to join them, not to break them apart. Why wouldn't they let him get close?

Looking at the circle of companions all coveting Fia, Chong Ling's fists instantly hardened.

They had learned the news far too quickly.

Chong Ling and A Ye were both Mo Hua's cubs. After receiving a hint from their Mother, they immediately showed exceptionally warm and friendly attitudes towards Fia, taking her around the Tribe, weaving flower crowns, and giving gifts. They were currently getting along quite well with Fia.

But before long, Austin also joined the fray. Then, by the time the Chief's Pair Bonding ceremony began, Fia was already surrounded by the Tribe's single males.

The two of them were angry, but they couldn't show it too obviously in front of Fia, lest she find them cold-hearted.

Austin looked around but couldn't find Savage Iron anywhere. Where had he gone?

Never mind. Fia, he was coming... At first, Fia was a bit worried, but after enjoying the benefits of having males vying for her attention, she was no longer timid.

Mmm, delicious. Sister, don't save her. She could handle it.

Sitting on Xuan Xiao's lap, Sang Qing looked at Fia, enjoying herself with males on her left and right, a look of sheer delight on her face. She shook her head with a knowing smile.

Alright, alright, female, your fickleness is completely exposed now.

Xuan Xiao didn't pay attention to Fia, focusing all his attention on Sang Qing.

He cut a slice of tender roasted meat and fed it to Sang Qing's lips. "What are you looking at? Eat something. Weren't you saying you were hungry?"

Sang Qing opened her mouth, enjoying Xuan Xiao's feeding. "I'm watching Fia. Look, she has so many males around her. Your Tribe has too many single beasts."

The gender imbalance was severe.

Xuan Xiao only glanced in that direction following her gaze before looking back and continuing to attend to Sang Qing.

"There weren't originally this many. During our migration, many delicate females went to see the beast god. There was no other way."

As for Fia's popularity, he was actually pleased to see it.

The females of this forest seemed to be greatly favored by the beast god—not only beautiful and healthy but also with high fertility values.

"By the way, Xuan Xiao, why did you migrate?" Sang Qing suddenly thought of this question. Xuan Xiao had mentioned migration-related things to her many times.

A flicker of pain crossed Xuan Xiao's face. He took a breath and explained gently to Sang Qing, "Disaster. The continent we were on before was always unstable. The Shaman received a prophecy that a great disaster would soon occur, so we had no choice but to begin migrating."

Many of their female Tribesmen and Little Cubs went to see the beast god during the migration.

There were many females in this forest, very healthy ones. But he couldn't recklessly plunder like the Black Snake Tribe. He respected every life, whether female or male.

Now, for the Tribe's reproduction, many female Tribesmen had begun accepting males who had been mated before but lost their mates.

This was a good start. A solution would always be found.

"Did the disaster happen?" Sang Qing asked quietly.

Xuan Xiao shook his head. He picked up an animal skin to wipe her hands and fed her another piece of meat. "It hadn't when we left. But the water sources and wild beasts near the Tribe were gradually disappearing."

Those were signs of an impending disaster. He believed the Shaman's prophecy.

But many Tribes chose to wait and watch, not yet intending to leave.

Sang Qing nodded. "I see."

She hoped this forest wouldn't face a disaster.

The joyous time lasted long. To celebrate their Chief's Pair Bonding, Austin and the others hunted many beasts. Tonight, the Tribesmen ate to their hearts' content, then went to dance, and when tired and hungry, returned to eat again.

By the time the night was as deep as ink, half the Tribesmen were still reveling wildly around the Altar.

Sang Qing yawned, feeling sleepy.

Xuan Xiao picked her up and glanced at his Tribesmen. "Let's go back too, Qing Qing."

The Shaman had already left long ago. Since losing her mate and cub, she disliked such lively scenes.

"Mm." It was time for her to go back to sleep too.

As Sang Qing left, she took another look at Fia. Seeing her with one hand on abs and the other on pectorals, already happily lost in the males' schemes, she couldn't help but laugh helplessly.

Heavens, her well-behaved Fia was completely gone.

In the pitch-black Tribe, Xuan Xiao carried Sang Qing steadily. The Snake Beastman's vision was excellent, seeing as clearly at night as in daylight.

Sang Qing rested her head on Xuan Xiao's shoulder, dozing off in a daze.

She was so exhausted she couldn't hold on until they got home and fell asleep.

Xuan Xiao fetched water, wiped her hands, feet, and face, then tucked her into the bedding... When the sun was high, Xuan Xiao, having patrolled the territory, returned home with a spotted beast.

Sang Qing lay drowsily on the grass in front of the door, sunbathing. In her Beast Form, her beautiful fur shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. Every strand of her brownish hair was exceptionally clean, free of dust. Her pink paws were slightly spread, limbs splayed, lying lazily on a pure black animal skin, unbelievably well-behaved.

Xuan Xiao tossed the beast to the side, wiped the blood from his hands, and hurriedly moved close to her.

The golden giant snake coiled around Sang Qing, encircling her in the middle as if marking territory. Its long tongue flicked over her face, then sniffed.

Sang Qing's pink nose itched slightly. She moved her head, turning it to the side.

The huge snake head rubbed against Sang Qing again and again. Smelling the fresh scent on her, Xuan Xiao was overjoyed.

Sang Qing slightly opened her eyes and glanced at him. "You're heavy!"

Did he want to crush her to death? Didn't he know his own weight?

"Aren't you afraid of my Beast Form?" Xuan Xiao's enormous green pupils reflected her adorable Beast Form. He wanted to use his tail to entwine Sang Qing's tail, but his wasn't as agile as hers, and she always flicked it away.