91: Chapter 91 Feeling uneasy, unable to ask questions

Fan Li glanced at him teasingly and dutifully explained, "It's Sang Qing, my mate's sister. Isn't she beautiful? You have good taste."

It's just a shame she has no intention of Pair Bonding with another male anymore, otherwise I would have recommended her to my single younger brother.

Sang... Sang Qing? That name sounds so familiar.

Upon hearing the name, the beat in his chest inexplicably quickened, an unprecedented feeling of strangeness.

But she had already walked far away, beyond his reach.

Meanwhile, Sang Qing smoothly left the Black Tiger Tribe.

But instead of heading straight home, she wandered through the forest with Xuan Xiao, planning to gather some more herbal medicine while she had time.

Even a mosquito's leg is still meat; she wasn't picky.

Xuan Xiao enjoyed being alone with her, and since he had been relatively free lately, he was more than happy to stick close to Sang Qing.

Watching his mate gathering herbs, Xuan Xiao suddenly recalled Hu Ji's words, and a sense of unease inexplicably stirred within him. "Qing Qing..."

"Hmm?" Sang Qing, who was buried in digging up herbs, responded.

"It's nothing." He thought it was impossible. Qing Qing wasn't the type of female to be fickle; she was good.

Xuan Xiao decided to drop it and changed the subject. "That beast in the Black Tiger Tribe just now was Feng Yuan, right? Why didn't you recognize him?"

"...Not familiar." Sang Qing casually offered an excuse.

Of course, she couldn't tell Xuan Xiao about giving Feng Yuan the Amnesia Pill. Otherwise, he would surely become wary of any suspicious actions from her in the future and think she was heartless.

Xuan Xiao didn't believe it. If they weren't familiar, how could Feng Yuan have gone out of his way to protect Qing Qing at the Wildcat Tribe during the beast tide?

But if he pressed the matter, it would inevitably add another rival for himself. So, for his own sake, this selfish thought took root.

He then fell silent.

As the sun set in the west, the two beasts returned to the Jinshi Tribe.

Sang Qing looked slightly tired. Perhaps it was because she was pregnant, but her energy levels had been much lower recently.

So, she was now lying on Xuan Xiao's back, having been carried home by him.

The faint afterglow settled on her hair, and the tail of the sunset cast a hazy aura over the two beasts. Sang Qing swung her feet, nuzzling her head against Xuan Xiao's neck. "You definitely had something you wanted to ask me earlier, didn't you?"

Resting her chin on his shoulder, Sang Qing recalled his distracted demeanor that afternoon and couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Xuan Xiao held her legs, shook his head slightly, and strode forward. "No, I didn't!"

"I don't believe you. I'm telling you, you mustn't hide things from me. If I get angry, I'm not so easy to coax." Sang Qing wrapped her arms around his neck, biting his ear with a teasing smile as she whispered.

As if there was nothing!

"Alright, alright, I know, I know." Xuan Xiao smiled gently, though the smile didn't reach his eyes, carrying instead a faint trace of sorrow. "I just remembered what Hu Ji said, and how you used to complain that I'm old. After a few more years, will you dislike me even more and fall for other males?"

By then, he wouldn't be young anymore. How could he possibly hold onto Qing Qing's heart?

Sang Qing let out a chuckle, reaching up to pinch Xuan Xiao's ear. "You fool, don't you think I'll grow old too?"

Xuan Xiao flushed red. "But I'll grow old before you."

Taking advantage of the fact that no other beasts were around, Sang Qing pinched his firm chest muscles, grinning mischievously. "Don't worry, I'm not the type to love the new and forget the old. You'll always be the mate I love."

Xuan Xiao pressed his lips together to suppress a rising smile, already completely pacified by her.

Upon returning home, Sang Qing suddenly realized: she could live in the big villa now.

The belongings from the Treehouse had been moved to the villa by Fu Ning, but they hadn't been organized yet because he had no idea where to put them.

Entering through the villa's main gate, the front yard, adorned with various flowers and plants, wasn't large—it merely served as a transitional space. Walking further in, one would directly face a large transparent glass wall for the living room, partially concealed by a bamboo curtain outside, lending an antique charm.

Stepping into the living room, the floor was paved with pure white marble without a single seam, appearing as if it were one solid piece.

The living room only contained a sofa and a coffee table. There was no television—the system didn't allow it—and Sang Qing didn't insist. Beyond that were the dining area and a semi-open large kitchen.

Xuan Xiao followed Sang Qing, admiring their new home, touching the walls and tables in turn, filled with novelty and amazement.

Then came the rooms. There were five in total, all spacious. Unlike modern bedrooms, each contained only a soft bed and no wardrobe. Instead, there was a floor-to-ceiling cabinet covering one wall, which could be used to store various items.

Since the males didn't have many clothes and few possessions, aside from making the beds larger, Sang Qing hadn't even considered wardrobes.

Of course, she needed a wardrobe. In the primary master bedroom, she had designed a walk-in closet of over ten square meters.

Additionally, each bedroom had a bathroom with hot water supply for convenient washing.

Fu Ning had already been standing in front of the full-length mirror in the room for a long time, touching and poking it, unable to figure out what it was.

It was so magical, as if an identical beast had suddenly appeared. It had startled him quite a bit at first.

Sang Qing laughed and explained it to him, then ruffled his messy hair before continuing the tour with Xuan Xiao.

The villa also had a backyard, also not large, intended for hanging laundry and leisurely tea drinking. After touring the entire place, Sang Qing was extremely satisfied.

In her previous life, she hadn't even lived in such a big house. This lifetime, she was truly fortunate.

Immediately after, she began explaining and introducing the villa's features bit by bit to Xuan Xiao and Fu Ning. She also told them about the villa's defensive and temperature-control functions, as well as the hot and cold water supply, so they wouldn't have to fetch water from the stream anymore.

Sang Qing sat on the soft bed, letting out a comfortable sigh.

Long time no see, her bed!

The next day, Chi Yu, who had come to deliver sea beasts and gifts, was also startled upon seeing this strange house.

After registering his information as well, Sang Qing began busying herself with matters related to the two shops.

Seeing this, Chi Yu stayed by Sang Qing's side. While she wrote and sketched, he picked up the unsewn mermaid gauze and sat beside her, starting to sew new clothes for her.

He cherished the time spent with her; it was always warm and bright.

"Chi Yu!" After working for a while, Sang Qing turned around and saw Chi Yu threading a needle with a gentle expression. The corners of her lips lifted slightly.

Such a strong husbandly aura! Ugh, she was feeling a bit tempted.

Under Sang Qing's intense gaze, Chi Yu's hand trembled, nearly pricking himself with the bone needle. "Qing Qing?"

He felt a bit flustered.

"Is the Tribe alright? You don't have to stay here with me." Sang Qing understood the difficulties of his role as the Shaman, so she didn't make many demands of him, nor did she need him to frequently come to the Jinshi Tribe to accompany her.

Traveling from the Sea Eagle Tribe and back took several hours each way. It was too tiring.

"I've been teaching new Shaman Apprentices recently. They can handle minor matters." Chi Yu set down the mermaid gauze, explaining to Sang Qing in his deep voice.

To be with Qing Qing, he had to train a new Shaman as soon as possible, even though he hadn't been in the position for long.

Sang Qing stretched, noticing that neither Xuan Xiao nor Fu Ning were home. She then moved next to Chi Yu and caught him in a kiss.

Her own mate—might as well kiss him since it's free, and it's not against the law.

Chi Yu was pleasantly surprised and quickly moved the bone needle in his hand away... "Come here!" Sang Qing patted the spot beside her, speaking without looking up.

She had something to tell him.

Chi Yu dawdled over, sitting on the edge of the sofa like a wronged little wife.

"Chi Yu, from now on, don't come over every day. It's too tiring." Sang Qing sat up straight, speaking to him earnestly.

Most females Pair Bond with males from their own Tribe. Only she had them scattered all over the place.

This meant that to see her, Chi Yu now had to traverse half the forest every day.

Thankfully, he had wings; otherwise, she would feel even more reluctant.

Chi Yu felt a warmth in his heart and leaned in to kiss her cheek twice. "No, I can't. As your mate and the Father of the Little Cub, this is what I should do."

He already felt ashamed for not being by his mate's side at all times.

Sang Qing touched her belly and suddenly thought of a question: whose cub was this, anyway?

"What if the cub isn't yours?"

Timing-wise, it could also be Sa Yu's or Fu Ning's.

Thankfully, it wasn't the modern era, or she would have found it absurd.

Chi Yu didn't care about any of that. Qing Qing's cub was his cub.

His large hand covered hers on her lower abdomen, his gaze tender and affectionate. "In any case, it's our cub."

Sang Qing chuckled lightly, then thought about the future: if she gave birth to a cub, who would be responsible for taking care of it?

To be honest, Chi Yu was indeed the first beast that came to her mind—gentle, attentive, and responsible.

"By the way, Qing Qing, the potatoes you planted in the Tribe have sprouted a long time ago. What should we do next?" Chi Yu held her, his gaze falling on the red mark on her shoulder, his expression slightly shy.

"Just keep growing them. It's not yet harvest time. Keep an eye on them for me; they're edible food." At least a harvest of two or three tons shouldn't be a problem.

Sang Qing thought about it and told him.

"That much?" He had tasted potatoes before; even just roasted, they were quite delicious and filling.

During the Cold Season, the Tribe suffered most from food shortages. If there were plenty of potatoes, that would be quite good.

"Hmm, what's wrong?" Sang Qing looked at his startled expression and glanced down at his large hand resting on her stomach. In that moment, she suddenly felt they could stay like this a little longer.

When she wasn't pursuing romance, romance came to her instead.

Chi Yu explained it to her.

Sang Qing nodded and suggested the idea of leading the Tribesmen to plant potatoes together.

After all, the Sea Eagle Tribe's canyon was so vast; potatoes could be planted all over the mountains and plains.

Chi Yu thought it was a good idea, but said he needed to go back and discuss it further with the chieftain.

The two beasts cuddled for a while longer before Chi Yu left.

Sang Qing continued handling the tasks at hand.

A few days later, a shop of about a hundred square meters quietly rose from the ground in a remote corner of the Jinshi Tribe.

However, it had not officially opened for business yet.

Sang Qing just had Fia and the others move to live on the second floor first.

In another two days, after she announced the news at the Market, it could officially open.

After a few days apart, Fia's face seemed to have grown even rounder and fuller, white and plump like a little steamed bun, looking increasingly adorable.

Sang Qing pinched her little cheeks, while Fia felt Sang Qing's stomach with a look of amazement.

Upon learning that Sang Qing was expecting a cub, Fia was so happy she didn't know what to do.

In her heart, she thanked the heavens, thanked the earth, and thanked the beast god; her sister could finally have her own cub.

Otherwise, she had even thought of giving some of her own future cubs to her.

Fortunately, Sang Qing didn't know her thoughts, or she would have died laughing.

After chatting for a while, Sang Qing took Fia to her new home.

The layout of the second floor of the shop was similar to Sang Qing's home, only the wall and floor colors were slightly different. She had chosen the colors after asking for Fia's preferences.

However, the room had no electricity, only water was connected. The kitchen and bathroom were set up on the first floor, and the kitchen wasn't a modern one either; it still had a firewood-burning stove.

Because Fia was different from Zhou Wanwan. Zhou Wanwan, after all, was from modern times and knew how to use and guard against electricity. Fia didn't understand, and even if Sang Qing could explain it clearly, there would still be some risk.

So, after thorough consideration, Sang Qing didn't design it to be that advanced for her.

But this was enough to make her happy for a long time.

Fia immediately had her dozen or so mates go home and move all their belongings over.

Yes, that's right. Fia now had over a dozen mates.

Sang Qing couldn't control it, nor did she have any reason to, so she could only let her be happy.

Moreover, Fia was very capable, keeping all her dozen or so mates well in line, none of them unhappy.

Sang Qing genuinely admired her from the bottom of her heart.

After handling the shop in the Jinshi Tribe, Sang Qing went to the Black Tiger Tribe.

The shop in the Black Tiger Tribe had opened a couple of days ago, and Zhou Wanwan had also moved into the new home with her mates.

No longer living in a cramped cave, the place was bright and had water and electricity. Zhou Wanwan hugged the arriving Sang Qing and cried a good deal again.

Upon learning the new house also had defensive functions, Zhou Wanwan couldn't be more satisfied.

Lately, she would encounter a male wanting to pursue her every few steps she went out, scaring her so much she dared not go out casually. She wasn't very brave to begin with and feared they might barge into her home. Now, with Sang Qing's reassurance, she felt much more at ease.

The business at the newly opened shop in the Black Tiger Tribe was currently average; only a few curious females had come in to inquire. Moreover, Zhou Wanwan had almost forgotten how to do business over so many years, so it needed to ease in slowly.

Sang Qing wasn't in a hurry, just told her to take it easy.

Additionally, Zhou Wanwan gave her two hundred shell crystals as payment for the house, but it was still a bit short. The rest would have to be deducted later from Sang Qing's share of the profits.

"By the way, Wan Wan, don't sell the medicinal pills in the shop to the Black Snake Tribe, the Cold Crocodile Tribe, the Gray Leopard Tribe, or them," Sang Qing instructed a few more things before preparing to head back to the Jinshi Tribe.

She could sell them other things, but medicinal pills were an exception.

Especially the pills that made males more powerful. She was very afraid that if these Tribes found out, they would stop at nothing to destroy the shops she had worked so hard to establish.

Zhou Wanwan probably understood; it was likely these Tribes had some feud with Sang Qing. The Black Snake Tribe was also at odds with the Black Tiger Tribe, so not selling to them was even better.

"Okay, Sister Sang Qing."

She would follow the arrangements very obediently.

Having finished most of the tasks at hand, Sang Qing had some free time to sit and bask in the sun.

It's just that the sun lately was a bit scorching; she couldn't bask for long before having to move back inside.

Fu Ning was curled up on the sofa, sound asleep while hugging Sang Qing's Beast Form. Xuan Xiao saw this scene the moment he returned home and immediately shot Fu Ning a couple of covert glares.

Good grief, this male didn't need to hunt or patrol, just knew how to sleep while hugging his mate all day. Infuriating!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

He was so angry that the force he used to chop meat while cooking increased significantly.

If not for the fact that he had to consider Sang Qing's presence, the knife in his hand should have landed on Fu Ning.

"Chieftain, Chieftain!" Savage Iron's slightly urgent voice came from outside the house.

Upon hearing the voice, Xuan Xiao, who was kneading dough, wiped his hands and walked out wearing an apron.

"What's the panic?"

Xuan Xiao walked out and faced Savage Iron's nervous expression.

"The chieftain of the Cold Crocodile Tribe is here to see you, but he doesn't look too good." Savage Iron glanced at the flowery apron on his chieftain and a trace of resentment flashed in his eyes.

"Take him to the meeting Treehouse. I'll be right there." Xuan Xiao slightly furrowed his brows, his voice calm.

How annoying. Not coming earlier or later, but right when he was cooking for Qing Qing.

What did he come for? Looking for a beating?

The chieftain of the Cold Crocodile Tribe was a middle-aged male at the Sixth-Rank Warrior level. He wasn't tall but had a burly build, looking like a large boulder from afar. His two thick arms were thicker than Savage Iron's thighs.

He was accompanied by several other males, all with unfriendly expressions.

However, upon seeing Xuan Xiao's figure striding over, the Cold Crocodile Tribe chieftain slightly reined in his imposing aura.

How had he already broken through to the seventh rank? How old was he?

He frowned, but still took the initiative to greet Xuan Xiao.

"Chieftain Xuan Xiao, long time no see."

"Have we met?" Xuan Xiao stood firm. Noticing the coldness in the other's eyes, he saw no reason to be polite, his tone very stiff.

"..." A flash of displeasure crossed the face of Shi Xi, the Cold Crocodile Tribe chieftain. But in the forest, the strong were always revered, and he didn't dare to clash head-on with Xuan Xiao.

There was still a significant gap between the seventh and sixth ranks. Plus, Xuan Xiao was so young and robust; the warriors he brought combined were no match for him.

"Have a seat. What brings you here?" Xuan Xiao wasn't the overly aggressive type. Seeing the other's awkwardness, he gave him a way out.

Shi Xi obediently sat down, glanced at the imposing Xuan Xiao, remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a gentle tone, "It's like this. I heard Chieftain Xuan Xiao has formed a Pair Bond with the female Sang Qing from the Wildcat Tribe? Is she in the Tribe? I'd like to see her."

See Qing Qing? The tone didn't sound like it was for a good reason.

"She's in the Tribe. What do you want with her? My mate is expecting a cub and isn't convenient to go out." Xuan Xiao's attitude became assertive again.

A faint cold sweat seeped from Shi Xi's temples. He was about to tell the truth, but seeing Xuan Xiao's protective demeanor, he changed his words, "Oh, some warriors from our Tribe have gone missing. I heard one of them had met Sang Qing before, so I just wanted to ask her a few questions. No other meaning."

He didn't dare say there was conflict between him and Sang Qing. If he said that, Xuan Xiao might immediately chase them away.

Another Young Male beside Shi Xi grew anxious and was about to speak when a companion stopped him, shaking his head.

The chieftain had his plans; don't interrupt.

Xuan Xiao shook his head, a cold glint in his eyes but a faint smile on his face, "My mate has a gentle and soft nature; how could she possibly have anything to do with your Tribe's missing warriors.

Perhaps he encountered something else. You must have made a mistake."

Why hadn't Qing Qing mentioned this to him? He'd ask her later when he returned.

Shi Xi chuckled twice, placing his large palms on his knees and gripping tightly, "That's also possible."

Seeing him like this, he probably didn't know.

Then what should be done about this matter?

Over a dozen warriors had suddenly vanished from the Tribe without a trace, worrying him so much that blisters were about to form on the corners of his mouth.

If Wei Wei hadn't told him that Ha Ya wanted to seek revenge on Sang Qing before disappearing, he would have had no clue.

But what was the use of saying it now? Sang Qing's mate was so fierce. Even if she had killed Ha Ya, he couldn't do anything about it.

He heard another of Sang Qing's mates was the cub of the Mermaid Clan Queen. Her luck was truly good.

After just a few words, Xuan Xiao sent Shi Xi and his group away.

Watching their resentful retreating backs, Xuan Xiao gave a cold smile, "Savage Iron, keep an eye on the movements of their Tribe."

"Yes, Chieftain."

Only after they had traveled far from the Jinshi Tribe did Shi Xi look back with a heavy sigh.

"Chieftain, didn't you say we were going to question that female about my Father's whereabouts?" Ha Ya's cub, Ha Si, clenched his fists, somewhat questioning as he stared at Shi Xi, clearly dissatisfied that they had left empty-handed.