Chapter 344: Terribly Panicked

Chapter 344: Chapter 344: Terribly Panicked

No one rested well that night, but the danger they were expecting never materialized, not even as dawn broke.

Seeing that everyone was awake, Yan Lie leaped down from a branch. "Those Eagle Beasts haven’t reappeared. It looks safe for now. I’m going to hunt."

Xin Feng grunted in acknowledgment. "Be careful."

After replying, Yan Lie’s figure leaped and vanished into the forest.

After a night of recovery, Xin Feng and Jin Yi’s injuries were mostly healed.

Zhu Xiu’s massive head turned slightly, his scarlet eyes finally shifting to them. "This area isn’t safe. We need to return to the Golden Lion Tribe as soon as possible."

Jin Yi frowned. "The Eagle Beast clan is extremely vengeful. They suffered heavy losses yesterday; they definitely won’t just let us go."

Bai Wanwan looked at the trees that blotted out the sky and said with a smile, "It’s fine. As long as we don’t leave the forest, the Eagle Beasts can’t do anything to us."

"Wanwan..." Zhu Xiu sighed. "Have you forgotten? There’s a cliff and a Stone Forest on the way back."

Bai Wanwan suddenly remembered. She had been asleep during that part of the journey, but she did recall seeing a cliff when she woke up.

"We’ll just have to move quickly through there. Pass through before they can spot us."

Xin Feng was contemplative. After a long moment, he said, "My worry is that they haven’t left at all. That they’re just hiding somewhere, waiting for us."

Bai Wanwan turned her head to ask him, "Do you know another way? We could take a different path."

The Golden Lion paced a few steps. "A different path would lead to the same result. The grasslands offer no cover, making us even more vulnerable to attack than the route past the cliff."

Bai Wanwan was pragmatic. "Since there are no other options, let’s just take the cliff path. We’ll cross it after my laser gun has finished recharging."

’At least I’ll have some way to protect myself. I won’t be completely helpless.’

Yan Lie quickly returned, having hunted a deer and a few rabbits nearby.

"There were only these small animals around. If it’s not enough, we can catch more on the way."

The males weren’t picky. They each carved off some meat and began to eat.

While they ate, Bai Wanwan sat to the side, took out some jerky from her System Space, and chewed on it slowly.

After finishing his food quickly, Yan Lie sat down beside her. "Wanwan, what are you thinking about?"

Bai Wanwan shook her head, but her brow was furrowed.

"I can’t quite put my finger on it. I just feel a little panicked."

She wasn’t sure if it was the psychological trauma from that enormous Eagle Beast last night or something else.

In any case, she felt a deep unease, as if something terrible was about to happen.

"Don’t be afraid," Yan Lie said, taking her hand and enveloping it in his own. "Jin Yi and Zhu Xiu both have Orange Rank Talent. Even if we run into danger, they can get you away immediately."

Bai Wanwan squeezed his hand, her expression serious. "And what about you? What will you do if you can’t get away? Use yourself as bait?"

Yan Lie’s gaze flickered. "Of course not. I’m a Yellow Rank Beastman. I can get away."

"You’d better believe that," Bai Wanwan said, glaring at him. "Look at me. No matter what happens, remember this: you must save your own life."

"Okay, Wanwan. I promise you."

"Finished eating?"

Xin Feng walked over and held out his hand to her.

"I’m finished."

Bai Wanwan gave him a radiant smile, placed her hand in his, and let him pull her to her feet.

"If you’re done eating, we’ll head out. Wanwan, Jin Yi will carry you today."

Yan Lie was fast, but his strength was slightly lacking.

If the situation became critical and they couldn’t watch out for everyone, having Jin Yi carry Wanwan away was the best option.

Bai Wanwan knew this was the optimal arrangement her Beast Husbands had agreed upon, so she didn’t hesitate. She walked straight to Jin Yi, wrapped her arms around his neck, and slowly climbed onto his back, settling in.

"Let’s go! Time to move out!"

They traveled through the forest for two full days without encountering any danger.

It was as if the Eagle Beasts had vanished completely.

But Bai Wanwan’s heart didn’t settle. That panicked feeling only grew stronger as time passed.

As the sun set, they stopped to rest.

Xin Feng wrapped her in his silvery-white fur.

"Wanwan, are you worried?"

On the way here, the smile had never left Wanwan’s face.

Now, not only had her smile vanished, but she had fallen silent as well.

Bai Wanwan hugged his beast form, burying her face in the soft fur of his chest. "Mhm. Should we... should we find another way?"

"What’s wrong?"

Xin Feng looked down at her, his eyes filled with worry under the moonlight.

"I don’t know. I’ve felt this panic for two days now, and I can’t explain it."

Xin Feng lowered his head and nuzzled her with his cheek. "You’re just too tense, that’s why your mind is in turmoil. The Eagle Beast clan has already suffered devastating losses. Even if they’re planning another ambush, the outcome will be the same as last time, at worst. We’ll be fine, and you’ll be fine."

His voice was like a flowing spring, strangely soothing her restless heart.

Then, he began to pat her back gently. "Don’t think about anything. You haven’t rested well these past two days; you look pale. Get a good night’s sleep. Once we’re past the cliff tomorrow, the rest of the journey will be much easier."

Xin Feng’s comfort was truly effective. She slowly relaxed, and with him patting her back like that, she soon grew drowsy.

She thought she could vaguely hear Xin Feng still talking, but she couldn’t make out the words.

"Is Wanwan asleep?" Yan Lie’s voice came from nearby.

"Yes, she’s asleep," Xin Feng replied.

"We’ll be passing the cliff tomorrow. Everyone needs to be ready." Zhu Xiu’s voice came from up ahead.

He was on watch tonight. His massive body stood beside a giant tree, the two of them standing side-by-side like twin trees.

"Mm. We will defend Wanwan with our lives."

Zhu Xiu looked back, his scarlet eyes particularly striking in the darkness.

"The path by the cliff isn’t easy. The Eagle Beast clan has Orange Rank Beastmen."

Xin Feng, holding Bai Wanwan, turned his head to look at him. "What are you trying to say?"

Zhu Xiu’s gaze also fell on the small figure in his arms.

"If... if the situation tomorrow is worse than we imagine, and we can’t escape, I will stay behind to hold off the Eagle Beasts. The rest of you will protect Wanwan and get her away as fast as you can."

At this, Zhu Xiu’s eyes shifted to Jin Yi. "I might not be able to hold back all of the Eagle Beasts. It will be up to you to buy Wanwan more time."

Yan Lie froze, his eyes instantly turning red. "I’ll do it! I’ll hold them back! You two have Orange Rank Talent. You need to stay by Wanwan’s side to protect her better."

"You can’t hold them back!"

Zhu Xiu was blunt. He then added, "This is just a worst-case scenario. It might not happen. We just need to agree on a plan now, so we don’t descend into chaos if something unexpected occurs."

Jin Yi nodded. "Alright. If the situation becomes critical, I will hold back the remaining Eagle Beasts."

As the males were discussing their plan, Bai Wanwan suddenly stirred in Xin Feng’s arms.

The males immediately held their breath.