Chapter 522 - 519: Discussion

Chapter 522: Chapter 519: Discussion

He turned to stare at his younger sister, his voice edged with urgency.

The words from Xin Feng and Yan Lie were just to comfort him, but hearing it from Wanwan herself would reveal her true feelings for him.

"Mhm!" Jiao Yue nodded vigorously, trying to make her words sound more convincing. "I’m sure Sister Wanwan has feelings for you, Big Brother!"

Jiao Yin’s heart hammered in his chest at her words. A powerful impulse surged through him, making him want to chase after her at once, stop the female he loved, and demand a clear answer.

But in the end, he forced himself to suppress the urge.

’Wanwan has her own plans. If she said she would come, all I need to do is wait for her here.’

When he looked again in the direction Bai Wanwan had gone, the storm of emotions in his eyes had settled into a calm resolve.

’Wanwan, I will wait for your return.’

After leaving the Merfolk Territory and flying over the vast ocean, Bai Wanwan’s hand drifted unconsciously to rest lightly on her belly.

It was still flat, but a few little merfolk were slowly beginning to grow inside.

"Hua Sheng, you said I could use Points to get simulated seawater from the system to raise the cubs. But what about later? Will they have to return to the ocean, or can they live in the simulated seawater long-term?"

"Rest assured, Host. It’s a system product, identical to real seawater. Your Merfolk cubs will be able to choose freely whether to live on land or in the ocean."

Bai Wanwan relaxed. "That’s good. When we get back, I’ll dig a big pool behind the treehouse for the cubs to play in."

For two straight days, Yin Ze’s broad, magnificent phoenix back steadily carried them all through the air.

The wind howled in their ears as the mountains and rivers below unfolded like a painted scroll, then sped away behind them.

Bai Wanwan kept to her modern routine of eating three regular meals a day.

Her Beast Husbands had committed this little habit of hers to heart. They were always thoughtful enough to keep track of the time, and whenever a mealtime approached, even if it was still early, they would ask Yin Ze to find a suitable place to land and pause their journey.

"Wanwan, are you hungry? There’s a forest down below. We can go down, rest for a bit, and hunt for some fresh food," Xin Feng asked, leaning over gently.

"Okay, let’s stop and rest then."

The sun had not yet fully set when Yin Ze let out a long, clear cry. He slowly descended, landing with precision in a lush forest rich with the scent of prey.

Their long flights together had forged a wordless understanding among the Beast Husbands.

The moment they landed, Zhu Xiu and Jin Yi instinctively moved to guard Bai Wanwan, Shuang Hua, and the lively little cubs, their sharp gazes sweeping the surroundings to ensure their safety.

Yan Lie and Xin Feng shot off like two silent arrows, disappearing into the woods to hunt for dinner.

Yin Ze folded his wings and, after catching his breath, went to find a dry, comfortable cave for the night.

Bai Wanwan and Shuang Hua sat on a large, flat rock, pulling jerky from their satchels to patiently feed the little cubs who were gathered around them, crying with hunger.

The scene was warm and serene.

After patrolling the perimeter, Jin Yi walked over to Bai Wanwan’s side.

A few fluffy little tiger cubs were immediately drawn to him, circling his legs affectionately, rubbing their little heads against him, and letting out soft, high-pitched purrs.

A rare hint of softness appeared on Jin Yi’s stern face. He bent down and easily scooped the most mischievous tiger cub into his arms, expertly teasing it until the little one let out a happy purr.

"Looks like these little ones really like you," Bai Wanwan said with a laugh, her eyes curving into happy crescents as she watched the scene.

The tiger cubs’ Father Beast, Chou Rong, wasn’t with them. It was only thanks to the Beast Husbands and Aunt Shuang taking turns to care for them so meticulously that they were this healthy and energetic.

The little tiger cubs were very close to and reliant on Zhu Xiu, Jin Yi, and Yan Lie, which showed just how much effort the men put into caring for them every day.

Jin Yi played with the cubs for a little while longer before gently placing the reluctant tiger cub back on the ground.

He turned to Bai Wanwan, his golden eyes especially warm in the light of the setting sun, and his voice grew even softer. "Wanwan, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you."

"Oh? What is it?" Bai Wanwan looked up.

"I’d like to... head back to my tribe for a bit."

Jin Yi paused. "Since we’re so close, I want to go back and check on things. I’ll head to the Tiger Clan to meet up with you all right after. The next time we’re free, I’ll come back here with you and we can stay for a few days. How does that sound?"

His tone was tentative.

Wanwan was a little surprised. "Is it urgent? Why don’t you come back to the Tiger Clan with us first, and then I can make a special trip with you to visit the elders at the Golden Lion Tribe later?"

"Wanwan," Jin Yi said, gently taking her hand. "We’re already so close, it’s just a small detour. I’ll be quick, I promise. It won’t take long."

"It’s near here?" Bai Wanwan glanced around. To her, all the forests in the Beast World looked mostly the same; she couldn’t tell one direction from another.

"Yes, about a half-day’s journey away."

"If it’s that close, what are we waiting for?" Her eyes lit up as she made an instant decision. "Let’s all go together to see Jin Cang Clan Leader and Shi Hua! Everyone’s tired from the journey anyway. We can rest for a couple of days at the Golden Lion Tribe, then head back to the Tiger Clan refreshed and full of energy!"

’We’re right on his doorstep,’ she thought. ’Jin Yi should go back for a visit, and it’ll give everyone a chance to rest.’

’Besides... what if the Tracking Birds find a trace of Hua Han nearby? If we stay for a bit, we might get news sooner.’

When Jin Yi heard that she not only agreed but wanted to accompany him, his golden eyes lit up, and a delighted smile spread across his face. "Okay, let’s go back together."

Soon, Yan Lie and Xin Feng returned from their hunt and learned of the decision.

Yan Lie naturally had no objections to being a guest at the Golden Lion Tribe.

The ever-gentle and considerate Xin Feng would go along with whatever Bai Wanwan wanted.

Seeing that no one disagreed, Bai Wanwan happily declared, "Then it’s settled! We’ll go to the Golden Lion Tribe to rest for two days!"

The thought of soon seeing the hearty Jin Cang Clan Leader and her good friend Shi Hua made Bai Wanwan’s heart leap with joy.

The group decided to spend the night in the clean cave Yin Ze had found and set out the next morning.

However, in the dead of night, a faint yet sharp screech of an eagle from the distant sky suddenly pierced the tranquility.

A light sleeper, Bai Wanwan was startled awake. She subconsciously rubbed her eyes and snuggled deeper into the warm, dependable embrace beside her, asking groggily, "Zhu Xiu, what was that? What’s that noise?"

Zhu Xiu was already alert, his dark eyes glinting coldly in the darkness. He gently patted her back and whispered, "Don’t be afraid. It’s just the sound of some Eagle Beasts. Yan Lie has already gone to check it out. We’ll know what’s happening soon."