Leisurely Life in the Beast World - Chapter 102

The forest’s edge was some distance from where the tribe had stopped to rest. Ji Nuan sat on a rock, supported by Ge Xing, with the fluffy white bundle of fur, Fu Yi, at her side.

“Uncle, the wound on my ankle was caused by a beastman’s claws, wasn’t it?” Ji Nuan asked with certainty in her voice.

The little ball of fur, Fu Yi, stiffened, his tiny front paws trembling slightly as his gaze darted to the area wrapped in beast hide.

Ge Xing’s expression darkened, and his voice turned low. “Yes, I noticed it too. But we don’t know who did it yet. To avoid alarming this beast, let’s not reveal what we know for now.”

Relief washed over Ji Nuan’s face as the uncertainty in her heart settled. “I suspected as much when I saw your expression earlier. Why would they do this?”

Ge Xing let out a cold laugh. “We’ll find out once we catch them. For now, we’ll act as if nothing’s happened, regardless of their intentions. This beast will surely make another move.”

His gaze shifted to Fu Yi. “Fu Yi, from now on, your priority is to protect Ji Nuan. Don’t stray too far from her, understood?”

The little ball of fluff nodded thoughtfully, squeaking, “Chirp, chirp!”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the forest.

Ge Xing and Fu Yi instinctively moved to shield Ji Nuan, standing protectively on either side of her. Their vigilant stance heightened Ji Nuan’s nerves, and her hand reflexively reached into her waist pouch.

A booming, thunderous laugh broke the tension, ringing out from the depths of the woods.

“Ge Xing! Hahaha! I didn’t expect to run into the Watson Tribe this time!” The voice was loud and cheerful, brimming with vitality.

Ge Xing’s serious demeanor melted into joy as he stepped forward, his face lighting up upon seeing the figures emerging from the forest.

In a flash, he strode over and tightly embraced a tall, golden-haired beastman of similar age. Their hearty laughter echoed through the forest, startling countless birds into flight.

“Hahaha! Sa Ka’er, you rascal! Your laugh is as awful as ever—you’ve scared off all the forest’s birds!” Ge Xing teased, his broad grin stretching wide as he playfully patted Sa Ka’er on the shoulder.

“Don’t kid yourself! Those skittish birds fled at the sound of your terrible laugh!” Sa Ka’er shot back, laughing even harder. The two old friends, caught in a whirlwind of teasing punches and pats, turned the forest’s edge into a chaotic yet jovial battlefield.

Settling down on the grass with an arm slung over Sa Ka’er’s shoulder, Ge Xing glanced at the younger beastmen accompanying his friend. Genuine admiration shone in his eyes. “These youngsters of yours are strong! Good beastmen!”

Pride gleamed in Sa Ka’er’s gaze as he puffed out his chest. “Hahaha! Only strong beastmen are worthy of braving the dangers of the tribal gathering!”

His eyes roved over Ge Xing’s group, landing on Fu Yi. Sa Ka’er’s sharp gaze lit up with interest, a green glint of intrigue flashing in his pupils. “That’s a lightning mink cub, isn’t it? You lucky old beast—your tribe even has such a powerful beast lineage.”

Fu Yi’s fur bristled. He shuffled closer to Ji Nuan’s legs, his tiny body tucking behind her pale, slender ankles for cover.

Sa Ka’er’s gaze followed, narrowing slightly at the owner of the legs. His expression shifted.

A tail? Ears?

His eyes widened. A half-beast? And a female cub?

Turning back to Ge Xing, his expression brimmed with disapproval. “Ge Xing, what were you thinking? Bringing a female cub to such a dangerous gathering—are you trying to burden your tribe?”

Ge Xing’s grin widened, his face brimming with smug confidence. “This isn’t just any female cub. Ji Nuan is our next shaman. After this cold season, she’ll officially take over as the shaman of Watson.”

He winked playfully. “And don’t underestimate Ji Nuan. Thanks to her brilliant idea, not a single member of the Watson Tribe died crossing the Ainilu River this time!”

Sa Ka’er froze, disbelief flashing across his face as he turned to stare at Ji Nuan. The small half-beast girl sat quietly on the rock, her expression calm but tinged with curiosity.

Sa Ka’er’s gaze snapped back to Ge Xing, his voice tinged with incredulity. “Ge Xing, are you serious?”