Leisurely Life in the Beast World - Chapter 358

Ge Xing paused in surprise. “Are you saying those rather nice-looking stones we brought back from the Rock Tribe?”

Ji Nuan nodded. “Yes, those stones contain materials that can be made into iron tools. That’s why they’re dark red. Ordinary stones don’t have that capability.”

Ge Xing paced back and forth, frowning while holding the iron tool. After a while, he said, “Then we need to find a way to bring more of those stones back from the Rock Tribe. After all, they don’t know about the iron tools yet, so the stones probably aren’t of much value to them.”

Ji Nuan shook her head. “Those stones are actually very valuable to them. The precious stone tools they trade during tribal gatherings are made from those stones.”

“Then… should we steal them?” Ge Xing suggested awkwardly, his expression sheepish as he let out a dry laugh, realizing how disgraceful the idea sounded.

Ji Nuan, however, was pondering another approach, trading with the Rock Tribe for the iron ore. The problem was, if the Rock Tribe learned what the stones were for, they might raise their asking price significantly.

“The stones we picked up were originally ones the Rock Tribe didn’t want,” Xiu Yan interjected. Both Ji Nuan and Ge Xing turned to look at him.

The once lazy, napping wolf cub was now a tall beastman sitting upright on the bed.

“They need large stones for grinding into stone tools. The smaller ones we collected can’t be shaped into usable tools, so the Rock Tribe throws them outside their settlement.”

Hearing this, Ji Nuan and Ge Xing’s eyes lit up. That would make trading much easier!

“If we’re going to trade for the stones, we’ll need a reason,” Ji Nuan said thoughtfully, scratching her chin.

“We’ll say it’s for reinforcing the walls near the Ainilu River,” Ge Xing suggested. “Everyone in the Ainilu Forest knows about the predator fish and crocodiles in the river.”

Ji Nuan nodded in agreement. That explanation was flawless.

“We’ll still need to trouble you, Uncle Ge Xing, to handle this task. It’s too important to leave to anyone else,” Ji Nuan said solemnly.

Hearing this, Ge Xing puffed up with pride. If he had a tail, it would undoubtedly be wagging high. With a confident wave of his hand, he declared, “Haha, don’t worry! Leave it to me. A task this crucial must be handled personally by someone as experienced as me!”

Xiu Yan, observing Ge Xing’s smug expression, rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Ji Nuan, meanwhile, laughed inwardly. Ge Xing truly loved having his ego stroked!

Ge Xing’s gaze shifted mischievously toward Xiu Yan, who immediately felt a sense of unease. His fur metaphorically bristled as he eyed the cunning old beastman with suspicion.

Ge Xing rubbed his hands together and said, “Well, since I’m getting older and not as nimble, shouldn’t I have a strong beastman accompany me for safety?”

He coughed twice for effect, though his sly glances at Xiu Yan made his true intent clear.

Xiu Yan rolled his eyes again. He had known this old beastman was up to no good. “I’m not going. Take Ge Tai with you instead,” he replied flatly.

After all, he still needed to stay with his little cub companion.

“That won’t do! Ge Tai doesn’t make me feel safe,” Ge Xing countered quickly.

What a joke! Xiu Yan and Ji Nuan were on the verge of becoming mates, while his own cub was just beginning to court Yaoyao. He couldn’t let Xiu Yan’s presence jeopardize his family’s romantic prospects.

The old beastman’s schemes were as loud as a drumbeat!