Leisurely Life in the Beast World - Chapter 98

“Alright, in that case…” Ge Xing turned to the beastmen behind him and called out, “Who among you will test the predator fish?”

Before he could finish speaking, three lean yet powerful beastmen with black-and-white patterned feathers stepped forward. One of them, slightly older, spoke up. “Chief, let me be the one to lure the predator fish. My two younger brothers can hover over the river and rescue anyone in danger.”

Ge Xing nodded. “Alright. You three are our tribe’s rock eagle beastmen. Be careful and prioritize your safety.”

Ying Yan nodded in acknowledgment.

At that moment, Xiu Yan stepped forward. “Uncle, I’ll go into the river.”

Ge Xing nodded firmly in approval. He then chose another beastman, a snake beastman, to join Xiu Yan. Meanwhile, the hunting team brought forward a recently killed green ox, securing it tightly with sturdy vines.

Xiu Yan gently set Ji Nuan down. “Stay by uncle’s side. Don’t go near the river, understand?”

Ji Nuan nodded anxiously. “Be careful. If anything seems off, come back immediately.”

Although the plan was hers, its execution was uncertain. She had never faced such dangerous circumstances before, and everything she proposed was theoretical. The reality would be the true test.

Xiu Yan nodded and moved decisively, entering the river alongside the snake beastman.

The river was still inhabited by a few predator fish, but the crocodile-like creatures were nowhere to be seen.

Once the two beastmen entered the water, Ying Yan transformed into his half-beast form. With powerful arms, he lifted the green ox and flew above the Ainilu River.

Blood dripped steadily from the ox’s wounds, its thick scent of death spreading through the river like an ominous signal. The predator fish, as if summoned by the aroma, began swarming toward the blood-slicked area of the river.

Meanwhile, no predator fish lingered near Xiu Yan and the snake beastman. Taking advantage of the distraction, the two swam quickly toward the far shore.

On the Tumang Tribe’s side, frustration boiled over as they watched the Watson Tribe execute such a clever plan to avoid the predator fish.

“Those damned beastmen from Watson!” one of the Tumang beastmen snarled. “They told us earlier they had no way to cross safely, and now, after so many of our people have died, they’re crossing without a scratch. How despicable!”

Lu Te, seeing the smug expression on Ge Xing’s face across the river, was consumed by rage. His bloodlust surged as he saw Xiu Yan and the snake beastman nearing the opposite bank. A sinister smile spread across his face.

Walking to the riverbank, he grabbed an old beastman who was missing a leg and hurled him into the water.

The scent of fresh blood spread rapidly through the river. The dark-green currents, already roiling in the distance, paused before surging toward the source of the blood with terrifying speed.

The injured elder had been thrown into the river just a short distance from Xiu Yan and the snake beastman. If the predator fish reached them, the two would be caught in the feeding frenzy.

As the predator fish closed in at an alarming speed, Lu Te laughed loudly. “Ge Xing! Didn’t you enjoy watching so many of our tribe die? Now I’ll let you experience the same pain!”

Ge Xing ignored Lu Te’s taunts. With a wave of his hand, two rock eagle beastmen swooped down from the sky, lifting Xiu Yan and the snake beastman out of the blood-tainted waters.

They soared back to the Watson Tribe’s side of the river and landed safely.

Lu Te’s triumphant laughter came to an abrupt halt. His face darkened as he watched the predator fish converge on the old beastman, reducing him to nothing in mere moments. Not even bones remained.

Fury burned in his reddened eyes.

“Let’s go. Stop wasting time,” Ya Li’s cold voice interrupted. “There will be plenty of opportunities to deal with them later. But, Chief Lu Te, I suggest you don’t cause any trouble during this gathering. Our tribe’s numbers are already less than half the Watson Tribe’s. You know what would happen if things escalated…”

Lu Te’s expression flickered, and he forced a stiff smile. “You’re right, I was too impulsive. We’ll do as you suggest.”

Turning to his tribe, he called out, “Everyone, let’s move. The sooner we reach the gathering, the sooner we can eat meat.” He led the group forward, his coarse hand gripping the beast hide in his palm tightly.

Beneath his composed facade, Lu Te’s thoughts churned with simmering resentment. “That damned elder shaman never supported my leadership. Even his apprentice Ya Li doesn’t respect me as chief. Just wait. One day, I’ll make sure they die out there. A tribe only needs one leader. The shaman should stick to medicine and keep out of tribal affairs!”

“How are you? Are you alright?” Ji Nuan rushed over as soon as Xiu Yan and the snake beastman landed. She circled around Xiu Yan several times, inspecting him for injuries or traces of blood. Only when she saw none did she finally relax.

Watching from the side, the snake beastman felt jealousy twist in his chest. “Hmph. Ji Nuan only cares about Xiu Yan. She hasn’t even checked if I’m hurt!”