Leisurely Life in the Beast World - Chapter 99

She Wu had just reached adulthood this year and retained a youthful demeanor akin to a cub’s.

The old Ji Nuan had been thin, small, dirty, and withdrawn, making it hard for her to connect with the Watson Tribe. As a half-beast, she had been looked down upon by both beastmen and females.

But the current Ji Nuan, with her clean, fair complexion, was even more attractive than the tribe’s other females. Her once-dismissed beast ears and tail had become adorable, and her contributions to the tribe—discovering new foods, preserving prey with the divine punishment fruit, and introducing new food preparation methods—had made her indispensable.

Moreover, as the shaman’s official apprentice, she had already been announced as the successor who would take over after the cold season. Her cooking was unmatched, further elevating her status. The beastmen barely minded her half-beast nature these days, and some even vied to become her mate.

She Wu was among those eager to win her favor.

Ji Nuan forced an awkward smile but didn’t move to check on She Wu. Her concern for Xiu Yan overwhelmed her, even though she knew him and She Wu had been promptly rescued by the two eagle beastmen.

“Damn Lu Te! One day, I’ll kill that bastard,” Ge Xing fumed as he stomped around the riverbank, his fury palpable. “That scumbag didn’t even spare his own tribesmen!”

Spittle flew everywhere as he ranted.

Ji Nuan silently shuffled a few steps away to avoid getting caught in the range of his passionate outburst.

“Uncle, it seems Ji Nuan’s method works well. If it weren’t for Lu Te’s interference, She Wu and I would already be across.” Xiu Yan’s tone carried a subtle pride that made Ge Xing’s lips twitch.

This plan originated from Ji Nuan, you overgrown wolf! Quit taking credit for it as if it’s your own achievement!

She Wu chimed in indignantly, “That shameless Lu Te! He even threw his own beastmen into the river to harm us!”

Xiu Yan’s sharp wolf eyes flicked toward She Wu. Without a word, he subtly positioned himself between Ji Nuan and the young snake beastman, ensuring she wouldn’t see She Wu. Only then did he seem satisfied, his refined brows arching slightly.

Pushing thoughts of Lu Te aside, Ge Xing waved his hand. “Alright, beastmen, time to hunt! We’ll use the same method as before to cross the river.”

“Roar!” Cheers erupted from the group. The relief of not needing their tribesmen as bait and the prospect of safely crossing the Ainilu River made them euphoric. Arm in arm, they sprinted off to catch more green oxen.

The afternoon sun blazed down with relentless heat.

“Alright, now that we’ve eaten, let’s cross the river in groups. This time, the four eagle beastmen will split into two teams to lure the predator fish.

“When you enter the water, swim to the other side as fast as possible. Understood?” Ge Xing’s tone was stern as he addressed the beastmen preparing to cross.

“Understood!” they replied loudly.

Ying Yan and one of his brothers each grabbed a bleeding green ox and flew downstream to their designated positions.

The beastmen on the bank waited in silence. As expected, several crocodile-like creatures surfaced, drawn by the blood dripping into the water, and swam toward the source.

The crocodiles lingered below the two eagle beastmen, growing restless when they couldn’t find the prey. Suddenly, sensing something amiss, the creatures quickly submerged and swam away, their tails slicing through the water as they disappeared.

Dark shadows soon appeared in the water, rapidly converging under the eagle beastmen. The predator fish leaped and snapped hungrily at the dangling ox carcasses.

Once the predator fish were entirely distracted, Ge Xing shouted, “Into the water! Swim to the other side, quickly!”

At his command, the waiting beastmen dove into the river, swimming toward the opposite bank with all their strength.

The predator fish, preoccupied with tearing apart the bait, paid no attention to the swimming beastmen. The first group soon reached the far shore.

Seeing their success, Ying Yan and his brother dropped the bloodied remains of the ox into the water and returned to the riverbank. The other two eagle beastmen immediately took their place, flying to the same spots to continue “fishing.”

The remaining beastmen took their cue, entering the river and swimming to safety. When the second group made it across, Ge Xing finally relaxed.

“Well done, Ying Yan. Just one more trip!” The eagle beastmen nodded, taking the next bait set and flying back out.

Ge Xing turned to the final group. “Alright, let’s go. We’re the last ones. Even though the others crossed safely, we must remain cautious. Do not get injured, or the predator fish will target you. Understood?”

“Yes, chief!” The beastmen grinned broadly, their white teeth gleaming as they prepared to cross.

Ge Xing led the way, entering the river and quickly paddling toward the far bank.

Ji Nuan sat atop Xiu Yan’s back, her hands gripping his soft wolf fur tightly. She felt nervous and excited as they moved through the water.

The crossing went smoothly. Ge Xing was already on the other side, and Ji Nuan could see the lush green grass along the riverbank.

Relaxing, she shifted slightly to ease the stiffness in her back from sitting so tensely.

But then, a sharp pain shot through her foot. Her face turned pale as she stiffened and glanced down. Sure enough, faint tendrils of blood were spreading through the water below her.