Chapter 181: Are You Willing to Become the Clan Leader?
Legend has it that the Beast World Continent was originally overrun by various Mutant Beasts and ferocious beasts.
To contend with these Mutant Beasts and ferocious beasts, the ancestors of the beastmen tried everything they could to increase their combat strength.
Inevitably, some unorthodox methods emerged during this process, which later generations would call forbidden medicines and Forbidden Techniques.
"These forbidden medicines and Forbidden Techniques could rapidly alter a beastman’s body, allowing their combat strength to far surpass that of others. But because they came with so many uncertainties, they were banned many years ago."
Qiao Xixi never imagined such things existed in the beast world.
"Sangze’s father used forbidden medicine on him, disregarding his safety, all to create an invincible killing machine. He just never expected to suffer a backlash himself."
"Then... will Sangze be stuck like this forever?"
As they reached the door to their home, Sunxiao stopped, his crimson eyes resting lightly on Qiao Xixi.
"Xixi, you’ve been thinking about him the whole way."
Qiao Xixi paused, then grinned and hugged Sunxiao’s arm. "I’m just curious. Besides, we’re going to be living in the Divine Leopard Tribe from now on, and he’s the Clan Leader. It’s important that we get on his good side."
Sunxiao’s serpentine eyes turned cold. ’Thinking of what that madman did to Qiao Xixi last night, I should have just swallowed him whole.’
"By the way, you said all the Forbidden Techniques and medicines were sealed away in Beast King City. How would Sanggu know about them?"
Sunxiao faltered for a step. Something occurred to him, and his serpentine eyes darkened, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply said in a soft voice, "When Jin Ling and the others get back, have them ask the shaman."
Qiao Xixi nodded. ’Since we’ve decided to stay in the Divine Leopard Tribe for now, it’s best to get some things cleared up.’
Meanwhile, after escaping the previous night, Songyan had immediately headed for the territory of the Golden Eagle Beasts within the tribe. With their help, he flew out of the Divine Leopard Tribe under the cover of darkness.
"Songyan Beast Guard, where are we going?"
Songyan’s expression was utterly grim. The image of Baili being swallowed whole flashed relentlessly through his mind. He clenched his fists and ground out through his teeth, "To Tiger Beast City."
"Alright." The Golden Eagle Beast flapped its wings and soared toward the horizon.
...
For the next several days, Jin Ling and Feiyan remained in the inner city, helping Sangze take over and manage the Divine Leopard Tribe’s daily affairs.
One day, while Qiao Xixi was playing with the cubs, she looked up to see Jin Ling and Feiyan returning, with Sangze in tow.
They all looked rather exhausted.
Qiao Xixi quickly ushered them to sit down and rest.
The ever-sensible Sangqi went to pour them some water from the Spiritual Spring.
Qiao Xixi also brought out some jerky for them to eat.
Jin Ling pulled Qiao Xixi aside. "I came back today because Sangze has something he wants to tell you."
Qiao Xixi took a bite of fruit and looked at Sangze curiously. "What is it, Sangze? You can just tell me directly."
Sangze looked at her, a bit bashful. "Xixi, it’s... I don’t want to be the Clan Leader."
Qiao Xixi was surprised, but she quickly understood. ’Sangze’s temperament is too pure and kind; he really isn’t suited for that position.’
"That’s your choice, and we all respect it."
"Xixi, I was hoping that you would become the Clan Leader of the Divine Leopard Tribe."
PLOP.
Qiao Xixi was so shocked she dropped her fruit.
"Sangze, are you sure you’re not joking?"
’A major tribe! The Clan Leader of a major tribe! Can you just hand that over to someone else?’
Sangze looked at her and nodded very seriously.
"Yes. I think you’re very smart and capable, Xixi. I believe you can handle the role, so I came to ask if you’d be willing."
’Of course I’m willing! Why wouldn’t I be!?’
Still, she subconsciously glanced toward Jin Ling and the others. ’I’m an outsider in this Beast World Continent, after all. There’s so much I don’t understand. Taking on a burden this huge means I have to be responsible for it.’
Jin Ling met Qiao Xixi’s gaze and nodded with a smile in his eyes. "If you’re willing, Xixi, then you should accept."
"But... what if I don’t do a good job..."
"You’ll still have us."
Qiao Xixi suddenly thought of something, and the smile on her face froze. "Then... when I take over, will other beastmen come to challenge me?"
’Strategy I can handle, but I’m terrible at physical combat.’
"Xixi, when a female becomes Clan Leader, her mates can fight on her behalf."
Qiao Xixi was stunned. ’There’s a rule that good?’
"Has this happened before?"
Feiyan explained, "Many tribes have had female Clan Leaders. But they often don’t like dealing with all the miscellaneous duties, so they just pass the position on to their mates."
Besides, with the mate bond between a female and her mates, it was like they were indirectly controlling them anyway, so they didn’t really care who held the actual title of Clan Leader.
Qiao Xixi looked at Sangze. "Sangze, have you thought this through?"
Sangze smiled, and the two small dimples at the corners of his mouth made him look as sweet as a pastry.
"I’ve thought it over carefully. As long as you’re willing, Xixi, I’ll go tell the tribe’s elders right away."
"I am willing."
"That’s wonderful! I’ll go tell the elders right now."
"Okay."
Jin Ling stood up. "I’ll go with you."
"Mm."
The moment Jin Ling and Sangze left, Feiyan impatiently sat down beside Qiao Xixi, pulled her into a hug, and planted two hard kisses on her.
"Xixi, when are we going to mate?" he asked. ’I’ve been your mate for so long now, and I haven’t even had the pleasure of holding you while I sleep. Who could be more miserable than me!’
Qiao Xixi glanced at the cubs, who were sitting there with wide eyes, eagerly waiting for the drama to unfold. She gave Feiyan a placating kiss on the cheek.
"Be good. Don’t cause a scene. I’ll come find you tonight."
His foxy eyes lit up. "Really?"
"If you don’t believe me, then I won’t go."
"I believe you, I believe you!"
Afraid his bestial nature would get the better of him and he’d do something inappropriate in front of the cubs, Qiao Xixi quickly pulled away from his embrace.
"I’ll go make you guys something delicious."
Feiyan stood up too. "I’ll help you." He’d only taken two steps before a small body latched onto his leg.
"Dad, you go chop firewood! Just let Father Sunxiao help with the cooking!"
Qiao Ang vehemently objected to his own father getting anywhere near the kitchen.
Qiao Qiao agreed wholeheartedly. "Yeah, yeah! Dad, come chop firewood with us."
"Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? Your old dad is a great cook..."
「Night fell.」
Qiao Xixi had just stepped out of her bath when, before she could even get to her room, she was swept off her feet by a certain impatient fox.
Feiyan entered the room and immediately shut and locked the door.
Qiao Xixi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
"Xixi, you look so beautiful when you smile."
’Feiyan may have a bewitching face,’ Qiao Xixi thought, ’but his personality is as straightforward as they come. It’s such a mismatch.’
"But I think you’re even more beautiful."
Feiyan ripped off his animal hide tunic and tossed it to the floor. His light brown eyes churned with raw desire as he closed in. "Want me to show you something... even more beautiful?"
He took her small hand, guiding it down from his chest...
The scorching heat against her palm made Qiao Xixi’s heart pound wildly.
His hot, wet kisses sent shivers down her spine. But just as they reached the point of no return, Qiao Xixi’s eyes flew open. In one fluid motion, she wrapped her arms around his waist, flipped them over, and settled herself astride his firm, powerful hips, looking down at him with a smile in her eyes.
A faint pink blush dusted Feiyan’s fair skin, and his bewitching, foxy eyes were filled with longing for her.
"Xixi?"
"Tonight, I’m on top!"
"Mm... alright."
Dark clouds drifted across the night sky. Sangze stood in the courtyard, listening to the sounds coming from the room. A chilling, eerie light glinted in his mismatched eyes.
"I suddenly find myself wanting a Snow Fox Fur Coat."