Hu Yanâs ears twitched at her words. His golden eyes dimmed ever so slightly, ears dropping as if someone had tugged his tail. But Su Qinglan didnât notice. She was too busy glaring at Bai Ling.
Bai Ling rubbed her head with a pout, still looking confused. "Why not? Donât all females worship the Beast God for cubs? Every female I know wants them. Isnât it... natural?"
Her question was innocent and curious.
Su Qinglan exhaled slowly, her expression softening. "I didnât say I dislike cubs. I just... want to wait. For now."
In her mind, though, her thoughts churned.
How bizarre Iâve become... I only transmigrated here recently, and Iâm already discussing cubs? Back in my world, I never even thought about it. I couldnât imagine it. Me? A mother?
She swallowed, her chest tightening.
I always wanted the idea of family... but when it came to myself, I was scared. Afraid I wouldnât be a good mother. Afraid I couldnât protect or care for a child properly.
The emotions pricked at her heart, but she quickly pushed them aside. Smiling faintly, she looked back at Bai Ling.
"Letâs forget about me. What about you? Do you have cubs?"
The question made Bai Lingâs smile fade.
Her shoulders slumped.
"I want to..." she admitted softly. "Iâve already been mated with my beast husbands for a year. But... still no cubs."
Her voice trembled faintly with frustration. Her eyes dimmed as she lowered her gaze to the fire.
"I try. I pray. But nothing happens. Maybe... maybe I wonât ever..."
The words caught in her throat, and she bit her lip hard, holding back tears.
Su Qinglanâs eyes softened, and her heart stirred.
Because in that moment, she remembered her mission.
To help three females successfully give birth to cubs. It would be really good to help Bai Ling.
Inside her mind, she called out softly.
"System... Is there anything I can do for her?"
Xuyuâs overexcited voice rang in her mind. To determine Bai Lingâs condition, Host must conduct a physical check using her plant-type energy. Minor issues can be healed directly. Severe issues may require external herbs and medicines.
Su Qinglan exhaled slowly, her gaze steadying.
She reached out and clasped Bai Lingâs trembling hands gently. "Donât lose hope. Let me... try something."
Bai Ling blinked, startled. "Qinglan-jie?"
Su Qinglan smiled faintly. "Trust me. I just need to check your body. It wonât hurt."
Though puzzled, Bai Ling nodded obediently. Her beast husbands, who had been hovering nearby with protective eyes, tensed immediately, but after catching Su Qinglanâs calm look, they hesitated... and finally backed away.
Su Qinglan closed her eyes, focusing inward. She guided a thin thread of her plant-type energy into her palm. It seeped gently into Bai Lingâs body.
Almost instantly, she sensed it, like stepping into a small garden, only this garden had withered spots among otherwise fertile soil.
Her spiritual sense skimmed through Bai Lingâs meridians, her womb, and her blood flow. Nothing was broken, nothing was irreversible. Just... weakness. A few blockages, the kind that came from poor nourishment.
Su Qinglanâs lips curved slightly. So it isnât something severe.
"Bai Ling," she asked softly, "can you tell me... when was your last heat cycle?"
Bai Lingâs cheeks flared crimson instantly. Her gaze darted around nervously, as if someone might overhear such a shameful question.
"QâQinglan-jie! How can you ask something so embarrassing..." she muttered, but seeing Su Qinglanâs calm and serious face, she bit her lip and whispered, "It was... two seasons ago."
Her voice grew smaller and smaller, her fingers twisting together. "This season... it still hasnât come."
Su Qinglanâs eyes narrowed slightly as she did the calculation in her mind. Two seasons ago... that means nearly half a year. And now...
Her heart stirred.
Su Qinglan exhaled slowly, her lips curving faintly. "So thatâs it..." she murmured.
"Qinglan-jie?" Bai Ling blinked, wide-eyed.
Su Qinglan looked at her steadily, her tone firm but gentle. "You were never the problem, Bai Ling. Your body was fine. The reason you havenât conceived yet is simple: your heat cycle hasnât arrived this year. Females can only conceive after their heat cycle. Since yours is late, it means your body is just waiting for the right time."
Bai Ling froze, her mouth parting in shock. "You mean... it wasnât because something was wrong with me?"
"Of course not," Su Qinglan said seriously. "In fact, youâre about to enter your next heat soon. If you eat properly and take care of your health these coming days, your body will be strong enough to conceive once it arrives. Thatâs all you need to do."
For a heartbeat, Bai Ling just stared at her, trembling. Then her eyes widened, shining with sudden joy.
"Is... is it really true, Jie?" Her voice cracked with excitement.
Su Qinglan chuckled softly, reaching out to flick her forehead again. "When have I ever lied to you?"
Bai Lingâs eyes turned red as tears gathered, but she nodded furiously, her lips trembling into a smile. "Qinglan-jie... Youâre so good... so amazing... If you say itâs true, then Iâll believe it!"
Her trust was absolute. Not a single doubt clouded her mind.
In that moment, as Bai Ling clutched her hand with overflowing gratitude, Su Qinglan felt a strange warmth rise in her chest. A soft, protective feeling... almost like an elder sister watching over a younger one.
Good, she thought silently. If itâs only this much, then I can definitely help her. Bai Ling... you will have your cubs.
Bai Lingâs body was slightly weak and cold, which was delaying her periodâthatâs it. Otherwise, she was perfectly fine.
An idea struck her, and she immediately took her hands in her own.
The energy in her hand grew more, flowing into Bai Lingâs body like a spring rain, washing through those blockages and coaxing vitality back into her womb.
Bai Ling shivered slightly, her breath hitching. "Itâs... warm..." she whispered with wide eyes.
Su Qinglan opened her own eyes, her tone light but steady. "Donât move. Just relax."
She focused, letting her energy circulate carefully, mending little cracks and restoring balance. Within moments, she could feel Bai Lingâs body respond, the soil becoming fertile again.
Finally, she pulled her hand back, her forehead slightly damp.
Bai Ling blinked rapidly, touching her stomach in wonder. "I... I feel... lighter. My body... it doesnât ache anymore."
Her beast husbands leaned in instantly, their golden, anxious eyes fixed on her. "Lingâer, are you well?"
Su Qinglan leaned back, giving them space, her smile soft. "It was nothing too serious. Bai Ling is just a little weak. From now on, make sure she eats better, rests properly, and avoids stress. Thatâs more important than anything."
The three beastmen looked like theyâd just been handed treasure. But even more, they were too surprised, and Bai Ling finally asked, "Jie-jie, did you become a witch doctor?"
Su Qinglan only smiled mysteriously. She had not planned to hide anythingâbecause how was she supposed to help a female? They would surely doubt her intentions if she said she wasnât even a witch doctor.
So she didnât deny anything.
Bai Lingâs cheeks flushed as she clutched Su Qinglanâs hand, her voice trembling with joy. "Qinglan-jie... you... you really are a blessing from the Beast God."
Su Qinglan laughed lightly, knocking Bai Lingâs forehead again. "Silly girl. Donât worship me like that. Just focus on being happy. The rest will follow."
But deep in her heart, Su Qinglan felt a quiet satisfaction.
One step closer to my mission.