Chapter 74: Into the Forest

All three of them turned around quickly.

It was Han Jue.

He stood a few steps behind them, his expression as cold as always. But this time, there was a faint warmth hidden in his eyes, something only those close to him could notice.

Hu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

Han Jue looked toward the north side of the forest. "It’s a bit dangerous," he said in his usual calm tone. "The area is deep inside the Shadow Valley. The beasts there are wild and strong, but the prey there are plenty. If we go there, we can gather enough prey not only to pay the Bird Tribe but also to store for ourselves."

The three of them exchanged glances.

Hu Yan’s eyes were serious, Rong Ye’s face was firm, and Su Qinglan could see the same determination reflected in both of them. They were ready to take risks if it meant protecting their future.

Her heart softened at the sight. Warmth spread through her chest as she looked at the three of them — each strong in their own way, yet all willing to fight for her and the tribe.

So this is how family protects each other; she had never experienced this in her last life.

But then, she took a deep breath and said softly,

"Let’s go back to the cave first."

All three of them looked at her in surprise.

Su Qinglan continued in a calm and firm tone because she knew she couldn’t just let them risk their lives for a few prey. "Before deciding anything, I want us to think carefully. I don’t want any of you to go into dangerous places just to hunt prey. It’s not worth it."

Hu Yan frowned slightly. "But without enough prey, we can’t..."

Su Qinglan shook her head. "No. We’ll find another way. Instead of depending on others or paying for shelter, why don’t we make our own place to live during the rainy season?"

Her words made all three of them pause.

Hu Yan blinked. Rong Ye looked at her as if he didn’t hear it right. Even Han Jue’s usual calm eyes showed a flicker of surprise.

Su Qinglan met their shocked gazes and nodded slowly. "Yes. Let’s build our own shelter somewhere high, safe, and dry. A place where no one can drive us away or demand prey for staying."

***

The next morning, after a light meal, Su Qinglan and the trio stood at the edge of the main forest.

She still hadn’t decided what kind of house or shelter to build. For that, she needed to see the mountain with her own eyes... check the land, the trees, the rocks, and everything. Only then could she plan something strong, safe, and lasting.

Even Stove was ready, following behind her loyally. Despite her trying to convince them a hundred times that she’d be fine, the three of them still worried too much. Apparently, Stove had now been given an "important mission" to stick close to her and protect her no matter what.

When they walked a little distance away from the tribe, the smooth path disappeared — the one that had been shaped by many beastmen’s steps. But once they moved farther into the forest, the ground became wild again.

Sharp rocks, roots, and hidden thorns covered the forest floor.

Su Qinglan didn’t mind walking barefoot, but this forest clearly had a grudge against her pampered body.

After just a short walk, she already had two shallow cuts on her feet.

"Ugh..." She looked down. This body is really too fragile.

"Let me carry you," Hu Yan said, frowning deeply as he looked at her injuries.

Su Qinglan glanced at his tall, muscular frame. The man was literally towering over her. His arms looked solid enough to carry three of her at once.

She blushed.

No way.

She couldn’t just let him carry her like some spoiled child. Her body was still fat, and with her short stature, she could only imagine how ridiculous she’d look in his arms.

She tried to keep a straight face and waved her hand. "I said I’m fine. I’ll manage."

Hu Yan didn’t say anything.

Then, without a word, he suddenly shifted.

Right in front of her, his human form shimmered and changed.

Bones cracked, fur grew, and in seconds, a massive striped tiger stood where he had been. His golden eyes looked straight at her, and he lowered his huge body until his back was level with her knees.

"...Sit," his deep voice rumbled, even in beast form.

Su Qinglan’s mouth fell open.

She had seen beastmen shift before, but this was the first time she had seen Hu Yan change up close. His tiger form was beautiful... it was strong, huge, and majestic.

And he was asking her to sit on him.

Her mind went blank for a moment.

Was this really happening?

She had always been secretly jealous of the other tribe females who would ride around on their beast partners with proud smiles. Meanwhile, she hadn’t even touched any of their beast forms.

Until now.

Swallowing her hesitation, Su Qinglan slowly climbed on Hu Yan’s back. She was not stupid enough to reject this. Only a fool would behave like a saint, and she was no fool.

The fur was soft... really soft. Thick and warm, like a giant heated blanket.

Once she was settled, her hands couldn’t stop themselves.

She ran her fingers through the fur on his shoulders, then down his sides.

She patted him, rubbed her cheek against his neck, and even traced the stripes on his fur with her fingers. She didn’t even realize how utterly shameless she was being until a disdainful snort came from the side, but she ignored it completely.

Stove, standing nearby, was utterly speechless. His master... oh heavens... his once dignified, intelligent master was now acting like some lovesick beast in heat!

He wanted to sever all bonds right there and pretend he didn’t know her. Who in their right mind plastered themselves to another like that? He could practically see the drool that was about to drip from her lips.

Omg! Truly terrifying! His master was really bold... didn’t even wait for night to begin her nonsense. Should she not at least spare a thought for him, a poor single beast still guarding his innocence?

Ahh, his pitiful life! He could only cover his poor virgin eyes to avoid witnessing such an indecent display.

If Su Qinglan had heard his inner complaints, she would have definitely plucked him bald on the spot. How dare that man-eating plant call her shameless? She was just rubbing a tiger’s body, not committing any crime!

But Hu Yan’s big tiger body suddenly stiffened under her touch...

He was clearly trying very hard to stay still.

Behind her, Han Jue let out a small sigh and said, "Let’s shift too. It’ll be easier to explore the forest in beast form."

Without waiting for an answer, he shifted into a large white arctic wolf.

Rong Ye followed right after, turning into a fluffy white fox with soft fur and sharp eyes.

When Su Qinglan turned around and saw the two of them, her eyes lit up.

"So cute..." she whispered under her breath.

The wolf and fox stood tall and elegant, but all she saw was their soft fur and fluffy tails.

She had to hold herself back from jumping off Hu Yan and hugging them both.