CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28: AMBUSH

The giant deer was quietly feeding, while the beastmen in the grass also began to move. They didn’t communicate using words, but rather gestures.

After a silent exchange, the males sprang into action!

Led by Edon, a portion of them quickly transformed into their beast forms and swiftly charged towards the giant beast, responsible for a frontal assault. Another group of sturdy males carried vines thicker than trees, intercepting the direction in which the Deer Beast was fleeing.

Meanwhile, Ai Li and others escorted the females swiftly to a higher terrain hill, and Wu Xuan carried Wen Shu to catch up with them.

Behind them came the continuous sound of trees crashing down amid piercing deer cries. Wen Shu peeked out for a look, only to see the giant deer barreling through the dense forest, recklessly charging without direction and forced to collide with the beastmen beneath its hooves!

For a moment, the beastmen were caught off guard, but then Wen Shu noticed a familiar black figure.

The pitch-black Snake Beast appeared atop the trees, shooting like a bolt of lightning towards the Deer Beast, wrapping its neck!

Its force was immense, strangling the Deer Beast until its tongue stuck out. At this moment, the beastmen finally managed to bind the Deer Beast’s legs, causing its massive body to crash heavily to the ground, crushing a vast swath of trees.

After a series of painful cries, cheers from the males echoed deep within the forest.

Ai Li stepped forward excitedly, "This time it went so smoothly! Mious truly deserves to be the Eighth Rank Beast!"

His eyes were filled with admiration, and even his expression turned awkward when looking at Wen Shu, "Wen Shu the female, your Beast Husband... is truly amazing!"

Beastmen all worship the strong, naturally extending respect to those around them as well.

Having witnessed the whole process, Wen Shu couldn’t help but acknowledge this fact, "Indeed."

Even with a severed tail, it had such power; how strong could Mious be in its prime?

This world’s High-level Beastman are frighteningly powerful.

Hearing the female’s response, Ai Li was momentarily stunned, realizing she didn’t appear as arrogant as rumored... and she truly has a knack for choosing males!

The females nearby wore unpleasant expressions, especially Belinda. She glanced at Wen Shu, wanting to sneak in a sarcastic remark but lacked the courage, instead coldly huffing in her heart.

The Tina next to her, who had been bullied by Wen Shu, muttered softly, "What sort of tricks did she use, doesn’t anyone notice Mious’s tail is broken?"

Her voice was quiet, but everyone present heard it.

Ai Li finally remembered the scene he had glimpsed earlier; the Snake Beast’s tail was severed, and it looked like... a recent injury! Other than a female, who else could injure an Eighth Rank Beastman?

The males guarding nearby murmured in agreement, "The female makes a good point..."

"It’s so terrifying, who would treat their Beast Husband this way?"

The complaints from the males gave Belinda the confidence, she sneered, "It’s not the first time, her disfigured Beast Husband is proof!"

The originally jubilant atmosphere chilled once more, beastmen discreetly cast glances at the distant female, unable to conceal their inherent disgust.

Numerous stinging glares pierced her back, but Wen Shu feigned ignorance, only intent on leaving quickly becoming more resolute.

She showed no reaction, yet Wu Xuan wouldn’t stand her suffering grievances.

He shielded Wen Shu, casting a cold gaze over the beastmen around, and lowered his brows, "Did any of you actually see it, or possess any solid evidence?"

His eyes were sharp like blades, the intense pressure sending dread into the beastmen’s hearts, causing them to keep their mouths tightly shut.

As this side quieted down, the males within the forest were still busy, dividing spoils based on contributions, using sharp claws to dismember the Deer Beast.

But the giant beast was indeed too large, only when the fiery sunset spread across the sky did they complete the task, returning to the rendezvous site with chunks of meat.

Upon reaching the waterfall, fires were already ablaze by the poolside, with the two early-returning teams sitting together, looking disheartened, having not managed to hunt any food.

So when they noticed the team led by Edon arriving with an abundance of food, they all stood up excitedly.

The silent atmosphere instantly became boiling with excitement, the beastmen surrounded them tightly, their eyes filled with envy!

Wen Shu walked at the back of the group, her gaze flickering between the beastmen, but she didn’t find Nan.

She walked forward a few steps, choosing the relatively amiable Ai Li, and asked, "Excuse me, how many teams participated in the hunting this time?"

Ai Li was startled by her sudden approach, retreating a few steps, glancing at the scowling Wu Xuan behind her, and stammered, "Curr-currently only three..."

Where did Nan go?

Wen Shu’s question had just emerged when she saw a snow-white figure, wearing a mask, step out from behind a tree—who else could it be but Nan!

"Thank you." Wen Shu said, her face cold, as she walked towards Nan.

Feeling her chilly gaze, Nan leaned against the tree and raised his head, his pale eyes immediately brightening, "Female!"

He stumbled and staggered towards Wen Shu, close now, grasped by the arm.

Wen Shu pressed him down to the tree root, retreated back a few steps, and said sternly from above, "Nan, what did I say to you before?"

Nan quickly recalled that night, the female’s gentle words. He hadn’t responded, yet remembered her every word.

She wanted him to stay by her side, but...

Nan tilted his head up, eyes filled with timidness like a small animal, yet exceptionally earnest, "Winter’s coming, we need food at home, and... you’ve become thinner these days."

His tone was exceedingly gentle, with a faint nervousness at the end, timidly expressing his concern.

Wen Shu’s heart tightened, surprised by his words.

Was it because she saved him from the males’ hands? He’s too easily placated, even using such eyes to look at her...

Wen Shu typically responds to gentleness, making her intended reprimands unspeakable.

"Still, you shouldn’t run around injured. Next time you want to do anything, let me know." Somewhat helpless, but she made her position clear, situating herself beside Nan, "Let me check your wound first."

Wu Xuan, who had been ignored, tightened his lips, standing there beside the two, staring directly at their clasped hands, abruptly interjecting, "Female, do you want something to eat?"

Wen Shu felt a chill down her back, lifting her head to meet his resentful gaze, her scalp tingling, instinctively releasing Nan’s hand, "Yes, yes, please Wu Xuan!"

Regaining the attention, a smile flicked at Wu Xuan’s lips, "No trouble, do you like roast meat? Would the flavor be too strong?"

While speaking, he glanced sideways at the frail posture of Nan.

Confronted with Wu Xuan’s peculiar questions, Wen Shu had grown accustomed, responding without thought, "Not at all, roast meat is delicious. If there are spicy seeds, add a bit, thanks for your effort!"

"Female, no need to be polite with me." Wu Xuan raised an eyebrow.

In response to his provocation, Nan smiled, "You’re so good to the female, I... cough cough cough!"

He clutched his chest, his face pale, gripping Wen Shu’s beast hide, frowning vulnerably, "Female, am I too useless..."

"No, not at all." Wen Shu quickly reassured him.

Seeing the two draw near again, Wu Xuan erupted in frustration, "I’m going to cook!"

Wen Shu suddenly felt overwhelmed, realizing she might not have formed a couple with them!

Pressing down Nan with one hand, "Alright, let me treat you first."

After brief treatment, Mious and Wu Xuan also settled there, all four people eating the hardest meal amidst the odd atmosphere, each leaning against the massive tree to rest lightly.

Seeing all the beastmen asleep, the beastman on watch extinguished the fire, darkness spread within, gradually quieting the entire gathering site, leaving only the sound of rushing water and occasional snoring from the males.

Tired from a day’s journey, Wen Shu was also fatigued, gradually dozing off in the serene atmosphere, nodding off almost to the ground.

Semi-conscious, she wanted to change positions when a familiar vibration suddenly came from the ground!

"Boom—"

Another loud crash of trees falling, the beastmen awoke!

Three tall males simultaneously shielded Wen Shu, warily watching the direction of the fallen trees!

Before they could see clearly, a soft and tender female voice unexpectedly emerged from deep within the shrubs, "I just saw firelight here!"