Chapter 6
So What If We Rob You? Do You Think You Alone Can Take On the Five of Us?
For the third section, she raised some poultry such as chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, and rabbits. Looking at the neatly lined, motionless livestock, Shen Yue casually took out a plump duck and scooped up a few eggs.
That should be enough for today, right?
There was one section left, the one with the densest spiritual energy. Inside was a pool of vitality water, the purest form of spiritual spring water. It could heal injuries and cure all toxins, a life-saving resource in critical moments, and an essential aid in treating difficult conditions.
She used a utensil by the pool to scoop out a small cup. Just this tiny amount would be enough to cure Si Muye’s leg injury. She also took out the silver needles that had been soaking in the water, preparing everything in advance.
The spiritual spring was bound to her consciousness and soul. The stronger her mental and soul power, the richer the spiritual energy within it.
At the same time, the more frequently she used it in a day, the more strain it put on her mind. Given how weak her current body was, taking out this much already pushed her to the limit.
So when she closed the spring and opened her eyes, her face was pale and drenched in sweat.
When Si Muye returned carrying a bundle of dry grass, he saw Shen Yue holding two fish. Beside her was a live duck, a bright red fruit in her mouth, and several eggs at her feet.
He was so shocked his voice wavered.
“Where… did all this come from?”
Shen Yue handed him the two black fish.
“Here. I said I’d repay you for yesterday’s food. These are for you.”
Bears loved fish, didn’t they?
This repayment should suit his taste.
Looking at the fish in her hands, Si Muye, usually calm and reserved, struggled to maintain his composure.
The river was far from here. Even for him, it would take an entire day to go and return.
Yet she had only been alone for a short time and already had two fish.
How was that possible?
Did her mates return and give them to her?
He immediately extended his senses, but there was no trace of any other males.
Just how did she do it?
Staring at the fish, he swallowed unconsciously. It had been a long time since he had seen such fresh, plump fish.
Shen Yue asked, “You went to gather grass? Where did you find it?”
She planned to return to her own cave later and improve it, laying down dry grass to make it livable for her and the cubs.
Once the cubs hatched and gained some mobility, she would find a better place.
Si Muye tore his gaze away from the fish and coughed lightly.
“Mm. Not far ahead, on a slope.”
He had woken briefly in the night and saw her sleeping outside the grass bedding, using her body to keep the eggs warm. On impulse, he decided to make her a larger, softer bed.
So early in the morning, instead of hunting, he went to gather grass.
“I was going to make you a soft bedding.”
Shen Yue was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to do that for her.
This man… wasn’t bad.
But she couldn’t stay here forever. This was his cave. She needed her own place.
“Thank you. But I only plan to stay one night. If you finish it, can I take it with me?”
At her words, Si Muye’s dark brown eyes dimmed slightly, his expression changing.
Thinking he was worried she’d run away, Shen Yue quickly added:
“Don’t worry. My cave isn’t far. I can come treat your leg every day.”
Then, watching his face, she added:
“I can trade food for the bedding. I won’t take it for free.”
That wasn’t what Si Muye meant.
For a moment, he simply didn’t want her to leave.
Turning away, he placed the grass down.
“No need. You can take it.”
Shen Yue let out a breath of relief.
“By the way, do you want to eat the fish raw, or should I cook it for you?”
“After we eat, I’ll treat your leg.”
Si Muye paused.
After eating… she would treat him?
Could his leg really be healed?
Though his face remained calm, tension rose within him. His voice stiffened.
“The firestone is buried in the soil by your feet.”
He knew she didn’t like raw food.
She must want roasted fish.
Shen Yue blinked, dug out the firestone, and sat by the stone griddle she had set up the night before, starting a fire to cook.
Black fish was naturally fatty. Soon after placing it on the stone, it began releasing a rich aroma.
While weaving the grass bedding, Si Muye kept sneaking glances at her, swallowing as he inhaled the smell.
So fish could smell this good when cooked?
How did this ugly female know to roast fish?
In the Beast World, no one thought of cooking fish. Once caught, they were eaten raw immediately, since fish spoiled quickly after leaving water.
Watching her focused expression as she cooked, he couldn’t help but wonder—
What else could she do?
Outside the cave, small animals were already drawn by the scent, gathering and lingering nearby.
Suddenly, Si Muye’s eyes narrowed.
Not good. The smell had attracted other beastmen.
Shen Yue sensed it too and immediately stood.
“It’s people from the gray bear tribe!”
She knew that aura well. Yesterday, it was that gray bear female and her mates who stole her fish.
“So fragrant… what is that smell?”
“Whose cave is this?”
“Who’s inside? Come out!”
Several gray bear males shouted outside, drooling as they craned their necks.
When they saw Si Muye step out, jealousy flashed across their faces. They had never seen such a good-looking male in these mountains.
One of them barked, “Is this your cave?”
“What food do you have inside? Bring it out!”
“Don’t you know the biggest tribe here is ours, the gray bear tribe? Hurry up and hand over the food!”
They had hunted all morning without catching even a rabbit. If they went back empty-handed, their female would surely scold them. Just as they were worrying, this irresistible aroma appeared.
There had to be good food inside.
Si Muye narrowed his eyes.
“You want to rob me?”
The gray bear males exchanged glances, cracking their knuckles.
“So what if we do? You think you alone can take on the five of us?”
“That’s right. Hand it over yourself, and we won’t have to make a move!”
