Chapter 16

The snow wolves of the Snow Wolf Tribe sensed something amiss, their expressions shifting drastically—they feared a demonic invasion, treating the situation as a looming crisis. Yet the battle drums of the tribe had not sounded.

Uncertainty filled their minds. All they knew was that their king had been in seclusion, yet had suddenly broken his retreat and left the tribe.

“What is happening?”

“No idea. We’ve never seen our king break seclusion like this.”

Confusion spread among them.

---

At that moment, Xue Youchen felt an intense surge of bloodline connection—he sensed she was in grave danger. There was no choice—he had to break seclusion immediately. Even though doing so would severely affect his cultivation, it was a price he was willing to pay.

Like a storm, Xue Youchen appeared before Ye Baizhi in an instant. He caught her just as she was about to collapse.

With a swift flick of his sleeve, the six cat beasts were thrown backward like fallen kites, crashing to the ground, coughing up blood, unable to rise. They stared at the figure who had suddenly appeared. When they saw his long silver hair flowing like silk and the intricate dark patterns on his robe, their expressions changed drastically.

At that moment, they all realized—this was none other than the Snow Wolf King, Xue Youchen!

Fear gripped them, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Though they had never been deemed worthy to meet the Snow Wolf King, they were well aware of his distinctive features. The intricate totem markings on his robe alone confirmed his identity. No one would dare impersonate the Snow Wolf King. And beyond that—his mere presence carried a suffocating pressure, a terrifying aura of dominance. They could barely breathe.

Before they could even catch their breath and beg for mercy, their bodies suddenly burst apart, reduced to nothing but dust.

Ye Dashan had thought that all hope was lost. Moments ago, he had been consumed by worry for his sister—but with two fifth-tier beasts restraining him, he had been powerless to rescue her. His desperation had nearly driven him mad. Then, Ye Baizhi appeared out of nowhere, throwing herself into the battle. Ye Dashan had nearly collapsed from sheer panic. But he never could have anticipated such a dramatic turn of events.

The two fifth-tier cat beasts, the two fourth-tier, and the two third-tier—all of them had been slain in an instant. Like mere insects, they hadn’t even had the chance to resist.

Ye Dashan was utterly shocked. When he finally turned to look at the Snow Wolf King, his limbs felt stiff, unsure of where to place his hands or feet.

Ye Lu was just as dumbfounded.

Since when had beings like them—mere rabbit beasts—ever been in the presence of the Snow Wolf King?

Not to mention, the Snow Wolf King was now holding her daughter. Yet she dared not move—dared not ask. His presence was overwhelming, an icy aura surrounding him that repelled everyone. None could even take a step forward.

Ye Baizhi, dizzy and wracked with stomach pain, collapsed into a cool embrace. A faint but soothing fragrance surrounded her, leaving her momentarily dazed. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, warmth surged into her body. The sharp pain in her stomach eased, her limbs growing lighter.

Ye Baizhi blinked, slowly coming back to herself—and finally saw the breathtakingly beautiful figure before her.

The Snow Wolf King, Xue Youchen?

Shock jolted through her, instinctively making her shrink back.

Xue Youchen gently held her in place. “Don’t move.” He was pouring his energy into her, repairing the damage her body had endured.

His voice was deep yet melodic, like the distant echoes of a guqin—each note striking the heartstrings effortlessly. It was calming, easing the restless turmoil within.

Slowly, Ye Baizhi’s strength began to return. Her body no longer felt as fragile. The dizziness had faded.

Still, the aftereffects of forcibly boosting her power, devouring nature’s essence, and strengthening her abilities would linger. She would be extremely weak, unable to use her abilities for a short time—but in that moment, she hadn’t cared about the consequences.

Now, Ye Baizhi didn’t dare move. She simply stared at Xue Youchen. She had to admit—he was breathtaking. His beauty was like a masterpiece, his aura distant and ethereal, untouched by the mundane world. He seemed like an exiled celestial, descending to earth yet untainted by its dust.

Just looking at him made Ye Baizhi involuntarily recall that night. Fragments of memory surfaced in her mind, making her pulse quicken.

“Xue… Xue Youchen!”

Xue Youchen arched a brow, noticing that she was recovering. He reached out, gently brushing aside her hair and tidying it for her. His voice was calm yet magnetic as he murmured, “This time, you’re not running, hmm?”

His voice carried a cool, soothing resonance—when the soft lilt of his words rose at the end, it could easily stir a person’s heart.

Ye Baizhi’s lips twitched in slight embarrassment. Being held like this, in her weakened state, she couldn’t escape even if she wanted to.

It wasn’t like she hadn’t considered the possibility that he might seek retribution. Just moments ago, a mere flick of his sleeve had turned six cat beasts into dust. His strength was terrifying!

If he intended to settle scores, there was no way she’d still be standing here.

Ye Baizhi blinked, then whispered softly, “Thank you… for earlier.”

No matter what, she had to thank him for saving her uncle and mother— and for saving her. Although she might have been able to rescue them herself, the cost would likely have been half her life. And strangely, today, her stomach had been hurting so easily. Was it because beastfolk had a unique physiology?

Xue Youchen gazed into her clear, soft eyes, and his heart softened. For some reason, he felt like he couldn’t do anything against her. In a gentle voice, he said, “You are carrying my child. Protecting and taking care of you is my duty.”

His words landed like a thunderous bomb. Ye Baizhi was completely stunned.

“You… You said what? I’m carrying your child?”

Just one night? One time? And she was pregnant?

She had never even considered the possibility. Yet now, she suddenly became aware of several unusual things—her dreams often featured an adorable, pure-white snow wolf pup. Her appetite had increased, eating more but still feeling hungry. And earlier, when she had used her wood-elemental abilities and hurt her body, the pain in her stomach had intensified. Realization struck her like lightning. Eyes wide, she stared at her belly, emotions surging—she was thrilled.

Xue Youchen had been watching her expression carefully, and seeing her reaction, he understood—she truly welcomed this child.

Ye Baizhi suddenly thought of something, grabbing his sleeve tightly. “The baby—the baby is okay, right?”

“I didn’t know before. I got injured earlier—could I have harmed the child?”

“I didn’t mean to.”

She loved her baby deeply.

Seeing the worry in her eyes, Xue Youchen reached out, gently stroking her hair in reassurance. “Don’t worry, the child is fine.”

And—he thanked her for carrying his offspring. He knew it would be difficult. From now on, he would take good care of her.

At his words, Ye Baizhi finally breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good!”

---

When Ye Baizhi was personally carried back to the tribe by the Snow Wolf King, Xue Youchen, the news spread quickly throughout the Rabbit Tribe.

Furthermore, Xue Youchen effortlessly took care of the cat beasts that had attempted a sneak attack on the tribe.

Now, the Snow Wolf King was present within their settlement—everyone was both cautious and utterly bewildered.

Many rabbit beastfolk hurried to Ye Dashan, eager for information.

Ye Dashan simply waved them off. “Don’t worry—our tribe will be safe from now on. Nothing will happen.”

What a joke!

The fact that his sister’s daughter, Ye Baizhi, was carrying the Snow Wolf King’s child meant that no beast would ever dare touch the Rabbit Tribe.