Chapter 14

Cheng Youyou’s beast eyes shimmered like translucent amber, flashing a distinctly human-like smile. Her claws grew more adept, and the number of unearthed potatoes steadily increased.

Hidden in the shadows, silver eyes widened in surprise. He and Mu Feng had been in this tribe for quite some time, yet he realized he’d never seen Cheng Youyou’s beast form—not even once.

Beastfolk had keen senses of smell. Many could identify another’s beast form just by scent alone. But Cheng Youyou always carried a lingering stench that masked her true form, making it impossible for anyone to discern it.

Deep in the forest, a plump, glossy-furred leopard was digging earnestly into the soil, its round rump swaying with each paw stroke.

Mu Feng’s silver eyes stayed locked on her. So this was why she suddenly transformed—to dig up these strange things?

Once Cheng Youyou had dug up enough, she shifted back into human form and put on her beast-hide skirt. Squatting down to gather the potatoes, she muttered to herself—beast claws were never as nimble as human hands.

Soon, her woven backpack was full, easily weighing dozens of pounds—enough carbs to last her a good while.

Mu Feng stared at the strange container. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it. Those vines had twisted and woven themselves into a backpack. It held far more than a beast-hide pouch and was much easier to carry.

Cheng Youyou tucked the heavy pack into a hidden nest of vines. It was too cumbersome to carry while foraging, but she didn’t want anyone stealing her hard-earned haul. She’d come back for it later. She picked up her empty handbasket and headed off in another direction.

Not long after, she stopped abruptly, her gaze fixed ahead and slightly to the right. Her steps veered off course, and joy lit up her face. Was that the scent of chili peppers? It was similar, but not quite the same.

She wasn’t close enough to be sure—she needed to get nearer.

Chili peppers were a treasure: they warded off cold and dampness, and most importantly, they were perfect for seasoning.

She was already tired of salted, roasted meat. But with chili powder? She could feast every day.

She skipped forward happily toward the scent.

Mu Feng, who had been secretly trailing her, blinked—and she was gone. He sniffed the air, tracing her lingering scent. When he realized the direction she’d taken, his expression changed.

Cheng Youyou had always been lazy, panting after every few steps. How was she suddenly so swift? He’d only looked away for a moment, and she’d vanished.

As a well-protected female, Cheng Youyou had no idea how dangerous the Ural Forest could be. The outer forest had been cleared by Ji Xuan and the males for safety, but the deeper regions remained perilous.

Thinking of the bond between them, Mu Feng knew—Cheng Youyou absolutely could not die here. He crouched low and transformed into a massive white fox, his nine fluffy tails swaying through the air, scattering leaves as he leapt into the forest. When he finally caught sight of her again, he was too stunned to speak.

Behind Cheng Youyou, a wild vine writhed with claw-like tendrils. Twisted branches held a tightly bound gray wolf, even its mouth sealed shut by vines—unable to make a sound.

Cheng Youyou was calmly squatting, examining a plant, completely unconcerned that the wolf might break free and bite her neck. She was focused, but a sudden rustling behind her made her jump. She nearly snapped the fruit in her hand but managed to stop herself just in time.

She turned warily, quietly activating her powers. The vine behind her, already aggressive, began to thrash wildly, reaching toward the source of the sound.

A massive nine-tailed white fox stood there, its silver eyes wide with shock.

Seeing it was Mu Feng, Cheng Youyou sighed in relief. She’d thought it was another wolf. Oh no—this was worse. Mu Feng was far scarier than any wolf. How was she supposed to explain all this?

Mu Feng said nothing, just stared at her. He remembered the warm white light that had enveloped him that night, healing his long-standing ailments. The woody fragrance that irresistibly drew beastfolk. The vines that clearly responded to her command. And all her recent, inexplicably different behavior. Suddenly, a long-forgotten legend surfaced in his mind—one his mother had once told him.

Every few centuries, when life on the Beast World stagnated, the Beast God would summon a soul from another world to help the beastfolk move forward again. He didn’t know why he thought of that myth now. However, everything that was happening seemed to fit the legend far too well.

Cheng Youyou felt a chill under Mu Feng’s gaze. Her pupils trembled, and panic surged inside her.

Mu Feng, seeing her flustered expression, lowered his eyes to hide the emotion in his silver gaze. “Mistress, come here. The vine behind you is dangerous…”

In beast form, Mu Feng’s voice lacked the crystalline clarity of his human tone. It was slightly hoarse.

Hearing him snapped Cheng Youyou back to reality. She glanced at the obedient vine behind her. Then she let out a dramatic shriek, startling birds and beasts throughout the forest, and dove into Mu Feng’s fluffy tail.

“Right! That thing scared me half to death!”

A flicker of amusement passed through Mu Feng’s silver eyes. If she was going to fake it, she might as well commit.

Nestled in his plush tail, Cheng Youyou instinctively rubbed her face against it. The silky softness was every fluff-lover’s dream come true.

At the same time, she commanded the vine to retreat, not forgetting to lower the now lifeless trio of gray wolves gently.

Meat was meat. Having lived through the apocalypse, Cheng Youyou knew the pain of hunger all too well.

Mu Feng froze at her movement. For foxes, tails were the most sensitive part. A tingling sensation traveled from his tail up his spine, warmth spreading all the way to his ears. Thankfully, he was in beast form—no one could see his reaction.

“Ahem,” Mu Feng coughed lightly. “Mistress, that strange plant is gone now.”

In other words, you can let go of my tail.

Cheng Youyou reluctantly lifted her head, pouting with clear reluctance.