Free Web NovelChapter 378: Chapter 378: It Must Be So Hard, Not Being Able to See
"Yes. They’re some distance from the Silver Tribe, but they’ve run into them while hunting before, so they all know about it."
Qiao Xixi didn’t understand. "How could their water source suddenly develop such a huge problem?" This was something she couldn’t comprehend.
The idea of someone poisoning them was also unreasonable. Who would go out of their way to harm the beastmen of these small tribes for no reason? Besides, they were drinking from a running water source. It would take a massive, long-term application of Blue Fruit Powder to achieve that kind of effect.
She felt the possibility of these tribes being poisoned was low, but if this was a natural phenomenon, that would be terrifying.
"Xixi, what are your plans for these beastmen?"
Accepting them would be a hassle, but so would refusing them. Having so many beastmen gathered outside the tribe wasn’t good for them, either.
Qiao Xixi pondered for a moment before saying, "Let’s follow the previous rules. Those who meet the requirements can enter the tribe first. Have Ma Qing clearly explain our tribe’s rules to them."
Fox Ji and his group had actually done quite well and abided by the agreement after they joined, so she wasn’t too against accepting new beastmen.
"Alright, I’ll go make the arrangements."
Just as Qiao Xixi was about to leave the stone house, Ma Qing walked in.
"Clan Leader, someone from Beast King City is here."
Qiao Xixi, who had just gotten up, sat right back down. ’Why would Beast King City send someone over at a time like this?’
"Let him in."
A moment later, a male from the Wing Clan walked in. After entering the house, he looked at Qiao Xixi with a scrutinizing gaze.
As he was examining Qiao Xixi, she was sizing him up as well.
He had long green hair and wore green feathered clothes. He wasn’t particularly tall, but he had a powerful aura. As he approached, Qiao Xixi could smell a strange scent on him, completely different from their own.
’She figured this must be the unique scent of the beastmen from Beast King City, just like how the beastmen from Tiger Beast City had their own special odor.’
"You’re the Clan Leader of the Black Panther Tribe?"
"Yes."
"The Beast King is holding a grand sacrificial ceremony at the end of the Blazing Season. He requires the clan leaders of all medium and large tribes to attend to show their respect for the Beast God."
The end of the Blazing Season wasn’t far off.
The Wing Clan male took out a green feather and handed it to Qiao Xixi. "This green feather will guide you to Beast King City. When you arrive, show it to the beastman guards, and they will let you in."
Qiao Xixi took the feather and could feel a special energy swirling around it.
"Alright, I’ll be sure to arrive on time."
The Wing Clan male nodded and turned to leave.
Qiao Xixi slowly tightened her grip on the green feather. ’I was just trying to think of an excuse to go to Beast King City. Talk about perfect timing.’
That night, when everyone had returned, Qiao Xixi told them about the matter with Beast King City.
The males exchanged a look. The end of the Blazing Season was less than a month away. If they traveled to Beast King City on foot, it would take up most of that time. In other words, they would have to set out in just a few days.
Kunlin spoke up. "I can have the Wing Clan fly you there."
If they flew, they could arrive in less than three days, which would give them much more time.
Compared to wasting time on the road, Qiao Xixi would much rather have more time to train.
"Okay, then we’ll have to trouble Wing Beast City this time."
With the decision made, Qiao Xixi and the others felt a sense of urgency and intensified their training.
The next morning, Qiao Xixi woke up to a silent house. There wasn’t a single sound inside or out.
She got up, dressed, and went outside, only to find the courtyard completely empty.
Even when they were busy training, one of them would always stay behind to keep her company. ’Why isn’t anyone here today?’
"Sunxiao? Feiyan?"
After searching and confirming no one was around, Qiao Xixi washed up and ate breakfast. Today, she planned to check on the beastmen who had recently moved into the tribe.
Yesterday, Feili had told her that two of the newly arrived females had given birth to monstrous cubs. He was worried this would cause a panic in the tribe, so he had kept the matter quiet.
Everyone was still shaken from the Blue Fruit Powder incident; they couldn’t let something like that happen again. That was why she planned to check the water sources today.
With the increase in the tribe’s population, the previous two water collection points were no longer enough. A while ago, Xijing had led a team to connect two new water sources.
When Qiao Xixi arrived at the new water source, she saw Xijing crouching beside a huge water vat, likely checking the water quality.
She was about to walk over when she saw a male beastman carry a smaller stone basin over to him. But just as the male was about to put it down, he tripped on a rock. The stone basin slipped from his hands and fell into the large vat where Xijing was.
Xijing tilted his head, listening to the commotion. He stood up but didn’t have time to dodge. Water splashed everywhere, drenching him.
"Lord Xijing, I... I didn’t do it on purpose! I just tripped."
The leopard beastman was extremely embarrassed and quickly lifted the small stone basin out.
Xijing shook his head, unconcerned. Just as he was about to raise his hand to wipe the water from his face, someone grabbed it.
The next moment, a soft animal-hide handkerchief began gently dabbing his face.
Xijing’s cool, aloof expression instantly turned aggrieved. He bent down slightly, bringing his face right up to Qiao Xixi’s.
Qiao Xixi hadn’t expected to see this scene the moment she arrived. She had always thought that even though Xijing couldn’t see, his heightened senses allowed him to avoid many daily dangers.
But what just happened made her realize that blind was blind. It would always cause inconvenience in his life. Even if he could perceive his surroundings, it was still different from being able to see with his own eyes.
When Qiao Xixi didn’t speak for a long time, Xijing clearly sensed the shift in her mood and gently squeezed her hand.
"Xixi, I’m fine. It’s just a little water. Isn’t Sangze supposed to be with you in the inner city today? Where did he run off to this time?"
’So it’s Sangze’s turn today. No wonder he’s nowhere to be seen. That guy’s left and right brains are still at war with each other, and he often causes a fuss when they disagree. With him gone, I can actually have some peace and quiet.’
Qiao Xixi snapped out of her thoughts. "I just came to check on the water sources. Are there any problems?"
"Mm, I’ve checked all the water sources in the tribe. There are no issues."
Qiao Xixi saw that his lips were dry and chapped, and her heart ached a little. "Haven’t you been soaking your water with Salt Crystals regularly these past few days?"
"I was training with the others in the mountains last night and got back late, so I didn’t soak any."
Qiao Xixi didn’t say anything. ’Xijing didn’t forget. He just prepared the water for Xiya to soak in last night, so how could he have forgotten for himself? He’s probably just reluctant to use so many Salt Crystals on himself. After all, it isn’t easy for them to transport a batch back.’
Qiao Xixi suddenly stopped walking. "Xijing... being unable to see... it must be really hard, right?"
Xijing froze. A flash of panic crossed his face, and he tightened his grip on her hand, a little lost.
