The Beast's Beloved: Sickly Beauty with Many Children and blessings

Si Shuo just wanted to call for their mother. This cold-blooded animal was truly unbearable.

They simply crossed their arms in front of their face, closed their eyes, and shook their head. Since they were deaf, as long as they didn't open their eyes, they could pretend not to hear anything and refuse to communicate.

Tao Yun usually traveled with the caravan to various tribes around the Dongye Forest. Along the way, many ignorant stray beasts and wild animals crossed his path, and he often had to kill them. His presence carried an air of bloodshed and hostility.

Yi Mei was frightened by his aggression. It was clear that Si Shuo probably didn't like this third-in-command.

Grabbing their beast husband's hand, Yi Mei gathered the courage to say, "Master Tao Yun, Si Shuo can't hear you.

They are a bit timid and may not be suited for you."

Tao Yun's face darkened, his eyes widening even more. "That's not for you to decide. Little Si Shuo is just shy.

I'm strong—why can't I be their beast husband?"

Yi Mei buried their head in Rong Xing's arms, trembling slightly.

"Tao Yun, you're back." Ji Liang's voice was lazy yet firm. "You are the third-in-command of the Dark Crows, not a stray beast without rules, snatching mates whenever you please.

I may be a little female, but I am weak and wouldn't survive your brute force."

Tao Yun turned his head, his earlier arrogance fading into grievance. "Boss, I didn't do anything wrong.

What's wrong with me? Why doesn't Si Shuo want me?"

Ji Liang sighed. Tao Yun was strong, but not very sharp. "Who said females only look at strength when choosing a mate?

The Beast God has not destined you two to be together. Before you fall too deeply, find another female and don't waste your efforts."

Tao Yun frowned. "Where else can I find one? I've traveled all over, and Si Shuo is the only one I've ever liked!"

"Did the Beast God really say that?" he asked unwillingly.

Ji Liang nodded seriously. "Yes. Those blessed by the Beast God fall for each other at first sight. If only one person falls, it's a test from the Beast God."

He spoke with such confidence that Tao Yun believed him. Frustrated, Tao Yun scratched his head and lightly poked Si Shuo.

Si Shuo timidly peeked through their fingers.

Tao Yun's eyes filled with sadness. How could such a wonderful mate dislike him?

"Si Shuo, don't be afraid. I won't insist on being your beast husband anymore. Look at the table—if there's anything you like, take it. It's all mine."

"After all, you are the first female I wanted as my mate. You deserve it."

Si Shuo pursed their lips. This orc wasn't actually bad—just a bit silly. But his appearance was too intimidating.

"Thank you. You're very kind, but I already have Zhile." They gave him a polite rejection. "I brought my own things and can trade on my own."

Tao Yun sighed. As expected, the Beast God was not kind to him. He couldn't even give something away.

Walking away, he glanced back every few steps before squatting next to Ji Liang, drawing circles in the dirt in frustration.

Ji Liang chuckled. Si Shuo was not as timid as expected.

Soon, it was Si Shuo and Yi Mei's turn to trade.

They handed over their items to a Green Snake Orc, who appraised their value. They could exchange them for goods of equal worth, or use crystals to cover any difference.

Following Yi Mei's advice, Si Shuo first traded for sea crystal sand—essentially sea salt—and several bright-colored animal skins in pink, light blue, goose yellow, and light purple. The skins varied in thickness and had different patterns.

They also traded for fish skin and snake skin—materials suitable for summer clothing—and some base layers.

Bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories were exchanged for cotton cloth.

Si Shuo went back three times to carry everything, selling all the dried river fish they had stored.

With a full rattan basket, they felt satisfied and made plans with Yi Mei to sew clothes together.

At noon, they cooked a pot of porridge with fish balls and shredded pork, added two bird eggs, and served it with pickled wild vegetables. They even secretly traded for a bottle of pure milk for extra nutrition.

After eating, they strolled around the cave to aid digestion while studying a cookbook purchased from the book section of the marketplace.

The orcs' living conditions were harsh. Even after surviving the long winter, they were already preparing for the next rainy and cold seasons.

Whether in the original owner's memories or in the descriptions from other orcs, these two seasons felt like a life-or-death trial. Many orcs did not survive.

Si Shuo had initially believed orcs lived in a primitive economic state, but in reality, the beast world had developed a preliminary civilization. Some regions were less affected by the climate, unlike marginal tribes such as the Rune Tribe and the Thousand Cat Tribe, where people had to hunt and gather daily just to survive.

If possible, they wanted to explore the beast world or even settle down and open a restaurant.

After a short break, Si Shuo dragged a wooden block and a shallow basket to the cave entrance to sew clothes with Yi Mei under the sun.

Yi Mei nudged Si Shuo with their knee and, lowering their voice, asked curiously, "Si Shuo, Tao Yun may look scary, but I don't think he means harm.

Would you reconsider? He's really strong. If you pass up on him, you may never find another mate with level six combat power."

Si Shuo made a bitter face and lied, "When I was a kid, I was bitten by a snake. I don't like them. They're cold—like an orc. I'd rather have warmth!"

Yi Mei chuckled and nodded. "That's true. Stray beasts are unpredictable. Many don't even know their parents.

Some females ignored their family's warnings and took stray beasts as mates, only to later regret it. The initial excitement wore off, and they couldn't accept their partner's brutality, selfishness, or coldness. They were forced to remove the beast mark."

Si Shuo was stunned. "You can remove a beast mark?"

The original owner's father had passed early, and without anyone to teach them—especially being deaf—there was much they didn't know.

Yi Mei patiently explained, "Of course. To protect females, the Beast God created the Beast Seal with the power of heaven and earth.

When a female possesses the Beast Mark, they receive absolute protection and a tenth of their mate's lifespan as a sacrificial offering.

If a female is in danger, their mate will sense it immediately and rush to them. If a male has second thoughts, they will suffer excruciating pain.

If the male dies, the female's mark will slowly fade. If the female dies or the mark is forcibly removed, the male loses half their lifespan and combat power."

Because of the Beast God's favor toward females, the Beast Seal strongly bound males.

Si Shuo was deeply moved. Every male who gave their Beast Seal was a true warrior.

They suddenly felt a cool gaze on them, like a chilling wind brushing their face.

Turning their head, they locked eyes with a pair of golden vertical pupils.

The owner of the gaze had just walked below them, squinting slightly. Their voice was calm yet clear:

"…Chief Wuchuan, please send flying orcs to inform the surrounding tribes that our Dark Crow Caravan will be resting in the Rune Tribe for the next few days.

Anyone who wishes to trade can come here."

With the Crow Caravan nearby, the tribe wouldn't have to constantly worry about stray beasts.

Chief Wuchuan happily agreed and quickly ordered preparations.

Ji Liang leaped to the cave entrance, sitting just an arm's length away from Si Shuo.

One leg was stretched out, the other bent, a hand resting lazily on top.

The tall male, with his long limbs, made Si Shuo feel as though they were being wrapped in his presence. The cool air around him sent shivers down their spine.

Si Shuo gripped the animal skin tightly, feeling their blood nearly freeze. Fear crept in, but they dared not lower their head in avoidance, afraid he might grab their chin.

"Zhile is your mate?" Ji Liang asked with a smile.

Si Shuo nodded.

Ji Liang tapped his fingers on his knee, his eyes slightly narrowed. "Zhile is lucky."

Si Shuo lowered their gaze, focusing on the animal skin in their hands, trying to avoid eye contact.

"You don't seem very convinced," Ji Liang chuckled, his voice smooth but sharp, as if he could see through their thoughts.

Si Shuo pursed their lips and replied softly, "Zhile is a good person."

"Is that so?" Ji Liang's voice was indifferent, but there was an unspoken depth in his words.

Si Shuo nodded stiffly. They didn't want to engage in a conversation with him, especially not about personal matters.

"Interesting." Ji Liang leaned back slightly, his golden eyes gleaming. "But don't forget, just because someone is good doesn't mean they're the right one for you."

Si Shuo's hands trembled slightly, but they didn't respond.

Just then, Tao Yun stomped back toward them, clearly unwilling to let go. "Si Shuo, a verbal thank you isn't enough! At least take something from my collection. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease!"

Yi Mei stifled a laugh and whispered to Si Shuo, "He's really persistent. Maybe just take something small to make him feel better."

Si Shuo hesitated before sighing. They looked at Tao Yun and pointed at a simple, well-carved wooden bracelet he was wearing. "This bracelet… can I have it?"

Tao Yun blinked in surprise, then immediately beamed with joy. "Of course! Take it! If you want more, just tell me!"

Si Shuo shook their head. "One is enough. Thank you."

Tao Yun grinned, his tail flicking excitedly. "Alright! Since you accepted something from me, I'll consider us friends!"

Ji Liang, who had been watching the exchange, let out a soft chuckle. "Si Shuo, you really know how to handle people."

Si Shuo wasn't sure if that was a compliment or a jab, but they decided not to ask.

With the matter settled, Tao Yun left in high spirits, while Ji Liang remained seated nearby, his eyes still fixed on Si Shuo.

As the sun set, the cool breeze of the night began to settle over the tribe.

Si Shuo finally relaxed and continued sewing, but they couldn't shake off the feeling that Ji Liang's presence was more dangerous than it seemed.

After a short lunch break, Si Shuo dragged a wooden block and a shallow basket to the entrance of the cave, sitting in the sun to do needlework alongside Yi Mei.

Yi Mei nudged Si Shuo with a knee. When Si Shuo looked up, Yi Mei whispered curiously, "Si Shuo, Tao Yun might seem a little scary, but I don't think he meant any harm. Would you reconsider? He's really strong. If you miss this chance, you don't know when you'll meet another beast husband with level six combat power."

Si Shuo made a bitter face and replied, "When I was a kid, I was bitten by a snake. I don't like them. They're cold, just like an orc. It's better to have something warm to hold."

Yi Mei smiled and nodded. "That makes sense. There are good and bad stray beasts, but they're born with shallow emotions. Many don't even know their parents. Sometimes they act recklessly, ignoring the feelings of others. Some females have taken in stray beasts as husbands despite opposition from their friends and family. But after the initial excitement faded, they couldn't accept their wild nature and selfishness, so they had to remove the beast mark."

Si Shuo paused, surprised. "You can forcibly remove a beast mark?"

The original owner of this body had lost their father early on, and no one had taught them these things. Being deaf had only made it harder to learn about the customs of the tribe.

Yi Mei patiently explained, "Of course. To protect females, the Beast God condensed the power of heaven and earth into the beast seal.

"When a female carries a beast mark, they receive absolute protection from their male partner, who even sacrifices a tenth of their lifespan to nourish them. If a female is in danger, the male will sense it immediately and rush to their side, no matter where they are. If a male has second thoughts, they will suffer unbearable pain, as if their heart is being gnawed at.

"If the male dies, the beast mark on the female will slowly fade away. However, if the female dies or has the mark forcibly removed, the male will lose half of their lifespan and combat power."

Because of the Beast God's preference for females, the beast seal had a powerful hold over males.

Si Shuo was deeply moved. Every male who gave away their beast seal was making a tremendous sacrifice.

A cool gaze swept over them, sending a chill down their spine. It felt like a cold wind brushing against their face.

Si Shuo instinctively turned their head and locked eyes with a pair of golden vertical pupils.

The owner of those piercing eyes stood below them, walking alongside the leader of the tribe. Though the voice wasn't particularly loud, it was sharp and clear:

"…This time, I appreciate Chief Wuchuan's hospitality. Please send flying orcs to inform the surrounding tribes that our Dark Crow Caravan will be resting here in the Rune Tribe for a while. Anyone who wants to trade should come here."

With the Crow Caravan present, the tribe no longer had to worry about stray beasts lurking around.

Chief Wuchuan was clearly pleased, but fearing Ji Liang might change his mind, he quickly ordered his people to make arrangements.

Ji Liang leaped effortlessly to the entrance of the cave, sitting down just an arm's length from Si Shuo.

One of his legs was stretched out, the other bent, with his hand lazily resting on his knee.

His tall frame, long legs, and relaxed posture made it feel as though Si Shuo was trapped in his presence. The coolness of his aura brushed against them like an icy wind.

Si Shuo gripped the animal skin tightly, their heartbeat unsteady. They were terrified but didn't dare to lower their head, afraid he might grab their chin if they looked away.

"Zhile is your beast husband?" Ji Liang asked with a smile.

Si Shuo nodded stiffly.

"My name is Ji Liang. Your beast husband was stripped of his powers in Dongye Forest. I happened to pass by and picked him up. If not for me, he would have been eaten by wild beasts and turned into plant fertilizer."

Si Shuo's heart clenched. They immediately stood up, their expression serious, and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Ji Liang. You saved Zhile's life, and that makes you my life-saving orc as well!"

Ji Liang smirked. "A life-saving orc? And all I get is a verbal thank you?"

Si Shuo pursed their lips, then quickly turned and ran into the cave. Moments later, they returned, holding ten level-six crystals. With great sincerity, they offered them to Ji Liang.

"Lord Ji Liang, though these crystals are nothing compared to Zhile's life, this is the best we can offer. Thank you for your kindness.

"As long as you need us, we will help you, no matter where you are!"

Hearing such bold words from a delicate and beautiful little female was rare. Ji Liang suddenly had the impulse to take Si Shuo away, make them his own, and travel the world together.

His excitement showed for just a moment, and his snake tongue flicked out with a soft hiss.

Si Shuo froze, their whole body stiffening, legs suddenly weak. This was terrifying!

It took a great deal of courage to remain composed, suppressing their fear so as not to anger the snake beastman.

Ji Liang took a single level-six crystal from their hand, his cool fingertips brushing lightly against the back of Si Shuo's soft hand.

He played with the crystal between his fingers. "Crystals are useful, but I don't lack them. I'm the leader of the Crow Caravan. If I needed them, I could get more myself."

Clearly, he wasn't interested in the trade.

"However," Ji Liang continued, "Zhile treats you well. You're willing to give away level-six crystals so easily… But there's no strong male in your family. Aren't you afraid others might covet what you have?"

His gaze flickered toward the orcs walking nearby. The temptation of level-six crystals was undeniable.

Si Shuo clenched their jaw. He was doing this on purpose!

They had been careful to hide the crystals, yet he deliberately revealed them. If he didn't want them, couldn't he just reject them quietly?

Si Shuo looked up at him, their deep blue eyes filled with both grievance and accusation.

Ji Liang hesitated for a brief moment before touching his nose, his pupils trembling slightly. He flicked the crystal back into Si Shuo's hands as if it were worthless.

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore," he said lazily. "I just wanted to tell you that I'll be staying in the Rune Tribe for a while.

"If you ever need help, come find me. Like you, I hope Zhile recovers. He's a talented and loyal orc.

"He shouldn't be humiliated by some worthless trash."

The second update is done!

My wife doesn't like cold-blooded animals… what should I do?