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

Ji Liang picked up an eighth-level crystal stone, placed it in his mouth, and chewed it twice. Then, wrapping an arm around Si Shuo's waist, he transferred the converted energy to her bit by bit.

His lips were warm and cool, carrying a lingering tenderness. When the energy was exhausted, he deepened the kiss.

Si Shuo clung to his arm, soft and delicate like a flower resting on water, making him want to devour her whole.

Ji Liang pressed a hand against her forehead, his voice low and indulgent:

"I must be crazy… I just keep letting you do whatever you want, indulging you…"

After calming down, he lazily leaned against her, holding her tightly.

"Zhile is a cautious person. Since he dared to give you a high-level crystal, it means he trusts that you can hide and protect it well.

Take these crystals and absorb one whenever you feel unwell. If you run out, I'll get you more.

There's a bamboo tube in the bag containing my poison. Be careful—it's extremely potent. Even a drop can melt flesh and bone into soft pulp…"

He repeated his instructions carefully, telling her which tribes he had contacted and who she could seek help from if she encountered trouble. He also explained the strengths of the nearby tribes, repeating it all patiently, even if she couldn't remember every detail.

Finally, he placed a cool, carved bone plate into her hand.

"This was my first kill of a level 10 beast. I was injured and on the verge of breaking through to level 6 when I used its crystal.

From the beast's skin, bones, and flesh, I earned several level 10 crystals, but I kept only this heart-bone plate. It will nourish your body, ease your stress, and ward off low-level beasts from approaching you…"

Si Shuo's eyes reddened, and she hugged his waist tightly. "Ji Liang… How can you be so good to me?"

Ji Liang chuckled softly.

"How else could I make our little Shuo Shuo accept me? Just wait for me here. I'll be back soon."

Despite his reluctance, he eventually left the cave, glancing back repeatedly as she chased him out.

---

The Caravan Departs

The Dark Crow Caravan had arrived with excitement but left in silence. The sky turned pale as the Rune Tribe returned to its usual quiet routines.

Si Shuo now spent most of her days in the ravine, practicing her vine-weaving techniques. At first, she could only create five strands, but now she could weave a loose, dome-shaped barrier large enough to squat under.

By layering leaves and flowers over the vines, she concealed the gaps, blending in as an ordinary bush. With better scent control, she could remain hidden from both sight and smell.

That day, while she was eating, the beast mark on her wrist suddenly grew hot.

Startled, she rushed to the next room, calling anxiously:

"Yimei! Yimei!"

Yimei, alarmed by her urgency, ran out.

"What's wrong, Si Shuo? Are you hurt?"

Si Shuo extended her wrist, showing the glowing beast mark.

"It's burning!"

Koba, who had come out as well, reassured her, "Si Shuo, it's just heat. Do you feel any pain?"

Si Shuo shook her head.

"No, just warmth, not pain. Did something happen to Zhile?"

Koba smiled.

"No need to worry. It probably means Zhile is advancing in rank. His old injuries must have healed. He'll soon regain his former strength."

Si Shuo glanced at Yimei, who nodded with a bright, cheerful smile, confirming Koba's words. Finally, Si Shuo exhaled a long breath of relief and gently touched the mark on her wrist.

Zhile's advancement meant he was now a fourth-level orc—stronger and safer for the spring hunt.

Yimei's cheeks turned pink with excitement as she silently mouthed to Si Shuo:

"Si Shuo, I want to be a mother!"

Si Shuo was momentarily surprised but then smiled warmly, understanding her joy.

---

Joy Spreads Through the Tribe

In the tribe, a female's pregnancy was cause for celebration. Word spread quickly, and soon many females came by to congratulate Yimei and ask how she became pregnant.

Yimei, glancing playfully at Si Shuo, joked:

"Well… Koba is just amazing!"

The females burst into laughter, and Yimei continued, "To be honest, I've always wanted a strong and capable beast husband…"

---

A Life of Comfort and Practice

In the following days, the animals in the ravine began to enjoy their peaceful life.

Si Shuo kept only half of the livestock Zhile or Ji Liang had caught—long-tusked pigs, curly-horned sheep, golden-headed chickens, and black-billed ducks—while the other half was handed over to the tribe.

In return, the tribe's patrol teams not only guarded the ravine but also helped feed the animals.

Thanks to them, Si Shuo enjoyed fresh goat's milk, eggs, duck eggs, and pork daily. Additionally, the system occasionally rewarded her with beast coins for collecting goat's milk and eggs.

With those coins, she bought almonds and made sweet almond milk, simmering it with goat's milk and sugar. The warm, creamy drink was a delicious treat.

---

Helping a Friend

A pregnant female from a neighboring cave lived in cramped quarters and could not store much food. With the warming weather and her growing appetite, Si Shuo invited her and Yimei to share meals.

Yimei, a red fox female, had a short two-month gestation. Within the first week, her appetite soared, demanding more energy and nutrients.

Rongxing, Yimei's other beast husband, hunted daily, but his efforts weren't enough, so Koba joined the hunting team, leaving early and returning late.

In the afternoons, Yimei and Si Shuo would sit outside their caves, sewing under the sun. Yimei worked on little clothes and soft bedding for her unborn cubs.

---

A Mother's Worry

Suddenly, Yimei paused, her ears twitching in worry.

"I wonder," she murmured softly, "Will my litter be fox cubs or… snake hatchlings?"

Si Shuo looked at her in confusion.

Yimei sighed deeply.

"I used to think I had no chance of conceiving, so I didn't care who my beast husband was.

But now that I'm pregnant… I remembered something: There are two types of stray beasts—those exiled from tribes for wrongdoing and those from cold-blooded lineages, like snakes or scorpions.

If I lay snake eggs, Koba will take them elsewhere to hatch. We won't raise them here…"

Si Shuo's brow furrowed, "But… why?"

Yimei explained solemnly:

"In some bloodlines, like snakes, orcs inherit their ancestors' instincts. Snake orcs are born without family bonds.

The firstborn hatchlings often kill and eat their younger siblings. They have no concept of family, and as they grow, they may even kill their own father to claim their mother as their female.

That's why snake cubs are driven away. If we don't separate them, they'll destroy their own family when they come of age…"

---

A Chilling Realization

Si Shuo's heart skipped a beat. "Ji Liang… is a snake beast."

Yimei nodded gravely.

"Among females, it's understood—if you bond with a stray beast, you must accept this cruel reality.

But don't misunderstand me, Si Shuo." Yimei's eyes softened.

"We orcs create life, but their survival is their own fate.

I will nurture these cubs well, giving them every chance to grow strong. After that… the Beast God will decide their paths."

---

Si Shuo's Secret Relief

Deeply disturbed, Si Shuo whispered to her system:

"System… If Ji Liang and I have children… will we have to drive them away too?"

The system replied calmly:

[Host, you can rest assured. Your cubs will inherit your advanced human genes, giving them stronger emotional bonds and family instincts. They will not harm their family.]

Si Shuo exhaled in relief, her chest easing.

---

Danger Arrives

Suddenly, their peaceful conversation was shattered by a panicked, piercing cry from outside:

"Stray beasts! The stray beasts are coming!"