TVFW 80

Chapter – 80

Horen’s Subconscious Reaction

If the black fish were not eliminated, the Lion’s Roar Tribe would continue to suffer attacks from corruption.

There were so many females and young beastkin in the tribe—no matter how careful they were, it would be impossible to guard against everything.

Moreover, the black fish could conceal itself and bewitch others. Only a Female Envoy could sense its aura.

After listening, Jiang Xi understood what he meant.

However, she did not speak up immediately. Instead, she looked at Rupert, waiting for him to say it plainly.

Rupert hesitated for a moment, then put on a respectful expression.

“We hope to invite the Female Envoy to travel along the ice river to investigate. After all, only the Female Envoy’s—”

Before he could finish, Mu Ling spoke first.

“No!”

“This is far too dangerous! What if something happens to the Female Lord? Since when does the tribe need a female to go fight and risk her life? Are we beastmen all dead? When faced with cursed corruption, are we supposed to hide behind a female?!”

He folded his arms and snorted coldly. “I don’t agree.”

Lu Liufeng was also unwilling in his heart, but he vaguely sensed that the Female Lord would agree to this.

He looked at Mu Ling.

“Let the chief finish speaking first.”

Jiang Xi smiled apologetically at the chief.

“Chief, please continue. Don’t mind him.”

Rupert smiled awkwardly, not daring to meet Mu Ling’s gaze.

He knew as well that when facing cursed corruption, beastmen should be the ones charging ahead, not hiding behind a Female Envoy.

But at present, there truly was no other way.

He could only steel himself and plead with her.

“For this ice river investigation, the tribe will dispatch thirty third-tier beastmen to escort you. And regardless of whether the black fish is found or destroyed, the tribe will record 200 contribution points for the Female Envoy.”

As he spoke, he hurriedly added,

“For every corrupted beastman the Female Envoy treats, the tribe will record another 10 contribution points.”

“And furthermore, from now on, all food for the Female Envoy’s household will be supplied by the tribe.”

After listing everything, Rupert was still somewhat uneasy.

After all, compared to the Female Envoy’s ability to detect and heal corruption, these rewards were insignificant—any tribe could offer them.

And besides…

Once the Female Envoy fully recovered her status as a Blessed Female, the Holy City might soon lift her exile and summon her back.

What he was promising now truly wasn’t much.

After a brief moment of thought, Jiang Xi nodded.

“The contribution points are fine. As for food—unless my household truly can’t survive and has nothing to eat, there’s no need for the tribe to worry about us. Those supplies should be used to help females and young beastkin who need them more.”

Jiang Xi knew that although she had solved most of the food problems, there were still elderly, weak, and sick members in the tribe who relied on communal aid to survive.

She had five beast husbands, each one powerful, and Duan Si could even gather food directly in the Hot River Valley.

She lacked nothing—she could even eat very well every day.

So the tribe’s food should go to those who truly needed it.

Especially since she had just witnessed the deaths of more than ten members of Chen Ya’s family earlier that day.

With Chen Ya dead, all her beast husbands had also perished, leaving behind only three young beastkin.

Given the attitude of Chen Ya’s mother, Chen Yun, she might raise Chen Ya’s two children—but she might not raise Suo.

Suo’s pitiful appearance occasionally surfaced in Jiang Xi’s mind.

That was why she immediately refused the food provision.

Everyone in the fire hall—whether Jiang Xi’s beast husbands or the other beastmen—was stunned.

None of them expected her to give up food meant for her own support to help other females and young beastkin in the tribe.

Rupert was nearly moved to tears.

“The Female Envoy’s kindness will never be forgotten by the tribe.”

“This winter is indeed harsher than usual. We will first use the portion meant for the Female Envoy to relieve females and young beastkin.”

“But once winter passes, when all things revive and food becomes plentiful, the Lion’s Roar Tribe will still support the Female Envoy, just like the tribes of the Holy City and the Giant Tree Forest.”

Jiang Xi thought for a long while before recalling—

Blessed Females, no matter where they were, received excellent treatment and provision. They never had to worry about food or daily life.

With a single command, countless people would rush to serve them.

After remembering this, Jiang Xi did not immediately refuse again, lest she seem too unconventional.

“Alright. Let’s get through this winter first.”

“Also, wait until Kang Ya and Carter have recovered before setting out. Kang Ya doesn’t have to go, but since Carter was the one who pulled the black fish from the ice river, he needs to come along to confirm the location.”

“And everyone will need time to prepare travel rations, warm furs, tents, and the like.”

“Let’s depart in three or four days. During that time, I’ll also check the entire tribe to see if there are any other corrupted beastmen.”

Rupert stood up and suddenly dropped to his knees with a loud thud.

“Rupert, on behalf of the tribe, thanks the Female Envoy for this great kindness.”

Jiang Xi was startled and quickly stood up to help him.

But Lu Liufeng reached him before she did and helped the chief up.

“Chief, there’s no need for this. The Female Envoy isn’t seeking anything in return—she only hopes the tribe remains safe.”

Jiang Xi nodded vigorously.

“Yes, yes, yes!”

“If the tribe is safe, I’m safe too. This is simply what I should do.”

Rupert thanked her several more times, finalized the departure time, and then left.

After everyone was gone, Jiang Xi raised her hand and wiped away sweat that didn’t even exist.

That really scared her.

She truly felt she couldn’t bear kneeling from elders like Rupert and the First Female, who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the tribe.

That single kneel made her feel like she’d lose three years of her lifespan.

At that moment, a cup of water was brought to her lips.

Jiang Xi subconsciously thought it was Lu Liufeng and drank straight from it.

But after only one sip, she caught sight of a strand of snow-white hair from the corner of her eye, and a familiar fragrance slowly enveloped her.

Jiang Xi immediately choked.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

She covered her mouth and looked up in disbelief.

Then she crashed straight into Yi Yuexi’s ice-blue fox eyes.

The beauty tilted his head, smiling gently at her, and even asked,

“Female Lord, are you thirsty?”

Jiang Xi’s eyes widened as she quickly stepped back.

That step caused her to bump into a chair. Losing her balance, she instantly fell backward.

Yi Yuexi reached out to catch her. Mu Ling flashed over, and Lu Liufeng hurried forward as well—but Horen was closer than anyone else. He wrapped an arm around her and firmly pulled her into his embrace.

This time, not only Jiang Xi froze—every other beast husband in the fire hall froze as well.

Horen reacted quickly, immediately helping the Female Lord stand upright, steadying her, releasing his hold—all in one smooth motion.

A trace of embarrassment appeared on his handsome face as he smiled apologetically.

“Sorry.”

Jiang Xi, now steady, was also a bit awkward.

“Thank you.”

Yi Yuexi rubbed his chin, casting a thoughtful glance at Horen.

Since when did Horen become so soft-hearted?

Mu Ling squeezed over, pushing Horen aside, his wolf eyes looking up at the Female Lord eagerly.

“Female Lord, what are we eating tonight?”

…Eat, eat, eat—all you ever think about is eating!!

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