Beauty and the Beasts

The beastmen had excellent healing powers. That very afternoon, Muir was able to fly at a low altitude with Bai Qingqing on his back.

Even when it came night time, Muir didn’t dare to stop. He flew nimbly in the forest and tried his best not to touch anything, lest they leave behind their scents, which could lead the beastmen to find them.

Late into the night, only when Muir felt that the distance was sufficiently far away did he cautiously land next to a puddle of water.

“Screech—” Muir let out a soft screech that resembled the sound an ordinary bird might make.

No one responded to him.

Muir spread out his wings and tilted his body for Bai Qingqing to slide down.

Bai Qingqing, who slept very lightly, was awoken the instant they landed on the ground.

As she got up and looked around, she found herself looking into a pair of round eyes, making her so startled she quickly retreated backward.

“It’s me,” Muir said as he transformed into a human.

Bai Qingqing froze. She gazed at her surroundings and asked, “Where are we? Have we reached Sea Cliff?”

“No, it’s going to take another five days.” Muir halted for a moment, before continuing, “According to our current speed, it will take us half a month.”

Bai Qingqing nodded. It was better to be careful.

“Did you see Curtis and Parker?” Bai Qingqing wrapped the chilly dress around her body. The temperature in the forest was much lower than that of the City of Beastmen at night. It felt like they had entered deep autumn.

“Why don’t we find a safer place and wait for them to come for us?” Bai Qingqing suggested.

“No!”

Before Bai Qingqing even finished speaking, Muir rejected this suggestion. Under Bai Qingqing’s perplexed gaze, he explained, “It’s too dangerous here. We’d better meet up with them when they reach Sea Cliff.”

Bai Qingqing remained silent for a long time.

She felt a little panicked because she hadn’t had a chance to speak with Parker or Curtis. Were they angry with her? Would they choose not to find her?

1

Although it was said that males had their roots in their spouses, that Parker and Curtis would find her sooner or later, she couldn’t help but worry. She was afraid they would resent her for it.

Muir said, “They will eventually find you. If it’s just the two of us moving, it’ll be faster. Plus, we’ll avoid a lot of danger.”

Bai Qingqing glanced at Muir, before finally nodding.

She had caused Muir enough trouble. She couldn’t let him fall into a dangerous situation once more.

In the darkness, a faint smile appeared on Muir’s resolute-looking face. He said, “You must be hungry since you haven’t eaten for a day. I’ll go and hunt.”

“Mm, thank you.” Bai Qingqing forced a smile as she hugged her legs to her chest.

Muir transformed into an eagle and placed Bai Qingqing on a tall and sturdy tree, before flapping his wings and flying away. Shortly after, he came back with prey in his claws and a bunch of grapes hanging from his mouth. He set the food down next to the puddle of water, then fetched Bai Qingqing down.

Sitting on the ground, the feeble Bai Qingqing felt herself salivating at the sight of the raw prey.

“Could you find a flint?” Bai Qingqing asked with anticipation. She twisted her head and glanced at the ground around her.

Muir didn’t have the heart to reply to that question, and it was evident from his expression. It was only when Bai Qingqing looked towards him that he said, “It’s too eye-catching to be starting a fire at night. We’re not that far away from the City of Beastmen. Shall I roast meat for you tomorrow?”

Bai Qingqing looked visibly disappointed. Though, of course, she said it was fine. She picked up the bunch of grapes and swung it in the water a few times, before starting to eat them.

Muir dragged the prey away some distance. With his back facing her, he transformed into an eagle and started pecking at it rapidly.

Bai Qingqing froze in her actions for a moment when she heard the pecking sounds from behind, which sounded like something tearing into blood, before continuing to eat her grapes.

However, after finishing the bunch of grapes, she felt even more hungry than earlier.

After burying the remnants of the prey, Muir walked to the puddle of water and washed his mouth and claws, before reaching out a claw to touch Bai Qingqing.