Clumsy Beast, Keep Your Paws Off - Chapter 161

161: Chapter 161: Xuan Long Is Missing!

161: Chapter 161: Xuan Long Is Missing!

The night had grown quiet, and the air outside the cave was cool.

Most of the tribe had already fallen asleep.

The sound of the wind brushing through the trees mixed with the faint crackle of the fires still burning near the smoking racks.

But inside Su Qinglan’s cave, she couldn’t rest.

She sat on the edge of the stone bed, her eyes fixed on the dim light flickering from the dying fire.

It was already late.

And Xuan Long still hadn’t come back.

She had eaten dinner earlier with Rong Ye, though “eaten” wasn’t the right word…more like forced herself to.

That fox had spent the whole evening whining, complaining, and puffing up his fur every few minutes, acting as if the world owed him comfort.

Every time she touched him to check his wounds, he would yelp dramatically, insisting that Xuan Long had beaten him within an inch of his life.

But when she looked closely, there was barely a mark on him.

Still, he pouted and glared, acting like the most pitiful creature alive.

At one point, he even refused to go back to his own cave, saying, “What if that snake comes back to finish the job?

I need protection from you tonight!” And somehow, that ended with him curled up on her stone bed, fast asleep, her hide wrapped around himself like a smug child.

Now he was snoring softly, completely at peace, while she sat beside him wide awake, her thoughts restless.

She glanced toward the entrance.

The moonlight filtered in faintly, lighting up the stone walls.

Almost all of the hunting teams had returned tonight.

The air outside was filled with the scent of meat and smoke; the tribe had worked all day smoking the prey and tanning the hides.

Even the cubs had helped.

The tribe was alive, busy, and full of noise earlier.

But now it was silent.

Only the wind moved through the night.

And still, Xuan Long hadn’t come back.

She frowned, her heart tightening.

Hu Yan and Han Jue were still away on the big hunt far from the valley; they probably wouldn’t return until tomorrow night.

She wasn’t worried about them.

They were strong.

But Xuan Long… She thought about what Xuyu had told her, that Xuan Long was in pain, his body in an uncomfortable period.

If that was true, then maybe something had happened to him.

Her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.

The longer she waited, the more uneasy she became.

Finally, she stood up.

“I can’t just sit here,” she whispered under her breath.

“I need to find him.” She turned to look at Rong Ye, still sleeping peacefully, his lips twitching once in his dreams.

“Of course,” she muttered softly, “you sleep like a rock when it’s convenient.” She sighed, then crouched down and whispered to the stove resting in the corner.

“Stove, I’m going to find Xuan Long.

You stay here and guard this stinky fox.

Don’t let him wake up and follow me, alright?” The plant rustled its leaves in protest, its entire body shaking slightly.

“I know,” she said quickly, “you want to come too.

But it’s better if you stay here.

If something happens, you can find me anyway.

You’re more useful here.” The stove gave another unhappy rustle, like a sulky child.

Su Qinglan smiled a little and pulled out a big roasted leg piece wrapped in a leaf.

“Here.

A reward for staying obedient.” Immediately, the plant quieted down, its leaves curling around the food protectively.

It settled in the corner, content.

“Good,” she whispered, nodding.

“Don’t wake him up.

If he does wake, just tell him I’m with Xuan Long and I’m safe, okay?” The stove gave a soft rustle…a yes.

Satisfied, Su Qinglan picked up a small hide bag she had prepared earlier.

Inside were a few fruits and some food wrapped in leaves, enough to last her if she got hungry.

She adjusted the bag across her shoulder, glanced one last time at the sleeping Rong Ye, then quietly stepped out of the cave.

The cool night breeze brushed her face as she walked into the forest.

Above, the moon shone brightly, casting silver light through the trees.

The tribe was silent now; only the distant sound of the night birds echoed through the forest.

She tightened her grip on her bag.

“Wait for me, Xuan Long,” she murmured softly.

“I’ll find you.” Su Qinglan moved quietly through the forest, her steps light and careful.

The moonlight filtered through the leaves, drawing silver patterns on the ground.

The forest was calm, but her heart wasn’t.

She stopped for a moment near the river and looked around.

The sound of running water echoed softly, mixing with the distant calls of night insects.

She hesitated.

Then she took a deep breath and whispered, “Xuyu, can you locate Xuan Long?

How far is he?” The familiar chime echoed in her mind.

“Ding!

Host, yes!” Xuyu’s cheerful voice came instantly, far too bright for the quiet night.

“Xuyu can easily find him!” it said proudly.

Su Qinglan sighed, rubbing her forehead.

“Then hurry and help me reach him.

I don’t want to meet anyone on the way.

Lead me through the safest path.” “Understood, Host!” Xuyu replied quickly, as if it was on some kind of mission.

“Don’t worry, Xuyu will make sure no dangerous beastmen or wild beasts come near you.” There was a short pause, and then its voice became even more energetic.

“Host, Xuan Long isn’t very far!

He’s just outside the tribe… near the upper stream of the river.

If you follow the water and keep going north, you’ll reach him soon!” Su Qinglan frowned slightly.

“Outside the tribe?” she muttered, her chest tightening.

Why would he be there at this hour?

Still, she nodded to herself.

“Alright then, show me the safest way.” “Yes, Host!

Follow the small path beside the left hill.

It’s hidden by the tall grass…

no one will see you.

Keep walking until Xuyu says stop!” A faint shimmer appeared in her mind’s eye, a soft glowing line of guidance stretching through the darkness.

Su Qinglan adjusted her hide bag and followed it, her steps quick and silent.

The forest rustled gently around her as she moved, the wind brushing past her hair, the moonlight guiding her way.

And in her mind, Xuyu’s cheerful voice continued softly, “Just a little more, Host… Xuan Long is waiting near the river.”