Translated by Hua Li ^_~
Meng Hui regained the opportunity to stand on his legs, but there was no fluctuation in the favorability level.
Gou Liang felt dejected….for a second.
But could such a small setback bring him down?
Hmph, wait and see!
***
In the priest’s herb garden.
From a distance, Yuejin saw Meng Hao squatting on the ground, transplanting herbs.
Though he was typically a stoic and reserved male orc, when performing tasks like this, he displayed more finesse than any female.
Wearing a white-tailed beast skirt, Meng Hao’s muscular build exuded a powerful presence, even when not in battle.
His short white hair and handsome, deep-set features, combined with his aloof and mysterious demeanor… Over the years, Yuejin had to admit that this orc’s appearance was even more appealing than the male orcs of the Moon Fox clan.
However, it was a pity that no one appreciated his uniqueness.
No one knew of the immense potential and noble lineage this solitary orc possessed. People in the Wolf Tribe believed that Meng Hao, who hunted alone, could only catch the weakest two-legged beast cubs on the fringe of the tribe’s short grassy plains to fill his belly. Yuejin couldn’t help but sneer at this.
Yue Jin refrained from boasting about his hunting skills, but the elderly priest had mentioned that most of the herbs in this medicinal field were cultivated by Meng Hao. The silver star grass he held in his hand was particularly challenging to harvest.
Silver star grass only sprouts during the silver rose season, and it can only survive if it’s transplanted during this specific time frame.
This herb serves the purpose of facilitating smoother childbirth for mothers and fathers, ensuring the health of newborns. It’s not only precious but also incredibly rare. Growing exclusively in the deep valleys, it’s often found in proximity to a peculiar creature known as the two-headed snake. This is because silver star grass also serves as nourishment for the young offspring of these two-headed snakes. Coincidentally, the silver rose season aligns with the two-headed snake’s breeding season. To acquire this precious herb, one must venture into the heart of danger, confronting formidable risks that demand both exceptional courage and considerable strength.
While Yuejin questioned the tribe for mistaking pearls for pebbles, he also pitied Meng Hao for his situation.
But it didn’t matter. In the future, he would take good care of him and wholeheartedly love him.
With these thoughts, Yuejin felt a warmth in his cheeks.
He took a deep breath, preparing to call out to Meng Hao. However, he was surprised to see “Lang Xi” sneak up behind Meng Hao.
Yuejin furrowed his brow, ready to shout and prevent him from doing anything embarrassing to Meng Hao. To his astonishment, he witnessed Lang Xi pounce on Meng Hao’s back and then heard Lang Xi’s cheerful laughter, which reached his ears.
Meng Hao, however, didn’t push him away…
Wide-eyed and baffled, Yuejin watched as Lang Xi clung to Meng Hao.
“Haha, Brother Meng Hao, I caught you!”
Meng Hao turned around and said with a furrowed brow, “Get down.”
“No!”
Lang Xi wasn’t afraid of Meng Hao’s cold words. Instead, he nestled his head close to Meng Hao’s and affectionately rubbed his cheek against Meng Hao’s.
Meng Hao’s body stiffened, and he was about to shake Lang Xi off when he suddenly heard Lang Xi say, “I really miss you, Brother Meng Hao. Grandpa Woqing and Dad said that taking care of little Hui and hunting for herbs was really hard, so you couldn’t come to see me… I really don’t want to grow up; then we can be together all the time.”
Although he was smiling, there was an unmistakable sense of sadness and loss in Lang Xi’s voice.
Meng Hao thought of his promise to Ga’er and suppressed his anger.
However, he found himself taken aback when Gou Liang whispered into his ear, “Brother Meng Hao, how about we make a bond?”
Meng Hao was caught off guard, nearly damaging the precious silver star grass in his hand. He turned around, responding in a stern tone, “What nonsense is this?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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His eyes remained innocent, devoid of shyness or nervousness, making it clear that he was simply speaking from the heart.
For Meng Hao, it was the first time he had received such a bold confession. His face reddened, and he felt a hint of unease. Suppressing these unfamiliar feelings, he replied sternly, “I will never enter into a contract with you. Please abandon this idea.”
Gou Liang’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears as he clung to Meng Hao even tighter. He asked, his voice quivering, “Why? Brother Meng Hao, is there someone else who holds your tail?”
Meng Hao’s expression momentarily froze. What tail hugging? He had indeed forgotten about him and Hui. Considering Gou Liang’s current emotional state, Meng Hao managed to suppress his frustration and replied, “I am a White Orc, abandoned by the Beast God. I have no qualifications to form a bond with anyone.”
Lang Xi, displeased, exclaimed, “They’re lying!”
“Grandpa Woqing said that the Beast God is the most benevolent god and loves every child equally. He won’t give up on anyone. The Beast God even saved little Hui. He’s the best god. Grandpa Woqing couldn’t have been wrong. Brother Meng Hao, don’t let them deceive you with their bad words about the Beast God. If they speak ill of the Beast God, the Beast God will be unhappy.”
Meng Hao was taken aback for a moment, and without arguing further, he let Lang Xi down. Lang Xi clung to him even tighter, his eyes suddenly welling with tears as if he had been grievously wronged.
Meng Hao, trying to avoid Lang Xi’s gaze, said, “You’re making it difficult for me to work like this.”
Lang Xi said with a disappointed tone, “Oh.”
Gou Liang abruptly ceased his actions, gingerly rising from his position on Meng Hao’s back, his gaze piercing with resentment as if fate had dealt him a cruel hand.
Meng Hao averted his gaze, directing his focus back to his task at hand.
Gou Liang huffed, settling down beside him, prodding a nearby silver bell-shaped flower stalk with his finger, occasionally shooting glances in Meng Hao’s direction.
Meng Hao remained unmoved by the situation. Gou Liang conceded first, about to say something, when the silver bellflower suddenly bloomed, emitting a crisp, melodious sound. Startled, Gou Liang jumped to Meng Hao’s side, gazing in amazement at the flower that was ringing without any wind. As the first silver bell rang, clusters of them began to bloom one after the other, creating a beautiful, chiming melody.
Gou Liang couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
Meng Hao was astonished.
Silver bellflowers only bloomed during the Silver Rose Season and were not guaranteed to do so. No one could predict their flowering patterns. Yet Meng Hao knew all too well that the bellflowers in the herb garden had been transplanted for almost a decade, and they had never bloomed before.
He looked at Gou Liang, thinking that his affinity with plants and nature had grown even stronger.
“Brother Meng Hao, what’s this? It’s so much fun!” Gou Liang asked, holding onto Meng Hao’s arm. His sweet smile had returned, and the earlier disappointment seemed to have vanished like dark clouds dispersing in the sky, leaving only radiance.
Meng Hao was taken aback once more but before he could respond, “This is the Silver Bellflower.”
They both turned their heads simultaneously and saw Yuejin smiling in the backlight. His silver hair, woven into a silvery flower, flowed over his shoulders. He spoke in a voice even more melodious than the bellflowers, saying, “Silver Bellflowers. Lovely sound, isn’t it? Legend has it that this is the laughter of the Beast God, and wherever these flowers bloom, they bring blessings from the Beast God. You see, this herb garden seems more vibrant now, and the fragrance is even stronger.”
Meng Hao observed and confirmed Yuejin’s statement.
Gou Liang, on the other hand, was not particularly interested in these details. He curiously looked at Yuejin and said, “Who are you? Your scent is strange.”
Yuejin, with a slightly awkward smile, replied, “I’m Yuejin. I joined the tribe three years ago, and the priest said you’ve forgotten a lot of things, so it’s normal that you don’t remember me.”
“Forget?” Gou Liang blinked in confusion. “Did I forget something, Brother Meng Hao?”
Meng Hao didn’t answer. Instead, he asked Yuejin, “What brings you here to find me?”
He had been taking care of this herb garden himself, as most people avoided this area in fear of encountering the White Orc, believing it would bring bad luck.
Over the years, Yue Jin was the only one who occasionally visited this place to seek Meng Hao’s help in locating specific herbs. So, Meng Hao assumed that this visit was no different.
With a hint of awkwardness, Yue Jin turned his gaze toward Gou Liang and said, “Could I have a moment alone with Meng Hao?”
Meng Hao nodded, rising to his feet, and Gou Liang mimicked his actions. Yue Jin sighed softly, “Lang Xi, Meng Hao and I need to have a private conversation. Would you mind waiting here for a while?”
Gou Liang didn’t fully grasp the situation but sensed Yue Jin’s discomfort. Meng Hao, noting this, told Gou Liang, “Stay here for a bit.”
Gou Liang, though unhappy, complied and refrained from following them. Aware of Gou Liang’s lingering presence, Meng Hao stayed close, fearing he might tamper with the carefully nurtured herbs in the medicinal field.
Yue Jin concealed his irritation, seeing Meng Hao standing before him but still casting occasional glances at Gou Liang. Hesitating, he finally said, “Meng Hao, it’s been three years since the Moon Fox clan joined the Wolf Tribe. The tribe has been kind to us, and both the clan leader and the high priest haven’t forced me into a mate bond. Instead, they allowed me to find a partner within the tribe. I appreciate their tolerance, but I also understand the rules. Once I turn twenty, the matter of forming a bond can’t be delayed any longer.”
“You know, when the Red Moon Season arrives, I’ll come of age, so…”
He blushed and lowered his head. He didn’t notice Meng Hao’s slightly furrowed brow.
With a deep breath, Yuejin nervously grasped the white skirt made of long-tusked animal fur and mustered the courage to continue, “So, could you… propose to me during my coming-of-age ceremony?”
Finally, he said it. He let out a relieved sigh and lifted his head, his crimson cheeks adding a touch of charm to his already handsome face.
Meng Hao, however, furrowed his brows even more. “I’m not suitable.”
“Why? Don’t you… like me?” Yuejin’s face turned even redder as he looked at Meng Hao with anticipation.
Meng Hao responded, “I am a white orc, and my presence will only spell disaster for the tribe. I am not deserving of a mate.”
Yue Jin objected vehemently in his heart, You are the son of the Beast God, the most esteemed orc in the world. All those misconceptions are simply ignorant rumors!”
He said anxiously, “No, that’s not true! I refuse to believe them, and I don’t care. You needn’t concern yourself with causing me harm because of these baseless claims.”
Meng Hao hesitated. Though he rarely interacted with the tribe, he had heard from his brother that this particular male was highly regarded among the tribe’s members. Why would he choose Meng Hao?
Seeing Meng Hao’s hesitation, Yuejin started to panic. Gathering his courage, he boldly asked, “Meng Hao, I like you. And you?”
Meng Hao was taken aback.
Before he could respond, Gou Liang, in his excited manner, approached and exclaimed, “Are you trying to grab Brother Meng Hao’s tail?!”
Yuejin didn’t have a chance to react before Gou Liang hugged Meng Hao tightly and declared, “Get away! Brother Meng Hao’s tail isn’t for you to hold! He’s mine, all mine!”
Yuejin’s initially shy expression turned into shock as he looked at Meng Hao.
Meng Hao, with a displeased expression, pried Gou Liang’s hands off him. “Stop talking nonsense.”
Panicking, Gou Liang said, “Brother Meng Hao said just now that he wouldn’t let anyone else hold his tail. Lang Xi wants to form a bond with you, so you can’t marry someone else.”
“Shut up.”
Yuejin was shocked by the audacity of Gou Liang’s words. While Meng Hao was still processing the situation, Yuejin asked with surprise, “Meng Hao, he… the engagement to Meng Hui hasn’t been canceled yet. How can this be?”
“Engagement? What engagement?” Gou Liang looked at him in confusion.
Yuejin explained, “You and Meng Hui already made a formal engagement in front of the clan leader and the high priest. During your coming-of-age ceremony, you’re supposed to bond with Meng Hui, not Meng Hao.”
“What does that mean? Me and little Hui? How is that possible…?” Gou Liang grabbed Meng Hao, his voice filled with urgency. “Meng Hao, he must be lying to me, right? How could I possibly be engaged to little Hui? Who tied us together while I was sleeping? I don’t want to bond with little Hui; I don’t want…”
“Whether you want to or not is not up to you,” Meng Hao interrupted, shaking off Gou Liang’s clinging hands, his tone cold.
Seeing Gou Liang’s frantic attempts to distance himself from the engagement, Meng Hao couldn’t help but recall the despair in his brother’s eyes when he had been on the verge of canceling his own engagement. That memory ignited a spark of anger within him.
Then, he turned to Yuejin and said, “I’m sorry, I have no intention of bonding with anyone. You should look for someone else.”
“But, Meng Hao…”
Yuejin stood there, stunned, unable to believe he had been rejected.
Meanwhile, as Meng Hao picked up his herb-gathering tools and left the scene, Gou Liang chased after him, calling, “Brother Meng Hao, please wait for me…”
Meng Hao had had enough and transformed into his wolf form, a white streak that swiftly disappeared from Gou Liang’s view.
Desperate to catch up, Gou Liang tripped and fell heavily.
“Ouch…”
He sat up, clutching his injured toe, which was now bleeding heavily from being stubbed against a rock. He took a few deep breaths and began crying, his heartache clear as he sobbed like a child who had been wronged, becoming louder with each passing moment.
“Meng Hao, you’re a bad person. I won’t talk to you anymore…”
He cried bitterly.
Yuejin, with a cold expression, considered going over to check on Gou Liang’s injury, but he restrained himself. The thought of Gou Liang ruining his plans, the culmination of his efforts over the past three years, filled him with anger. Now, the task of bonding with Meng Hao before the Red Moon Season seemed even more challenging. He didn’t want to face the clan leader’s potential blame if something happened to Gou Liang.
Yuejin turned to leave but stopped just before exiting the herb garden.
He hesitated for a moment, then looked back at the still crying Gou Liang. He noticed the blood staining Gou Liang’s shoe and pants. It seemed that Gou Liang’s injury might be more severe than he initially thought. If he left now, he couldn’t be sure how Gou Liang would fare on his own. Reluctantly, Yuejin began to walk towards Gou Liang even though he was extremely unwilling.
However, before he could reach him, a white wolf swooped down from the direction Meng Hao had left. It landed in front of Gou Liang.
It was Meng Hao!
Yuejin stared at the scene in astonishment, freezing in his tracks.
The white-winged wolf hadn’t assumed a combat stance, and its wings weren’t extended.
Gou Liang looked up at him blankly, forgetting to cry.
The white wolf in front of him was taller and more powerful than he had imagined. Nevertheless, its massive and imposing form loomed tall, at least ten meters in height with a length twice that, including the tail. Gou Liang seemed impossibly small in its presence. The long, fluffy fur was pure white with a healthy sheen, and its ice-blue eyes were cold, aloof, and aristocratic, even more distant and unapproachable than when Meng Hao was in human form.
Gou Liang was left with his heart beating wildly – This is so cool!”
Overwhelmed by excitement, Gou Liang abandoned his act of crying and, despite the pain, threw himself at Meng Hao, clutching his leg.
Meng Hao swept him away with his tail and growled, rejecting his closeness.
“Brother Meng Hao, Xiaoxi hurts,” Gou Liang said, presenting his bruised hand to him. Tears welled up in his eyes, struggling to fall. He looked at Meng Hao, seeking comfort.
Meng Hao, after a moment of silence, surprisingly spoke in human words, “Why don’t you want Hui now?”
He couldn’t understand.
If all the past happiness was just his own wishful thinking, then “Lang Xi” was fundamentally flawed. He couldn’t bear to let his brother experience even greater disappointment after raising his hopes again.
Gou Liang wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, his voice quivering as he explained, “Xiaohui only competes with me for Brother Meng Hao’s tail, and I don’t want to share you for sleeping anymore. Besides, his fur is really prickly, and it’s not comfortable at all.”
He lowered his voice guiltily, making it clear that the last reason was the primary one.
Meng Hao was momentarily at a loss for words. “Just because of that?”
Hearing this, Gou Liang gazed up at him, the clear depths of his eyes communicating the simple truth: Otherwise?
Suddenly, Meng Hao realized something crucial: with Gou Liang’s current level of understanding, he couldn’t comprehend the true essence of bonding. He didn’t realize that it meant being together forever, responsibility, and loyalty.
With this realization, Meng Hao looked at the childlike Gou Liang and felt a hint of helplessness.
Meng Hao silently rolled up the injured Gou Liang with his tail and departed without a word.
Gou Liang found himself enveloped in the warm and soft fur, which was a new and novel experience. He continuously touched Meng Hao’s tail, preventing himself from falling, and finally, he fulfilled his wish to hold it in his hands.
“This is so comfortable…”
It was indeed too blissful!
With a radiant smile on his face, he played with Meng Hao’s tail, rubbing and cuddling it affectionately, not wanting to let go.
Meng Hao felt a bit ticklish and glanced at Gou Liang, afraid that he might fall if he didn’t hold on to the tail. So, he firmly secured Gou Liang with his tail and spread his wings, taking off towards the front yard.
Gou Liang heard the flapping of wings and the rushing wind, eagerly wanting to get up and enjoy the sensation of flying in the air. However, before he could do so, Meng Hao came to a sudden halt.
As if feeling somewhat disgusted, he unrolled his tail and “dumped” Gou Liang right in front of the high priest. Without waiting for any response, the white wolf swiftly walked away, disappearing from the high priest’s view.
Gou Liang was utterly disappointed: …Wait for me to travel the world on your back!!
Thanks for updating!
Ahwww, although he is supposed to be the villain, Yuejin didn’t do anything wrong at this point and I somehow wished he would not be irredeemable in the future. I wished the author will not make him like another version of Zhong Yue