Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains 208
Chapter 208
“I didn’t expect that after just one summer away, you two already had a little male cub.” Ali sat beside Lang Yan, looking at the fair, tender little bun in his arms, and couldn’t help sighing softly.
Today, Achu had taken Azhang around to explain what had happened in the tribe over the past few months. By the time they finished and returned, it was already nearly dark. So when he saw little Chen bun, even the usually steady and composed chief—at least in front of outsiders—was visibly moved.
Seeing that the little bun had no intention of sleeping, Lang Yan picked up a clean towel and wiped away the bit of milk drool at the corner of the baby’s mouth. Smiling, he turned to Azhang, who was staring eagerly from not far away. “Do you want to hold him?”
At those words, Azhang rushed to the washroom, scrubbed his hands with fig pulp several times, dried them carefully, and finally came out. Standing beside Lang Yan, still looking nervous, he asked, “Can I really hold him?”
Ali shot him an exasperated look, while Lang Yan laughed and gently set the baby into Azhang’s arms.
Despite his age, Azhang had never held a newborn male cub before. In their understanding, males were nearly synonymous with being delicate and fragile. His hands were stiff and awkward, and the little bun clearly felt uncomfortable after leaving Lang Yan’s embrace. His tiny brows wrinkled together, though thankfully, he wasn’t the crying type—he merely pouted, turning his head toward Lang Yan with a somewhat wronged expression.
Afraid that Azhang might misjudge his strength and accidentally hurt the baby, Ali fussed constantly, warning him to be careful while hovering protectively nearby. His posture was like someone guarding a precious treasure, and the sight made Chen Qi want to laugh.
Based on Axiang’s earlier explanations and the simple defensive maps Ali brought back, Chen Qi handed over the revised design draft and offered several suggestions suitable for the Lion-Wolf Tribe’s current situation. Axiang nodded repeatedly while listening and even asked Lang Yan to write everything down to avoid forgetting later. In the end, he gratefully put everything away.
“Winter’s only a few days away,” Chen Qi reminded him. “Since your cellars are ready, you should start storing food.”
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
Axiang replied, “We’ve already begun. Once the first snow falls in a few days, the animals on the plains will start migrating. When that time comes, we’ll pause construction and organize a large hunt.”
Aze returned from the cellar carrying two jars of wine—the same wine they had brewed not long after summer began, now the longest-aged batch in their home. Setting the jars before Axiang, Aze said, “This is our gift to you.”
The wine was made from wild fruits and wasn’t very strong—you could drink a whole jar and still not necessarily get drunk. Axiang had tasted a little before and really liked it. So when he saw the two gray clay jars in front of him, his eyes lit up, and he accepted them with no hesitation.
“If you ever need anything, just tell me. I’ll definitely help you find it.”
Unable to resist, Axiang leaned close and took a sniff of the wine’s aroma before promising. The Lion-Wolf Tribe was currently busy building and taking in many beastmen from other tribes, so their resources were stretched thin. He couldn’t offer anything Chen Qi and the others needed right now, but he silently kept the matter in mind. Combined with the help they’d given in caring for his mate earlier, he was determined to repay them someday.
Ka Luo and Ake had packed several large wooden lunch boxes to the brim with snacks that could last several days—enough for Axiang and his party to eat on their journey back. Little Ayao was holding a piece of red-fruit blossom cake with both hands—red-fruit flowers were in full bloom now, and Ka Luo had made a big batch. Ayao’s cheeks bulged as he ate, the corners of his mouth covered in powdery crumbs.
This summer, Ka Luo had made plenty of sugar, so he never worried about waste when making snacks. Chen Qi, however, was concerned that Ayao was too young and would ruin his teeth with sweets, so he constantly reminded Ka Luo not to let him eat too much. But today, with his father making so many treats, Ayao had camped next to the stove all day, nibbling nonstop from start to finish.
Knowing that Axiang and the others had to set out early tomorrow morning, everyone had dinner together and then dispersed. When leaving, Azhang was reluctant to put the baby down, but unfortunately, his arms were simply too hard, and the little bun couldn’t sleep comfortably. His brows scrunched tighter and tighter. If Ali hadn’t noticed and taken him back in time, the little bun would probably have burst into tears.
“King.” Lang Yan sent Axiang and the others ahead into the house. Only after seeing the lights come on inside did he turn around and call out softly to the little wolf cub that had been following him. It was the first time he’d addressed the cub as King since that very first meeting.
To avoid drawing attention, one man and one wolf slipped into a secluded corner. The little wolf cub stared at Lang Yan with bright, burning eyes, saying nothing.
Lang Yan reached out, stroking the little wolf cub’s sleek fur as he always did. His gaze held both reluctance and worry.
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
“I don’t know if we’ll see each other again after this,” he said quietly. “I hope you can protect yourself. If… if Qi Ze City falls to the hyena-drakes—”
He paused.
“—then leave. You’re the only pure-blooded giant wolf-god. The hyena-drakes won’t kill you. Go back to the forest and find the source of the Sanchen River. As long as you’re willing to guard it, the dragons of the forest will protect you.”
The little wolf cub looked at him silently for a long moment, then lowered its head and gently rubbed against Lang Yan’s not-yet-fully-transformed feet. The familiar scent of kin enveloped him, even making his usually numb feet feel lighter.
“Sigh.”
Lang Yan let out a sigh. He’d had a feeling—even as he said all those words—that the little wolf cub would never abandon Chen Qi and the others to flee alone, just as he himself could never abandon Axiang and return to his own tribe. But as the last pure-blooded giant wolf-god, he didn’t want anything to happen to the little wolf cub.
“If Qi Ze City really can’t hold, then… please, at least live.” His voice softened.
He could only pray that the defenses Chen Qi built would hold up, at least long enough for them to survive this winter. Whatever came after… if they could just make it through this winter, there would still be hope.
The little wolf cub rose to its feet. It couldn’t speak like Lang Yan, who had already taken partial human form, but between kin, words weren’t necessary—its intent was clear.
The little wolf cub flicked its tail lightly a few times, gave Lang Yan a deep, lingering look, then turned away. Just like the very first time he’d seen it, Lang Yan knelt solemnly, bowing his head in a gentle salute. He didn’t stand until the little wolf cub disappeared back into the courtyard.
The Lion-Wolf Tribe’s departure was the biggest event Qi Ze City had seen in a long while. After months of working together, the beastmen of both tribes had formed deep bonds. A few males decided to stay behind—after spending time with the young females of the former Salt-Water Tribe, they’d begun considering taking mates. A few single females from the Lion-Wolf Tribe, with no attachments left there, also approached Axiang, requesting to stay.
Axiang agreed readily. Anyone willing to remain was welcome; no one was forced to return. They handed over their shadow stones to Azhang and registered according to Qi Ze City’s procedures—thus becoming official members of the city.
With over a dozen new people joining, Azhang was delighted. He even gifted Axiang several sets of newly forged iron weapons in thanks.
A dark-skinned female stepped out from the crowd, looking a little uneasy, and called out toward Aze.
“Ajin?” Aze looked him over, puzzled.
Crossing to Live in the Wilderness Plains (CLWP) is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.
“I meant to come find you yesterday. I still haven’t thanked you for saving me last time.”
Ajin pulled a tightly wrapped bundle from his small waist pouch and handed it to Aze.
“I didn’t know what to give you as thanks. I found these stones while collecting rocks in the forest before. I heard Ai Li say your mate likes unusual things—so I hope you’ll like these.”
Aze opened the bundle. Inside were several beautiful red crystals. Chen Qi happened to notice and came over, picking one up. Under the sunlight, the crystal was faintly translucent, its color striking and a bit like agate. It was the first time Chen Qi had seen such a pretty stone.
Seeing Chen Qi’s delight, Aze gave all the crystals to him, turning back to Ajin with a smile.
“Thank you. These stones are beautiful.”
“As long as you like them.”
Relief washed across Ajin’s face. Other than these largely useless stones, he had nothing else valuable to offer. He’d been carrying the gratitude around all summer—especially after Qi Ze City had helped his tribe so much. Giving something, even something small, eased his conscience. When he had better things in the future, he would thank Aze properly again.
“You don’t have to be so formal,” Aze said. “Who knows—I might need your help someday.”
Someone in the distance called Ajin’s name. He turned and saw Ai Li searching for him in the crowd. After exchanging a few more words of gratitude, Ajin hurried off.
By the time Chen Qi finished examining the crystals, Ajin was already gone. Pretty crystals were still far less valuable than meat in this world, so Chen Qi felt a bit embarrassed accepting them for free.
“If he’s giving them to you, just take them,” Aze laughed, wrapping the stones back up and tucking them into Chen Qi’s small backpack. “If we refuse, he’ll probably keep worrying about repaying you.”
“Alright.” Chen Qi knew about Aze having saved Ajin before. After sending off the Lion-Wolf Tribe, he found himself thinking about when he’d have time to turn the crystals into little ornaments.
But for now, all his attention had to go into the city’s construction. Decorative trinkets would have to wait.
Up on the tall city wall, the little wolf cub watched the Lion-Wolf Tribe’s group grow smaller in the distance. The wind ruffled its white fur. Ajing stood beside it. After a summer’s growth, the little wolf cub was nearly as tall as he was. He reached out and gently stroked its back.
When the last figures were about to disappear behind the bamboo grove, the little wolf cub suddenly raised its head and let out a long, echoing howl.
The sound rode the wind, carrying far—lingering long after the travelers were gone.
Words from the Translation Crew
Miiya: 3 of 3 for the week. Wow. 10 chapters left. (7 + 3 extras) We’re almost done, folks. Thanks for supporting me throughout this journey. In anticipation for the end of this series, I have been cooking a couple secret-y things, which may or may not include the next series I’ll be working on. I’m active on discord, if anyone ever wants to pop in to say hi.
Translator: Miiya
Editor: MushroomKnight73
Proofreader: Yume
Editor stepping into the realm of MTL translating, starting with CLWP. Support this translation with a Ko-fi. Three Ko-fis will add an extra chapter from the stockpile to the next weekly release.
Thanks for the chapters! I really like this story.