Because of the ironshell-drakes and hyena-drakes, Qi Ze City’s defenses had been raised to the highest level. Azhang still had to assign people to check the surrounding areas for traces of other dragons, especially along the route toward the Chishui River. After all, they still needed to fish there, and if dragons were found nearby, they’d have to rethink how to continue fishing safely in the future.

Not long after Ayan left, everyone in Qi Ze City knew that the Lion-Wolf Tribe and the Flame-Hill Tribe would be departing early the next morning. Because of the bonfire gathering the previous night, several females and males from the Lion-Wolf Tribe had originally planned to stay in Qi Ze City. But by afternoon, they suddenly announced they would leave with their tribe. The beastmen who had grown fond of them and even considered becoming mates couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed, yet said nothing—only helped them carefully pack their belongings.

In contrast, several elderly females from the Flame-Hill Tribe had firmly decided to stay. As they aged, their ability to transform into beasts had gradually weakened. In a few more years, they probably wouldn’t even be able to grow fur to keep warm in winter. Although the Lion-Wolf Tribe, being large, could easily provide for them, these females—once proud defenders of their tribe—couldn’t accept becoming useless dependents.

They weren’t entirely sure what work they could do in Qi Ze City, but during their stay, they had seen that even the elderly females there all had tasks they could perform. Though these jobs couldn’t compare to hunting, they were far better than doing nothing and living off others’ support. So, after some brief thought, the old females decided to remain.

A few middle-aged males from the Flame-Hill Tribe also chose to stay. They had once had partners, but in recent years, all had died in attacks by hyena-drakes. Their bodies had never been recovered, and the survivors didn’t even know whether their mates had been eaten.

These males didn’t stay because they fancied anyone in Qi Ze City or wanted to form new bonds, but for reasons similar to the elderly females. If they returned to the Lion-Wolf Tribe, they would inevitably be expected to take new mates. Yet they were still unable to move past the pain of losing their partners and couldn’t accept someone new so soon. By staying in Qi Ze City, at least they could make a living with their own hands.

On the very first day of their arrival, Qi Ze City’s chief had told them that even if they didn’t plan to find partners, they would never be forced to do anything against their will if they chose to stay. Of course, this had been something Ayan had secretly asked Azhang about in private. Azhang had explained it to him quietly—after all, openly “poaching” people right under Bo De’s nose would only cause unnecessary trouble.

Ayan handed over the people who were going to stay to Azhang. Azhang told Ka Luo to settle the few males. Although Ka Luo was usually careless, he was quite skilled at comforting others. The few males who had been uneasy about leaving their tribe and living in this new environment became much more cheerful after Ka Luo’s reassurance. The few older females from the Flame-Hill tribe were left for Acheng to take care of.