Chapter 22

The drought continued, and the water level in the Dana River dropped lower and lower. In the Green Tribe, everyone's daily water usage was strictly regulated.

Apart from the Green Tribe, three other small tribes had set up near the Dana River. Initially, each tribe acted independently, but as the competition for water with beasts, wild animals, and ferocious creatures intensified, the tribes began to cooperate when fetching water, which gave them an edge in the ongoing battles.

One night, several wild animal packs and ferocious beasts attacked the temporary camps of the orc tribes.

The Green Tribe's night patrol sounded the alarm immediately, waking everyone resting inside the cave. According to their pre-arranged plan, each person took up their role.

The elderly, weak, sick, and pregnant stayed inside the cave, guarded by two other orc warriors at the entrance. Ji Mo-Ling led a team to protect the water wagon, while the remaining orcs with combat abilities went out to meet the attackers, pushing the defensive line outward.

The attack on the Green Tribe came from a group of wild animals, led by a lion. The orcs barely managed to push the battle line to the foot of the mountain, where a tug-of-war began.

Although the mountain seemed safe, Ji Mo-Ling, perched atop the water wagon, remained vigilant.

From the battle ahead, it became clear that the wild animals weren't trying to defeat them; it felt more like they were stalling for time.

This confirmed Ji Mo-Ling's suspicion. Yes, in previous attempts to sabotage the water wagon, the wild animal packs had failed. Their leader wasn't going to give up easily.

Feigning relaxation, she called her team to move forward and help the others, signaling them to hide while she herself slipped behind a rock.

After some time passed with no movement, Ji Mo-Ling began to wonder if she had been wrong, when suddenly several wolves and lions leaped out of the bushes, charging toward the water wagon.

Seeing this, Ji Mo-Ling and the orcs rushed out to fight. Expecting a tough battle, they were surprised when the attackers, sensing they were at a disadvantage, quickly retreated.

A wolf howl echoed through the air, signaling the wild animals to withdraw.

Seeing this, Chen Xiao, the leader, ordered a retreat and took stock of their situation. Thankfully, there were no deaths, only a few injuries. The few animal carcasses they found would serve as food.

The tribe's leaders quickly convened to discuss the attack. They all agreed that the assault targeted their water wagon. Their old rivals—a lion pride and a wolf pack—had previously clashed with them over water.

This time, however, the two groups had joined forces and employed diversion tactics. The intelligence of the lion king and the alpha wolf was evident. Fortunately, their tribe's comprehensive defense plan had prevented any major losses.

Chen Xiao concluded the meeting by reminding everyone to be extra cautious during future water retrievals before dismissing them to rest.

Before the group could disperse, a patrol brought new news: the camps of the three small tribes nearby had also been attacked, and the survivors had come to seek refuge with the Green Tribe.

Everyone's expressions turned serious as they followed their leader to check the situation.

On the open ground outside the cave, a group of bedraggled survivors sat in grief. Kong and Qian were tending to their injuries, and the elder instructed orcs to bring them some water.

Caught off guard, the three small tribes had weaker defenses. Surrounded by wild animals and ferocious beasts, only five people managed to escape: an underage girl and her two adult orc brothers, a twenty-five-year-old woman, and her husband. No one had come from one of the tribes, likely because there were no survivors.

The atmosphere was heavy, but in this world, it was survival of the fittest.

Chen Xiao offered a few comforting words, assuring the survivors that the tribe would take them in. He had them escorted to a space in the cave for shelter. After everything was arranged, the group disbanded.

The next day, Chen Xiao sent orcs to scout the camps of the three tribes and search for other survivors in the area. Unfortunately, no good news came. The former camps had already been occupied by wild or ferocious beasts.

Given the current situation, Chen Xiao ordered increased vigilance and adjusted the water collection schedule to avoid coinciding with the other two factions. Despite the unbearable heat, this would reduce conflict.

Luckily, no aquatic beasts occupied their nearby water sources, or things would have been much worse. This was why the Green Tribe had chosen the tributary instead of the main river.

That day, Ji Mo-Ling, wearing a sun hat, joined the water-collection team, both to strengthen their defenses and to observe the water levels.

By 10 a.m., the temperature had already risen considerably. Sweating profusely, Ji Mo-Ling and the accompanying orcs, despite their sun hats, were drenched, especially the two in their original forms pulling the wagon.

At that moment, Ji Mo-Ling felt grateful for her earlier suggestion to dig a deep, narrow canal from a kilometer down the mountain to the Dana River.

Upon reaching the water collection point, Ji Mo-Ling climbed onto the wagon to keep watch while the others worked, everything proceeding smoothly. A group of wild animals hiding in the shade peeked out but made no attempt to attack.

Looking at the water level, which was now less than 50 centimeters, Ji Mo-Ling sighed deeply. If this drought didn't end soon, they would have to venture to the Dawar River, where the danger level…

Luckily, things didn't reach their worst. Before the water source dried up, one late October morning, a sound of rushing water stirred everyone from their sleep. Confirmed by the night watch's cry of "It's raining!", the tribe members rushed out of the cave in excitement, glowing stones in hand.

Ji Mo-Ling was pulled into the rain by Rui, joining the group in cheering and letting the rain soak her, feeling completely renewed.

The flickering glow of the stones in the night rain made the scene feel like a dream.

The rain lasted for two days, cooling the temperatures and quickly replenishing the water sources. The cracked ground healed, and new sprouts emerged.

When the skies cleared, a brilliant rainbow appeared on the horizon, signaling to all the creatures of the Dawar Plains that they had survived another calamity.

With the drought over, the Green Tribe rested briefly before setting out for Huishan.

The journey back was relatively peaceful, and when they finally saw the tribe's structures in the distance, a sense of relief washed over everyone. They were finally home!

The tribe's defensive walls were broken, and most homes had suffered varying degrees of damage. The place had clearly been ransacked, but fortunately, all important items had been taken with them or hidden in a secret emergency cave on Huishan.

Everyone returned to their homes to settle in, while the five newcomers were also given shelter. Rebuilding and repairs would begin soon.

Rui followed Ji Mo-Ling to her house, finding the door broken and the inside a mess. The place had clearly been visited by wild animals, but nothing was missing.

The two worked together for most of the day, finishing just before nightfall. They planned to fix Rui's house later, so he would stay here tonight.

After dinner, Ji Mo-Ling walked around the yard to aid digestion, thinking about checking the tribe's situation tomorrow. For now, all she wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep well.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Rui calling, "Ling, come to bed!"

"Coming." However, upon reaching the bedroom door, Ji Mo-Ling wanted to cover her eyes!

There lay Rui, shirtless, propped up on one hand, side-lying on the bed, the other hand beckoning her over.

His high nose, slightly flushed cheeks, smiling lips, and black, slightly damp hair, slicked back to reveal his broad forehead. His long lashes fluttered like golden butterfly wings as his eyes blinked.

And those sexy chest muscles, abs, and Adonis belt—he was practically radiating pheromones at her.

Ji Mo-Ling, utterly smitten, had to admit she was charmed!

But on the surface, she remained unfazed.

"Rui, put on your shirt. Or just turn into your regular beast form. I'll make a bed on the floor for you."

The orc pouted, "But I want to cuddle you to sleep tonight."

"Don't forget, I'm not an adult yet." ┐(￣ー￣)┌

"I haven't forgotten, don't worry, darling, I can control myself." (￣３￣)

No, she was worried she wouldn't be able to control herself. (:з」∠)

In the end, they compromised. Rui transformed into a small mastiff, allowing Ji Mo-Ling to hold him in her arms as they fell asleep together.

In the morning, when Ling Ji Mo woke up, Rui was already gone.

After getting out of bed and freshening up, she found the beastman in the kitchen.

Rui, wearing an apron, was frying eggs on the stove. When he noticed Ling Ji Mo approaching, he smiled warmly at her. "Ling, good morning! The porridge in the pot is ready. Just let me finish frying a few eggs, and we can eat."

"Good morning, Rui!" Ling Ji Mo stepped forward, hugged her fiancé around the waist, rubbed her face against his back, then stepped back. "I'll scoop out the porridge and wait for you."

"Okay!" Rui, who had been ambushed, would have hugged her back if his hands weren't full. But there'd be time for that later—breakfast needed to be prepared first.

At the dining table, Ling Ji Mo, having set out the porridge and utensils, couldn't help but smile when she saw Rui walk in with a plate. He returned her smile gently.

The world might not be perfect, and this person might not be perfect either, but…

She thought that marrying him, having children, and living like this forever wouldn't be such a bad thing after all!

The rebuilding of the tribe was progressing in an orderly manner. Besides the hunting teams, everyone with the strength to help was actively participating in the construction. Although the drought had reduced food sources, making the upcoming winter hard to bear, the tribe's spirits remained high.

Ling Ji Mo, born with extraordinary strength, naturally helped with building the wall. By the end of the day, she was physically exhausted, and her appetite had grown. Unfortunately, it wasn't like before when she could eat as much as she wanted, so she only ate until she was about 60-70% full.

Rui, a qualified husband-to-be, naturally didn't miss her "I want to eat more but need to control myself" expression. At the next meal, he would sit by her and offer her his roasted meat from time to time. Watching her obediently open her mouth, chew, and swallow gave him a deep sense of satisfaction from successfully feeding her.

A few bites of food were romantic gestures to Ling Ji Mo, but as it happened more often, she noticed something. This guy was giving her his own rations. He focused on feeding her so much that he barely ate anything himself.

When Rui offered her food again, Ling Ji Mo shook her head in refusal.

She saw the light in his eyes dim instantly. If he were in his beast form, his ears and tail would surely have drooped.

Ling Ji Mo couldn't bear to see Rui's pitiful expression, so she picked up a piece of roasted meat from her plate and brought it to his mouth. "Be good, I've had enough. Don't starve yourself, or I'll be sad."

Hearing this, Rui felt his heart melt. He opened his mouth, ate the meat she fed him, and though it was supposed to be savory, he tasted sweetness, as if it were honey.

He gave his fiancée a loving glance, deciding that once they got home, he would hug and kiss her properly to express his excitement. But for now, there were too many people around—only he could see her cute, post-kiss reaction.

Ling Ji Mo felt a bit uneasy under his gaze but didn't think too much of it when she saw him eat quietly.

As for him feeding her every few bites after that, she didn't refuse anymore. Instead, she also started feeding him occasionally.

Unknowingly, the two of them began feeding each other, showing their affection, nearly blinding the surrounding beastmen. Even though they had been force-fed this "dog food" before, it still felt unbearable to witness! Rui was too lucky! Forget it, better to eat without looking!

In the evening, after finishing work, Ling Ji Mo and Rui, as usual, held hands and headed home.

The moment they stepped inside, Ling Ji Mo was caught off guard as Rui pinned her to the door and kissed her passionately!

Ling Ji Mo was completely bewildered. What on earth just happened? Why was he so suddenly excited?

During a brief pause when they broke for air, she quickly covered his face with her hands, stopping him from leaning in again. "Rui, what's gotten into you?" Ling Ji Mo felt her lips were almost swollen.

Seeing that she wasn't letting him kiss her, Rui didn't push it. He just nuzzled her cheek and muttered, "I just love you. Love you so much!"

Um… okay, that's a valid reason.

"Alright then. Let's go cook. I'm hungry."

Upon hearing that she was hungry, Rui immediately let go, regretting his oversight. They should have cooked first; kisses could wait until Ling was full.

The two of them busied themselves in the kitchen, and soon, dinner was ready.

When it was time for bed, Rui didn't hesitate to revert to his puppy-like mode, using his charm to successfully climb into Ling Ji Mo's bed once again.

As for the dignity of a beastman warrior… who needs that in front of the one they love?

The most important project—the wall—was completed thanks to everyone's hard work.

Ling Ji Mo then returned to her main job. The herbs had also been severely affected by the drought, and fresh medicinal plants were hard to come by. Fortunately, the Green Tribe had ample stock, which, if rationed carefully, should last until the next harvest.

That morning, Kong took Qian with him to do health checkups for the elderly and children, while Ling Ji Mo stayed behind to make hemostatic powder. In the afternoon, Ling Ji Mo would accompany the elder to check on the pregnant women, and Kong and Qian would take over.

Hemostatic powder was a staple in the Green Tribe, and Ling Ji Mo, already an expert at making it, handled it easily on her own, unknowingly working through the entire morning.

As lunchtime approached, she tidied up and went home.

Meanwhile, Rui, who had no tasks for the day, finished reinforcing the house early and prepared lunch. He ran outside to wait for her.

When he heard her familiar footsteps, his spirits lifted, and he dashed over to greet her.

Seeing Ling Ji Mo, Rui quickened his pace, rushing over to scoop her up in a hug.

"Ling, I missed you!" He buried his face in her neck, deeply inhaling her scent and nuzzling her contentedly.

Ling Ji Mo cupped Rui's large head with both hands, moving him away from her ticklish neck. She stood on her toes and lightly kissed his lips. "Mm, I missed you too!"

Upon hearing her reply, the iron-clad beastman showed a silly grin. "I've made lunch and was just waiting for you to come home and eat." He almost forgot the reason he had come to greet her in the first place.

"Mm, thank you for your hard work. Let's go home." Holding Rui's dry, calloused hand, Ling Ji Mo happily led the way back to their house.

Holding hands, Rui's mood improved as well. He tightened his grip slightly and followed her, walking side by side.