"I fell asleep, I'm sorry."

Carlos wiped the sweat from Guo Xiaoxiao's forehead apologetically, but Guo Xiaoxiao didn't mind. Carlos must be very tired and wanted to rest for a while; none of them had slept well for the past two days.

Carlos was on edge in the wilderness. The unknown continent, the unknown territory, the unknown plants—everything was so unfamiliar.

We must ensure Guo Xiaoxiao's safety at all times; we cannot relax our vigilance for even a moment.

"It's alright. If you're tired, lie down and sleep. There are animal hides laid out over there."

The earth was still trembling, and the battle outside was far from over. Carlos was wide awake. He only managed a short nap of about 20 minutes.

"The trees won't be driven away anytime soon."

Carlos had intended to use their strength to block the trees; it was true that he was struggling to dodge the swinging tree trunks while carrying Guo Xiaoxiao.

If the orcs of the White Stone tribe can't knock down the trees, then he'll have to consider running away with Guo Xiaoxiao again. How cunning! But what can you do to survive in the beast world?

Furthermore, we must be responsible for Guo Xiaoxiao's safety; we can't just leave her there to die.

The two waited patiently for the outcome of the battle. After a while, the roaring sounds outside gradually subsided.

"It seems to be over."

"Yes, it should be."

All the male orcs were fighting the trees on the outer perimeter, while the females and cubs were well hidden, with a male orc guarding each tent.

The fighting ended, and many wounded were moved to the area where Guo Xiaoxiao was.

This is the safest area in the rear of the White Stone tribe.

The wounded were brought in one by one and gathered in a large tent. Tu'er was very busy; even though he himself had many small wounds, he couldn't care less about that. He had to treat the young orcs and reduce casualties.

Although Guo Xiaoxiao didn't witness the battle firsthand, she could tell from their condition, their exhausted faces, and their wounded bodies that it must have been a fierce and brutal fight.

…

Ian used many methods in the fight, hacking and pelting them with stones, but these trees were alive; they knew how to dodge and even use the stones thrown at them to fight back.

The orcs were utterly routed, relying entirely on the sacrificial wood to hold them back and prevent the trees from advancing. Ian initially considered burning them, but that would mean even the sacrificial wood would be lost.

They might not even melt in a short time, and if they broke in, it would cause even more casualties. This really couldn't go on. Finally, Ian came up with a plan: throw all the vines out of the burrow to see if he could tie the trees down.

Just then…

As if summoned by some unseen force, the trees left their colony and ventured deeper into the forest.

The leopards breathed a sigh of relief; the matter was finally resolved!

"Chieftain~"

The orcs, who had just been chased by the trees, walked up to Ian in a disheveled state.

"What's wrong?"

"The man-eating plant and the moving flower have both arrived in the Eastern Continent."

"What?!"

Ian could no longer remain calm. The Noah tribe had been completely destroyed by a previous catastrophe. Was it their turn now?

"Don't panic. Transport the wounded to the rear for treatment. The dried meat we have should last for another half month. Don't go out and wander around for the next few days."

"yes"

…

Carlos had experienced war for many years and was used to such scenes; in war, people always died.

Stray animals fight and no one treats them. If they get injured, they have to fend for themselves. If the injuries are too severe, they die. There are no veterinarians available; they have to rely on themselves.

Guo Xiaoxiao wanted to help; she wanted to demonstrate her abilities and gain leverage to negotiate with Ian and persuade him to remove the restraints from Carlos.

They've elevated it to such a high position, calling it a great witch; it's not right for them to just stand by and watch.

"Carlos, I'll go help out. You rest here and wait for me."

"no"

Carlos pulled Guo Xiaoxiao back to her seat.

"What help would you be? There are a bunch of males there, and a veterinarian is treating them. What could you possibly do there?"

Guo Xiaoxiao: "I know witchcraft."

"I know you know witchcraft, but there's really no need for it."

Carlos disliked the orcs of the White Stone tribe from the bottom of his heart, which prevented him from transforming.

“I need to make a good impression and infiltrate their ranks so I can talk to Ian and ask him to lift your restrictions. Yes, this chieftain has too much of a temper; we shouldn't give him the cold shoulder. But we're already on their territory. If we don't build a good relationship, when will you ever regain your strength?”

“I understand you’re upset, but we have to think long-term. We can’t outrun them on two legs, and they’re cheetahs, which are naturally fast. Plus, there are unusual plants out there. Besides, you’re not used to walking on your legs; you’re more used to slithering around with your snake tail.”

That's true, but it's too easy on them.

Carlos hadn't suffered such a loss in a long time. Leaving aside the fact that he was often beaten and had his food stolen as a child because he was weak, that was his own fault for being too weak.

Since his Star Ring upgrade, he's always been the one bullying others; how could he possibly live such a stifled life? He even has to compromise and make a female fight for him.

He was a little angry with himself, feeling utterly useless. If he were still the king of the wandering beastmen, things would be different; he would have led his orcs to wipe out all the White Stone orcs, including those trees.

Carlos found himself in a dead end; his thinking had become rigid, and his long-established thought patterns were extreme and obsessive.

"I don't want you to wrong yourself. You should be protected by me, not have to please them for my sake."

He looked very forlorn as he spoke, and Guo Xiaoxiao took a good look at him, then took Carlos's hand and said earnestly.

"This isn't about appeasement, it's about need. I'm not trying to please them; I need them right now. You've forgotten, the casualties are too high, and we can't defend against the invasion of the trees outside. Weighing the pros and cons, saving the orcs, allowing them to continue resisting the moving trees, can be used as an exchange for Ian's removal skill. It's a perfectly reasonable deal."

"Besides, aren't we partners? We're going to be together for life, so we should protect each other. You protect me, and I'll protect you when you need me. That's what family is all about, that's what belonging is all about."

"We already have a baby, and you're still fussing over these things? Do you really think I'm so weak that I need you to protect me? Honestly, you don't trust me at all."

After saying her last sentence, Guo Xiaoxiao pretended to be a little angry. Her steps were: first, to reason with her; then, to appeal to her emotions; and finally, to question her in return.

This method usually works well, Carlos said quickly, seeing that Guo Xiaoxiao was a little angry.

"Of course, of course I believe you. I believe you no matter what you do. I...I...I'm just worried you'll get tired."

Carlos hugged Guo Xiaoxiao tightly around the waist, and Guo Xiaoxiao said...