The forest was vast; we had been walking for half an hour since we entered and still hadn't reached our destination.
Yi Mu asked Zong Ao to put him down. He had injured his shoulder blade, but walking was not a problem.
For a special forces soldier who had recently retired, the weight of the Imu was not a burden at all.
"There are a lot of insects and snakes here, so I feel safer holding you."
Yi Mu thought about it and realized it made sense. He was already having difficulty moving around, and if he were bitten by a snake and poisoned, he would be a burden.
The man leading the way, the one who was piloting the plane, turned around upon hearing this, his gaze malicious. He said in English, "You two have a really good relationship."
Zong Ao ignored him and asked, "How much longer until we arrive?"
"Don't worry, you'll be crying when we get there."
In the area with the most lush forest vegetation, a dozen or so wooden cabins were connected together, with several young men carrying guns guarding the door.
The leader spoke a few words with one of the youths, and they were let in.
All eyes fell on Zong Ao, their expressions uniformly cold and filled with hatred.
Two men came out of the largest wooden hut.
The burly, dark-skinned man wore the clan chief's hat that Zong Ao was familiar with, had a cold expression, and carried a curved knife in his hand.
The other one had golden hair, emerald green eyes, and a delicate appearance; she moved like a legless snake.
"We meet again."
The curved blade was pressed against Zong Ao's neck; with just a little force, the man could sever Zong Ao's neck.
Zong Ao didn't even blink; he even smiled.
"I thought you would be grateful to me. If I hadn't shot your father to death back then, you would probably still be eyeing the position of clan leader."
Few people in the tribe can understand English; those who can are the new chief's confidants.
The man's expression darkened, his fingers tightened, and he removed the knife.
The white man standing next to the man stared intently at Yi Mu with his hook-like eyes.
"This little beauty is really pretty, Zong. Who is she to you?"
Zong Ao glanced at Yi Mu and lied without batting an eye. He didn't need to act; a happy smile naturally appeared on his face.
"He is my love, and we are planning to get married in a while. You two really know how to pick your time."
Yi Mu's expression changed slightly, but he was unsure of the current situation and dared not show it too obviously, only casting an inquiring glance at Zong Ao.
Zong Ao looked at him tenderly, lowered his head, and planted a kiss on his forehead.
Yi Mu's fingers unconsciously fiddled with the platinum ring on his hand, and he forced himself not to pull away.
The white man walked away regretfully, while the new clan chief stared sharply at Zong Ao's hand.
Zong Ao seemed to sense something, his expression changed, and he revealed a murderous look.
"Damn it! Your men were too rough, my engagement ring—"
The new clan leader approached Zong Ao, revealing a sinister smile.
"Consider yourself unlucky. During the triennial sacrificial ceremony, you and your little beauty will be used to appease my father's spirit in heaven."
"Send him your enemy, and he will bless our tribe with good weather and abundant harvests for a year."
Zong Ao remained unmoved, his face expressionless.
"If I remember correctly, your clan has a rule that newlyweds are protected by the gods, and anyone who dares to harm them during this time will be punished by the gods."
The new clan chief laughed sarcastically: "I don't believe in that stuff. You've miscalculated. Guards!"
Zong Ao and Yi Mu were put into a dilapidated little house with only one bed and a very damp quilt.
Zong Ao took off his suit jacket and laid it on top, then carefully put Yi Mu down.
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