Chapter 95: Plea for You to Return Home
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Hiss… Hiss…
Awoo… Awoo…
Before dawn broke, Fufeng Mountain echoed with deafening howls that roused everyone from their slumber.
“Are those wolf howls?”
“No, it’s strange. They’re coming from all directions!”
Everyone on the mountain was instantly alert.
Three women opened their eyes sharply, their first instinct to check if their clothing was intact. Seeing everything in place, they finally exhaled in relief.
The rest they had enjoyed was unexpectedly refreshing. The exhaustion and fear of the previous day seemed to have been washed away. Their spirits were bright and clear.
“I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but who knew it would be better than sleeping at home?” Yesterday’s anxiety had faded significantly.
Xuan Yin nodded slightly. “It sounds like there’s a wolf pack outside,” she murmured, hesitant. After all, Fufeng Mountain was known for its abundance of wild beasts.
The commotion outside grew louder, and it seemed the bandits were running about to relay the news.
Meanwhile, Lu Chao Chao, who was only one year old and chubby as a ball, was struggling clumsily to dress herself. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she fumbled, failing to get her clothes on!
Frustrated, Lu Chao Chao bared her tiny teeth in annoyance.
She had the power to move mountains and tame beasts, but somehow, putting on clothes was an impossible task! Pouting in frustration, her round little face puffed up. Oh, she couldn’t even speak fluently yet. Her words were still choppy, and her walking unsteady.
“Allow this servant to assist you,” said one of the women, who had quickly adapted to her role. She stepped forward to help Chao Chao dress and wash up.
Lu Chao Chao obediently sat at the table, watching the women expectantly. The three exchanged confused glances before Xuan Yin hesitantly spoke: “Happy birthday to you…”
Chao Chao’s face immediately lit up with a bright smile. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a single copper coin.
Yes, just one.
But it contained her Power of Merits.
She handed it to Xuan Yin, exclaiming, “Treasure! Big, big treasure!” pointing to the coin.
Xuan Yin raised an eyebrow. The clothes had just been fetched and donned; there had been no sign of any coin. Where had she gotten it from?
Even more surprising, when Yan Zi and Qiu Er wished her a happy birthday, she pulled out two more copper coins. Although it was only a single coin each time, the women cherished them and tucked them into their robes with care.
“Today is your birthday. The Chief must have prepared some food for you,” Xuan Yin said, lifting Chao Chao in her arms and heading outside.
The howling from all directions grew louder, making everyone uneasy.
When they reached the main hall, Xuan Yin and the others dared not step inside. Lu Chao Chao, however, was unconcerned. She toddled in on her short legs.
Inside, all the mountain leaders were gathered, seemingly discussing urgent matters.
“The wild beasts in the mountain seem to be in chaos.”
“Something in our village appears to be attracting them. They’re all charging toward us.”
“Wolves are converging from all directions. Even the brown bears that never come down in winter have emerged.”
“Even the snakes that hibernate in winter are circling outside the village.”
Standing on tiptoe, the tiny, milk-voiced Chao Chao declared solemnly, “Daddy, my friends are here.”
Song Yu had no time to humor her. He spoke quietly, “Let them in. Food has been prepared in the village.”
Chao Chao stared at him, then slowly replied, “Oh.”
As soon as she exited the main hall, Yuan Man’s voice called out, “Little Sister Chao Chao! Wait for me!”
Terrified by the howling, Yuan Man knew his safest place was by Chao Chao’s side.
“Little Sister Chao Chao, did you call them?” he asked fearfully.
“Friends. Birthday,” she said, pointing at herself. “Here for birthday.”
Yuan Man nodded twice. “Little Sister Chao Chao, I don’t have anything to give you right now. But once I’m rescued, I’ll give you a birthday gift, okay?”
Lu Chao Chao’s eyes narrowed. [You’re all talk.]
“You…” Yuan Man hesitated. “Do you really want Song Yu to be your father? I mean, he doesn’t seem like a good person.” Yuan Man fidgeted, reluctant to badmouth anyone.
Chao Chao swayed slightly, holding her milk bottle. “Mommy is my real mommy. But daddy… can be anyone.”
Xuan Yin’s eyes widened in shock. [Mom is my real mom, but dad can be anyone?]
Even more astonishing was the sight of the little girl climbing onto a large rock. The tiny child’s expression was grave. She pointed with her small hand and commanded in her soft voice, “Begin the feast!”
As her voice fell, wails of terror erupted from halfway up the mountain. The wolves had broken through the defenses, charging into the village and tearing through it savagely.
“Help! Save us!”
“Chief, save us!”
The cries of pain and fear filled the air. Fufeng Village was under siege, and the bandits were no better off. The wild beasts stormed the fortress relentlessly, unafraid of death or pain, as though possessed.
Chao Chao grinned broadly, her face full of glee.
At that moment, Xuan Yin felt an eerie chill. It was as if the beasts were indeed drawn here for her.
Yuan Man quietly moved closer to Chao Chao. Being farther away didn’t feel safe at all.
“They’ve gone mad! What’s wrong with these creatures? Are they insane?” cursed a bandit dragging his wounded arm.
The animals fought with suicidal ferocity, refusing to retreat.
Song Yu was overwhelmed. He could fend off imperial forces, but these beasts had no strategy and no fear of death.
“Could something in the village be attracting them?” the Second Boss asked, frowning deeply. “After all, yesterday we only brought back three women and two children. Could it be something among the loot?”
Song Yu suddenly stood up. “Chief, do you recall anything unusual?”
Song Yu ignored him and strode out of the hall, his pace quickening into a run as he headed toward the platform.
“Where is Chao Chao?” he asked urgently, slashing at snakes along the way.
“On the stone platform,” came the reply.
When Song Yu arrived, he heard Chao Chao shouting gleefully, “Friends, come quickly!”
Her tiny finger pointed, and wherever it directed, the beasts followed.
Song Yu’s eyelid twitched violently. Each call she made was met with resounding howls.
[How foolish I’ve been, truly foolish!]
He recalled his dream of his daughter, her face eerily similar to Chao Chao’s. Upon waking, he couldn’t distinguish whether it was Chao Chao or his own child.
Every time he saw Chao Chao, he felt an inexplicable warmth. But now, as he reflected, dread crept over him.
What exactly was she?
Beast Taming? Dream Invasion?
Whatever she was, she was beyond his comprehension—and certainly not someone to offend. Even if she was just a child!
Song Yu took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Chao Chao, don’t you miss your parents? You’ve been away from home for so long. Don’t you want to go back?”
Chao Chao turned to him, shaking her head. “No. Not going. Home is boring.”
“If I play, they’ll get scared,” she said seriously.
Song Yu’s eye twitched. [So, you’re here to play with us instead? Bandits are still human, you know!]
“You promised not to send Chao Chao home!” she added with an air of authority.
Song Yu smacked his forehead in frustration. [Why did I ever say that?]
It was easy to invite a deity, but sending one away? Impossible!
“Please, just go! I beg you, ancestor!”
Haha the last sentence ?