Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Spring Births

The caramel-colored maple syrup, set off by the cool-toned stone pot, created a strangely harmonious contrast of warmth and chill.

Everyone in the square held a small bowl of maple syrup.

They dipped in with wooden chopsticks, savoring it in small bites.

As the syrup touched their tongues, everyone’s faces lit up with the same look of amazement.

Sweetness—sugar.

This was a taste none of them had ever experienced before.

Their taste buds were instantly dazzled.

“Chang Xia, there’s a jar of maple syrup in this basket—take it to Wu and Bai Qing,” Elder Yami said, handing her a woven basket with a jar of syrup inside, specially set aside for Wu and Bai Qing.

The tribe had been so busy lately.

Neither Gen nor the other elders had had time to keep Wu company.

Fortunately, Wu was gentle by nature and didn’t like being surrounded by too many people.

“Alright. I’ll bring it to Wu in a bit,” Chang Xia replied with a grin.

Wu protected the beast tribe, and the beast tribe revered Wu.

This was the Misty Forest as Chang Xia knew it.

Chang Xia had promised that when Wu visited again, she would stay in her family’s cave dwelling.

This time, with the spring birth approaching, Wu had come to the Heluo tribe early. It looked like she’d be staying for a few days.

“Nanfeng, go to the cave where we store animal hides and bring the hides, pottery, and other supplies Wu will need to Chang Xia’s cave,” Gen said, licking his chopsticks, still savoring the taste of the syrup.

Seeing Elder Yami hand the basket to Chang Xia, he remembered that Wu would be staying for a few days—a rare honor. He immediately instructed Nanfeng to prepare everything Wu might need.

And not just for Wu—Bai Qing couldn’t be left out either.

Every beast tribe would prepare such things, always hoping Wu might stay a little longer in their territory.

Wu often visited the Heluo tribe to see Chang Xia,

but rarely spent the night.

After all, besides the Leopard tribe, there were many other beast tribes. Wu might favor Chang Xia, but she couldn’t be seen as unfair. When it came to important matters, Wu was always careful not to cause discord among the tribes.

This time, with Nuan Chun expecting twins,

it was a huge event—not just for the Heluo tribe, but for the entire beast tribe.

Wu had returned to Kana Sacred Mountain to meet with the other tribes,

and shared the news of Nuan Chun’s twin pregnancy with them. She also asked the other tribes not to visit Kana Sacred Mountain for now,

because she would be going to the Heluo tribe to await the birth.

Only after confirming the safe arrival of the twins would she return to Kana Sacred Mountain.

Very quickly,

through Wu, the news of Nuan Chun’s twin pregnancy spread throughout the Misty Forest overnight.

Wu had originally planned to mention the white fruit as well,

but since she hadn’t discussed it with Chang Xia yet, she decided to wait. She would talk it over with Chang Xia and the Heluo tribe before deciding whether to share the method for eating the fruit powder with the other beast tribes.

It was the warm season,

so food wasn’t scarce in the Misty Forest.

Wu wasn’t in a rush.

If it were the cold season, she wouldn’t have delayed—

in winter, food meant survival, and there was no room for hesitation.

“Chief, Wu says the rainy season will probably arrive in a day or two,” Chang Xia said as she took the basket.

“Alright, I know,” Gen nodded. This year, the rains were a bit late. In previous years, the first rain would have already fallen by now.

“Chang Xia, hurry back to White Lake!”

Suddenly, Elder Dalai’s voice rang out,

echoing from White Lake.

At once, everyone in the square turned serious.

“Chief, I’m heading to White Lake,” Chang Xia said, not wasting a second. She grabbed the basket and dashed off.

Behind her, Nanfeng wanted to follow,

but Elder Yami stopped him, saying, “Nanfeng, don’t rush to White Lake. Take Wu and Bai Qing’s things to Chang Xia’s cave first. Don’t let them move in and find they’re missing something.”

“Elder Yami, should I go to White Lake?” Gen asked.

Elder Yami shook her head. “No need—you keep an eye on the kiln construction. I’ll go to White Lake myself. If I’m right, Nuan Chun is about to give birth!”

Dalai Elder had called Chang Xia back to White Lake, most likely at Wu’s request.

With Nuan Chun about to deliver, there wasn’t much Gen could do to help.

“What?!” Nanfeng exclaimed, his legs going weak as he nearly stumbled.

Gen quickly caught him.

“Nanfeng, don’t go making a fuss. Wu will look after Nuan Chun. You go get the supplies from the cave,” Elder Yami said calmly.

With that, she gave instructions for the maple syrup distribution in the square,

then sent word to Muqin and Heyun. The three of them gathered supplies Nuan Chun might need and set off for White Lake.

This Side.

Changxia hurried along in the long summer, making her way toward Bai Lake.

Before she could even return to her own den, she heard Baiqing’s voice calling from the neighboring hill.

“Changxia, the shaman wants you to come help. Nuanchun is about to give birth. Come over and help light the fire and boil some water, and by the way, let the tribe know as well…”

Just now, Elder Dalai had shouted once.

Baiqing rolled his eyes at Elder Dalai, feeling speechless. The elders of the Heluo tribe were all a bunch of shameless rascals—thick-skinned and tough, always picking the easiest and most pleasant tasks for themselves.

Clearly, the shaman had said to notify the tribe and have people come over.

Elder Dalai agreed.

Then he just shouted toward the tribe, but only called for Changxia.

What a pointless shout!

Far away, Elder Dalai, who was guarding the Bai Lake wall, could feel Baiqing’s irritation.

His wrinkled old face broke into a smile. If this little beast cub weren’t the shaman’s successor, he’d really want to learn from that rascal Pukang and give him a loving punch.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t as thick-skinned as Pukang.

Did Baiqing really think he’d only called for Changxia?

With Yami’s abilities, could she not guess what was happening with Nuanchun?

Ah—

Sure enough, being too clever leads to loneliness.

Thinking this, Elder Dalai took out a small jar, opened the wooden lid, and took a sip.

The sweet taste of red maple sap slid from his mouth to his stomach, making him feel comfortable. He squinted his eyes, leaned back on his wooden chair, and relaxed contentedly.

“Alright, I got it,” Changxia replied. She didn’t return to her den, but turned and headed toward Nuanchun’s cave dwelling.

Baiqing was confused, watching Changxia walk over.

Wait—

Wasn’t she supposed to go back to the tribe and call for more people?

Seeing Baiqing’s puzzled expression, Changxia explained, “Don’t worry, people will come to help soon. Since Elder Dalai called me back to Bai Lake, the tribe will definitely guess that Nuanchun is about to give birth…”

Hearing this, a flash of embarrassment crossed Baiqing’s young face.

He’d misunderstood Elder Dalai.

He’d have to find a chance to apologize later.

“Granny Suye, how’s Nuanchun doing?” Changxia asked as she handed her vine basket to Baiqing, telling him it was filled with maple syrup. If he wanted some, he could help himself.

Suye replied, “She’s started having contractions, but it’ll still be a while before the real labor begins. You help light the fire and boil some water, and make some food for Nuanchun.”

“Okay!” Changxia agreed, then asked, “Is Shankun home?”

Nuanchun’s situation was special, so the tribe hadn’t sent Shankun to Hongye Ridge or had him help with building the cave dwellings. At most, when someone was with Nuanchun, he’d come over to give advice.

After all, he and Yadong were the first to build cave dwellings with Changxia.

In terms of experience, Shankun had more than most.

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