Ch88 - Pineapple Flavored Beastman Gong (6)

Translated by Hua Li ^_~

Seeing Gou Liang’s forehead covered in herbs yet still stained with blood, Ga’er couldn’t help but cry uncontrollably.

“My poor child… Lord Beast God, it’s all my fault, I was wrong. If you want to punish someone, punish me, spare my child… How much suffering does he have to endure to atone for his past mistakes? Xi’er, my Xi’er is just a five-year-old child. He’s so fragile, so kind, please forgive him, Lord Beast God…”

Gou Liang had been through so much lately.

Attacked by a strange beast during the Silver Moon Festival, he had suffered severe head and abdominal injuries, nearly losing his life. Then, to save Meng Hui, he had further depleted his strength, remaining unconscious and weak for several days. He had only just recovered when he fell and injured his hands and feet, leaving them covered in blood…

It had been a series of unfortunate events for Gou Liang.

Ga’er’s heart ached deeply.

Listening to the sincere confession and remorse from the female, the people of the Wolf Tribe didn’t know how to respond.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t intentional. I never expected Lang Xi to suddenly charge out like that. I’m truly sorry…”

Hongya repeatedly apologized, holding his young cub in his arms.

He genuinely hadn’t meant to harm Gou Liang.

“The Moon Fox tribe’s people have been struck by lightning before. Maybe it’s the Moon Fox tribe that has brought misfortune to the tribe. Why blame Meng Hao? It’s really unreasonable.”

Someone in the crowd muttered.

Yuejin’s heart tightened, and he looked at the chief of the Wolff Tribe.

Moon Fox’s well-being and prosperity had been achieved with great effort under his leadership. He genuinely feared that this incident might jeopardize all of it.

Fortunately, Lang Xiong was a just man. Suppressing his inner displeasure, he said, “Lang Xi’s injury was an accident, but Hongya, Fox’s death pains us deeply. However, I hope you understand. It’s because we didn’t leave that sacred place in time before the Beast God’s expulsion that we’re being punished for our greed. It has nothing to do with Meng Hao. If you want to blame someone, blame me.”

Hongya sobbed, and his young fox whined in his arms, clearly distressed.

Lang Xiong gently lifted the small beastman, who had just lost his father and was too young to understand anything, and handed him over to the tribal priest for care.

He continued, “The tribe will never forget any of its warriors. Hongya, you and your child will be taken care of by the tribe until he’s capable of caring for himself.”

Yuejin hurriedly stepped forward and said, “I’m sorry, Patriarch. Hongya made a mistake when he was upset. I believe that he won’t do it again in the future. If… if necessary, I can pray for Lang Xi once more to help his injuries heal quickly.”

Thinking of the last time when Yuejin had prayed so fervently to save Lang Xi that he had become so weak he couldn’t get out of bed for many days, Lang Xiong’s anger towards Hongya diminished.

He waved his hand and said, “Don’t blame yourself. You’re no longer a priest. Excessive praying can harm your body. The priest also said that Lang Xi’s condition isn’t that severe. He’ll recover. Thank you, that’s my intention.”

Yuejin breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that he wasn’t angry with him or the Moon Fox clan over this.

*

In order to accommodate the Moon Fox tribe’s customs, when they joined the Wolf tribe, the tribe leader had specially designated a mountain for them to inhabit.

Returning to Moon Fox Mountain, Yuejin immediately summoned the members of the Moon Fox clan and asked the warriors present to recount and explain the situation from that day.

Then, he looked at Hongya and said, “You’ve heard everything. At that time, Meng Hao was at least dozens of trees away from Xue Lei. If he had truly brought misfortune, why didn’t the Beast God strike him directly with lightning? Why target someone else? Or hurt the members of the Winged Wolf tribe who were closer to him?”

“Hongya, please calm down.”

“Even in the past, before we joined the Wolf tribe, those who harvested the Gray Moon Vine always suffered losses. It’s because the Gray Moon Vine absorbs the tears of the Beast God. We’ve gained too much in that treasure land. If you stay too long, the Beast God punishes the greedy orcs, but not by implicating others!”

Yuejin thought, “If it weren’t for Meng Hao being the Beast God’s son, the consequences might have been far worse than just one person’s death from the Beast God’s lightning wrath.”

With this in mind, Yuejin continued sternly, “I hope you all, including Hongya, will never mention again that Meng Hao has brought disaster upon us. The Wolf tribe has raised Meng Hao for many years, and they’ve never suffered any disaster. What right do we have to claim that he’s a source of calamity? We’re here now, and disaster is imminent. What would the tribe think? Who will be held responsible for bringing about this calamity?”

Seeing that the tribe’s people were becoming solemn and taking his words to heart, Yuejin continued, “In the past three years with the Wolf tribe, I believe you all have experienced the contrast in our lives compared to before. However, please don’t forget the Beast God’s warning to the Moon Fox clan, even though we’ve been enjoying a peaceful and prosperous life. The Beast God’s wrath and punishment are not to be taken lightly.”

“We came here with a purpose, and I hope none of you forgets that.”

“It’s not for the tribe to accept us. We must strive for a better life on our own, without wasting or squandering the kindness of others. No one is born to be kind to us or to tolerate us. Do you all understand?”

The members of the Moon Fox clan nodded in agreement, and Hongya also expressed his remorse, saying, “I’m sorry, priest. I didn’t think it through.”

“Enough!”

Yuejin’s face darkened. “There’s no priest here. We only have Priest Wo Qing now!”

Hongya’s expression shifted. Although he fell silent, his attitude showed that he didn’t genuinely accept it, and many of the proud Moon Fox warriors shared the same sentiment.

They still harbored thoughts of leaving the tribe once they regained their strength through the convenience of the Wolf Tribe. They hoped to return to their former lives.

Yuejin looked grim.

These people had no idea how difficult it would be for them to survive outside, with their tribe now reduced to less than three hundred members. They were vulnerable to threats from both the strange beasts and the Silver Moon Season, which could easily destroy them. When they couldn’t hold on any longer, they’d have to accept help from other tribes again—perhaps they will encounter a tribe like the River Marsh Tribe, which might enslave them and subject the beautiful Moon Fox females to horrific treatment.

Thinking of the suffering they had endured before, Yuejin spoke firmly, “You haven’t personally heard the Beast God’s divine oracle, so you’re ignorant and optimistic.”

“I don’t blame you, but I absolutely won’t let my tribe face destruction. I’ll protect everyone in my own way.”

After a pause, Yuejin said, “The Red Moon Season is here. During the Red Moon Festival, I will come of age and be promised to a native member of the Wolf Tribe, not a Moon Fox warrior.”

“I will bear children, eliminating the power of prayer. The Moon Fox tribe’s priestly lineage will also come to an end, and we will become true members of the Wolf Tribe…”

“Lord Yuejin!”

The former chieftain of the Moon Fox Tribe couldn’t help but express his sorrow. “Is there really no other way?”

Yuejin shook his head. “The oracle from our Moon Fox God tells me to humble our proud heads and set aside our arrogance towards the Beast God. I hope that you all remember this and remain humble and diligent, without harboring unnecessary thoughts.”

Seeing their agreement, Yuejin didn’t feel relieved.

The Red Moon Festival was approaching, during which a group of females would once again receive the blessings of the Beast God and become mature, promised to native male beastmen from the Wolf Tribe…

He was no exception.

But…

Thinking of Meng Hao, who had been avoiding him lately, Yuejin felt anxious.

How could he make Meng Hao belong to him? If he proposed to Meng Hao during the festival, would he accept?

Certainly, he wouldn’t refuse. No male beastman ever refused a female’s proposal during the coming-of-age ceremony. And Moon Fox females, with their unique advantages, were irresistible to any male. Would Meng Hao accept him?

However, when he thought of Meng Hao’s calm and indifferent eyes, Yuejin’s confidence wavered.

At the same time, Gou Liang had similar concerns.

Females’ pregnancy cavities matured starting at the age of twenty. Although their lifespans were long, the prime time for conceiving was during the first hundred years of life, especially during the first year of adulthood when the conception rate was highest. To ensure maximum fertility, every tribe required females to bond once they became adults.

In other words, a female had to bond once he came of age. If a female hadn’t bonded during his coming-of-age ceremony, he was considered a failure, and this would be the most embarrassing thing in his life.

Although Gou Liang had removed his pregnancy cavity, Ga’er and the priest, who had kept his “sterility” a secret, obviously hoped and would definitely ensure that he bonded during his coming-of-age ceremony.

How could he make Meng Hao marry him before the end of the Red Moon Season?

Time was running out.

“Daddy, Papa, I think Brother’s eyes moved!”

Lang Fei said excitedly.

Ga’er immediately raised his head and gently called out, “Xi’er, can you hear me? Xi’er, my child, wake up. Daddy is here.”

Lang Xiong said, “Lang Fei, go get the priest, quickly.”

Saying so, he also grabbed his son’s other hand and said in a low voice, “Xi’er, wake up, Daddy is here.”

Lang Fei quickly brought the elderly priest back, with Meng Hao following.

At the same moment they entered the room unnoticed, Gou Liang finally opened his eyes.

“Xi’er!”

Ga’er called out in delight.

The elderly priest motioned for him to speak more quietly and asked Gou Liang gently, “How do you feel, child? Besides the headache, do you have any other sensations?”

Gou Liang blinked his eyes, seemingly confused. He couldn’t see clearly at first, but when he finally made out the things in front of him, he was startled and sat up.

“Ugh, it hurts…”

Gou Liang clutched his head.

“Xi’er—”

Ga’er hugged Gou Liang’s shoulder, but he suddenly flinched, moving away. He backed against the wall, his voice tense. “Who are you? Where am I? Why does my head hurt so much? What have you done to me…”

He clutched his head, clearly terrified, but also on guard like a frightened little animal, wary and sharp.

Everyone present was shocked.

“Xi’er, I’m your Daddy…”

“Great Priest, what’s wrong with Xi’er?”

Seeing Gou Liang look at them as if they were strangers, both fathers’ hearts were torn.

The elderly priest was also taken aback but remained calm. He asked Gou Liang, “Child, don’t be afraid. We won’t hurt you. Do you remember your name?”

“I… I… What’s my name? Why can’t I remember? I do have a name. I have…” Gou Liang nervously patted his head, and the elderly priest quickly held his hand. “Good child, don’t be nervous. You will get better.”

At this moment, a young female entered, carrying something. He asked, “Great Priest, is this the Red Essence Grass you were looking for? Oh, Brother Lang Xi, you’re awake! That’s great!”

“Sang Mi?”

Gou Liang suddenly called out, seeming somewhat uncertain, and then called again.

“Brother Lang Xi, you’re looking for me.”

Sang Mi ran up to him.

Gou Liang smiled, shedding tears as he smiled. “I remember you. You’re Sang Mi, the Great Priest’s apprentice… Who is the Great Priest? Who am I? Why can’t I remember suddenly?”

Everyone exchanged glances, realizing that his amnesia was getting worse.

After the elderly priest calmed him down, he carefully questioned Gou Liang and had the people who were familiar with him in the tribe brought in for Gou Liang to identify. They confirmed Gou Liang’s condition.

After being struck on the head by Hongya’s stone, Gou Liang’s memory had once again undergone changes.

He remembered many things but had also forgotten many others.

He didn’t remember who he was, his parents, siblings, the elderly priest, or even his brother Meng Hao.

People who had left a profound mark on his life, including Yuejin, were all forgotten. Even the name of the Wolf Tribe, which he was familiar with, and the priest’s place, were completely erased from his memory.

However, at the same time, he remembered other people, and this made him very afraid. Because he remembered that he had bullied those people, although he couldn’t recall why.

He had regained his nineteen-year-old mentality, no longer a child, but his world was even blanker than a child’s.

Ga’er was in tears, constantly holding Gou Liang’s hand and saying, “Xi’er, my child, I am your Daddy.”

Gou Liang was terrified, wanting to hide, but Ga’er was already breaking down, and even Lang Xiong couldn’t pull him away.

“Don’t cry.”

Gou Liang also began to cry and said gently, “Don’t cry; it makes me uncomfortable.”

“Where does it hurt? Xi’er, where do you feel uncomfortable?”

Ga’er anxiously inquired.

Gou Liang touched his chest and said, “It feels stuffy here when you cry, and it hurts.”

Ga’er cried even louder.

Lang Xiong also shed tears. “Great Priest, what should we do now?”

The elderly priest wiped away his tears, sighed, and said, “Do you all remember what I told you before? When the male beastman from a tribe forgets the most important things to himself due to a severe head injury caused by a beast, he may remember some trivial details and retain the ability to think and act. It seems that Xi’er is in such a situation now. However, we can’t be certain about the specific circumstances; we need to observe slowly and decide what to do.”

Lang Fei said anxiously, “My brother already forgot me, and now he even forgets Daddy and Papa.”

When his brother was five years old, he hadn’t visited yet, so naturally, he didn’t remember him.

Upon hearing from the priest that his brother had lost his most cherished memories, Lang Fei, who had always believed that his brother despised him to the extent of wishing he had never been born, found himself torn between feelings of relief and the urge to weep.

After Gou Liang fell asleep from the medication, the elderly priest persuaded Ga’er and the others to leave. However, Meng Hao volunteered to stay and look after Gou Liang, which he didn’t refuse.

Meng Hao looked at Gou Liang, who was sleeping but still had a pale face. He frowned, feeling a bit uneasy.

If not for the need to protect himself, he wouldn’t have suffered such a severe injury again.

Perhaps due to excessive anxiety, Gou Liang woke up not long after falling asleep, still under the influence of the pain-relief and sleep-inducing medicine.

Seeing someone wiping the sweat from his neck, Gou Liang was initially startled but then remembered the person he had seen before falling asleep, so he relaxed slightly.

“Sleep, you need to rest.”

Meng Hao gently pressed Gou Liang down when he tried to sit up.

Gou Liang shook his head, feeling a bit dizzy when he moved abruptly. He groaned and held his head, then sighed before lying down again. “I want to drink water.”

Meng Hao quickly went to get water and helped Gou Liang drink half a bowl. Holding the bowl, Gou Liang looked up at him. “You’re… a White Beastman?”

Meng Hao’s entire body stiffened. He lowered his head to look at Gou Liang and saw surprise and curiosity in his eyes. Still, Meng Hao remained on high alert.

“Are you angry?”

Gou Liang hurriedly said, “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just… for some reason, I remember the legend of the White Beastmen, the abandoned children of the Beast God and such. Haha, it’s actually quite funny, isn’t it?”

He forced a laugh twice, scratched his ear, looking somewhat awkward.

Meng Hao recalled the priest’s words about Gou Liang remembering unimportant things, so he relaxed his guard slightly and asked, “Is it funny? Why do you think that? Why do you feel this way?”

“Being born in the White Moon Season is already pitiful. Small beastmen born in the White Moon Season probably receive more blessings than other beastmen. White Beastmen are even weaker, so they definitely need more blessings to survive, right?” Gou Liang blinked and smiled, saying, “Isn’t that the case?”

[Notification: Favorability has been updated. Current favorability: +65!]

Meng Hao’s gaze softened a bit, and he nodded in agreement with Gou Liang’s words. Then he asked, “Do you want more water?”

“Oh, yes.”

Gou Liang quickly drank the remaining warm water and handed the bowl back to Meng Hao.

Meng Hao said, “Go to sleep. The Great Priest will heal you.”

Gou Liang smiled briefly, obediently lay down, and fell asleep not long after. However, he didn’t sleep soundly. In the latter half of the night, he began to toss and turn, looking restless and uncomfortable.

Watching for a while, Meng Hao suddenly remembered something. He transformed into his beast form and tentatively extended his tail towards Gou Liang. Gou Liang immediately hugged it.

In his deep sleep, Gou Liang instinctively touched the tail in his embrace, seemingly confirming something. He held the tail even tighter. His furrowed brows slowly relaxed, his breathing evened out, and he mumbled a few words before revealing a faint smile, displaying two shallow dimples.

Meng Hao let out a low howl and moved closer to him.

[System: Impressive, my master! ⊙ω⊙]