Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 160: Cultivation dreams

Visha explained to Uri and Xeno what the mission was. She specifically let them know they did not have to accept. Their lives are important.

"The system offered a way to use vital energy?" Xeno asked.

"Yeah. It’s something everyone in my world knows about. It’s called cultivation. It’s only a story there, though." Visha tried to be serious when she talked about it.

But she knew she couldn’t hide the fact that she thought it was great. There wasn’t a person alive who didn’t think about being immortal at some point in their lives. Granted, they do tend to gloss over the part about watching all the people you love die. But that is a bit too morbid to think about.

Instead, thinking about the amazing powers they might have is the best way to go.

"We will go," Uri stated.

Visha gasped. She hadn’t expected Uri to be so decisive. They hadn’t finished the conversation yet, and he was willing to run headfirst into danger.

"Why?" she asked, eyes wide. "We could die. You know that."

"And that is why we need to go. This mission is not easy. There must be something that can benefit us. Not the reward but something more," Uri stated calmly.

Reaching for Visha’s hand, he said, " I am afraid. I will not pretend otherwise. I want nothing more than to keep you safe." He turned to Xeno, "Both of you. But we must do this. If not for us, then for the pack. If that plant is from the Verdant Maw, then others will leave sooner or later. If they affect our pack, what will we do then?"

Visha looked up at him, her eyes watery. She knew he was right. Xeno’s big hand rested on her shoulder. She turned to look at him. Once again, the bond was making itself known. Her reluctance to do the mission was open for them both to see.

She could also feel their willingness to step into danger. She could feel Xeno’s confidence but also his apprehension. Uri’s steady presence did not reflect the eagerness she felt. He wanted to do this.

"We need to do this," Xeno said.

She looked between the two men. They had already decided to go. Why should she stop them? She would join them. She would treat it as an adrenaline rush. It’s been a while since she had that heady feeling.

"Fine, but if I die, I’m not going to the Beast God. I’ll make sure to stay and torture you both," she laughed.

"Same," responded Xeno.

Uri shook his head and smiled at the two.

Later that day, Xeno found Roc, who was talking to the other rams about leaving. Their smiles were wide, hearing they would be able to go back and get their partners.

Seeing Xeno approaching with a grim expression on his face, their smiles dropped.

"You won’t be able to leave..." Xeno said.

"Leader, you already-," a ram beastman started.

"Don’t interrupt," Xeno commanded.

The beastman stiffened.

"If you leave, your lives will be in danger." Xeno’s face was stern. "We did not tell the pack. You are the only ones who will know this until we find a way to resolve it."

"You all know the Verdant Maw, right?"

They nodded

"The plants and trees inside have begun to leave. Before we know how to deal with it, it’s best if you don’t leave. We will find a way for you to get to your partners. We won’t break that promise." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

The shock on their faces was almost comical. But Xeno could understand. The Maw is not something beastmen talk about lightly. If things from any of the forbidden zones started to break free, it would mean catastrophe for the rest of the continent.

"Roc, stay. The rest of you leave. Remember not to tell anyone what I have said. We will tell them in due time."

A mix of emotions flashed in their eyes. Pride in being the first to know. Horror that the forbidden zones might be spreading, and sadness at not being able to collect their partners.

"You know them better than I do. Ensure they don’t tell anyone just yet." Xeno patted his shoulder.

The way he did it made it appear that Xeno was older than Roc. In reality, Roc was twice Xeno’s age. Roc did not feel humiliated that the leader was younger than him. As long as the leader is capable, he doesn’t care who it was.

"I asked you to stay because I need you to be on the lookout. You, Crosvil, Kaelen, and Kael need to have a meeting. Both ground and aerial patrols need to get tighter. The Stone-horn tribe and River Clan will come to stay for a while. We need to ensure there are enough places for them. Talk to the other team leaders about what we would need to do. Having the hunting team get some more food. Let them know about the plant issue. We will tell the rest of the tribe. We need to ensure everyone’s safety and make sure no one goes hungry during the winter."

Xeno gave an upward nod, signalling Roc to leave and to let the other team leaders know what was happening. He watched him walk away before leaving.

Back at the house, Krag, Chi, Visha, Uri, and Xeno were having a meeting of their own.

While having the team leaders is a good thing. And while the cleansing ritual made everyone stronger, the trio did not feel at each leaving things to them without backup.

Krag and Chi were backup. They did not ask them to get involved with the workings of the pack. They only asked that if there was a situation that the pack was unable to handle, they would step in.

The trio knows that asking for this is asking for a favour. But it was the only way they could ensure the safety of their pack. And while Krag and Chi did not seem to mind, they did not want to take their kindness for granted.

Unsure of how long it would take to deal with the mission, they decided to have a meeting with Krag and Chi to find out if there was anything they needed or wanted them to do as repayment for helping the pack.

Their reply was for them to get stronger. That was repayment enough.