Clumsy Beast, Keep Your Paws Off-Chapter 373: Lan Yue’s Uncle

The great shark-man glided smoothly toward the shore of the island. The moment Su Qinglan’s feet touched the solid ground of the beach, she felt a massive wave of relief.

Walking on land felt like a luxury after being tossed by the salty waves of the deep sea.

However, they were not alone. The news of the "Land Females" had spread through the water like a drop of blood.

Within seconds, they were surrounded by a wall of curious mermen.

Their eyes were wide, and they whispered loudly about how beautiful the females looked and how cute the furry cubs were.

"Back off! Give them some air!" the scar-chested warrior barked, his voice booming across the beach. He used his large spear to create a path. "These are guests! We must inform the tribe leader immediately."

He turned to Su Qinglan and Lan Yue. "Follow me. We will take you to the Leader’s cave. It is the safest place on the island."

Both females nodded, clutching the cubs tightly, and followed the warriors up a winding path made of smooth, white sea-stones. The cave was massive, carved directly into the cliffside, with the floor covered in soft, dry sand and beautiful bioluminescent pearls that lit the space with a warm, blue glow.

Sitting on a throne made of giant conch shells was an older man with silver hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea. He looked powerful but weary. As the group approached, his head snapped up.

"Uncle!" Lan Yue’s voice broke the silence, sounding like a sob.

The tribe leader froze. He rubbed his eyes as if he were seeing a ghost. "Lan Yue? My child... is it really you?"

He stood up, his legs trembling as he rushed forward. He grabbed Lan Yue’s shoulders, looking at her face with pure disbelief and joy.

"We thought you were gone! When we heard the news of the land attack, we thought you had died. Your father... he has been a shell of a man."

Lan Yue burst into tears, burying her face in the old man’s embrace. "Uncle, I’m alive! I was saved!"

The old man was the leader of this branch of the Mermaid Tribe, a dear friend of Lan Yue’s father.

In the past, they had even discussed a marriage between Lan Yue and his eldest son.

They were childhood friends who had grown up swimming in the same currents before Lan Yue moved to the land with her mother.

She had forgotten the name of this specific tribe because she hadn’t visited in so many years, but seeing his kind face brought all the memories back.

The leader patted her head, his own eyes misty. "Do you have any idea how much we searched? Your father almost went insane. He’s still out there, scouring the coasts. To find you here... it is truly the blessing of the Beast God."

He then looked past her and saw Su Qinglan. She was standing quietly, holding the two tiger cubs while the little snake, Xiao San, peeked out from behind her shoulder with curious eyes.

The leader was stunned. A land female? Here?

"And who is this?" he asked, his voice full of respect.

"She is my sister," Lan Yue said firmly, wiping her eyes. "She is the one who saved me from the forest and the beasts. Without her, I would be a pile of bones right now."

The leader’s eyes widened. "Your sister? I didn’t know your father had another daughter..."

Lan Yue only smiled and didn’t bother explaining the details of their bond. "She is my sister in every way that matters, Uncle." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"I see," the leader said, nodding to Su Qinglan. "Then she is a hero of our tribe. My rascal son has been half-mad with grief since you disappeared, Lan Yue. He hasn’t even returned to the tribe; he’s still out there looking for you."

Lan Yue’s heart clenched. She remembered her childhood friend and how much they used to play in the sea. "Uncle, you must call him back. I want to meet him. I want him to know I’m safe."

"I will send the scouts immediately!" the leader promised. He then looked at their soaked clothes and the shivering cubs.

"But first, you must rest. You look like you’ve been through a war. I will arrange for the best caves, dry furs, and fresh food. Treat this as your own home. Everything will be fine now."

Su Qinglan stepped forward, feeling a weight lift from her heart. She was relieved that Lan Yue had found someone she could trust. "Thank you, Tribe Leader, for your hospitality. We are truly grateful."

The leader looked at Su Qinglan, and a matchmaking spark appeared in his eyes. He realized that this land female was exceptionally beautiful, even more so than many mermaid females.

"You know," the leader said with a small chuckle, "I have another son. He is quite handsome and a very strong swimmer. If you are looking for a beast husband, he would be very honored to serve you."

Su Qinglan blinked, then let out a soft laugh.

"Thank you for the offer, Tribe Leader, but I’m not looking for another husband. I already have several back home who are probably very worried right now."

The leader laughed heartily. "A female as beautiful as you should always consider having more! My tribe is full of strong, young men. Our land may be small, but our hearts are big. You should look around while you are here. Perhaps you will find a merman who catches your eye."

He was already mentally lining up his sons and the strongest warriors of the tribe, hoping to keep such a powerful and beautiful female in his territory.

He then looked down at the two tiger cubs in her arms. "And these little ones... they are very fierce, aren’t they?"

The two tiger cubs, sensing that this old man was trying to give their mother a new husband, let out synchronized, tiny roars.

"Awoo! Awoo!"

They bared their tiny milk teeth and swiped their paws in the air. Their little faces were scrunched up in pure dissatisfaction.

They didn’t want another father! Especially not a fish-man who smelled like dinner!

If they could speak, they would have told the leader to stay away from their mother. But since they couldn’t talk yet, they could only make angry, squeaky sounds to show their protest.

The leader laughed even harder. "Look at them! They already know how to protect their mother. Truly, the blood of a tiger king runs in them."

He waved his hand to his attendants. "Take them to the Guest Cave. Give them whatever they need. Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our new guests!"

As Su Qinglan followed the attendants, she felt a strange mix of emotions. She was safe, but her heart was still far away in the Fox Valley. She looked at the cubs and whispered, "Don’t worry, little ones. We’ll find your fathers. We just have to survive this first."

The cubs grumbled one last time, nesting into her arms, while Xiao San flicked his tongue, seemingly interested in the giant pearls decorating the cave walls.

Can he take this with him?