Beauty and the Beasts

Walking out of the wooden house, Bai Qingqing noticed a lake the size of a golf course. Its color was abnormally green and emitted an ominous deathly vibe.

The place she was at was a small island in the center of a lake. The environment on the island was tranquil. There was also a wisp of smoke at the side, adding a hint of vitality to the place.

The ominous feeling of the lake and the tranquility of the island formed a sharp comparison.

Suddenly, many heads popped up from the water. It wasn’t hard to identify them from their perfect appearances that they were all merfolk.

“You brought me to the merfolk tribe?” Bai Qingqing backed off one step and bumped into the little snake behind her. She turned and threw him a glance of disbelief.

“They won’t harm you,” the little snake said confidently.

The merfolk swam to the shores. As they got closer, Bai Qingqing realized that the abnormal color of the water seemed to dissipate like how mosquito-repellent incense repelled flies. They returned to the transparent color that clear water should have.

Upon a careful look, she noticed that the water’s abnormal dark green color came from root-shaped aquatic plants that had sharp thorns. She even saw a half-rotting dead fish with its corpse covered in wounds.

However, when the merfolk got close, the roots scattered off by themselves.

Thereafter, a group of human-shaped merfolk walked out from the island, with the petite Jean in the lead. Her mates were behind her.

There was the merfolks’ leader, King, and four elders.

They were all four-striped beastmen. Bai Qingqing estimated the battle prowess of both sides. Would Curtis be able to take on four four-striped beastmen single-handedly?

It was a pity that Winston wasn’t around.

“Long time no see.” Jean walked up to Bai Qingqing and said arrogantly.

Jean still looked beautiful, her face being at the youngest state of when she was 17 or 18 years old. Her curly blue hair was beautiful like that of a doll.

However, after having gotten used to Bluepool’s hair that was even more beautiful, Bai Qingqing wouldn’t be amazed anymore by Jean’s amazing hair.

Bai Qingqing remained calm and smiled, saying, “It has been a long time.”

Jean was agitated by Bai Qingqing’s calm attitude, and her pretentious sweetness was gone, replaced by a vicious expression. “You’ve made me suffer so badly. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll kill you?”

“Ssss—”

Just as Jean finished saying that, the little snake immediately pulled Bai Qingqing behind him, revealing a fierce expression at Jean.

Jean was given a fright and hid in King’s embrace.

King and the other merfolk didn’t have any emotions toward Bai Qingqing. There was neither aversion nor fondness. They were very calm as if they were looking at ordinary people.

“You don’t have to worry. We promised Curtis. We won’t go back on our words. You can just stay here.”

“King!” Jean spoke up angrily.

King stroked her head gently but didn’t take back his words.

Bai Qingqing was stunned for a moment. “Curtis?”

“I’m here.” The little snake was the one who replied to her.

Green veins popped up on Bai Qingqing’s forehead. She was so angry that she felt like giving the little snake a thrashing.

It was just that they were facing great enemies and Bai Qingqing couldn’t act up yet. She stood out from behind the little snake and looked straight toward King, saying, “I’m not scared of you guys. Curtis will come to save me. I can get him here immediately as well. Oh, the Curtis I’m referring to is his father. You guys should still recall that Curtis had come to my side instantly, right?”

King suddenly smiled, looking at the little snake, then saying confidently, “You won’t.”

The little snake secretly held Bai Qingqing’s hand. She could sense his anxiety and understood what King meant.

They and the little snake were betting with the little snake’s life on the line.

If her breaking free would cause the little snake to be killed by Curtis, then it was true that she wouldn’t summon him.