Beastlord: Tribal System

When Meng Yuqing woke up, the campfire had long since burned out. The large leaves holding the fruit from the previous day were still there, but now there were new fruits added, clearly freshly picked. Xuan was nowhere to be seen at the cave entrance.

Meng Yuqing picked up one of the fruits and casually ate it while sitting down. After rubbing his face to wake himself up fully, he decided it was time to explore the system more thoroughly. Since Xuan wasn't around, it was the perfect opportunity.

"System, are you there?" he called softly.

"I am here, host. You may communicate with me directly in your mind. There is no need to speak aloud," the system replied instantly.

"Is that so?" Meng Yuqing tried silently calling the system in his mind. Can you hear me?

"Yes, I can hear you," the system confirmed.

"Amazing," Meng Yuqing marveled. "Alright, about the functions I currently have—can I test them now?"

"Of course. I suggest starting with the Exploration function."

"Alright, let's try that."

"Exploration initiated…"

…

"Exploration complete. Range: 50 meters. No threats detected. Ten meters west of the cave entrance, a patch of hemostatic herbs has been located. Collection recommended."

Delighted by the system's feedback, Meng Yuqing quickly made his way to the cave entrance. He looked up at the sun, carefully oriented himself, and crouched low to head west.

Soon, amidst a field of chest-high plants, he spotted a small cluster of ankle-high grass.

"This must be it, right, system?" he asked.

"Confirmed, host. You may also try the Identification function."

"Alright, identify these herbs."

"Identification complete: Hemostatic Herb. Classification: Medicinal. Use: Effective for external injuries, aids in stopping bleeding and reducing inflammation."

After hearing the system's detailed response, Meng Yuqing squatted down and began harvesting the herbs. There weren't many, so he gathered the entire patch in just a few handfuls.

As noon approached, Meng Yuqing decided to return to the cave to wait for Xuan. Though the system had assured him there were no immediate threats, he wasn't about to wander far. With the exploration function only usable once a day, his best option was to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.

Waiting for Xuan

Back in the cave, Meng Yuqing organized the hemostatic herbs and placed them on the same large leaf holding the fruits. The leaf was big enough to keep the items separate.

Xuan returned briefly around midday, carrying a large slab of beast meat. After roasting it, he watched Meng Yuqing eat before heading back out to continue tracking the Shadow Beast. He seemed more anxious than before, and Meng Yuqing couldn't help but worry. However, there wasn't much he could do to help. His own strength was negligible compared to Xuan's, and the limited range of the system's exploration function made it useless for hunting.

Determined not to burden Xuan, Meng Yuqing resolved to stay put and stay safe.

As dusk fell, Xuan returned again, this time with an even larger haul of beast meat. Sitting by the fire, he began roasting the meat while speaking to Meng Yuqing.

"I found traces of the Shadow Beast's activity today. They were from last night, so I'm almost certain of its location. Tomorrow, I'm going to hunt it down. I won't be back until it's done. I've prepared enough food for you to last two days. Do not leave the cave. If everything goes well, we'll leave for the tribe the day after tomorrow."

"Got it. Be careful, and don't worry about me. I'll stay put and wait for you to return," Meng Yuqing replied earnestly, nodding as he chewed on a piece of roasted meat.

Xuan scratched his head, seemingly reassured by Meng's obedient demeanor. "Before I leave tomorrow, I'll clear the area around the cave again. You don't need to worry too much."

"Understood. Don't worry about me. Get some rest—you'll need your strength for tomorrow's hunt," Meng Yuqing urged.

Xuan nodded, stood up, and walked to the cave entrance. He transformed back into his panther form, curling up at his usual spot to block most of the entrance, leaving only a small gap at the top.

Despite Meng Yuqing's protests about the cold, Xuan reassured him that in beast form, the temperature wouldn't bother him and that staying in this form was necessary to ensure their safety.

Seeing that Xuan had settled in, Meng Yuqing lay back on his makeshift bed of dried grass. Exhausted from the day's events, he quickly fell into a deep sleep.

The Hunt Begins

In the dense jungle, towering trees cast long shadows over the undergrowth. A massive black panther moved silently through the forest, its padded paws making no sound against the ground. Every so often, it would lower its head to sniff the earth or a tree root, searching for something.

Suddenly, it froze. The panther's emerald eyes flashed with a sharp gleam as it detected something ahead. Without hesitation, it darted forward, disappearing into the thick foliage.

Xuan had picked up the scent of blood—belonging to a Tusk Beast—but within it was a faint trace of the Shadow Beast's unique smell. He raced toward the source and soon came upon the mutilated corpse of an adult Tusk Beast. Its body had been ravaged, the flesh from its abdomen and thighs stripped away.

Circling the carcass, Xuan noted the strong concentration of the Shadow Beast's scent. The creature had fed here, hurriedly devouring only the most accessible and tender parts of the Tusk Beast before fleeing.

The Shadow Beast's cunning was evident. It had spread its scent in multiple directions, making it difficult to determine its actual escape route.

Xuan forced himself to calm down and think. If it were him, what would he do after consuming so much fatty meat? The answer came quickly—find water.

Fixing his gaze in the direction of the nearest lake, Xuan decided to take a gamble and pursue the Shadow Beast there.

The Final Battle

Xuan's hunch proved correct. The Shadow Beast's scent grew stronger as he neared the lake, and he could tell he was closing the distance between them. But just as he raced forward, a sudden sound cut through the air—a massive figure lunged at him from the right.

In an instant, Xuan leaped to the left, twisting mid-air to face the attacker as he landed. His eyes locked onto the Shadow Beast: grayish fur, a long snout, powerful limbs, and a thick tail.

The beast's scarred face, marked from old battles, confirmed its identity. Xuan's emerald eyes burned with fury as he recognized it. This wasn't just a hunt—it was personal.

The two beasts circled each other, growling low, their bodies coiled like drawn bows ready to unleash.

The Shadow Beast struck first, charging at Xuan with a ferocious roar. Xuan met the charge head-on, their massive forms colliding with a thunderous impact.

The fight was brutal, each claw and fang seeking to tear into vital flesh. Blood sprayed as the Shadow Beast landed a blow, but Xuan retaliated with equal ferocity, leaving deep gashes in its side.

Despite the Shadow Beast's larger size, Xuan's relentless attacks began to wear it down. When it tried to escape, Xuan pursued it to the water's edge. The battle continued into the lake, waves and blood mixing as they clashed.

Finally, as the sun set, casting a crimson glow over the water, Xuan emerged victorious. Dragging the Shadow Beast's lifeless body onto the shore, his own fur matted with blood, he let out a triumphant roar that echoed through the jungle—a cry of victory and closure.

Exhausted but resolute, Xuan gazed at the fading sunlight, the satisfaction of long-awaited vengeance etched across his fierce expression.