This sudden turn of events threw my heart into chaos.
I bit my tongue hard. The taste of rust and fresh blood spread through my mouth. The intense pain forced me to regain my composure, and I began to observe the situation at the cave entrance.
I stared fixedly at the two female savages at the cave mouth, desperately trying to recall any disturbances along the way.
If the savages from the Kasa tribe had attacked, Shangguan Yao and the others would have surely resisted. In that case, there would be signs of battle nearby.
This meant the fence at the cave entrance couldn't possibly be standing intact.
With this realization, my heart eased considerably.
But then, a deep sense of doubt followed.
If the Kasa tribe hadn't found Shangguan Yao, where did these two female savages come from?
Just then, there was movement at the cave entrance. Shangguan Yao slowly walked out from the cave, stretching lazily. Seeing the two female savages standing at the entrance, she approached them and began to communicate with gestures and words.
Before long, Guan Hai'er also came out and was talking with Shangguan Yao.
What had happened to Shangguan Yao and the others during my absence?
The scene before me surpassed my imagination, but with Guan Hai'er's appearance, the heavy stone in my heart finally settled.
Even though I didn't know what had happened, the fact that Shangguan Yao and the others were not in danger was enough.
I made up my mind, and leading Liu Xiaodie and Zhang Huihui, two women, I emerged from the bushes, appearing before Shangguan Yao and Guan Hai'er.
Guan Hai'er, who was in the middle of speaking,’s eyes turned red as soon as she saw me. She abandoned Shangguan Yao and ran towards me, throwing herself into my arms. Her delicate hands began to pat my chest.
"You still know how to come back!"
This line sounded so much like a wife waiting for her husband to return from a long journey.
I smiled and gently stroked Guan Hai'er's head. "Alright, stop crying. I'm back now, aren't I?"
Guan Hai'er insisted, rubbing her head back and forth in my embrace, muttering.
"Brother Ye, you're a big liar. You said you'd be back in a few days, and it's been half a month. Do you know how worried I was about you!"
Who knew so many things would happen on this trip? Seeing Guan Hai'er's current agitation, I found it difficult to explain what had happened. So, I could only hold her tightly.
Shangguan Yao turned her head. She was stunned to see me return, and then a thin veil of mist covered her eyes.
She took a deep breath, crossed her arms, her voice trembling.
"Alright, Guan Hai'er, have some dignity! Lu Ziye is back, isn't he? It's only been a little over ten days."
Hearing Shangguan Yao's words, I tutted.
This was the Shangguan Yao I knew, a tsundere with a sharp tongue and a soft heart.
She couldn't even control her own emotions now and had the nerve to lecture Guan Hai'er.
She must be jealous that Guan Hai'er had rushed into my arms before her.
I smiled at Shangguan Yao. "There's still some space in my arms. Do you want to come over for a hug too?"
Shangguan Yao's face flushed with embarrassment at my words. She awkwardly turned her head away, no longer looking at me.
"Who wants that!"
Although she said so, her fair neck was already completely dyed crimson, and her bright, intelligent eyes kept stealing glances at me.
Hearing the commotion at the cave entrance, Luo Yaqin walked out from the cave. As soon as she saw me, she joyfully threw herself into my arms as well.
I held Guan Hai'er with my left arm and Luo Yaqin with my right.
Embraced on both sides, I enjoyed the blessings of others.
Luo Yaqin was better, not as proud as Shangguan Yao.
I risked my life outside, wasn't it all for the happiness of seeing them like this when I returned!
Shangguan Yao stood to the side. Although still sulking, the envy in her eyes was undeniable.
She also wanted to be held and cherished in my arms like Guan Hai'er and Luo Yaqin, but given her proud nature, it was something she couldn't do in front of everyone.
It was time to consider this precious one's feelings.
After comforting the excited Guan Hai'er and Luo Yaqin in my arms, I let them go. I strode over to Shangguan Yao, pulled her into my embrace, and gave her a possessive kiss.
Shangguan Yao struggled in my arms, but her resistance was weaker than a kitten's.
"Oh, you scoundrel! How could you kiss me without me noticing!"
Shangguan Yao's tone wasn't so much a reprimand as it was her way of acting spoiled with me.
I laughed heartily and let go of Shangguan Yao. Then, I extended my hand and called Liu Xiaodie and Zhang Huihui, who were standing nearby, over to introduce them to everyone.
After introductions, Guan Hai'er looked at me curiously and asked, "Brother Ye, why didn't Zhuo Ya come back with you?"
Hearing Guan Hai'er ask about Zhuo Ya's whereabouts, my expression stiffened.
I forced a smile. "It's a long story. I'll tell you all about Zhuo Ya in detail tonight."
Then, I shifted the topic to the two female savages.
They had been watching us chat from the side, appearing rather uneasy.
I scrutinized the two female savages.
Upon closer inspection, I immediately noticed something peculiar. Although these two female savages wore animal skins like ordinary savages, they both wore accessories made from bones of unknown beasts around their wrists and necks. They were clearly meticulously crafted by a craftsman.
Moreover, these two female savages did not appear to be very old, and their features were very similar.
Unlike the dark skin of ordinary savages, tanned by years of hunting, their skin was fair and smooth, indicating they had grown up in comfort and luxury.
"Where are you from?"