Jing Jiang was dead. He had been torn limb from limb and devoured by the Winged Tiger Beastmen.

When Ding Yin said she was going to find him, she probably meant finding release in death. Those two winged lion cubs were her only remaining ties on the Beast World Continent.

Si Shuo pressed her lips together, unable to bring herself to persuade her to live on. ’When I think of how Zhi Le and the others were murdered,’ she thought, ’I know I would feel the same anguish and despair, that every second in this world would be an ordeal of torment and longing.’

Then, Ding Yin let out a low laugh. "You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t have long to live, either. Three or four years at most.

I once saved a male who was passing through the Winged Tiger Tribe. He was a High Priest. He was grateful and wanted to take me with him, but I refused.

Why should my Jing Jiang and the others die so tragically, while these vicious fiends get to live on, happy and free?

I won’t accept it! Even if I have to keep breathing, I will drag them all down into the endless abyss with me!"

Si Shuo still didn’t quite understand why Ding Yin would stay here and let people debase her. Her expression was full of worry, but she didn’t know how to help.

"Although I didn’t go with that High Priest, he gave me a disease seed. After eating it, my body became a weapon. Anyone who defiles me will be infected with a slow-acting, contagious plague.

They will feel their Dantians become riddled with holes, as if being eaten away by ants, while the life force in their bodies is drained away.

I won’t let a single one of the people who took part in murdering my Beast Husband get away!

That’s why someone as dangerous as me isn’t going anywhere. I’m staying right here in the Winged Tiger Tribe to be their plague." By this point, Ding Yin’s expression had become manic, and she gritted her teeth as if she could devour those people whole.

"Ding Yin," Si Shuo began, an uncontrollable sorrow welling in her heart, "must you go to your death? The two winged lion cubs are waiting for you to come back. Perhaps... the disease in you can still be cured?"

The emotions coming from Ding Yin were so intense, so strong that it was impossible not to put oneself in her shoes. Si Shuo couldn’t bring herself to say that Ding Yin would one day meet another male who would cherish her.

"Yes, I must! Once the cubs turn five, they can start their training. As long as they learn the hunting skills to support themselves, there will be no need for me to stay.

I wasn’t with them for the past few years. From now on, their Father and I will watch over them from the Beast God’s side." Ding Yin chuckled softly. "I miss Jing Jiang and the others so much. I don’t want to make them wait too long. Besides, I’m so, so tired... so tired I barely have the strength to keep living. If you truly wish me well, then just let me stay here..."

Si Shuo had meant to take Ding Yin away, but she had failed her mission. Facing the two winged lion cubs’ expectant eyes, she didn’t know what to say.

"Mother doesn’t want to leave with you, does she?" Jing Qi asked quietly after a moment of silence.

Si Shuo nodded. "She said she misses your Father."

Jing Lin hung his head. "Mother has suffered too much. There’s no one to truly love and protect her, and besides, she’s not in good health right now."

’It’s all our fault for not being strong enough, for growing up too slowly! Mother hasn’t left herself any way out.’

"You are the cubs your Father and Mother both longed for. No matter what, you have to be okay. That’s the only way your Mother can find some small comfort," Si Shuo said, her words feeling empty.

"That’s right, Little Qizi, Little Linzi. Your Mother has her own path to walk," Sweet Ring said softly. "But you’ll be with your Mother for the next few days. See if you can persuade her to change her mind, okay?"