In the clearing today, Ye Duo’s Father and Amu were weeping their hearts out in sorrow.

Even Wu Yue, who rarely interacted with them because of Ye Duo, couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness as she saw how they seemed to have aged decades in an instant.

Just then, the Clan Leader’s voice came from the side. "Wu Yue, once you’ve finished brewing the witch medicine, leave the rest to them. You and Yuan Lang will come with me to the altar later."

Wu Yue looked behind him and saw that it was Shi Lin’s Amu and the Amu of another Half beastman Warrior. She immediately nodded. "That would be for the best. With their Amus to care for them, I’m sure they’ll recover more quickly."

Upon hearing this, the two women couldn’t help but break into grateful smiles.

’If it weren’t for Wu Yue today, their cubs would have long since gone to see the Beast God.’

The two stone pots were already emitting a thick, bitter smell. Wu Yue, her expression serene, lifted the large leaves covering them. A ball of witch power from her hand dropped into one of the stone pots, like a splash of water.

The bitter smell instantly dissipated, replaced by a faint, fresh aroma.

It was the first time any of them had seen witch medicine being made, and they couldn’t help but be stunned by the magical sight.

Handing each of the women a stone bowl, Wu Yue instructed, "The witch medicine is ready. This is enough for two doses. Give them one now and another at noon. I’ll brew this afternoon’s medicine when I get back."

The two women nodded solemnly. "Yes."

"You can leave it to them now. Let’s go."

The Clan Leader’s expression was grim, so the two of them said nothing more, simply following quietly behind him.

When they arrived at the clearing before the altar, many Beastmen and Half beastman Warriors were already waiting there.

Upon seeing the Clan Leader and Wu Yue, they all greeted them in unison.

The Clan Leader faced the crowd, his expression dark. "You all saw what happened today. A strange Beastman broke into our tribe and nearly killed two of our Half beastman Warriors.

"And yet we, who have always considered ourselves powerful, were completely unaware."

As the Clan Leader finished speaking, all the Beastmen and Half beastman Warriors lowered their heads in shame.

"Therefore, starting today, all patrol teams will be reinforced with two additional Beastman Warriors."

Then, he looked toward Bai Qi, who stood at the front of the Beastmen. "Bai Qi, you will assign the patrol duties later."

Bai Qi nodded gravely. "Understood."

"The territory patrols and the Hunting Teams are to search for any trace of Ye Duo. If you find anything, send word back immediately. If..."

He heaved a heavy sigh. "If Ye Duo has been summoned by the Beast God, bring her body back."

After a moment of silence, the assembled Beastmen and Half beastman Warriors all acknowledged the order.

Once the arrangements were made, the Clan Leader dismissed the Beastmen and Half beastman Warriors.

He turned to Wu Yue at his side, a bitter smile on his face. "Wu Yue, your identity as a witch has been exposed. This is very dangerous for you."

"Clan Leader, are you worried that the other three tribes will come to kill me?"

Wu Yue asked calmly.

’This was to be expected. No tribe wants a much more powerful tribe to emerge right next to them. That would be a threat.’

"There are threats even more dangerous than them."

A wizened voice suddenly spoke from behind them. Wu Yue, the Clan Leader, and Yuan Lang turned to see that it was the witch.

The witch glanced at them, walked straight to the altar, and sat down on the first step.

"You little ones only know of the Polar Forest. You don’t realize that our Polar Forest is but a tiny part of this Senluo Continent."

He looked up at the sky. "Beyond the Polar Forest, there are several other regions just like it that we know of. And they all have very powerful tribes.

"Our four tribes have been in contact with them for a very long time."

He turned to Yuan Lang. "When you went to trade for salt, you must have passed through those tribes and their territories, right?"

Yuan Lang pursed his lips and nodded. "Yes."

The witch sneered. "You only know that those tribes don’t give you salt traders any trouble. You have no idea what price the Polar Forest pays each year to ensure your safety."

Yuan Lang’s gaze was deep as he looked at the witch. "Is it Fierce Beast Crystal Cores?"

The witch gave him an appreciative look. "That’s right. We must offer them a certain number of Fierce Beast Crystal Cores as tribute. Only then will they guarantee they won’t rob or kill you.

"But a few days ago, the Clan Leader of the Flying Eagle Tribe brought a message. The tribute they demand has increased once again.

"So, Yue..."

His aged face was grimly serious. "The ones who most want you dead aren’t the tribes inside the Polar Forest, but the ones outside of it. They’re no longer content to simply trade with us for Fierce Beast Crystal Cores."