The evil female is weak and the males of the whole continent are out of control and fall.

Chapter 621 The Eve of Departure
Without further delay, he strode toward the stone house where Shuanghua lived.

From afar, one could see busy figures in the open space in front of Shuanghua's house. Wanwan and Huahan were helping Shuanghua process the piles of wild animal meat and berries.

As for Shuanghua's residence, it remained unchanged from his previous visits, showing no signs of long-term male presence.

Seeing that Bai Wanwan was also personally involved, Jiao Yuan instinctively wanted to step forward and help.

He had just picked up a hide that needed to be skinned when a hand reached out from the side—it was the male named Qiu Gang.

"I'll do it." Chief Gang's voice was not loud, but it was firm. He reached out to take the animal hide.

Jiao Yuan almost reflexively tightened his grip on the animal hide, his tone carrying the authority of a superior, "No need, I'll do it."

As the patriarch of the Jiaolong clan, he unconsciously exudes a powerful aura.

However, Qiu Gang did not back down because of his imposing manner; he did not loosen his grip and silently expressed his persistence.

Jiao Yuan's brows furrowed immediately, and a surge of anger inexplicably rose in his heart.

Why does this unremarkable, ordinary-looking male keep appearing by Shuanghua's side?

His eyes darkened, and the imposing aura of a Crimson Rank expert emanating from him was no longer restrained, pressing down on Qiu Gang like an invisible tide.

Two males, one majestic and handsome, with an imposing presence; the other ordinary-looking, yet unyielding.

Over the ownership of a single animal hide, they found themselves locked in a tense standoff at Shuanghua's gate, the air itself seeming to freeze.

Shuanghua was already in a bad mood because of Jiaoyuan's arrival, but she only managed to endure it because Wanwan was there.

Seeing that he was actually releasing his pressure on the chieftain who had been silently helping him in his own place, the resentment that had been building up in his heart was instantly ignited.

She suddenly stood up, took a few steps to Jiao Yuan, and her expression was not good.

When Jiao Yuan saw her coming, he assumed she was there to offer advice, so he instinctively tried to tone down his aura to avoid frightening her. He also wanted to take the opportunity to say a few words to her and ease the tension.

However, before he could speak, Shuanghua's cold voice rang out, carrying a clear sense of distance, "Let go."

Her gaze fell on Jiao Yuan's hands, which were tightly gripping the animal hide. "I don't need your help here. Qiu Gang usually does these chores."

Her words clearly drew a line, pointing out who was truly needed here.

When Qiu heard Shuanghua admit that he was the one who usually did it, he couldn't help but smile slightly, revealing a simple yet satisfied smile.

Jiao Yuan was momentarily stunned, and the animal hide in his hand was taken back by Qiu Gang.

He watched helplessly as Chief Gang took the animal hide to the side and skillfully began processing it, while Shuanghua... from beginning to end, didn't linger on him for even a second longer, as if he were just an unnecessary presence.

The emptiness in his hands, along with Shuanghua's icy attitude, was like a bucket of ice water poured over his head and face, chilling him to the bone.

As he watched Shuanghua turn to leave after speaking, an indescribable emotion suddenly seized him, causing him to blurt out a sentence with a tone of hardness he himself was unaware of.

"Shuanghua," he called to her, "are you... avoiding me?"

Shuanghua stopped in her tracks, turned half her body to look at him, her eyes as calm as a pool of cold water in late autumn, without any ripples.

"I'm glad you understand." Her voice remained flat, yet each word was clear, like an icicle. "I couldn't stop you from visiting Wanwan in the Tiger Clan. But I hope you won't ever appear near my home again."

Don't show up near my house again...

These words, like a red-hot needle, precisely pierced the softest spot in Jiaoyuan's heart, bringing a sharp and lingering pain.

He stared blankly as Shuanghua finished speaking, then turned around without a second glance and returned to Wanwan's side to continue his busy work, as if he were just an insignificant passerby.

Why does it feel so uncomfortable?

Jiaoyuan thought blankly.

They grew up together, chasing and playing in the tribe, sharing secrets, and were once inseparable companions. Even though their relationship became distant and cold later in life for various reasons, it had never been like this before…

Shuanghua's eyes held a look of near-disgust and rejection.

Thinking about the future, he might never see her again, and even if they did, she would treat him like a strange male.

An unprecedented and immense sense of loss enveloped my heart.

He stood there, watching that busy, resolute figure disappear into the distance.

For the first time, he clearly realized that some things might have been completely lost without him even noticing.

Jiao Yuan walked silently to Bai Wanwan's side. His tall figure stretched long in the setting sun, yet it exuded an indescribable sense of loneliness.

Bai Wanwan glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and sighed softly in her heart.

He quickened his pace, efficiently finished the last bit of work, and dusted off his hands.

"Aunt Shuang, Uncle Qiugang, we've finished our work here, so we'll head back now." Her voice was clear and crisp as she smiled and said goodbye to them.

Shuanghua looked up and smiled gently at her: "Wanwan, you've worked hard. Go back and rest."

Her gaze swept over Bai Wanwan, lingering briefly on Jiao Yuan behind her, her smile fading slightly.

Just then, the chieftain who was moving the stone next to him lost his grip and almost hit his own foot.

Shuanghua walked over anxiously, "How are you? Are you hurt?"

Chief shook his head, his face flushed. He was so useless; he could make a mistake on such a small matter.

The female seemed unconcerned, only concerned with whether he was injured.

Jiao Yuan watched all this, his Adam's apple bobbing, but he ultimately said nothing and silently withdrew his gaze.

Bai Wanwan saw all of this and stopped lingering. She tugged at Jiao Yuan's sleeve and whispered, "Father, let's go."

"Hmm." Jiao Yuan responded softly, then turned and followed the female cub.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber on the way back.

Even though Hua Han was talking to Bai Wanwan from time to time, the low pressure emanating from Jiao Yuan was too obvious.

It wasn't until they were almost back in the cave where they were temporarily staying that Jiao Yuan seemed to snap out of his reverie and slowed his pace.

Bai Wanwan felt it was time to get down to business.

She stopped and turned to look at Jiao Yuan. "Father Beast, Chief Rong and I will be leaving the tribe in a couple of days. Do you want to go back to our own tribe, or stay here for a while?"

Upon hearing this, Jiao Yuan acted almost without hesitation.

He raised his head, the confusion in his eyes fading, replaced by a deep and unwavering fatherly love.

"Do I have to go?"

"Hmm." That single word indicated that she would not change her mind.

He looked at his female cub and sighed, "You're leaving now. I have to look after the cubs myself. I'll stay a little longer."

She never had a father, but she sensed that feeling from the original owner's father beast.

"Okay, then we'll leave the babies to you. We'll be back as soon as possible."

(End of this chapter)