Chapter 111
“City Lord p>
Lang bowed respectfully.
Kith responded with a calm hum. “You arrived quickly. What happened p>
A flicker of concern crossed his eyes. Had something gone wrong in White Tiger City?
“We had already planned to come find you,” Lang replied. “Your elder brother has been restless lately. He’s been in frequent contact with several elders and seems to be making moves. Maye is struggling to hold things together and asked me to request your return to stabilize the situation p>
Kith’s brows knit slightly. “I won’t be going back. Tell Maye to handle it p>
“If you don’t return, then White Tiger City—” Lang’s expression tightened with worry.
“It won’t fall so easily. And the old man is still there,” Kith said evenly.
He paused, then added in a lower tone, “Send someone back to inform the old man. Have him appoint a new city lord. I… may not return again p>
If Nina never wished to go to White Tiger City, then neither would he. Nothing mattered more than her and the cubs.
“City Lord… you—” Lang stared at him in disbelief.
Why would their city lord make such a decision?
“Have you truly thought this through p>
Lang hoped he would reconsider. In his eyes, Kith was the finest city lord White Tiger City had ever known.
In just a few short years, he had brought order and prosperity, earning the deep admiration of his people.
Even if Kith stepped down, Lang would still follow him without hesitation.
“I’ve made my decision,” Kith said firmly. It was not a rash choice.
“There’s something else,” Kith continued. “Investigate where elemental stones can be found. If they can be purchased, buy them. If not, report back to me p>
“Yes, My Lord p>
“Bidao p>
“Present p>
“Return to White Tiger City and bring everything I left behind. Also purchase items females would like—only the finest p>
“Yes p>
Bidao’s eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded obediently. As an unmated male, he had little idea what females preferred. He would have to consult his mother.
The other white tiger males exchanged stunned glances.
A female?
Did their city lord have a mate? Was that why he refused to return?
They discreetly glanced at Kith’s forehead.
There was no mating mark.
Had he not yet succeeded?
Heaven help them—what kind of female could possibly refuse a male like their city lord?
Curiosity burned fiercely within them.
What sort of woman could make him give up everything?
After giving his orders, Kith immediately returned.
Bidao led several white tiger warriors back to White Tiger City, while Lang began investigating the matter of elemental stones.
Fortune seemed to favor them. It wasn’t long before Lang uncovered information.
They reported back at once.
“City Lord, we’ve learned that the lord of Barbaric City is also collecting elemental stones. Many tribes have sold theirs to him. However, he likely has no intention of selling them onward p>
“Barbaric City Kith stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Why were they collecting elemental stones? Could that city lord also absorb their energy?
“Anywhere else p>
“Yes.” Lang’s expression sharpened. “The mutated beast hordes p>
Kith’s eyes darkened.
Previously, Nina had been surrounded by mutated beasts. Tao’s group had also been relentlessly pursued because of an elemental stone.
Barbaric City. Mutated beasts.
Was there a connection?
“Recently, mutated beast hordes have been attacking tribes that possess elemental stones and seizing them. One beastman ventured near a gathering site not far from here and saw numerous stones in their territory p>
Kith gazed into the distance, considering.
“Find the exact location of the gathering site. Make preparations. We’ll seize the stones p>
Whatever Nina wanted, he would obtain for her.
Barbaric City was too far.
Then they would take them from the mutated beasts instead.
Lang was startled but nodded firmly. “Yes p>
Soon after obtaining the location, Kith went to bid Nina a brief farewell.
“Nina, I need to step away for a couple of days. I’ll return quickly p>
She looked mildly surprised but did not question him. “Alright. Be careful p>
She believed it was natural for him to have his own matters to attend to.
Before leaving, Kith lingered a moment, reluctant. Two or three days without seeing her. It felt longer already.
Kith and his men reached the mutated beasts’ gathering grounds. After careful observation, he devised a plan with Lang.
That night, thunderous roars shattered the silence of the forest.
A fierce battle erupted deep within the jungle.
On the third day, Kith returned—face pale, movements steady.
He checked his appearance carefully before going to Nina.
From within his cloak, he produced a small pouch of elemental stones and placed it before her.
“Nina, I know you want these. They’re for you p>
She stared at the pouch. “These… these are yours. How can I take them p>
After a moment’s thought, she added, “How about I buy them from you p>
She did need them, but they were far too precious to accept freely.
Kith smiled faintly. “Alright. Give me one green crystal. That’s enough. I have no use for the stones p>
He didn’t want her to feel burdened. After all, he had gone out specifically to find these, hadn’t he?
She handed him three green crystals. “I can’t take advantage of you p>
He accepted them without protest. “Then I’ll head back p>
He could feel blood seeping through his bandages again. He couldn’t let her notice.
After setting down the pouch, he turned and left.
For some reason, Nina felt that his back looked thinner than usual. His complexion had seemed off, too.
She hesitated—then followed.
Inside his room, Kith removed his black shirt. Dark stains marked the fabric.
His body was covered in wounds—large and small. Some were deep, especially along his waist and back, where several gashes cut nearly to the bone, blood still slowly flowing.
Without hesitation, he uncorked a vial and poured the medicine over his injuries.
The pain was excruciating.
But it was the most effective at stopping bleeding.
Outside, Nina reached his doorway.
From within, she heard a muffled groan of pain.
She lifted the curtain slightly, and her heart trembled.