Her rules were his rules, and not the slightest disrespect was permitted.

"Woof-woo~" Water Cannon’s small, hesitant eyes revealed unwavering determination.

It saw Ice Lump as a brother, but its mother was someone it would protect with its very life.

From a distance, Liu Yi spotted the little ones returning. Catching sight of the tigers lounging lazily in the courtyard, she hurried out at a run to greet them.

With Seven Kill guarding Ice Lump, there was nothing to worry about, but the two little puppies were another story.

Although the Tiger King had promised not to hunt atop Jiushan Peak, who could guarantee that none of the tigers would take a bite out of a puppy? Wouldn’t that break bones and snap tendons?

How much pain would the little dogs be in…

Indeed, two adolescent tigers in the group caught the scent of the small beasts, and their predatory instincts were awakened—they instinctively pounced. Luckily, the Tiger King and Seven Kill intervened and disciplined them soundly.

Birds in the branches above, startled, burst from the forest in a flurry.

Brilliant auroras shimmered across the sky, casting shifting lights and shadows over all the animals.

“Brothers Tiger and Sister Tiger, Tigger is truly happy to see you, but Water Cannon and Shanshan are both my brothers. If you bully them, you’re bullying me, Ice Lump!”

Ice Lump lifted its little head, half-bald from fire, and with a stern, chubby face, spoke with righteous indignation.

It had seen everything just now—they wanted to make Grandpa Dog and Grandma Dog their prey!

But Shanshan and Water Cannon were no pushovers; with perfect teamwork, they electrified the two adolescent tigers into thunder tigers.

“This is the first and only time! I’m giving Ice Lump face,” Shanshan declared. Though wounded and still bandaged, it radiated an intimidating presence that kept the tiger group at bay.

So what if they were canines?

They had a mother’s love, and supernatural powers to protect them—no less than the tigers.

Behind Liu Yi, unnoticed, Little Phoenix shook its wings, sending out a wave of pressure that once more subdued the restless tigers.

Her rules were his rules—not a hint of disrespect tolerated.

Liu Yi, too, wore a stern face and kept silent.

In the end, it was Seven Kill who mediated and brought the matter to a close.

The Tiger King used this incident as a lesson, once again instructing its kin: since they were here to help, they must abide by the household’s rules…

When evening came and it was time to cook, Liu Yi and Little Phoenix prepared beggar’s chicken, roasted rabbit, and a whole roasted lamb.

The tiger group had already hunted their fill deep in the mountains, but the overpowering aroma of these unfamiliar dishes made them feel as though they could eat again.

In the wild, beasts were always straightforward—by nightfall, the day’s unpleasantness was forgotten. The Tiger King shamelessly approached Liu Yi to ask if there were any leftovers. If they could have some, he promised to repay double in prey the next day.

Liu Yi had anticipated this and had prepared enough food. She gave them three beggar’s chickens, two roasted rabbits, and the bones of an entire roasted lamb.

The bones were roasted to a crisp, fragrant perfection—tastier even than the meat.

Instantly, the tiger group fell in love with these flavors.

At last, they understood why the white tiger and her cub would choose to live alongside humans, willingly accepting so many restrictions.

These people stored clean water, so there was no need to trek to the river when thirsty; their meals were savory and cooked, while the tigers could only supplement salt by drinking animal blood.

In their leisure, they could even lie on soft sofas and watch television, their spirits well-fed.

A wave of envy began to grow in the hearts of these fierce beasts…

With the situation settled, Liu Yi asked the tiger cubs about their attempts to persuade the other creatures.

The results were not promising—the little beasts feared the tiger tribe and dared not come. They usually played with Ice Lump only because it was known not to eat other animals…

The boat of friendship capsized in an instant, leaving Ice Lump deeply hurt.

Only the ancient red pine in the forest was willing to help, but requested that Liu Yi come in person to discuss matters.

With the polar night erasing all sense of true darkness, there was no time to lose. Well fed, Liu Yi set out at once.

Deep in the mountains stood a primeval red pine, a millennium old, its trunk so thick it would take ten people to encircle it. Around it, many ancient pines grew, each at least several centuries old.

Their trunks rose tall and straight, reaching into the clouds, with lush, dense foliage that spread a dark red glow.

The passage of time and history was etched deeply into their bark. They had witnessed countless partings and reunions among birds and beasts, had withstood storms again and again—yet still they stood, silently bearing witness to the changing ages.

“Junior Liu Yi greets the elder tree,” Liu Yi said, not belittling her interlocutor for being a plant but bowing with utmost respect.

With its centuries of age, calling it “elder” was no exaggeration.

Even if she knew nothing of its supernatural powers, its massive form alone spoke of great ability.

Before she could say more, the old red pines, wise with age, began to murmur among themselves.

“She bears the name Liu—a kindred spirit, a kindred spirit.”

“A good tree, a good tree!”

“Greetings, elders. You may call me Little Liu,” Liu Yi replied warmly, her humility evident as she addressed these benevolent beings.

“Little Liu, I remember you. Your Little Phoenix often comes here to collect pinecones. It says they’re for you, that you love to eat them,” came a voice from the thickest of the thousand-year-old red pines. It was not aged, but warm and compassionate.

“If we have trespassed, please forgive us,” Liu Yi quickly apologized, unsure how the ancient tree felt and eager to show the right attitude.

“We plants are different from animals. Our seeds travel with the wind, or with them. As long as our roots are unharmed, we gladly offer our fruit,” the red pine replied, swaying its buds and dropping a small pile of ripe pinecones.

“These are for you, Little Liu, as a greeting gift.”

Delighted by the unexpected gesture, Liu Yi thanked them and began to explain the plan to defend their home against the Di clan’s invasion.

After listening, the red pines expressed understanding, but said they had no wish to kill.

They might be plants, but their supernatural powers were of earth; wherever their roots reached, earth abilities could be wielded.

When the time came, each tree could control the sand and soil to create surges, trapping the invaders and rendering them unconscious, after which they would be handed over to Liu Yi.

Liu Yi was thoroughly delighted, and her fondness for the trees grew ever deeper.

See how generous and kind they were—offering pine nuts and their strength!

She was moved and began asking if there was anything she could do in return.

“Little Liu, my bark itches.”

“My roots feel uncomfortable.”

“My tender leaves finally sprouted, only to turn yellow—how disheartening.”

“My buds ache…”

Liu Yi knew little about treating plants, so she leafed through a book on red pine cultivation, carefully matching their symptoms.

The millennium-old red pine was infested with red spider mites. She sprayed them with a solution of pesticide diluted 1200 to 1500 times from her stockpile.

With a faint hiss, the spider mites kicked feebly and fell from the trunk, motionless.

Soon, more little bugs began to drop.

Nearby, a crooked red pine showed brown spots on its leaves, surrounded by purplish halos, with black mold visible on the blemishes.

This was a fungal spot disease…