Chapter 148: Placing the Three Bear Cubs

"These three little bears are so cute and silly, they just have a bit of a smell." Zhao Shuang'er said happily from behind.

Li Feifei covered her nose, laughing and teasing: "Brother Qingxuan, you really need to give them a good bath, otherwise this smell is unbearable."

Zhao Ling'er squatted down, reached out to touch the bear cub's head, but the cub opened its mouth and let out a low growl, frightening her into quickly pulling her hand back.

Li Qingxuan laughed and said: "They're not too familiar with you yet, don't be scared."

Wang Hongmei stepped forward, took out some dried meat from her pocket, handed it to the bear cubs, and said softly: "Come on, little guys, have something to eat."

The three bear cubs looked at the dried meat, then at Wang Hongmei; one stepped forward, snatched the dried meat and started eating, and the other two, seeing that, also crowded over.

Chen Xiulan happily said: "Looks like they're little foodies, easily bought over with food."

Huang Rong crossed her arms and said: "These Icefield Demon Bears are interesting; I hope they can truly become our help in the future."

Li Jing also smiled and said: "Brother Qingxuan, with them around, the fortress should be safer, right?"

Li Qingxuan nodded and said: "Exactly, having them will also add considerable strength for us, but we still need to gradually tame them so they truly become part of us."

At that moment, the three bear cubs finished the dried meat, then came over to Li Qingxuan, rubbing their heads against his leg, showing great affection.

Li Qingxuan squatted down, gently stroked the bear cub's head, and said with a smile: "From today on, you are members of this fortress; I will take good care of you from now on."

Seeing this, Zhao Ling'er reached out again; this time the bear cub didn't growl but let her pat its head obediently, and she exclaimed excitedly: "Wow, they're so well-behaved; can I often play with them from now on?"

Li Qingxuan looked up at her and said: "Of course, but we should still be careful at first; once they're fully familiar with us, there will be no problem."

Zhao Shuang'er watched from the side, eyes wide, and said: "I want to touch them too."

Li Qingxuan gestured that she could come over; Zhao Shuang'er cautiously stepped forward, reached out and lightly touched the bear cub, seeing no reaction, she boldly began to pet it, her face full of joy.

Li Feifei watched this heartwarming scene and said: "Brother Qingxuan, where should we place these Icefield Demon Bears?"

Li Qingxuan stood up and said: "We'll place these three bear cubs together with the Icefield Demon Wolves; once they grow up, we'll add the Icefield Demon Wolves, and our fortress's defensive strength will increase considerably."

Huang Rong stepped forward and said: "We need to figure out how to stockpile more food, just in case."

Wang Hongmei nodded and said: "Exactly, and we can also reclaim some land around the fortress to plant vegetables and such, which would let us be somewhat self-sufficient."

Chen Xiulan chimed in: "Exactly, we could also raise some poultry, then we'd have fresh meat and eggs to eat."

Li Jing also said: "Brother Qingxuan, I think personnel training shouldn't be neglected either; we can devise a more systematic training plan so everyone's strength can improve further."

At that moment, the Chi Tiger Cubs and Swallow Sky Python Cubs that had gone out hunting returned; seeing the three bear cubs in the fortress, they curiously came over and circled around the bear cubs, sniffing them.

The three bear cubs were startled by these two sudden "big guys", and they all hid behind Li Qingxuan, letting out low growls.

The Chi Tiger Cubs and Swallow Sky Python Cubs seemed not to mind the bear cubs' reaction, wandering around them on their own, occasionally tapping the bear cubs lightly with their tails.

Li Qingxuan laughed and said: "Looks like they'll become good friends later; then our fortress will be livelier."

Zhao Ling'er watched this amusing scene and said: "Brother Qingxuan, why don't we give them names? That would make calling them easier."

Everyone listened, thought the idea was good, and began brainstorming names.

Li Qingxuan thought for a moment and said: "Then let's call these three bear cubs Xiong Da, Xiong Er, and Xiong San; simple and easy to remember."

Zhao Ling'er covered her mouth and laughed: "Brother Qingxuan, you came up with that name rather casually, but it's quite fun."

Zhao Shuang'er also laughed and said: "Yeah, from now on we'll just call them the Xiong Da group."

Huang Rong said: "Then the Chi Tiger Cubs and Swallow Sky Python Cubs also need names; we can't keep calling them like this."

Li Feifei's eyes lit up and she said: "Let's call the Chi Tiger Cub Little Tiger, and the Swallow Sky Python Cub Little Python."

Everyone listened and nodded in agreement.

Li Qingxuan said: "Alright, from now on we'll call them that; I hope they get along well and together guard our fortress."

The three bear cubs seemed to understand everyone's words, poked their heads out from behind Li Qingxuan, curiously looked at everyone, and let out low cries, as if responding to everyone.

Little Tiger and Little Python also circled around the bear cubs, occasionally bumping them with their heads, showing great friendliness.

Seeing this harmonious scene, Li Qingxuan felt relieved and continued: "From now on, our fortress is a big family, each member having their own responsibility. Xiong Da, Xiong Er, and Xiong San may be small now, but they will surely become capable guardians of the fortress. Little Tiger and Little Python are also still growing; we need to take good care of them."

Zhao Ling'er blinked and said: "Brother Qingxuan, should we give them a dedicated living space so they can live more comfortably?"

Li Qingxuan nodded and said: "Ling'er is right; I'll arrange it later, allocating an area in the fortress for them, building some simple shelters so they have their own little space."

Wang Hongmei said: "Then the task of caring for them can be shared among us on a rotation; this will both deepen our bond with them and help us better understand their needs."

Chen Xiulan laughed and said: "Exactly, I'll be the first to sign up; I love these adorable little guys the most."

Everyone listened and expressed willingness to participate in caring for these little guys. Li Qingxuan saw everyone's enthusiasm and said: "Alright, that's settled then. From now on, we'll all work together to run this big family better and better."

At that moment, Xiong Da and the others seemed to feel everyone's kindness, stepping out from behind Li Qingxuan one after another, rubbing against people's feet, and occasionally letting out happy cries.

Little Tiger and Little Python also followed them, interacting together with everyone; the fortress was filled with a warm and joyful atmosphere.

(PS: Please support the author with a free donation; the author will be more motivated. If you like this book, leave a rating. Thank you, everyone.)