106 - All Eyes Are On The Peasant Family’ Adorable Baby Girl

The Sacred Land was momentarily silent. Transformed into a red-furred fox, Shen Su's fur was as vividly red as flames, quivering like little sparks in the gentle breeze. To an onlooker, she might bear a slight resemblance to Hei Hu, but she lacked the true aura of a fox clan leader. At most, she was nothing more than a beautiful red fox. The middle-aged fox took two steps forward, stretching out his hand to help Hu San Bai, who was kneeling on the ground, while muttering, "Great Elder, how could you be so blind? How could this little fox be the clan leader?" Watching the scene of an apparent fifty-something-year-old, bearded rugged man bowing obsequiously to an eighteen or nineteen-year-old handsome youth, while doubting the youth's vision, left Shen Su puzzled about Hu San Bai’s eyesight. She felt her vision blur a bit. Shen Su possessed partial memories of Mirror Quilt, so she was aware from the start that this fox body had an extraordinary origin. It belonged to one of the eight demon kings of Yanbi Mountain. However, she hadn’t anticipated that, in addition to being a demon king, she was also the leader of the Yanbi Mountain fox clan. If each demon king was also the leader of a clan on Yanbi Mountain, it was no wonder that Mirror Quilt, heartbroken by the betrayal and ambush by the Fox King and Tiger King, had no desire to return to the mountain. For Mirror Quilt, the emergence of the demon kings represented the betrayal of an entire clan. But there was something very odd. This fox’s bloodline wasn’t as pure or stable as Mirror Quilt’s, which had been enhanced by restrictions. Shen Su had inherited the fox’s body and bloodline through generations of Shen family legacy, but the aura didn’t match exactly with that of the demon king. Their appearances weren’t entirely identical either. No one had mistaken her for Mirror Quilt yet, so why would someone mistake her for the Fox King? It could be excused if a random fox couldn’t see the difference, but Hu San Bai, as the Great Elder of the fox clan, should be intimately familiar with the Fox King. He had no reason to make such a mistake. Despite the puzzled looks from the young foxes behind him, Hu San Bai scrutinized Shen Su with his almond-shaped eyes and suddenly clung to her leg, tearfully saying, "Leader, you’ve finally returned! The clan matters have been awaiting your handling." Shen Su recalled Hu San Bai's reaction when he encountered Hei Hu. He had mentioned the clan affairs being under his management at that time. It seemed he wasn’t blind. He just wanted to dump the responsibility. Shen Su quickly figured out Hu San Bai’s intentions. Mirror Quilt had killed their clan leader. Hei Hu was the holy maiden and presumably had a high status, likely one of the successors for the clan leadership. After both of these significant figures disappeared, the duties fell upon Hu San Bai, the Great Elder. Having managed the clan for so many years with great difficulty, Hu San Bai now eyed Shen Su, who had a similar bloodline to the former leader. Shen Su, understanding all this, felt Hu San Bai was being too rash. She was a newcomer with an aura similar to their clan leader; even her bloodline overlapped. Yet Hu San Bai, without thorough investigation, was eager to relinquish his responsibilities. If she harbored malicious intent, it could spell disaster for the fox clan. Hu San Bai didn’t seem afraid of Shen Su harboring ill intentions. He could disregard Shen Su’s background. The unique bloodline she possessed was exclusive to their clan leader’s successors. Among the living, only three foxes had such blood: an elder who was beyond old age, Hei Hu, and the long-vanished clan leader. To encounter such a bloodline was rare; Hu San Bai didn’t want to miss this chance. She was young and weak in cultivation, making her easy to control. Even if she wasn’t easily controlled, she needed to be immediately restrained and given heads of the clan to perpetuate the bloodline. He couldn't possibly expect the now diminished Hei Hu to fulfill this role, nor could he hope to bring back an ancient being. Hu San Bai felt his plan was thorough, confident in his strategy, yet perplexed by the odd reactions of the young fox. She exhibited none of the expected excitement of someone chosen as the fox clan leader. Instead, she stared at him with a peculiar gaze. Any other fox given such an opportunity would have agreed immediately, knowing the Great Elder’s words bore considerable weight and intimidation. Despite any doubts, most would have accepted his authority. But Shen Su did not comply. Could she already know the burdens of a fox clan leader? Handling countless internal matters while negotiating with leaders of other clans, facing their ridicule due to their reduced strength? No, no. She’s just a young fox; how could she be so lazy? A minor task that will soon be finished. As for being teased by other clans, he, as the elderly one, cared about face. Shen Su, a young fox, could manage a few snide remarks; it was a trivial matter. Hu San Bai refused to allow the middle-aged fox to help him up, continuing to kneel, hoping Shen Su would accept his offer soon. Since Shen Su was unyielding, his performance was faltering. At this crucial moment, two disruptors appeared. The middle-aged fox couldn’t comprehend Hu San Bai’s intricate scheming; he only saw that the young Shen Su didn’t resemble the missing clan leader. Forcefully pulling Hu San Bai up, he indignantly faced Shen Su, “You’re not the clan leader! Who are you to deceive our Great Elder and impersonate our fox clan leader?” Foxes are said to be cunning, but this middle-aged one was an exception. He wasn’t the only one doubtful, but he was the only one who openly denounced Hu San Bai’s lie. Hu San Bai was gnashing his teeth in frustration. Before he could rebuke the middle-aged fox, another voice joined. “The Sect Leader isn’t your clan leader; she’s a half-demon, not even a full-fledged fox demon.” The speaker was, of course, A Ling. A Ling didn't think being the fox clan leader was a good position; she just believed these foxes had their own selfish schemes, definitely harboring ill intentions. With their interference, Hu San Bai found his theatrics completely derailed. Thoroughly enraged, Hu San Bai grabbed the nearby A Ling and flung her away. Her small frame floated away in the breeze like paper until she disappeared from sight. "A Ling!" Shen Su hadn’t anticipated Hu San Bai’s sudden attack, making it unavoidable. She intended to pursue A Ling with Wei Nan Yi, but Hu San Bai sternly blocked her path, “Don't worry, I wouldn't be foolish enough to anger someone who could sever a soul root with nine kills. I merely sent her away.” After saying this, he waved to the middle-aged fox behind him, “Strengthen the barrier and seals, and don’t let outsiders enter our sacred land.” The middle-aged fox fearfully obeyed and hurried to comply. Hu San Bai feared A Ling’s bloodline, but he didn’t fear Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi. After A Ling vanished from the sacred land, his gaze turned increasingly dangerous. Shen Su quietly shielded Wei Nan Yi, channeling her spiritual power. If Hu San Bai showed any sign of malice, she would use her bloodline to suppress him and find an escape route. “What are you planning to do?” Hu San Bai’s expression changed, but his intentions weren't outright hostile. At least he didn’t plan to kill Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi. He scoffed, with a threatening look on his handsome face, “Since you’re not our clan leader, we need to talk. Please tell us honestly, where did you get that bloodline?” Hu San Bai seemed less intent on killing and more on sending away those who disrupted his plans, appearing certain her bloodline was illegitimate. He intended to leverage his position to enforce the leadership role upon her. This fox clan leader’s position likely involved not only managing clan affairs but other unpleasant tasks, making Hu San Bai eager to dump this ‘hot potato’ onto Shen Su. Knowing well she wasn’t a full demon, he still pressured her, intending to exploit her. However, Shen Su stayed, harboring her own thoughts. Standing before a fox at the Nascent Soul stage with hundreds of others, all more powerful than her, each fox possessing the potential for bestowing blessings. Wei Nan Yi needed the power of such blessings. Hu San Bai was indirectly expressing his intent, while Shen Su, having reverted to her human form and with Wei Nan Yi by her side, stood before him. She directly addressed the matter: “Elder Fox, I roughly know what you want. Perhaps we could make a deal.” Hu San Bai chuckled at her words. “A deal? And who do you think you are to make a deal with me?” “I may not have much to offer, but this bloodline should be enough,” Shen Su said firmly, her beautiful eyes showing her resolve. She had already figured out Hu San Bai’s thoughts and felt confident in stating her demands openly, knowing they had an escape route. “Elder Fox, your clan leader's position likely has bloodline restrictions and must be a tough job; otherwise, you wouldn’t be so insistent on me. You know as well as I do that I am not—” “Silence,” Hu San Bai snapped. He hadn't expected Shen Su to see through his thoughts and felt a bit embarrassed, hastily interrupting her to prevent her from exposing his reluctance to continue handling clan affairs. Since Shen Su wanted to strike a deal, she naturally complied by stopping her speech. She stared at Hu San Bai, smiling, patiently waiting for his response. To her, Hu San Bai was no longer an intimidating elder but a walking source of blessings. Hu San Bai, unsettled by her gaze, flicked his hand, creating a light barrier to isolate their conversation from the other foxes. Then he said, “You can talk to me, but you’re just a half-demon. This bloodline…” Recalling something, he grabbed Shen Su's wrist. The moment his demonic power surged into her body, his expression changed drastically. “Your bloodline is so pure. How can you be half-demon? No, no. This concerns our clan leader's bloodline. Even if Fo Si Lian did have a child with a human, her bloodline should completely dominate. You should be a pure demon. And yet, you have another bloodline within you. This, this is...” Hu San Bai’s surprise grew, but before he could delve deeper, Shen Su pulled her hand away. “Elder Fox, can we talk now?” Shen Su knew precisely what had shocked Hu San Bai—he had sensed Mirror Quilt’s bloodline. Given that they were in Yanbi Mountain, the secret of her possessing Mirror Quilt’s bloodline couldn’t remain hidden for long. If Shen Su were to get injured and bleed, her secret would be immediately revealed. Mirror Quilt had once been the leader of Yanbi Mountain, commanding loyalty and obedience from many demons. Shen Su had considered encountering such demons and revealing her bloodline to expedite Wei Nan Yi’s blessings. However, those who supported Mirror Quilt also included her assassins. The former Fox King, who led this fox clan, was one such assassin. The entire fox clan could be traitors. Hence, even if Shen Su decided to ally herself with a certain clan and reveal her identity, it couldn’t be the fox clan. She harbored intentions of leaving, but Hu San Bai ceased trying to investigate her bloodline and asked, “What do you want?” Still alert, Shen Su responded, “I want the blessings from every fox in your clan above the Golden Core stage.” Hu San Bai, hearing her demand, let out a sharp fox-like scream. The handsome youth clung to a nearby tree, his sharp claws extending from his fingertips, scratching the bark in frustration, teetering on the edge of losing control. Upon realizing his actions were visible to the other foxes despite the sound barrier, Hu San Bai released the tree he had clawed, shaking off the bark pieces. With a puzzled glare at Shen Su, he said, “Are you insane? With such pure and powerful blood, receiving blessings from lesser demons would taint it. Too many blessings could even destroy your bloodline. Don’t you understand how precious our clan leader’s bloodline is?” Hu San Bai expressed what Shen Su had already realized. She had abandoned the idea of using blessings to augment her power long ago, not out of fear for the fox bloodline but for the Mirror Quilt bloodline. “Why seek power through shortcuts? With such a distinguished bloodline, you’re naturally gifted. Why not rely on hard work and steady progress?” Hu San Bai continued reprimanding her for squandering her potential, but Shen Su had grown tired of it. She pointed to Wei Nan Yi beside her. “Elder Fox, it’s not I who need the blessings. It's my lady.” Hu San Bai looked strangely at Wei Nan Yi. “She’s human; how can she accept the blessings?” Although Wei Nan Yi often appeared as a demon due to her demon soul, her primary aura was that of a living human. Even in combat, it was hard to discern her true nature. Shen Su didn’t want to explain further; she merely asked again, “Elder Fox, will you provide the blessings?” Hu San Bai paused and then suddenly said, “Alright, but you must bear me a child.” “What?!” Shen Su widened her eyes, shocked. She had mentally prepared to become the clan leader, but this demand was utterly unexpected. Wei Nan Yi, previously silent, immediately stepped forward to shield Shen Su, resolutely rejecting, “No.” Half of Wei Nan Yi’s face was hidden behind a light veil, only her dark eyes visible, trembling slightly. She scrutinized Hu San Bai with disdain, as if he were a despicable opportunist. Hu San Bai quickly waved his hand. “I didn’t mean with me. I just want a child.” Hu San Bai’s initial plan was to make Shen Su the clan leader, disregarding her origin because her bloodline was right. However, he realized she wasn’t easily manipulated. She was smart and, most importantly, held an even purer demon bloodline suppressing the esteemed clan leader’s bloodline. Since she wasn’t of the same clan and had ulterior motives, he decided to skip her and cultivate the next generation’s leader. Seeing Wei Nan Yi protectively shielding Shen Su and recalling how Shen Su referred to her as her lady, Hu San Bai finally understood and empathetically suggested, “She called you lady earlier. If you give her a child, that works too. Our clan has a secret technique—two women can bear a child.” “Shut up!” Shen Su growled through gritted teeth. She retrieved the bell from Wei Nan Yi and hung it back on Hei Hu. “This is your clan’s pure bloodline. Stop having such ridiculous ideas about me.” Flushed with anger, Shen Su thought Hu San Bai’s suggestion outrageous. Hei Hu, discontent with being used to deflect trouble, nudged Shen Su, unhappy. Not to mention she couldn’t have children, why should she offer her flesh and blood? Familial bonds shouldn’t be bartered. On this matter, Shen Su’s emotions were particularly sensitive. Shen Su desired the blessings, but the terms breached her limits, ending any further negotiations. She grabbed Wei Nan Yi’s hand and prepared to leave, but Hu San Bai persistently trailed behind. “You should reconsider.” “Move aside,” Shen Su shouted, her anger surging. As her rage peaked, azure waves of energy rippled across her skin, creating floating patterns. The overwhelming bloodline power instantly paralyzed Hu San Bai. Rarely did Shen Su get angry, mostly when feeling injustice on Wei Nan Yi’s behalf. Today was a rare occasion where she was upset over her own matter. With Wei Nan Yi in hand, Shen Su led them away from the Sacred Land. Though her temper flared abruptly, it dissipated just as quickly. She looked embarrassedly at Wei Nan Yi. “Madam, I’m sorry.” The negotiation not only failed but ended disastrously. Even with blessings within reach, Shen Su failed to secure them for Wei Nan Yi, leaving her feeling remorseful. “You don’t need to apologize, Su,” Wei Nan Yi said softly. She felt Shen Su often burdened herself with too much responsibility. Despite the obstacles, Shen Su tried her best. If negotiations fell through due to Hu San Bai’s excessive demands, there was no need to apologize. Wei Nan Yi gazed at her gently, her eyes filled with deep affection. “Su, I think it’s right for you to get angry. Life is not something to trade.” She shared Wei Nan Yi’s perspective, aligning in thoughts and emotions. No wonder she cherished her so deeply. Shen Su's anger melted away, her sole intent now to leave, sparing herself further aggravation from Hu San Bai. They hadn't walked far when they suddenly found themselves surrounded by a formation of black banners rising ahead of them, their broad surfaces moving to envelop Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi. The banners were controlled by none other than the returning middle-aged fox. Before the banners could attack, Hu San Bai broke free from his restraints and hurried over. Breathing heavily, Hu San Bai’s gaze toward Shen Su had completely changed. "Lady Mirror Quilt, do you no longer seek the power of the blessings?" After Shen Su had fully merged with the white orb, the prominent mark of Mirror Quilt's bloodline became apparent on her body, which she could usually keep concealed. But in her moment of intense anger, the burst of power had revealed the markings, making everything unmistakably clear. Though the younger ones might not recognize it, Hu San Bai, being more knowledgeable, had no trouble identifying it. He had been wondering what kind of bloodline could suppress the Clan Leader’s bloodline. When he saw the markings of the Mirror Quilt bloodline, he finally comprehended. Seeing that Shen Su still intended to leave, he hurriedly said, "Lady Mirror Quilt, I can grant you the blessings you desire—not just from our fox clan but from all the demons above the Golden Core stage on Yanbi Mountain." The prospect of receiving blessings from all demons above the Golden Core stage on Yanbi Mountain was incredibly tempting for Shen Su. Shen Su halted, casting a doubtful glance at Hu San Bai. "As far as I know, the demons of Yanbi Mountain aren’t exactly united." “Great Elder, you mustn’t compromise so easily!” The middle-aged fox urged, not fully grasping the situation but instinctively advising Hu San Bai. Hu San Bai's mouth twitched in irritation before he raised his hand. In an instant, a black thread wrapped around the middle-aged fox’s mouth, sealing his lips shut. All he could do was glare at Shen Su with eyes full of discontent. With silence restoring some clarity, Hu San Bai looked earnestly at Shen Su, eyes filled with resignation. "We may not have been united before, but now we have no choice but to stand together." Sighing, he continued, "Lady Mirror Quilt, to be honest, Mirror Lake has been dried up for twenty years." Mirror Lake drying up. Shen Su wasn’t hearing this for the first time. When she first descended Yanbi Mountain, she had overheard this from one of the demons. She hadn’t realized it was true. This wasn’t in the original plot of the novel. The novel mentioned Mirror Lake as essential for the survival of all the creatures on Yanbi Mountain. The superior strength of these demons was largely attributed to Mirror Lake’s waters. Even the protagonist Yu Muhan once tasted its water, so it should not have dried up. As Shen Su contemplated this, Hu San Bai seized the moment, saying, "The Great Elder of the Goat Clan once calculated the cause of Mirror Lake’s drought, claiming it was due to the birth of a new master of Mirror Lake. The new master did not consent to our use of the lake's water for cultivation and hence sealed it off." Could she be the new master of Mirror Lake? The lake dried up twenty years ago—coincidentally around the same time as her and Si Hua undergoing the tribulation. The white orb left by Mirror Quilt was also shattered during that thunderstrike and later fully integrated into her body. Hu San Bai’s speculation might indeed be correct. Feeling Hu San Bai’s probing gaze, Shen Su diverted her eyes uncomfortably. "I have never done such a thing. Just because the Great Elder of the Goat Clan says it doesn't make it true. I could say it was simply time for Mirror Lake to dry up." "It can’t be wrong. Old Goat’s talent lies in divining the secrets of Heaven." Hu San Bai shook his head, seriousness etched on his handsome face. "The waters of Mirror Lake are the cornerstone of our survival and a heavenly blessing to us demons of Yanbi Mountain. It brims with spiritual energy and can gradually remove impurities from our bodies like a Marrow Cleansing Pill. Lady Mirror Quilt, the lake dried up twenty years ago and has yet to refill. While it doesn’t matter much to us old demons, future generations of demons on Yanbi Mountain will struggle to gain sentience. It will be harder for them to develop intellect, and new demons born here will be less talented, making them susceptible to oppression by human cultivators. Is that what you want to see? You too are a demon, you—" "I am not a demon; I am a half-demon, rejected by both the human and demon realms," Shen Su interjected, unwilling to listen to Hu San Bai’s mournful tone. "Don’t try to guilt me into submission. I was not born on Yanbi Mountain, and I have no emotional ties to you or your people. This is purely a transaction. Just tell me what you want from me and what you can offer in return." She wouldn’t be easily fooled. The disappearance of Mirror Lake’s water wasn’t as dire as Hu San Bai claimed. It simply meant the demons of Yanbi Mountain lost one of their advantages over the other two sacred lands. Without the lake, they would lose some of their bottom-rung demons who would stay on the mountain purely for its benefits. In the end, Hu San Bai’s concern was about the dilution of power and control. Shen Su saw through his dramatics, but Hu San Bai, being a seasoned old fox, maintained composure. "I know, you must be the descendant of Mirror Quilt and Shen Yiwu of Linxian Mountain. They should be your ancestors—who knows how many generations back? We’ve been searching for Mirror Quilt’s descendants all these years." He still attempted to forge an emotional connection with Shen Su. Shen Su doubted if acting was a trait of fox demons, but she was certain Hu San Bai’s sincerity was lacking. The love story of Mirror Quilt and Shen Yiwu had stirred quite an uproar back in the day, leading the Fox King and Tiger King to ambush them halfway. It wasn’t surprising that he deduced her lineage from this. They might have had some genuine feelings for Mirror Quilt, but their care for her was non-existent. If not for the dried Mirror Lake, they wouldn’t even know Mirror Quilt was dead, let alone acknowledge her descendants. When the original host was just a child, her family elders were killed by the mantis demons. The original host didn’t even know how many generations she was from Mirror Quilt, and neither did Shen Su. Therefore, she couldn’t inform Hu San Bai. She knew she was about eighteen hundred years younger than Shen Yiwu, similar to how much younger she was than Wei Nan Yi. Wei Nan Yi was of the same age as Shen Yiwu. Hu San Bai reminded Shen Su of something important. If Wei Nan Yi wasn’t of the same generation, she’d be at least ten ranks senior. What if Wei Nan Yi despised her for being young? Sometimes Wei Nan Yi looked at her with a certain fondness, which wasn’t reassuring. Shen Su’s heart sank, leading her thoughts deeper. If Wei Nan Yi deeply cared about rank differences and revoked her right to pursue her, wouldn't she be left heartbroken and with nowhere to cry? Even after restoring Wei Nan Yi’s spiritual roots, could she muster the courage to confess her feelings? What if Wei Nan Yi fled in fear? Previously, she worried about Wei Nan Yi’s inability to leave; now, she feared Wei Nan Yi might leave her after rejecting her. Wei Nan Yi had promised not to leave her but that might not include her feelings of infatuation. Shen Su wasn’t fearful by nature, but love's first touch often brings caution. Sneaking glances at Wei Nan Yi, Shen Su noticed Wei Nan Yi’s face, less smiling than usual when dealing with Hu San Bai, but whenever their eyes met, warmth and gentleness returned. Wei Nan Yi’s apparent favoritism made Shen Su’s heart flutter. Clearly, Wei Nan Yi didn’t dislike her; but did she like her? Any level of affection could provide hope. When her thoughts finally returned to the present, she noticed Hu San Bai’s tear-filled face. He looked pitiful, as though Shen Su had wronged him. Despite his handsome youth, he appeared somewhat fragile when crying. Truly, foxes were expert deceivers. Shen Su grew increasingly impatient. “Elder Fox, can you get to the point?” Under normal circumstances, Shen Su might entertain some theatrics and superficial lies to achieve her goals, but Hu San Bai’s earlier outrageous proposal left her irritable and uninterested in his deceit. If not for Wei Nan Yi needing the blessings, she wouldn’t even be standing here. Ignoring a crying beauty was unheard of for Hu San Bai, his tearful performance wasted. Drawing deep breaths, he abandoned attempts to evoke pity and went straight to the point. “We need your blood.” Upon hearing this, Wei Nan Yi vehemently shook her head. "Su will not agree to this." “Not all of it, just a part. As long as Mirror Lake senses the presence of its new master, everything will be restored.” “Deal,” Shen Su agreed quickly, calculating that she still had a few Recovery Pills left in her inventory, just in case. “But I don’t just want the blessings. I also want all eight demon clans on Yanbi Mountain to owe me a favor, and you all must swear an oath.” Any being that follows the path of cultivation must adhere to the laws of Heaven. Demons, born with innate advantages, face harsher cultivation conditions. For a demon of Hu San Bai’s level to take an oath would draw the attention of the Heavenly Dao. Breaking such an oath could result in a catastrophic thunder tribulation, potentially ruining all of one’s cultivated power. Hu San Bai’s eyes showed a struggle. “This... I cannot decide alone.” Shen Su knew full well that a single fox couldn’t make such a decision. If it were just the fox clan, Hu San Bai would have the authority. But Yanbi Mountain was home to eight major clans following the eight demon kings, alongside various allied forces. This was beyond Hu San Bai’s capacity. However, given their desperate need for Mirror Lake’s spiritual water, they would likely agree to her terms. Shen Su wasn’t afraid they would forcibly extract her blood; if they could, they would have done so already. She never overestimated anyone’s, human or demon, integrity. “You can come find me once you’ve reached an agreement,” she said calmly. Hu San Bai had to act on this, but before moving forward, there was something he needed to clarify. He dropped his previously friendly demeanor and took a step back from Shen Su. “Before I go, I need to ask you one thing. How do you possess our clan leader’s bloodline? Was it theft?” His severe presence was almost palpable, like a blade ready to slice through flesh. Foxes are not only adept at deception but also swift to change attitudes. Moments ago, Hu San Bai had been congenial; now, he was interrogative and menacing. He knew Mirror Quilt’s capabilities well: one was mind-reading, and the other was the ability to seize control of another demon’s body through transformation. Realizing Shen Su was a descendant of Mirror Quilt, he deduced that the fox bloodline in Shen Su must be due to Mirror Quilt using the transformation and possession ability. Although Hu San Bai was questioning, he had already surmised the answer. Shen Su remained composed. “Elder Fox, your clan leader had it coming. When she ambushed my ancestor, she should have known it wouldn’t end well for her.” For a moment, Hu San Bai’s composed expression faltered, his handsome features distorting with rage. “That tiger could return, but why wouldn’t she allow our clan leader to come back?” Because the tiger demon was clever. He avoided Mirror Quilt and chose instead to lure Wei Nan Yi away. At the time, Wei Nan Yi wasn’t as decisive in battle, so the tiger demon barely escaped with his life. As Shen Su had anticipated, the fox clan had betrayed Mirror Quilt, and Hu San Bai knew about it. “Great Elder…” The middle-aged fox’s surprise at their conversation broke through Hu San Bai’s control, “The clan leader wanted to kill Lady Mirror Quilt?” Hu San Bai quickly looked toward the gathered foxes, slapping the middle-aged fox on the shoulder. “Hu Si Lian, silence.” He was terrified that the other foxes would hear the treacherous ambitions of their clan leader. Hu Si Lian, filled with sorrow, murmured, “Mirror Quilt was not quick-tempered, but she treated us well. Why would the clan leader want to kill her? She even consumed Mirror Lake’s water, essentially raised by Mirror Quilt.” Having learned of Shen Su’s true identity, Hu Si Lian’s attitude shifted drastically. “Lady, may I know your name? This matter was the fault of our clan leader, not ours. We are willing to follow your orders. There’s no need for you to repay the Mirror Lake’s waters. I’ll grant you a blessing right now.” Unlike the cunning Hu San Bai, Hu Si Lian was sincere to a fault. He raised his hand, pointing gently towards Wei Nan Yi. “With my blessing, may you be safe.” Golden light immediately emerged, flying towards Wei Nan Yi. The powerful blessing made Shen Su and Wei Nan Yi’s eyes light up. This incessantly meddlesome Hu Si Lian turned out to be at the Nascent Soul stage. Not all foxes were traitors, it seemed. Wei Nan Yi’s power surged to the sixth level of Qi Condensation. Seeing a living human absorb demon blessings, Hu San Bai was filled with curiosity and unease but suppressed it. In this situation, he could not afford to offend Shen Su further. Hu San Bai took a deep breath, glaring at Hu Si Lian. His cunning nature kept him from granting Wei Nan Yi a blessing without fulfilling his demand. “I tried to dissuade her many times, but she was swayed by that wretched tiger. She insisted on descending the mountain to kill Lady Mirror Quilt. Knowing the secret, I kept silent about it. A month later, the tiger returned to Yanbi Mountain unscathed, but our clan leader did not. I assumed the worst.” “I confronted the tiger, but he denied any encounter with Lady Mirror Quilt or knowing our clan leader’s whereabouts. Unfortunately, Fox Rou overheard this and sought to go down the mountain to find her aunt and Lady Mirror Quilt, refusing to believe they were dead without seeing bodies. Three hundred years ago, she escaped, searching all this time, only to end up as a demon puppet. Given her talents and cultivation, that should never have happened.” Mentioning the demon puppet, Hu San Bai’s anger was unmistakable. Sooner or later, he planned to settle this score with Sheng Lian and his followers, even if not immediately. Hu Si Lian, staring at Hei Hu with a heart full of grief, murmured, “This must be karma.” Indeed a persuasive speaker, Hu San Bai was even more incensed by Hu Si Lian’s words, snapping, “What karma? It was human greed that harmed Little Rou.” Shen Su interjected. Pointing at the two kneeling female fox demons, she said, “Elder Fox, they might know how Fox Rou ended up this way.” --- If you have any issues with this text, please contact us, and we'll promptly address them. **Pen迷 Reading** All Rights Reserved. Masthead | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter