150 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Sure, here is the translation of the given text: --- "That's right." Wu Yingying nodded. "I heard that when the child went missing, she was still very young. Later, it was unknown where she went or how she lived." Thinking about this, she felt quite touched and sighed, "Fate is so unpredictable. It's truly pitiful. The poor girl grew up lonely and unaware of who her parents were. I hope she's still living well." "Fox Emperor must be anxious too. How could he not worry after losing a child? Who knows how he's managed all these years? Oh, the heart of a parent! I hope Fox Emperor can fulfill his wish soon and find his daughter, so the family can enjoy happiness together." Listening to Wu Yingying's continuous lament, Yan Zhao thought for a moment and agreed that fate was indeed unpredictable and lamentable. After a moment, she suddenly propped her chin, pondering, "I don't know who my father is either. I only recently learned about my mother's identity, and she passed away a long time ago. Hey, Sister Wu, do you think this Fox Emperor could be my father?" "Pfft, cough cough!" Wu Yingying nearly choked on her spit. Ren Qingyue: "..." --- Chapter 163 Yan Zhao's serious speculation left Ren Qingyue and Wu Yingying speechless. If Nangong Yin heard Yan Zhao's words, one could only wonder what expression would cross her face. On this thought, Ren Qingyue found it amusing, and her chaotic mood was swept away. With slight helplessness, she asked Yan Zhao, "What made you think of this suddenly?" Yan Zhao deliberated, her tone natural and justified: "He lost a daughter, I lack a father; is it impossible?" "..." Ren Qingyue ruffled her hair gently, "There are so many people in the world, with countless parents who have lost children, and many, like you, grew up alone. Sometimes, it's okay not to figure everything out — it's good to be muddled occasionally." Yan Zhao listened with partial understanding. At that moment, Wu Yingying poked her head out from the side: "Junior Sister Yan, you mentioned your mother died young? Then the Fox Emperor is unlikely your father, as his wife is the Fox Empress of Qingqiu, and they've been together for many years, very much in love. As far as I know, the Fox Empress is still alive." After hearing that, Yan Zhao understood: "I see." So, the Fox Emperor of Qingqiu indeed wasn't her father. Wu Yingying never expected Yan Zhao to be an orphan too. She feared she might have touched on a painful subject for Yan Zhao with her earlier words and immediately felt a wave of guilt. She patted Yan Zhao's shoulder and quietly comforted her: "I'm sorry, Junior Sister Yan, I shouldn't have said so much. Don't be upset." Yan Zhao was not upset at all. She had grown used to being alone and never seriously thought about who her parents were. It was merely brought up by circumstance which led her to such a connection, and even if it was wrong, she wasn't bothered by it. She replied honestly, "I'm not upset." Wu Yingying assumed she was strong-willed, unwilling to show vulnerability. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I don't know who your mother is. Tell me, and I'll look for opportunities to inquire and see if I can find your father." Yan Zhao had no preoccupation with finding her father, but Wu Yingying's offer required no refusal. She straightforwardly said, "My mother is Yan Yuanqing." "Yan Yuanqing..." Wu Yingying repeated the name, feeling increasingly familiar with each utterance. Moments later, a light bulb lit up in her mind, and she exclaimed in shock, "Wait a minute, Junior Sister Yan, what's your mother's name again?" Yan Zhao obediently repeated, "Yan Yuanqing." Wu Yingying gasped, "Yuanqing Xianzun?!" Yan Zhao nodded casually. The amount of information was overwhelming, and Wu Yingying nearly exploded on the spot. Her being acquainted and getting along well with Nangong Yin was already quite a shock, and now there was something even more shocking. Yuanqing Xianzun, renowned throughout the three realms, actually had a child! Considering the famed cultivators across the world, who could possibly be a match for Yan Yuanqing? Yan Zhao's father would likely be hard to find. Wu Yingying wiped the sweat off her face but refrained from saying too much. She carefully chose her words to reassure Yan Zhao, "To catch Yuanqing Xianzun's eye, your father must be someone extraordinary. It might be difficult to find him." Yan Zhao found this reasonable and nodded, "Mm." She had no personal attachment to finding out who her father was. Occasionally, she’d wonder if her father had sought her all these years; if not, perhaps he, like her mother, had passed away. And she also wondered why her mother never mentioned her father. Ren Qingyue, listening to Yan Zhao and Wu Yingying's discussion, decided to remain silent. Yan Zhao and Wu Yingying parted near the Sect's Great Hall, waving at each other before heading in different directions. Ren Qingyue accompanied Yan Zhao back to the Pill House. On the way, Wu Yingying's remarks about fate's unpredictability kept echoing in her mind. How had the Fox Emperor and Empress managed these thirteen hundred years since their daughter's disappearance? She didn't know, nor did she dare to contemplate. Her master had been gone for so long, yet she never sought her birth parents' whereabouts. She didn’t want many ties and found it hard to address the Fox Emperor and Empress as parents due to a lack of emotional ties. She had her master before, and now she had Yan Zhao. That was enough. Upon returning to the Pill House, the sky had already darkened. Yan Zhao tidied herself up before calmly sitting cross-legged on the couch to meditate and practice. Her diligence caught Ren Qingyue off guard. When Yan Zhao was younger and unruly, Ren Qingyue always wished for her quick growth to become self-reliant and less troublesome, so she wouldn't worry as much. But now, as Yan Zhao truly matured, becoming proactive and less reliant on her, Ren Qingyue found herself at a loss. When Yan Zhao advanced more in her cultivation, faced more challenges, and saw more of the world, her role in Yan Zhao's life would gradually diminish. This thought brought a complex feeling to Ren Qingyue's heart, leaving a void that followed her like a shadow, filled with melancholic nostalgia. But overall, the relief outweighed the loss. Two days later, the Yao Shenzong's disciple alchemy competition commenced, and Yao Shenzi came early to wake Yan Zhao, putting her in a new outfit. This outfit was the standard uniform of Yao Shenzong but included additional recognizable designs due to Yan Zhao's special status. It was bespoke in white fabrics with red patterns and golden threads, crafted perfectly to fit her, presenting an especially outstanding appearance. Ren Qingyue personally secured her belt, hung Xiao Hei around Yan Zhao's waist, and stepped back to admire, finding herself remarkably impressed. Yan Zhao was blessed with rosy lips and pearly teeth, delicate and scholarly features, and a gentle demeanor when smiling. This attire added a few natural degrees of distinct bearing to her. Ren Qingyue lost herself in thought. For a moment, she seemed to see the likeness of Yan Yuanqing in Yan Zhao. This child truly was becoming more and more like her mother. When Wu Yingying came to find Yan Zhao, she was so amazed by Yan Zhao’s new look that she couldn't close her mouth. "Junior Sister Yan, you look too beautiful! Oh my, how can you be so stunning!" After praising her, Wu Yingying suddenly clapped her hands, earnestly advising Yan Zhao, "Junior Sister, stay by my side today so you won't get tricked by those infatuated male disciples in the sect!" Yan Zhao tilted her head, "Infatuated male disciples?" "In short, just don't pay attention to them!" Wu Yingying didn't elaborate further to Yan Zhao. Yan Zhao didn't overthink it. She never liked to expend energy on unimportant things. Wu Yingying led Yan Zhao to meet Yao Shenzi, who was thoroughly pleased with Yan Zhao’s appearance for the day. His mustache curled as he clapped in delight, "As expected of my disciple, such impeccable presence! I declare, from today onward, Zhaozhao will be the golden face of our Yao Shenzong!" Yan Zhao didn’t quite understand, but respected it. The alchemy competition proceeded on schedule, with each faction's elders sending their prized students to participate, marking it as a grand event held every five years at Yao Shenzong. Yan Zhao wasn't required to participate in the competition but had to attend the opening ceremony with Yao Shenzi. According to Yao Shenzi, it was to let her be seen by various disciples and elders of the sect to avoid future unfamiliarities. Yao Shenzi and Elder Wu shared the same sect origins and a close relationship, so while Yao Shenzi was busy with the ceremony, Wu Yingying took Yan Zhao to greet each sect's branch elders. Ren Qingyue, not a disciple of Yao Shenzong and wary of stirring disputes due to the recent upheaval in Fuyun Sect, found a discreet spot to rest, watching Yan Zhao from afar. After the opening ceremony, Yao Shenzi had barely stepped aside when male disciples began quietly gathering. A male disciple stopped Wu Yingying, speaking in a hushed voice, "Sister Wu, you're close to the Young Sect Master; do you know what she likes?" Wu Yingying thought to herself, not surprising, and gave him a sideways glance, "Why are you asking?" The male disciple nervously rubbed his hands together as he rehearsed his prepared speech. "I happened to acquire a treasure by chance. It's exquisite and delicate, perfect for the Young Sect Master..." Wu Yingying looked at him with bright eyes, asking back, "Why is it suitable for the Young Sect Master and not for me? Why don't you show it to me first?" The male disciple: "..." Who would have thought Wu Yingying would be so cautious, viewing every male disciple with suspicion, like a hen guarding her chicks? Several disciples trying to get close to Yan Zhao through Wu Yingying met with failure. Before long, someone came up with a new strategy and sent female disciples familiar with Wu Yingying to gather information. For a time, Yan Zhao was the center of attention. Watching this scene from afar, Ren Qingyue felt complicated emotions, the latent sense of loss within her suddenly magnifying. Could a fish of gold descent remain in a shallow pond? It transforms into a dragon given the right conditions. She always knew Yan Zhao wouldn’t live an ordinary life. Yan Zhao had many unique qualities; it just took time for them to mature. One day, she’d shine before everyone. This day had arrived sooner than Ren Qingyue anticipated. When Yan Zhao fully integrates with this world, gaining a supportive master and fellow disciples who protect her, how much of a place would she, the eldest senior sister of Fuyun Sect’s Tianzhu Peak, still hold in Yan Zhao's heart? On the day Yan Zhao no longer needs her, where will she go? Ren Qingyue lowered her eyes, a look of melancholy on her face. Just then, there was a rustling in the grass by her side. A small fiery-red fox emerged from the bushes, approaching Ren Qingyue's side. The little fox leaped into the air, transforming to reveal her true form. It was Bai Jin. "Older cousin," Bai Jin quickly approached. Seeing Ren Qingyue staring into the distance without a word, Bai Jin followed her gaze and noticed a particularly prominent figure in the crowd. She knew that Ren Qingyue didn’t want to return to Qingqiu, so she wasn’t particularly fond of Bai Jin either. Though it pained her, Bai Jin dutifully delivered her message. "Uncle has improved and plans to set off for Qingqiu tomorrow." Bai Jin paused halfway before continuing, "He wishes to meet Yan Zhao before he leaves..." Ren Qingyue guessed what she wanted to say. Just as she was considering how to decline, Bai Jin unexpectedly altered her words, "He hopes to see Yan Zhao before leaving." Ren Qingyue: "?" She turned her head in confusion, "Why does he want to see A Zhao?" Bai Jin spread her hands, reciting Tu Shan Xun's words verbatim, "I don't know either, Uncle must have his own thoughts." "..." Ren Qingyue pressed her lips together, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Where is he now?" Bai Jin silently praised her uncle's foresight and quickly replied, "Uncle was invited to the ceremony and is currently resting in the sect's main hall." Ren Qingyue tilted her chin toward Bai Jin, "Lead the way." Before long, Ren Qingyue met Tu Shan Xun in the sect's main hall. Tu Shan Xun sat quietly in a side hall, enjoying tea with incense burning, while Wu Elder kept him company. The atmosphere was harmonious. When Ren Qingyue arrived, the chatter in the hall paused momentarily. Tu Shan Xun's gaze shifted, resting on Ren Qingyue, warm laughter in his eyes as he spoke first, "You're here." With a composed demeanor, Ren Qingyue walked into the hall, unbothered by Wu Elder's presence, and coldly locked eyes with Tu Shan Xun. --- The moment they met was unexpected, but filled with destiny's design.