166 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Until the Fox Emperor shifted the topic to Yan Yuanqing's dramatic appearance and severe injury of Dao Ling, followed by Ren Qingyue’s final blow that vanquished him, a smile finally appeared on the Fox Empress’s lips. “A master indeed produces exemplary disciples,” the Fox Empress expressed her gratitude for Yan Yuanqing, whom she had never met. “Fu'er is fortunate to have been guided by Yan Yuanqing in cultivation; her intellect and capabilities have been honed remarkably.” The Fox Emperor naturally agreed with their daughter’s excellence. Seeing the Fox Empress in a good mood, he took the opportunity to explain the subsequent events. “So, you mean that after Nan Gongyin released a fragment of Yan Yuanqing's soul consciousness, the void rift went unnoticed, so you pretended to be a hero in the mortal world and almost lost your life in the process?” The Fox Empress’s teasing tone left the Fox Emperor without a place to hide. Tu Shan Yu couldn’t bear the Fox Empress belittling the Fox Emperor this way and spoke up urgently: “Mother, Father did nothing wrong!” “He went to seal the void gate to prevent the otherworldly spirits, even at the cost of severely damaging his cultivation and nearly falling into an ambush. But it was a dangerous venture well taken, serving as a model of righteousness worthy of emulation. You shouldn’t blame Father like this!” “Oh.” The Fox Empress replied coldly, casting him a sidelong glance. “So, my foolish son, would your father have made it out of the Xuan Huang Secret Realm alive if it weren’t for Medicine Deity accompanying him and Fu'er arriving with the Yan Tian Divine Scroll to save him?” Tu Shan Yu was at a loss for words. The Fox Empress continued to inquire: “Nan Gongyin was injured by the Demon-Exterminating Sword while breaking the seal, and her bodyguard was too occupied to manage. What benefit would arise from sending someone to kill your father?” “……” Tu Shan Yu remained silent. “Your father isn’t dead, yet you insist this was a demonic plot, unable to see it was someone trying to sow discord.” The Fox Empress sneered, “Everyone knows Qing Qiu houses a pair of foolish foxes easily manipulated.” The Fox Emperor and his son were left utterly humiliated. “We’ve been too idle in Qing Qiu to have raised two such incompetents!” Growing increasingly angry, the Fox Empress's expression darkened: “Fox Emperor, you, as the ruler of Qing Qiu, almost caused great disaster by acting recklessly. Do you think I dare leave Qing Qiu to your management?” The father and son were visibly shaken, with Tu Shan Yu looking particularly horrified. The Fox Empress rose and left a final remark: “From this day onward, you two shall move to Qingshuang Residence. I will inform the citizens of Qing Qiu that you were gravely injured during your expedition to the human realm. All affairs of Qing Qiu will hereafter be managed personally by me.” “Fox Emperor, do you have any objections?” Chapter 179 “Mother!” Tu Shan Yu exclaimed in distress, “You can’t do this to Father!” Undeterred, the Fox Empress turned away and left the study, leaving the Fox Emperor despondent, his eyes closing in despair. At this moment, a palace guard reported from outside the study: “Fox Empress, Sky Blue Arrow Demon Feng Jin seeks an audience to offer a humble apology!” “Sky Blue Arrow Demon…” Tu Shan Yu murmured, “How does she still dare to come to Qing Qiu?” The Fox Emperor was no longer concerned. To him, nothing was more devastating than a dead heart. He sighed at Tu Shan Yu: “Qingshuang Residence lacks nothing; let us go now.” Tu Shan Yu was taken aback: “Father, are you really going to Qingshuang Residence?” The Fox Emperor regained his calm demeanor: “We nearly caused a disaster, indulging for too long and losing ourselves. It’s time to reflect properly.” Seeing Tu Shan Yu hesitate, the Fox Emperor patted his shoulder: “You haven’t seen your mother when she was young. She was the former Fox Emperor's most cherished princess of Qing Qiu, smart, brave, and fierce. The position of Fox Emperor was originally hers.” “If she hadn’t found the throne too constraining and entrusted me with its responsibilities, neither you nor I would be where we are now.” He knew best that although Yao'er was protective and showed a dignified demeanor in public, she never embarrassed him in front of others. Outsiders assumed the Fox Emperor and Empress shared deep affection, with her willing to let him have the throne. In reality, it wasn’t so. As the princess of Qing Qiu, Tu Shan Yao had high standards. Among all the countless yokai in Qing Qiu, which man could truly catch her eye? It was the burden of her status that forced her to choose someone for marriage. His good looks and pure bloodline gave him a slight edge, and his honest character allowed him to gain this fortune by sheer luck. But he had basked in such good times for too long. The Fox Empress’s gentle demeanor toward him almost made him forget the humility during his pursuit of the princess, misleading him into believing their bond was strong enough to withstand the ravages of time. Reality proved that the princess remained as formidable as ever, and a passing benevolence could be reclaimed. That he retained even the nominal title of Fox Emperor was, in itself, a considerable concession in honor of their many years of marriage. “You and I have indeed disappointed her this time.” The Fox Emperor sighed, fearing Tu Shan Yu would continue down a mistaken path, and advised, “Yu’er, don’t persist stubbornly.” Tu Shan Yu had no arguments left, lowering his head in dejection. Meanwhile, the Fox Empress appeared at the central hall of the Yokai Palace to personally receive the guest. Bowing with humility and respect, Feng Jin stood at the hall with several rods tied to her back. Footsteps echoed as Feng Jin lifted her gaze momentarily, her eyes revealing a tinge of surprise upon recognizing the figure. It was said that the fox clan’s Fox Empress did not engage in political matters, and she expected reprimands from either the Fox Emperor or the crown prince. Then it occurred to her that following the attack after sealing the void gate, the Fox Emperor was critically injured, and Tu Shan Yu likely suffered significant harm as well. Given her role as an apparent “enemy of Qing Qiu,” it was expected these two would not appear. The Fox Empress gracefully walked past Feng Jin to her throne, scrutinizing the visitor with deep-set eyes. Feng Jin respectfully bowed: “I am Feng Jin, greetings to the esteemed elder.” At her words, the Fox Empress raised her chin slightly: “You are the Sky Blue Arrow Demon who shot the Fox Emperor?” The Fox Empress naturally exuded an air of calm authority combined with an imposing presence. As she spoke, the overwhelming imperial aura transformed into an unseen force pressing upon Feng Jin. Feng Jin drew a deep breath, her internal technique automatically circulating to withstand the surrounding pressure, and spoke with steadiness. “I have come today for that very incident. There are circumstances involved, and I beseech the esteemed elder to allow me to explain. Afterward, I shall accept any punishment deemed appropriate.” The Fox Empress squinted her eyes in consideration. Terran cultivators excelled at dissembling, and this Sky Blue Arrow Demon was not a simple character either. Yet she didn’t oppose listening to this person’s account of the past events. “Before, I was entrusted by the Immortal Yan Yuanqing to investigate a group of bandits causing havoc in the mortal realm.” “These bandits were extremely nefarious and adept at disguising themselves as disaster victims to elicit sympathy. They infiltrated Mount Duobao and stole a cache of treasures, then fled through Mist Demon Gorge into Qing Qiu.” “Later, while pursuing the thieves, the Fox Emperor unknowingly harbored them, and fearing their escape, I infiltrated the Yokai Palace. It was during my pursuit of the bandits that the Fox Emperor was inadvertently injured.” At that time, she was impetuous, equipped with numerous treasures. Immortal Yan Yuanqing had even specially crafted protective items for her to facilitate the mission and capture the bandits. Unbeknownst, those bandits were expert thieves, stealing even Qing Qiu’s secret medicinal aid, subsequently complicating her capture efforts significantly. This was initially a misunderstanding, yet her affiliation with the demon lord and the bandits fanning the flames led Tu Shan Yu to insist that Feng Jin had infiltrated the Yokai Palace to shoot the Fox Emperor and steal medicinal secrets. When seeds of hatred were sown, explanations were futile. She could only hide her tracks temporarily. Moreover, back then, she was brash and dismissive of the grudge, not regarding it seriously, so much so that she nearly forgot about the matter over time. Had it not been for encountering Tu Shan Yu two years ago in an immortal’s dwelling, where he recognized her archery, she might never have remembered. The Fox Empress, having listened, her eyes glinted with a gleam: “If that’s so, why have you sought us today?” The events transpired hundreds of years ago. Even without her stepping forward, Qing Qiu could do little to her. An admission and voluntary punishment offering as such was unprecedented for the Fox Empress to see. “Hostility between the yokai and demonic races stems entirely from this incident, a reflection of my personal failures and should be borne by me alone.” Feng Jin's tone was straightforward, as she bowed deeply to the Fox Empress. “I hope for misunderstanding resolution and the quelling of enmity between the races henceforth.” This indeed was Nan Gongyin’s true intention, the Fox Empress thought. During the expedition to the Xuan Huang Secret Realm, Nan Gongyin was severely injured, and numerous masters from the human realm sought her life. The Immortal Realm and the Immortal Alliance also watched keenly; although not fearing an additional adversary in Qing Qiu, further conflict from misunderstanding seemed unnecessary. The Fox Empress, supporting her chin with one hand, inquired further, "But how can you prove that it was Yan Yuanqing who entrusted you with this task?" Feng Jin seemed prepared for this question. With a turn of her wrist, she took an artifact from her side and presented it with both hands. "This was the bow that caused the injury, gifted by Immortal Yan Yuanqing. It bears the mark of the Immortal; please examine it, esteemed elder." A yokai guard approached, taking up the bow and presenting it to the Fox Empress. The Fox Empress examined it carefully. The bow was of exceptional quality, making forgery unlikely. From various angles, Feng Jin had no reason to lie. Grasping the bow with one hand, she gazed sharply at Feng Jin, then suddenly said in a cold voice, "If so, does that mean I could kill you for this?" Feng Jin's heart trembled, but she maintained her composure, bowing slightly and responding with dignity, "If my death can bring peace between Qing Qiu and the demon clan, I would willingly accept it!" The Fox Empress pondered for a moment. Feng Jin was not of the demonic race but merely served under Nan Gongyin, yet possessed such resolve. It was pitiable that Qing Qiu, in its peace, lacked talents like her. She was well aware that truly killing Feng Jin would only deepen the rift between the yokai and demon clans. Given Nan Gongyin’s character, she certainly wouldn’t let it lie. After a brief silence, the Fox Empress casually tossed the bow back to Feng Jin and remarked, "Enough. Immortal Yan Yuanqing has been a great benefactor to Qing Qiu. Since you acted on his behalf, clearing up the misunderstanding suffices; we’ll turn the page on this matter and not raise it again." "As a visitor, why not stay in Qing Qiu for a few days? Consider it a gesture of goodwill between the yokai and demon clans." With the Fox Empress issuing such an invitation, Feng Jin naturally couldn't refuse. She replied, "Thank you, esteemed elder." Simultaneously, Yan Zhao and her group had already left the yokai city, proceeding without delay directly to Mist Demon Gorge. During the journey, they circumvented the edge of the city, taking about a month from the Yokai Palace to reach the gorge. Upon their difficult arrival at Mist Demon Gorge, Ren Qingyue noticed the toxic miasma was thicker compared to their arrival. Thankfully, before setting out, the Fox Empress had prepared them with ample fox incense to counteract the miasma's effects. Yan Zhao, having a unique constitution, theoretically didn’t require the fox incense, but to be safe, Ren Qingyue separated a portion for her, insisting she carry it at all times. Since it was a gift from her senior sister, Yan Zhao cherished and carefully stored it. Elder Chen had been a man of few words on the journey. Whenever they paused for rest, he would sit down, healing himself. When they resumed travel, he took up the rear, making Yan Zhao feel as though it was just her and her senior sister traveling together. “On our way here, Master taught me to recognize many medicinal herbs within Mist Demon Gorge.” With time on their hands, Yan Zhao proudly displayed her cultivation progress to Ren Qingyue, her eyes alight with excitement. “Is that so?” Ren Qingyue picked up on her tone, smiling, “Then I’ll have to test you. Can you find three herbs for me?” Yan Zhao thought it was a simple task, confidently assuring Ren Qingyue, “Just wait!” She picked up a dry branch from the ground and surprisingly wielded it like a sword, striking out with sword energy to cut down a small white flower growing on a branch not far away. “This is Quiet Night Fragrance.” Yan Zhao picked up the white flower enthusiastically and presented it to Ren Qingyue.