199 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Title: "A Touch of Safety" Boom—! In a burst of sound, a magical artifact spun before the beast tamer, intercepting a deadly blow from the vibrant phoenix. The savior was the artifact refiner standing behind him. In quick succession, the alchemist fumbled to retrieve a pill, feeding it to the injured leopard. Revitalized, the leopard's wounds began to heal. Meanwhile, the phoenix wheeled around, ascending with fierce vigilance, eyeing the small platform below. The outcome remained undecided. Chen Er, her heart still pounding with fear, sighed in relief, "Being behind A-Mu feels so safe." Ye Yanran cast her a glance and suddenly asked, "Do you not feel the same when you're behind me?" Chen Er, bewildered: "Huh?" Chapter 214 Chen Er wore a puzzled expression, yet a strange emotion surged within her heart. She immediately recalled how, when she was injured, Ye Yanran had carried her for a long distance until they were safely through their ordeal. Holding her hand over her chest, Chen Er felt an inexplicable anxiety, as if something uncontrollably was growing inside. However, as soon as Ye Yanran finished speaking, she simply turned away to observe the battle again, as if the question had been a mere offhand jest, left without an answer or expectation. Her tumultuous feelings settled, and Chen Er withdrew into herself, refocusing on the ongoing match before her. The opposition's attacks had been twice countered, the situation shifted due to Xuan Yuanmu’s summoned spirit puppet, forcing them into cautious retraction, maintaining a wary standoff. The spirit puppet of the rainbow phoenix, honed with Xuan Yuanmu’s tireless effort, was a masterpiece of pride. Though its presence didn’t naturally intimidate like an aura from a spirit beast, its lightning-fast maneuvers and impact could decisively sway the battlefield. The evenly poised match now started to tilt, as the pressure bore down upon the beast tamer like a heavy weight. The three opponents quickly discussed strategies, reaching a consensus that the weakest fighter in close combat was the key to turning the tide. By taking Chen Er out of the equation and curbing her remote support, they stood a better chance of securing victory, relying on numerical superiority. With a swift exchange of glances, the beast tamer and artifact refiner repositioned themselves, this time sending the refiner to the forefront. Xuan Yuanmu's expression sharpened, and Ye Yanran's brows furrowed, trying to decipher their hidden agenda. The artifact refiner charged directly toward Xuan Yuanmu, seemingly oblivious to the phoenix looming above. Xuan Yuanmu pondered briefly; this person was likely bait, intended to provoke a response. Connection with the previous deflection of the phoenix’s attack hinted that explosive assaults might be hard to land effectively. Her thoughts racing, Xuan Yuanmu chose to remain still. Ye Yanran, stepping half a pace forward to shield Chen Er, flicked two small metallic spheres from her sleeve. Also an artifact refiner, she was confident in her abilities matching any other’s. The spheres spiraled toward the opposing refiner, who swiftly flipped his wrist to reveal a palm-sized small disk. Injecting spiritual energy into it, the disk vibrated off his palm, enlarging slightly before splitting into three shields orbiting his form. As the metallic spheres neared, the shields shifted swiftly, intercepting them. Boom—! With a bright spark, the spheres exploded upon contact, metal shards scattering in all directions. The rival refiner's expression subtly shifted, his eyes snapping shut as two loud detonations resounded, shards of cold metal battering against him. Most shrapnel bounced harmlessly off his protective aura, yet a few pieces managed to breach this defense, leaving shallow cuts upon his forehead. In the same moment, faint cracks marred the shield surfaces, indicating that two more attacks of similar strength would shatter them. Witnessing this, Ye Yanran understood fully. She immediately reached for several more metal spheres, tossing them with a flick. The explosive power of the spheres was considerable, piercing defenses of even the Golden Core stage. The opposing refiner dared not withstand them, opting instead to dodge nimbly. The spheres detonated with force, blasting the platform with shards and managing to forestall the adversary's offensive efforts. Yet the resulting smoke and dust clouds billowed high, greatly reducing visibility. The adversary’s shadow vanished into the haze, his footsteps the only indicator of his position. Using the sound, Ye Yanran discerned his whereabouts, flipping out a yellow talisman. Upon contact, the talisman ignited meshing with the swirling smoke, rapidly starting an inferno. From the surrounding viewing platforms, Master Yuanhai had apparently opened his eyes, casually noting the shift in battle, remarked, “This young woman possesses the Wood Spirit’s root. Her artifact conceals wood spirit energy, catching fire upon contact. She meticulously laid this array, quite ingenious.” Su Zijun, picking up the conversational cue, smiled: “A compliment from you is high praise indeed, though I admit Yanran has a sharp mind.” Master Yuanhai tossed out a conversational line, “It seems these children share a strong bond.” Su Zijun, keenly perceptive, followed up, “Miss Chen is genial and lively, making friends across Tianchen. It’s a blessing indeed.” Master Yuanhai sighed, “Her talent isn’t lacking, though her playful nature and penchant for mischief hinder rigorous cultivation. Keeping her out of trouble itself is a challenge.” Despite his cold tone, Master Yuanhai’s fondness while discussing his disciple was unmistakable, which couldn’t help but amuse Su Zijun. Sikong Xuan turned belatedly, confirming with Master Yuanhai, “That intriguing girl happens to be your disciple?” "What?” Apothecary Sage was equally astounded, startled to learn that Chen Er was indeed Master Yuanhai’s pupil! With his usual candor, he voiced his thoughts: “You two sure don't resemble each other at all.” Master Yuanhai was left speechless for a moment. Nearby, Xuanyuan Kai listened and only snorted inwardly: The world’s foremost mage—yet this is all his teaching amounts to? Cloud Daoist, silently thoughtful, opted out of joining the playful banter. Upon the platform, events shifted rapidly amidst the raging inferno, occupying half the space with roaring flames. Amidst the chaos, a projectile darted from the flames aimed directly for Ye Yanran’s brow. She dodged swiftly, only to find herself face to face with the leaping spirit leopard. Coated with armor about to give way under the intense blaze, the leopard, barely sustained, managed to breach the fire, targeting Ye Yanran. The leopard’s speed was unmatched, morphing into a blur of motion, putting Ye Yanran at a disadvantage. —Swoosh! A blade of water sliced through the air to strip away the leopard’s armor, spraying droplets, a few of which splattered against Ye Yanran’s cheek. Armor shattered, the water blade maintained its momentum, striking the leopard again. Yowling with pain, the leopard was slashed open along its forelimb, sent tumbling to the ground. Behind Ye Yanran, Chen Er maintained her casting stance, exhaling in relief. Remaining continuously vigilant had allowed her to sense Ye Yanran’s peril and act in time to save her. Fortune had been on her side, at least this time the water blade had succeeded. “We’re even now,” Chen Er exclaimed, satisfied. Then, unexpectedly, the downed leopard reverted to a human form, with a travel talisman dropping uselessly from its leg due to water exposure. Ye Yanran’s face shifted, suddenly understanding, turning sharply. That earlier projectile! Behind Chen Er, a looming shadow cast down like a mountain, chilling her spine. Sensing with her spiritual perception, Chen Er paled seeing the massive spirit leopard, high above, descending with its maw wide open, ready to engulf her whole. Too close to evade, the leopard’s rank breath engulfed her, all escape routes seemed sealed while even an immediate rescue from the phoenix puppet was out of reach. From the audience’s vantage, they comprehended the stratagem—the projectile concealing the spirit leopard behind Chen Er. Though every precaution seemed accounted for, it hadn’t prevented the ambush. “Chen Er!” Ye Yanran called out, alarmed. The spirit leopard’s descent collided with an enormous snowball. Though robust, the snowball dwarfed the leopard, rolling over it and careening madly across the stone platform. Yet with the flames burning unchecked, the snowball rapidly dissolved. Emerging cautiously, Chen Er surveyed and then reassured herself seeing the incapacitated leopard foaming at the mouth, free from threat. The fuel soon exhausted, flames dwindled, revealing the sole remaining opponents amidst the fire across the platform. The beast tamer's face turned ashen as his spirit animal lay helpless on the ground, despite his incantations failing to summon it back. The alchemist, trembling behind, realized the battle was lost. Xuan Yuanmu commanded her phoenix to rise into the air, prompting the two opponents to hastily concede, "We surrender!" On the floating island, Master Yuanhai averted his gaze, while Su Zijun couldn't help but chuckle. Apothecary Sage stroked his white beard and smiled warmly, "That Chen Er and my disciple might hit it off quite well." For the overseeing elder, it was the first time witnessing such a battle—grand in opening, chaotic at conclusion. After a brief hesitation, he loudly proclaimed, "Team Gengjin is victorious!" The defeated team departed Mirror Platform in low spirits, teleported away. Upon realizing her decisive actions had turned the tide, Chen Er jubilantly raced towards Ye Yanran, "I’m amazing! Who would’ve thought? Hahaha, I'm truly one in a million!" Ye Yanran, at a loss for words, thought to herself: Well, as long as everyone’s fine. Xuan Yuanmu, gracefully retracting her spirit puppet, glanced at Chen Er upon hearing her voice. Witnessing Ye Yanran's resigned shake of the head and unfinished words, Xuan Yuanmu couldn’t help but smile subtly. These two had made significant progress indeed. With the third match concluded, only two teams remained, eliminating any need for a draw. The elder overseeing the matches announced promptly, "Next up, the final match: Teams Yi and Wu, please take the stage!" "It's our turn!" Yan Zhao's tone was cheerful. Bi Lan looked at her, "You seem very eager." Yan Zhao nodded, "It’s going to be interesting." Wu Yingying, however, felt quite anxious, worried that her lack of power might hinder Yan Zhao and Bi Lan. The previous match had already demonstrated the challenges for an alchemist in direct combat. Alchemists weren't meant for the front lines! Hesitant to step onto the stage, Wu Yingying was pulled along by Yan Zhao, who grabbed her arm without a word. Bi Lan, with no other choice, followed behind them both, casting a cautious gaze toward the opposing team. Their opponents moved with calm composure, neither hastening nor dawdling. Both teams ascended the stairs on either side of the platform nearly simultaneously. As they continued upward, Yan Zhao met a pair of icy, deep eyes by chance. The opposing leader's gaze seemed to absorb all surrounding light, creating an abyssal void. Ren Qingyue felt a jolt of alarm, her eyes intently fixed. There was an expert among them, possessing a strong soul force, likely adept in illusions! A-Zhao, don’t make eye contact! This thought flashed through Ren Qingyue’s mind, but then Yan Zhao casually remarked, "This person's eyes are so strange, completely devoid of light. Is he blind?" Yan Zhao's voice carried, heard not only by Bi Lan and Wu Yingying but echoed to the three on the opposing team and the elders around the arena. Song Pi and his two teammates froze in their steps simultaneously. The woman's expression turned peculiar, while the man was visibly enraged. Ren Qingyue was at a loss for words. Chapter 215 The atmosphere on the platform became suddenly tense and oppressive. Yan Zhao sensed something amiss, looking around but finding nothing visibly out of place. Behind her, Wu Yingying hesitated, kept from retreating only by Yan Zhao's firm hold. Meanwhile, Bi Lan, accustomed to such scenarios, pinched her brow and walked to the edge of the platform, reminding, "Just be cautious." "I don't long for the moon, but for the chance to meet you.”