221 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

"This is indeed an opportunity," Su Zijing murmured to herself. Yuan Hai Zhenren, upon hearing this, pressed her for more details: "Palace Master Su, what do you imply?" Yao Shenzi also turned his attention to Su Zijing, listening intently as she explained, "The Immortal Alliance intends to visit Fu Yun Sect for the grand ceremony. We, too, can join in." Yuan Hai Zhenren still harbored doubts as to why Su Zijing would want to join the hustle and bustle at Fu Yun Sect, but Yao Shenzi quickly understood, "Ah, I see!" Fu Yun Sect was under Yun Daozi's jurisdiction, and Su Zijing wasn't fully comfortable with Yan Zhao going there alone. Even though Yan Zhao carried numerous protective magical treasures and could summon them using talisman stones in emergencies, considering her relatively low level of cultivation, the risk was still considerable. However, if they could take advantage of the Fu Yun Sect's grand event, they would have a legitimate reason to be there, and even Yun Daozi couldn’t turn them away. In this way, whatever unforeseen events might occur, they could respond more promptly. There was more than enough time to execute this plan. Yao Shenzi clapped his hands, exclaiming, "Brilliant!" Yan Zhao, still puzzled, heard Su Zijing say to her, "Zhao Er, why not delay your departure for a bit? Your godmother has some matters to discuss with you." Though she didn't understand why Su Zijing wouldn't explain immediately, Yan Zhao, who never delved too deeply, nodded in agreement, "Alright." Su Zijing waved her away, "You should go rest for now." Obeying, Yan Zhao turned to leave while Su Zijing, in a hushed voice, disclosed her plans to Yuan Hai Zhenren. Recognizing Su Zijing as her godmother had provided Yan Zhao with her own little courtyard within the Wanbao Palace. This courtyard, previously used by Nangong Yin for her recovery, was discreetly positioned, surrounded by both mountains and water, creating an environment Yan Zhao found delightful. Once back in her room, Yan Zhao shut the door and sat on the bed with the little fox in her arms. Without hesitation, she brushed through the fox’s tail fur, carefully inspecting its wounds. The dragon saliva's effects were astonishingly efficient, with the scabs from the wounds already fallen away, revealing newly healed skin without scars. Yan Zhao was quite satisfied, patting the fox's head, she said, "See, using the medicine helps you heal faster." The little fox had no choice but to accept. Yan Zhao placed the fox to the side, allowing it to be by itself while she sat cross-legged, beginning her meditation. Lately, she had indeed been more diligent, making meditation a part of her nighttime routine, integrating cultivation into her daily life. The little fox watched her secretly, admiring Yan Zhao’s rapid growth, yet simultaneously feeling anxious about her upcoming plan to return to Fu Yun Sect to meet with Dongfang Cixin. Fu Yun Sect was known as a treacherous place, akin to a wolf's den that devours all. But then again, the fox thought its worries might be unnecessary—after all, Yan Zhao had transformed significantly in recent years. She now had the protection of Yao Shenzi, the strategies of Su Zijing, and even the friendship of Yuan Hai Zhenren. High-level experts in the human realm weren’t too numerous, but Yan Zhao had nearly half supporting her—a great fortune compared to her initially isolated state. Facing this inevitable challenge was necessary for Yan Zhao’s quest to help Nangong Yin revive Yan Yuanqing. Even if it was a perilous challenge, she would still brave it. If, by chance... Should Dongfang Cixin's words prove true, this could be the turning point. It was a grand gamble, nothing less. The little fox sighed. With a soft jingle, it leapt onto the bed, nestling beside Yan Zhao. Its fluffy tail wrapped snugly around its body, with a small portion resting gently on Yan Zhao’s leg. A faint premonition lingered in its heart. The time it could accompany Yan Zhao like this was growing short. · In the southern region of Tianchen, Fu Yun Sect. In the main hall of the sect’s primary peak, sect leader Bu Donghou sat in the foremost seat, with an elder seated to his left. They sat in silence, broken only when the last attendee arrived fashionably late. This individual swept their long sleeves gracefully, cupping hands in salute to Bu Donghou: "Huang Yin Feng, Dongfang Cixin, paying respects to the Sect Leader." Bu Donghou nodded, "Please, have a seat." Dongfang Cixin took her seat with ease. Bu Donghou briefly inquired about the state of various peaks, then turned his gaze to Dongfang Cixin, "Your disciple Xuanyu from Huang Yin Peak secured second place in the Immortal Sect competition. Truly, you teach your students well." "It’s thanks to Xuanyu’s own efforts," Dongfang Cixin modestly replied, "She originally boasted she’d return with the top prize, making her statements quite bold." The leader of Earth Spirit Peak chuckled, “The Poison Saint is far too modest.” Bu Donghou smoothly guided the idle conversation to more pressing matters: "Today, I have summoned you both here to discuss an important matter. As the date of the sect’s grand ceremony draws near, the positions of Fenghuan and Tianzhu peaks remain vacant. What are your thoughts?" Fenghuan Peak’s leader Daoling was slain by Ren Qingyue in the Xuanhuang Mystic Realm, while Yan Yuanyi, the acting leader of Tianzhu Peak, was stripped of his powers and confined by Bu Donghou, only to deteriorate into madness soon after. This development had taken Bu Donghou by surprise, and when the Immortal Alliance visited for a second investigation into the whereabouts of the Divine Source Fruit, Yan Yuanyi’s mania left the investigators with no choice but to leave empty-handed. With the sect's grand ceremony demanding extensive attention, leaving the peak leadership positions vacant was not an option. Dongfang Cixin remained unconcerned by Bu Donghou's inquiries, absentmindedly tending to her nails, thinking: What color shall I choose next? Bu Donghou frowned at her demeanor, clearing his throat. Seated beside Bu Donghou, the elderly Yan Xu Xianren finally spoke, "With the division of Fu Yun Sect into separate peaks for years, four peak leaders often act independently, leading to chaos. I suggest the sect leader divide the peak leader's authority and establish dual roles for collaborative governance." Dongfang Cixin raised her eyes slightly and concurred, "What Yan Xu Xianren suggests is reasonable." Hearing this, Bu Donghou silently breathed a sigh of relief. He had brought Dongfang Cixin and Yan Xu Xianren together to discuss the management structure of each peak. Yet he couldn’t directly propose appointing deputies to each peak, as it would seem like a forceful power grab from the peak leaders, unlikely to be well-received. Before speaking, Bu Donghou had rehearsed numerous approaches, never expecting Yan Xu Xianren to spontaneously propose such a plan. Feeling reassured, Bu Donghou smoothly continued, "Very well, let's proceed with your suggestion." Suddenly, he shifted the topic: "One more thing." "I plan to establish a lecture hall on the main peak, meant to foster communication among disciples from different peaks in preparation for next month’s grand ceremony. Once you return, select a few talented disciples from within your peaks to undergo evaluation on the main peak. Those who pass will remain there to train." Yan Xu Xianren remained expressionless, while a cold glint flickered across Dongfang Cixin’s eyes. It was bad enough inserting members into each peak, but now Bu Donghou also intended on detaining potential hostages. Bu Donghou glanced around at the two of them, "What do you think?" Yan Xu Xianren pondered for a moment, then replied, "The sect leader's plan is thorough, and this proposal seems beneficial." Bu Donghou turned his gaze to Dongfang Cixin. Dongfang Cixin spoke in a calm tone, "That is acceptable." Chapter 239 Behind the forbidden grounds of Fu Yun Sect stood Yan Xu Xianren, bowing respectfully outside Yun Daozi’s cave residence. Soon, amidst a billowing mist, Yun Daozi appeared gracefully. "Old Sect Leader," Yan Xu Xianren greeted with respectful formality. Yun Daozi regarded him with a smile, "Brother, what brings you here?" Both appeared elderly, though Yan Xu Xianren seemed even older. In actuality, Yun Daozi was Yan Xu Xianren’s senior, much older, yet Yan Xu Xianren’s cultivation was slightly lacking. Without a miraculous opportunity, he likely had no prospect of further advancement. Yan Xu Xianren recounted the day's events from the main peak to Yun Daozi, concluding with a sigh, "Old Sect Leader, the divided governance of the peaks was initially your decision. What does it mean for you now that Bu Donghou acts thusly?" "So, it’s about that," Yun Daozi remarked knowingly, maintaining a composed demeanor, "Donghou discussed this matter with me beforehand and I agreed." Yan Xu Xianren was astonished, "Why, Brother?" If even he recognized Bu Donghou’s ambitions, how could Yun Daozi not be aware? Bu Donghou appeared foolish but harbored deep calculations. Although he didn’t personally get involved in the Yan Yuanqing matter, allowing Daoling to craft the trap and tacitly permitting the death of Yan Yuanqing told another story. Now that the rabbit was caught and the hound cooked, Daoling, who had been exalted until he became recklessly arrogant, lost everything with one misstep. Quietly, Bu Donghou now sought to consume Yun Daozi’s influence, aiming to consolidate all peak powers under his control. Yun Daozi, exuding ease and composure, showed no concern over the matter. Instead, he advised Yan Xu Xianren, "After all, he is now the sect leader. Since I have relinquished my position to him, I must naturally delegate authority. Let the younger generation manage their own affairs." Yan Xu Xianren, still unsatisfied, protested, "But, Brother, ever since you handed Fu Yun Sect over to him, it has steadily declined. Your two disciples have met with deadly misfortune. Do you not harbor any suspicions?" Particularly regarding the scandal with Dao Ling, which caused widespread panic in the human realm, Yun Daozi, despite his age, had to step in to mitigate the impact and face the criticism from the Immortal Alliance on Bu Donghou's behalf. Yan Xu Xianren truly felt it unjust for Yun Daozi. Could they really allow Bu Donghou to bring Fu Yun Sect to its ruin? Upon hearing this, Yun Daozi fell silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head, "Brother, what do you think we live this life for?" Yan Xu Xianren pressed his lips together, unable to answer. "As practitioners, we understand the karma and destiny inherent in our paths," Yun Daozi spoke with a calm conviction. "Similarly, a sect, once reaching its peak, will inevitably decline; it's a cycle of karma. If not in our hands, this decline will happen regardless, so why be attached?" Yan Xu Xianren looked troubled, "You make a valid point, Brother, but still…" "If you find my reasoning sound, then stop worrying," Yun Daozi patted his shoulder. "Return now; as cultivators, we should go with the flow. Why be unable to see beyond such obstacles?" Convinced by Yun Daozi’s words, Yan Xu Xianren sighed in resignation. If even Yun Daozi, who had limited time left, was unburdened by attachment, why should he worry? Yan Xu Xianren nodded, "I understand now." He bowed respectfully to Yun Daozi before taking his leave. After he had gone, Yun Daozi raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning cold. He was fully aware of Bu Donghou’s clumsy tricks, and there was no way he wasn’t angered by them. However, given the current turbulent times, it was wise not to stir additional trouble. The more Bu Donghou overstepped, the more attention he would draw from the Immortal Alliance, so for now, Yun Daozi would let him be arrogant for a while longer. Yun Daozi’s inner voice whispered with a cold determination: Sooner or later, this fool would suffer the same fate as Dao Ling. · In the Purple Bamboo Grove of the Wanbao Palace. Yan Zhao awoke from a night of meditation, opening her eyes to find the little fox curled up cozily beside her, instantly filling her heart with warmth. At the slightest of her movements, the little fox awoke. Lazily lying down, its fluffy tail lightly patted Yan Zhao’s knee, while Yan Zhao reached out to gently stroke its head. Having finished petting the fox's head, she playfully patted its backside, "Time to get up, we’re going to practice our swordplay in the courtyard!" Startled, the little fox watched as Yan Zhao leapt from the bed, quickly grabbing a sword from her storage bag to begin her training outside. Yan Zhao had long memorized the sword techniques taught by Ren Qingyue. Though her execution wasn’t yet perfect, she was far from as clumsy as she had initially appeared before Ren Qingyue. The little fox observed from the side, occasionally hearing the slicing sound of the sword cutting through the air, causing its black nose to wrinkle. Previously, it had sensed something amiss, and now it was completely sure: Yan Zhao had learned the art of concealment on her own, without a tutor. Ren Qingyue felt a pang of melancholy. It evoked the sentiment that a "child grows up, gains subtlety, and no longer stays close." Nevertheless, seeing Yan Zhao diligently putting in effort was somewhat gratifying for Ren Qingyue. Yan Zhao rose at dawn to practice her sword skills for over an hour. When the sun had fully risen, she left her small courtyard to pay her respects to Su Zijing. This practice was something she cultivated back in the demon realm; Ren Qingyue had taught her that when staying at someone else's place, it was polite to greet them early daily. It was a basic etiquette, as vital as thanking someone for their assistance.