224 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

The absence of Zuo Xun left some uncertainty—had he not yet returned, or would he appear only when the great ceremony began in two days? Similarly, Bi Lan was nowhere to be seen, leading Yan Zhao to suspect she might arrive in the coming days. Absent as well was the senior disciple they all hoped to see. Yan Zhao sighed, feeling notably disappointed. Would the senior disciple not return to Fu Yun Sect for such a crucial event as the sect's grand ceremony? This realization doused the subtle joy she had felt upon her arrival. Although her main goal was to meet Dongfang Cixin, secretly she had held a flicker of hope that the senior disciple would return for the important occasion. The truth left her dispirited, less bothered by those around her. Zhang Shixiong noticed Yan Zhao's low spirits and decided not to overstay his welcome. He found an excuse to leave, saying, "It's getting late, I should attend my lessons. Farewell, Zhan Bro and Miss Nian." After he left, Zhan Shu expressed his admiration, "Zhang Shixiong is truly diligent, and with extraordinary talent; no wonder he's achieved the Golden Core stage at such a young age." Yan Zhao glanced up at Zhang Shixiong’s departing figure. He appeared as a middle-aged man; thus, even being young meant he must be at least a few centuries old. For someone of his age to be merely at the Golden Core stage, where was the exceptional talent in that? Yanzhao thought of her senior disciple—an extraordinary talent, surpassing the Void Refinement stage just past a thousand years old. Comparing herself, she considered her own abilities mediocre, yet she had also reached the Golden Core stage by her three-hundredth year. Yan Zhao shook her head and refrained from commenting. Over the next two days, more disciples from Fu Yun Sect ascended the main peak, working alongside elders and officers to prepare for the grand ceremony. Yan Zhao, Zhan Shu, and other guests waited outside the grand hall, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to train and bathe in the array’s light. Sudden tremors above the hall caught everyone’s attention. Yan Zhao looked up to see a figure appear from thin air, laughter echoing as he said, "Apologies for not welcoming you sooner, Alliance Master; Bu has been remiss!" This was Bu Donghou. No sooner had he spoken than another figure emerged on the mountain path below—it was indeed the Alliance Master, Ying Xiao. At that instant, a glint of gold reflected from the golden jewel at Yan Zhao's neck. Chapter 242 "Alliance Master?" Zhan Shu exclaimed, then quickly spoke in hushed tones to Yan Zhao, "Could this be the Alliance Master of the Immortal Alliance?!" Yan Zhao nodded to confirm his guess. Zhan Shu was wide-eyed with astonishment. Though rumors in the immortal marketplace suggested the Alliance Master’s presence at Fu Yun Sect, he hadn’t expected it to be true! He rubbed his hands together, clearly excited. "I never imagined I’d see such an eminent figure up close! This trip was worth it!" Yan Zhao drifted into her thoughts—so was this what they considered a prominent figure? Yet during the previous Immortal Sect Disciple Conference, this "prominent figure" could hardly raise his head before the senior members, whether it was Yuanhai Zhenren or her own step-mother, under whose side-long glances Ying Xiao dared not even breathe loudly. Judging by this, her step-mother must also be considered a prominent figure, no? And her master, who stood as her equal? When weighed against these notables, who could be more prominent than her own mother? Zhan Shu remained excitedly whispering, "The Alliance Master's visit to Fu Yun Sect, does it imply the previous zombie puppet incident has been clarified and the sect’s innocence confirmed? Is that why he’s here as a gesture of goodwill?" Yan Zhao felt indifferent to the Immortal Alliance's stance toward Fu Yun Sect; she only wondered if her step-mother or master would soon arrive, with even Ying Xiao present. No sooner had this thought crossed her mind than Bu Donghou ushered Ying Xiao into the sect's main hall. Shortly after, several more lines of people came up the long steps. Dressed in the attire of Fu Yun Sect's inner disciples, these groups varied by the distinct patterns and accessories on their collars and sleeves, indicative of their respective peaks. The inner disciples were divided into four groups, each numbering around a hundred, and Yan Zhao spotted Bi Lan among them. Bi Lan was with the Tianzhu Peak group, following an inner disciple brother unfamiliar to Yan Zhao, settling in assigned seats. During the sect’s grand ceremony, naturally, Fu Yun Sect disciples took center stage, arranged on the courthouse’s most open platform, as the focal point of the event. "Hey, Zhang Shixiong!" Zhan Shu called out when those from Dilin Peak passed by. Zhang Shixiong turned his head at the call, nodding in acknowledgment. Zhan Shu marveled audibly, "Fu Yun Sect truly stands as a great sect; its foundations are unmatched by our smaller sects. Look at Zhang Shixiong; even at the Golden Core stage, he isn’t among the top disciples, yet he’d be considered for managerial roles in our Feiyu Sect!" With chatter flowing, Zhan Shu continued, "I heard about Fu Yun Sect's Tianzhu Peak’s senior disciple, what’s her name again..." Gently patting the fox’s head, Yan Zhao answered calmly, "Ren Qingyue." "Yes! Ren Qingyue!" Zhan Shu eagerly rubbed his hands again, "She's the disciple of Yuqing Immortal Venerable, and she had already surpassed the Divine Transformation stage at just over a thousand years old. Fu Yun Sect truly produces outstanding talent!" The decisive factor now lay in the Immortal Alliance’s stance toward Fu Yun Sect. If by confirming Dao Ling’s actions were independent, Fu Yun Sect might continue thriving as a giant tree. Even if the Alliance were adamant about censoring Fu Yun Sect, a camel, however thin, is still larger than a horse, and the sect wouldn't crumble easily. Yan Zhao didn’t join Zhan Shu’s discussion as she focused on the groups passing by, noticing the leader of Huangyin Peak, Yin Wuxian. Huangyin Peak disciples trailed at the end, maintaining quiet dignity, among them, Zuo Xun. As the four peaks’ disciples neatly lined up, eight figures appeared before them, each peak having two representatives positioned left and right. Yan Zhao scrutinized the leaders of Tianzhu Peak, unfamiliar with both. It seemed logical for Yan Yuan Yi, even as acting peak master, to be included in such a ceremony. Yan Yuan Yi, her uncle, cared fairly for her amid others who didn’t understand. With no change in emotion, she moved her focus away. Turning her attention, she noticed Huangyin Peak’s representatives. A man and woman led, with the woman occupying the higher position, while the elder beside her presented deference. Yan Zhao assumed this woman must be Dongfang Cixin, who had requested a meeting through correspondence. Dongfang Cixin was acquainted with her mother. With the ceremony yet to commence, Yan Zhao mulled over how she might seize a chance to meet with Dongfang Cixin. Since she hadn’t returned under Fu Yun Sect’s name, the guest area for outsiders was somewhat distanced from the main square, making it difficult to approach unnoticed. Yan Zhao decided to bide her time and observe what unfolded. Abruptly, from the staircase leading to the front mountain, a voice announced loudly, "Palace Master Su Zijun of Wanbao Palace presents a tribute!" "Lord of Yaoshen Sect, Yaoshenzi presents a tribute!" "Yuanhai Zhenren presents a tribute!" Three successive calls thundered like a storm, causing the ground of Fu Yun Sect to tremble slightly. Bu Donghou rushed out of the main hall to greet them with hands clasped respectfully. Amongst much chatter, Zhan Shu was especially exhilarated, eyes gleaming, "Blessed be! It's Yuanhai Zhenren! Along with Palace Master Su and Elder Yaoshenzi, it seems Fu Yun Sect will indeed turn the tide!" With so many powerful entities from beyond the southern regions gathering to support Fu Yun Sect, if the ceremony concluded smoothly, even public discourse within the Immortal Markets would shift favorably. No longer would anyone sensationalize the Dao Ling affair with zombie puppets. As long as Fu Yun Sect thrived, supporting sects like theirs under its auspices could continue peacefully. Inside the sect affairs hall, Ying Xiao, already seated early on, rose to his feet. Upon seeing Su Zijun and the others enter with Bu Donghou, Ying Xiao’s eyes flickered briefly, respectfully bowing to greet them. Su Zijun eyed him coldly, "Despite your busy duties, I see the Alliance leader made time to confirm the investigation progress here at Fu Yun Sect. Surely, the previous incident involving the deliberate injury of our sect disciples by the Xuanyuan Clan has also been resolved?" Ying Xiao dared not offend Su Zijun. "Palace Master Su must be aware," he respectfully replied, "Master of the Xuanyuan Clan, Xuanyuan Kai was assassinated; his manor lay in ashes, eradicated without leaving a single clue." Su Zijun frowned, "And so?" Ying Xiao glanced briefly at Yuanhai Zhenren, who stood silently behind Su Zijun. Of all those present in the hall, Yuanhai Zhenren possessed the greatest strength. With Yuanhai Zhenren backing Su Zijun, Ying Xiao dared not speak carelessly, lest he make a permanent impression without return. "Xuanyuan Kai coveted the Qingshuang Sword out of greed and suffered for it," Ying Xiao chose his words carefully. "He imprisoned Miss Bi Lan and plotted against Miss Nian Qing. After the branch leaders of the Immortal Alliance deliberated, they decided to distribute the seized assets from the Xuanyuan Clan as compensation to Wanbao Palace and Yaoshen Sect." Although Ying Xiao had initially claimed there were no clues, he now mentioned confiscated assets. It remained unknown how much was seized by the Immortal Alliance or what the actual compensation amounted to. Su Zijun let out a cold snort but acknowledged Ying Xiao's sufficiently humble stance and sincere promise for compensation, choosing not to press further. Bu Donghou wiped the sweat off his forehead and stepped forward to ease the tension, suggesting, "Let us first be seated and enjoy Fu Yun Sect's specialty, the Spring Mountain Water Rhythm tea." After settling in and exchanging a few light words, an elder entered from outside the hall, respectfully reporting to Bu Donghou, "Sect Master, everything is ready." "Thank you," Bu Donghou acknowledged before rising to address everyone, "Please accompany me outside the hall." He then instructed the reporting elder, "Go, and invite our ancestral founder." The elder nodded, "Yes." Bu Donghou led Ying Xiao, Su Zijun, and the others outside, where the courtyard was filled with disciples from Fu Yun Sect. The main peak disciples were positioned in the front, with the four branch peak disciples behind them. Further out were the outer sect disciples and those from allied sects who came to observe, creating a crowd of thousands. Zhan Shu was so overwhelmed with excitement that he almost lost composure, but Yan Zhao remained indifferent and uninterested in his chatter, leaving Zhan Shu awkwardly rubbing his nose and restraining himself somewhat. Yan Zhao turned her attention back to the Tianzhu Peak group, unfamiliar faces all around, and still, she hadn’t seen Ren Qingyue. Would her senior sister truly not attend this grand sect ceremony? Meanwhile, within Tianzhu Peak's ranks, Bi Lan searched intently for Yan Zhao. They had agreed to meet during the ceremony, yet Yan Zhao hadn't returned to Tianzhu Peak. The crowd was massive, and after a futile search, Bi Lan had to momentarily give up. In the Huangyin Peak group nearby, Zuo Xun idly toyed with a small, yellow-and-black-striped insect. Her scouts had returned with the message: Yan Zhao was already at Fu Yun Sect. Zuo Xun flicked the insect, sending it soaring high, its flight wavering in the breeze before it set course toward Dongfang Cixin. The venomous wasp landed on Dongfang Cixin’s shoulder, its wings vibrating gently. Although she sat with her eyes closed, a serene demeanor revealing nothing, her hand softly patted her knee, ears slightly attentive to the faint hum in the air. In the forbidden grounds of Fu Yun Sect’s rear mountains, the elder respectfully requested Yundaozi to come forth. Amidst swirling fog, Yundaozi appeared effortlessly. Casting a sidelong glance toward the main peak, his aged face remained impassive. "Let’s go," he said. Back on the main plaza, Bu Donghou invited Ying Xiao and the rest to take their seats. Once settled, a wizened Daoist materialized in the previously empty seat to Bu Donghou’s left. Yuanhai Zhenren lifted his eyelids, casting a sidelong glance at the newcomer. Only moments later did Ying Xiao, Su Zijun, and others notice Yundaozi's presence, which had gone completely undetected until his appearance. The elder in charge reported preparations complete. With that, Bu Donghou took center stage on the platform and loudly announced, "The Fu Yun Sect Grand Ceremony has begun!" --- "My anticipation isn't for the moon, but for my meeting with you." --- Please consider donating to support this nonprofit website, which operates without advertisement income. Donations will help cover server costs! For easy navigation, check the donations page to add contact options. Click here to visit the donations page>> 331 Home Previous Page 224 Next Page Last Page