226 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Behind Yun Daozi, Bu Donghou's expression shifted repeatedly as he silently contemplated Yun Daozi's intentions. Revealing this secret would be detrimental to Fuyun Sect in many ways without offering a single benefit. As the current leader of Fuyun Sect, Bu Donghou is the one most affected by news fluctuating in the outside world. Yun Daozi’s actions have placed him in an extremely passive position. Not far away, Yun Daozi approached Ying Xiao and clasped his hand, the older man's rough, calloused palm gently patting the back of Ying Xiao's hand. In that instant, Ying Xiao understood. Given that Yan Yuanqing colluded with the demon clan, it followed logically that he might have also stolen celestial treasures for them. The divine source fruit must be with the demon clan! "You dogs are all talking nonsense!" yelled Yan Yuanyi, who was pinned to the ground, "No one in this world cared more about the common people than my sister, and it was because of scoundrels like you that she died!" In full view of the public, Ying Xiao swung his palm, the force traveling across twenty feet of air to strike Yan Yuanyi hard. "I’ll kill you all to avenge my sister—" Yan Yuanyi's furious roar abruptly ceased. His forehead suddenly caved in, his neck snapped with a loud crack, and in the instant his bright golden soul separated from his flesh, Ying Xiao reached out to seize it, firmly enclosing it in his palm. Bu Donghou's expression changed rapidly, and Yao Shenzi, Yuanhai Zhenren, and others also paled. Only Yun Daozi remained unmoved, his gaze calm. With Yan Yuanyi’s soul trapped in his palm, Ying Xiao cast a cold glance at those present: "This man stubbornly clung to false beliefs, shielding Yan Yuanqing despite knowing of his collusion with the demon clan, tantamount to abetting the enemy. I am enforcing order on behalf of the Celestial Alliance; any objections?" Only then did Su Zijun react, glaring furiously: "Ying Xiao!" But before she could finish, Yao Shenzi gently tugged her shoulder back. Su Zijun met Yao Shenzi's eyes and saw him shaking his head at her. Simultaneously, Su Zijun heard Yuanhai Zhenren’s voice transmission: "Don't fall into the trap." Ying Xiao met Su Zijun’s gaze and inquired, "Palace Master Su, what advice do you have? Or are you also implying Yan Yuanqing’s actions in siding with the demon clan were not wrong?" Su Zijun's expression was icy as she clenched her teeth. Thousands were gathered, yet no one dared stand out. The vast square was silent, and whoever met Ying Xiao's eyes quickly looked away, fearing they might be labeled as supporting Yan Yuanqing and be struck down like Yan Yuanyi. From the crowd's outskirts, Yan Zhao watched this scene with an indifferent and calm expression. After a moment's hesitation, Su Zijun finally spoke in a restrained and even tone: "Now the trail goes cold; it's a pity." Ying Xiao had publicly executed Yan Yuanyi, eliminating any chance of probing his memories. If she kept pushing, she risked inviting danger upon herself. "This madman was of little worth to begin with," Ying Xiao stated ruthlessly. "Palace Master Su, since you and Yan Yuanqing were acquaintances, are you aware of which demon clan member he conspired with?" Su Zijun harbored resentment yet did not reveal it, replying composedly, "I do not know." Ying Xiao did not press further. He raised his arm and gestured, prompting two Celestial Alliance envoys from the crowd to haul away Yan Yuanyi's lifeless body. As the envoys carried Yan Yuanyi's corpse down the path where Yan Zhao stood, the crowd parted in fear. Watching coldly, Yan Zhao stood immobile. Her gaze fell upon Yan Yuanyi’s lifeless form. The man so casually slain was her uncle. Having grown up alone, she only recently learned of her mother's identity. Yet by the time she discovered her heritage, her mother had already perished. To this day, she did not know who her father was, making Yan Yuanyi the only living relative she knew of by blood in the world. But just moments ago, Yan Yuanyi had been killed right before her eyes by the Celestial Alliance. Yan Zhao found it hard to describe her inner turmoil. She felt calm, but it was a deceptive calm, like the ocean before a storm — no visible waves, yet turbulent currents beneath the surface. The little fox grew anxious; if they were caught by the Celestial Alliance, Yan Zhao would find it hard to escape. But as the Alliance members were nearly upon them, Yan Zhao showed no intention of moving. As the crowd dispersed, she stood alone in the middle of the street, starkly conspicuous. Suddenly, a hand reached out, clasping Yan Zhao's arm like an iron clamp and pulling her into the crowd. Yan Zhao stumbled slightly and, turning back, saw the Celestial Alliance envoys dragging Yan Yuanyi’s body past. Yan Yuanyi’s eyes bulged, his face twisted and fiendishly fierce. Witnessing this, Fuyun Sect disciples felt an intangible fear and indescribable sadness. Yan Yuanqing, Dao Ling, and even today’s Yan Yuanyi — weren’t they all individuals of exceptional skill? The Mahayana realm was the pinnacle of human ascension; only by transcending this could one become immortal and soar through the nine heavens. Otherwise, even Mahayana cultivators were merely mortals. Armed with the Celestial Emperor's golden seal, Celestial Alliance members could kill at will, reducing individuals to mere ants. Yan Zhao glared, her brows knit in anger. One day, she vowed, these hypocrites would understand that killing should be met with retribution—without fail. As Yan Yuanyi’s body was carried away, the deathly atmosphere in the crowd eased slightly, and whispers of conversation began. Yan Zhao turned to look at the person who had pulled her away. "Zuo Xun?" Zuo Xun raised his index finger to his lips, signaling Yan Zhao to be silent, then spoke in a low voice: "Follow me." Yan Zhao allowed Zuo Xun to lead her through the crowd, and after a short distance, a voice called out: "Oh, Miss Nian! I've been looking for you for ages!" It was Zhan Shu, who had been separated from Yan Zhao earlier. Yan Zhao turned toward the sound, Zuo Xun frowning, and Zhan Shu was just about to approach when he suddenly fainted, falling to the ground. The surrounding people were alarmed, making way in unison. Yan Zhao looked confused, but Zuo Xun quickly pulled her back into the crowd. The disturbance in the spectator area caught the attention of the great powers on the square, and Yun Daozi signaled Bu Donghou. Bu Donghou thus beckoned an elder and instructed him to investigate. The elder left quickly and returned shortly thereafter, reporting truthfully: "A disciple from the Feiyu Sect has fainted." It sounded like a minor sect, so Bu Donghou waved it off: "Have him taken to the infirmary to rest." The elder nodded and went to make arrangements. Meanwhile, Yan Zhao followed Zuo Xun to a deserted corner, where Zuo Xun produced a set of Huangyin Peak disciple clothing: "Put this on." Though puzzled, Yan Zhao, suspecting Zuo Xun would take her to meet Dongfang Cixin, obediently pulled the Huangyin Peak robes over her own clothes. Immediately, Zuo Xun began wrapping the little fox in a cloth bundle. Seeing this, Yan Zhao was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you also want to take my fox?" Zuo Xun: "..." "Who wants your fox?" Zuo Xun explained helplessly, "It's too eye-catching with you. Just let me hold onto it for now." Yan Zhao, unconvinced, asked, "You're not lying, right? When will you return it to me?" Before setting off, her godmother had warned her not to easily trust others. Zuo Xun cast her a sidelong glance, "Do I need to lie to you? Once you meet the peak master, I'll naturally release it to find you. Put on that mask from before too." Biting her lip, Yan Zhao complied and placed the mask over her face, reminding Zuo Xun, "You have to keep your word." Conscious of lingering too long and attracting attention, Zuo Xun nudged her: "Let’s go." Amid the recent chaos, the crowd was in disarray. Bu Donghou indicated to the peak masters to organize the assembly and demanded order be restored within the time it takes to burn an incense stick, ensuring the sect ceremony wouldn’t be delayed. Yan Zhao followed Zuo Xun to the rear of Huangyin Peak’s group. Huangyin Peak’s disciples noticed the unfamiliar face among them, yet while curious, none inquired, each remaining quietly in place. A small insect stealthily flitted through the crowd and adhered silently to Dongfang Cixin’s shoulder. Dongfang Cixin opened her eyes, her vision shifting slightly as she noticed the addition of a plain-looking junior disciple at the end of the line. Bloodstains on the ground were cleared, and the ceremony, interrupted briefly, resumed. The square was filled with song and dance, yet the earlier commotion lent an air of superficiality to the festivities. Even Yan Zhao could distinctly feel the rotten spirit lurking beneath Fuyun Sect's sanctimonious facade. The esteemed dignitaries seated above remained unperturbed, as if the prior events hadn’t occurred at all. Yun Daozi decided to bring forward the banquet originally planned for the third event and ordered spiritual wine and celestial teas to be served. The solemn and murderous atmosphere of the grand ceremony was quickly swept away by a lively celebration. Ying Xiao raised his glass and whispered, "Senior Yun Daozi, since you were aware that Yan Yuanqing bore a demon’s offspring, why didn’t you report this immediately to the Celestial Alliance?" Had Yan Yuanqing, compromised by her pregnancy, fallen into the Celestial Alliance's grasp, there would have been a good chance to recover the divine source fruit. Yun Daozi replied, "Yan Yuanqing was, after all, the disciple I valued the most. In my grief, I felt compassion and contemplated killing the child to protect her reputation. However, I didn't expect that she would fight desperately to protect this child." Ying Xiao rubbed the rim of his cup with his fingers, his eyes dark and penetrating. "So what you mean, senior, is...?" Previously, during the Immortal Sect's disciples assembly, he chose to let the matter go when Su Zijun and Yao Shenzi intervened, out of consideration for the Celestial Alliance's reputation. Now that he knew the truth, Yan Zhao’s unique status was a significant piece on his chessboard. "This is also why I wish to ask for your assistance today," Yun Daozi said, bowing respectfully. "Yan Zhao is, after all, Yan Yuanqing's flesh and blood, and I wish to see her one more time." "That child is highly suspicious. Ever since Yan Yuanyi took her away from the sect, her whereabouts have been hidden. Her appearance at the disciples' assembly was likely to retrieve a relic of Yuanqing, but now even I have lost track of her." Hearing this, Ying Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. The Celestial Alliance had cast a wide net; they naturally knew Yan Zhao’s current location. As he contemplated whether to get involved, Yun Daozi's voice transmitted to him: "If the Celestial Alliance helps me fulfill this wish, I will share with you the clues I've discovered about the divine source fruit." Chapter 245 By Yun Daozi's side, Su Zijun's gaze was cold as ice, her hands clenched into fists within her sleeves. This old man was quite the actor. He hadn’t stepped up to protect Yan Yuanqing when she was harmed by Dao Ling, yet here he was, feigning deep master-disciple affection. Who didn’t see through his ulterior motives? The madness of Yan Yuanyi was likely Yun Daozi’s doing. Yun Daozi’s eagerness to meet Yan Zhao surely had an ulterior motive. But what could it be? As Su Zijun pondered this, a sudden realization struck her. The Spirit-Sealing Nails, the Mysterious Mountain Jade Bones. These were ancient artifacts. For someone like Yun Daozi, who knew how to forge Spirit-Sealing Nails, it was impossible not to know what the divine source fruit was. Su Zijun's gaze turned sharp, her expression suddenly darkening. At the same time, Ying Xiao's soft laughter came across, "Your Fuyun Sect is holding such a grand ceremony, and yet no one was assigned to verify the guest list?" Hearing this, Yun Daozi frowned, sensing something amiss. He then turned to Bu Donghou, "Donghou, didn’t you verify the guest list?" Bu Donghou was perplexed, unable to fathom Yun Daozi's real intentions in cozying up to Ying Xiao. Initially, he thought Yun Daozi was trying to pin all the blame on Yan Yuanqing, thus disentangling Fuyun Sect from the mess. He hadn’t expected Yun Daozi to suddenly start talking about Yan Zhao. That illegitimate child Yan Yuanyi managed to send down the mountain was still alive. Her survival was irrelevant; she was just a waste. Nangong Yin hadn’t fallen for their traps, so that piece was already obsolete. Why was Yun Daozi so concerned? However, being questioned by Yun Daozi, Bu Donghou still had to put on a show for appearances. He furrowed his brow and replied sternly, "Not yet. I’ll have someone bring the list immediately." He then called over an elder, gave a few whispered instructions, and shortly afterward, the elder returned with the list.