230 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Wasn't that the ancient dragon trapped beneath the Mirror Platform? Unexpected to encounter it again at the Fu Yun Sect. The dragon's three pairs of eyes shot open simultaneously, glowing a blood-red hue, as multiple waves of killing intent locked onto Nan Gong Yin. Across several yards of empty space, Ying Xiao met Nan Gong Yin's gaze, finally shedding the facade of geniality and humility, his smile now wild and arrogant: "Nan Gong Yin, I specifically obtained approval from the Upper Realm's Celestial Palace to act against you. If you confess the location of the Divine Source Fruit, there's still time to halt this." The furrow in Nan Gong Yin's brow gradually relaxed, her expression reverting to calmness: "The outcome remains uncertain." Ying Xiao chuckled dismissively, "Then let's try." While Nan Gong Yin remained composed, Yun Dao Zi was flustered, angrily rebuking Ying Xiao: "By doing this, you will raze the Fu Yun Sect to the ground, and everyone here, thousands, will accompany Nan Gong Yin in death!" A flash of cold murderous intent flickered in Ying Xiao's eyes as he replied nonchalantly, "Then so be it." Only by securing the Divine Source Fruit could the celestial battles quickly conclude, ending the chaos that afflicted the human realm, thereby protecting all living beings. For this, some necessary sacrifices were worth it. No matter what, Nan Gong Yin could not be allowed to escape today. With a wave of his long sleeve, Ying Xiao activated the celestial alliance's barrier, trapping the main peak of the Fu Yun Sect within. Barely a golden flash appeared under his feet, and his figure vanished, reemerging outside the great array to oversee the ensuing chaos from on high. The three-headed dragon roared towards the sky, its breaths like hurricanes sweeping through the air, crashing against the barrier's walls. The mountain shook violently, the ground caved in, and fissures spread wide, swallowing many unfortunates who hadn't reacted in time. The plaza in front of the hall cracked open in two, the fissure spreading like a treacherous snake, poised to engulf Yan Zhao. Yan Zhao, looking as though she had been pulled from a pool of blood, her clothes soaked through, injuries still unhealed, stood helpless and dazed as the earth crumbled beneath her, on the verge of being consumed by the crack. A figure in a flash of blue appeared by her side, encircling Yan Zhao's waist. Yan Zhao felt a sudden tightness around her middle as the individual lifted her clear into the air, away from mortal peril. It was her senior sister. Their clothes stuck fast, blood-soaked fabric staining Ren Qing Yue’s otherwise pristine and crisp blue attire. High up, the dragon's wings beat down, ready to plunge and wreak havoc. Suddenly, a streak of blood-red sliced through the air, striking the middle head with a crystalline sharpness, shattering its scales and causing it to retreat in agony. In the dragon's reddened vision, Nan Gong Yin stood suspended in the air, holding the Bloodshadow Spear, blocking its path. Her expression fierce and commanding, Nan Gong Yin declared, "Your opponent is me." Yan Zhao turned to behold a face marked by gentle lines but filled with piercing determination. Ren Qing Yue perceived Yan Zhao's gaze but remained vigilant to the surrounding danger, especially the threat posed by Yun Dao Zi, involuntarily tightening her grip on Yan Zhao's waist. Yan Zhao drew a sharp breath and groaned, "...It hurts." Ren Qing Yue paused, her heart wrenching painfully as though gripped by an invisible hand. Yan Zhao's body was fraught with trauma, each touch revealing her fractured ribs beneath the skin. If not for Yan Zhao's still-open eyes, her breathing, her warmth, Ren Qing Yue might have assumed she was holding a broken doll. Ren Qing Yue dared not exert herself, didn't even dare to breathe heavily, fearing the slightest breeze might whisk Yan Zhao away. "Ah Zhao, hang in there. Don't fall asleep." Ren Qing Yue's voice, edged with a raspy sorrow and heavy nasal tone. Had it not been for the dire circumstances, she might have already succumbed to tears. In her senior sister's embrace, obedient, Yan Zhao attempted to keep her eyes wide open. Uncertain if there would ever be another opportunity, reluctant to close her eyes yet. She longed to grow old with her senior sister, albeit now it seemed impossible. She hadn't even confessed her deep affection—already, she was nearing death. Yan Zhao's breath was faint, more out than in. Her parched lips moved ever so slightly, silently uttering: "...Senior sister, even if I accidentally fall asleep, please don't be mad." Chapter 249 Yan Zhao's consciousness waned. No matter how wide she forced her eyes, her vision blurred. As sight faded, so too did sound. Whatever else Ren Qing Yue said was lost to her. Silence enveloped everything, even the breeze brushing her ears seemed to retreat slowly. She did not know how much longer she could hold on. Grateful that she got to see her senior sister one last time before she died, and that she found another mother figure. Heaven had not treated her harshly. In her daze, she seemed to hear a cry like lightning splitting the wilderness. "Ah Zhao!" As awareness ebbed and then reformed, white mist shrouded the world. Alone in the mist, Yan Zhao heard what sounded like a brook babbling in the distance. She took a step forward, feeling coolness at her feet. Looking down, she found herself barefoot in shallow water. The water was clear, with layers of smooth pebbles beneath, giving off a feeling of warmth. The mist thinned a bit, and she saw patches of bright colors in her view. Following the red and yellow specks, Yan Zhao saw vibrant flowers growing along the bank, their blossoms bold and flamboyant, full of allure and charm. She had no idea where she was, or why she had arrived there. Memories of before were like veiled fabrics, blurred and obscure, leaving only faint traces of sadness and longing. A warm stream of tears wetted her eyes, but the sorrow felt elusive as a mountain breeze, lightly kissing her cheek before drifting away. The sound of flowing water brought back her sense of self. No longer pondering the why, she moved her feet. The splashing water reminded her of stepping on stones, the mild prick of pain reassuring her that she was indeed alive. Gradually, as she walked farther, the water grew deeper. Unnoticed, the river was now waist-deep, while the fog ahead had yet to lift. Yan Zhao halted, finding that the stream had transformed into a riverbed. The bank she stood on lay barren, while across the river the vibrant flowers clustered thickly. Further out, it seemed a tree grew. Its branches broad, leaves thick, connecting heaven and earth, like a spine supporting the sky. Yan Zhao wished to cross, but the river stretched a hundred yards wide before her. Advancing further would mean being swept away. She searched along the riverbank for a bridge. As she walked, she found the scenery unchanged. She could not discern how long she had walked, yet she remained rooted to the same spot. Alone in the stream, her reflection absent from the clear water, which held no trace of plants or fish. Where was she? Questions floated in Yan Zhao's mind. Where had she come from, and where was she going? The vast wilderness offered no answers. Then, a peculiar sound caught her attention. The clarity of splashing waves differed from the usual flow. Turning towards the source, Yan Zhao saw a small boat drifting towards her. At the boat's edge sat a white-clothed figure, dangling legs, radiant in appearance. Her presence outshone the world, making even the wind brushing the water embody grace. Though she held no oar, the boat made its way effortlessly upstream, coming to Yan Zhao. Those clear eyes shone like a full moon, illuminating the sky. She smiled and asked, "Want to board?" Yan Zhao stood still, inquiring, "Where to?" The woman rocked her head casually, tones carefree: "Wherever you wish." Yan Zhao nodded, "Alright." With that, the woman snapped her fingers, and in a blink, the view shifted, and Yan Zhao was aboard. Emerging from the water, her clothes were now dry, untouched by moisture, leaving Yan Zhao secretly amazed. The boat moved upstream, more bright flowers coloring the banks along the way. Yan Zhao leaned over the boat's edge and reached out to pluck a white flower from the riverbank. A subtle, refreshing fragrance wafted from its petals, and as Yan Zhao brought it closer to her nose, she felt a sudden clarity of mind. It was as if she had remembered something. Scenes flickered before her like a revolving lantern: a colossal ancient dragon fiercely battling a sesame-sized shadow, the thunderous clamor unending, with flashes of lightning and fire lighting up the sky. Rumbling cries shook the heavens, threatening to topple the main peak of the Fu Yun Sect. The land below was scarred by deep ravines and filled with wreckage, numerous experts from various sects who had come to witness lay dead or injured. Blood mist engulfed the air, consciousness fading. And there were pleas whispered urgently into her ear, "Don't sleep, Ah Zhao, wake up, you can't sleep!" Yan Zhao's awareness jolted, and she opened her eyes. The surroundings remained barren and featureless, with the small boat drifting upstream, the river murmuring softly as it unknowingly approached the shore. She turned her head to look back. The woman in white still sat at the boat's side, a jug of wine in hand. The wine gourd spun deftly in her fingers as she playfully raised an eyebrow at Yan Zhao, smiling, "You've arrived." As her gaze shifted, Yan Zhao found herself back on land. What was different now was the small path that appeared behind her. A shaded trail paved with pebbles, its end leading who knew where. Yan Zhao asked, "Where is this?" The woman propped her chin up and replied, "Walk back, and you'll soon know." Yan Zhao hesitated, then asked, "Aren't you leaving?" The woman chuckled, "Not for now." Yan Zhao looked into her eyes, "Do you have something else to do?" "Something like that," the woman mused, then suddenly tossed the wine gourd to Yan Zhao, "This is for you. Next time you come back, if I'm still here, we'll go together." Yan Zhao caught the small gourd, nodded, and agreed, "Alright." The promise was made. Turning away, Yan Zhao stepped onto the path, and when she looked back, the long river was gone, and the small boat had vanished. Her eyelids trembled slightly, parting to reveal a narrow slit. Through the gap, her blurred vision gradually cleared. Thus, she saw a bloodstained hand drawing a sigil across her forehead. Something awakened within her mind. Her soul grazed the mark, creating a resonant buzz, and then a warm current flowed through her body, prompting rapid growth in her shattered flesh. Her consciousness split in two; one part drifted from her body, wandering between heaven and earth, while the other delved deep into her muscles and bones, witnessing her ruptured meridians reconnect and fragmented bones heal. Within her dantian, a ball of golden light flickered intensely. The talismans binding the golden orb began peeling away, layer by layer, disintegrating. The sealed divine object unleashed a brilliant radiance. The golden light permeated her flesh, the now-reconnected meridians sheathed in a golden-purple glow, with her bones transforming into a jade-like quality, glistening and transparent. A tremendous energy surged through her dantian, shattering the golden core within. Her spiritual energy, like a torrential flood, was absorbed by the golden light. The inner walls of her dantian, delicate as a cicada's wings, expanded violently. Yan Zhao watched as roots extended from the golden light, embedding themselves into her flesh, merging with her dantian. The last veil of mist has been pierced, the golden light thrumming vigorously, climbing along the meridians until it surged out from her body. What I await is not the moon, but the encounter with you. --- The website is supported by voluntary donations to cover server costs, with no ad revenue and non-profit! To avoid losing your way, you can visit the donation page for contact information! Click to visit the donation page >>