236 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Yao Shen Zi leapt skillfully to another tree branch, leaving Jiang Ying behind. Jiang Ying stood still, watching Lei Shuang's silhouette disappear into the dark forest. Only then did she withdraw her gaze, a faint smile gracing her lips. In this gamble, regardless of the number of lives at stake, she was certain she would not lose. On the main peak of the Fuyun Sect, soon only a few people remained. Su Zijing noticed a figure bustling through the crowd, aiding the injured disciples of the Fuyun Sect, tirelessly attending to their wounds and distributing medicine. Not until some time passed did she stop to catch her breath. At that moment, Yao Shen Zi, standing beside her, spoke suddenly, "What, are you interested in Lan Er?" Su Zijing turned her attention back, seeing Yao Shen Zi stroking his beard and smiling at her, as he continued, "Lan Er is a good child. It's a pity about her unfortunate background. She lost both her parents at a young age, and although the Xuan Yuan family took her in, Xuan Yuan Kai never treats her as a daughter. It's quite pitiful." "What are you trying to tell me?" Su Zijing inquired. Yao Shen Zi didn’t mince words and candidly expressed his thoughts, "Lan Er has a talent for artifact crafting, she's intelligent, willing to learn, and hardworking. You've also seen her skills in formations. She's a promising talent. Would you consider taking her as a disciple?" Hearing this, Su Zijing neither readily agreed nor outright refused. After observing Bi Lan for a moment, she replied to Yao Shen Zi, "I will consider it." Upon hearing these words, Yao Shen Zi beamed with joy, sensing that he had almost succeeded in persuading her. If Bi Lan could enter the Palace of Ten Thousand Treasures, her future would undoubtedly be bright. More importantly, with Su Zijing as her mentor, she would have a formidable ally. Combined with her relationship with Yan Zhao, Bi Lan should be able to gradually emerge from the shadows of her past. Yao Shen Zi sincerely expressed, "Thank you." · At the Fuyun Sect, inside Huangyin Peak. Dong Fang Ci Xin vanished quickly, and Zuo Xun escorted Yan Zhao to Huangyin Peak, arriving near a modest waterfall. Behind the waterfall, there was a cave dwelling, which was Dong Fang Ci Xin's usual training place. Zuo Xun led Yan Zhao to the cave's entrance and was about to announce their presence when Dong Fang Ci Xin's voice came from within, "Enter." Exchanging a glance with Zuo Xun, Yan Zhao didn't hesitate, carrying Nan Gong Yin, and they leaped through the waterfall into the cave. Dong Fang Ci Xin pointed to a smooth white stone platform, "Place her there." By this time, Nan Gong Yin had fallen into a coma. Not daring to delay, Yan Zhao promptly followed Dong Fang Ci Xin's instructions and laid Nan Gong Yin on the stone platform. Dong Fang Ci Xin took out a small needle pouch and instructed Zuo Xun, without taking his eyes off, "Prepare a bowl of Tuo Luo blood, three qian of cold grass root, three silver thread scorpions, and two stalks of Underworld Spirit Grass." Listening from the side, Yan Zhao's expression grew tense with each item Dong Fang Ci Xin named. As an alchemist, she frequently handled various herbs and knew that what Dong Fang Ci Xin requested were poisons. Moreover, these were no ordinary poisons. Although different medicinal properties could neutralize toxins, Yao Shen Zi's alchemical recipes never included using such items together. On the other side of the stone platform, Zuo Xun remained unfazed, "Understood." With that, he turned to make the preparations. Dong Fang Ci Xin prepared to begin acupuncture on Nan Gong Yin, instructing Yan Zhao, "Remove her outer garments." Yan Zhao complied. Nan Gong Yin's clothes weren't thick, but her outerwear was soaked with blood, difficult to remove. Yan Zhao struggled, but a small fox, unable to watch, leaped down from her shoulder. Upon landing, it transformed into human form and with a simple cleansing spell, removed the blood stains from Nan Gong Yin. Slightly startled, Yan Zhao glanced at her secretly. So, the senior sister really was a fox spirit. Despite Nan Gong Yin's severe condition, Yan Zhao didn't dare to linger. She quickly averted her gaze after a glance. She swiftly removed Nan Gong Yin's outerwear, allowing Dong Fang Ci Xin easier access for acupuncture. Nan Gong Yin had no visible external wounds; previous injuries from the Demon-Slaying Sword were healed with dragon saliva, leaving only internal wounds and hidden injuries from clashing with ancient dragon qi. Ren Qing Yue led Yan Zhao aside to prevent any disturbance to Dong Fang Ci Xin. Silence filled the cave, as Dong Fang Ci Xin occasionally inserted a needle into Nan Gong Yin, soon turning her into a porcupine. Observing, Yan Zhao softly called Ren Qing Yue, "Sister." Ren Qing Yue turned, questioning her with a look. Meeting her gaze, Yan Zhao gestured toward Nan Gong Yin resting on the jade platform, "Today, at the ceremony, A Yin claimed she's also my mother." Ren Qing Yue's eyes flickered, and after a moment, she countered, "Do you not wish to acknowledge it?" "No," Yan Zhao shook her head, "I just find it strange." Other people have a father and a mother, but why does she have two mothers? While the love between Nan Gong Yin and Yan Yuan Qing wasn't unusual, could a woman and a woman really have a child together? Perhaps, before her birth, her father had already passed, leading to love between her mother and Nan Gong Yin, which might explain why Nan Gong Yin wanted to claim her as a daughter. But then, why did Nan Gong Yin openly declare that she was her flesh and blood? Confounded, Yan Zhao quietly asked, "Do you know which of them, my mother or A Yin, is my biological mother?" Ren Qing Yue: "…" Not far off, Dong Fang Ci Xin's hand paused ever so slightly in its movement while administering the needles. She, too, was filled with doubt. Yan Zhao was undeniably Yan Yuan Qing’s child; there was no disputing that, as Yan Yuan Qing bore her after a full-term pregnancy, which Dong Fang Ci Xin witnessed firsthand. If that were the case, then South Palace must have distorted the truth. But why would Nan Gong Yin lie so blatantly in front of everyone? What benefit could such a groundless fabrication possibly have for her? Simply to claim the title of Yan Yuan Qing's wife? If so, Nan Gong Yin seemed excessively deranged. Dong Fang Ci Xin puzzled over this situation without resolution. At this moment, Ren Qing Yue succinctly uttered two words, "Both are." Yan Zhao's eyes widened, "Huh?" Ren Qing Yue maintained her composure and reiterated, "Both my master and Nan Gong Yin are your mothers. You're the child born from their union." "How is that possible?!" The sudden voice was Dong Fang Ci Xin's. Having painstakingly completed the last needle, she turned and questioned Ren Qing Yue, "In all heavens and earth, is there precedent for two women birthing a child?" Ren Qing Yue calmly explained, "While it's true that two women conceiving a child is unprecedented, this method was something my master learned by consulting Su Zijing, the Palace Master of the Palace of Ten Thousand Treasures. Through her research of ancient texts, Su Zijing hypothesized it. No one could be certain of its success." When she first heard of this secret, Ren Qing Yue thought either she had gone mad or the world had. But now, she had fully accepted this truth. Yan Zhao's uniqueness spoke for itself, and no occurrence involving her would surprise Ren Qing Yue anymore. "The Palace Master Su Zijing of the Palace of Ten Thousand Treasures?" Dong Fang Ci Xin murmured, contemplating the credibility of Ren Qing Yue's words. What ancient record could contain such knowledge? Beside Ren Qing Yue, Yan Zhao pondered shortly, appearing enlightened. A moment later, as Ren Qing Yue was about to inquire about Nan Gong Yin's condition, Yan Zhao suddenly spoke, "So if two women can have a child, then if I become a Taoist partner with my senior sister, could we have a child too? Would the child be a little fox?" Ren Qing Yue: "?!" Chapter 256 What audacity! Ren Qing Yue's face flushed red with embarrassment and anger as she scolded Yan Zhao, "What nonsense are you spouting!" Yan Zhao blinked, her eyelashes fluttering innocently, clearly oblivious to any impropriety in her words, "It's simply a logical hypothesis." Dong Fang Ci Xin was taken aback, glancing between Yan Zhao and Ren Qing Yue, hesitant to speak, "You two..." Ren Qing Yue bristled, "It's not what you're thinking!" Dong Fang Ci Xin was startled by her response, thinking to herself: And what exactly am I supposed to think? Catching the surprise on Dong Fang Ci Xin's face, Ren Qing Yue realized she had overreacted. Quickly, she apologized and explained, "A Zhao doesn't even understand what a Taoist partner is. Please forgive our impoliteness." Dong Fang Ci Xin glanced at Yan Zhao, whose eyes were still clear. Despite being scolded by her senior, she merely pouted and tilted her head, showing a lack of maturity in her understanding. Even so, it was clear that Yan Zhao harbored such thoughts, however fleeting or whimsical they might be. Dong Fang Ci Xin found it amusing, recognizing the influence of Yan Yuan Qing on her child. Indeed, Yan Zhao followed an unconventional path, even in love, much like her mother. Seeing that Ren Qing Yue still looked quite embarrassed, Dong Fang Ci Xin decided not to linger on the topic. Instead, she turned to examine Nan Gong Yin's condition on the jade platform. Taking the opportunity, Ren Qing Yue switched the subject, "How is Senior Nan Gong?" "Fortunately, timely intervention saved her life," Dong Fang Ci Xin replied gently, carefully adjusting several silver needles and marveled, "Demon clan beings are indeed tenacious; even in such a grievous state, she's still clinging to life." Yan Zhao peeked her head out from beside Ren Qing Yue, "When will she wake up?" Dong Fang Ci Xin shook her head, "It’s uncertain." It depends on how deep-seated Nan Gong Yin’s mental fixation is—it could be today, or it might take ten days to a couple of weeks. However, given that she's in my care, it shouldn't take more than a month. Seeing Yan Zhao purse her lips in silence, Ren Qing Yue assumed she was feeling troubled and reassuringly patted her shoulder. Turning to face Ren Qing Yue, Yan Zhao said, "I'm not worried. I was just thinking, did you call me here because there's something about my mother you wanted to tell me?" Ren Qing Yue also recalled the letter Yan Zhao had received earlier. Indeed, the matter was related to Yan Yuan Qing, but with Nan Gong Yin severely injured and unconscious, how would Yan Zhao feel upon learning the whereabouts of Yan Yuan Qing’s remains at this moment? Her concern was interrupted by Dong Fang Ci Xin, "It does concern your mother, but let's wait until Nan Gong Yin wakes up to discuss it." For now, the Fuyun Sect was in disarray. Yundao Zi, Jing Xuan, and even Bu Dong Hou were dead. Besides the Immortal Realm individuals, there was little else to be wary of. A month's time is too short for the Immortal Realm to make a round trip, so it's better to wait for Nan Gong Yin to wake up and then delve into the matter. Perhaps for Yan Yuan Qing, ultimately returning to Nan Gong Yin’s side could fulfill some form of closure, maybe offering slight consolation for the eternal separation three hundred years ago. Dong Fang Ci Xin didn’t overthink it; she was merely doing what she felt was right. Yan Zhao, upon hearing this, didn’t rush and simply nodded, "Alright." Before long, Zuo Xun returned, having gathered the materials as Dong Fang Ci Xin instructed, and brought with him some news, "Senior sister Yin said the ancestral hall was set on fire, and the soul plaques of our elders and disciples are likely all destroyed." The annihilation of the soul plaques. A myriad of emotions surged within Ren Qing Yue. With this, the Fuyun Sect could be considered utterly disbanded. Hundreds of years ago, it had reached such heights that even the Immortal Realm feared it. Yet, following Yan Yuan Qing’s downfall, it disintegrated in such a short time—a fate that was angering, shocking, and deeply regrettable. Having been a disciple under Yan Yuan Qing for over a millennium, Ren Qing Yue grew up in the Fuyun Sect and recalled little of her life before joining. To her, the sect was home. Yet the Fuyun Sect's upper echelon lost its integrity, basked in the glory Yan Yuan Qing brought, without any gratitude, and resorted to scheming machinations. Lower ranks followed suit, becoming corrupt at the core. The outcome was a fitting retribution. When people lack reverence for life, they inevitably face the consequences of their actions. Dong Fang Ci Xin nodded calmly, "Understood." Zuo Xun prepared the toxic ingredients as instructed, brewing them into a potion, and using a reed pipe to feed it into Nan Gong Yin’s mouth. Just as Zuo Xun finished administering the medicine to Nan Gong Yin, a sudden surge of spiritual energy was felt outside the cave. Dong Fang Ci Xin lifted her gaze and turned to Ren Qing Yue, "A visitor has arrived, please bring them inside." Ren Qing Yue instantly knew who had come and nodded in acknowledgment, "Alright."