238 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Because Yan Zhao had to return to the Cloud-shrouded Sect for the grand ceremony, Nangong Yin hurried there despite not being fully recovered from her injuries. Thinking about how much Nangong Yin cares for Yan Zhao, just because Yan Zhao is Yan Yuanqing's daughter, and how Yan Yuanqing betrayed Nangong Yin to have Yan Zhao with some undeserving man, Jiang Ying felt a surge of frustration. As a result, she didn't have a pleasant demeanor towards Yan Zhao. Usually, with Nangong Yin present, Jiang Ying would never reveal her displeasure. But now that Nangong Yin was gravely injured and unconscious because of Yan Yuanqing and Yan Zhao, Jiang Ying could no longer suppress her anger. She turned her face away, ignoring Yan Zhao. Even though Dongfang Cixin hadn't spoken, Jiang Ying sincerely said, "Thank you for your assistance." Yan Zhao was puzzled by Jiang Ying's low mood and simply blinked, thinking Jiang Ying was worried about Nangong Yin's safety, and so she didn't mind. On the other side, Ren Qingyue communicated to Su Zijun and his companion, "Senior Dongfang said we should wait until Senior Nangong wakes up to discuss my master's situation." Su Zijun and the Medicine Sage nodded in understanding. Since Dongfang Cixin was willing to save Nangong Yin, it indicated a friendly stance towards the unique relationship between Nangong Yin and Yan Yuanqing. This realization eased Su Zijun's wariness towards Dongfang Cixin. With Nangong Yin's life not in danger, waking up was just a matter of time. There were no other pressing matters to attend to, so Su Zijun decided to stay at Huangyin Peak and keep watch. Soon, Dongfang Cixin released Nangong Yin’s wrist. Meeting the concerned gazes of Jiang Ying and Yan Zhao, Dongfang Cixin confidently said, "Given her strength, she should wake up soon. There's no need to worry." The earlier cough was merely a reaction to the medication, and Nangong Yin had not actually awakened. Jiang Ying took the initiative to ask, "Is there anything I should do?" Dongfang Cixin shook her head, "With your little niece here, you can focus on your own matters." Who? Jiang Ying was bewildered. Dongfang Cixin mentioned "little niece" multiple times, and Jiang Ying couldn't understand who exactly she was referring to. Jiang Ying reached out to intercept Dongfang Cixin, "Could you clarify your words?" Dongfang Cixin glanced at her, "Which part was unclear?" Jiang Ying straightforwardly queried, "What do you mean by 'little niece' and 'in-laws'?" Dongfang Cixin, slightly taken aback, responded, "Oh, so you didn't know." Considering how Nangong Yin had recently announced to the world at the grand ceremony that she was Yan Zhao's mother, Dongfang Cixin assumed Nangong Yin's closest followers already knew. Jiang Ying was confused as ever, only becoming more baffled with each explanation, continuing to query, "Know what?" Patiently, Dongfang Cixin explained, "Nangong Yin and Yan Yuanqing were close, they came together to have Yan Zhao, so naturally, the family connection follows. You're Nangong Yin's confidante, so Yan Zhao is your niece. There shouldn't be any issues with that logic." Jiang Ying: "..." The sheer volume of information left Jiang Ying stunned. In that moment, she felt as though she had been imbued with Lei Shuang’s mind—perplexed and unable to comprehend the relationships between all these names. Since becoming Nangong Yin's protector, Jiang Ying had always maintained her composure. But now, losing her dignity for the first time, she exclaimed, "Whose child is Yan Zhao?!" The shout turned all heads in her direction. Seeing Jiang Ying's bewildered state, Ren Qingyue kindly reiterated, "She is the child of my master and your magical lord." Jiang Ying locked eyes with Ren Qingyue, "Is this true?" Still in disbelief, Su Zijun stepped in to confirm, "The method for a woman to conceive was a strategy I devised at Yuanqing's request. I hadn’t expected her to actually use it, let alone surprise Ah Yin, so I didn’t inform her beforehand." "…" Jiang Ying’s silence was deafening. Abruptly, she stepped forward and, with a thud, knelt before Yan Zhao. Yan Zhao was startled, retreating a step to hide behind Ren Qingyue. Unexpectedly, Jiang Ying bowed her head in submission, "Young Master!" At the same time, memories flashed of Lei Shuang gleefully boasting about having Yan Zhao as her underling. With no other options, Jiang Ying decided to burn some incense first. Luckily, this matter didn’t implicate her personally. Chapter 258 Peeking out from behind Ren Qingyue, Yan Zhao looked at Jiang Ying, bewildered by her sudden and grand act of kneeling. "Young Master," Jiang Ying spoke with reverence. "I apologize for any earlier disrespectful speculations regarding your identity. Please punish me as you see fit!" Yan Zhao didn’t feel Jiang Ying was particularly disrespectful. While she used to maintain a somewhat indifferent demeanor, she was already considered one of the milder ones Yan Zhao had encountered. However, Jiang Ying's sudden display of exaggerated reverence left Yan Zhao uncertain of how to respond. "You should get up first," Ren Qingyue kindly suggested to Jiang Ying. "We can discuss things once we’re all standing." Ren Qingyue understood Jiang Ying's emotions. Compared to Lei Shuang's brashness, Jiang Ying was undoubtedly more cautious and exacting. Before this, Jiang Ying likely had her reservations about Yan Zhao's parentage. After all, a method for women to bear children was unprecedented; it was understandable that Jiang Ying misunderstood. Now that the truth was out, Jiang Ying probably felt immense guilt, mixed with apprehension, fearing Nangong Yin might reprimand her upon waking. Yan Zhao agreed with her senior sister's suggestion, saying to Jiang Ying, "Please stand first." Jiang Ying followed the order and stood up. Yan Zhao asked her, "What is a 'Young Master'? What does a 'Young Master' do?" Jiang Ying explained clearly: "As the child of the magical lord, you're naturally the Young Master of the entire demon realm. Whatever you command, Jiang Ying will carry out, even if it means climbing a mountain of swords or diving into a sea of fire." Yan Zhao widened her eyes, surprised, "I am that powerful?" Ren Qingyue rolled her eyes, "It's because your mother is powerful." It's said the demon realm is a place where no mercy is given, yet Nangong Yin managed to rise above countless demons, unifying the demon clans—a feat that made her feared. However, this strength was also a source of concern for Ren Qingyue. Nangong Yin's injuries and coma were no secret; the grand ceremony had numerous eyes watching. Even though the elders and disciples of the Cloud-shrouded Sect wouldn’t dare take advantage of the situation, there was no guarantee that the petty people from the Alliance wouldn’t. Nonetheless, Dongfang Cixin’s own stellar martial prowess, coupled with Su Zijun and the Medicine Sage’s presence at Huangyin Peak, plus the fact that Nangong Yin's twin protectors had secured the Cloud-shrouded Sect, meant that for the time being, there shouldn’t be any danger. Hopefully, Nangong Yin would awaken soon. With dawning understanding, Yan Zhao pondered for a moment then asked, "My mother is the world's greatest sword cultivator, and Ah Yin is the magical lord. So, between my mother and Ah Yin, who is stronger?" Ren Qingyue and Jiang Ying spoke simultaneously: "Of course, it's my master." "Naturally, the magical lord!" After their retorts, they glared at each other. Yan Zhao: "?" Ren Qingyue asserted, "My master’s swordsmanship unites the world; she's conquered demon generals and celestial officers, traveling beyond the heavens and realms. How could Nangong Yin be her match?" Jiang Ying countered, "Our magical lord’s blood-shadowed spear subdues the inferno, forcing myriads of demons into submission. Do you think Yan Yuanqing would stand a chance?" Neither was willing to back down, ready to continue the debate when Su Zijun interrupted, amusement evident on her face, "Why argue? Separately, they each reign supreme; together, they are unrivaled. Arguing for thousands of years would yield no conclusion." Ren Qingyue and Jiang Ying fell silent. Yet they had to admit Su Zijun made a valid point. Conceding to the truce, Jiang Ying voluntarily took on the task of watching over Nangong Yin. Ren Qingyue, meanwhile, found a quiet corner in the cave to meditate. Leaving Yan Zhao, puzzled nearby. So, who was stronger? Perhaps she would wait and ask when Ah Yin awoke. With Nangong Yin unconscious, Dongfang Cixin finished applying the needles and left instructions for Left Xu to administer medicine twice a day, settling herself nearby with a book for rest. Observing that Jiang Ying had come alone, Yan Zhao asked, "Where's my chief?" Chief... Jiang Ying was momentarily silent, suppressing a laugh. She imagined Lei Shuang, still oblivious, bragging about their imminent victory in a wager, face smug with anticipation. Jiang Ying maintained a neutral expression, responding to Yan Zhao, "She’s still carrying out a mission." Yan Zhao merely responded with an "Oh," not pursuing the matter further. Her gaze shifted from Jiang Ying to Ren Qingyue. Ren Qingyue, amidst a continual gathering of spiritual energy, with her breathing steady and long, had already entered a state of meditation. No wonder she's a senior sister, Yan Zhao mused to herself. Being able to focus on cultivation in such a noisy environment was impressive, no wonder her senior sister achieved such high skill at a young age. Just as Yan Zhao was considering joining Ren Qingyue, footsteps approached, and when she turned, she saw the Medicine Sage coming over to her. "Master," Yan Zhao greeted obediently. The Medicine Sage gestured for Yan Zhao to sit, and he himself settled down on a cushion, adopting a posture suggesting a heart-to-heart conversation with her. Yan Zhao tilted her head, curiosity written all over her face. "My dear disciple," the Medicine Sage rubbed his hands together, and with some evident embarrassment, cleared his throat before sincerely speaking, "Although Nangong Yin treats you well, your master also cares deeply for you. You shouldn't forget your master now that you've found your mother!" Yan Zhao agreed earnestly, "Yes, Master, you're right. I won't forget." Satisfied with Yan Zhao's reassurance, the Medicine Sage breathed a sigh of relief, his small eyes narrowing into happy crescents, "Then I'm relieved." Having said that, he sneaked a glance at Ren Qingyue, and with a concerned look, he asked Yan Zhao, "And how are things progressing with Yue? Have you confessed successfully? I notice you two seem very close today!" Not far away, the aura around Ren Qingyue wavered slightly, nearly disrupting her meditation before she managed to regain focus. Even though she remained expressionless with her eyes closed, the tips of her ears turned a slight shade of red. It seemed Yan Zhao wasn't only confiding in Bi Lan but the Medicine Sage was also aware. Was she oblivious, or was it that she hadn't paid enough attention to Yan Zhao's feelings, mistaking her closeness for mere camaraderie and secretly being pleased with it? Yan Zhao had openly admitted her affection and wasn't afraid when she saw Ren Qingyue’s true form as a fox. But did Yan Zhao truly understand what it meant to like someone? Compared to her first senior sister, Yan Zhao seemed more enamored with a fox's tail. Ren Qingyue pondered, feeling a twinge of dismay. In front of the Medicine Sage, Yan Zhao wore a troubled expression, unsure how to handle this matter. With no idea who could resolve her quandaries, she seized the opportunity when the Medicine Sage inquired to voice her concerns. Her first sentence was, "Senior Sister is actually a fox in disguise." Ren Qingyue's heart sank, a chill seeping deep into her bones, making her shiver. Just recently, Yan Zhao had spoken of forming a life bond with her, only to now hesitate because of her identity; Ren Qingyue felt her heart turn cold, a mix of grievance and relentless sadness. How could she take Yan Zhao's casual words seriously? Then, she heard Yan Zhao add, "So, Senior Sister has been by my side all along." A rare thoughtful expression crossed Yan Zhao’s pure face, as she deduced, "Senior Sister has secretly accompanied me since the day I left the mountain, yet I never realized it." She had often resented Senior Sister for not fulfilling promises, using excuses to leave her, yet in reality, throughout her three-year journey, she was hardly ever apart from Ren Qingyue. "Doesn't that show she really cares about you?" the Medicine Sage stroked his remaining white whiskers, "What are you worried about?" Hearing her master's assertion that Ren Qingyue cared for her, warmth blossomed in Yan Zhao’s heart, but her questions lingered. So she asked, "Master, why wouldn't Senior Sister just tell me she was Snowball? Why not let me know Snowball was her?" If she had known Snowball was her senior sister, she wouldn’t have been so eager to meet her. When she held Snowball and spoke about missing Senior Sister, what was Senior Sister thinking? I long not for the moon, but for the moments we meet. 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