241 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Ren Qing Yue realized that she hadn't given Yan Zhao a gift yet. On the contrary, Yan Zhao had offered her a pair of bells as a gesture of good will. Nan Gong Yin, Su Zi Jun, and Yao Shen Zi had all gifted Yan Zhao many magical treasures; although she couldn't offer anything as valuable, small trinkets like jewelry were within her means to give. Ren Qing Yue placed an earring on Yan Zhao, who found it interesting, even though piercing her ear was slightly painful. For Yan Zhao, this pain was no more than a mosquito bite and soon faded, replaced by the feeling of the earring's slight weight on her ear. "It looks beautiful," Ren Qing Yue remarked. Rarely praised by her, Yan Zhao felt a bit embarrassed but mostly joyful, her eyes sparkling as she asked, "Really?" Ren Qing Yue nodded, "Of course, you are naturally beautiful. Anything looks good on you." Yan Zhao blinked. "But books say if someone suddenly gives you a gift and praises how it looks, they might have ulterior motives. Do you have ulterior motives, Sister?" Ren Qing Yue was momentarily speechless. --- Chapter 261 Bi Lan climbed Yellow Sound Peak, with her small golden companion. She had never been to Yellow Sound Peak and did not know where Dong Fang Cixin resided. Moreover, the disciples of Fuyun Sect had mostly left, leaving Yellow Sound Peak nearly deserted. In the stillness of the night, she hadn't seen a single soul as she made her way upward. Bi Lan attempted to divine her way but found that the sect's grand formation interfered with her divination. With no other choice, she continued her ascent. As she neared the summit, a presence suddenly emerged, accompanied by a figure that appeared on the mountain path, blocking her way. It was a familiar face; at the previous Immortal Gate Disciple Assembly, Bi Lan had met him. Zuo Xun stood with his back straight in the middle of the path, his expression stern and impartial. "This is Yellow Sound Peak. What are you doing here?" "I'm here to find Yan Zhao." Bi Lan confessed her intentions honestly, lifting her hand to show the little gold creature to Zuo Xun. "Her spirit pet was left on the main peak, and I'm returning it to her." Zuo Xun glanced at the palm-sized golden bat in Bi Lan's hand, thoughtful. Despite its bat-like size, its three small heads each bore different-shaped horns, unmistakably marking it as an ancient dragon. It was well-known in Fuyun Sect that Yan Zhao had a unique golden ancient dragon spirit pet. Bi Lan had no reason to lie. Zuo Xun nodded and added, "Yan Zhao and Ren Qing Yue have returned to Tianzhu Peak." "Tianzhu Peak?" Bi Lan was surprised. With Tianzhu Peak being so vast, how could she know where Yan Zhao and Ren Qing Yue were? Besides, since Yan Zhao was with her senior sister, there was no need to disturb them. Bi Lan pondered for a moment and then said, "In that case, would Sister Zuo please pass along the little gold creature to them?" With that, she handed the little creature to Zuo Xun. Zuo Xun accepted it, promising to take care of it. Bi Lan thanked Zuo Xun and then turned to descend the mountain. She hadn't gone far along the path, just around a small bend, when a gentle voice called from behind: "Wait." Bi Lan stopped and turned around. A figure appeared out of nowhere on the path. Moonlight spilled down, forming a silver frost on the figure's head. The aura was noble and warm, with a dignified grace that commanded respect, making Bi Lan's heart tremble. She quickly turned and bowed respectfully, "Greetings to Palace Master Su." Unexpectedly encountering Su Zi Jun at this quiet and deserted mountain path at night, Bi Lan felt both honored and anxious. But Su Zi Jun was accustomed to this. Usually, these young disciples would feel nervous upon seeing her. She dispensed with unnecessary words, directly inquiring about Bi Lan's intentions: "Where are you planning to go now?" Bi Lan heard this and was slightly stunned. Su Zi Jun was the Master of Treasure Palace, standing on par with Yao Shen Zi. Yao Shen Zi was easygoing and got along with everyone, and due to past connections with the Xuan Yuan clan, Bi Lan had some interaction with him. Even so, she always remained cautious and respectful. Su Zi Jun was evidently different from Yao Shen Zi, not the approachable type. She never imagined Su Zi Jun would personally show interest in her plans. Bi Lan felt apprehensive and unsure. But she dared not be negligent, answering honestly once Su Zi Jun asked: "I was thinking of going to the clinic to see if there's anything I can help with." "I'm asking about your future plans," Su Zi Jun's straightforward manner left no room for ambiguity once she made a decision. Bi Lan was again taken aback. This time she contemplated a bit longer, but as she had no concrete answer initially and was inwardly confused, she could only shake her head and say, "I'm not sure, maybe take some time to wander the world." Su Zi Jun looked into her eyes, observing quietly. Even in the night, with just a touch of moonlight, Bi Lan's eyes remained clear and pure. This clarity was different from Yan Zhao's innocent naivety; it was the insight of someone who had weathered countless trials, seen the highs and lows of life, yet still believed in humanity's inherent goodness—a sage's eyes. Initially, Su Zi Jun only intended to bring Bi Lan into Treasure Palace as a regular inner disciple. But in this moment, she truly entertained the thought of taking her as a disciple. However, she couldn't accept a disciple directly, fearing it might disrupt Bi Lan's path. Thus, after some consideration, Su Zi Jun spoke gently, "That's fine, go out into the world and train. If you ever feel weary and wish to cultivate in peace, you're welcome at Treasure Palace." This was the true intention. Bi Lan understood Su Zi Jun's goodwill in offering her a home—knowing she was adrift like a free-floating leaf, lacking a place to belong—and was deeply grateful. However... Bi Lan's face showed hesitation. Su Zi Jun perceptively noticed the fleeting worry in her eyes and promptly asked, "What’s troubling you?" Bi Lan instinctively wanted to deny it, but facing Su Zi Jun's suddenly commanding gaze, she shivered, realizing she couldn't hide any of her thoughts from this senior. Thus, she chose not to conceal, confessing her inner fears. Xuan Yuan clan and Fuyun Sect had both perished in quick succession, and she suspected she was a harbinger of misfortune, bringing disaster wherever she went. She feared bringing misfortune to Treasure Palace as well. After hearing her out, Su Zi Jun merely scoffed, "As cultivators, we acknowledge destiny but do not succumb to it. Why do you cultivate if you simply accept fate?" Bi Lan was visibly shaken, as if the stone blocking her well's exit was shattered by Su Zi Jun's single blow. With things as they were, no further words were necessary. Raising her clasped hands, Bi Lan bowed deeply to Su Zi Jun in gratitude, "Thank you, Senior." Su Zi Jun nodded and tilted her chin, "Go on then." Bi Lan maintained her respectful stance, bowing. As a gentle breeze blew, the subtle pressure enveloping her dissipated. When Bi Lan looked up, the path was empty. She exhaled a sigh of relief, feeling a wave of warmth, as Su Zi Jun became the second person, after Xuan Yuan Mu, to extend kindness to her. Bi Lan's throat tightened, and without realizing it, her eyes filled with tears. She wasn't sad, yet tears flowed uncontrollably, falling in large drops. She wiped her tears with her sleeve and, once her emotions settled, turned and walked down the mountain. At that moment, a grayish-white hue brushed against the sky's edge. As Bi Lan walked further away, her previously weary silhouette began to emanate new vitality. On a high, open vantage point, two figures stood side by side. Yao Shen Zi watched Bi Lan's departing figure and sighed deeply, reproaching Su Zi Jun, "Didn't you already agree to take her as a disciple? Why didn't you make it clear?" "When did I agree?" Su Zi Jun shot Yao Shen Zi a dismissive look. "Besides, she's the one who said she wanted worldly experience, not me." Yao Shen Zi bristled, frustrated with Su Zi Jun's lack of appreciation for talent. Su Zi Jun glanced at him and teased, "Old man, if you care so much, why not take her as your disciple?" "I already have one disciple," Yao Shen Zi waved, "Taking too many means less time to teach. It’s better to teach one well." Moreover, since Yao Shen Sect had deep ties with the Xuan Yuan clan, seeing him often might prevent Bi Lan from fully escaping her past shadows. Bi Lan likely wouldn’t want to become his disciple, either. Although Yao Shen Zi felt some regret, with Su Zi Jun's words earlier, Bi Lan at least had a sense of where she belonged. Su Zi Jun withdrew her gaze from the distance, already contemplating what kind of gift to prepare for her future disciple the next time they met. As a gentle breeze swept by, the two figures atop the mountain dissolved like smoke in the wind, quietly vanishing. --- At Tianzhu Peak. Yan Zhao looked at Ren Qing Yue with naive expectation, but several moments passed without a response. Her lashes fluttered as she softly called out, "Sister?" Ren Qing Yue snapped back to reality, glancing at the small book resting on the dressing table beside Yan Zhao. She couldn't recall the contents of the book; originally, it was meant to make Yan Zhao more vigilant. She hadn't expected this turn of events—shooting herself in the foot. Nevertheless, she had a backup plan. Ren Qing Yue, maintaining her composure, explained, "The book talks about male disciples, so it doesn't apply to me." "Oh," Yan Zhao accepted Ren Qing Yue's explanation without further thought. Then, like a lightbulb going off, she asked, "Does that mean only male disciples deceive people? Can't female disciples as well?" Ren Qing Yue found herself speechless once more. Her expression remained unchanged, but a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead. "Ahem." Ren Qing Yue cleared her throat. "Female disciples can deceive too, but not as much as men do. Either way, I wouldn't lie to you." Yan Zhao flipped open the book on the table. "This seems like something the book says too." Since she'd just read it, the impression was fresh; it was right near the beginning. Yan Zhao pointed out the relevant passage to Ren Qing Yue. —Those who continually emphasize their uniqueness, subtly suggesting they're special to you and assuring you they won't deceive you, are not to be trusted. Ren Qing Yue's temple throbbed, a bit exasperated. Who would have guessed that such an unreliable person like Yan Yuan Qing could write so rigorously? It seemed no matter what she said, Yan Zhao could flip to the book and find a counterargument. Fully frustrated, Ren Qing Yue snapped, "I told you to read the book to guard against others, what is there to guard against me?" Yan Zhao shrank slightly, murmuring in a small voice, "But Sister taught me to apply what I learn." She was becoming increasingly defiant, particularly quick-witted at moments like these. Ren Qing Yue was exasperated beyond belief. "A book is fixed, but people are fluid. You need to learn how to discern for yourself." She poked Yan Zhao's forehead firmly. "Can't you tell in your heart whether I'm good to you or not? Or do you think I would lie to you?" Yan Zhao's head echoed with each poke, leaving a small red mark on her forehead. Sensing the shift in atmosphere and realizing that her silliness had upset her sister again, Yan Zhao quickly replied, "Of course not." Ren Qing Yue finally relaxed a little, giving Yan Zhao a look that said "you better know what's good for you." She decided not to press further, only adding, "I'm glad you know." Looking into Ren Qing Yue's eyes, Yan Zhao paused thoughtfully, then suddenly said, "Even though Sister wouldn't deceive me, I have ulterior motives toward Sister." --- Chapter 262 "But I have ulterior motives toward Sister." As she said this, Yan Zhao tilted her head up slightly, her eyes seemingly holding a constellation's glow. Ren Qing Yue's heart skipped a beat, unexpectedly caught in this twinkling galaxy, a whirlwind drawing her gaze, making it hard to look away. "What nonsense are you spouting?" she managed to shift her gaze with difficulty toward the bronze mirror beside Yan Zhao, "If you can't use idioms correctly, don't just throw them around. You're just talking gibberish."