249 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Jiang Ying, with a flushed expression, reassured, "I'm fine." She had no issues kneeling before Yan Zhao, but in doing so, she found herself clumsily sprawled, her knees aching from the knock. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice. Her legs felt weak, and the pain and numbness in her knees made it difficult to get up. So, she decided to stay kneeling and asked Yan Zhao, "Young Mistress, are you hurt?" Behind Jiang Ying, Lei Shuang was dumbfounded. Wait, why was Jiang Ying kneeling before Yan Zhao? Who is the Young Mistress, anyway? Yan Zhao replied, "No," "What about the Demon Lord..." Jiang Ying looked down at the unconscious person in Yan Zhao's arms, intending to inquire about the Demon Lord's injury. But just as she was about to speak, a trace of doubt flickered through her mind. Nangong Yin never wore white clothes. Though, it was possible that Yan Zhao, for her convenience, changed Nangong Yin into clean garments for healing purposes. It was then she unintentionally saw the face of the woman in white. Her words halted abruptly, the remaining words swallowed back into her belly. Jiang Ying's pupils contracted, and her heart stirred in shock. She exclaimed, "Yan..." Before she could finish, a spell flew through the air, sealing her lips. Jiang Ying looked in astonishment towards the source of the silencing spell. Ren Qingyue, holding a gesture with her hand, shook her head at Jiang Ying and said, "We'll discuss this later." Jiang Ying paused dumbly for a moment but quickly understood and stopped her probing. Suddenly, someone supported her arm. Lei Shuang half-dragged, half-pulled Jiang Ying off the ground, moving her a bit further away, while asking in a lowered voice, "Did something go wrong?" Jiang Ying didn’t understand, "What?" "The Young Mistress." Lei Shuang raised her brow towards Yan Zhao, "Why are you calling Yan Zhao the Young Mistress?" Although Nangong Yin did have a fondness for Yan Zhao, and Yan Zhao was Yan Yuanqing’s daughter—now that Yan Zhao recovered Yan Yuanqing's body—there's indeed a high chance Nangong Yin would adopt Yan Zhao as her goddaughter. But even so, Jiang Ying changed her address too quickly. Moreover, Nangong Yin was still unconscious. Whether she’ll officially adopt Yan Zhao was yet to be determined! If Yan Zhao becomes Nangong Yin's goddaughter, she would technically be the "Demon Clan's Young Mistress," potentially dethroning her from her current title of leader. Jiang Ying showed no consideration for her, seemingly wishing to see Lei Shuang humiliated and in trouble. Lei Shuang felt unjustly vexed; she had feared the worst when Jiang Ying seemed near death and had cried her heart out, yet not one bit of genuine than was returned. Truly, the world grows callous as human nature deteriorates. Amid her mental lamentations, Lei Shuang had already penned an imaginary 800-word essay in her mind, while Jiang Ying rolled her eyes at her, responding, "No mistake." "What?" Lei Shuang was puzzled. "So, did the Demon Lord already adopt Yan Zhao as her goddaughter? How come you're informed while I'm not?" Jiang Ying looked at Lei Shuang with a gaze full of pity. Lei Shuang didn’t quite grasp the emotion in her eyes but felt a chill crawling up her back nonetheless. At that moment, Yan Zhao called her, "Leader, Ah Yin is also my mother." Lei Shuang's eyes widened, “What do you mean?” Yan Zhao had never met someone more clueless than her, and today she was astonished. But, recalling the patience her senior sisters had with her, she patiently explained to Lei Shuang, "Not a godmother, a biological mother." "..." Lei Shuang fell silent. Moments later, her hair stood on end, "What?!!" As Lei Shuang was about to continue questioning, Su Zijun urged, "There's no time to waste, let's not linger." Dongfang Cixin turned to hand over the Celestial Scroll to Su Zijun, then beckoned Zuo Xun, asking, "Will you descend the mountain alone for training, or leave with me?" Although bewildered, Zuo Xun didn’t hesitate, "Disciple swears to follow the Peak Master to the end." "No need for such solemn vows," Dongfang Cixin glanced at her, "There's no time to pack; we leave now." Zuo Xun nodded, refraining from asking their destination, decisively agreeing, "Understood." Ren Qingyue spoke to Jiang Ying, "Since you've been injured, come with us to Nianqing Mountain." Jiang Ying realized that in her current state, staying would only burden Lei Shuang and Feng Jin, so she did not refuse, releasing Lei Shuang’s support. Before leaving, she glanced back at Lei Shuang. The latter stood frozen, her eyes vacant, expression bewildered. Jiang Ying hesitated but eventually spoke, "Be careful. Don’t lose your life trying to beat me just once. I keep my word; I accept loss when I gamble." After saying this, Lei Shuang remained as if struck by lightning, unresponsive. Jiang Ying was speechless. She decided not to indulge further, whether Lei Shuang heard her or not, she wouldn’t repeat herself. Jiang Ying retreated to Yan Zhao's side, as Su Zijun unfurled the Celestial Scroll. Her finger dipped in a bit of blood, writing elegantly the words: Nianqing Mountain. Golden light glimmered, the void twisted, and with a blink, they vanished into thin air. Leaving Lei Shuang standing baffled in the center of the cave, drenched in sweat. Yan Zhao... is the Young Mistress. Yan Zhao, is the Young Mistress! The Young Mistress!!! · The surroundings transformed once more. As the fluctuating scenery settled, appearing before them was a serene, lush greenery. Nestled against a mountain, by the water's edge, amidst birdsong and blossom fragrance—it was like a human paradise. Dongfang Cixin, not well acquainted with Nangong Yin, was here for the first time, witnessing unexpected scenes that instantly overturned her preconceived notions of Nangong Yin. Had she not known in advance that this was Nangong Yin's cave abode, she might have believed it to be the secluded cultivation haven of some senior expert. Though part of the Demon Clan, Nangong Yin's temperament and taste bore significant hues of an immortal’s grace. Among the few present, Jiang Ying was heavily injured and moved slowly. Yan Zhao noticed and said, "You should go rest." Jiang Ying didn't demur, promptly saluting and taking her leave. Only Yan Zhao and Ren Qingyue were familiar with Nianqing Mountain’s surroundings. Yan Zhao, carrying Yan Yuanqing, walked ahead. Behind her, Ren Qingyue turned, and gracefully saluted towards Su Zijun and others, "Please follow me." The three elders, knowing Ren Qingyue had a close relationship with Yan Zhao and most likely visited the place when she was a little fox, found nothing suspicious. However, Zuo Xun, observing this, felt a little puzzled. She was unaware of what this place was and silently followed Dongfang Cixin forward. When they passed the golden-winged great roc's statue for the third time, a thought flashed in Zuo Xun’s mind. She quietly asked Dongfang Cixin, "Peak Master, where is this?" Dongfang Cixin replied, "Nianqing Mountain, Nangong Yin's cave abode." Zuo Xun's eyes flared open wide, astonishment and disbelief written on her face. This place is actually Nangong Yin’s cave abode. Ren Qingyue and Yan Zhao seemed so accustomed to this place, which indicated they had been here before. Recalling the previous grand ceremony, Nangong Yin’s declaration at the Cloud-Piercing Sect’s main peak about "My wife and my daughter," Zuo Xun was inwardly shaken. Could it be... Yan Zhao really is the daughter of Nangong Yin and Yan Yuanqing? A daughter conceived by two women—something unheard of. Zuo Xun couldn't help but wonder how this union, leading to Yan Zhao’s birth, occurred. Existence implies feasibility. Although her preconceived notions were challenged, after the initial shock, she began pondering if there were gaps in existing medical knowledge. As she followed along, she thought to herself: Once we stop, I must scour through every medical book and ancient text I can find to see if there’s any explanation. The group arrived at the residence where Yan Zhao had stayed before. Ren Qingyue stepped forward, opened the door for Yan Zhao, allowing her entry. Carrying Yan Yuanqing, Yan Zhao walked into the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed. Yan Yuanqing lay there quietly. Though unconscious, because a part of her spirit had temporarily returned due to the Soul Condensing Pearl, her cheeks regained some color, resembling a peaceful slumber. Yan Zhao stood motionless by the bedside, intently watching Yan Yuanqing. She seemed filled with words but couldn’t utter a single one. Ren Qingyue, perceiving this, felt heartache, mingled with an irresistible sense of guilt. She didn’t disturb Yan Zhao, but instead, retrieved the light sphere sealing Nangong Yin and placed it gently by Yan Yuanqing's pillow. Upon the sphere's appearance, Yan Zhao shifted her gaze slightly, looking at the gentle green glow enveloping the seal by Yan Yuanqing's pillow. Thinking of Ah Yin trapped and her mother unresponsive, an indescribable bitterness welled within Yan Zhao's chest, like cotton, impeding her heart with no way to release. Her parents were both mothers. Finally reunited with her family, she was in the same space as both her mothers, yet Yan Zhao felt utterly alone. In the three hundred years she had survived on Tianzhu Peak, she never once questioned why the heavens treated her unfairly. But now, her heart was full of confusion. "Senior Sister." Yan Zhao suddenly spoke. Ren Qingyue turned her head to look at her, waiting for her to continue. Yan Zhao slightly parted her lips, her expression calm, her tone steady, "Why does everyone want to kill my mothers?" It didn’t matter which mother. Whether it was the Immortal Alliance, the Cloud-Piercing Sect, or even the Celestial Immortals from the Immortal Realm now—they all posed ongoing threats to Yan Yuanqing and Nangong Yin. Even though Nangong Yin was severely injured and Yan Yuanqing was already dead, they still wouldn't leave them alone. Ren Qingyue’s eyes filled with sorrow, "Because they love each other... but one is human, the other is demonic—and both are women." Yan Zhao asked her, "Can a human and a demon not love each other? Can two women not love each other?" "It's not that they can't," Ren Qingyue replied, "It's just not accepted by society." Yan Zhao pondered this deeply, relating it to her own confession to her senior sister and the concerns her senior sister had expressed. "Chen Er said truly loving individuals can become Dao companions. Master also said that liking someone means mutual companionship and longing to stay together for eternity." Yan Zhao turned to her senior sister, "Love is between two people, so why must it be accepted by others?" Ren Qingyue hesitated, unsure how to explain this to Yan Zhao. "Indeed, love between two individuals is no one else's business, but people's thoughts differ. Even a difference in perception can lead to conflict, much less when my master and Nangong Yin are prominent figures." Ren Qingyue contemplated for a long time and decided to speak the truth. "The greater the fame, the more winds attract; the stronger they are, the more they are seen as a threat. Not being accepted by the world is merely an excuse for the envious to hate and wish to eliminate them." The answer she had held in her heart was finally spoken with relief. Ren Qingyue took a deep breath and gently told Yan Zhao, "It’s not their fault—it's the malice of people's hearts." Chapter 271 After hearing Ren Qingyue's words, Yan Zhao was silent for a long time. Suddenly, she said, "Senior Sister said you liked me, but you’re unwilling to become Dao companions with me—is this the reason?" Ren Qingyue was taken aback. As soon as the words left her mouth, the thought expanded rapidly in Yan Zhao's mind. Seeing Ren Qingyue not answering, the starlight in Yan Zhao's eyes quickly became overshadowed. Her eyes lost their brilliance, a shadow of sadness appearing on her face. Yet there was a faint hint of unwillingness as she softly murmured, "Does Senior Sister also need recognition from others?" "No!" Ren Qingyue responded quickly, her tone especially firm, "I've never thought that way." Yan Zhao looked up, locking eyes with her. As their gazes met, Ren Qingyue quickly explained, "Lack of societal acceptance is merely a facade, an excuse those with malicious intentions use to stir conflict." Yan Zhao's eyes showed a hint of confusion, clearly not understanding what Ren Qingyue meant. Ren Qingyue continued, "Even if your mothers had not declared their relationship to the world, merely by being exceptional, those with ill intentions would find a thousand, ten thousand reasons to want them dead." The anticipation isn't for the moon, but for the chance encounter with you.