251 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Regret is futile; thinking of a way to change the situation is crucial. This thought flitted through Ren Qingyue's mind, and a plan began to take shape. Just then, she heard Yanzhao's voice behind her, "Senior Sister." Ren Qingyue turned in response. Yanzhao sat cross-legged on a futon, as if preparing to meditate. But before she started, something occurred to her, prompting her to speak. Ren Qingyue met Yanzhao's gaze, waiting for her to continue. "There’s something I want to discuss with you," Yanzhao said. Ren Qingyue was a bit surprised but nodded, "Go ahead." Yanzhao shared her thoughts openly, "I want to visit the Xian Alliance." Hearing this, Ren Qingyue's expression turned serious. Yanzhao rarely made such serious and perilous requests. She must have guessed that her senior sister would likely refuse. Yet, she expressed her intention anyway. Having spent considerable time together, they shared a tacit understanding. Ren Qingyue easily grasped Yanzhao’s intentions without needing further explanation. Ren Qingyue looked at Yanzhao, asking, "Do you want to find Ying Xiao?" "Yes," Yanzhao openly acknowledged. "I overheard what Godmother said in the courtyard." I see, thought Ren Qingyue. However, this matter was complex and dangerously risky, and her instinct was to refuse. But when she saw Yanzhao's calm and honest gaze, the words of refusal caught in her throat. Most of the time, Yanzhao was obedient and compliant because she didn't care about such things, so it didn’t matter whose advice she followed. Yet, there was a profound stubbornness within her, manifesting in rare instances. Once she set her mind on something, she wouldn't turn back, regardless of the challenges. Ren Qingyue realized Yanzhao confided in her because she trusted her. So, she asked, "Do you want me to go with you?" Yanzhao pursed her lips, a hint of hope shining in her eyes, "Is that possible?" Ren Qingyue chuckled. If she had outright refused moments ago, Yanzhao might have turned and slipped away at the first opportunity, heading to the Xian Alliance alone to confront Ying Xiao. Ren Qingyue felt both exasperated and helpless. However, she understood Yanzhao's feelings and couldn't bring herself to blame her for being disobedient. "But this is too dangerous," Ren Qingyue reminded Yanzhao. "If we act recklessly and something goes wrong, what will happen to Su Gongzhu and Yaoshengzi? Have you considered that?" Yanzhao fell silent, having indeed not thought it through. She desperately wanted to recover her mother’s shattered soul; once Yan Yuanqing recovered, the seal on Nangong Yin would be broken. Nonetheless, she had to admit her senior sister was right. Following the recent sect disciple gathering, she had already been scolded for recklessly leaving Wanbao Palace with Xuanyuan Mu to rescue Bi Lan. Yanzhao lowered her head, dejectedly saying, "Godmother and Master are injured, and Senior Dongfang is taking care of my mother. I’m the only one left with nothing to do. I want to do something for my mother." Ren Qingyue was deeply moved. In the past, Yanzhao never considered much, but after everything that had transpired, she had suddenly matured, learning to empathize with others' feelings. Seeing Yanzhao's downcast mood, Ren Qingyue's heart softened, and she said, "Let’s discuss it with Su Gongzhu and the others." Yanzhao looked up, muttering, "Godmother will definitely disagree." She had already anticipated the outcome. Realizing her wishes were futile, she felt discouraged from asking, fearing not only potential conflicts but also alerting Su Zijun and the others, who might then stop her. Ren Qingyue approached Yanzhao, helping her up from the futon, smoothing the creases in her clothes. Yanzhao was puzzled, a hint of confusion in her gaze. "Acting alone could harm those who truly care about us, causing them worry. More importantly, if they’re kept in the dark, by the time something goes wrong, it’ll be too late to make amends," Ren Qingyue said sternly. "So, no matter what, we shouldn’t act on our own." Yanzhao felt even more dejected at Ren Qingyue’s words. However, Ren Qingyue then shifted her tone, "But, Su Gongzhu and Yaoshengzi aren’t unreasonable people. Don't ever give up on trying to communicate, Ah Zhao; you now have the ability to persuade them." Yanzhao's eyes lit up again, staring at Ren Qingyue, "Can I really?" "Of course," Ren Qingyue affirmed Yanzhao. Then, suddenly tilting her chin, she added, "If all else fails..." Yanzhao’s heart raced, echoing, "If all else fails?" Ren Qingyue offered a wry smile, "If it doesn’t work out, I’ll help you." Yanzhao’s mind whirred, and she quickly realized, "Senior Sister, you’ll accompany me?" Ren Qingyue countered, "When have I ever not stayed by your side?" No matter if she was Ren Qingyue or Snowball. She always remained by Yanzhao's side. Yanzhao's heart thumped loudly; gazing into Ren Qingyue’s softly smiling eyes left her momentarily speechless. In that moment, her eyes brimmed with brilliance, overflowing with emotions. So many feelings surged within her, yet the words crowded at her lips remained unspoken. Yanzhao pursed her lips, a slight smile playing at the corners, and without warning, she spread her arms wide, pulling Ren Qingyue into a tight embrace. Ren Qingyue was startled, warmth flushing her cheeks, her heart pounding wildly like a startled rabbit. "I'm sorry," Yanzhao murmured, her warm breath tickling Ren Qingyue’s ear. "I didn’t ask if Senior Sister was okay with it beforehand, because I couldn’t wait any longer." She hugged her little fox every day but had never embraced her senior sister like this. It wasn’t until she embraced her that Yanzhao realized how slender her senior sister was. Her shoulders were narrow, with hardly any flesh, needing protection like anyone else. Yanzhao felt a tingling itch of emotion stirring within her heart. Resting her chin on Ren Qingyue’s shoulder, her voice soft and spoiled, with a hint of playfulness, she said, "Senior Sister is so kind to me, surely not angry over just a hug." Even if there was any dissatisfaction in Ren Qingyue’s heart, hearing those words made her shake her head with amusement. Like a small, fuzzy animal intoxicated, she had butted her head into Ren Qingyue’s chest; the air smelled faintly of alcohol in the wind. She hadn’t drunk but felt intoxicated. Ren Qingyue felt a mix of anxiety and indulgence. How could she blame Yanzhao for her impulsive, reckless ways? Yet, she didn’t want to simply yield to Yanzhao’s whims, breaking boundaries and rules, for once allowed it would surely happen again with Yanzhao pushing those boundaries further. She allowed Yanzhao to hold her without resistance but said, "You hope I won’t be angry, yet you still misbehave. How can anything be this easy?" Her tone seemed stern, yet devoid of true reproach, akin to bargaining, seeking an explanation from Yanzhao. Yanzhao, failing to hear the hidden meaning, nodded, recognizing the logic behind her senior sister's words. "Anger isn’t good for one’s health, best not to get angry," Yanzhao mused aloud, then, in a whisper, "But if Senior Sister really is angry..." Ren Qingyue eyed her sideways, curious what she’d come up with. Yanzhao frowned, thinking hard yet unable to devise a way to make amends. Though willing to accept a punishment for upsetting her senior sister, she feared it might be too harsh, causing herself undue suffering. After pondering, she tilted her head, cheek against Ren Qingyue. "Then you can pinch my ear," she suggested. Chapter 273 Ren Qingyue chuckled at Yanzhao's suggestion, pondering whether Yanzhao was simply confident or genuinely believed an ear pinch could quell her senior sister’s anger. Seeing her earnest expression, Ren Qingyue pretended to twist her ear. Yanzhao instinctively shut her eyes, recoiling slightly. Oddly, she wasn’t afraid of death, having braved the pain of swords piercing her heart, yet feared her senior sister’s gentle scolding. As cool fingertips touched her earlobe, Yanzhao’s heart fluttered with trepidation. But the expected pain never came; Ren Qingyue merely pinched lightly, playfully tugging to form a comical flap. "You’re quite resourceful," Ren Qingyue relented, ceasing her serious demeanor, her tone turning light, "Just this once, never again." Yanzhao nodded obediently, "Okay." Her eyes darted, thinking: Senior Sister truly isn’t mad. Ren Qingyue raised an eyebrow, "Had enough hugs?" Yanzhao was about to say she hadn’t gotten enough of the hug when Ren Qingyue gently pushed her away. Ren Qingyue pressed a finger gently against Yanzhao's forehead, "Don't we have important matters to attend to? Let's go see Su Gongzhu." Although Yanzhao felt a twinge of regret at not being able to prolong the embrace, she didn’t insist and obediently agreed, "Alright." · The sun set over the western hills, and the sky was a dull gray. The sunset stained the scattered clouds crimson like blood, but soon even the last remnants of daylight would disappear beneath the earth. In the Xian Alliance’s quarters, Ying Xiao paced back and forth in front of the desk. It had been a whole day since the Xian Jun left the camp for Fuyun Sect. With the speed of the Jade Lion Beast, they should have arrived before dawn, and if all went well, they should be back before nightfall. If the Xian Jun succeeded in capturing Nangong Yin, he would surely come to hold Ying Xiao accountable, since crucial information was withheld. This mission was bound to cause trouble for the Xian Jun. Even though this plan was a reckless gamble with a fifty-fifty chance of success or severe injury for the Xian Jun, Ying Xiao couldn't guarantee the plan's smooth execution. He had made preparations for both outcomes; even if the Xian Jun returned alive after battling the ancient dragon, he would be gravely injured. "Relying on others is pointless," he mused. This might be his opportunity. Ying Xiao walked to and fro, occasionally glancing out the window. Though the Xian Jun wouldn’t brazenly stroll through the courtyard upon his return, Ying Xiao kept looking out, partly to relieve his inner turmoil. Anxious, he couldn’t pinpoint what he was hoping for. Naturally, the thought of the Xian Jun returning unscathed frightened him, but the Xian Jun couldn't easily kill him, as Ying Xiao held the clues to the God Source Fruit. The probability of the Xian Jun returning unscathed was relatively low. Having witnessed the might of the ancient dragon contracted by Yanzhao, far superior to the one tamed by the Xian Alliance, even the Xian Jun would struggle to retreat unscathed without forewarning. By the time the Xian Jun realized he was deceived, it would be too late. Ying Xiao paced a few more steps, noticing the sun sinking further into the horizon, its remaining glow about to vanish completely. Fear slowly dissipated from his heart, transforming into a secret pleasure. At the same time, he felt a twinge of alarm. Fortunate it was that he sensed danger at yesterday’s grand ceremony and immediately fled—an incredibly wise decision. Had he stayed, who knows what would have befallen him. With Yanzhao contracting an ancient dragon and Ren Qingyue wielding the Demon Slayer Sword, the two of them could even defeat Lianyun Daozi. They had also wooed Su Zijun, Yaoshengzi, and Yuanhai Zhenren. Just hearing these names was enough to instill terror; what chance did the Xian Jun of the celestial realm have? His death was certain. With his demise, the celestial realm would undoubtedly be enraged, likely sending another investigation into what transpired. But that would give Ying Xiao at least half a year, a window to catch his breath. Now, Ying Xiao was ready to pen a letter, shifting the blame for the mission’s failure entirely onto the Xian Jun. Instead of passively waiting for an investigation, he chose to take the initiative. While half a year is brief for practitioners, it would afford him enough time to maneuver and secure more opportunities. As Ying Xiao returned to the desk, ready to write, a chill suddenly swept up behind him. The sensation was all too familiar, sending shivers down his spine in an instant, as if he were plunged into an ice cellar. No time to evade and no way to escape. He merely tipped forward slightly to mitigate the force. Then, just as expected, a tremendous force struck like a heavy hammer, slamming him to the ground. His forehead hit the floor hard, reverberating painfully in his head.