256 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

The passage made Yan Zhao recall a scene from some time ago. In the Xuanhuang Secret Realm, she and Da Shi Jie went looking for the Millennial Sandalwood Ginseng. While crossing the sandy river, she accidentally touched Da Shi Jie's chest. That time, Da Shi Jie was indeed furious. As A Niang had mentioned, touching someone without permission was truly unwelcoming. Yan Zhao had already learned this lesson the hard way. However, Yan Zhao couldn’t quite connect the dots between birthing little foxes and the matter of touching here and there. Yan Zhao fell into thought, piecing together information she knew, and a chain of cause and effect slowly emerged in her mind: Only after becoming Dao partners could one behave inappropriately; such behavior was a prerequisite for having little foxes. Suddenly, her thoughts cleared, and Yan Zhao had an epiphany. Yet immediately after, she fell into new confusion. Yan Zhao couldn't hold back and asked, "If we can't use our hands or feet, does that mean I can't touch Da Shi Jie's tail either?" Yan Yuan Qing: "..." She found this topic a bit challenging. What kind of proper mother discusses such things with her daughter?! "It's not entirely forbidden." Yan Yuan Qing turned her face away, trying to hide the embarrassment and blush at the tips of her ears. "If Yue Er doesn’t mind and you’re treating her original form as a little pet, then a bit of touching is okay." A hint of confusion appeared on Yan Zhao's forehead. "If not as a little pet, then as what?" She clearly distinguished Da Shi Jie as her Dao partner and the little fox as her spirit pet. Even knowing the little fox was Da Shi Jie, it was difficult for her to be as uninhibited in front of Da Shi Jie as she was with the little fox. Perhaps because she didn’t realize Da Shi Jie and Snowball were the same, she wasn’t used to their overlapping identities yet. Yan Yuan Qing found herself at a loss, regretting her few extra words. "Do you remember everything I've said?" Yan Yuan Qing lifted her chin towards Yan Zhao, changing the subject. "Digest what I taught you today first, and no more questions." Yan Zhao: "Oh." This topic finally ended, and Yan Yuan Qing truly let out a breath of relief. She hadn’t anticipated coming out of such a short exchange, sweating bullets. It was all due to Xiao Zhao Zhao’s scattered thoughts — she almost couldn’t keep up. But finally, it came to a close. Just as this thought emerged, Yan Zhao raised her hand again: "One last question." Yan Yuan Qing patiently opened her mouth: "What do you want to ask now?" "How can Ah Yin’s seal be unlocked?" Yan Zhao asked seriously, "A Niang, do you have a method?" Yan Yuan Qing paused at her words, then turned her face away and cleared her throat unnaturally. Yan Zhao almost forgot about this. Focusing on learning about Yan Zhao's emotional state earlier had pushed the sealed woman far from her mind, not giving it a single thought. After all, a seal wasn’t a big deal. Even if left alone, Ah Yin could resolve it herself over time. Yan Yuan Qing quietly justified to herself. Seeing Yan Yuan Qing not answer and seemingly lost in thought, Yan Zhao waved her hand in front of Yan Yuan Qing's face: "A Niang?" Yan Yuan Qing quickly snapped back, lightly coughed twice to hide her embarrassment: "I’ve examined the seal, and it is quite challenging. My soul is incomplete, and I can't fully awaken my physical body. I can only tell you what to do, and you can try." Yan Zhao's eyes lit up. A Niang truly was the best in the world. What stumped Gan Niang and Shi Fu, A Niang had a solution for. Not speaking of other matters, when it came to cultivation, A Niang was indeed impressive. Yan Zhao looked at Yan Yuan Qing with eager anticipation: "What should I do?" "Close your eyes," Yan Yuan Qing instructed. Upon hearing this, Yan Zhao obediently closed her eyes. Then she felt a slight chill on her forehead as Yan Yuan Qing conjured a spell, instilling a trace of thought into her spiritual sea. This feeling wasn’t unfamiliar to Yan Zhao. In the past, when Yan Yuan Qing taught her the Divine Movement Spell, she had used this method of infusing knowledge directly, which was efficient and direct. Yan Zhao, with her eyes closed, carefully sensed the intention Yan Yuan Qing conveyed to her. It was like reading and learning — although it skipped memorization, it still required comprehension and practice. It wasn’t immediately applicable. However, being familiar the second time around, Yan Zhao adeptly organized the information she received, extracting useful experiences to formulate executable strategies. The method and incantation to break the seal were very complex. It took Yan Zhao a long time to digest and understand the entire process. After she finally grasped the complete procedure and slowly opened her eyes, she found herself back in the room. A Niang lay quietly on the bed, and everything she had experienced seemed like a dream too wonderful to be true. But Yan Zhao could now distinguish that this wasn't a dream, as A Niang’s soul had awakened, summoning her into the Soul Condensing Pearl for an intimate conversation. The excitement and joy had settled, leaving only a gentle happiness. But when she discovered waking from the dream to find A Niang still lying on the bed, even this remaining joy turned into disappointment. She moved slightly, and the garment on her shoulder slipped down. Yan Zhao turned her head to see an unfamiliar cyan outer garment draped over her, smelling its lingering light fragrance. Recognizing this garment's rightful owner, Yan Zhao glanced around the room. Ren Qing Yue wasn't in the room; daylight already shone through the window, indicating that Da Shi Jie had likely gone to consult with Gan Niang and her Shi Fu about their upcoming journey. Yan Zhao held Yan Yuan Qing’s hand, feeling the real warmth of A Niang’s hand. After a moment, Yan Zhao brought A Niang’s hand to her forehead, sincerely praying for her quick recovery. She was confident A Niang could hear her. Finally, Yan Zhao turned to look beside Yan Yuan Qing's pillow. An indigo light orb emanated from the seal, suppressing Nan Gong Yin’s power. With Nan Gong Yin still recuperating, she was likely unconscious. Yan Zhao reached for the seal, planning to try the method A Niang taught her. At this moment, footsteps echoed in the courtyard, causing her to pause. Soon after, the door gently opened. Ren Qing Yue entered quietly. As she set foot inside, a call was heard: "Da Shi Jie!" Turning her head, Ren Qing Yue saw Yan Zhao was awake, and naturally dropped her careful movements. “I just went for a walk in the courtyard while you were asleep, so as not to disturb you.” Yan Zhao quickly put down the seal and jumped up, hurriedly running to Ren Qing Yue, grabbing her hand: "Da Shi Jie! Last night, I dreamt of A Niang!" Ren Qing Yue was stunned, shock replacing her previous cautiousness: “What did you say?” “I dreamt of A Niang!” Yan Zhao repeated with a lively tone, instantly sharing her joy with Da Shi Jie. “A Niang taught me a spell to break the seal!” The astonishment faded from Ren Qing Yue’s dazed face, replaced by overwhelming panic and joy. She dashed to the bedside, gently cradling Yan Yuan Qing's hand: "Shi Fu!" Yan Yuan Qing lay peacefully, unmoving, yet Ren Qing Yue didn’t lose heart. If Yan Zhao dreamt of Yan Yuan Qing, it meant Yan Yuan Qing’s soul had awakened, though unfused with her body. This state already equaled half-success, making Yan Yuan Qing’s full recovery only a matter of time. "Ah Zhao, don’t hurry!" Ren Qing Yue quickly regained composure and turned to Yan Zhao, "I'll report this to Palace Master Su and Medicine God Senior, having them come to guard!" This matter was too significant to leave any contingency unattended. With both seniors present, they could handle any unforeseen changes. Yan Zhao complied, nodding. Seeing Ren Qing Yue about to leave, she immediately followed. “I’ll go with Da Shi Jie!” Ren Qing Yue hesitated briefly before nodding. She was intensely curious about what Yan Zhao had discussed with Yan Yuan Qing in the dream, though it was likely just seeking Yan Yuan Qing’s help in unlocking the seal, which she wanted to hear about. This could provide insights into Yan Yuan Qing’s condition. If time allowed, would she even get a chance to meet Yan Yuan Qing? Walking side by side out of the courtyard, Ren Qing Yue asked about what Yan Zhao saw in her dream. Yan Zhao tilted her head, organizing her thoughts a bit before responding: “A Niang asked me if I had someone I liked.” Ren Qing Yue stumbled a bit at the first words, completely caught off guard. She turned her startled gaze incredulously towards Yan Zhao, full of anxiety. How could Shi Fu suddenly ask such a question?! Ren Qing Yue’s heartbeat quickened in a panic, leaving her at a loss. Even though she had already guessed the answer inside, she couldn’t help but inquire with a slight hint of hopeful curiosity: “Did you say anything?” Yan Zhao nodded honestly. In an instant, the world spun, and Ren Qing Yue felt her vision darken with unparalleled despair. Forget it, she thought. It might be best not to face Shi Fu. She couldn't fathom the expression on Yan Yuan Qing's face when she discovered that the person Yan Zhao liked was her, and that they wished to become Dao partners. Would Yan Yuan Qing think she was negligent, failing to guide Yan Zhao correctly in cultivation, instead leading her astray? She had developed improper feelings towards her master's daughter; what would Shi Fu think of her? Would she deem her a disgrace to the sect? Overcome with shame, Ren Qing Yue wished she could find a hole to hide in. Perhaps the first thing Shi Fu would do once her soul fully recovered was to expel her from the sect. The more she thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed. Ren Qing Yue swallowed and nervously asked, "And... what did Shi Fu say?" Yan Zhao's eyes sparkled, and she hopped in front of Ren Qing Yue, her round face beaming with a smile. "A Niang said she’s very experienced in pursuing people and told me to use her self-created Ninety-Nine Styles of Relentless Pursuit to, oh no, court Da Shi Jie!" Ren Qing Yue: "???" Yan Zhao, excited, babbled on, recounting everything Yan Yuan Qing had said. After all, A Niang hadn’t mentioned that she shouldn’t share these words with Da Shi Jie. "She said Da Shi Jie’s stubborn personality is just a facade; the more effort I put in, the more victories I’ll claim, and persistence will win me Da Shi Jie’s heart!" Next to Yan Zhao, Ren Qing Yue’s expressions evolved from shock to fear, then confusion, and finally settled into a numb acceptance. "Oh, and there's more!" Yan Zhao added the most crucial part. "She said I must pursue Da Shi Jie with sincerity and never behave inappropriately." Ren Qing Yue: "." Chapter 279 Though surprising, Ren Qing Yue had once again re-evaluated her understanding of Yan Yuan Qing. Truly, her Shi Fu never took the conventional path. Upon learning the truth, it made all her prior worries seem particularly foolish. She feared her behavior might carry moral blemishes, was terrified her actions would disappoint her Shi Fu, yet all of this turned out to be her own unnecessary anxiety. Not only did Yan Yuan Qing not mind, but she even taught Yan Zhao... Ahem. Yan Zhao continued her lively chatter beside her, making Ren Qing Yue feel deeply awkward with a mix of complex emotions. "Enough," she interrupted Yan Zhao, "Shi Fu was jesting with you. Don't take her seriously." Yan Zhao was taken aback: "Really? Just joking?" Unable to endure Yan Yuan Qing’s eccentric teachings, Ren Qing Yue decided to level with Yan Zhao: "Relentless pursuit is a terrible strategy. Whether she mentioned it or not, it doesn't require you to do such things. Behaving well and obeying is more worthwhile." Ren Qing Yue acknowledged a harsh reality: truly handing over Yan Zhao to Yan Yuan Qing might indeed bend an otherwise promising little sapling. Yan Zhao was puzzled, her thoughts jumbled: "But A Niang makes sense. She said Da Shi Jie has a righteous character, easily flustered and not to be teased, which I agree with." Ren Qing Yue abruptly stopped in her tracks. When Yan Zhao realized Da Shi Jie hadn't followed, she halted too and turned back. Ren Qing Yue gazed into Yan Zhao’s eyes: "Shi Fu and I have opposing views. Will you listen to Shi Fu or me?" In the past, Ren Qing Yue would have never believed she would ever utter such a statement.