260 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Jiang Ying suddenly understood everything: "Ah, I see." Yao Shenzi wore an embarrassed expression. As Yan Zhao’s master, he hadn’t been much help when Yan Zhao was in danger. In fact, he’d almost become a burden to her. This left him feeling profoundly ashamed. At this point, Yan Zhao asked, "My mother and A-Yin have both been to the Demon Realm. Why can't I go?" Yao Shenzi was at a loss for words, while Su Zhi Jun rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Dong Fang Ci Xin remained detached, maintaining her role as an observer with no comments to offer. Nearby, Ren Qing Yue appeared somewhat lost in thought. Jiang Ying's earlier words had cleared her mind like a fresh breeze dispersing the clouds and revealing the moon, making her realize she'd been mired in a flawed perspective. Yan Zhao was a spirit born from a divine source fruit, nurtured through the bloodlines of Yan Yuan Qing and Nan Gong Yin. Technically speaking, she wasn't human and shouldn’t be judged by mortal standards. The human world might not even be the best place for her development. Yan Zhao hadn’t yet visited the Demon Realm, so how could anyone know she wouldn’t adapt there? As Ren Qing Yue considered this, the tension in her heart lessened somewhat. Amidst the collective contemplation, Ren Qing Yue suddenly spoke up: "Yao Shenzi, the seal on the divine source fruit has been lifted. Though Yan Zhao hasn't fully mastered its power, she has already displayed remarkable talents beyond the reach of others. She has repeatedly turned the tides in situations we deemed perilous. Perhaps it is our mindset that needs to change." Offering Yao Shenzi a way out, she continued earnestly, "Moreover, the news of the divine source fruit's appearance is already out. Staying in the human world will only invite unwanted attention—it's not a viable long-term plan. In that case, why not let Yan Zhao decide for herself?" Yan Zhao was taken aback. Her senior sister, who had strongly opposed her earlier, was now supporting her during the discussion. Her mother had said it right: her senior sister was all bark and no bite. She paid more attention to what she did, rather than what she said. Senior sister was ultimately on her side. Yao Shenzi, after his own words had contradicted himself, was feeling rather deflated. Listening to Ren Qing Yue's speech, he felt even more dispirited, letting out a long sigh: "Oh, it seems this old man truly is past his prime." Su Zhi Jun observed him and, feeling somewhat sympathetic, refrained from the usual jibes she would aim at him. "Miss Ren makes a valid point," Su Zhi Jun said thoughtfully. Ren Qing Yue continued, "Actually, I didn’t agree at first, but just now, a thought crossed my mind." Su Zhi Jun was curious, "What do you mean?" "When it comes to caring for Yan Zhao, perhaps my master was the most devoted. Yet, she entrusted the method of unlocking to Yan Zhao and let her go to the Demon Realm." Weighing her words carefully, Ren Qing Yue shared her thoughts: "Though my master enjoys jesting, she never errs on important matters. If she considers it possible, then I believe it can be attempted." These words completely convinced Su Zhi Jun and also opened Yao Shenzi's mind. He exclaimed, clapping his hands suddenly, "That’s true! How did I miss that?" Su Zhi Jun gave him a glance, unsparing with her words, "Because you're getting old." Yao Shenzi: "..." "In that case, Yan Zhao, just do what you think is best," Su Zhi Jun conceded, lightly patting Yan Zhao’s head, "If you need anything, just ask, and your godmother will do her best to prepare it for you." Not to be outdone, Yao Shenzi chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes, dear disciple, if you lack anything, let your master know!" Upon hearing this, Yan Zhao tilted her head, seriously contemplating before beginning to tick off her fingers: "I have roughly three spirit stone mountains, ten chests of spirit crystals, the Divine Scroll of Creation, the Illusory Thousand-Faced Mask, the Shadow Fog Lamp, and about a dozen or so other magical treasures I don't quite know how to use. Also, I have two spirit pets and an alchemy furnace." Midway through her list, she turned to Ren Qing Yue, "Senior sister has the Demon-Slaying Sword and can transform into a nine-tailed fox." Yan Zhao pondered a moment before mumbling to herself, "What else do I lack?" Everyone: "..." Chapter 283 Yao Shenzi's gaze was vacant. "Hiss—" He came back to his senses, realizing that he had pulled out a tuft of his white beard. The already sparse beard was now missing two more hairs. The pain of losing his beard was nothing compared to his heartache. Yao Shenzi, with tears in his eyes, said, "Truly, there isn't much you lack, my disciple. Your resources surpass even your master's." Su Zhi Jun suddenly remembered that Yan Zhao had once helped her recover stolen treasures. She had given all those items to Yan Zhao. In terms of wealth, Yan Zhao was so rich she could start her own sect. Jiang Ying and Dong Fang Ci Xin were somewhat surprised, not expecting someone like Yan Zhao, who seemed so unassuming, to have such profound depths. In all areas, she truly was remarkable. Yan Zhao thought about it and nodded in agreement, "I also feel I'm not lacking for now." As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something, turning to Su Zhi Jun, "Godmother, I've left the Jade Lion at the Immortal Alliance to keep Yi Xiao in check. I can't bring it with me, but I'm worried that after I leave for the Demon Realm, the Immortal Alliance might cause trouble again." Su Zhi Jun was pleasantly surprised at how far ahead Yan Zhao was thinking. She felt quite pleased with this and nodded, "I’ll handle things on the Immortal Alliance side, so you can be at ease." After speaking, she thought for a moment before adding, "Leave me something with your blood on it as a token, so I can communicate with the Jade Lion." "Alright," Yan Zhao agreed, feeling relieved. With Su Zhi Jun's reliable handling, there was nothing for her to worry about. Noticing the agreement reached between Su Zhi Jun and Yan Zhao, Yao Shenzi feared being left out and hastily spoke up, "What about me? Do I have no role to play?" Yan Zhao responded straightforwardly, "No." Yao Shenzi was crushed, feeling utterly drained as he sat back in his chair, crestfallen. Su Zhi Jun could hardly bear to look, thinking how pitiful it was. Before she could find a suitable excuse for Yan Zhao, Ren Qing Yue interjected, "The master is gravely injured. Yan Zhao is hoping he can spend more time on healing." In an instant, Yao Shenzi was reanimated, his eyes full of expectation, "Is that so? My dear disciple?" Yan Zhao nodded, sincerely affirming, "Yes, that's it." Su Zhi Jun mostly suffered external injuries that dragon saliva could heal, but Yao Shenzi's injuries were internal, leaving him with deficient energy. His complexion was visibly unhealthy, and even after some rest, he hadn’t improved; hence, Yan Zhao didn’t ask for his help. Yao Shenzi felt immediately better about himself, challenging Su Zhi Jun with a cheeky tilt of his chin, "Ah, my dear disciple is truly wonderful, so considerate of us old folks. Su Palace Master, capable as you are, doesn’t get this kind of treatment." Su Zhi Jun was speechless, knowing that indulging him would result in him becoming insufferable. However, more than the childish antics of the old man, Su Zhi Jun was surprised by the understanding between Ren Qing Yue and Yan Zhao. For Yan Zhao, who often seemed a little daft, Ren Qing Yue could accurately interpret her true intentions, which was truly astounding. This led Su Zhi Jun to recall a strange feeling she'd once had regarding Ren Qing Yue. She subtly observed Ren Qing Yue, noting how she was standing behind Yan Zhao, a step away—not too close, nor too distant. Her countenance was straightforward, not speaking unnecessarily, yet her slightly lowered gaze kept Yan Zhao squarely in her focus. Su Zhi Jun mused silently. With the decision made for Yan Zhao to go to the Demon Realm, Jiang Ying, who couldn't stay quiet any longer, spoke up, "When will the young lord depart?" Hearing this, Yan Zhao did not respond immediately. Instead, she looked at Su Zhi Jun. Su Zhi Jun answered, "You can decide for yourself." Only then did Yan Zhao reply, "Then, today." She was always swift in action, never delaying once she decided on something. Yao Shenzi felt somewhat reluctant, but Su Zhi Jun voiced no objections, "That's fine. However, once you leave, Nian Qing Mountain shouldn’t be entered at will. Better send us to Wanbao Palace first." Yan Zhao agreed, took out the Divine Scroll of Creation, and prepared to send Su Zhi Jun and others away. At this moment, Dong Fang Ci Xin asked, "What about Yan Yuan Qing?" Everyone turned back, remembering that Yan Yuan Qing was still lying on the bed. Su Zhi Jun suggested, "Why not let her stay here?" Since Nian Qing Mountain cannot be accessed freely, it naturally offers high security. Yan Yuan Qing should have no problem recuperating there. But Yan Zhao said, "I want to take my mother with me." Su Zhi Jun was surprised, as was Dong Fang Ci Xin. Yao Shenzi was puzzled, "She's an adult. How would you take her?" "My mother's dwelling is within the Soul Condensing Pearl. I can enter it," Yan Zhao responded. Before Yan Yuan Qing awoke, the space within the Soul Condensing Pearl was closed, preventing ingress or egress. However, once Yan Yuan Qing regained consciousness, the entrance to her dwelling became accessible to Yan Zhao, allowing Yan Zhao to send Yan Yuan Qing’s physical form inside. This arrangement meant that Yan Zhao could bring Yan Yuan Qing along. Moreover, the internal environment of the Soul Condensing Pearl was more conducive to Yan Yuan Qing’s recuperation. Su Zhi Jun paused for a moment before shaking her head with resignation, “You two truly are mother and daughter.” Their endless array of methods was astonishing from start to finish. Standing beside Yan Zhao, Ren Qing Yue's thoughts stirred. Since Yan Zhao could move freely in and out of Yan Yuan Qing's dwelling, perhaps this meant that Yan Zhao could also bring her inside to pay respects to their master. However, recalling Yan Yuan Qing’s teachings to Yan Zhao, as well as her own tendencies and motives, Ren Qing Yue deemed it not the right time for such a meeting with their master. With these plans finalized, Yan Zhao first escorted Yan Yuan Qing into her dwelling, then returned to hand over the Divine Scroll of Creation to Ren Qing Yue. Ren Qing Yue used its power to transport Su Zhi Jun and others to Wanbao Palace. With nowhere else to go, Dong Fang Ci Xin, along with Zuo Xun, took up residence at Wanbao Palace in an esteemed guest capacity. Yan Zhao initially planned to head straight to the Fog Demon Ravine, but Jiang Ying stopped her. "Young lord, Lei Shuang and Feng Jin are still settling things at Fuyun Sect. I am not fully healed, and may not be able to protect you well enough. If you take them along on the return journey, it might go smoother." Yan Zhao felt indifferent about having more or fewer companions on the journey, but Jiang Ying’s reasoning was sound. Hence, she turned to Ren Qing Yue for her advice. Ren Qing Yue nodded, "Then let’s head to Fuyun Sect first." With a flash of golden light from the Divine Scroll of Creation, the three appeared together at the entrance of Fuyun Sect. Although they had only been away for a few days, Fuyun Sect had already undergone a considerable transformation. Under the scorching midday sun, Yan Zhao and the others climbed the long staircase. The sight before them was desolate, and not a single soul was in sight throughout their ascent. Blackened blood stains remained in the crevices of the stones, not fully washed away by heavy rain. Dust to dust, earth to earth—the once-glorious Fuyun Sect was no more. They ascended to a higher vantage point, and Jiang Ying cast a spell to contact Lei Shuang and Feng Jin. After waiting roughly as long as it takes an incense stick to burn, Feng Jin appeared first. Having already learned of Yan Zhao’s true identity from Lei Shuang, she was overcome with thoughts when she saw Yan Zhao again. Who would have imagined that the little disciple she once captured from Fuyun Sect by chance was actually the daughter of the Demon Lord? Feng Jin greeted Yan Zhao with utmost respect, "Subordinate Feng Jin, pays respects to the young lord." While Yan Zhao felt unaccustomed to this change in identity, she accepted Feng Jin’s deference quite candidly. After all, Feng Jin had once coveted her snowball—no, she even had designs on her senior sister. Yan Zhao shot Feng Jin a glare. Without a word from Yan Zhao, Feng Jin remained bowed, unable to rise. Ren Qing Yue patted Yan Zhao on the shoulder, gently reminding her to let up. Exerting authority is difficult, especially since Yan Zhao was rather self-interested and lacked the skill to balance matters, easily offending others. Reluctantly, Yan Zhao huffed and finally adopted her authoritative air, "You may rise." Feng Jin secretly let out a sigh of relief. She then lifted her gaze, immediately noticing Ren Qing Yue behind Yan Zhao, her demeanor as cool and serene as frost. No longer appearing beside Yan Zhao as a little fox, Feng Jin was momentarily taken aback by Ren Qing Yue’s presence. Yet, she quickly regained composure, averting her eyes swiftly. Senior sister's attention was never divided among others. Even if Yan Zhao weren’t the young lord, chances with her would be slim.