280 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

"I want to take a look," Yan Zhao responded truthfully. "Ah Yin's injuries haven't healed, and with so many highly skilled demon clan members, I'm afraid she might be overwhelmed." Ren Qingyue agreed with this idea without hesitation, nodding in agreement. "In that case, let's go check it out." With that, Ren Qingyue leaped down from the roof of the grand hall, transforming into a nine-tailed fox upon landing. She gestured for Yan Zhao to climb onto her back, ready to carry him over to observe. Yan Zhao lightly leaped onto the back of the nine-tailed fox, surrounded by nine large, fluffy tails swaying gracefully around him. · Outside the Qingyao Palace, Nangong Yin stood alone with her spear, sweeping through a crowd of demon soldiers and generals. Dozens to hundreds of individuals were defeated by Nangong Yin right in front of Tu Shan Yu, lying on the ground, lamenting their fate. Nangong Yin stood out tall among the crowd, stepping over the blood and bodies strewn across the ground as she approached Tu Shan Yu step by step. The terrifying aura of menace rushed forward, prompting Tu Shan Yu to instinctively take a step back, his face turning pale. Down on his luck, the heel of his foot caught on an upturned brick, causing him to lose his balance and collapse with a thud onto the ground. He finally snapped out of his anger, recalling the identity of the person before him. This was Nangong Yin, the ruler of the Demon Realm, who had ascended to her position by wielding the Blood Shadow Spear through bloodshed and corpses. Tu Shan Yu looked on with terror, retreating continuously. The people he had brought with him were all slain under Nangong Yin's spear. With only his own abilities, he was no match for this demon. Just as Nangong Yin was about to conclude Tu Shan Yu's life with a spear thrust, suddenly, a greenish glow cut through the air, darting towards Nangong Yin like a bolt of lightning. Sensing the danger, Nangong Yin dodged immediately with no hesitation, allowing the green glow to graze past her shoulder, leaving a wound about an inch wide. She didn't check her injuries at first, instead focusing intently on where the green light had come from. Under her gaze, the distorted light and shadow finally solidified into a tangible form. Two white figures appeared behind Tu Shan Yu. One was a tall figure with a broad face and a powerful aura, confronting Nangong Yin without appearing intimidated, capable of standing on equal footing with her. Next to him stood a graceful and charming woman who gently held his arm. Though a faint smile graced her lips, her eyes were cold and aloof as she raised an eyebrow toward Nangong Yin. "How could the ruler of the Demon Realm have the audacity to come to the Demon Clan and bully our Tu Shan family's young one?" Tu Shan Yu, upon hearing the voice, felt his soul return in fright and immediately shouted, "Little Aunt!" The timely arrival to save Tu Shan Yu was none other than the first master of the fox clan, the Crimson Fox King, Bai Qingcang. Beside him was his wife, Tu Shan Han Zhi, the cousin of Tu Shan Xun. Nangong Yin frowned slightly, casting a cold glance at those who had arrived. Both of them had considerable cultivation, and while she would not have feared them in her prime, her current unhealed injuries left her with only thirty percent of her strength, making a fight against the Crimson Fox King a challenging ordeal. Bai Qingcang looked around as if searching for something before speaking coldly, "Where are your two guardians? You couldn't have come alone; that’s not like you." Nangong Yin was expressionless, remaining silent. "No matter," Bai Qingcang said indifferently. "In any case, they're merely small-time thieves. Once I capture you, capturing them won't be too late." With those words, Bai Qingcang swung his long arm, summoning a massive crescent blade. Leaping through the air, he grasped the blade with both hands and swung it down forcefully. Clang— The clash of metal was deafening as the Blood Shadow Spear met the crescent blade. Under the tremendous impact, the stone tiles beneath Nangong Yin's feet cracked, forming spiderweb-like fissures. Even her legs sank into the ground, creating a deep pit. Nangong Yin's expression darkened slightly. Bai Qingcang had clearly not used his full strength, yet she found it difficult to withstand even this blow. She was uncertain if Ren Qingyue and Yan Zhao had rescued the Fox Queen. If she exerted all her strength, escaping wouldn't be impossible. But if the mission was not accomplished, leaving abruptly would put Ren Qingyue and Yan Zhao in danger. While Nangong Yin hesitated, Bai Qingcang attacked again, this time aiming straight for her throat with the blade. With a deft step, Nangong Yin diverted Bai Qingcang's deadly strike, then used her Blood Shadow Spear to fend off his subsequent moves. After exchanging a few blows with her, Bai Qingcang expressed surprise. "Is this all the might of the Demon Realm's top master?" His thick eyebrows arched in doubt. Nangong Yin didn't engage in idle talk, counterattacking with her spear aimed precisely at Bai Qingcang's brow to force him into a defensive stance. As expected, Bai Qingcang altered his move, giving Nangong Yin a chance to catch her breath. But she didn't pause and even turned defense into offense, coming perilously close to striking Bai Qingcang's vital areas several times. Despite this, Bai Qingcang gradually noticed something amiss. Nangong Yin wasn't deploying her full power. "If this isn't intentional, there's only one possibility," Bai Qingcang speculated after a series of probing moves, his eyes narrowing, "You're injured?" Nangong Yin’s face grew even more severe. Bai Qingcang laughed heartily. "The esteemed ruler of the Demon Realm, reduced to such a state. Truly lamentable!" Confident that Nangong Yin was severely injured, Bai Qingcang's assaults became increasingly unrestrained. The battle grew intensely fierce, and Nangong Yin, still not fully recovered, was continuously forced back. The inner turmoil of her injuries threatened to resurge at any moment. With a powerful strike, Bai Qingcang's blade collided with the Blood Shadow Spear, making Nangong Yin defend herself, but the maneuver left her vulnerable to a follow-up palm strike aimed at her crown. Nangong Yin narrowly evaded the strike, but in doing so, Bai Qingcang seized her spear, pulling her off-balance towards his waiting blade. Suddenly— A crack of thunder, a flying leaf, a sky-blue arrow. The crescent blade veered off course from the unexpected force, slicing open a deep chasm in the ground beside them. Jiayang, Leishuang, and another arrived simultaneously, shielding Nangong Yin at their back. With a thud, the Blood Shadow Spear was driven into the ground. Nangong Yin grasped at her chest and abdomen, barely able to steady herself as turmoil roiled inside her, threatening to make her cough up blood at any instant. "The Crimson Fox King, Bai Qingcang!" Jiayang recognized the combatant, her expression grave. "Even if we three combined our efforts, we'd perhaps not match him." In this critical moment, Leishuang remained remarkably calm, suggesting, "No need for a decisive victory. We just need to swiftly retreat with the Demon Lord." As long as they regrouped with Yan Zhao, even Bai Qingcang couldn’t stop their escape. Feng Jin, agreeing with Leishuang’s assessment, proposed, "You all go first. I’ll provide the rear guard." "No way," Jiayang opposed. "We leave together." Facing the fox clan’s top fighter, leaving Feng Jin behind meant certain death. Finally, Feng Jin strung his longbow with calm stoicism, pointing it at the Crimson Fox King's eyes, his tone steady. "No more time for hesitation. Go quickly." He released the bowstring, letting loose the azure arrow towards Bai Qingcang. "Trivial trick!" Bai Qingcang dispersed the arrow's force with a palm swipe, then swiftly launched a powerful downward slash. The attack was so fast, there was no time for Feng Jin to evade, and he seemed destined to meet his end by the blade. Buzz— From thin air, an ethereal sword flew forth, clashing with Bai Qingcang's long weapon. The sword had such power it diverted Bai Qingcang’s seemingly inevitable strike. Bai Qingcang frowned, looking towards the source of the flying sword. A nine-tailed fox descended from the sky, stepping upon clouds, with tips of the nine tails ablaze in cerulean flame, exuding grace and supremacy. On the back of the nine-tailed fox, Yan Zhao reached out to catch the returning Azure Frost Sword. Ignoring the astonished gazes of Bai Qingcang and others, she turned towards Feng Jin, saying, "I saved you; you owe me a favor." "...Alright," Feng Jin replied helplessly. Chapter 306 The appearance of the ancient nine-tailed fox left all present, excluding Nangong Yin and her entourage, stunned. Bai Qingcang immediately ceased his attack, eyeing the suddenly appearing nine-tailed fox with disbelief. The red mole-like birthmark on its forehead indicated the fox's noble status and pure lineage. Tu Shan Han Zhi furrowed her brows, puzzled. "This is...?" Before she could finish, Tu Shan Yu behind them cried out in shock, "Little sister?!" Tu Shan Han Zhi and Bai Qingcang froze, quickly realizing the truth as the nine-tailed fox was enveloped in a clear aura before transforming into human form. Caught off guard, Yan Zhao found himself suddenly unsupported and began to tumble downwards. Just as he was about to crash into the ground, a firm hand wrapped around his waist. Ren Qingyue easily caught him, landing gracefully. Bai Qingcang and Tu Shan Han Zhi exchanged a glance, with the latter showing a look of surprise and uncertainty as she asked, "Yu'er’s little sister? Tu Shan Yu?" "It's me, respected elders," Ren Qingyue admitted openly, bowing to Bai Qingcang and Tu Shan Han Zhi. She explained, "But Tu Shan Yu was just the name I once bore. After getting lost in the human world over a thousand years ago, I became a disciple of Yuan Qing Xianzun and changed my name to Ren Qingyue." Bai Qingcang was baffled, bewildered by the constantly shifting situation, and frowned, "What's really going on here?" He and Tu Shan Han Zhi were the parents of Bai Jin. The couple shared a harmonious and affectionate relationship, raising Bai Jin until he was a thousand years old. Then, they ceased to involve themselves in the affairs of the demon realm, opting instead to travel and enjoy the scenery. Recently, they encountered members of the demon clan in the human world fleeing from chaos. Upon inquiry, they learned of the great upheaval happening in the demon realm: the death of the fox emperor, the power struggle between the crown prince and the fox queen, which had stirred turmoil among the demon clans. Alarmed, they rushed back to uncover the truth. Just as they arrived at the demon palace, they saw a brilliant golden light from the palace's sky—the protective array had been activated. Once the palace's array was activated, it isolated the inside from the outside, allowing entry but preventing exit. Bai Qingcang and Tu Shan Han Zhi dashed into the palace, encountering Nangong Yin battling the demon soldiers. The imposing ruler of the Demon Realm, appearing in the demon realm? They instinctively felt that the chaos in the demon realm must have something to do with Nangong Yin. Nangong Yin's slaying of numerous demon soldiers and her attempt to kill Tu Shan Yu confirmed their suspicions, leading them to confront Nangong Yin. Now, with Ren Qingyue’s sudden appearance and her allegiance seemingly leaning towards Nangong Yin and her cohort, Bai Qingcang and Tu Shan Han Zhi were again thrown into confusion, unable to discern who was right or wrong in this matter. Tu Shan Yu burst out, "Tu Shan Yao seeks power and profit, causing my father's death. Now demon people infiltrate the demon palace to rescue—doesn't this prove Tu Shan Yao is colluding with the demon clan? I always found her agreement to reconcile with the demon clan suspicious, and now it's confirmed!" "Outrageous!" Tu Shan Yu's declaration barely finished when Tu Shan Han Zhi's stern voice interrupted him, "How dare you call Tu Shan Yao by name like that? The name of the fox queen isn't for you to use so casually!" With that, she struck him, sending him sprawling to the ground. Tu Shan Yu tumbled head over heels, ending up covered in dust. It took him a moment to crawl to his feet, his face showing disbelief as he touched the crimson handprint appearing on his cheek, muttering, "...Little Aunt?" Bai Qingcang cast a disinterested glance his way, offering no assistance. The grudges of the previous generation should be resolved by those of that generation. Regardless, Tu Shan Yu's words and actions were disrespectful. After landing a slap on Tu Shan Yu, Tu Shan Han Zhi immediately turned her attention back to Ren Qingyue. Her gaze swept over Ren Qingyue and the group, including Yan Zhao and Nangong Yin, before she furrowed her brow and asked, "What's going on? Since you've become a disciple of Yan Yuanqing, why are you involved with the demon clan?" Ren Qingyue placed a reassuring hand on Yan Zhao's shoulder and replied to Tu Shan Han Zhi, "This child, named Yan Zhao, is the descendant of my master and Nangong Yin." The revelation was overwhelming, delivering a tremendous jolt to Tu Shan Han Zhi and Bai Qingcang. Although their expressions didn't change much, their eyes momentarily lost focus from the shock. Behind them, Tu Shan Yu was also taken aback, exclaiming in disbelief, "How is this possible?!" Who was Yan Yuanqing? The foremost sword cultivator in the human realm, an unparalleled woman of extraordinary prowess, undoubtedly a leader of the righteous path.