285 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

“I ended up locking her up so she couldn't leave.” Nangong Yin spoke rather unusually, while lifting her teacup with a blank expression and taking a gentle sip of tea. “I destroyed all the materials she had collected and used an Immortal-Binding Rope to tie our arms together.” Yan Zhao pouted and critiqued, “Ayin, that's not right. How could you do something like that?” Ruining someone's wealth is genuinely not good, and Yan Zhao expressed her strong disapproval. Hearing this, Nangong Yin nodded sincerely, admitting her mistake, “Yes, it was wrong of me to do that, so you mustn't follow my example.” Yan Zhao puffed out her cheeks and asked, “Did Ah-Mother get angry then?” “…” Nangong Yin’s eyebrows twitched slightly, her expression quite delicate. “She wasn't angry.” Yan Zhao raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised, “?” Ayin had done something so excessive, and yet Ah-Mother wasn't angry. Her Ah-Mother sure had a great temper, Yan Zhao thought. Holding the teacup in her hand, Nangong Yin gazed into the distance with deep eyes, “How should I put it…” “She seemed... quite pleased?” --- Yan Zhao: “?” Ayin destroyed the materials Ah-Mother painstakingly collected, yet Ah-Mother seemed quite pleased? Yan Zhao couldn’t comprehend this; indeed, the affairs of adults are complicated. “Perhaps being in a high position for too long, everything in the world became indifferent to her. Within the three realms, all sentient beings treat her with extreme reverence. She never encountered someone as ungrateful as I am.” Nangong Yin took another sip of the warm tea and continued, “Whether it was to enlighten me or for some other reason, she was tied at the arm yet acted as if nothing happened and actually stayed in the demon realm for a while longer.” Yan Zhao blinked, trying to understand what her Ah-Mother was thinking back then. “It took a long time before I understood.” Nangong Yin put down the teacup, “That Immortal-Binding Rope was a magical tool she crafted herself; it couldn’t restrain her.” “She was willing to play along simply because life had become too boring, and she rarely encountered anything fresh and exciting.” Yan Zhao’s mouth dropped open, her face filled with shock. Yet, on second thought, it seemed consistent with Yan Yuanqing’s nature. Yan Yuanqing, staying alone in her abode, often felt idle, always wanting to create something different. “Yan Yuanqing is just that kind of person.” Nangong Yin’s expression was complex, with a hint of helplessness in her tone. “The challenge I faced back then was far more daunting than yours.” Yan Zhao nodded in a show of seriousness. Just from Nangong Yin’s description, she could feel how troublesome Yan Yuanqing was. Yan Yuanqing could accept any change, in other words, no emotional or material wealth mattered to her. Compared to Ayin, Yan Zhao suddenly felt she was rather fortunate. She liked her senior sister, and her senior sister liked her back; she didn’t have to go through the struggles that Nangong Yin faced. At that moment, she also grew more curious about how Nangong Yin later won Yan Yuanqing’s heart. Before she could ask further, a demon attendant arrived outside the courtyard, respectfully bowing to Nangong Yin and Yan Zhao, “Princess Han Zhi has sent a message requesting both of you to proceed to the main hall.” Nangong Yin asked him, “Is it about the Fox Empress?” The demon attendant nodded, “Indeed.” Nangong Yin surmised that Ren Qingyue had brought back the Fox Empress, and Tushan Han Zhi and Bai Qingcang were at a loss, hoping Yan Zhao might use her shamanic healing skills to treat her. For a moment, Nangong Yin’s mind rapidly turned over a thought. The Fox Empress remained unconscious, and the demons had no choice but to ask for Yan Zhao’s help. Could this be used to pressure Tushan Han Zhi into agreeing to an alliance between the two clans? However, this thought was quickly dismissed by Nangong Yin. The relationship between Yan Zhao and Ren Qingyue was not the same as her past relationship with Yan Yuanqing; the methods she used back then could not be directly applied today. If she really did so, the demon clan might harbor deeper grudges against the demon realm in the future. Even if forced briefly, making the demon clan temporarily acquiesce, in the long run, it would be detrimental to the relationship between the two clans. Nangong Yin rubbed her brow in distress; who would have thought that dealing with the children's marital arrangements would be more of a headache than her own emotional issues? Yan Zhao didn't ponder over such matters. Regardless of why they sought her, going to the main hall meant she would see her senior sister, so she rose without hesitation to leave. Thus Nangong Yin also said nothing more, following Yan Zhao to the main hall. At the main hall, demon attendants lay prostrated and several demon healers knelt trembling. Tushan Han Zhi, Bai Qingcang, Ren Qingyue, and others stood by the Fox Empress’s bedside, waiting for Yan Zhao and Nangong Yin to arrive. Once the demon attendants came to report, informing that Nangong Yin and Yan Zhao had arrived, they then turned to the main entrance. Side by side, Nangong Yin and Yan Zhao walked into the hall, and Yan Zhao immediately saw her senior sister. Ren Qingyue stood at the foot of the bed, deeply furrowed brows shadowing her expression. She felt extremely torn about having Yan Zhao apply her shamanic healing once more, yet the Fox Empress was her birth mother, and she couldn’t possibly ignore her. The hardest part for her was even if Yan Zhao revived the Fox Empress and saved Qingqiu, the alliance between the two clans was unlikely to be realized. Constantly sacrificing Yan Zhao without proper reciprocation from Qingqiu, offering only an ancient shamanic medical tome, seemed far too unfair. With a series of upheavals, Ren Qingyue felt confused and lost. She wanted to revive the Fox Empress as soon as possible, but this was not just out of concern for her mother; deeper personal motives were at play. The Fox Empress and Tushan Han Zhi were different, Ren Qingyue was convinced of that. Tushan Han Zhi’s reservations couldn’t directly represent the Fox Empress’s attitude; she wanted to know what the Fox Empress thought. Demons had long lifespans, the Fox Empress, once awakened, could rule for tens of thousands of years, freeing her from the imperial responsibilities. Earlier, the question she posed to Yan Zhao had actually been troubling herself as well. However, growing up beside Yan Yuanqing, though possessing Qingqiu blood, she didn’t have deep sentiment for that land. Qingqiu was not lacking people, and the royal daughter didn’t have to be her. Before she returned to Qingqiu, everything in the demon clan was orderly, without changing due to a missing imperial daughter. Since the alliance was difficult, she could only revive the Fox Empress as soon as possible and then secretly slip away. “Senior Sister.” Yan Zhao walked toward Ren Qingyue. Ren Qingyue, lost in thought, snapped back to reality, and in looking at Yan Zhao, she noticed a tiny piece of tea leaf sticking to Yan Zhao’s lips. She instinctively raised her hand to gently brush it away. Tushan Han Zhi, watching beside them, did not stop the interaction, instead signalling everyone else in the hall to retreat. Yan Zhao’s eyes were bright, “Senior Sister, are you alright?” Ren Qingyue pursed her lips, “I’m fine.” Yan Zhao approached the bedside and saw the unconscious Fox Empress. The Fox Empress was poisoned. Tushan Han Zhi had Bai Qingcang interrogate Tushan Yu, but Tushan Yu claimed ignorance about the poison, stating that the poison was given to him by Lord Huan Yun. Upon learning this, Tushan Han Zhi was filled with rage, severely scolding Tushan Yu, and instructed Bai Qingcang to imprison the pest in the demon jail. Previously having offended Nangong Yin, yet now needing Yan Zhao to treat the Fox Empress, Tushan Han Zhi found it somewhat difficult to speak. But when faced with a choice between the Fox Empress’s condition and her pride, she couldn’t choose vanity over her mother’s life. Thus, she proactively stated, “The Fox Empress remains poisoned and unconscious; the affairs of the palace are greatly hindered. We beseech Miss Yan's aid. If there’s a turnaround in this matter, Qingqiu will generously reward you.” After saying this, neither Nangong Yin nor Yan Zhao spoke. Tushan Han Zhi secretly broke into a sweat, fearing Nangong Yin might exploit the situation, demanding an alliance promise in exchange for Yan Zhao's aid. “I can't save her,” Yan Zhao said. Tushan Han Zhi’s expression changed, and Ren Qingyue’s gaze turned complicated. Unexpectedly, Yan Zhao continued, “The Life Force can keep her from dying but won’t cure the poison.” Everyone was momentarily stunned, and Ren Qingyue suddenly lifted her head, understanding dawning upon her after reflecting on Yan Zhao’s words. Previously, Yan Zhao’s casual healing of Nangong Yin’s and Feng Jin’s injuries had left them in awe, trapping them in misconceptions. The Fox Empress was unconscious due to poisoning, yet her lifespan was not exhausted. Even if Yan Zhao bestowed her with Life Force, it wouldn’t awaken her. To treat effectively, one must pinpoint the poison. Comprehending quickly, Ren Qingyue was relieved that Yan Zhao wouldn’t need to expend her own Life Force unnecessarily. Turning to Tushan Han Zhi, Ren Qingyue suggested, "In the human realm, there's an expert known for using exotic poisons, referred to as the Venomous Doctor Saint. Since A-Zhao can't cure the Fox Empress's poison, this saint should be able to. I'll go bring her over." Yan Zhao quickly added, "I'll go too." Ren Qingyue hesitated, about to refuse, when Nangong Yin interrupted, "Let them go together. Both the demon and mortal realms have been unsettled by those from the celestial realm. Traveling alone could be too dangerous; having more company provides better protection." Nangong Yin's reasoning was sound, and after a brief hesitation, Ren Qingyue accepted her arrangement. Seeing this, Nangong Yin mentioned, "Actually, there's an even better plan." Ren Qingyue and Tushan Han Zhi both looked at her in surprise, with Tushan Han Zhi frowning, "What do you mean by that?" Nangong Yin explained, "Traveling between the human and demon realms takes considerable time. If there's any delay along the way, it could take half a year or more. It would be faster for the juniors to take the Fox Empress to the human realm for treatment directly." Tushan Han Zhi was taken aback, instinctively wanting to refute, but Nangong Yin quickly added, "Anyway, with the Fox Empress unconscious, she can't handle Qingqiu’s affairs. You’d need to manage them, and if the celestial realm sends more trouble, how will you ensure the Fox Empress’s safety while your attention is divided?" “……” Tushan Han Zhi found herself speechless against Nangong Yin’s reasoning. Ren Qingyue looked at the pale, weak Fox Empress on the bed, her heart tightening. Worried yet acknowledging Nangong Yin's judgment, she agreed, "Nangong Senior’s words make sense. We should take the Fox Empress to the human realm quickly." Bai Qingcang interjected, "But if they encounter issues on the way, they might not even be able to send back a message." "That's nothing to worry about," Nangong Yin assured confidently. "I'll accompany them." Tushan Han Zhi remained silent. She felt something was off, but couldn't pinpoint what it was. Yet with Nangong Yin accompanying them, the safety of their journey significantly increased, reducing concerns over the Fox Empress's safety. After thoughtful consideration, finding no better solution, Tushan Han Zhi sighed, "In that case, I shall entrust you all with this task. Please take good care of the Fox Empress." "Qingcang," she called Bai Qingcang closer, "You should accompany the Demon Lord, and on the way back, fetch Jin’er from the demon realm." Bai Qingcang nodded, "Alright." Eager to treat the Fox Empress, Ren Qingyue urged Nangong Yin, "The sooner we leave, the better, Senior. Let's set off immediately." Nangong Yin had no objections and looked at Yan Zhao, then pulled out the Soul-Congealing Pearl. Yan Zhao understood Nangong Yin’s intention. Swoosh— The Fox Empress vanished from the bed without a trace. Tushan Han Zhi: “?!” --- Chapter 312 “Where is the Fox Empress?” Tushan Han Zhi was baffled. Nangong Yin explained, “Within this Soul-Congealing Pearl is a space where sound and breath can be contained. Only with Zhao’er’s bond can it be effectively utilized.” Tushan Han Zhi understood, surprised, “Ah, so that's it.” Storing the Fox Empress within this space allowed for discreet and safer transport without drawing attention. Eager to revive the Fox Empress, Ren Qingyue suggested they depart immediately. Meanwhile, Nangong Yin returned the Soul-Congealing Pearl to keep watch over Yan Yuanqing. Lei Shuang intended to follow Yan Zhao, but Jiang Ying, labeling her as "inconsiderate," swirled her away into the recesses of a cave, while Feng Jin, citing her unresolved injuries, requested to be escorted by Yan Zhao into Yan Yuanqing’s abode. Thus, with only Yan Zhao and Ren Qingyue traveling light, they departed the demon palace that very day.