134 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 134: Lu Wu Lei Yin Gu. The valley above was cracked, leaving only a single line through which sunlight streamed, earning the place the name "A Line of Heaven." Mist lingered around. Steep layers of giant stone steps rose upward, each side of every step adorned with a statue of a deity. These statues had strange postures, their faces twisted and fierce, revered as the Evil Gods by the demon clan. At the top of the staircase stood the fearsome beast, Qiong Qi. Its pale stone figure was intricately carved by artisans, with its body patterns sprawling outward like claws and fangs. Qiong Qi slightly opened its blood-red eyes, silently watching the path behind it. Beneath it lay the entrance to a cave. Inside the cave, darkness reigned. A man in a purple-red robe sat on a throne. By the dim candlelight, one could discern a strikingly handsome man, each of his features flawless—eyes, nose, mouth... It seemed only someone favored by the heavens would have such features, but when all combined, there was an intensely distorted, bizarre quality. Before the man's seat stood an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her skin was fair, her figure slight, clad in a black gauze dress, her lips a vivid crimson, exuding a sinister allure. Suddenly, the man stood up, descended from his throne, and forcefully grasped Ye Yun Ying's arm, pulling her into a fervent kiss. It was an overbearing and intense kiss, with the man expertly caressing her back, a gesture that would leave any woman weak in the knees. The cave gradually grew warmer, the relief carvings on the rock walls silently observing the amorous scene. After kissing Ye Yun Ying for a while, the man suddenly pushed her away with force. Caught off guard, Ye Yun Ying fell to the ground with a thud. She bit her lip hard, looking up at the man. "You are distracted," the man said. "It is a privilege envied by countless women to gain my favor, yet you are distracted!" His voice, hoarse and anguished, echoed harshly. Ye Yun Ying forced a smile, "Facing the patriarch, I am overjoyed, how could I be distracted?" "Slap—" Her sentence was abruptly cut off by a fierce slap from the Demon Lord of Jue Ming Valley. His handsome face remained emotionless: "Your words belie your heart." Ye Yun Ying glared at the Demon Lord, her anger reaching its peak, her hands clenched into fists, trembling slightly, though her face betrayed nothing. When she first joined the Jue Ming Valley's demon sect, she had hope for her future. At that time, she thought that by becoming a mere witch under the Jue Ming Valley's reign, she could make something of herself. At least, as someone without spiritual roots, the righteous sects looked down on her, but the demon sect welcomed her, which was a significant favor for Ye Yun Ying. But gradually, she realized she was wrong. Upon becoming a favored woman by the Demon Lord of Jue Ming Valley, Ye Yun Ying discovered the truth. Such beautiful women, upon joining the demon sect, were designated as witches, and she was one of the four great witches, Ye Yun Ying. Every day, her task was to be intimate with the Demon Lord, with the most favored witch being sent on subsequent missions. Others envied them greatly, but only Ye Yun Ying knew that her patience with the Demon Lord had long reached its limit. More than a month ago, after an operation at Luan Tai, she was captured by Meng Hang Jun of the Five Dragon Gate. Meng Hang Jun formed a master-slave contract with her. Not only did Ye Yun Ying feel no discomfort, but she also experienced a sense of security. At least she knew the righteous sects would never be as capricious as the demons; otherwise, Ye Yun Ying wouldn't have desperately tried to join the disciples of the righteous sects in the past. If she hadn't been born without spiritual roots, overlooked by the righteous sects, she wouldn't have fallen into demonic paths. Ye Yun Ying knew that forming a master-slave contract with someone like Qi Xian Qing of the righteous sect was indeed safe. Meng Hang Jun wouldn't torment her, nor would he easily allow her to die. Originally, she wanted to keep secret the contract with Qi Xian Qing, given she was already the Demon Lord's person. Even if Qi Xian Qing had crushed her spirit sea, she wouldn't have revealed any of the Demon Lord's plans to Qi Xian Qing. But since returning from Luan Tai and witnessing the true madness of the Jue Ming Valley's Demon Lord, Ye Yun Ying's hatred for him had only grown stronger, and she now longed to escape from him as soon as possible. Leaving the Demon Lord's presence, she walked down the steep stone steps and, ensuring she was in a secluded spot, contacted Qi Xian Qing through her consciousness. Biting her lip, she whispered, "Master..." - Spiritual foxes during estrus were very clingy, even after the period had ended, Yan Jue still clung to Qi Xian Qing's waist. She nestled comfortably against Qi Xian Qing, content just being close to her skin. Qi Xian Qing had previously puzzled over how two women could find intimate enjoyment together. But being naturally intelligent, a slight demonstration from Yan Jue was all she needed to comprehend. Yan Jue, experienced and affectionate, did her best to make Qi Xian Qing comfortable. The little fox was adept at reading others. Despite being utterly exhausted, Qi Xian Qing couldn't help but indulge in Yan Jue, quickly rekindling her passion. It was already deep into the night. Yan Jue's fair face was tinged with red, eyes half-closed in dazed satisfaction, amber pupils filled with a haze of lust. Her ruby lips were slightly parted, glistening with translucent saliva. Qi Xian Qing patiently patted her until she fell into a deep sleep, then gently held her close and drifted off. ... She had no idea how long she'd slept. When Qi Xian Qing awoke, the sun was already high in the sky. This was very unusual because, by nature, she would normally rise for early cultivation before dawn. A pale arm emerged from beneath the jade green curtain as it was slowly lifted. Qi Xian Qing squinted, gently raising her arm, allowing the curtain to drape over it. Gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror, she saw a woman with snowy skin, her neck marked by visible bruises, a sight of disarray. Yan Jue still slept, her face a rosy hue. After watching her for a while, Qi Xian Qing softly cursed. Staring at Yan Jue's serene sleeping profile, Qi Xian Qing was suddenly struck by an absurd thought. She remembered reading about kings beguiled by fox spirits, who spent their days indulging in pleasure, neglecting court duties and bringing ruin to their kingdoms. At the time, she'd thought such tales were ridiculous. But now, after some reflection, they didn't seem so strange. Because there Yan Jue lay, resting on her arm, and if she moved even slightly, Yan Jue would awaken. And so, Qi Xian Qing lay there for a while. Until a subtle ripple emerged in her consciousness. Someone called her. "Master..." Qi Xian Qing frowned slightly, shifting. Yan Jue slept lightly, awakening the moment Qi Xian Qing moved. Grasping her arm, Yan Jue asked, "Going somewhere?" Qi Xian Qing's body was unusually sensitive, and merely the touch of Yan Jue's hand made her shiver. Perhaps an aftereffect of dual cultivation; Qi Xian Qing steadied herself, donned her robe, and softly replied, "The demon sect woman from before sent a message." Yan Jue blinked, immediately sitting up. "What message?" The master-slave contract allowed for delayed message transmission via consciousness, so it took only a moment for Qi Xian Qing to receive all the information the other party had sent. Casually, Qi Xian Qing helped Yan Jue slip her cloak over her shoulders, only then did Yan Jue realize, retreating swiftly back under the covers with a startled jump. Qi Xian Qing said, "Among the Five Monsters, one has allied with the Demon Lord of Jue Ming Valley again." Yan Jue furrowed her brow. Back then, one of the two fallen Demon Lords from the Great War between the Immortals and Demons, one resided at Duan Hun Mountain regaining strength. The other, from Jue Ming Valley, was out forming alliances with the demon clans. Yan Jue asked, "Which one?" Qi Xian Qing answered, "The Lion." "The Demon Lord plans to target the remaining demon clans unwilling to ally." Yan Jue frowned. Qi Xian Qing continued, "Among those unwilling to surrender, the Fox and Turtle clans remain." With that, both fell into silence. The original character was a princess of the Red Fox clan, possessing the rare Nine-tailed Fox bloodline, the only one entitled to inherit the Red Fox throne. In the original story, after the protagonist's death, the Red Fox King fell ill, leading to the Red Fox clan's decline. Eventually, allying with the demons became inevitable, and the Red Fox clan was annihilated by the immortal sects. Yan Jue felt it was her responsibility, given her transmigration as the original character, to fulfill this duty. What the original character couldn't do, she must accomplish, at least offering what little help she could. Yan Jue furrowed her brow, asking, "Did she mention how they plan to proceed?" Qi Xian Qing said, "Heart Demons." "I have already informed my master about the demons' use of heart demons to control people, but the demon clans should be unaware." Qi Xian Qing added, "The demons' next move is to target the Fox clan." She paused, softly inquiring, "Lu Wu's fox clan, is it your family?" Lu Wu. Yan Jue's pupils contracted sharply. Qi Xian Qing said, "The second young lady of the Lu Wu Fox Clan is to be married soon. The wedding will host a grand banquet at Lu Wu Mountain." Yan Jue remained silent for a moment, frowning slightly, "I want to go see it." When she encountered San Niang at Wanwu Fortress, San Niang made it clear. The original character's grandmother, now her grandmother, lived on Lu Wu Mountain. Whether it was out of a sense of duty or to suppress the demon influence, she felt she should visit Lu Wu. Without hesitation, Qi Xian Qing said, "I'll go with you." Yan Jue blinked in surprise, looking up, "But your constitution, wouldn't that be akin to walking into a lion's den?" Qi Xian Qing gazed at Yan Jue, gently pulling her hand, planting a kiss on its cool surface, "But I have Ah Jue to protect me." Yan Jue averted her gaze, unable to suppress a smile. --- After leaving Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue returned to her dormitory at Shuiyun Sect to pack her things. Upon opening the door, she noticed a cloth bundle on the table. Opening it, she found three hundred superior spirit stones inside. These were sent by Yun Rang. With the competition in its latter half, Yun Rang naturally didn't want to lag behind. For a major disciple of the Qidun Sect like Yun Rang, the price for three hundred superior spirit stones wasn't much, allowing them to be delivered swiftly. Yan Jue took out a bamboo whistle from her drawer and summoned a flying crane. She sent a message to Yun Rang, asking her to come to Shuiyun Sect to collect the clue. After all, there were three victory spots in this competition. Both she and Qi Xian Qing had submitted three materials each, so sparing the last spot for Yun Rang was of little consequence. Moreover, though the puzzle-piecing ordeal had been completed by Yan Jue and her companions, Yun Rang still had the challenge of facing the Kirin. Yawning lazily, Yan Jue sauntered out the door. She spotted Du Ming basking in the sun on a bench in the middle of the courtyard. Yan Jue handed all three hundred superior spirit stones to Du Ming. Du Ming was so startled by the quantity of spirit stones that her eyes widened, "Yan Jue, what are these?" Yan Jue chuckled, "This is your reward for all these days of hard work." Du Ming was on the verge of tears, overwhelmed, "How could I accept this?" She hadn't expected that following Yan Jue, with as little effort as she'd put in, not only did she manage to earn, but she got these many spirit stones. Three hundred superior spirit stones; where could she find them ordinarily? Yan Jue recounted to Du Ming about Yun Rang coming to buy hints from her: "You can share the reward with Duan Lu Xi and the others." "Selling hints??? How did you come up with that?" Du Ming, almost in tears, added, "If it weren't for the fact that there were only three winning spots in this competition, I would have sold the clue to other teams." Yan Jue laughed, "You must never mention this to anyone else, or else our victory spots might be forfeit." "I won’t!" Du Ming replied, her expression serious and sincere, "Yan Jue, I'll stay loyal to you my whole life!" Yan Jue: "..." Since the third spot in the competition had not yet been determined, and Yun Rang needed to secure the clue for the third mung bean, which would take some time, the team competition wouldn’t conclude too soon. This gave Yan Jue some time to make a trip to Lu Wu. Yan Jue returned to her room, taking out a short letter from the drawer. Last time at Wanwu Fortress, San Niang had given her the method to contact the Old Ancestor of Lu Wu. Picking up the pen, Yan Jue slowly began to write on the note. If she were to go to Lu Wu, she should at least notify the Old Ancestor in advance. --- Qidun Sect. Dusk had settled, a darkening twilight casting a shadow over the grand hall. The Demon Lord, who now presided as the head of Five Dragon Gate, Mu Zhong Zi, sat on his throne. Beside him was the sect leader of Jin Gang Sect, Elder You Long. Elder You Long said, "The Reflection Soul Circle previously showed that the old man's soul had not dimmed and still lingered in Five Dragon Mountain. The group competition has been ongoing for quite some time. Aren't you worried that during this time, these disciples might wander and discover the sect leader's soul?" The Demon Lord replied with a solemn voice, "The soul of that old man Mu Zhong Zi probably has already scattered." "When I ousted him from his body during his attempt to break through the ninth realm, he must be extremely weakened now, trying to find a secluded place to evade my spiritual search while also recuperating." The Demon Lord shook his head, a slight smile on his lips, "If even I can't find a place, how could a young disciple possibly succeed?" Elder You Long said, "The first two places in the team competition have already been decided. Initially, we assumed Xian Qing would inevitably win, but Yun Zhen's protégé has turned out to be exceptionally brilliant." The Demon Lord's expression was cold; he snorted at You Long's words, "She's really an indomitable spirit!" Elder You Long blinked, "Oh? How so?" "This disciple, does she possess a trait that captures your attention so?" The Demon Lord explained, "Don't be fooled by her being a mere disciple; she's quite formidable." "She possesses a Pure Yin Body, her yin essence had already been drawn once by a man. I originally thought she’d languish and decline, but who knew, she's thriving even more." After speaking, he looked out at the sky, as if in a murmur to himself, "Someone like that cannot be allowed to live." A hint of worry clouded the Demon Lord's face. Though Five Dragon Gate is declining, it was a major sect with roots spanning centuries, harboring hidden talents. Not to mention Yun Zhen constantly opposing him, there was also the mysterious figure who infiltrated his cave and stole his artifact. Yet, that person vanished after the theft, leaving the Demon Lord unsure if they were a friend or foe. There was also Yan Jue, who wielded the divine sword, Flowing Ice. The sight of that sword struck fear in the Demon Lord, inciting a desire to destroy the bearer. Elder You Long nodded in agreement, "Anyone who troubles you so, must indeed be formidable." He paused, "Truth be told, I've been researching Gu arts lately." The Demon Lord was taken aback, "You mean to use Gu arts to kill her? Yet, Gu arts require the birth details of the cursed. How would you obtain her birth details?" Elder You Long laughed, "That's simple. All the birth dates of Five Dragon Gate's disciples are recorded in the Sutra Pavilion. Even though she was once just a minor outer disciple, I can easily send someone to check." Strict prohibitions against killing existed within Five Dragon Gate, so using Gu arts was significantly more straightforward than direct attack. The Demon Lord pondered this briefly, then smiled slightly, "That sounds excellent." "This is the reward I promised you." Elder You Long looked up at the Demon Lord, eyes alight with fervent anticipation. With two slender fingers, the Demon Lord held a blood-red pill, passing it to Elder You Long, who quickly stood to receive it. Swallowing the pill, Elder You Long's features contorted violently; the robust man abruptly fell to the ground, crying out in pain. The Demon Lord watched him silently, his dark, abyss-like eyes filled with unconcealed malice. Soon, snow-white threads began to grow from Elder You Long's body, forming a cocoon. The threads swiftly enveloped him, and within one could see shadows shifting, gradually interspersed with flashes of red light. "Boom..." The white threads suddenly burst apart, and red light splattered everywhere. Slowly, Elder You Long rose from the remnants, his expression dark and somber, his eyes filled with swirling black energy, as if he were a changed man. This was the power of the demon clan. Originally, Elder You Long of Jin Gang Sect had the weakest cultivation level among the elders, stuck at the peak of the seventh realm, unable to break through. But with just a single pill, the Demon Lord enabled Elder You Long to comprehend the grand path of the world, enhancing his power tremendously. With bloodshot eyes, Elder You Long prostrated at the Demon Lord's feet. --- During the days of silence from Lu Wu, Yan Jue remained in the small cabin at Shuiyun Sect, quietly cultivating. Her cultivation method accelerated, and her entire body brimmed with true energy. The Blood Refinement Technique also progressed. Blood Refinement was a life-saving skill apart from Yan Jue's main cultivation technique, so she diligently practiced it. Moreover, she needed to refine her synchronicity with Qi Xian Qing's Golden Core. Previously, without fusing their cores, their dual swordplay already proved formidable; the potential post-fusion promised even greater destructive power. One morning, as Yan Jue seated herself cross-legged, focusing on her internal energy, she felt a gentle ripple in the air before her. Her brow furrowed slightly as she opened her eyes, observing the dark purple arc hovering before her. Demon Art: Space Shatter. This was a unique technique of the fox clan. To send a response, the Old Ancestor of Lu Wu didn't need to traverse physical distance; using this spell, she bridged the gap between spaces, quickly delivering the letter to Yan Jue's hand. Yan Jue had never met the Old Ancestor before, and she felt quite apprehensive as she unfolded the letter. The original character, showered with love and affection from both the Underworld and the Old Ancestor of Lu Wu, had an adored life. The entire letter brimmed with affectionate words, noting her cousin’s upcoming wedding and expressing hope that she would return soon to attend. After reading, Yan Jue folded the letter, releasing a slow breath. --- Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue reunited at the base of the mountain. Before leaving, Qi Xian Qing had informed Yun Zhen about their plan. Yun Zhen provided her with a transmission talisman and a few Air Evasion Pills. Qi Xian Qing was already in the sixth realm of the Golden Core stage. Qi Xian Qing was at the sixth realm, a Golden Core stage, a commendable level both within Five Dragon Gate and among the world's major sects. Given the demonic involvement in this matter, handling such a dangerous situation, no one was more suitable than Qi Xian Qing to accompany her. Considering the possible dangers they might face, Yun Zhen provided Qi Xian Qing with a transmission talisman, just like before. In times of danger, she could shatter the talisman, and Yun Zhen would immediately come to her side, no matter where he was. The Qi Masking Pills were of the highest quality, capable of perfectly concealing Qi Xian Qing's celestial aura. Together, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue rode their swords, soon arriving in the Jiangnan region. Lu Wu Mountain lay at the border of Jiangnan. The mountain was lush with verdant trees, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. The faint sound of distant streams could be heard. After consuming the Qi Masking Pills, Qi Xian Qing had temporarily hidden her celestial breath. Unfamiliar with the path to Lu Wu Mountain, she let Yan Jue lead the way, following quietly behind her. Catching a glimpse of Qi Xian Qing trailing behind, Yan Jue wanted to tell her she wasn't very familiar with the place either. Yet, watching Qi Xian Qing being so obedient like a little child, Yan Jue swallowed those words, a smile involuntarily tugging at her lips. As a fox spirit, Yan Jue could sense the presence of demonic energy. Standing under a large tree, she closed her eyes, gathering her spiritual awareness. Deep within her amber eyes, a faint golden hue flickered. Soon, Yan Jue detected a strong presence of demonic energy within a nearby mountain. "Let's go," she said, drawing Qi Xian Qing by the hand. Nodding, Qi Xian Qing asked suddenly, "What kind of place is the Lu Wu Fox Clan?" Since Qi Xian Qing inquired, Yan Jue decided to be truthful: "I grew up in the north, so I'm not sure either." However, she didn't have high expectations for how well the demons might live. Recent rain had cloaked the mountain path in a thin mist. The air was effulgent, the forest dense, with the branches of ancient pines hanging low, creating a serene atmosphere. Both cultivators, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing found traversing the terrain effortless. After two hours of winding through the trails, Yan Jue finally traced the demonic presence to a rather elegant cave entrance. A small unformed fox sat in the grass, playfully chasing a beetle. Its fur was a dark red, fluffy and cute, with perky ears, appearing quite young. Qi Xian Qing stood behind Yan Jue, her gaze resting on the small fox in the distance. The little red fox was adorable, much like Yan Jue. Glancing at the cave dwelling for a while, Yan Jue turned, hesitantly looking at Qi Xian Qing: "Qi Xian Qing, you..." Qi Xian Qing understood Yan Jue's concerns. Though they were close now, Qi Xian Qing didn't have the best impression of demons. Yan Jue worried she wouldn't be willing to enter the cave with her. Qi Xian Qing earnestly said, "Your family is my family, Shimei." "No need to worry." Her words softened Yan Jue's heart. She initially thought she was imposing on Qi Xian Qing. But Qi Xian Qing wasn't bothered at all. Approaching the little fox, it abandoned its beetle game, seemingly startled, and sat up, looking up at them. Yan Jue looked down at it, "Yuanfu's Yan Jue requests an audience." Living in the mountains, the foxes possessed spiritual intelligence. Yan Jue felt this small fox should understand human speech. It gazed at them for a moment, comprehension flickering in its eyes, before turning and wagging its tail as it walked into the cave. Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing didn't wait long outside the cave before a group emerged from within. Yan Jue initially assumed the foxes here resembled the demon clan in the Thousand Demons Pavilion. Recalling demons in the pavilion with some disdain, like the minotaur who headbutted recklessly or those who disliked wearing clothes despite taking human form. But seeing those emerging from the cave shocked her. Out came about a dozen beautiful maids, each stunning, with the signature fox-like phoenix eyes, their pupils shimmering, exuding allure. They were all dressed in delicate red silk blouses with green satin vests, their figures slender, adorned with gentle smiles. Unknown, one might have mistaken the cave for a palace. The maids, upon noticing Yan Jue, approached her. This was, after all, a fox den; naturally, the ones emerging were foxes too. Yet, as they neared, Yan Jue didn't detect any odor, only an intoxicating fragrance. A head maid bowed gracefully to Yan Jue, "The Old Matron has been awaiting the princess." It was only then that the maids noticed the figure behind Yan Jue. The woman wore a long moonlit gown, a cloak draped over her head, a green veil hanging down. Though her face was obscured, her conduct exuded a graceful elegance. The maids hesitated briefly. Noticing their gaze, Yan Jue said, "This is my lady." The term "lady" rang in Qi Xian Qing's ears like a thunderclap. Raising her eyebrows, her expression remained stoic beneath the veil, though a faint blush crept up her ears. As Yan Jue said this, she subtly, softly moved to stand closer to Qi Xian Qing. All eyes turned towards them curiously. The foxes were known for marrying both men and women across the world. The princess's past escapades were well-known within the clan. Especially after the scandalous elopement with Chu Fu. And now, this quickly? The princess hadn't resolved matters with the man, yet here she was, bringing home a wife? The change in the princess's preferences was remarkably swift, wasn't it? The head maid, maintaining her composure, nodded, "Please, enter with your lady, princess." Yan Jue looked back at Qi Xian Qing, gently tugging her sleeve as they entered. The sight of the Lu Wu Fox Clan's den astounded Yan Jue. The foxes, one of the Five Monsters, maintained a den without the slightest stench, instead filled with the subtle fragrance of plum blossoms. A few kits frolicked under the blooming trees, petals falling glittering like jewels. Cracks in the cave ceiling allowed light in, preventing the interior from becoming too dark, instead endowing it with a dreamlike beauty. Sunlight spilled in from the top, illuminating the descending petals almost translucently. Beneath flowed a small stream, rainwater from the roof's cracks pooling into a natural brook, lending a serene ambiance to the den. Following the guiding maid, Yan Jue observed the scenery around her, feeling a sense of daze. Having seen the family of the original character for the first time since arriving in this story, she couldn't deny her nervousness. Quickly, they reached the depths of the den, where a pavilion had been erected against the rock wall, chic and elegant with red bricks and azure tiles. It wafted with incense, surrounded by antique wooden furnishings, and ancestral paintings hung on the stone walls. As Yan Jue entered the pavilion, she saw an elderly lady clad in a green scroll-patterned collar gown with a bird-and-flowers cape, hair silver as she was ushered forward by the maids. Despite her age, the elderly woman appeared hale and hearty, her voice strong, a wenge cane in her hand adorned with a carved ferocious beast's head. Before Yan Jue could react, the enthusiastic Old Ancestor embraced her. "Ah Jue, it's been too long—" Silence enveloped the room. All present held their breath, witnessing the scene. The Ghost Palace princess had been endearingly cute in her youth, but it was known she grew increasingly irascible with age. Perhaps the Fox King indulged her too much, but she often showed impatience towards her grandmother. Yet the Old Ancestor continuously adored her, ignoring the princess's moods. Judging by the present scene, one might expect the princess to shove her grandmother away. Qi Xian Qing also noticed the surrounding strange looks, feeling somewhat surprised. Yan Jue stood still, quietly letting the Old Ancestor embrace her for a long time before finally being released. The elderly woman looked up, smiling warmly at Yan Jue, "Ah Jue, is this your lady?" The old matron had sharp instincts, swiftly learning all that had been introduced just moments ago. Yan Jue made no denial, "Indeed." Though it was their first meeting, Yan Jue felt inexplicably close to this Old Ancestor. As she realized this, emotions unexpectedly welled up, bringing tears to her eyes. The Old Ancestor paused, quickly comforting her, "Ah Jue, it's been so long since you saw your grandmother. She missed you dearly, but you're big now, no more crying." "Your wife is here, too. What will she think?" The Old Ancestor regarded Qi Xian Qing with gentle eyes. Her hand instinctively tightened beneath her cloak. Living straightforwardly in Five Dragon Gate her whole life, Qi Xian Qing usually spoke plainly. Yet faced with Yan Jue's family for the first time, she hoped to leave a good impression. Even knowing it might prove challenging. The Old Ancestor's gaze was direct yet without malice. Qi Xian Qing, using her most gracious manner, bowed to the Old Ancestor: " Qi Xian Qing respectfully addressed the Old Ancestor, "Xian Qing greets the Old Ancestor." Yan Jue: "..." Such a formal greeting was usually reserved for Yun Zhen, Qi Xian Qing's master, which showed how seriously she took this meeting. The Old Ancestor chuckled warmly, "Since you are Ah Jue’s wife, consider yourself part of the family. Why not remove your veil?" After a moment's hesitation, Qi Xian Qing removed her veil, meeting the Old Ancestor's gaze. It was impossible for the demon realm to be unaware of Qi Xian Qing. She had spent much of her life dealing with demons. At one point, she and Chu Fu were nicknamed the Dual Calamities of the demon world. When Qi Xian Qing unveiled her face, the foxes around them were taken aback. Some of the more timid ones even retreated in fright. This changed the Old Ancestor’s gaze upon Qi Xian Qing to something more subtle. Outwardly, Qi Xian Qing maintained her composure but inwardly felt a hint of nervousness. Despite having slain countless demons, the overwhelming demonic presence in the cave made her feel dizzy and uncomfortable. Still, she smiled softly, looking at the Old Ancestor with an appearance of ease. The Old Ancestor cast a peculiar look at her granddaughter, then at Qi Xian Qing: "Your second sister is marrying in a few days. The entire demon clan will gather in Lu Wu to celebrate." "Since you’re here, you must try our fox clan’s cuisine tonight and see whether our culinary skills rival those of the human world." The Old Ancestor clapped her hands, instructing others, "Prepare a room." The maids responded promptly. The Old Ancestor was about to ascend the stairs when Yan Jue called out, "Old Ancestor." Turning back, the Old Ancestor asked, "Is there something you need, Ah Jue?" Her tone towards Yan Jue was more gentle than towards anyone else, likely because this was her dear granddaughter, bearing the rare Nine-tailed Fox bloodline and resembling her long-deceased partner. Hence, the Old Ancestor lavished affection on Yan Jue to the point of indulgence. Despite disliking the wife Yan Jue brought home, her demeanor towards her was still kind. Yan Jue said, "We brought important news to discuss with you this time." Once the pavilion doors were firmly shut, Yan Jue took a seat on the redwood furniture and relayed to the Old Ancestor the information about the demon clan's imminent plan to control the demon clans. The Old Ancestor frowned, questioning, "Where did this information come from?" Yan Jue replied, "We captured a member of the demon cult at Luan Tai." "She's an insider. The information came from her." The Old Ancestor’s skeptical gaze quickly turned to Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing sat quietly beside Yan Jue, her demeanor calm, appearing quite obedient. The Old Ancestor bore no prejudice against humans; however, the righteous sects could be exceedingly vile. Particularly this Meng Hang Jun, who had slain how many demons? Though living deep in the mountains, the Old Ancestor was not out of touch with the world, knowing well these matters. She had shown restraint by not immediately revealing her displeasure, especially since her granddaughter had previously eloped with a man. Convincing the Old Ancestor to trust Qi Xian Qing's sudden return with Yan Jue wouldn't be easy. Thus, the conversation ended inconclusively. Evening arrived swiftly. The Old Ancestor seemed particularly intrigued by Qi Xian Qing. The Old Matron, who hadn't cooked in centuries, surprisingly prepared a lavish meal herself for Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue to taste. The table was laden with an array of dishes. Dumplings, spicy melons, tofu soup, and an assortment of sweet and savory pastries. Smiling at Qi Xian Qing, the Old Ancestor said, "Meng Hang Jun, I have been a vegetarian for years, so there are no meat dishes. I hope you don't mind." Qi Xian Qing was slightly surprised that the Old Ancestor of Lu Wu was a vegetarian. In her experience, demons relished meat, often consuming even humans without hesitation. The Old Ancestor explained, "Even though I'm old, I still pursue cultivation. As a demon, I'm already rejected by the heavenly path. Eating meat only invites further divine retribution upon this old fox." Her words were pointed, her fox-like eyes resting on Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing smiled slightly, "Thank you, Old Ancestor. I rarely eat meat at Five Dragon Gate." Yan Jue: "..." The Old Ancestor narrowed her eyes skeptically, pushing a plate of dumplings towards Qi Xian Qing: "Try my handiwork, Meng Hang Jun. I just made these dumplings." Qi Xian Qing picked up a dumpling, taking a bite before noticing something amiss. Her stomach churned violently, a wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm her. She swallowed the feeling back with difficulty, smiling through it, "Is this carrot filling?" The elderly woman’s smile was kindly, yet mysterious, "These are wild carrots from Lu Wu Mountain. I had them freshly harvested this afternoon. How do they taste?" Qi Xian Qing responded, "Delicious." A meal that was meant to be pleasant turned out rather challenging. After dinner, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue returned to the room prepared for them by the Old Ancestor. The room was quiet, gold-plated incense burners placed in the corners emitting thin wisps of smoke, filling the air with a calming scent. Having met her family in this world, Yan Jue felt a sense of familial warmth, reminiscent of her time back home with her grandmother. Any earlier tensions dissipated entirely. Sitting comfortably on the soft bed, Yan Jue was about to speak to Qi Xian Qing when she noticed her slight frown and slow progress to sit beside her. "Senior Sister, what's wrong?" Yan Jue asked. "A bit uncomfortable," Qi Xian Qing replied. Yan Jue was taken aback. Given Qi Xian Qing's temperament, if she claimed discomfort, it was serious. Yan Jue asked with concern, "Is it the heavy demonic presence, or was the food unpalatable?" Qi Xian Qing glanced at Yan Jue, filled a glass of water from the table, and took a sip. Ensuring the door was closed, she slowly loosened her collar a little. Yan Jue was taken aback to see faint red marks spreading on Qi Xian Qing's neck, worsening by the minute. Qi Xian Qing was having an allergic reaction. Startled, Yan Jue searched her storage pouch for ointments. But she didn't have any for allergy relief. "No need for ointments," Qi Xian Qing assured, holding her hand. "I'll adjust." Since youth, Qi Xian Qing harbored an aversion towards demons, her body reacting with a rejection to their presence due to past experiences. Exposure to heavy demonic energy incited headaches, and prolonged contact with demon clusters induced severe discomfort. While with Yan Jue, she didn’t notice these effects. But spending an entire day in Lu Wu's demon-occupied den triggered it. Yan Jue stood, approaching Qi Xian Qing, "What should we do now?" Seeing Yan Jue's concern, Qi Xian Qing finally managed a small smile, pulling her into an embrace, whispering, "Just hold me... it'll help." Silence pervaded the room. Qi Xian Qing buried her face in Yan Jue's clothing, inhaling her clean scent, heart gradually calming down before lifting her head: "I've always disliked carrots." Yan Jue: "..." When Qi Xian Qing was young, she had been brought to Five Dragon Mountain. She didn't mind food and typically ate vegetarian, apart from her exception with carrots. Yan Jue remembered Qi Xian Qing eating several carrot-filled dumplings during dinner, although her grandmother hadn’t offered them. Qi Xian Qing had taken them on her own. Yan Jue assumed Qi Xian Qing enjoyed them, even pushing the plate closer to her. "I wanted to make a good impression on Grandmother," Qi Xian Qing explained. Yan Jue couldn't help but laugh softly, gently stroking Qi Xian Qing's soft black hair: "Big Sister..." It was clear Qi Xian Qing was trying her best. Knowing the challenges their relationship faced, Qi Xian Qing was not one to simply resign herself to the situation. Yan Jue watched Qi Xian Qing's face, gently touched by the dim light, her cheeks lightly flushed. Her dark, charmed eyes were slightly narrowed in contentment. Embracing Qi Xian Qing's face, Yan Jue leaned in and kissed her gently. --- The room the Old Ancestor prepared for them was both clean and comfortable. They slept soundly until dawn, dressing and stepping out together. Throughout the Lu Wu Den, the air was filled with the fragrance of plum blossoms, a serene atmosphere akin to a fairyland. This distinguished the Five Monsters from ordinary demons. While demons often left an impression of disorder and filth, the Five Monsters represented elegance, far surpassing Yan Jue’s expectations. Beneath the plum trees, numerous yet-to-transform kits played, and Qi Xian Qing knelt, gently teasing them with a mild smile. Naturally fond of animals and blessed with a celestial physique, her allure was undeniable despite concealing it with the Qi Masking Pills. The fluffy little red foxes frolicked happily, their long eyes smiling at Qi Xian Qing, licking her hand and showing her their soft bellies in affection. Playful sounds filled the air around them. Dressed in a deep green satin gown, her hair pinned with golden clasps, Yan Jue stood beneath a plum tree, watching the scene in silence. It was... annoying. She couldn't quite understand why witnessing Qi Xian Qing entertain these other foxes irked her so greatly. Even though she knew she wasn't even the same species as them, Yan Jue found herself unaccountably irritated. Qi Xian Qing finally finished playing with the foxes and approached, surprised to find Yan Jue under the tree with a shadow over her face. As Qi Xian Qing came closer, Yan Jue maintained a warm tone, "What do you think of those foxes?" Squatting down, Qi Xian Qing rinsed her hands in the clear stream, a lingering smile in her eyes, "They’re quite adorable." Yan Jue looked up with a bit of gloom, asking, "Am I not adorable?" Qi Xian Qing paused, sensing something off in Yan Jue’s tone, so she turned to her. "Aren’t my eyes big enough?" "Can’t I cry out?" Yan Jue hesitated, then continued softly, "I can roll over and sit too." Qi Xian Qing held back her laughter, slowly drying her hands with a handkerchief before taking Yan Jue’s hand. The cave was cool, but Yan Jue’s hand was soft and warm. Spirit foxes were naturally playful, hardly ever still, as the young kits had shown. But Yan Jue remained obediently still, letting Qi Xian Qing hold her hand. Looking down at those clear amber eyes, Qi Xian Qing teased with a smile, "Of course, my dear is the most adorable of all!"