Chapter 265: The Three-Eyed Leopard, Hua Tu
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“It’s Hua Tu! The most annoying Three-Eyed Leopard!”
Little You immediately revealed the leopard’s identity, then bared its teeth in mock ferocity at Hua Tu.
“It’s him! He pulled my tail last time!”
“And he scared me with his third eye before!”
The other little foxes puffed up angrily, tattling to Yu Zhao about Hua Tu’s misdeeds.
The Three-Eyed Leopard lived not far from Green Hill Mountain, often crossing paths with the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. Despite the clan leaders and elders enforcing a relatively peaceful relationship, minor conflicts were inevitable. Hua Tu was a constant troublemaker, bullying the young foxes for fun.
He would ambush areas where the foxes roamed, jumping out to startle them, or set traps in the woods to entangle them. Once caught, he’d use his strong paws to ruffle their fur before making a quick escape. Through his relentless mischief, Hua Tu earned the title of the foxes’ most hated demonic beast.
Unbothered by their accusations, Hua Tu studied Yu Zhao with a tilted head, his forehead faintly revealing a crack-like line.
“You smell of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s leader. What is your relationship with her?”
Yu Zhao ignored his question, gently stroking Little You’s head before turning to walk deeper into the pine forest.
“Blah, blah, blah!”
The little foxes stuck out their tongues gleefully and hopped after her.
Hua Tu crouched, ready to chase for answers, but one of his companions stopped him with a warning growl.
“Roar!”
Hearing the warning, Hua Tu reluctantly scraped his claws against the ground, abandoning his plan. However, he muttered to himself, “A mighty Three-Eyed Leopard won’t let any suspicious target slip away.”
He resolved to investigate further, planning to ambush the Green Hill Mountain vicinity later to uncover Yu Zhao’s identity. Something about her felt very off.
…
On the other side of the forest.
As Yu Zhao exited the pine woods, the oppressive feeling of being watched finally lifted. She exhaled slowly, glancing back with lingering unease. The moment she locked eyes with Hua Tu earlier, she nearly thought her cover was blown. Keeping her actions minimal was safest, so she opted to ignore his inquiries. Since they didn’t pursue her, it seemed her strategy worked for now. Avoiding further encounters with them was now her priority.
“Yu Zhao, look! Someone’s watching you!”
Little You’s sharp voice pierced her ears.
Annoyed, Yu Zhao gave its head a firm rub before following its gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly. By the roadside, a woman bound by vines lay discarded, while a Bear Demon lounged nearby, looking bored.
Upon seeing Yu Zhao, Lin Shuang’s eyes widened suddenly.
It’s really her!
Yu Zhao of the Five Elements Dao Sect, the champion of the individual competition in this year’s Cultivation World Tournament!
A wave of hope surged in Lin Shuang’s heart. Could she be saved? But noticing Yu Zhao disguised as a member of the Demonic Race, surrounded by foxes and other beasts, Lin Shuang realized saving her wouldn’t be easy. It would carry great risks. Her lips moved slightly but then pressed into silence.
Yu Zhao noticed the flicker of emotions on Lin Shuang’s face and approached.
Hearing deliberate footsteps, Lin Shuang raised her head in surprise.
Yu Zhao gave her an almost imperceptible smile, letting her fingers glide down Little You’s back. Little You, content, narrowed its eyes and arrogantly addressed the Bear Demon, “What do you want in exchange?”
The Bear Demon, sitting on a fallen tree trunk, perked up at the question. “What can you offer?”
Little You turned to Yu Zhao.
After a moment of thought, Yu Zhao pulled out a Shell Pearl similar to the one before.
The Bear Demon shook his head. “I don’t like this thing.”
Yu Zhao offered dried fish next, but the Bear Demon rejected it again.
Little You grew irate. “You don’t want this or that! Then what do you want?”
Scratching his head, the Bear Demon admitted, “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? Then why are you sitting here? Are you teasing foxes?”
The foxes glared at him in unified displeasure.
Flustered, the Bear Demon stammered, “I just wanted to join the fun. I’m not trading anymore—I’ll leave now.” He stood and tugged on the vines, intending to walk away.
Yu Zhao wouldn’t let him take Lin Shuang so easily. Signaling Little You to stall him, she recalled the Bear Demon’s preferences. As Lin Shuang’s hope dimmed, Yu Zhao produced a small clay jar.
When the seal was lifted, a rich, sweet aroma filled the air.
The Bear Demon froze mid-step, his mouth watering uncontrollably. Even Little You almost succumbed, nearly diving headfirst into the jar.
Yu Zhao smirked inwardly.
The jar contained Yin Flower Honey she’d collected in the Marsh Forest. With guidance from the Hundred Flowers Valley, she had added flower petals to enhance the aroma. Though her honey was far inferior to the valley’s, it now served its purpose.
As Yu Zhao swayed the jar, the Bear Demon’s head followed its movement, drooling incessantly.
Yu Zhao gestured toward Lin Shuang with a nod. Without hesitation, the Bear Demon handed over the vines before eagerly grabbing the jar, taking a deep whiff, and departing happily.
Yu Zhao didn’t immediately untie Lin Shuang. She whispered, “Follow me,” and Lin Shuang, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded earnestly.
Leading Lin Shuang and the foxes to a secluded spot, Yu Zhao sent the foxes to stand guard. Once certain no other beasts were around, she dispelled the restrictions on the vines binding Lin Shuang.
“Daoist Lin,” Yu Zhao addressed her calmly.
Lin Shuang was just as familiar with Yu Zhao, having seen her in the Cultivation World Tournament. Though they hadn’t faced each other, Lin Shuang had left an impression with her remarkable battles.
“Daoist Yu—no, Senior Yu! I will never forget your life-saving grace! Please accept my bow of gratitude!”
Upon regaining freedom, Lin Shuang attempted a formal kneel.
Yu Zhao stopped her. “No need for this. This place is dangerous; you should leave quickly.”