Chapter 267: Let’s Go, Little Ancestors
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Returning to her senses, Yu Zhao accepted the jade token from Lin Shuang’s hand.
Lin Shuang’s face lit up with joy.
“Thank you, Senior Yu!”
“I’ll be staying here for a while longer, but our connection must remain hidden.”
“No problem.”
Yu Zhao rewrapped the broken vine around Lin Shuang’s wrist, then cast two layers of Illusion Techniques on her, making her appear more disheveled and pitiful. While Lin Shuang curiously examined her new appearance, Yu Zhao rolled up her sleeve.
Lin Shuang: ?
The cool touch of medicinal ointment was gently applied to her wounds.
“Senior Yu~” Lin Shuang’s eyes brimmed with emotion.
She had always thought Senior Yu was aloof and unapproachable, never imagining this thoughtful and gentle side of her. What had she done to deserve Senior Yu personally tending to her wounds?
“Save the tears. We need to leave.”
Yu Zhao whistled sharply.
Scattered around the area, the little foxes perked up at the sound and sprinted toward her with glee. Little You ran the fastest, once again claiming the prime spot on Yu Zhao’s shoulder, where its tail wagged happily.
Yu Zhao casually gave it a pat, then led the fox army to continue wandering the forest.
The Dragon Pool Mountain Range housed over half the demonic beast species of the cultivation world. During her exploration, Yu Zhao encountered many creatures she had never seen before, even trading for some interesting items. She also didn’t neglect the foxes, whose visibly plump forms testified to her generosity.
In fact, their rapid weight gain had her feeling a bit guilty. Would the Nine-Tailed Clan Chief scold her for raising foxes like pigs when they returned?
Just as she debated whether to curb her feeding, the gathering neared its end. All the demonic beasts began moving in unison toward a single location.
Yu Zhao was puzzled.
The little foxes were already excitedly shouting.
“Ah, the gathering is almost over, Yu Zhao! Let’s hurry over!”
“Quick! If we’re late, we’ll miss it!”
“Yu Zhao! You’ve got this! We’re rooting for you!”
“…”
Little You, overwhelmed with excitement, brazenly used its chubby paw to tug at Yu Zhao’s hair. She grabbed it, gave its bottom two firm pats, and restored peace.
Yu Zhao finally realized where the beasts were headed.
At the end of the gathering, any beast with unsold items would gather for a contest. The winner could choose any prize or even claim all the remaining items.
It was the most anticipated event of the gathering.
Yu Zhao wasn’t eager to join the crowd. Places teeming with demonic beasts increased the risk of exposure.
“Yu Zhao, this is one of the Clan Chief’s instructions! You can’t skip it!”
“Please go, Yu Zhao~”
“You’re representing the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan! You can’t back out now.”
The little foxes’ urgent chatter woke Yu Zhao to reality. The Clan Chief surely didn’t send her here just to babysit.
“Let’s go, little ancestors.”
“Yay!!!”
Lin Shuang watched Yu Zhao, smiling brightly as she carried the foxes. For a moment, Lin Shuang thought of her junior brothers and sisters. Her expression dimmed as she wondered how they were doing now.
“Daoist Lin.”
“Coming!” Lin Shuang snapped out of her thoughts and steeled her resolve. She would leave this place and rebuild her sect!
…
Hua Tu idly flicked his tail, his sharp gaze scanning the gathering crowd.
Why hadn’t the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan appeared yet? The lively foxes were usually the most enthusiastic participants. Their absence felt strange.
And that fox-woman… something about her felt off.
“Hua Tu!”
Hua Tu lazily turned toward the voice.
A sleek, muscular black panther leapt in front of him, rumbling excitedly.
“Hua Tu, it’s great to see you again! Remember me? I’m Una.”
Hua Tu’s companions exchanged knowing looks, which earned them a few tail flicks from him. He nodded at Una.
Una beamed. “Hua Tu, I really like you. Will you be my mate?”
Demonic beasts were undoubtedly more straightforward than humans in matters of the heart. If they liked someone, they pursued them with all they had. If rejected, they moved on without clinging.
Hua Tu, as the most handsome of the Three-Eyed Leopards, was no stranger to such situations. He shook his head.
“Why not? Am I not attractive enough? I’m quite popular in my clan.”
Hua Tu, sensing the panther crowd’s attention, responded, “You’re very charming, but I’m not looking for a mate right now.”
“I’ll wait for you!” Una declared.
Hua Tu shook his head again. Many from his clan had made similar promises, only to start families a few years later. He neither believed such declarations nor wanted others to wait for him.
Una walked away, disappointed.
“Hua Tu, do you really feel nothing for her? She’s the most beautiful female panther I’ve ever seen.”
“She’s strong and attractive, but not my type.”
“Well, your standards are high. I wonder what kind of mate you’ll choose.”
“Probably someone gentle.”
“I think Hua Tu likes a different type entirely.”
As the conversation drifted, Hua Tu ignored it, focusing instead on the surroundings.
Finally, he spotted Yu Zhao entering the area with her fox entourage. Across the clearing, their gazes met.
Hua Tu’s eyes lit up.
They had arrived at last!
Other beasts also noticed Yu Zhao. Among them, some had adopted human forms, accessorizing as they liked. Yu Zhao’s simple attire and lack of adornment made her stand out amidst the colorful crowd.
“Yu Zhao?”
Bai Mei of the White Peacock Clan was stunned. Not only by Yu Zhao’s presence but also by her audacity.
After a moment’s thought, she brought her clansmen over.
“What are you doing here? Where’s the Clan Chief?”
“Clan Chief Bai Ling remains at Green Hill Mountain. I was tasked by the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan Chief to bring the little foxes to the gathering.”
Yu Zhao’s voice reached Bai Mei through transmission.
Bai Mei understood immediately. Her own clan chief still harbored resentment over the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan Chief’s rejection. Though he acted indifferent, he secretly shed tears at the thought.
This was likely why Yu Zhao had been sent to handle the children—so she wouldn’t get in the way of the chief’s plans.
Poor thing.