News reached the Bao estate like the wail of a storm, heavy with dread and urgency: a demon was rampaging in the nearby village, leaving chaos in its wake. Worse still, it had taken a girl hostage.
The head guard entered Bao Yu's chamber, dropping to one knee in a gesture of respect. "Young Lord, we have taken every precaution to ensure the demon does not trespass onto Bao estate grounds," he said, his voice steady but tense.
Bao Yu sat still, his fingers tightening around the edge of his chair. Dread twisted in his chest like a coiled serpent. I should have personally escorted Li Yunwu home, he thought bitterly, a wave of regret washing over him. His silence grew heavy, and the guard, sensing the shift in the room, hesitated.
"The girl—what was her description?" Bao Yu finally asked, his voice edged with worry.
The guard straightened slightly, his tone dismissive. "Oh, Young Lord, you needn't trouble yourself. It was just a village girl—dark skin, muddled green eyes. No one of importance."
The words hit Bao Yu like a slap. His hand slammed down on the table, the loud crack echoing through the chamber. "Call all the guards. Now. Immediately!" he barked, rising to his feet with sudden, commanding energy.
The guard faltered, his expression alarmed. "Young Lord—"
"Li Yunwu!" Bao Yu exclaimed, his voice trembling with urgency as he grabbed his sword from its stand. "Li Yunwu is in danger! That girl is not just anyone!"
Without waiting for the guard to respond, Bao Yu stormed out of the chamber, his determination unwavering. "I want that demon vanquished!" he declared as he marched toward the stables, his voice carrying through the estate like a war drum. "I will issue a reward to whomever beheads it!"
The stable was alive with hurried activity as Bao Yu prepared his horse. His eunuch, breathless from chasing after him, called out, "Young Lord, don't you think you're being too rash? She's but a mere—"
"Silence!" Bao Yu snapped, cutting him off sharply. He mounted his horse with practiced ease, his jaw clenched and his eyes blazing. "I want that demon dead!"
Without another word, he spurred his horse forward, a team of guards scrambling to follow. The pounding of hooves filled the air as they galloped toward the village, urgency pushing them forward.
The cold night air stung Bao Yu's face, but he barely noticed. His mind raced, tormenting him with thoughts of Li Yunwu. How could I have been so careless? I should have escorted her. I shouldn't have let her go alone. He gritted his teeth, whipping his horse to urge it faster.
The village loomed in the distance, smoke curling up into the night sky like a sinister omen. Bao Yu's grip on the reins tightened. He swore silently to himself, his determination hardening into steel. Hold on, Yunwu. I'm coming for you.
Li Yunwu's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred and her head pounding. As her surroundings came into focus, she saw Yin Huli slumped against a boulder, his chest rising and falling erratically. His silver hair was matted with blood, and his fox ears twitched slightly as he winced, murmuring through gritted teeth, "This is all my fault…" His brows furrowed deeply as pain contorted his face.
Her heart clenched at the sight of him. "Yin Huli," she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. She quickly tore a strip of fabric from the hem of her skirt and began wrapping his bleeding wound with shaking hands. "It's not your fault," she said softly, her tone a mixture of reassurance and desperation. She reached out, patting his face tenderly before pressing soft kisses to his cheeks and brow, as if her touch alone could ease his suffering.
Yin Huli's ears twitched again, but this time at the faint, distant sound of horses galloping. His heart dropped. He didn't have the strength to outrun them, let alone fight. His sharp eyes scanned their surroundings, and then he spotted a narrow crack in the nearby cliffside. "There," he muttered, struggling to his feet and pulling Li Yunwu up with him.
"What are you doing?" she asked in alarm, holding onto him tightly as he half-carried her toward the crevice.
"Hiding," he panted, his voice strained. He pushed her into the narrow space first before squeezing in after her, his body trembling with the effort. She clung to him, her fear obvious in the dim light.
"Yin Huli," she whispered, tears streaming down her face, "maybe you should go… If you stay, they'll kill you. Please…" Her voice broke, her green eyes glistening with tears that melted into bronze under the faint moonlight.
"And leave you?" he asked hoarsely, shaking his head. He cupped her face with a bloodied hand, his golden eyes softening despite the agony on his face. "Never. I would rather die than abandon you."
Her sobs grew heavier, and she buried her face in his chest. "I—I can't bear to see you hurt," she cried, her fingers clutching his tattered clothes as though holding him tighter would shield him from the world.
Outside, the clatter of hooves grew louder, and then a commanding voice rang out. "You three, scour the west! The rest, search to the east! The demon is injured—he couldn't have gone far!"
Li Yunwu froze, her body tensing at the familiar voice. "The Young Lord…" she murmured, her fear now mingling with guilt.
Yin Huli's face grew even paler, his breathing labored as fresh blood seeped through his makeshift bandages. She wiped the sweat from his forehead, her hands trembling as she tried to comfort him. His hand weakly reached out to brush away her tears.
The sound of footsteps grew dangerously close, and then a gasp erupted from one of the guards. "I found them!" he shouted, his eyes wide as he spotted Li Yunwu cradled in Yin Huli's arms.
Before the guard could react further, a flash of blue foxfire silenced him, his body collapsing to the ground. "We have to move," Yin Huli groaned, forcing himself to stand despite the searing pain. He clutched his shoulder, dragging his injured body forward as the sound of shouts erupted nearby.
"He's getting away!" another guard yelled. "After him!"
Yin Huli gritted his teeth, hoisting Li Yunwu into his arms as he stumbled toward the riverbank. His steps were unsteady, but his resolve was unshakable. Behind them, Bao Yu urged his horse forward, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Do not harm the woman in his arms! If she is injured, you'll answer to me!"
Li Yunwu looked up at Yin Huli, her eyes wide with panic. "Yin Huli…"
He met her gaze, his expression fierce yet tender. "Close your eyes," he urged softly, a flicker of foxfire igniting in his hand.
She obeyed, clutching him tightly as the heat of the foxfire erupted around them. Guards screamed as one after another fell to the blazing flames, but the respite was brief. Yin Huli's strength was fading fast.
Reaching the river, he waded into the icy current, his breaths ragged as he fought against the pull of the water. "Just a little farther," he muttered, though he knew his body was nearing its limit.
Arrows lit with fire hissed through the air, their flames casting eerie shadows across the riverbank. A circle of guards closed in, their weapons aimed directly at him.
"Unhand her, demon!" Bao Yu shouted, his sword gleaming in the moonlight as he dismounted his horse.
Yin Huli coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he shielded Li Yunwu with his body. One arrow pierced his shoulder, then another his side. He stumbled, his foxfire flickering weakly as he struggled to stand.
"Yin Huli!" Li Yunwu screamed, her voice breaking with anguish as she tried to help him.
Bao Yu's eyes narrowed, his expression cold and resolute. With a swift motion, he plunged his sword into Yin Huli's chest.
"No!" Li Yunwu's scream echoed through the forest as Yin Huli collapsed, his body falling limply into the river carring him away.
Bao Yu grabbed her before she could leap after him. "What's wrong with you?" he demanded, his grip firm as she thrashed against him. "Are you possessed?"
"Let me go!" she screamed, her fists pounding against his chest. Tears streamed down her face as she fought with every ounce of strength she had left.
"You leave me no choice," Bao Yu muttered, his voice heavy with regret. He struck her neck swiftly, catching her limp body as she fell unconscious.
Footsteps approached, and an older man's voice, hoarse and trembling, called out, "A-Yun!"
Bao Yu turned, his expression softening as he saw Li Douyun staggering toward them, coughing violently. "Shushu!" Yu Choy exclaimed, rushing to support the frail man.
Bao Yu bowed respectfully. "Is this your daughter?" he asked, his gaze briefly shifting to the unconscious Li Yunwu.
"Yes," Li Douyun wheezed, his trembling hand reaching out to touch her face.
"It seems she's been possessed by a demon," Bao Yu said firmly. "Allow me to exorcise it."
Li Douyun hesitated, his gaze sorrowful. "Very well…"
Yu Choy glared daggers at Bao Yu but held his tongue, his fists clenching in silent fury.
With Li Yunwu secured in his arms, Bao Yu mounted his horse. "We must find the demon's body. Guards, search the river," he commanded, his voice cold as he rode away, leaving Yu Choy fuming in his wake.
Yin Huli had reached his breaking point. His once-proud figure was now a diminished shadow of itself. The injuries he had sustained were so severe that he had reverted to his fox form—his once-imposing silver-haired humanoid appearance reduced to that of a battered, limping fox. Without Li Yunwu's care, the process of recovery was agonizingly slow, each day dragging on like an eternity.
Months passed as Yin Huli painstakingly nursed himself back to health. When he finally regained his strength, the fire of determination burned in his golden eyes. He resumed his search for Li Yunwu, desperate to find her. The trail, however, had gone cold. He traced his steps back to the village, only to discover the ruins of her former home, now a heap of charred wood and ash.
Yin Huli's heart sank. He sniffed the air around the wreckage, his sharp senses seeking even the faintest trace of her scent, but all he found was the acrid stench of smoke and decay. He roamed the surrounding areas, tirelessly wandering in circles, his mind plagued by fear and guilt. Days turned into weeks, then months. He searched endlessly, but no matter how far he traveled or how deeply he dug for answers, Li Yunwu was nowhere to be found.
Yi Ming froze as a loud, vibrating noise echoed in his ears. The system's familiar signal blared in his head, nearly throwing him off balance. He clutched his temples, bracing himself as the voice of the system echoed in his mind.
CONGRATULATIONS, USER, ON UNLOCKING AN NPC BACKSTORY.
TO CONTINUE WITH SIDE QUEST: "PATERNITY PUZZLE: SECRETS, LIES, AND MISSING LINKS," CLICK YES. THIS SIDE QUEST IS WORTH 250 POINTS.
Yi Ming groaned, rubbing his temples as the headache subsided. "Seriously?" he muttered, frowning deeply. With a resigned sigh, he brought up the interface. "Might as well accumulate some points while the main quest runs its course," he grumbled, hitting the YES button.
The system's vibrations faded, and Yi Ming turned his attention to Yin Huli, who stood still, his face blank and distant.
Yin Huli's breath hitched. Memories long buried began to resurface, fragments of voices and images slipping through his mind like water through cupped hands. His body tensed, his golden eyes flickering as they shifted to a faint emerald hue. When he finally focused, his gaze locked onto Li Zhameng, standing nearby with a confused expression.
Yin Huli's chest tightened, and his voice cracked. "You… you look just like her," he whispered, his tail flicking behind him in agitation.
Li Zhameng frowned, stepping back instinctively. "You're my mother's lover?" he stammered, his voice laced with confusion and denial. "That's impossible. My mother loved my father," he added, his brows knitting together.
"Then who was he?" Yin Huli snapped, his voice sharp with frustration. His tail slammed against the ground, sending dust swirling into the air.
"I-I don't know," Li Zhameng stuttered, his expression growing somber. "I never met him… He died before I was born."
Yin Huli's eyes widened. Without warning, he darted toward Li Zhameng, his movements unnervingly quick. His nose pressed against the young man's neck, sniffing intently.
"What the—!" Li Zhameng froze, his body rigid as the fox demon's lips brushed against his skin.
"Stop it!" Xue Laohu shouted, stepping forward to intervene. Before he could act, Yin Huli's tail lashed out, sending him stumbling back.
Li Zhameng winced as Yin Huli's sharp fangs pierced the soft flesh of his neck. The fox demon bit down with just enough pressure to draw blood, his eyes narrowing as he savored the taste.
"Mnnn" Li Zhameng yelped, flinching in pain.
Xue Laohu growled in frustration, finally managing to shove Yin Huli away. "What's your deal, you lunatic?" he snapped, glaring at the fox demon.
Yin Huli licked the remaining blood from his lips, his expression unreadable. "You're not my son," he stated coldly, his voice steady and absolute.
Li Zhameng rubbed his neck, glaring at Yin Huli with a mixture of anger and bewilderment.
"Demons can identify their offspring by scent," Shudu interjected calmly, his arms crossed as he watched the chaos unfold.
Xue Tuzi tilted his head, holding the small Gu worm Jiao Jiao in his hands. The worm blinked its bulbous eyes in confusion, curling its tiny tail as Xue Tuzi sniffed it experimentally. "You're right. He reeks of you," Xue Tuzi muttered, turning toward Shudu.
Shudu's cheeks puffed in annoyance. "Of course I'm right."
Yin Huli ignored their exchange, his focus solely on Li Zhameng. His sharp eyes scanned the young man's face for traces of familiarity, his tail flicking behind him.
Xue Laohu jabbed a finger at Yin Huli, his face flushed with frustration. "What if he was your son? Do you have no shame?!" he snapped, his voice rising. "Sniffing him like that, biting him, licking him? What kind of pervert are you?"
Yin Huli shot him a disdainful look, crossing his arms. "I did what was necessary. You wouldn't understand."
"You're damn right I wouldn't!" Xue Laohu muttered under his breath, scowling as he turned to check on Li Zhameng. The younger man adjusted his collar, still rubbing the bite mark with a bewildered expression.
Xue Laohu's thoughts churned with outrage. Does this guy have no shame? Who sniffs another man like that, gives him a love bite, and then licks him to confirm parentage? What a pervert! He muttered the last part under his breath, his eyes narrowing.
Yin Huli ignored the outburst, his gaze fixed on Li Zhameng, softening into something melancholic. "Your mother… where is she?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling. His tail, which had previously swished with annoyance, now stilled.
Li Zhameng's expression shifted, his usual brightness dimming as he leaned against the wall. "She passed away last year," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yin Huli's golden eyes widened in shock. "She… she passed?" he repeated, the words catching in his throat.
Li Zhameng nodded, his gaze falling to the ground. "She fell severely ill. No medicine I bought could heal her… and she passed."
The silence that followed was evidently heavy. Even Xue Laohu, who was usually quick to quip, found himself subdued. He glanced at Li Zhameng, noticing the young man's shoulders trembling slightly as he crouched down, hugging his knees. The once-lively disciple now looked fragile, haunted by a grief that even time hadn't softened.
Shudu and Xue Tuzi exchanged uneasy glances, their usual banter replaced by solemnity. It wasn't often that Li Zhameng's chirpy demeanor faltered, but any mention of his mother's death brought an unmistakable gloom over him.
Yin Huli's fists clenched at his sides, his sharp claws digging into his palms. "Can you… can you take me to her grave?" he asked softly, his golden eyes darting to meet Li Zhameng's tearful gaze.
Li Zhameng shook his head, burying his face into his arms. "There's no grave," he whimpered. His voice cracked as he continued, "I… I couldn't afford one. And—"
Before he could finish, Yin Huli had closed the distance between them. He knelt down, wrapping an arm around Li Zhameng's waist with a tenderness that caught everyone off guard. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. He leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on Li Zhameng's forehead.
Xue Laohu's mouth fell open in shock, his irritation quickly bubbling over. That pervert is trying to make a move on Meng Meng! He clenched his fan, as he marched forward, fully intending to yank the fox demon away. Before he could reach them, Yin Huli's tail lashed out, knocking him flat on his back.
"Tell me…" Yin Huli pressed, his voice low but commanding. His piercing gaze locked onto Li Zhameng. "What were her last words?"
Li Zhameng wiped at his tear-streaked face, his jade-green eyes shimmering with pain. "She said… she said, 'I'm sorry, but I'm leaving with him,'" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Yin Huli's expression froze, his hand trembling as it rose to cup Li Zhameng's face. His thumb brushed against Li Zhameng's cheek, his gaze a swirl of emotions. Before anyone could react, he leaned in, his intent clear.
But Xue Laohu, seething with frustration, stomped hard on Yin Huli's tail, eliciting a sharp yelp. Yin Huli jolted back, clutching his throbbing tail.
"Ahem!" Xue Laohu cleared his throat loudly, his eyes flashing with irritation. He stepped in between them, pulling Li Zhameng away. "Well, it's been lovely, but we really should be departing now. Thank you for your… hospitality," he said curtly, the sarcasm in his tone cutting like a blade.
Yin Huli glared at him, still cradling his injured tail. "Please allow this venerable one to see you out," he said through gritted teeth, his pride clearly bruised.
Xue Laohu sighed heavily, glancing back at his disciples. "Very well," he muttered reluctantly. But then he shot Yin Huli a sharp glare. "But you are not allowed to make any advances toward my disciples. Hmph."
Li Zhameng blinked in confusion, glancing down at the firm grip Xue Laohu had on his wrist. His Shizun's touch was possessive, his hand warm but unyielding. Li Zhameng's heart raced inexplicably, his cheeks flushing slightly as he followed behind Xue Laohu.
Yin Huli stood rooted in place, his gaze lingering on the group as they departed. His tail flicked behind him, his mind replaying Li Zhameng's words over and over.
"'I'm sorry, but I'm leaving with him,'" Yin Huli murmured to himself, his voice a whisper on the wind. His eyes darkened, a mix of sorrow swirling within them.
News reached the Bao estate like the wail of a storm, heavy with dread and urgency: a demon was rampaging in the nearby village, leaving chaos in its wake. Worse still, it had taken a girl hostage.
The head guard entered Bao Yu's chamber, dropping to one knee in a gesture of respect. "Young Lord, we have taken every precaution to ensure the demon does not trespass onto Bao estate grounds," he said, his voice steady but tense.
Bao Yu sat still, his fingers tightening around the edge of his chair. Dread twisted in his chest like a coiled serpent. I should have personally escorted Li Yunwu home, he thought bitterly, a wave of regret washing over him. His silence grew heavy, and the guard, sensing the shift in the room, hesitated.
"The girl—what was her description?" Bao Yu finally asked, his voice edged with worry.
The guard straightened slightly, his tone dismissive. "Oh, Young Lord, you needn't trouble yourself. It was just a village girl—dark skin, muddled green eyes. No one of importance."
The words hit Bao Yu like a slap. His hand slammed down on the table, the loud crack echoing through the chamber. "Call all the guards. Now. Immediately!" he barked, rising to his feet with sudden, commanding energy.
The guard faltered, his expression alarmed. "Young Lord—"
"Li Yunwu!" Bao Yu exclaimed, his voice trembling with urgency as he grabbed his sword from its stand. "Li Yunwu is in danger! That girl is not just anyone!"
Without waiting for the guard to respond, Bao Yu stormed out of the chamber, his determination unwavering. "I want that demon vanquished!" he declared as he marched toward the stables, his voice carrying through the estate like a war drum. "I will issue a reward to whomever beheads it!"
The stable was alive with hurried activity as Bao Yu prepared his horse. His eunuch, breathless from chasing after him, called out, "Young Lord, don't you think you're being too rash? She's but a mere—"
"Silence!" Bao Yu snapped, cutting him off sharply. He mounted his horse with practiced ease, his jaw clenched and his eyes blazing. "I want that demon dead!"
Without another word, he spurred his horse forward, a team of guards scrambling to follow. The pounding of hooves filled the air as they galloped toward the village, urgency pushing them forward.
The cold night air stung Bao Yu's face, but he barely noticed. His mind raced, tormenting him with thoughts of Li Yunwu. How could I have been so careless? I should have escorted her. I shouldn't have let her go alone. He gritted his teeth, whipping his horse to urge it faster.
The village loomed in the distance, smoke curling up into the night sky like a sinister omen. Bao Yu's grip on the reins tightened. He swore silently to himself, his determination hardening into steel. Hold on, Yunwu. I'm coming for you.
Li Yunwu's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred and her head pounding. As her surroundings came into focus, she saw Yin Huli slumped against a boulder, his chest rising and falling erratically. His silver hair was matted with blood, and his fox ears twitched slightly as he winced, murmuring through gritted teeth, "This is all my fault…" His brows furrowed deeply as pain contorted his face.
Her heart clenched at the sight of him. "Yin Huli," she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. She quickly tore a strip of fabric from the hem of her skirt and began wrapping his bleeding wound with shaking hands. "It's not your fault," she said softly, her tone a mixture of reassurance and desperation. She reached out, patting his face tenderly before pressing soft kisses to his cheeks and brow, as if her touch alone could ease his suffering.
Yin Huli's ears twitched again, but this time at the faint, distant sound of horses galloping. His heart dropped. He didn't have the strength to outrun them, let alone fight. His sharp eyes scanned their surroundings, and then he spotted a narrow crack in the nearby cliffside. "There," he muttered, struggling to his feet and pulling Li Yunwu up with him.
"What are you doing?" she asked in alarm, holding onto him tightly as he half-carried her toward the crevice.
"Hiding," he panted, his voice strained. He pushed her into the narrow space first before squeezing in after her, his body trembling with the effort. She clung to him, her fear obvious in the dim light.
"Yin Huli," she whispered, tears streaming down her face, "maybe you should go… If you stay, they'll kill you. Please…" Her voice broke, her green eyes glistening with tears that melted into bronze under the faint moonlight.
"And leave you?" he asked hoarsely, shaking his head. He cupped her face with a bloodied hand, his golden eyes softening despite the agony on his face. "Never. I would rather die than abandon you."
Her sobs grew heavier, and she buried her face in his chest. "I—I can't bear to see you hurt," she cried, her fingers clutching his tattered clothes as though holding him tighter would shield him from the world.
Outside, the clatter of hooves grew louder, and then a commanding voice rang out. "You three, scour the west! The rest, search to the east! The demon is injured—he couldn't have gone far!"
Li Yunwu froze, her body tensing at the familiar voice. "The Young Lord…" she murmured, her fear now mingling with guilt.
Yin Huli's face grew even paler, his breathing labored as fresh blood seeped through his makeshift bandages. She wiped the sweat from his forehead, her hands trembling as she tried to comfort him. His hand weakly reached out to brush away her tears.
The sound of footsteps grew dangerously close, and then a gasp erupted from one of the guards. "I found them!" he shouted, his eyes wide as he spotted Li Yunwu cradled in Yin Huli's arms.
Before the guard could react further, a flash of blue foxfire silenced him, his body collapsing to the ground. "We have to move," Yin Huli groaned, forcing himself to stand despite the searing pain. He clutched his shoulder, dragging his injured body forward as the sound of shouts erupted nearby.
"He's getting away!" another guard yelled. "After him!"
Yin Huli gritted his teeth, hoisting Li Yunwu into his arms as he stumbled toward the riverbank. His steps were unsteady, but his resolve was unshakable. Behind them, Bao Yu urged his horse forward, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Do not harm the woman in his arms! If she is injured, you'll answer to me!"
Li Yunwu looked up at Yin Huli, her eyes wide with panic. "Yin Huli…"
He met her gaze, his expression fierce yet tender. "Close your eyes," he urged softly, a flicker of foxfire igniting in his hand.
She obeyed, clutching him tightly as the heat of the foxfire erupted around them. Guards screamed as one after another fell to the blazing flames, but the respite was brief. Yin Huli's strength was fading fast.
Reaching the river, he waded into the icy current, his breaths ragged as he fought against the pull of the water. "Just a little farther," he muttered, though he knew his body was nearing its limit.
Arrows lit with fire hissed through the air, their flames casting eerie shadows across the riverbank. A circle of guards closed in, their weapons aimed directly at him.
"Unhand her, demon!" Bao Yu shouted, his sword gleaming in the moonlight as he dismounted his horse.
Yin Huli coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he shielded Li Yunwu with his body. One arrow pierced his shoulder, then another his side. He stumbled, his foxfire flickering weakly as he struggled to stand.
"Yin Huli!" Li Yunwu screamed, her voice breaking with anguish as she tried to help him.
Bao Yu's eyes narrowed, his expression cold and resolute. With a swift motion, he plunged his sword into Yin Huli's chest.
"No!" Li Yunwu's scream echoed through the forest as Yin Huli collapsed, his body falling limply into the river carring him away.
Bao Yu grabbed her before she could leap after him. "What's wrong with you?" he demanded, his grip firm as she thrashed against him. "Are you possessed?"
"Let me go!" she screamed, her fists pounding against his chest. Tears streamed down her face as she fought with every ounce of strength she had left.
"You leave me no choice," Bao Yu muttered, his voice heavy with regret. He struck her neck swiftly, catching her limp body as she fell unconscious.
Footsteps approached, and an older man's voice, hoarse and trembling, called out, "A-Yun!"
Bao Yu turned, his expression softening as he saw Li Douyun staggering toward them, coughing violently. "Shushu!" Yu Choy exclaimed, rushing to support the frail man.
Bao Yu bowed respectfully. "Is this your daughter?" he asked, his gaze briefly shifting to the unconscious Li Yunwu.
"Yes," Li Douyun wheezed, his trembling hand reaching out to touch her face.
"It seems she's been possessed by a demon," Bao Yu said firmly. "Allow me to exorcise it."
Li Douyun hesitated, his gaze sorrowful. "Very well…"
Yu Choy glared daggers at Bao Yu but held his tongue, his fists clenching in silent fury.
With Li Yunwu secured in his arms, Bao Yu mounted his horse. "We must find the demon's body. Guards, search the river," he commanded, his voice cold as he rode away, leaving Yu Choy fuming in his wake.
Yin Huli had reached his breaking point. His once-proud figure was now a diminished shadow of itself. The injuries he had sustained were so severe that he had reverted to his fox form—his once-imposing silver-haired humanoid appearance reduced to that of a battered, limping fox. Without Li Yunwu's care, the process of recovery was agonizingly slow, each day dragging on like an eternity.
Months passed as Yin Huli painstakingly nursed himself back to health. When he finally regained his strength, the fire of determination burned in his golden eyes. He resumed his search for Li Yunwu, desperate to find her. The trail, however, had gone cold. He traced his steps back to the village, only to discover the ruins of her former home, now a heap of charred wood and ash.
Yin Huli's heart sank. He sniffed the air around the wreckage, his sharp senses seeking even the faintest trace of her scent, but all he found was the acrid stench of smoke and decay. He roamed the surrounding areas, tirelessly wandering in circles, his mind plagued by fear and guilt. Days turned into weeks, then months. He searched endlessly, but no matter how far he traveled or how deeply he dug for answers, Li Yunwu was nowhere to be found.
Yi Ming froze as a loud, vibrating noise echoed in his ears. The system's familiar signal blared in his head, nearly throwing him off balance. He clutched his temples, bracing himself as the voice of the system echoed in his mind.
CONGRATULATIONS, USER, ON UNLOCKING AN NPC BACKSTORY.
TO CONTINUE WITH SIDE QUEST: "PATERNITY PUZZLE: SECRETS, LIES, AND MISSING LINKS," CLICK YES. THIS SIDE QUEST IS WORTH 250 POINTS.
Yi Ming groaned, rubbing his temples as the headache subsided. "Seriously?" he muttered, frowning deeply. With a resigned sigh, he brought up the interface. "Might as well accumulate some points while the main quest runs its course," he grumbled, hitting the YES button.
The system's vibrations faded, and Yi Ming turned his attention to Yin Huli, who stood still, his face blank and distant.
Yin Huli's breath hitched. Memories long buried began to resurface, fragments of voices and images slipping through his mind like water through cupped hands. His body tensed, his golden eyes flickering as they shifted to a faint emerald hue. When he finally focused, his gaze locked onto Li Zhameng, standing nearby with a confused expression.
Yin Huli's chest tightened, and his voice cracked. "You… you look just like her," he whispered, his tail flicking behind him in agitation.
Li Zhameng frowned, stepping back instinctively. "You're my mother's lover?" he stammered, his voice laced with confusion and denial. "That's impossible. My mother loved my father," he added, his brows knitting together.
"Then who was he?" Yin Huli snapped, his voice sharp with frustration. His tail slammed against the ground, sending dust swirling into the air.
"I-I don't know," Li Zhameng stuttered, his expression growing somber. "I never met him… He died before I was born."
Yin Huli's eyes widened. Without warning, he darted toward Li Zhameng, his movements unnervingly quick. His nose pressed against the young man's neck, sniffing intently.
"What the—!" Li Zhameng froze, his body rigid as the fox demon's lips brushed against his skin.
"Stop it!" Xue Laohu shouted, stepping forward to intervene. Before he could act, Yin Huli's tail lashed out, sending him stumbling back.
Li Zhameng winced as Yin Huli's sharp fangs pierced the soft flesh of his neck. The fox demon bit down with just enough pressure to draw blood, his eyes narrowing as he savored the taste.
"Mnnn" Li Zhameng yelped, flinching in pain.
Xue Laohu growled in frustration, finally managing to shove Yin Huli away. "What's your deal, you lunatic?" he snapped, glaring at the fox demon.
Yin Huli licked the remaining blood from his lips, his expression unreadable. "You're not my son," he stated coldly, his voice steady and absolute.
Li Zhameng rubbed his neck, glaring at Yin Huli with a mixture of anger and bewilderment.
"Demons can identify their offspring by scent," Shudu interjected calmly, his arms crossed as he watched the chaos unfold.
Xue Tuzi tilted his head, holding the small Gu worm Jiao Jiao in his hands. The worm blinked its bulbous eyes in confusion, curling its tiny tail as Xue Tuzi sniffed it experimentally. "You're right. He reeks of you," Xue Tuzi muttered, turning toward Shudu.
Shudu's cheeks puffed in annoyance. "Of course I'm right."
Yin Huli ignored their exchange, his focus solely on Li Zhameng. His sharp eyes scanned the young man's face for traces of familiarity, his tail flicking behind him.
Xue Laohu jabbed a finger at Yin Huli, his face flushed with frustration. "What if he was your son? Do you have no shame?!" he snapped, his voice rising. "Sniffing him like that, biting him, licking him? What kind of pervert are you?"
Yin Huli shot him a disdainful look, crossing his arms. "I did what was necessary. You wouldn't understand."
"You're damn right I wouldn't!" Xue Laohu muttered under his breath, scowling as he turned to check on Li Zhameng. The younger man adjusted his collar, still rubbing the bite mark with a bewildered expression.
Xue Laohu's thoughts churned with outrage. Does this guy have no shame? Who sniffs another man like that, gives him a love bite, and then licks him to confirm parentage? What a pervert! He muttered the last part under his breath, his eyes narrowing.
Yin Huli ignored the outburst, his gaze fixed on Li Zhameng, softening into something melancholic. "Your mother… where is she?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling. His tail, which had previously swished with annoyance, now stilled.
Li Zhameng's expression shifted, his usual brightness dimming as he leaned against the wall. "She passed away last year," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yin Huli's golden eyes widened in shock. "She… she passed?" he repeated, the words catching in his throat.
Li Zhameng nodded, his gaze falling to the ground. "She fell severely ill. No medicine I bought could heal her… and she passed."
The silence that followed was evidently heavy. Even Xue Laohu, who was usually quick to quip, found himself subdued. He glanced at Li Zhameng, noticing the young man's shoulders trembling slightly as he crouched down, hugging his knees. The once-lively disciple now looked fragile, haunted by a grief that even time hadn't softened.
Shudu and Xue Tuzi exchanged uneasy glances, their usual banter replaced by solemnity. It wasn't often that Li Zhameng's chirpy demeanor faltered, but any mention of his mother's death brought an unmistakable gloom over him.
Yin Huli's fists clenched at his sides, his sharp claws digging into his palms. "Can you… can you take me to her grave?" he asked softly, his golden eyes darting to meet Li Zhameng's tearful gaze.
Li Zhameng shook his head, burying his face into his arms. "There's no grave," he whimpered. His voice cracked as he continued, "I… I couldn't afford one. And—"
Before he could finish, Yin Huli had closed the distance between them. He knelt down, wrapping an arm around Li Zhameng's waist with a tenderness that caught everyone off guard. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. He leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on Li Zhameng's forehead.
Xue Laohu's mouth fell open in shock, his irritation quickly bubbling over. That pervert is trying to make a move on Meng Meng! He clenched his fan, as he marched forward, fully intending to yank the fox demon away. Before he could reach them, Yin Huli's tail lashed out, knocking him flat on his back.
"Tell me…" Yin Huli pressed, his voice low but commanding. His piercing gaze locked onto Li Zhameng. "What were her last words?"
Li Zhameng wiped at his tear-streaked face, his jade-green eyes shimmering with pain. "She said… she said, 'I'm sorry, but I'm leaving with him,'" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Yin Huli's expression froze, his hand trembling as it rose to cup Li Zhameng's face. His thumb brushed against Li Zhameng's cheek, his gaze a swirl of emotions. Before anyone could react, he leaned in, his intent clear.
But Xue Laohu, seething with frustration, stomped hard on Yin Huli's tail, eliciting a sharp yelp. Yin Huli jolted back, clutching his throbbing tail.
"Ahem!" Xue Laohu cleared his throat loudly, his eyes flashing with irritation. He stepped in between them, pulling Li Zhameng away. "Well, it's been lovely, but we really should be departing now. Thank you for your… hospitality," he said curtly, the sarcasm in his tone cutting like a blade.
Yin Huli glared at him, still cradling his injured tail. "Please allow this venerable one to see you out," he said through gritted teeth, his pride clearly bruised.
Xue Laohu sighed heavily, glancing back at his disciples. "Very well," he muttered reluctantly. But then he shot Yin Huli a sharp glare. "But you are not allowed to make any advances toward my disciples. Hmph."
Li Zhameng blinked in confusion, glancing down at the firm grip Xue Laohu had on his wrist. His Shizun's touch was possessive, his hand warm but unyielding. Li Zhameng's heart raced inexplicably, his cheeks flushing slightly as he followed behind Xue Laohu.
Yin Huli stood rooted in place, his gaze lingering on the group as they departed. His tail flicked behind him, his mind replaying Li Zhameng's words over and over.
"'I'm sorry, but I'm leaving with him,'" Yin Huli murmured to himself, his voice a whisper on the wind. His eyes darkened, a mix of sorrow swirling within them.