The group burst out of the cave, their feet pounding against the damp earth as they raced into the dense forest. The canopy above was a chaotic tangle of branches, filtering the sunlight into scattered patches that danced on the forest floor. The momentary reprieve was shattered as the ogres reemerged, their guttural roars echoing through the trees.
Xue Laohu didn't hesitate. He snapped open his fan, the elegant folds glinting in the dim light, and with a deft swirl, conjured a powerful gust of wind. The force sent a cluster of ogres tumbling backward, their heavy bodies crashing into the undergrowth. Above, Shudu leapt from branch to branch with inhuman agility, his movements fluid and precise. He landed silently behind an ogre, twisting its head with a sharp crack. The beast fell limp just as Xue Tuzi's needle-like threads shimmered through the air, slicing into its neck with deadly precision.
Amid the chaos, Li Zhameng struggled to keep up. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his legs ached as an ogre pursued him relentlessly, its massive strides closing the distance. Far ahead, Xue Laohu and Xue Tuzi were already nearing the edge of the forest, seemingly oblivious to Li Zhameng's plight.
"Li Meng!" Yin Huli's sharp voice cut through the noise. The fox demon darted forward, sweeping Li Zhameng off his feet just as the ogre's claws slashed the air where he had been moments before. Yin Huli's fox fire ignited, a brilliant blue flame that engulfed the ogre, its roar turning into a shriek of agony. Gritting his teeth, Yin Huli clutched Li Zhameng tightly, his brow furrowed in a mixture of frustration and worry.
When they finally reached the other side of the forest, Yin Huli set Li Zhameng down with surprising gentleness. The younger man barely took a moment to recover before running toward Xue Laohu, a bright smile lighting up his face.
"Shizun!" he called sweetly, his voice full of affection.
Yin Huli's ears twitched in irritation. His expression darkened as he stormed over to Xue Laohu, grabbing him by the collar.
"You left him behind!" Yin Huli snarled, his voice trembling with fury. His grip tightened as his sharp gaze bore into Xue Laohu. "Do you care so little for your disciples?" Xue Laohu stumbled slightly, nervously trying to step back.
"It's obvious to me," Yin Huli interrupted, his voice rising, "that you put more effort into your other disciples." His eyes flicked toward Xue Tuzi, who scowled in response, and then to Shudu, who blinked in mild surprise, his arms folded.
"Hmph," Shudu muttered, placing his hands on his hips. "For the record, I'm not one of Grandmaster Xue's disciples." He turned away with a disdainful shrug.
Yin Huli ignored him, his anger undiminished. "He could have been gravely injured. Do you not care at all?"
Xue Laohu's face darkened, as he smacked Yin Huli's hand away from his collar. "Are you accusing me of neglecting my disciples?" he barked, his voice shaking with indignation.
"Please, stop," Li Zhameng murmured, inching closer. He extended a hesitant hand toward Yin Huli, but the fox demon pressed closer to Xue Laohu, their faces inches apart.
"Hmph. A tiny shrimp like you isn't fit to be a Grandmaster," Yin Huli growled, his tone dripping with mockery.
Xue Laohu's face turned crimson with rage. "Shrimp?! Who are you calling a shrimp?!" he shouted, shoving Yin Huli with both hands.
Yin Huli raised his fist to retaliate, but before he could strike, Xue Tuzi intervened. "Don't you dare lay a hand on Shizun!" he shouted, pulling the ribbon from his hair and lashing it toward Yin Huli in one swift motion.
"Please! Stop it!" Li Zhameng screamed, throwing himself between them. The ribbon's sharp edge nearly grazed his face, but Yin Huli reacted quickly, shielding Li Zhameng with his body. The whip's strike landed squarely on his cheek, leaving a deep gash that oozed blood.
Yin Huli winced but stood firm, his hand clutching Li Zhameng's hands. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening as he looked at Li Zhameng.
"Your face…" Li Zhameng's jade-like eyes, tinged with bronze, trembled with worry. He reached up, gently patting Yin Huli's cheek.
"It's nothing," Yin Huli said with a faint smirk, brushing off the concern. His hand clasped over Li Zhameng's, steadying it. "Are you hurt?" he asked again, his tone quieter this time.
Xue Tuzi frowned, his lips curling in disdain. "Meng Meng, I'm disappointed. A man throws you a bone, and you're ready to switch loyalties," he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm as he tied his ribbon back into place.
"Says the man who reeks of that demon insect," Yin Huli shot back, narrowing his eyes. His gaze flicked to Shudu, who merely smirked, his sharp canines glinting in the light.
"Hmph," Xue Tuzi retorted, turning his face away in disgust. "The scent is from Xiao Jiao." The small Gu worm peeked out from his pouch, its big eyes blinking in confusion.
Yin Huli laughed, a low, mocking sound. "I didn't know worms could emit their scent from your mouth."
Xue Tuzi's face turned red with anger, his fists clenched. He looked ready to strike but froze as Xue Laohu's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Alright. That's enough," Xue Laohu said, his voice firm but calm as he dusted off his robes, sending a small cloud of dirt into the air. He glanced at Yin Huli, who flicked his tail in irritation, sending another puff of dust swirling. Xue Laohu coughed into his sleeve, his face wrinkling with mild annoyance.
"We should make haste to the nearest village before nightfall," Xue Laohu continued, his gaze shifting to the horizon where the sun was dipping below the treetops, its fiery orange glow fading into deep purples and blues.
Yin Huli turned to Li Zhameng with a soft expression, his voice low and gentle. "Allow me to carry you," he offered.
Li Zhameng blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected suggestion. "Carry me?" he echoed, his tone laced with confusion. Before he could fully process the offer, Xue Laohu strode toward them, his steps heavy with purpose.
"Ahem," Xue Laohu cleared his throat, positioning himself between Yin Huli and Li Zhameng. His fan flicked open with a dramatic snap, obscuring his expression, but his narrowed eyes were fixed on the fox demon. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur. "I'm on to you," he said, the words laced with suspicion.
Li Zhameng, sensing the tension, turned to Xue Laohu as if seeking guidance. "Thank you for your offer," he said politely to Yin Huli, "but I must decline."
Yin Huli smirked, his tail swishing with playful defiance. "I don't take no for an answer," he said smoothly. Before anyone could react, he scooped Li Zhameng into his arms as if he weighed nothing and darted into the forest at a breakneck speed, his laughter echoing through the trees.
"That pushy pervert," Xue Laohu growled, his voice dripping with venom. His hand tightened around his fan, the veins on his knuckles prominent as he seethed. He wasted no time before taking off after them, his robes billowing behind him.
Xue Tuzi and Shudu exchanged glances, before taking off after the others, their movements light and effortless.
"Yin Gongzi…" Li Zhameng murmured hesitantly, clutching the soft fabric of Yin Huli's robes. His legs dangled helplessly as the fox demon carried him effortlessly through the dense forest, weaving between trees with uncanny speed and grace.
Yin Huli's golden eyes glinted mischievously as he leaned closer, his warm breath grazing Li Zhameng's ear. "Please," he murmured, his tone soft and teasing, "just call me Daddy."
Li Zhameng's face erupted in a flush of crimson. "Ehhh?!" he stammered, his seafoam-green eyes wide in both shock and embarrassment. The evening breeze tousled his messy bangs, and under the fading sunlight, his gaze seemed darker, more uncertain.
Struggling to regain his composure, Li Zhameng blurted, "Um… how did my mother and you…?" His voice trailed off, his fingers fidgeting nervously as his mind raced.
Yin Huli's expression softened, a wistful sadness shadowing his fox-like features. "We met in a meadow by chance," he began, his voice tinged with melancholy. His pace slowed slightly as his memories surfaced. "She found me injured, and… she healed me. I decided to stay by her side, gathering herbs as a way to repay her kindness." He smiled faintly, his amber eyes lowering, the long lashes brushing against his cheeks as his ears twitched.
"Huh?" Li Zhameng mumbled, his brows furrowing in confusion. Then, a thought struck him. "But… but that's impossible!" he exclaimed, his voice rising. "Mother said she met my father in a meadow when he was injured. And that he used to help her gather herbs!" His voice trembled with both disbelief and a strange sense of connection as his bright eyes met Yin Huli's.
Yin Huli's steps faltered for only a moment before he quickened his pace, his tail swishing behind him. "What was his description?" he asked, his tone deceptively calm, though a glint of urgency flickered in his eyes.
Behind them, Xue Laohu was tailing closely, his robes rustling as he strained to catch fragments of their conversation. His eyes narrowed suspiciously, his fan snapping open with a flick as he muttered under his breath, "That pervvy fox…"
Li Zhameng, oblivious to Xue Laohu's presence, replied without hesitation, "Tall, handsome, with fair skin, piercing amber eyes, and… long silver hair."
Yin Huli's lips curled into a sly smile. "You know," he said, glancing down at Li Zhameng, "the man you're describing… is me."
Li Zhameng blinked, his face twisting in confusion. "Huh?" he whispered, the word barely audible. His mind raced, piecing together the fragments of his mother's stories, but nothing seemed to align.
Yin Huli tilted his head slightly, his expression now a mix of playfulness and something far more primal. Lowering his face to Li Zhameng's neck, he inhaled deeply, the tip of his nose brushing against the soft skin. "Let's see," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Before Li Zhameng could react, Yin Huli's tongue flicked out, delivering a series of playful, warm licks that sent shivers cascading down Li Zhameng's spine.
"B-But… you're not—" Li Zhameng stammered, his voice cracking as he squirmed in the fox demon's grasp.
"You're not mine," Yin Huli said, his tone lilting and amused as he straightened, licking his lips with a self-satisfied grin. His amber eyes glinted mischievously, like a predator toying with its prey.
Running alongside them, Xue Laohu's scowl deepened, his grip on his fan tightening. His voice dropped into a low growl as he muttered under his breath, "That guy is a pervert. Who chases after the son of their former lover? Disgusting."
The group reached the outskirts of the village just as the last light of day disappeared, leaving the sky cloaked in twilight hues. Yin Huli came to a graceful stop, setting Li Zhameng down with ease. His movements, once carefree and bold, grew cautious as he pulled a scarf over the lower half of his face and donned a hood to conceal his telltale fox ears.
Li Zhameng, still flustered and breathless, fidgeted nervously as he adjusted his robes. "Why are you covering yourself up now?" he asked, his voice soft, though curiosity flickered in his eyes.
Yin Huli glanced at him, the smirk returning beneath the scarf. "Fox demons aren't exactly welcome in every village," he replied casually, though his eyes glimmered with something unspoken.
Behind them, Xue Laohu finally caught up, his face a storm of annoyance and mistrust. "We're here," he said curtly, glaring at Yin Huli as if daring him to make another move. Shudu and Xue Tuzi arrived moments later, their expressions ranging from mild interest to thinly veiled exasperation.
Yin Huli paid no mind to the daggers in Xue Laohu's gaze. Instead, he leaned closer to Li Zhameng, his voice a low murmur. "Stay close to me," he said leaning in to Li Zhameng's neck, grazing his skin.
They reached an inn it was modest, its interior simple but welcoming. Wooden beams lined the ceiling, the faint smell of sandalwood lingering in the air. There weren't many visitors—just a few locals sipping tea in the corner and the innkeeper polishing the counter. The decorations were humble, with faded tapestries and rustic lanterns providing a soft, golden glow.
"Three rooms, please," Xue Laohu said curtly, stepping forward and placing a pouch of coins on the counter. The innkeeper nodded and handed him the keys, each one dangling from a small wooden tag etched with a room number.
Xue Laohu sighed inwardly, already resigned to the arrangements. Xue Tuzi and Shudu always shared a room—it was practically a given. Not only did it save money, but Shudu inevitably crept into Xue Tuzi's bed at night regardless. Besides Xue Tuzi and Shudu spending time together would take him closer to completing his goal. Paying for a separate room for the insect demon would be pointless. As for Yin Huli, the fox demon Xue Laohu had refused to pay for his boarding.
"Shizun," Xue Tuzi said, his brows knitting together as he counted the keys. "We are five."
Xue Laohu played dumb, whipping his fan open and fanning himself leisurely, as though the comment didn't concern him. After a moment of silence, he snapped the fan shut and gave a dismissive huff. "Hmph, I'm not getting that perverted fox a room. He can pay for his own," he declared, his tone cold as he turned away, reopening the fan to resume fanning himself.
Yin Huli's amber eyes gleamed with amusement, his lips curling into a teasing smile. "No matter," he said smoothly, stepping closer to Li Zhameng, who stiffened under his gaze. "I'll share a room with Li Meng, if that's alright."
His fingers brushed Li Zhameng's cheek lightly, and the young man flinched at the intimate gesture, a faint blush spreading across his face. "Ehh…" Li Zhameng stammered, his voice barely audible as his wide, eyes darted toward Xue Laohu for help.
"What?!" Xue Laohu roared, snapping his fan shut so hard it echoed through the quiet inn. He stomped over, thrusting himself between Yin Huli and Li Zhameng, his glare fierce enough to make the air seem heavier. "No. No, no, no! Absolutely not!" he barked, waving his fan like a weapon to keep the fox demon at bay.
"Shizun…" Li Zhameng murmured, his voice soft but resolute. "I don't mind." His words hung in the air like a dagger, slicing through Xue Laohu's composure.
Yin Huli's grin widened, his tail flicking excitedly behind him. "See? He agrees," he said with a purr, his fox-like charm infuriatingly smug.
Xue Laohu's face turned a shade of red that rivaled the setting sun. "You will not be laying with my disciple! Not under my watch!" He pointed his fan at Yin Huli like an accusatory blade, his eyes blazing with righteous fury.
"Shizun!" Xue Tuzi interrupted, his voice rising in frustration. His fists clenched tightly at his sides as he stepped forward.
Xue Laohu turned to him, startled. "Huh?"
"What about me?!" Xue Tuzi snapped, his voice trembling with an unspoken emotion. "You've never cared about the times that…" He jabbed a finger at Shudu, who raised an eyebrow in disdain. "That disgusting demon sneaks into my bed!"
Shudu let out an exaggerated huff, crossing his arms. "What? Hmph," he retorted, his tone dripping with mock indignation. "You enjoy me warming your bed."
"I do not!" Xue Tuzi shouted, his face flushing with anger. "I want you gone!"
Before the argument could escalate further, Xue Laohu raised his voice. "Enough!" His commanding tone silenced them both, and he pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "A-Tuzi, I know you are capable of handling yourself, but Meng Meng…" He turned to glance at Li Zhameng, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Meng Meng is just a little doe. And under no circumstances—"
Xue Laohu's words died on his lips as he turned back, only to find that Yin Huli had already swept Li Zhameng away. The fox demon was walking down the hallway toward the rooms, Li Zhameng in tow, his soft protests ignored.
Xue Laohu's fists trembled as anger surged through him. "That insolent—" He made a move to storm after them, but Xue Tuzi gripped his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.
Blah Blah Blah:
Alright here is some very important height information!
Shudu: 185 cm
Yin Huli: 182 cm
Li Zhameng: 172 cm
Xue Laohu: 165 cm
Xue Tuzi: 160 cm