Chapter 166 Following
"Caught it!" Jiang Che leaped up excitedly and rushed toward the formation center with Han Yu.
The white fox, entangled by chains, remained motionless yet showed no panic. As they approached, it lifted its head, studying them with an almost human gaze.
"What a beautiful spirit fox." Jiang Che crouched down, attempting to stroke its head.
The fox suddenly bared its teeth, and Jiang Che quickly withdrew his hand.
"With such high spiritual intelligence, no wonder it could outwit the entire Profound Mist Sect." Han Yu examined the fox. "Take it back for Junior Sister to see—perhaps it can be tamed as a pet."
At that moment, a trace of human-like mockery flashed in the fox's eyes. It opened its mouth, and to their astonishment, produced not an animalistic cry but a clear, girlish voice: "Foolish humans, release this lady at once, or you'll face serious trouble."
Jiang Che and Han Yu froze simultaneously, staring at each other. A speaking spirit beast? This surpassed ordinary spirit beast realms!
Seeing their shock, the fox shook its head triumphantly. Despite being bound, it maintained a condescending posture: "What? Speechless? This lady warns you—releasing me now is still possible, otherwise..."
It deliberately drew out its words, a cunning glint in its eyes.
Han Yu and Jiang Che exchanged glances, then suddenly grinned.
"Otherwise what?" Jiang Che raised an eyebrow, mimicking its tone. "Care to enlighten this young master?"
The fox narrowed its eyes, flicked its tail, and suddenly shrieked at the top of its lungs: "Help! Help!"
Jiang Che and Han Yu: "..."
Why did this tactic feel familiar?
Han Yu rubbed his chin and chuckled: "Little fox, this is Profound Mist Sect's territory. You're the thief stealing their spirit herbs. Shouting for help here—aren't you afraid the victims will come and beat you?"
The fox glared at them and continued yelling: "Help! Someone's bullying a poor, innocent little fox!"
Jiang Che crossed his arms and sneered: "Poor and innocent? You didn't hold back when stealing spirit herbs."
Yet, as the fox's cry faded, a rustling sound came from the distant woods.
They turned alertly to see a gray-robed elder walking slowly, followed by a cowering figure—who else could it be but Profound Mist Sect's Sect Master Zhang Songwu?
Jiang Che gloated at the fox: "Little thief, you're in trouble. Your victims are here."
The fox, however, grinned, revealing sharp teeth: "Who's in trouble remains to be seen."
Han Yu stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Sect Master Zhang, we've captured the thief stealing the spirit herbs."
But Zhang Songwu looked awkward, his gaze darting away as he avoided meeting their eyes.
The gray-robed elder sighed and waved his hand. The meticulously arranged formation by Han Yu and Jiang Che instantly shattered. The fox broke free with a "whoosh" and bit Jiang Che's wrist sharply while he was distracted!
"Hiss—" Jiang Che winced but reacted swiftly, grabbing the fox by the scruff of its neck and lifting it up. He frowned at Zhang Songwu, only to see the other man shift his gaze away, refusing eye contact.
Han Yu narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss. He stepped forward, his tone still polite: "Sect Master Zhang, what is the meaning of this?"
Zhang Songwu didn't answer. Instead, he turned to introduce the gray-robed elder: "This is our Profound Mist Sect's Great Elder Li Xiuchuan, also my master."
Pinned by the neck, the fox still struggled, cursing: "Old bastard, hurry and save me!"
Only then did Li Xiuchuan sigh, saying to Han Yu and Jiang Che: "I understand what happened. It was my incompetent disciple who misunderstood my intentions. I hope you two young friends will release the fox."
Han Yu raised an eyebrow: "Oh? A misunderstanding?"
Li Xiuchuan nodded: "The white fox wasn't stealing, but rather..." He paused, seeming reluctant to continue, "I sent her to gather some spirit herbs. She's just mischievous and acted too flamboyantly."
Jiang Che sneered: "Gather? She gnawed through half the herbs and discarded the rest, even leaving provocative notes."
The fox swished its tail proudly: "That's called taste, understand?"
Han Yu shot Jiang Che a meaningful glance. Jiang Che released his grip, and the fox darted away with a "whoosh," baring its teeth at them before vanishing into the night.
Han Yu turned to Li Xiuchuan, curious: "Senior Li, why indulge her so?"
Li Xiuchuan remained silent for a moment before finally revealing an earth-shattering secret: "Because her father is the current Demon Saint of the demon race."
Han Yu and Jiang Che froze simultaneously.
The Demon Saint of the demon race?
No wonder this little fox was so insolent!
"But even as the Demon Saint's daughter, she can't run amok in a human sect!" Jiang Che protested. "Why not seek help from top-tier sects?"
Li Xiuchuan shook his helplessly, avoiding the question, and instead said: "What you two young friends sought was merely a tea branch. To my shame, that tea tree naturally sheds several branches annually—it's hardly a rarity."
He gestured, and a disciple hurried off. "I've already sent someone to fetch it. Please wait a moment."
Han Yu rejoiced inwardly, surprised by this turn of events. He had anticipated difficulties, but now they could complete their task effortlessly. As for the Demon Saint's daughter—it didn't concern him much.
He respectfully replied: "Senior is too kind. We juniors are undeserving."
Soon, a Profound Mist Sect disciple rushed over, holding an exquisite jade box which he presented to Han Yu: "Senior, please inspect."
Han Yu carefully accepted the box, lifting its lid slightly. A refreshing tea fragrance immediately filled the air. Inside lay a jade-green tea branch flowing with spiritual light, its three tender leaves crystal clear, with spiritual energy faintly visible coursing through their veins.
"Truly fine tea!" Han Yu sincerely praised, quickly closing the box and solemnly tucking it away. He bowed deeply to Li Xiuchuan again: "Thank you for your generous gift, Senior. We are deeply grateful."
Jiang Che also stepped forward to bow.
Li Xiuchuan stroked his beard and smiled: "A mere trifle, hardly worthy of respect. You two traveled far from Qingzhou—we should have hosted you properly, but the sect has pressing matters..."
Han Yu, ever perceptive, immediately understood: "Senior is busy with affairs. We won't impose further."
Tugging Jiang Che's sleeve, he added, "We'll take our leave now."
After bowing again, they turned toward the mountain gate. Jiang Che whispered: "Senior Brother, there's more to this."
A faint smile touched Han Yu's lips as he lowered his voice: "Know when to stop. Whatever secrets lie here don't concern us."
Just as they walked a hundred paces away, Han Yu suddenly felt eyes on his back. He casually glanced back and spotted a flicker of white among distant trees.
The white fox was secretly following them!
Jiang Che also sensed the anomaly, frowning slightly: "Why is she following us?"
A sharp glint flashed in Han Yu's eyes: "Interesting..." He deliberately raised his voice, "Junior Brother, we must hurry! Master awaits!"
They soared on flying swords and soon vanished into the horizon.
On a treetop not far behind them, the white fox leaped nimbly, its eyes gleaming with cunning as it continued its silent pursuit...
"Hmph! How dare you grab this lady by the neck! Just watch me turn your home upside down!"
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