Chapter 173: A Certain Kind of Mutual Understanding
For the demon race, transforming into human form was, in essence, the process of reshaping their beastly bodies into a form more attuned to the Heavenly Dao. This transformation required the balance of yin and yang energies within their bodies.
The Moonlight Fruit, rich in lunar essence, could neutralize the violent demonic power within a demon core, allowing the flow of energy to become smooth and stable, thus preventing collapse during transformation caused by loss of control.
This was especially vital for those of the demon race whose transformations were particularly difficult. During the process, many failed to completely control the finer details of their form, resulting in residual animal traits such as ears, tails, or even distorted facial features.
Her own father was a prime example—though a Saint Venerable, he still could not conceal his thick, majestic fox tail.
By consuming the Moonlight Fruit, a demon could harness the power of moonlight to refine and sculpt their human form in greater detail. To a certain extent, they could even determine their own appearance and figure after transformation.
It was truly a "divine fruit for shaping." For any member of the demon race—especially female demons about to transform—this was an irresistible treasure.
Bai Li hesitated for a long moment before finally raising her paw proudly. "Since you have offered it with such sincerity, this seat shall reluctantly accept it."
Just as she was about to take the fruit using her demonic power, Chen Xingcai suddenly pulled her hand back. "Wait!"
Bai Li: "???"
"You have to let me touch your tail first," Chen Xingcai said with a mischievous grin, like a little fox herself. "Just once~"
Bai Li: "…"
The gray bear beside them had completely given up thinking. It collapsed on the ground, pretending to be dead.
It was over! What had it just witnessed? Its young mistress was teasing a saintess of the demon race—in broad daylight!
If this got out, the Spirit Valley would be annihilated by the demon army!
No—wait. The Spirit Valley had two Saint Venerables. If the demon race came, it wasn't certain who would be crushed by whom…
Still, no matter the outcome, this could only end in disaster!
Yet, to everyone's surprise, Bai Li did not explode in fury. She stared at the Moonlight Fruit for a long time, gritted her teeth, and snorted coldly. "…Just once."
Chen Xingcai cheered and immediately reached out to rub Bai Li's fluffy tail. At some point, the nine phantom tails behind Bai Li had completely vanished.
"Wow! It's so soft!"
Bai Li resisted the urge to swat her away, gritting her teeth. "Satisfied now?"
"Let me touch it again~"
"…"
"Just once more!"
"…"
Finally, Bai Li lost her patience. She slapped Chen Xingcai's hand away with a paw. "Enough! Give me the fruit!"
Chen Xingcai handed over the Moonlight Fruit with a grin. As Bai Li took her first bite, Chen suddenly asked, "By the way, why were you chasing my Xiao Hui?"
Bai Li paused and cast a cold glance at the gray bear pretending to be dead. "He was disrespectful to this seat."
The gray bear: "…"
Unjust! When was I ever disrespectful?!
Chen Xingcai tilted her head in thought, then clapped her hands suddenly. "I get it! Xiao Hui must have done something stupid that made you angry!"
She turned and kicked the bear lightly. "Apologize, now!"
The gray bear: "???"
But it didn't dare to resist. Trembling, it bowed its head to Bai Li. "I-I'm sorry…"
Bai Li snorted but said nothing.
Chen Xingcai's eyes rolled, and she pulled out another Moonlight Fruit. "How about this—you forgive him, and I'll give you another one?"
Bai Li: "…"
What was wrong with this human girl?! Did she think a dignified saintess of the demon race could be bought with just two fruits?!
…
Five minutes later. Bai Li was crouched comfortably on Chen Xingcai's lap, her nine tails swaying lazily as she nibbled on her third Moonlight Fruit.
The gray bear watched in stunned silence, its worldview completely shattered.
Chen Xingcai gently stroked Bai Li's fur, smiling sweetly. "Little Li, do you want to come visit my home? I've got plenty of delicious things there~"
Bai Li swallowed the fruit and lifted her head proudly. "Hmph. Since you are so sincere in your invitation, this seat shall reluctantly accompany you."
The gray bear: "…"
It's over. The saintess of the demon race was being abducted by its young mistress!
…
Chen Xingcai held Bai Li in her arms and pushed open the door of the wooden cabin.
Bai Li lay lazily against her chest, her tail swaying gently. Though she had eaten three supreme-grade Moonlight Fruits, a trace of pride still lingered in her heart—after all, she was the only daughter of the Saint Venerable of the demon race. To her, this little human girl, no matter how generous, was merely someone lucky beyond her worth.
However, the moment she stepped into the cabin—
Buzz!
An indescribably profound sensation descended upon her. Bai Li's fur bristled in an instant, her pupils contracting into narrow slits.
What… what was this place?!
In her perception, this space existed within this world, yet somehow stood outside it at the same time!
A realm within a realm?!
No, that wasn't right! A realm within a realm was merely a small world dependent on the greater one. But this wooden cabin…
It existed both within the world and beyond it!
Bai Li's heart pounded violently. Since childhood, she had cultivated under her father's guidance, witnessing countless divine powers, even seeing a Demon Saint open a blessed cave realm. Yet even her father could never achieve something of this magnitude!
This was not the creation of a world—it transcended worlds altogether!
Half her pride melted away, replaced by a deep, instinctive awe. Though arrogant, Bai Li was not foolish.
She knew clearly which beings could be offended, and which could not.
Before Chen Xingcai could even speak, Bai Li leapt from her arms, lowering her tail respectfully to the floor. Her forehead pressed against the ground as she spoke in a tone of utmost reverence.
"Saintess of the demon race, Bai Li, daughter of the White Fox Saint Venerable, greets the Saint Venerable!"
Chen Xingcai blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Bai Li remained prostrated, motionless. She dared not move. She didn't even dare to lift her head.
The next moment, she felt herself being gently lifted. Looking up, she met Chen Xingcai's smiling eyes.
"No need to be so formal~" Chen Xingcai said cheerfully, pinching Bai Li's ear. "That's just my father!"
Though her tone was casual, the pride curling at the corners of her lips and glimmering in her eyes was unmistakable.
In that instant, Bai Li felt as if she were looking into a mirror—wasn't this the same expression she wore whenever she boasted about her father?
So that was it! No wonder this girl felt so oddly familiar!
They were both daughters of Saint Venerables!
Bai Li's fondness for Chen Xingcai surged instantly. She even rubbed her head lightly against Chen Xingcai's arm, her tail swaying unconsciously.
Just then—
"Mm."
A faint response echoed from within the cabin.
Bai Li's body went rigid. Slowly, she turned her head and saw a tall figure seated deep within the room, cross-legged on a meditation mat. His eyes were half-closed, his aura drifting like clouds and mist.
Just that one quiet "mm" sent chills racing down her spine.
Instinctively, she tried to wriggle free from Chen Xingcai's arms. Her paws tensed, and her tail puffed up in terror.
"Don't be scared~" Chen Xingcai whispered, holding her still. She leaned close to Bai Li's ear and said softly, "Father's just 'wandering beyond the heavens' right now—my own term for it!"
She tapped her temple mysteriously. "Basically, unless someone disturbs him, he won't pay attention."
Bai Li nodded frantically, pressing her ears flat against her head.
The pressure here was suffocating. Even staying one more second felt unbearable!
"Let's go!" Chen Xingcai said brightly, noticing her unease. Hugging Bai Li tightly, she turned toward the door. "I'll take you somewhere else to play!"
Bai Li felt as if she had been pardoned. Her head and tail moved in perfect unison—both expressing full agreement.
Yes, yes! Let's go! The farther from this Saint Venerable, the better!
Before leaving, Bai Li couldn't resist glancing back one last time.
Sunlight streamed through the wooden window, casting a hazy glow around the man, as if he had merged entirely with heaven and earth.
A flicker of envy stirred in Bai Li's chest.
To have such a powerful father, yet still live so freely and happily…
How blissful that must be.
Not like her own annoying father—who only ever urged her to cultivate!
…
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