The Aloof Immortal Venerable is Pregnant with My Fox Cub - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The little figure led Cang Ran to yesterday’s sword practice spot, starting a new day of instruction.

Now Cang Ran knew that she couldn’t beat this little figure at all. Resistance was futile; she could only work hard.

One day, she would reclaim all the fox fur she had lost!

During sword practice, all of Cang Ran’s muscles and bones were opened up, and her strength was pushed to the extreme. It was both exhausting and exhilarating.

Her swordsmanship became sharp and swift, moving like a coursing hare and a falling falcon. The sword moves flowed more smoothly, making her feel as if she had been strengthened again.

Although a beast’s sharp claws were more flexible, no demon would truly try to block a blade with bare hands in a fight. Having a weapon could better enhance combat strength.

Furthermore, the sword technique was immensely powerful. After consolidating the first layer today, she was much more proficient than on the first day. Half of the surrounding pine forest was blown down by the fierce wind generated by her sword strikes.

The little figure pointed and criticized from the side, stating that if the first layer of sword practice was not mastered, she would not be allowed to practice the second layer.

Cang Ran thought to herself, based on such strict standards, she wouldn’t meet the little figure’s requirements for at least a year or a half.

Although she felt that the first layer of this sword technique was already very powerful, covering a much larger area of effect than just using her beast claws.

But she also agreed with the little figure’s view: only by setting high standards for oneself could one truly maximize the effectiveness of the sword manual’s true intent.

Her sword practice today seemed to have improved compared to yesterday. The little figure was not as ferocious as before, occasionally nodding and remarking that she wasn’t so clumsy after all.

Seeing that she was truly tired, the little figure allowed her to take a bath in the small pool below the waterfall.

The pool water was clear and cool. Cang Ran placed her spiritual sword on the bank, tested the water temperature, which was fine, and transformed into a small fox to soak in it.

The weather was getting warmer, and the spring sunlight was bright. Taking a bath as a small fox was convenient, and she didn’t have to worry about being seen naked since she was fully covered in fur.

Cang Ran swam a few laps in the pool, and her entire fox fur was soaked.

Her black little paw pads relaxed as she rubbed her long, thick fox fur, washing away the dust and sweat clinging to it.

Cang Ran was happily scrubbing herself when she suddenly heard footsteps. She looked up and saw Tan Qingxuan appear by the pool’s edge, seemingly out of nowhere.

Tan Qingxuan’s appearance was cool and distant, with an ineffable ethereal quality. The shadows of bamboo swayed on her, making her look like a captivating ink painting.

Cang Ran’s ears turned red, but she thought that since she was currently furry, it shouldn’t be a big deal, so she swam to the edge of the pool to talk to Tan Qingxuan.

Cang Ran’s paws gripped the rock edge, stacked one on top of the other, and she asked, “Why are you here?”

The weather was lovely today. The sky was as blue as if it had been washed clean, with a few white clouds drifting leisurely by.

The little fox’s eyes were bright, shining like dazzling glass beads in the sun.

Her two hind legs happily paddled the water. The white, soft fox fur on her chest and abdomen floated on the water, looking like a beautiful heart from a distance.

The little fox looked pure and innocent in the daytime but was very demanding and clingy at night.

“Every time you finish practicing the sword, put this artifact away carefully, don’t lose it.”

Tan Qingxuan picked up the spiritual sword by the pool, transformed the retrieved translucent little figure back into a plush fox ornament, and hung it on the sword hilt.

Cang Ran nodded dumbly. She had thought the little figure would return on its own.

However, she was originally supposed to give Tan Qingxuan a sword tassel, but now it seemed like Tan Qingxuan had given her a sword tassel instead.

An unusual thought arose in Cang Ran’s mind, and she curved her lips: “Thank you, Qingqing.”

Tan Qingxuan nodded slightly, about to turn and leave.

Cang Ran emerged from the pool, transformed into her human form, and approached her: “Qingqing, thank you for your hard work last night. Is there anything delicious you’d like to eat today? I’ll make it for you.”

A light pink flush crept up Tan Qingxuan’s neck. She pressed her lips together and said, “No need.”

Her cultivation had mostly recovered. She would have to return to her sect once the demon cultivator here was dealt with.

This little demon was quite mischievous and would need gradual tempering while kept by her side. It was unknown how long she would need to cultivate before she could become the sect-protecting spiritual beast.

Tan Qingxuan left hurriedly. Cang Ran wondered if she had spoken too explicitly, causing Tan Qingxuan to leave so quickly.

Cang Ran propped her chin in her hand, watching Tan Qingxuan’s retreating steps, and remembered the kiss she hadn’t managed to get last night.

She had used the Fox clan’s bewitching technique, yet Tan Qingxuan broke free so quickly. Was Tan Qingxuan’s cultivation level higher than hers?

But she had carefully checked Qingqing’s realm just now, and she was clearly a Golden Core cultivator. She shouldn’t have been mistaken, unless Qingqing deliberately concealed her realm.

She held nothing back from Qingqing, yet Qingqing was always secretive. Was there something about her that worried Qingqing?

Or did she have another hidden reason, afraid of dragging her down again?

Cang Ran was at a loss, feeling a bit depressed. Sometimes she felt Tan Qingxuan liked her, and sometimes she felt Tan Qingxuan didn’t like her at all.

She could never figure out what Qingqing was thinking and was afraid that being too eager would be counterproductive.

Yet, this push-and-pull easily tossed her heart up and down.

However, she still gained a small advantage last night. Having an advantage was better than having nothing at all.

What should she cook for Qingqing to nourish her today?

Cang Ran thought for a moment and decided to use the mountain grouse, which Fox Fox Mountain was famous for. She hadn’t eaten it for a long time, and they must have gotten quite plump.

She wouldn’t roast it this time. She would cook a rich chicken soup, add some mushrooms, and since she had stored some winter bamboo shoots last winter, she could cook them all together in one pot.

Cang Ran went to the area where mountain grouse frequented. She successfully caught one using a demon spell. The plump chicken felt much heavier than before when lifted, and it must be extremely nourishing.

Cang Ran was about to go and process the mountain grouse when she heard a demon calling her from the foot of the mountain.

She looked down and saw Dong Ming, accompanied by a group of small demons carrying red silk brocade boxes, smiling sweetly at her.

Dong Ming had taken a Transformation pill today and was dressed very charmingly: a moonlight white top, a gold-thread embroidered pleated skirt tied at her waist, and a phoenix hairpin with tassels in her hair. She had light rouge on her cheeks.

Seeing Cang Ran look over, Dong Ming looked delighted. She waved to the small demons behind her, instructing them to bring up the red silk brocade boxes.

Cang Ran also needed to inquire about the undercurrents and test the Mountain Leopard King’s intentions through Dong Ming.

She had expected the Mountain Leopard King to send the field mouse demon who was close to her, but it was Dong Ming. So, she walked down the mountain a few steps to greet her.

As Dong Ming got closer, she finally saw the face she had been longing for. She quickened her pace and rushed into Cang Ran’s arms: “Aunt Ran, I just heard the little hedgehog demon say you were out of seclusion, and here you are!”

Cang Ran gently pushed Dong Ming away and nodded: “Mhm, I just came out. Are your injuries feeling better recently?”

Dong Ming knew she had been too excited. Her cheeks were slightly hot: “Much better. I’ve been taking medicine to heal my injuries. It shouldn’t have been me who came, but I begged my mother. I picked out all the gifts. Thanks to you saving me that day, Aunt Ran, otherwise I would have lost my life.”

Cang Ran noticed a circle of white silk cloth still wrapped around Dong Ming’s neck and asked doubtfully: “The wound left by the Demon-Binding Vine hasn’t healed yet?”

Beast demons generally recover quickly from injuries, and Dong Ming was the Mountain Leopard King’s most beloved young daughter, so she shouldn’t lack medicine or treatment.

Dong Ming glanced at Cang Ran’s beautiful face, her heart fluttering: “I still feel a little pain. I don’t know if it’s healed, so I’m still keeping the cloth wrapped. Aunt Ran, do you want to take a look for me?”

Cang Ran simply comforted her: “If you take pills every day, it shouldn’t be serious. It will heal quickly.”

A thin layer of tears welled up in Dong Ming’s eyes, looking very pitiful: “But I heard the doctor say that the Demon-Binding Vine was poisoned, and it might leave a scar.”

A demon less than a hundred years old cared about her appearance. Cang Ran could understand Dong Ming’s feelings, but she hadn’t expected the Demon-Binding Vine to be poisonous.

Even if the Yellow Weasel King set up the trap, if Han Jinzhi hadn’t intended to kill Dong Ming, it wouldn’t have succeeded.

Cang Ran frowned: “Han Jinzhi’s actions were truly vicious. Fortunately, it was only a superficial injury and didn’t damage your foundation. Is there an antidote for the poison on the Demon-Binding Vine?”

Dong Ming was touched by the concern. Her cheeks were slightly red: “The poison has been removed. I take two healing pills every day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Don’t worry, Aunt Ran. I’m also taking beauty pills, so there shouldn’t be a scar.”

“My mother also said that Han Jinzhi is extremely malicious and wanted me dead. She won’t let Han Jinzhi off. On the day of the One-Armed Ape Demon King’s birthday, Mother will turn against the Icy Wolf and make those two scruffy wolf demons pay the price!”

Now, as soon as Dong Ming heard Han Jinzhi’s name, she reflexively recalled the painful suffocation of near-death, wishing she could tear Han Jinzhi to pieces.

She had cried for a long time in front of the Mountain Leopard King a few days ago. Her mother hugged her and cried with her. Her mother’s face was ashen. She overturned the compensation gifts sent by the Icy Wolf in the cave dwelling, swearing she would never let the matter rest!

The feud was deep. Her most beloved youngest daughter almost died. The Mountain Leopard King had previously grudgingly submitted to the Icy Wolf due to the lingering prestige of the One-Armed Ape. Now, having made up her mind, she was determined to kill her opponent!

Dong Ming said confidently: “My mother is a Void Refinement stage Great Demon, already more powerful than that Icy Wolf. She should be the one to become the Great Demon King! Just wait and see. The Icy Wolf will definitely die without a burial place!”

When her mother became the Great Demon King, she would be the daughter of the Great Demon King of the Canglan Mountains, essentially a princess in the demon world. Having no way to repay the life-saving kindness, she would marry Cang Ran at that time.

Her mother often praised Cang Ran and frequently invited her to banquets in the cave dwelling. Many female-female marriages among the Great Demons of the demon world were common, and her mother would certainly not oppose this match.

Dong Ming had already made excellent plans in her heart. Seeing Cang Ran still lost in thought, she gently wrapped her arms around Cang Ran’s arm, shaking it twice, and said: “Aunt Ran, you don’t need to worry about these things. As long as my mother is here, the Icy Wolf sisters won’t dare to trouble you. Mother hasn’t spoken of these plans outside, and I’ve only told you.”

Judging by the time, the One-Armed Ape Great Demon King’s birthday was less than ten days away. The Icy Wolf, who managed to climb up, was not an idiot. She must clearly know that her real threat was the Mountain Leopard King.

Since the news of the One-Armed Ape’s severe injury spread, she immediately took action, making the Mountain Leopard King work for her to suppress the other Demon Kings. These steps were all tests, testing whether the Mountain Leopard King harbored rebellious intentions.

If she did, the Icy Wolf would find a way to deal with her early. If she didn’t, she could use the opportunity to sow discord among the strong Demon Kings who might compete with her. What she feared most was all the powerful Demon Kings uniting against her, which is why she was both rallying some and cracking down on others.

But even with the Icy Wolf’s careful planning and calculating every step, she had an incompetent team member. She had to swallow the bitter pill regarding her spoiled sister, Han Jinzhi.

If she were the Icy Wolf, knowing that this matter was a foregone conclusion and that she couldn’t win over the Mountain Leopard King, where would she place her next move?

Cang Ran felt the fog on the chessboard slowly clearing. The undercurrents were stirring, and it seemed they might not even wait until the One-Armed Ape Great Demon King’s birthday feast.

This water was already murky. The path ahead was perilous, and a decision should be made early. She smiled slightly at Dong Ming: “Since the Mountain Leopard King has decided to deal with the Icy Wolf, I will not stand by idly. Sister Leopard has looked after me for half a year, and I will certainly lend her a helping hand.”

Dong Ming’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. The Mountain Leopard King sent her to deliver gifts with the intention of probing whether Cang Ran would join her.

After all, with Cang Ran’s strength, even though she wasn’t the top-tier Great Demon in the Canglan Mountains, her current cultivation was a very formidable core pillar of strength.

If she could help her mother deal with the Icy Wolf, her mother’s success in ascending to the position of Great Demon King would be a step closer once the uprising began.

Dong Ming happily hugged Cang Ran tighter, her voice becoming even softer: “I told my mother so much that Aunt Ran is the most trustworthy demon for her! Both you and Aunt Huang saved my life. Mother has long wanted to invite you both for a drink. I’m so glad you’re out of seclusion. Will you come tomorrow?”

Cang Ran nodded with a smile: “Alright, I’ll go tomorrow.”

The Mountain Leopard King was not a demon adept at strategizing. Making up her mind was already difficult, which is why she delayed until now. She must want to discuss things with someone.

It seemed that only she and the Yellow Weasel King, having saved Dong Ming, became the demons the Mountain Leopard King considered to be on her side first.

Dong Ming’s eyes were also smiling: “Mhm, I picked out gifts for Aunt Ran from the treasury. Aunt Ran, please take a look later to see if you like them. I’ll have the little demons carry them to your cave dwelling first.”

Behind Dong Ming were eight large boxes wrapped in red silk. The Mountain Leopard King controlled ten demon mountains. She had a good family foundation, having followed the One-Armed Ape on campaigns years ago, so the gifts she sent would not be poor.

Cang Ran still politely declined: “Saving you that day was merely an effort of convenience. There’s no need for so many gifts.”

Dong Ming pouted: “This is all Mother’s sentiment, and a part of it is mine. Aunt Ran must accept them. Aunt Huang has already accepted hers. If I take them back, Mother will definitely scold me.”

Cang Ran maintained her politeness: “Alright, then I will accept them. Since you’re already here and it’s almost noon, why don’t you stay for a meal before you go?”

Dong Ming immediately replied: “Okay! I’m hungry. Thank you, Aunt Ran.”

Cang Ran had said it casually, not expecting the little leopard demon to actually stay for a meal.

An extra demon just meant an extra pair of chopsticks. It was fine. Cang Ran smiled: “Fox Fox Mountain is not as rich as Dong Ming Mountain. Please don’t complain about the food Aunt Ran makes.”

Dong Ming was close to her and saw Cang Ran’s captivating, graceful expression when she smiled. She would be happy to drink mountain spring water, let alone eat ordinary food.

Her cheeks flushed a bit more, and her voice became much softer than before: “I won’t complain. I’m sure anything Aunt Ran makes will be delicious. I’m not picky about food usually. Anything is fine.”

Dong Ming was raised by the Mountain Leopard King, and her skin was delicate, fair with a rosy tint. She didn’t look like someone who wasn’t picky at all.

Since she brought so many gifts, Cang Ran felt she should prepare a good meal.

Cang Ran led Dong Ming to the cave dwelling and instructed the little hedgehog demon to gather some vegetables and side dishes.

She had only caught one mountain grouse, which certainly wasn’t enough for three people, so she needed to hunt more wild game.

Dong Ming didn’t often leave the mountain and had always wanted to visit Cang Ran’s cave dwelling but never had a good reason. Now that they finally had a connection, she might be able to visit often in the future.

She was overjoyed. Just as she was about to instruct the small demons to carry the gifts inside, Cang Ran suddenly took hold of her wrist.

Cang Ran saw Tan Qingxuan cultivating in the cave dwelling from afar. Not wanting other demons to disturb Tan Qingxuan, she changed direction with Dong Ming.

She brewed some hot tea and had Dong Ming sit at a stone table outside the cave dwelling to rest and drink tea. The gifts she brought were also stopped on the flat ground outside the cave entrance.

Dong Ming was a little puzzled. Following Cang Ran’s gaze, she suddenly saw Tan Qingxuan sitting in meditation inside the cave dwelling, her face like a painting and her demeanor outstanding.

Dong Ming was only at the Bone Refinement stage and could not discern Tan Qingxuan’s cultivation level. She only smelled the human scent on Tan Qingxuan, which immediately made her feel a little hostile.

She asked suspiciously: “Aunt Ran, who is that person?”

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