The Aloof Immortal Venerable is Pregnant with My Fox Cub - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

The Icy Wolf cultivated ice-element spells, so the snow on Cold Moon Mountain hadn’t melted even in early spring.

On the way up the mountain, the footsteps of the group of demons were deep in the snow, which covered the tops of their boots. Their bodies felt waves of chilling cold.

Suddenly coming from a place as warm as spring, if it weren’t for all the demons having fur, they truly couldn’t endure this intense cold.

Cang Ran tucked her hands into her sleeves, looking at the ice rain falling across the dark night, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Not only was it a treacherous banquet, but it was also raining ice. When they reached the cave dwelling, all her fox fur would probably be soaked, requiring a spell to dry it.

The Yellow Weasel King closed her fan, wrapped herself tightly in the robe made of her own fur, and complained, “I really don’t know why the One-Armed Ape exclusively favors the Icy Wolf. What’s the difference between living here and living in an ice cave every day?”

The Mountain Leopard King took out a large umbrella from her storage ring and opened it, sheltering both Cang Ran and the Yellow Weasel King underneath: “A thousand years ago, the One-Armed Ape was poisoned once, and her entire body felt like it was being incinerated by fire. During that time, she could only sleep peacefully lying on a thousand-year cold ice bed. At that time, only the Icy Wolf cultivated ice-element demon spells, so she might have caught her eye through that.”

Cang Ran felt much more comfortable under the large umbrella. She hadn’t expected there to be such a secret history behind the Icy Wolf’s rise to power.

The One-Armed Ape had experienced the poison of intense fire, and the Icy Wolf happened to be the perfect companion for her.

Perhaps everything was predetermined. The Icy Wolf also happened to seize this opportunity and captured the One-Armed Ape’s heart, thus gaining years of exclusive favor.

It seemed the Mountain Leopard King knew quite a lot. Cang Ran seized the opportunity to ask, “The One-Armed Ape was perfectly fine in her cave dwelling originally. Why did she insist on trying to obtain that thousand-year spiritual fungus?”

The Mountain Leopard King sighed: “The One-Armed Ape Great Demon King didn’t start out with a single arm. Her arm was torn off and swallowed by a colossal dragon during a battle, which is how she became the One-Armed Ape.

“For all these years, she has been trying to regrow her severed limb, searching everywhere for an immortal pill that could regenerate a severed limb. A Heavenly Grade Alchemist in the cultivation world told her that only by obtaining the thousand-year spiritual fungus, which can revive the dead and restore white bone, could she regrow her severed limb.”

A sigh flashed through Cang Ran’s mind: “So that was it. It’s just a shame she was severely injured and only obtained half the fungus. The severed limb still cannot be restored.”

The One-Armed Ape’s obsession was too deep. Even with one arm missing, she could still be the Great Demon King of the Canglan Mountain Range, living a comfortable and happy life with beautiful demons serving her. Wasn’t that a good life?

It wasn’t appropriate to dwell on the past now. The Mountain Leopard King glanced around, confirming that all her forces were in position: “Let’s go. We’ll be there soon. The Icy Wolf is probably waiting outside the cave dwelling.”

Cang Ran also looked at the dark sky and surveyed the surrounding mountain peaks, noticing a few dark, densely packed areas.

It seemed the Mountain Leopard King’s three thousand demon troops were already lying in ambush in the dark. At this moment, the Bloodthirsty Spider should have also entered the banquet hall and hidden herself.

Since the One-Armed Ape moved in, this Cold Moon Mountain cave dwelling had been renovated to be extravagant and grand. As soon as they arrived, the inside and outside of the dwelling were brightly lit.

Many scruffy wolf demons wearing armor stood on both sides of the entrance, holding steel knives. The Icy Wolf stood at the entrance, having waited for a long time.

The Icy Wolf wore a Lingyun topknot and a magnificent ice-blue magical robe. The native magical artifact hanging from her waist was a whip, like Han Jinzhi’s, but hers was the more sinister Soul-Chasing Scorpion Bone Whip.

She was born gentle and had a parasitic vine-like demeanor, but she favored an arrogant and intimidating makeup. Perhaps having endured too much suffering in her early years, her lips always curved downwards when she smiled.

As soon as the Icy Wolf saw the Mountain Leopard King, she immediately greeted her with a smile, quickened her pace by two steps, and personally brushed the snow off the Mountain Leopard King’s body.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time. You’ve finally arrived. The Great Demon King has been thinking of you. The rain is heavy outside, please come in quickly.”

When the Yellow Weasel King saw her petty behavior, she almost rolled her eyes to the heavens in private.

A Great Demon at the Soul Condensation period who was lacking in strength would only behave without confidence like this.

Her Sister Leopard is still majestic. She looked like the strongest one. Even if a demon like the Icy Wolf became the Great Demon King, people would still feel she was unworthy of the position.

Cang Ran remembered that the last time she came to Cold Moon Mountain, the Icy Wolf still deeply cared for her sister, Han Jinzhi, always keeping her by her side. Since Han Jinzhi wasn’t with the Icy Wolf now, had she really been severely beaten by the Icy Wolf?

The Icy Wolf, being a demon who cared so much about appearances, would surely not let her incompetent sister, who ruined things, appear again.

However, the Mountain Leopard King did not give the Icy Wolf a warm reception. She had only come to the banquet out of respect for the One-Armed Ape.

The Icy Wolf failed to properly discipline her sister, who almost killed her daughter. How could the Mountain Leopard King not hate her? Her voice became increasingly cold: “Stop being so pretentious in front of me. That trick won’t work on me. I didn’t come for you. Is the Great Demon King inside?”

The Icy Wolf’s hand stiffened. She withdrew it, maintaining a smile on her face, and her voice was gentle: “The Great Demon King’s severe injuries have not yet healed. She got up from her sickbed, but she waited for you for too long, and her wounds split open again. The pain was unbearable, so she has returned to lie down and drink medicine.”

“The Great Demon King doesn’t want you to see her poor state, so she asked us to have some wine first and wait for her, and also to offer an apology for my sister’s actions.”

The Mountain Leopard King’s face was originally as cold as frost. Hearing the Icy Wolf say the One-Armed Ape wanted to apologize to her, she was suddenly a little incredulous.

The One-Armed Ape was such a strong woman. She had never yielded in her life, so how could she apologize to a subordinate?

The Yellow Weasel King was truly anxious. The Mountain Leopard King had rarely made such a firm decision. She couldn’t be fooled by the Icy Wolf’s few words.

She secretly transmitted a message to the Mountain Leopard King, urging her: “Sister Leopard, the matter has come to this. Once the arrow is released, there is no turning back!”

Cang Ran also knew that the Mountain Leopard King’s old habit of indecision had resurfaced. She also transmitted a message to her: “Sister Leopard, we are here to question the One-Armed Ape and ascertain the truth. Don’t be deceived by her flowery words. Reconciliation is impossible!”

The Mountain Leopard King’s head ached from the transmitted messages in her sea of consciousness. She quickly made a decision: “Let’s proceed for now! We’ll go in together! We’ll act according to the circumstances at the banquet!”

The Icy Wolf’s lips curved into a smile, and she led the Mountain Leopard King into the cave dwelling.

Cang Ran was a little alert. She glanced at the Mountain Leopard King. She couldn’t make the decision for the Mountain Leopard King. Since this was the case, she could only wait and see.

The line of demons, each with their own intentions, entered the cave dwelling and took their seats at the banquet.

Another Demon King, the Split-Gold Jackal, also at the mid-stage of the Soul Condensation period, was already seated in the cave dwelling. He gave them a cold smile, indicating he was the Icy Wolf’s ally.

The Icy Wolf clapped her hands twice. A group of dancing girls came out to perform, and small demons emerged to pour wine. The fragrance of the jars of fine wine drifted in the air.

The Icy Wolf raised her cup and drank first: “This wine was specially brewed by human cultivators. Before the Great Demon King was injured, she would drink several large bowls of it every day. Let’s all drink together.”

The Mountain Leopard King raised her wine cup, intending to drink, but was stopped by Cang Ran. Seeing the concern in Cang Ran’s eyes, she transmitted a message: “Don’t worry, I’m at the second stage of the Void Refinement period. Even if I drink it, I can lock the wine within my body and force it out.”

It was truly inappropriate to try and stop her again. Cang Ran saw that the Yellow Weasel King also drank the wine, but she had promised Qingqing to be cautious and not act rashly, so she consistently did not touch the wine cup.

But the Icy Wolf had long considered Cang Ran a thorn in her side. After a few rounds of drinks, seeing Cang Ran still not drinking, she toyed with her wine goblet and said with a smile, “Red Flame Fox, why aren’t you drinking? Are you perhaps looking down on my wine?”

Cang Ran was slightly startled at being called out. She knew the Icy Wolf was petty and jealous, and had always been wary of her, suspecting her of enchanting her master.

But the One-Armed Ape Great Demon King was injured and confined to bed. Could she possibly run to her sickbed to seduce the demon? Was it necessary to constantly see her as a threat?

The Mountain Leopard King saw that Cang Ran was unwilling to drink. She gave her a reassuring look and met the Icy Wolf’s gaze: “Your wine tastes the same after so many years. It’s not some spiritual liquid that can increase cultivation. What is there to look down on?”

The Icy Wolf was momentarily choked by the reply. If it were spiritual liquid that could increase cultivation, why would she not drink it herself and use it to entertain guests? She forcibly maintained her dignity: “Spiritual liquid is hard to come by, but this wine is brewed from spiritual fruits and contains a considerable amount of spiritual energy. Would I, as the host, really offer inferior spiritual wine to entertain guests?”

The Yellow Weasel King smiled playfully: “Who can say for sure? The spiritual energy in this wine is mediocre. It makes no difference whether we drink it or not. Why hasn’t the Great Demon King shown up after drinking medicine for so long? We’re almost full from just drinking this wine.”

The Icy Wolf sneered inwardly. It seemed the Mountain Leopard King and the Yellow Weasel King must have also been infatuated with Cang Ran’s beauty. They couldn’t even stand a simple coercion to drink. Could they possibly be involved with each other?

Hmph. Women are all the same. As long as they see a beautiful fox spirit, they can’t walk straight, even the Great Demon King.

This fox spirit was enchantingly beautiful. The room full of beautiful girls couldn’t eclipse her radiance, which made her annoying every time she saw her.

The One-Armed Ape was severely injured and couldn’t get out of bed. Her body was rapidly decaying, aging over a thousand years. She absolutely couldn’t let them see her state. The Icy Wolf merely wanted to trick the Mountain Leopard King here in advance to set up a trap and kill her.

Just as the Icy Wolf was thinking of another strategy, she suddenly heard a demon soldier running in to report that Han Jinzhi had heard that Cang Ran and the Yellow Weasel King had arrived and forcefully broke through the barrier she had set to come over.

The Icy Wolf’s expression changed. Her eyebrows were unable to suppress her rage, and she cursed in a low voice: “A bunch of useless people! How could you not even stop a Bone Refinement stage demon!”

The demon soldier’s face turned bitter. Everyone knew the Icy Wolf doted on her sister, and Han Jinzhi was a vengeful demon who never forgot a slight. If they stopped her today, and the two sisters reconciled in the future, they would definitely be held accountable later.

As they were speaking, Han Jinzhi quickly rushed onto the banquet floor. She was wearing magnificent clothes and robes, which were somewhat tidy, but she looked much more disheveled than before.

The swollen handprint on her face hadn’t faded, and her leg seemed to be injured, giving her a slight limp.

Oh my, it seems she was badly beaten by her sister. It was a severe beating. She was already limping, yet she still ran up here out of spite. It seems the hatred between them is indeed very strong.

A smile slowly spread across Cang Ran’s lips, thinking that the Icy Wolf had beaten her sister very well. That’s how naughty children should be disciplined.

Her gaze shifted, and she suddenly saw the man supporting Han Jinzhi. Her smile instantly vanished.

He was dressed in a cyan-blue inner disciple’s silk robe, with a coiled dragon jade pendant hanging from his waist. He had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, looking handsome and extraordinary. He held a silver-white long sword, and the curve of his lips suggested a dashing and unrestrained demeanor—the kind of look that would instantly captivate a fox demon.

Cang Ran’s mind felt like it was struck by a bolt of heavenly lightning. The introduction of the male protagonist from the original book suddenly flashed through her head.

Now, looking at the man’s attire and the restlessness in his eyes, she immediately thought of the original book’s male protagonist, Ye Ze.

No, this plot is wrong. Shouldn’t Ye Ze be in the Yunze Mountain Range? Why did he suddenly appear here?

Ye Ze also noticed that the eyes of all the female demons were on him, and he felt immensely proud.

He put on the appearance of a gentle and refined young master, slightly turned his head, and made eye contact with the demons one by one.

The moment he saw Cang Ran, Ye Ze’s eyes were filled with astonishment. There was actually such a stunning beauty in the demon world—fragrant skin, jade bones, and alluring eyes. She was a supreme quality demon.

Ignoring the white-bearded old man in the jade thumb ring, Ye Ze quickly straightened his clothes, held his long sword, and bowed to Cang Ran.

Cang Ran raised her hand to cover her mouth, trying to keep herself from vomiting on the spot. This dead man doesn’t actually think he’s charming, does he? That confident, self-assured, and flirtatious air of a Dragon King was practically overflowing.

You expect every woman you look at to fall for you. Why don’t you just stop being a Dragon King and become a succubus instead?

With a cultivation at the advanced Golden Core stage, he dared to wander around the demon world. He was only relying on his status as a Dragon King, capable of fighting opponents beyond his level and constantly seeking death.

Ye Ze originally thought Cang Ran would also be enchanted by him, but he saw that the fox demon’s expression remained unchanged. She merely glanced at him and looked away. Not only that, but the demon cultivators here all looked indifferent to his handsome appearance.

He couldn’t help but feel a little anxious and immediately complained to the old man in the jade thumb ring around his neck.

“Senior, this fox demon clearly looks more beautiful and has higher cultivation than that wolf demon. Why didn’t you guide me to her instead? I’m wasting my time dual cultivating with a Bone Refinement stage wolf demon, gaining no benefits, and having to be subservient to her every day.”

The old man in the jade thumb ring was only a remnant soul. His voice was rough, like a broken bellows: “What are you rushing for? That fox demon is only at the Transformation period. Her yuan yin is still intact. We can deal with her anytime. The priority is the thousand-year spiritual fungus. Don’t you want to gain a thousand years of cultivation all at once?”

Hearing about the thousand-year spiritual fungus, a zealous ambition flashed in Ye Ze’s eyes. He instantly controlled himself. He approached the wolf demon for the thousand-year spiritual fungus, trying to get close to the Icy Wolf. That’s why he instigated the wolf demon to come to the banquet.

By supporting Han Jinzhi, he could be seen by the Icy Wolf. Once he charmed the Icy Wolf, he would have a chance to obtain the other half of the spiritual fungus.

However, the plan had run into an unexpected snag. He thought his appearance would captivate the Icy Wolf the moment she saw him, but these demon cultivators were completely indifferent to him, even less interested than the foolish wolf who was already smitten with him.

If Cang Ran could hear Ye Ze’s thoughts, she would definitely scoff. Which one of these Great Demons hasn’t been around for decades? How many years have you, a human cultivator, lived? Why would they be instantly obsessed and infatuated just because you’re somewhat good-looking?

Not to mention Ye Ze’s scrawny physique and ordinary looks. Only his cultivator’s aura was worth a second look.

Most demon cultivators preferred stunningly beautiful demons and sought stronger mates. Besides the naive little fox spirit in the original book, who would fall for an ordinary human cultivator of unknown origin?

The Yellow Weasel King frowned when she saw the human cultivator appear. She often read storybooks and listened to plays, and she immediately saw Ye Ze as the kind of fair-faced scholar who was slept with by a demon but still turned against them. She felt a slight urge to devour his heart and blood, but she suppressed it, prioritizing the main business.

The Mountain Leopard King and the Icy Wolf completely ignored him. Human cultivators with low cultivation were beneath their notice, no different from ants on the ground.

Han Jinzhi saw that Cang Ran and the Yellow Weasel King were indeed there. If it weren’t for the two of them, she wouldn’t have been whipped by her sister like this. Anger flared in her chest again, and she lashed out at the Icy Wolf in dissatisfaction.

“Sister, how could you invite them? Didn’t we agree to kill them? Now they’ve even entered our cave dwelling! Hurry up and have the Cold Iron Guards kill them!”

The Icy Wolf’s face changed as her core plan was exposed. It was too late to stop it. Her face immediately became filled with hostility. She grabbed her wine goblet and smashed it toward Han Jinzhi: “Who told you such provocative things? Who even told you to come here? Get out!”

The wine goblet was imbued with ice-element demon spells. The Icy Wolf, in her rage, did not hold back any strength, and it smashed squarely against Han Jinzhi’s forehead.

Han Jinzhi’s forehead was cut by the shattered goblet. The blue ice spell hit her, sending her staggering back several steps. Blood streamed down her face.

Her eyes were red. She hurriedly wiped away the blood and questioned the Icy Wolf from her seat: “You dare to hurt me? You used to tell Mother, you swore you would protect me all your life! You’ve been lying to me all along!”

The Icy Wolf was so angry she nearly fell backward. She slammed her hand onto the seat, blood surging through her body: “Someone, quickly! Take this disgraceful thing away and give her one hundred lashings. Lock her in the water dungeon!”

A group of Cold-Armored Wolf Demon Guards immediately stepped forward. Han Jinzhi saw that her sister was truly going to throw her into the water dungeon. Fear flashed in her eyes, but she spoke defiantly: “Icy Wolf, you’re a heartless traitor! If it weren’t for me in the past, you would have died long ago! If you throw me into the water dungeon, I will never call you sister again!”

The Icy Wolf, fuming with anger, didn’t even look at her. She immediately waved her hand, instructing the Cold-Armored Wolf Demon Guards to stuff a cloth in her mouth, quickly carry her away, and take her to receive her punishment.

Even Ye Ze hadn’t expected this wolf demon to be so foolish, daring to contradict her sister like that!

Since Han Jinzhi had been taken away, it was inappropriate for him to stay long. The Icy Wolf, in her anger, would likely resent everyone associated with her sister. He could only make a swift decision to leave first and plan his next move later.

Cang Ran saw Ye Ze quickly slip away and couldn’t help but feel a little speechless. He runs so fast.

Meanwhile, the Mountain Leopard King heard what Han Jinzhi had just said and knew the Icy Wolf had indeed intentionally deceived her. She couldn’t see the Great Demon King at all at this point. She immediately rose, flicking her sleeve.

“Since the Great Demon King won’t come out to see us, this wine is boring. We will not stay any longer!”

The Split-Gold Jackal on the other side saw the situation and, remembering the action the Icy Wolf had agreed upon with her, immediately stood up, drew his knife, and threatened menacingly, “No one is allowed to leave!”

As the blade was drawn, a cold, sharp light pointed directly at the Mountain Leopard King. The maids and dancing girls at the banquet also drew their weapons, revealing their armor, and quickly surrounded the three demons.

The Mountain Leopard King gave a look. Cang Ran drew her long sword and guarded the Mountain Leopard King. At the same time, she flicked her sleeve, and the wine goblet immediately shattered on the ground, shards scattering everywhere.

An earth-yellow spider the size of a millstone, along with a pile of large grey spiders, descended from the ceiling of the banquet hall. They landed on the ground and transformed into armored demon soldiers, surrounding and protecting the Mountain Leopard King.

The large spider leading them was the Bloodthirsty Spider. She aimed at the Icy Wolf, preparing to spew a large amount of spider silk.

At the same time, the wolf demon soldiers outside and the leopard demon soldiers who had been secretly ambushing began to fight. The sound of close-quarters combat echoed both inside and outside.

The Yellow Weasel King was also using her native round fan to defend herself, but she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. It turned out the Icy Wolf had poisoned the wine.

The Mountain Leopard King had listened to Cang Ran and hadn’t actually drunk the wine. She was perfectly fine at the moment and even managed to spare a hand to support the Yellow Weasel King.

The Icy Wolf had thought the plan was foolproof. She hadn’t expected the Mountain Leopard King, who usually acted alone, to arrange for private soldiers in advance this time. With the current stalemate, she wouldn’t gain any advantage and had to make other plans.

She signaled for the Split-Gold Jackal to put away his weapon and smiled gently: “Just a joke! Why did everyone suddenly start fighting? Please sit down. We can talk this out.”

None of the demons sat down. The Mountain Leopard King glared at the Icy Wolf: “Did you poison the wine?”

The Icy Wolf slowly replied: “How could I? It must be that my little demon servant, when moving the wine, stole some and drank it, and being afraid of punishment, replaced it with some inferior wine. I’ll have some medicinal pills sent up for you to take for recovery.”

The medicinal pills were brought up. After the Yellow Weasel King took them, she finally recovered. The Mountain Leopard King relaxed slightly upon seeing this.

“Since none of you wish to stay here, I won’t force you. I will just inform the Great Demon King later. It’s a shame the Great Demon King couldn’t meet the Mountain Leopard King today. The Great Demon King will definitely attend the next birthday celebration. I urge you all to come.”

The Icy Wolf was always duplicitous. The Mountain Leopard King was already fed up with her. She merely snorted coldly and left with Cang Ran, the Yellow Weasel King, and the Bloodthirsty Spider.

Outside, the demon soldiers were still fighting fiercely. The Mountain Leopard King raised her arm and shouted, “Stop!”

Her powerful voice, amplified by demon spells from her chest, was heard by all the demon soldiers. Seeing that the Demon Kings had come out and that all sides were unharmed, they immediately put down their weapons.

Leaving the Cold Moon Mountain cave dwelling, the Mountain Leopard King now knew the Great Demon King was not well at all, or else she wouldn’t have been so secretive. This further solidified her resolve to compete for the position of Demon King. At the same time, her opinion of Cang Ran greatly improved.

Although Cang Ran was young, every suggestion she made helped the Mountain Leopard King avert danger, providing her with timely precautions, otherwise she would have truly fallen for the trick.

As for the Yellow Weasel King, who had been pale just moments ago, she now showed no signs of distress. As a veteran, she was naturally extremely cautious. She had only pretended to be affected to let the Icy Wolf believe her scheme had worked, thus lowering the Icy Wolf’s guard.

If every demon saw through the Icy Wolf’s plan, wouldn’t that embarrass the Icy Wolf? It was better to mislead her, making her think the strategy was successful, so she wouldn’t immediately resort to more sophisticated, underhanded tactics.

Cang Ran and the Mountain Leopard King discussed things again, then temporarily parted ways. She slowly returned to her Fox Fox Mountain, contemplating the reason for Ye Ze’s sudden appearance, unaware that she was being secretly followed.

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