The Aloof Immortal Venerable is Pregnant with My Fox Cub - Chapter 77

Chapter 77

After everyone boarded the ship, Elder Qu went straight to the helm. Everyone followed and gathered around her.

Looking out the cabin, dense fog rolled all around, like a giant beast lurking in the darkness. As the ship slowly accelerated, it broke through the mist over the sea.

The huge sails rose. Not long into the voyage, a violent storm erupted on the sea, sweeping up sky-darkening waves. Rows of tornadoes churned up massive whirlpools, howling as they attacked their ship’s hull.

Elder Qu operated the rudder like someone controlling a migrating whale, skillfully and smoothly evading the tornadoes on the sea. The hull remained stable, and the needle on the red compass consistently pointed firmly in one direction.

Cang Ran’s eyes widened. She couldn’t help but praise, “Elder Qu, you’re so amazing at piloting a ship! I never heard you mention it before!”

Elder Qu smiled freely and easily, “I used to pilot ships while fighting demonic beasts at sea. Let’s not bring up the past. You were planning to stay at the inn for the night, so why the sudden departure?”

The younger generation imagined Elder Qu’s heroic demeanor back then, their eyes all lighting up with admiration. Elder Qu raised her chin and took a dashingswig of wine.

Tan Qingxuan had heard about this from her Master Fu Qing. She and Elder Qu had been equally exhilarated fighting demonic beasts when they first descended the mountain for training. Her Master had even lamented that if Elder Qu had piloted the ship, it wouldn’t have been damaged at all.

Among her Master’s generation, only Elder Qu was unwilling to ascend and had no interest in the Dao path, choosing to retire early and live with her disciples and grand-disciples in the Fiber Condensation Palace. If Song Zhen hadn’t pleaded with her, Elder Qu likely wouldn’t have left the mountain.

Cang Ran told Elder Qu about the ambush at the inn. Elder Qu sighed, “It seems that for the duration of this trip, everyone should try to stick together to avoid accidents when isolated.

I’m fine here. You all go rest in the cabin. The mist should clear by tomorrow morning, and we should reach Quick-sand Island by nightfall.”

Cang Ran said, “The Venerable and I will accompany you here for the second half of the night. It’s too lonely for you by yourself at night.”

Elder Qu smiled, “I enjoy the solitude right now. I’m an old person; I like things quiet. I’m also planning to fish tonight, so don’t disturb me. Go rest in the cabin, and come relieve me tomorrow morning.”

Seeing her attitude, Cang Ran agreed, “Alright. We’ll take turns relieving you tomorrow.”

Cang Ran led everyone out of the helm. The ship’s hull had been reinforced with special materials and sealed with many spell formations, likely improvised by Elder Qu. It had three levels overall. The third level had a wide, flat deck with open views. The living quarters were all on the second floor, with a total of three rooms. The bottom level and the ship’s hold were for storage and also housed a small kitchen.

With only three rooms, there was a minor issue with room allocation. Shui Shaoyi cleared her throat and spoke first, “Yan’er will stay with me. Muyu and Mingyue will share a room.”

Shen Yunyan had promised not to cause trouble and was about to agree, but then Yun Muyu asked in confusion, “Senior Sister Shui, aren’t you physically unwell and can only sleep alone in a room?”

Shen Yunyan looked at Shui Shaoyi in surprise, a spark of hope igniting in her eyes, “In that case—”

Shui Shaoyi immediately compensated, “I just can’t sleep in the same bed as someone else. The rooms in the cabin are quite spacious; we can fit another bed, and Yunyan and I can sleep separately.”

Yun Muyu’s eyes grew more confused. Really? She remembered Senior Sister Shui saying her ailment was natural. Had her illness suddenly improved?

Cang Ran curved her lips upon seeing this, “Since you’ve decided on the rooms, let’s go with that arrangement. It’s only one night anyway. Muyu, come to the Venerable’s and my room in a moment.”

Yun Muyu quickly agreed and followed behind Cang Ran and Tan Qingxuan.

Once in the cabin, Yun Muyu sat on the small stool across from Cang Ran like a well-behaved child.

“What is it, Shimu? Is there anything you need me to do?”

She felt a little uneasy and couldn’t help but glance up at her Master.

Tan Qingxuan also looked at Cang Ran. Cang Ran smiled, “Nothing, actually. I just wanted to check on you. How have you been feeling during this trip?”

Yun Muyu’s cheeks were slightly warm. Being cared for warmed her heart. She said a little awkwardly, “Thank you for your concern, Shimu. With Master and Shimu protecting me, I’ve been doing very well these past few days.”

Cang Ran, like a large-tailed fox, kept her fox tails wagging, “That’s good. Why did you suddenly offer to stay with Senior Sister Shui today?”

Yun Muyu replied obediently, “I just felt that since we are all from the same sect, Senior Sister Shui was all alone without company, so I thought I’d keep her company. It’s good that she has found a companion now.”

Cang Ran had thought Yun Muyu was having her first romantic awakening, but it turned out this was the reason. She had misunderstood the situation.

Cang Ran curved her eyes and said, “Your Senior Sister Shui and Shen Yunyan have some past history. You don’t need to disturb them in the future. Go back and get some rest, and go to bed early tonight.”

Yun Muyu was surprised, wondering how Shimu knew this, “Is it like Master and Shimu?”

Cang Ran nodded, “Not completely. They are not together yet, but they show signs of it.”

Yun Muyu suddenly understood everything. She cupped her hands and said, “Thank you, Shimu. I’ll go back to rest now. Master and Shimu should also go to bed early.”

After Yun Muyu left, she helped close the door. Cang Ran immediately leaned against Tan Qingxuan’s shoulder like a boneless creature, “Qingqing, it’s really not easy being a Shimu; I have to worry about the younger generation too.”

Tan Qingxuan’s brows softened, “You are being too devoted as a Shimu.”

Cang Ran touched Tan Qingxuan’s lower abdomen, “It’s all for our cub. More people will like the cub in the future; how wonderful is that?”

Tan Qingxuan felt that the fox simply hadn’t gotten over the joy of being an elder, and now that she was a Shimu, she was intensely caring for Yun Muyu.

Cang Ran looked at Tan Qingxuan’s lower abdomen, suppressing her impatience, and couldn’t help but whisper again, “Cub, your Mother is willing to do anything for you. As long as you are healthy and safe, you are your Mother’s most beloved baby.”

Tan Qingxuan’s earlobes flushed crimson from the warmth of Cang Ran’s breath, “You mentioned telling the cub a story the other day. Can you tell one tonight?”

Hearing this, Cang Ran immediately went to make the bed, “Wait a moment. I’ll tell you the story as soon as I finish making the bed.”

This was the second time Cang Ran had made the bed. She had made it once at the inn, but before they could sleep, they encountered the demonic ambush.

Tan Qingxuan watched the fox bending over, meticulously making the bed. Each corner had to be neatly tucked and smoothed out. She even tested the softness before finally spreading the soft, elegant blanket.

The fox ears occasionally twitched, as if highly approving of her own labor.

Cang Ran turned around and stretched. Her beautiful fox eyes held a hint of moisture, which melted into the warm, orange candlelight.

Her lips were rosy and beautiful, curving slightly upwards, “It’s all set. Come on, let’s go to bed.”

Tan Qingxuan gave a soft hum, removed her outer robes, and lay down in the soft bedding. The sheets and blankets had all been cleaned by Cang Ran. Besides the sweet, peach blossom-like fragrance that the fox naturally carried, there was also a hint of natural soap-pod scent.

Cang Ran moved a small stool and sat next to her, “Alright, I’m going to start telling the story. This is the story of the Three Little Pigs…”

Tan Qingxuan took her hand, placing their long, beautiful fingers together on her lower abdomen. She said softly, “I haven’t heard this story.”

Cang Ran thought to herself that there were many stories Tan Qingxuan hadn’t heard. This one was from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, and Tan Qingxuan’s era certainly didn’t have it.

Cang Ran’s eyes were clear, “Then you and the baby listen together now. You can ask questions after I finish telling it.”

Tan Qingxuan looked at her with quiet eyes and softly agreed.

“Once upon a time, a mother pig had three little pigs. When the pigs were old enough to be independent, the three little pigs built three houses for themselves. The eldest built a house of straw…”

Cang Ran finished the story and took a sip of spirit wine to moisten her throat, “How was it? Did I tell it well?”

Tan Qingxuan’s dark eyes were very serene. Staring at someone for so long could give a sense of deep affection.

Cang Ran’s cheeks felt warm. She wasn’t actually sure how much Tan Qingxuan truly liked her. Tan Qingxuan rarely said she liked or loved her very much, so Cang Ran had to constantly try to prove Tan Qingxuan loved her in other ways.

The way Tan Qingxuan had stared at her for so long today made her feel like they were deeply in love, but it probably wasn’t deep love. At most, they were in the passionate phase of a relationship, bound together only because of the cub.

She wouldn’t dare hope that Tan Qingxuan loved her deeply. She would be satisfied if Tan Qingxuan had even half that amount of affection for her.

Tan Qingxuan had simply never been treated this way. She had almost no childhood. She realized that even babies had to be coaxed by their mothers like this when they were little. Their little fox cub would be a happy baby.

Her lowered lashes trembled slightly. She nodded and said, “You told it very well. It’s a very novel story.”

Cang Ran had thought Tan Qingxuan might say they should build a brick house for the little fox cub. But she quickly reconsidered; Tan Qingxuan was very mature—eight hundred years old—and wouldn’t say such childish things.

When the cub was born, she would tell the cub the story again, and the cub would definitely cheer her on.

Her slender fingers were gently rubbed by warm fingertips. Cang Ran’s heart felt a slight flutter, as if small feathers were tickling it. She couldn’t help but look at Tan Qingxuan, tilting her head.

Tan Qingxuan said softly, “Come to bed and rest together. You’ve been busy for a long time too.”

Cang Ran wanted to say she wasn’t sleepy, but looking at Tan Qingxuan’s picturesque face, she couldn’t resist getting into bed. However, she didn’t take off her outer robes, afraid that if anything happened at sea, she could rush out immediately.

Tan Qingxuan rested her head on Cang Ran’s chest, her eyes slightly closed. Cang Ran thought she was falling asleep and held her, completely still.

After a while, Tan Qingxuan’s voice was slightly husky, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

The fox’s heart was beating much faster than usual, sounding like loud thumps in Tan Qingxuan’s ear.

Cang Ran was a first-time mother. Something a bit alarming had happened today, and she was worried about the future, feeling a little anxious, “I’ll sleep in a moment.”

Her vision was suddenly blocked. A cool hand covered her eyes. Cang Ran’s high nose couldn’t help but tilt upwards slightly.

Tan Qingxuan’s orchid-like breath fanned Cang Ran’s lips. She said softly, “The cub will be fine. I’m here. Sleep.”

Cang Ran leaned down and kissed the side of Tan Qingxuan’s neck, feeling the faint sandalwood scent on her. Her heart inexplicably felt calmer, “I will protect you and the child too.”

Tan Qingxuan’s eyes curved slightly. She gently kissed Cang Ran’s forehead, “Mm. Let the Fox Great King protect us both. Sleep now.”

Cang Ran pulled Tan Qingxuan into her warm embrace and kissed Tan Qingxuan’s beautiful collarbone.

Cang Ran snuggled into her arms and placed her hand on Tan Qingxuan’s lower abdomen again, “Cub, your Fox Mother likes you, and Qingqing likes you too.”

Tan Qingxuan closed her eyes and gave a soft affirmative sound, gently stroking Cang Ran, her touch as tender as the spring breeze.

Cang Ran felt much more at ease and quickly fell asleep beside Tan Qingxuan. She slept very sweetly that night.

She and Tan Qingxuan woke up very early the next day. After tidying the blankets and exiting the cabin, the dense fog had not completely dissipated. A thin line of sunlight appeared in the sky but had not yet broken through the clouds. The cries of seabirds echoed from the horizon.

The waves were much smaller than when they first boarded the ship. With every blue giant wave that hit, many sea fish jumped onto the deck. Elder Qu was leisurely picking up the large fish and putting them into a wooden bucket.

There were several sea turtles crawling around at her feet. Cang Ran picked up each sea turtle and tossed them into the blue sea. She picked up a smaller one and, while she was at it, skipped it across the water.

The large sea turtle floated and sank on the blue waves, splashing several ripples and leaping a good distance away.

Cang Ran was about to hand a small sea turtle to Tan Qingxuan to play with, but Tan Qingxuan saw the broken seaweed stuck to Cang Ran’s hand and said she didn’t like playing with that, not reaching out to take the turtle.

Cang Ran played to her heart’s content and then said to Elder Qu, “Elder Qu, you’ve been busy all night. Qingqing and I will relieve you now. Please go rest in the cabin for a while.”

Elder Qu put down the wooden bucket and stretched, “It’s already dawn. You just need to watch the ship and see if we hit any reefs. If there’s a reef cluster, stop the ship early, adjust the direction at the helm, and then continue sailing.”

Cang Ran quickly nodded, “Alright. Elder Qu, please rest assured and go rest. When I make some seafood soup, I’ll send a bowl to you too.”

Elder Qu laughed heartily, “Then I’m in luck! I just picked up some fish and shrimp from the deck. Take them and see what you can make.”

It wasn’t much trouble to prepare fish and shrimp at sea; some could even be eaten raw. The most delicious ingredients often require the simplest cooking methods. Cang Ran chose to steam the large shrimp directly and prepared some unique dipping sauces.

She sliced some of the sea fish into sashimi, and the smaller fish were pan-fried in a small pot. Sea fish have very few bones, and a quick pan-fry makes even the bones crisp.

Cang Ran sent a portion of the prepared fish and shrimp to Elder Qu, leaving the rest in the pot for the others to eat after they woke up.

She herself peeled a large bowl of red shrimp and fed them to Tan Qingxuan while dipping them in the sauce.

Cang Ran and Tan Qingxuan finished their sweet and fresh seafood breakfast together. By mid-morning, the dense fog dispersed, and the sea surface became calm. The remaining people woke up one after another. Seeing that Cang Ran had already prepared the meal, they quickly thanked her and began to eat.

They only encountered a few clusters of reefs all morning. Elder Qu fished. Lin Mingyue also wanted to fish, so Elder Qu gave her a sea fishing rod. The others took turns trying to control the rudder. Cang Ran and Tan Qingxuan were on the third deck, lounging on deck chairs, watching the sea together.

In the afternoon, dark clouds began to gather again. In an instant, a torrential rain began to fall. Cang Ran took Tan Qingxuan to the cabin to rest. She and Elder Qu entered the helm.

The sea area they were entering became deeper and deeper. The whirlpools formed by sea tornadoes became increasingly frequent. The ship, having weathered the wind and rain all night, began to rock and sway.

The massive sea ship felt like a single boat that could be capsized and swallowed at any moment on the turbulent and treacherous sea.

Seeing two tornadoes merge together, a wall of water about ten zhang high stood directly ahead, stretching for hundreds of miles. The huge hull couldn’t evade it.

Cang Ran took out Eighty, exited the helm, and stood at the bow. The heavy rain drenched her clothes. Demonic power converged on the snow-white sword body. Hot demonic energy rose above it, and she immediately slashed out with a sword.

A wide path was cleaved through the violent tornado. The murky waves were forced apart. The sharp sword edge cut out a fiery red sword aura. The aura, after breaking the air, caused a sharp burst of sound as it struck the large reef cluster behind, shattering all the hard reefs into dust.

Everyone else also brought out various magical artifacts to help reduce resistance on the ship. Various spiritual powers were deployed to counter the great storm at sea. The large ship passed through the terrifying storm sea region, avoiding any serious danger.

By evening, the sea surface had returned to calm. Large patches of fiery red sunset clouds spread across the sky, and the water sparkled with shimmering light. They were finally about to reach Quick-sand Island.

Their clothes were all soaked by rain and sweat. Cang Ran, having a fire spirit root, easily dried her own clothes. The others were at least Golden Core cultivators and could dry themselves. Only Yun Muyu, being a Foundation Establishment cultivator, found it inconvenient. Cang Ran dried her clothes for her in passing and then went back to find Tan Qingxuan.

When Cang Ran entered, Tan Qingxuan was reading in the room. Her eyelashes were long and thick, her jade-like cheeks looked clear. Her simple cyan dress had a complex pattern of dark silver lotuses, giving her an indescribably quiet and reserved elegance.

Cang Ran stared blankly for a few seconds. Although her clothes were dry, she still felt a little uncomfortable.

She turned her side to Tan Qingxuan, untied her collar, and took out a new set of clothes from her yingluo (necklace/pendant), “Qingqing, I want to change.”

Tan Qingxuan looked up. Cang Ran had already removed her outer garment. The snow-white robes fell to the floor. Her crystal-white, jade-like arms stretched out. Her beautiful body looked extremely graceful, and the lines of her waist were smooth and tight.

She forgot to dry her fox ears and five fox tails. She walked in wet, leaving some damp footprints on the cabin’s wooden floor.

Cang Ran felt a lingering gaze on her back, and her white spine stiffened slightly.

Her earlobes felt hot. She looked at Tan Qingxuan, curved her lips, and asked, “Why are you still looking at me?”

Tan Qingxuan’s eyelashes fluttered. She lowered her gaze, “I wasn’t looking at you. I’m reading a book.”

Cang Ran thought she was overthinking it and nodded, “Alright. Then you keep reading. The ship should be arriving at the shore when I finish changing.”

She quickly changed her clothes and pulled her long red hair out from the dress, casually running her fingers through it a couple of times.

Her slender, beautiful fingers ran through her long hair, stroking the fluffy fox ear on her right side. The damp fox fur was dried by the fire-attribute spiritual energy, emitting white steam, and twitched slightly as her fingertips played with it.

Cang Ran’s profile was extremely delicate. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall. She tilted her head slightly, preparing to dry the fox ear on the other side.

Tan Qingxuan watched for several moments before opening her red lips, “Come here. I’ll help you dry them.”

Cang Ran quickly moved a small stool and sat down in front of Tan Qingxuan, tilting her head to present her fox ears to Tan Qingxuan’s palm.

Tan Qingxuan cupped her fox ear in her palm, helped her dry it, and even cleared away a grain of sand that had accidentally gotten stuck. Then she dried all five fox tails one by one, making them fluffy and smooth again.

Cang Ran’s fox tails couldn’t help but lightly sweep against Tan Qingxuan’s legs. Even through the cool fabric of her clothes, she could feel the tingling sensation brought by the soft, fine fox tails.

Tan Qingxuan was more sensitive during pregnancy and couldn’t help but quietly clench her fingers hidden in her sleeves. Several times, she felt an urge to grab Cang Ran’s fox tails.

But they were about to go out. If she grabbed the fox tail now, the fox would pester her just like last time, demanding that she be responsible to the end.

Cang Ran said happily, “That feels much better.”

Tan Qingxuan’s eyes held a smile, “Tidy up your things. Let’s go out.”

Cang Ran reorganized the items in the cabin, checking for anything left behind before putting them all back into her yingluo.

Cang Ran was about to open the door and leave, but thinking that the next few days would be busy, she couldn’t help but pull Tan Qingxuan, pushing her against the door, and leaned in to kiss Tan Qingxuan’s soft lips.

Tan Qingxuan’s earlobes flushed crimson from the kiss. She was naturally beautiful, and even her lips were incredibly gorgeous. Cang Ran could never kiss her enough, especially loving to kiss the soft lip tubercle (chún zhū) on her upper lip. It was soft and sweet, and after sucking and nibbling, it would turn brilliantly red, as luscious as a berry.

If she weren’t afraid that Tan Qingxuan would think she was a lustful fox, she would kiss her all day long.

Tan Qingxuan’s long hair fell between their necks. The slight brush of the ends felt ticklish. With their lips pressed together, Cang Ran couldn’t resist lightly sucking and nibbling. Her wet tongue slipped in, wrapping around Tan Qingxuan’s soft tongue, licking deeper and deeper with each movement.

Just as the kiss was getting heated, they suddenly heard a knock on the door.

“Qingxuan, Little Fox, Quick-sand Island has arrived. You can disembark now.”

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