The Aloof Immortal Venerable is Pregnant with My Fox Cub - Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Cang Ran looked at the plump capybara in front of her. Did she remember wrong? Was the grayer one not Kapi, but actually Bala? Never mind, they were all Capybaras anyway.

Next time, she would forge some small gold plaques for the capybaras to wear around their necks, each engraved with the capybara’s name, so they would be easier to identify.

Tan Qingxuan stood beside Cang Ran and smiled slightly when she saw this.

Cang Ran rubbed Bala’s fluffy head and casually asked, “Little Bala, where did Kapi go?”

Bala’s little ears trembled from the fox Great King’s rubbing. It collapsed into the snow, “Kapi is sleeping in the shed.”

Only three capybaras were watering and fertilizing the lush green vegetable patch. The rest of the large capybaras were huddled together for warmth inside the cozy wooden shed Cang Ran had built for them earlier, lying scattered like pieces of brown carpet with their fluffy soft fur spread over the floor.

Yes, Bala was the most diligent Little Bala. Whether it was freezing cold or windy and rainy, Little Bala was always working hard in the vegetable patch.

Unlike Kapi. Kapi would often slack off halfway through farming, either soaking in the pond or enjoying the breeze on the cliff. But Kapi was also adorable, as every capybara had a different lifestyle they pursued.

Cang Ran rubbed Bala twice more and asked with a beaming smile, “I want to pick some vegetables to make hot pot with Venerable. Do you guys want to eat hot pot? You can come and join us.”

Bala clearly didn’t understand what hot pot was, its small eyes filled with confusion, “Great King, is it a pot that catches fire?”

Cang Ran explained to it, “It’s when you put vegetables in a pot, boil them with water, and then add some chili. It’s very delicious.”

Bala immediately shook its head, “Great King, we only eat what’s grown in the ground, the vegetables that naturally grow from the soil. We don’t eat soaked ones. What kind of vegetables does the Great King want? I’ll pick them for the Great King.”

Cang Ran waved her hand, “Just bring whatever. I see your cabbages and radishes are growing very well.”

Hearing the Great King praise the vegetables it grew, Bala chirped several times, calling out five or six little capybaras to run off and pick vegetables for the Great King.

Goose-down snow was falling in the sky. While Cang Ran was talking to the capybara, the heavy snow had already nearly covered her boots. The capybaras left a string of footprints as they walked over it.

Cang Ran took Tan Qingxuan’s hand and gently rubbed it in her palm, asking with concern, “Is it cold out here for you?”

Tan Qingxuan was a cultivator in the Mahayana Stage ($Dacheng Qi$), so she naturally wasn’t afraid of the cold. She placed her hand on Cang Ran’s cheek, “It’s not cold.”

The warmth of her hand almost burned Cang Ran’s cool cheek. She held Tan Qingxuan’s hand and pressed it against her other cheek, her voice soft, “Your hand is so warm right now, like the sun.”

Tan Qingxuan looked at her silly appearance, and her long, slender fingers gently stroked her tender white cheek, “If you like it, you can keep warming up for a while.”

Cang Ran was reluctant to let go, craving the warmth of her fingertips. She lowered her eyes and said, “I love Qingqing. I love Qingqing no matter what.”

A little while later, the capybaras returned, carrying Azure Jade Cabbages and Crystal Radishes on their heads. Unlike the little hedgehog’s rough handling of ingredients, these capybaras were meticulous.

These capybaras would shake off the snow from the cabbages and radishes, snap off the outer yellowish leaves that had been affected by frost, and even shake off the soil stuck to the radish roots.

Cang Ran collected the pile of seasonal vegetables delivered by the capybaras into her storage artifact. Thinking that hot pot couldn’t just be vegetables, she went with Tan Qingxuan to the Spiritual Beast Hall and arranged for a spiritual sheep to be slaughtered so they could make mutton hot pot soup that evening.

When they returned, the swirling snowflakes had turned into fine snow pellets. They happened to pass the Grand Profound Sect’s koi pond, which was covered in thick layers of solid ice due to the cold weather.

A group of Grand Profound Sect disciples, dressed in light green robes, like the tender shoots of early spring, were clearing the snow from the path.

They saw the Sect Leader approaching from afar and immediately bowed respectfully before moving elsewhere to continue clearing the snow.

Cang Ran hadn’t seen the large koi in a long time. Since she had brought fresh vegetables this time, she wanted to fish out the large koi to play with again.

She smiled playfully at Tan Qingxuan and asked, “Feeding the koi shouldn’t violate the Grand Profound Sect’s rules, right?”

Tan Qingxuan saw her nine fox tails swaying and knew the fox was up to no good. She said gently, “It doesn’t violate the rules, but why would you catch it when it’s freezing?”

“I miss it! I want to make a wish and see if it works.”

Cang Ran took out Eight-Zero, her sword, and began to carve a hole in the ice on the pond’s surface, “I’m also preparing a spot. I heard fishing this way is easy in winter. I haven’t tried it yet.”

Tan Qingxuan laughed helplessly. Fortunately, the little fox cub hadn’t been born yet, or Cang Ran would surely corrupt it.

She gently placed her hand on her abdomen. By next winter, the little fox cub should have learned to walk.

If the large fox is carving the ice hole with a sword, and the little fox cub follows behind the large fox, using a tiny shovel to help the large fox shovel the ice shavings, both foxes will be covered in snow. It would be a handful to clean up after two naughty foxes.

The ice on the pond’s surface was a foot deep. Eight-Zero was now a divine sword, and its tip was exceptionally sharp. Cang Ran applied a layer of fierce flame to the blade. After only a short time drilling, a jagged ice hole was carved out of the thick solid ice.

Cang Ran measured it with her hand, widening it just enough to fit the large koi, and then pushed the carved ice chips to the side.

She took out a head of cabbage from her storage artifact, tore a few pieces of the green leaves into small fragments, and tossed them into the ice hole.

The small green leaves drifted lightly on the water’s surface. Some ice chips were mixed in, looking quite beautiful in the winter.

Although it wasn’t the best bait, based on Cang Ran’s numerous fishing experiences, anything tossed in would be hooked by the gluttonous large koi.

Cang Ran couldn’t help but smile. She kept one cabbage leaf in her hand. She didn’t even need a hook; she just had to wait for the large koi to swim over.

Soon, there was movement beneath the ice. The first to discover it were a school of colorful koi, who were originally coming to the ice hole to breathe. When they found the fresh, spiritual-energy-rich vegetable leaves being thrown in, they quickly snatched them up.

The rustling sounds of the fish feeding soon alerted the large koi that was hibernating in the pond. It forcefully swung its tail, aggressively driving away the other koi.

The large koi inhaled everything in a frenzy. After finishing the sweet, crisp vegetable leaves, it saw the largest remaining piece of green cabbage leaf constantly swaying above, which was highly tempting to the large koi.

The large koi violently swung its tail, gathering strength, and spiraled up, tearing off a large portion of the cabbage with its huge mouth.

It wanted to eat the remaining half of the cabbage, but it suddenly saw Cang Ran, the “evil star,” still winking at it. It immediately sprayed its private stash of mud at Cang Ran, attempting to escape back into the water.

However, its plump body was jammed tightly. Its purple-tinged scales rubbed against the ice, making a grating sound. The large chunks of ice around it also shook continuously with its intense struggle.

It was always the same trick. Cang Ran waved her sleeve and blocked the mud, sending a large pile of brown sludge back onto the large koi’s body.

“Where are you going? I need to make a wish.”

Cang Ran’s nine fox tails swayed slightly behind her. Her face was exquisite, and a hint of mischief floated in her long, narrow fox eyes.

Her voice was unhurried, but the large koi was too terrified to move, its dark, round eyes staring at the arrogant fox demon.

The large koi glanced at Tan Qingxuan next to her. A new ruler, a new court. Tan Qingxuan would not rescue it and would only shield the fox. Its fish mouth slowly opened and closed, only daring to mutter softly.

Cang Ran broke off a large leaf of the cabbage and shoved it into the large koi’s mouth. The large koi was completely stunned by Cang Ran’s feeding.

Cang Ran held Tan Qingxuan’s hand and said solemnly, “I wish to be with Tan Qingxuan forever.”

The cabbage leaf the large koi was swallowing almost got stuck in its throat, and its fish eyes widened.

Cang Ran made her wish, shoved the last of the cabbage into the fish’s mouth, and helped the large koi close its mouth, “You ate the cabbage I gave you, so you can definitely help me realize it, right?”

The large koi hadn’t even had a chance to taste the cabbage in its mouth. It stared blankly at Cang Ran, then looked confusedly at Tan Qingxuan, before its head was suddenly struck by a heavy blow.

“Alright, go back now. You must help me fulfill this wish well in the future.”

It was knocked back into the icy pond by Cang Ran. Its liberated fish body swam around in the water, continuously blowing bubbles.

Cang Ran stopped looking at the large koi in the water. She cast a cleansing spell on herself, straightened her sleeves, and smiled lightly at Tan Qingxuan, “Qingqing, I’ve fed the koi. Let’s go back to Rising Phoenix Palace for hot pot. I’ll ask the little hedgehog to call some people over.”

Tan Qingxuan’s eyes were full of indulgence. She said softly, “Okay.”

Many people came in the evening. Cang Ran only needed to arrange for Lin Mingyue and Yun Muyu to work, washing the spiritual vegetables clean and slicing the large pieces of mutton into thin slices for easy cooking. She prepared a鸳鸯 ($yuanyang$, ‘Mandarin Duck’) hot pot, simmering a spiritual-energy-rich mutton soup. One side had chili added, and the other was a clear broth.

The little hedgehog wasn’t good at using chopsticks, so Cang Ran wrapped some vegetables and meat together and skewered them onto small wooden sticks. She put them in the clear broth pot, turning it into chuan chuan (skewer) hot pot.

The little hedgehog found these skewers very convenient to hold in its paws, allowing her to take big bites of mutton and fresh vegetables at once.

Since they hadn’t held a grand ceremony, they didn’t invite too many people. They only invited Elder Qu, Song Zhen, and her disciples who were free to come over. Mingyu rarely left the house, but upon hearing there was new food, she came along with her Senior and Junior Sisters.

Tan Qingxuan didn’t usually drink, but today was an important occasion, so she also drank a few extra cups. During the dinner, Elder Qu mentioned Shui Shaoyi and Shen Yunyan.

“On the way back to the Grand Profound Sect, Yunyan caught a cold. Shui Shaoyi had to take care of her, so she took her back to the Myriad Medicine Sect. She should be staying there now.”

No one else felt anything amiss, except for Lin Mingyue, who asked doubtfully, “Yunyan is a Sword Cultivator. She has always been healthy. How could she suddenly catch a cold?”

She was a little worried about her close friend and turned to Song Zhen, asking, “Master, in a few days, can I go to the Myriad Medicine Sect to see Yunyan and stay for a few days?”

Song Zhen was still thinking about Huazhao, whom she had whipped in the dungeon. When her disciple suddenly asked a question, she only snapped back to reality after a moment, “Mingyue, what did you just ask your Master?”

Lin Mingyue found her Master odd recently. Her Master, who was known for her rigor, was never this distracted. She had no choice but to respectfully repeat her question.

Song Zhen nodded slightly, turning to Mingyu beside her, “If you want to go, then go, but don’t buy any medicine at the Myriad Medicine Sect. Mingyu, since your Senior Sister won’t be here, you will be responsible for supervising your Junior Sisters during this time.”

Mingyu, who was at the children’s table, happily eating chuan chuan hot pot with her two Junior Sisters and the little hedgehog, suddenly heard her Master assign her a task. She quickly bowed, “Yes, Master.”

Elder Qu started a toast to celebrate Tan Qingxuan and Cang Ran becoming Dao Companions. Song Zhen also raised her wine cup but found that the wine in front of her was already empty.

Tan Qingxuan noticed Song Zhen’s abnormality and realized her Junior Sister had been absent-minded the whole time. She couldn’t help but transmit a message to her, “The banquet is mostly over. If you are worried about Huazhao, you can leave first.”

Song Zhen’s lips stiffened slightly. She picked up a new wine pot and drank another cup, “Why would I worry about her? What does it matter to me where she dies? Senior Sister, don’t mind her. I just wanted to drink more wine.”

Seeing that she couldn’t be persuaded and knowing she was still distressed, Tan Qingxuan accompanied Song Zhen and drank a few more cups.

Cang Ran wouldn’t let Tan Qingxuan drink so much while pregnant, so she took over and drank a few more cups with Song Zhen, not expecting Song Zhen to have such a good tolerance for alcohol.

After an unknown amount of wine, Cang Ran felt a little dizzy, finally managing to make Song Zhen pass out. She had Song Zhen’s disciples help her back to Cuiwei Palace.

The group of people finished the lively hot pot, and the gathering finally dispersed.

Cang Ran and Tan Qingxuan bathed together in the bedchamber. After lying down in bed, the strength of the spiritual wine grew stronger. Cang Ran’s head spun, and she turned into a large, drunken fox, curling up beside Tan Qingxuan.

Tan Qingxuan raised her long, slender fingers and stroked Cang Ran’s fur, “You said before you wouldn’t get drunk. Well, you’re drunk now.”

Cang Ran smelled the pleasant fragrance on Tan Qingxuan’s body and gently bit her pale arm, her voice very soft, “I’m not drunk, just a little sleepy.”

The fox’s sharp teeth nipped at her cool white skin, leaving faint red marks. The bite wasn’t painful, just a little irritating.

Tan Qingxuan lowered her thick eyelashes, pried open the fox’s mouth, and pulled out her arm, seeing the sharp, adorable little teeth, “If you’re not drunk, why are you biting people?”

Cang Ran retracted her little sharp teeth, used her fox head to nudge Tan Qingxuan’s arm out of the way, and burrowed into Tan Qingxuan’s embrace, her voice muffled, “Qingqing, hug me, and I won’t bite anyone.”

Tan Qingxuan’s heart softened. She turned sideways and held her tightly in her arms. The little fox cub in her belly also felt the large fox leaning against her and began to move actively in her belly again.

The large fox fell asleep quickly, its breathing gradually becoming sweet. It nestled into Tan Qingxuan’s chest twice.

Tan Qingxuan’s earlobe felt warm. She pinched the fox’s mouth, supporting Cang Ran’s soft body upwards, allowing her to lean against her neck.

Cang Ran began to rub against Tan Qingxuan’s neck again, her soft little paws stepping everywhere.

Tan Qingxuan groaned softly from the stepping. She pinched the soft, springy paw pad, pressing it twice, “If you’re not good, you’ll sleep alone.”

Cang Ran’s paw was held. She rubbed against Tan Qingxuan’s neck, whimpering drowsily for a long time. Since Tan Qingxuan didn’t release her paw, she had no choice but to go to sleep, feeling wronged.

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