The Fox Spirit Raised by the Villain Wants to Defect - Chapter 51

Qiu Hong was stunned. He had just finished dealing with Lian Qiao’s corpse when he heard such urgent news. He immediately rushed to find the supervisor to ask about the situation.

“What exactly is going on? How dare the demon race openly violate the agreement of Penglai and launch a beast tide attack on the human realm?”

The supervisor who had gathered the information rushed over, his face panicked. “This beast tide came suddenly. The Seven Swords Sect is already mobilizing cultivators to resist the demon beasts’ attack, and the situation is still somewhat manageable.”

“How could they be attacked? Every city has a defensive barrier. A large group of demon beasts attacking couldn’t possibly be without warning!” Qiu Hong’s mind was in turmoil. He glanced at the Yuehui Sect stewards who had been summoned, and seeing all their faces turn pale with horror, he felt dizzy.

Wen Yu was gone, and the Yuehui Sect no longer had anyone to hold the fort.

“They don’t know either. They said they sent people to investigate and found that the barrier was breached. The demon beasts rushed in through the damaged part.”

Several stewards exchanged glances and cautiously asked Qiu Hong, “Before the beast tide reaches our sect, quickly ask the Sword Venerable to deal with it. We will all do our part to repair the defensive barrier.”

“Yes, yes. At this time, only the Sword Venerable has the ability to repel the beast tide.”

Qiu Hong’s heart constricted, and he shouted at them, “If you want him to go, go and ask him yourselves!”

The few men flinched in fear, looking at Qiu Hong in confusion.

“Why such a big reaction? Did we say something wrong?”

The supervisor reminded them softly, “The Sword Venerable has already left the sect. We can’t invite him.”

Everyone’s faces turned ashen. They trembled and pinned all their hopes on Qiu Hong: “Sect Leader, this is unacceptable. Quickly invite the Sword Venerable back. This is no small matter.”

“When I came, I specifically asked the people over there. If the Seven Swords Sect can’t hold them off, it will eventually affect us here—”

“Do you think I don’t know?” Qiu Hong flung his sleeve, his face grim. “If you have the guts, go and invite him. The Yuehui Sect has supported you for so many years; it’s time for you to contribute.”

At this remark, the entire place fell silent. No one spoke again.

Qiu Hong sneered, glaring at them. “Not very talkative now, are you?”

The few men took a step back and fawned, “You are the Sect Leader of the Yuehui Sect. We will follow whatever you decide.”

Qiu Hong turned his back on them, refusing to look, and only instructed the supervisor, “Immediately go and check the sect-protecting formation. Take a few stewards to reinforce it.”

The men repeatedly agreed and promised to comply.

“I will write a letter later. Take it to the Lord of Yuehui City, and have them prepare early.”

Qiu Hong composed himself, finally saying, “As long as the Seven Swords Sect holds them off, we will be safe.”

The supervisor agreed and immediately went to carry out the orders.

The Yuehui Sect quickly lit up with several formation patterns.

Qiu Hong stood on the cliff edge, gazing into the distance. He suddenly recalled Wen Yu’s words, and his heart sank sharply.

If Lian Qiao really colluded with the demon race, disrupted the Grand Competition, and was also involved in this beast tide.

Then he would become a sinner.

“Please, don’t let it be true.”

By the time these events unfolded, Xiao Yu, Wen Yu, and Nan Chenghui had already entered Yuehui City and were about to leave.

Xiao Yu bought many supplies in Yuehui City, taking the opportunity to buy needles and thread to hide, intending to sew the pouch when she had time.

The cloth she wanted last time was still wrapped around the headband. Once she finished sewing, she would find a suitable time to give it to Wen Yu.

When she saw the gates of Yuehui City, Xiao Yu suddenly remembered to ask Wen Yu, “Are we just leaving like this?”

She had only visited Yuehui City once, and even that time, she was attacked. It was quite miserable.

Wen Yu walked ahead, stepping out of the city gate.

“Yes. We can come back when there is an opportunity in the future.”

Xiao Yu quickly refused. “I was just asking casually.”

She followed him out. As she left the city gate, she looked up and saw several streaks of sword light flashing across the sky, flying into the city.

“Is that someone flying on a sword?”

Wen Yu hummed in assent, then suddenly asked her, “Want to try?”

“Ah! Can I?” Xiao Yu’s eyes lit up, and she looked at the jade flute hanging from Wen Yu’s waist.

The jade flute trembled, flew down on its own, transformed into the Flute-Sword, and hovered in front of Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu reached out, looking expectantly at Wen Yu.

Wen Yu nodded, took her hand, and pulled her straight onto the sword.

Xiao Yu cried out, and Wen Yu quickly embraced her to steady her.

Looking down from a height of about one meter above the ground, Xiao Yu realized she was much higher than Nan Chenghui.

“If you are afraid of heights, you can close your eyes.”

Xiao Yu immediately said, “I’m not afraid. Let’s go!”

She was eager to fly into the clouds, look down at the earth, and gain further access to this world.

Wen Yu saw the delighted expression on her profile, and a smile flashed in his eyes.

The Flute-Sword gradually ascended. The flying speed was slow and steady.

Feeling the extraordinarily free atmosphere, Xiao Yu gradually spread her arms, opening her eyes to a slit, truly wanting to shout.

I am free—

It was only at this moment that she suddenly felt profoundly that she no longer had to face suppression and toil. She could finally live for herself.

The secret realm indeed presented her deepest memories.

Those memories she had tried to avoid and forget also shaped who she was now.

She had to look forward.

She had to cultivate diligently and become stronger, preferably strong enough to defeat the Demon Venerable!

“Can I learn to fly the sword now?” Xiao Yu tilted her head and asked Wen Yu.

She was standing in front of Wen Yu, loosely held around the waist by him, quite stable.

She had wielded a sword a few times in the illusion and was a little eager to show off.

Wen Yu gazed at Xiao Yu, lost in thought, and didn’t speak for a long time.

“Reverend?”

Xiao Yu turned her head again and saw Wen Yu looking down at her, his expression serious. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

She felt like he seemed…

“I’ll teach you.”

Wen Yu released the arm wrapped around Xiao Yu’s waist and told her the key points of sword-flying.

Then, he slowly released control of the Flute-Sword, guiding Xiao Yu to do it herself.

Xiao Yu quickly grasped the trick, urging the Flute-Sword to speed up little by little. When the speed exceeded the initial speed Wen Yu controlled, Xiao Yu proudly hummed.

“Reverend, look, I learned it!”

Her smile didn’t last. The Flute-Sword suddenly wobbled. Xiao Yu lost her footing and tumbled backward.

She was so startled that her eyes widened.

Wen Yu immediately reached out and held Xiao Yu. Her body crashed into his embrace, and at the same time, it stirred his heart.

His arms gradually tightened, pulling her closer to him.

The Flute-Sword immediately stabilized, as if the previous tremor had been an illusion.

Xiao Yu took a deep, lingering breath, whispering, “Next time, I’ll use a different sword and fly lower…”

The words reached Wen Yu’s ears, but he pretended not to hear.

“We just passed through a defensive barrier. Flying the sword across the boundary causes turbulence.”

“Oh, I see.” Xiao Yu was instantly revived, but she didn’t consider flying the sword again.

She moved slightly, realizing she was almost leaning against Wen Yu. She awkwardly shifted forward a bit, then whispered, “Reverend, you can let go of me now.”

But Wen Yu didn’t seem to hear. Xiao Yu waited for a while, and when he still didn’t release her, she had to speak louder.

Only then did Wen Yu let go.

“My apologies. I was a bit worried about you just now, which is why I overstepped.”

Xiao Yu repeatedly shook her head, saying it was nothing.

He was being kind, so how could she blame him?

Once steady, Xiao Yu looked down. After leaving Yuehui City, the tall mountains grew distant, and she could only see fields. Looking out, layered rice paddies spread out, full of life.

Xiao Yu looked for a few moments, then withdrew her gaze and looked back curiously, seeing Nan Chenghui flying on his sword, following behind.

She poked Wen Yu’s arm and asked, “Is Nan Chenghui going to follow us all the time?”

As soon as she said this, she suddenly remembered someone she had forgotten.

“What about Yan Ziqiong!” She quickly asked, “Is Yan Ziqiong still at the Yuehui Sect?”

Wen Yu’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and he replied, “Yan Ziqiong will rejoin us after dealing with some matters.”

As for Nan Chenghui, if he didn’t follow, there would be no place in the human realm for him to stay.

Xiao Yu nodded, feeling relieved.

“How much longer until we reach where you want to go?”

The novelty of sword-flying had worn off, and Xiao Yu began to feel tired.

Wen Yu lowered the Flute-Sword’s altitude and comforted Xiao Yu, “Soon.”

In less than a minute, Xiao Yu saw a towering spire reaching into the clouds. As they got closer, she realized it was a sect with a layout similar to a town.

As the Flute-Sword descended, Wen Yu introduced it to Xiao Yu.

“This is a secluded sect. Their Old Ancestor experienced the great war a hundred years ago and is the only remaining Old Ancestor in the cultivation world, named Tian Jizi.”

According to Wen Yu, Tian Jizi could see through the past and future of all living beings in the world.

Xiao Yu’s heart thumped sharply, and a strong sense of anticipation surged within her.

Her heart pounded, and her mind buzzed. A thought uncontrollably popped up.

Could she… could she ask…

Xiao Yu was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear Wen Yu calling her name.

The more she thought, the more her internal anticipation amplified, making it difficult to calm down.

If it were possible…

The image of Wen Yu reaching out and carving a magic seal on her fox ear suddenly appeared in her mind.

She shuddered, instantly snapping back to awareness.

“Huh?”

She hastily responded to Wen Yu, but her flustered look wasn’t fully hidden and was caught by Wen Yu.

Wen Yu tightened his grip, then released it again, reminding her softly, “Come down. We’re here.”

Xiao Yu quickly jumped down. “I’m sorry. I was distracted just now.”

The Flute-Sword circled Xiao Yu, as if concerned about her.

Wen Yu raised his hand, and the Flute-Sword immediately transformed into the jade flute, returning to his hand.

Xiao Yu cautiously looked at Wen Yu. Seeing him staring at her made her even more flustered, feeling as if everything she was thinking had been seen through.

Fortunately, Wen Yu quickly withdrew his gaze to speak with the person who greeted them.

“I am He Chaomian, and she is He Munian. We are siblings.” The speaking young man had a joyful expression. The moment he saw Wen Yu, he stared at him and couldn’t look away.

He Munian was much calmer and more mature and steady than her younger brother. She first bowed to Wen Yu before speaking, “Please come in, the Old Ancestor has been waiting for a long time.”

Xiao Yu was surprised, thinking that Wen Yu had already notified them.

Wen Yu nodded, first offering a polite word of thanks, then gestured for Xiao Yu and Nan Chenghui to follow them.

This time, there was no need to worry about suddenly appearing demon-testing formations or disciples shouting to capture demons, which made Xiao Yu feel very reassured.

Unlike the Yuehui Sect, which was built against the mountain, this place was flat everywhere, and she could even see farmland in the distance.

Xiao Yu couldn’t help but sigh, wondering if they grew their own crops here.

He Munian led the way, and He Chaomian deliberately lagged behind, staring at Xiao Yu and Nan Chenghui for a long time—so long that Xiao Yu could feel his gaze.

She looked back, smiled at He Chaomian, and saw him startle. He scratched his head awkwardly and smiled back at her.

He looked a little naive.

Xiao Yu was about to turn around when He Chaomian quickly darted up to walk beside her and blurted out, “Which demon territory are you from?”

Xiao Yu was shocked.

Xiao Yu immediately widened her eyes.

Xiao Yu instantly turned to look at Wen Yu.

Didn’t he cast a spell on her to conceal her demonic aura? How could she still be recognized?

“I was just asking casually. If you don’t feel comfortable saying, then don’t,” He Chaomian scratched his head, stopped walking, and deliberately fell back a bit.

He Munian noticed the movement behind them, turned back, and explained to Xiao Yu, “Our race is special. Our eyes can see the true nature of things. He looks at everyone he meets. Please forgive his offense.”

Xiao Yu looked at Wen Yu, too embarrassed to say anything.

“He was indeed presumptuous,” Wen Yu pulled Xiao Yu to walk side-by-side with him, his face not showing any hint of a joke.

He Chaomian apologized repeatedly.

He Munian glared at him. “If you keep talking back, you won’t get dinner tonight.”

He Chaomian immediately stood up straight, keeping his eyes forward, and followed them inside.

Xiao Yu was nervous. Does that mean they can also tell that Nan Chenghui is a demon?

But He Chaomian didn’t say anything else, and Xiao Yu didn’t know if he had figured it out.

They walked into a courtyard where bird songs could be heard.

Xiao Yu curiously looked around a few times. There didn’t seem to be many people in the courtyard. He Munian led them directly into a room where a stone statue of an unknown Buddha or god was enshrined. It was solemn and imposing, making her afraid to breathe loudly.

“The Old Ancestor is copying scriptures inside. Please wait a moment.”

After He Munian finished speaking, she immediately pulled He Chaomian away.

“Sis, you can’t blame me. My eyes just look on their own. It’s not that I want to look.”

“If you talk back again, you won’t eat tonight.”

The bickering voices of the siblings gradually faded away. Xiao Yu stood by and looked at the stone statue.

From this angle, the statue’s facial contours looked sharp. The lowered eyelids, viewed from the side, looked as if the statue was observing something with a humble, lowered gaze.

Observing whether these outsiders carried any malice.

Xiao Yu felt uncomfortable looking at it for too long, so she simply turned her back and faced the wall.

“Just a little longer.”

Wen Yu’s soothing voice reached her ear. Xiao Yu nodded and turned around.

A moment later, there was a clack sound from the inner room, followed by the grating sound of a rattan chair.

A few seconds later, the door to the inner room opened, revealing a stooped, white-haired old woman.

Her clouded eyes swept over Xiao Yu and Nan Chenghui one by one, finally settling on Wen Yu.

“Sword Venerable has arrived.”

Her voice matched her age—hoarse, like a waterwheel that hadn’t been turned in a long time, a little grating.

Wen Yu bowed slightly, acknowledging her greeting.

“Come in, all of you.”

Tian Jizi turned around and walked unsteadily toward the rattan chair.

The scene inside the room was revealed: walls covered with scriptures, with only one desk, entirely covered with the papers she had copied.

“Sit wherever you like. I don’t have much to offer for your hospitality here. Please excuse me.”

She picked up her brush again to copy the scriptures.

Xiao Yu watched her copy, recalling that Wen Yu had done the same at the Yuehui Sect.

There was only one rattan chair in the inner room. Wen Yu took out cushions from his spatial ring. The three of them sat down together.

“I’ve come this time, still for that matter,” Wen Yu began, his gaze sinking.

Tian Jizi paused her writing, looked up, and examined him carefully.

A moment later, her expression became grave, but she did not speak. Instead, she turned her gaze to Xiao Yu and looked at her.

Xiao Yu felt uneasy under her scrutiny. She remembered how He Chaomian had seen through her fox demon form at a glance, so this elder should be able to as well.

Tian Jizi frowned and said to Wen Yu, “You didn’t just come today for that one matter of yours, did you?”

Wen Yu nodded, looking at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu’s scalp tingled from being stared at by the two of them.

“Hmph.” Tian Jizi spoke, dismissing them, “Both of you go out. This girl stays.”

Xiao Yu had just gotten up when Wen Yu pressed her back down. She watched with wide eyes as Wen Yu and Nan Chenghui walked out, and the door closed.

“Hahaha, don’t be afraid, old woman here won’t harm you.” Tian Jizi smiled. At first glance, she looked very kind, like a grandmother looking at her granddaughter.

Xiao Yu stiffly turned her head to look at Tian Jizi, her heart already churning with turmoil.

Wen Yu came here, and it’s also because of me?

“Did you… see something?”

Xiao Yu’s heart began to beat violently, partly afraid that her origin would be exposed, and partly hoping that there might be a chance to go back.

Tian Jizi smiled but did not speak. Her clouded eyes instantly became sharp.

An invisible force manifested around her, slowly spreading toward Xiao Yu, connecting to her soul.

She saw two souls. One had already dispersed, leaving only a tiny bit of spiritual energy, confining the other soul.

The other soul was very similar in appearance to the young girl in front of her, yet completely different.

This soul resisted, unwilling to merge with the body, shrinking in a corner, isolated.

Tian Jizi wanted to look further, hoping to explore more deeply through this soul, but she encountered an obstruction.

Her expression tightened, but she quickly controlled her reaction.

The three founding Old Ancestors of the cultivation world—now only she remained—it was precisely because of this near-heaven-defying ability that she had escaped numerous mortal dangers.

However, what must die will eventually die. It cannot be avoided or escaped.

The more Tian Jizi looked, the more incredible she found it.

How could such an absurd yet peculiar thing happen in this world?

“You have an aura about you,” Tian Jizi said. “This aura isolates the outside world, yet it also protects you.”

Xiao Yu was somewhat confused by this.

“But if you want to completely merge with this world, you have to actively break this aura yourself.”

Tian Jizi’s tone was very calm, but the person who heard it instantly panicked.

Xiao Yu met Tian Jizi’s gaze and read the hidden meaning in her words.

She had been seen through.

Tian Jizi had seen that she did not belong to this world.

Xiao Yu was momentarily flustered. She didn’t know what kind of reaction to make to conceal her panic.

“Don’t be afraid, girl. Didn’t the old woman say I wouldn’t harm you?” Tian Jizi dropped her smile and put on a fierce look: “I won’t be like some people, bringing you over but not knowing how to protect you.”

Xiao Yu was surprised. Who was she talking about?

Outside the door, Nan Chenghui looked at Wen Yu.

Wen Yu’s gaze was fixed on the door, unblinking.

The room was not soundproof; the conversation inside could be heard clearly outside.

Wen Yu turned his head to look at Nan Chenghui. Nan Chenghui froze, then recovered his senses, walked away, and waited outside.

“What if I… don’t want to break it? What if I want to…”

Xiao Yu thought for a long time but finally spoke her true inner thought.

“I want to ask if, in the future, I still have a chance…” Xiao Yu paused, speaking with difficulty, “Do I still have a chance to go back?”

When she spoke this sentence, Tian Jizi keenly noticed that the obstruction loosened, but she still could not fully probe it.

Perhaps it was not allowed for her to probe, and only the soul belonging to that world could connect.

Tian Jizi did not answer directly but countered with a question: “If you have the chance, will you choose to stay or to leave?”

Wen Yu’s and Xiao Yu’s hearts tightened simultaneously.

Wen Yu was waiting for her answer.

Xiao Yu’s first reaction was to leave.

She had believed she would never have a chance to go back. Every time she faced danger, she endured it and prepared for the worst.

Before meeting Tian Jizi, that’s what she thought.

But Tian Jizi had just said those words.

The greatest hope deep in her heart was revealed. That was the world she had lived in for over twenty years. No matter how bad it was, it was still her home.

Yet, as soon as the word “leave” appeared, Xiao Yu hesitated.

Her mouth said she wanted to leave, but a small voice in her heart held her back, preventing her from going.

Silence filled the room for a long time.

Wen Yu turned his head to look at the stone statue.

The statue, which looked compassionate from the front, looked like an evil god from this angle, its gaze scornful, completely undisguised malice.

Wen Yu stood quietly, his long eyelashes trembling. The jade flute at his waist was still.

After a long while, he heard Xiao Yu’s voice from inside.

“I want to try.”

Immediately followed by Tian Jizi’s voice: “Why?”

“Is it because there is no one or nothing left in this world for you to long for?”

Wen Yu’s heart suddenly constricted. Then, a strong emotion swept over him. His chest felt heavy and very uncomfortable.

Xiao Yu shook her head, her gaze gradually becoming firm.

It was precisely because there was someone she longed for that she wanted to try.

She wanted to break that aura.

Tian Jizi smiled. She glanced toward the door. Having lived for nearly a thousand years, she could tell the situation at a glance. How could she not see the feelings between these two?

“Since that is the case, strengthen this conviction. I believe you will succeed.”

Xiao Yu nodded affirmatively.

She had to succeed.

Xiao Yu only nodded or shook her head in response to Tian Jizi’s several questions, making no sound. Only when Tian Jizi asked her to leave did Xiao Yu finally answer.

She opened the door, and her eyes met Wen Yu’s gaze.

Seeing Xiao Yu, Wen Yu didn’t immediately restrain his look. It was only when she made a move to avoid his eyes that the light in his eyes instantly dimmed.

“She asked you to go in.” Xiao Yu stepped out and moved aside.

The look in Wen Yu’s eyes a moment ago replayed in her mind, making her feel somewhat flustered.

It was an intense look of possession over something that belonged to him, a heavy desire, and it also hid emotions she couldn’t understand.

Xiao Yu shivered, not daring to look at Wen Yu again.

Wen Yu watched the person who deliberately turned her head away, not looking at him. He wanted to speak the words in his heart, but he couldn’t find the opportunity.

In the end, he only left one sentence: “Wait for me to come out.”

Xiao Yu: “Oh.”

The door closed. Wen Yu immediately set up a soundproofing barrier and went straight to the point: “Is there still a cure for my illness?”

Tian Jizi shook her head and sighed, “Difficult, ah, difficult.”

She didn’t even probe, giving the result directly.

“You’ve tried all sorts of methods over the years. You know better than I whether they’ve worked,” Tian Jizi’s clouded gaze fell upon Wen Yu, and she smiled without reservation: “At worst, it’s just death. Is there no one or nothing left in this world for you to long for?”

Hearing her tone, Wen Yu knew she had a solution.

“Just tell me what price I need to pay.”

Tian Jizi gazed at him for a long time, then sighed again.

She sighed inwardly, Youth is truly wonderful.

“The root of your illness lies in the great war a hundred years ago.” Tian Jizi took out a chess piece and placed it on the table: “You’ve searched the human realm; it’s useless. Then go to the demon realm.”

After saying this, she looked up at Wen Yu, took out another chess piece, and placed it opposite the first one.

“If it’s not in the demon realm, then go to the demon race.”

Tian Jizi gathered the two pieces together, picked them up, and put them away.

“If neither place holds the answer, then you can only wait for death.”