Chapter 104: The Second Wave Strikes

Yinyao heeded Bai Yong’s instructions and pressed forward without hesitation, not daring to delay. Yet it seemed the Nine-Tailed Fox clan had no intention of letting matters rest so easily.

Suddenly, a sword appeared out of nowhere, aiming straight for Yinyao’s throat. Alarmed, she shifted her footing just in time to evade the ambush.

“Who’s there?!” she demanded coldly, eyes fixed where the sword had appeared.

“Heh, I’m curious to see how you’ll keep that precious life of yours without that little brat Bai Yong protecting you,” a voice, tinged with seductive charm, called out from behind. Yinyao recognized it immediately—it was the captain of the Nine-Tailed Fox clan pursuing her!

There was only one person here, so Yinyao was unafraid. She smiled and taunted, “What’s the matter? Afraid to show your face? Can’t stand the light, huh? Heh!”

The Nine-Tailed Fox captain could not endure such scorn. Emerging from the nearby bushes, he stepped into view, casting a cold, disdainful glare at Yinyao as if she were already dead.

“Don’t look at me with those tender eyes; I can’t handle it,” Yinyao quipped with a smirk.

Her words left the captain half amused, half exasperated. He chuckled, “What’s the matter? Scared?”

“Heh, I don’t even know your name, Nine-Tailed Fox captain. Dare you tell me?”

“Never imagined you to be such a woman. Thought you’d only survive because someone protected you, but you’re tougher than I thought. Want to know who I am? We’ll see if you live through today. If you escape my hands, next time we meet, I’ll tell you my name!” The captain’s smile turned wicked.

Yinyao had initially thought he was merely charming, but now he exuded a devilish allure. His brows hinted at a captivating seduction, befitting his Nine-Tailed Fox heritage—renowned for their bewitching charm.

“Fine, I’ll wait for our next meeting when you’ll tell me who you are,” she retorted without backing down, though her right palm holding the Ice Spirit was beginning to sweat.

She was now certain this charming man’s strength was at least at the Emperor Void level, while she herself lingered at the peak of the Void Realm, unable to advance. The gap between them was vast—a chasm difficult to bridge on the Void Continent, where each level gained demands immense effort.

Yinyao was uncertain how much chance she had to win or even escape safely.

“Let’s begin,” the charming man said, brandishing his sword as he charged at her.

Yinyao swung the Ice Spirit, striking the blade and forcing him to alter his course. Simultaneously, she spread her left fingers, launching seven strands of celestial silkworm threads at him.

“So you have some skill, huh? Yet with your peak Void Realm power, you dare to mouth off in front of me?!” The man’s expression was relaxed, unshaken. He spoke mid-fight, either underestimating Yinyao or trying to distract her.

Yinyao ignored him, alternating her attacks, eyes locked on his movements, seeking any opening. Though he appeared delicate, he was an expert fighter. Importantly, he never struck with full force, as if toying with her. The frustration boiled within her. Was this the fate of the weak?

No! Yinyao refused to admit she was weak.

A roar escaped her lips. Behind her, the phantom of a white fox appeared, instantly merging into her body. Her power surged, breaking past the peak of the Void Realm, entering the Void Sect, swiftly pushing through to mid-stage.

The charming man’s eyes gleamed with greater interest at her sudden leap in strength. What a strange woman! If he wasn’t mistaken, she had fused inheritance power—a skill not for ordinary people. He himself had secluded for a year to grasp just a hint of it, yet only mastered rudimentary fusion skills.

Unexpectedly, she too could merge inheritance power. This woman, Yinyao, brought him increasing surprises. If only she weren’t surnamed Yin, he might have considered her a friend. Alas, with that name, she could not remain long in this world. If she rose, she’d become a formidable enemy.

Yinyao knew her mid-stage Void Sect strength was temporary. She had to end things quickly. Though defeating him was unlikely, she needed to ensure a safe escape within the allotted time. Survival was paramount.

Unbeknownst to Bai Yong, who had left earlier, the Nine-Tailed Fox captain had secretly followed alone, waiting for Bai Yong’s departure before striking.

The Ice Spirit swung, weaving countless phantom whips into a net aimed at the charming man. Simultaneously, Yinyao shook the bell in her left hand, a mysterious melody slowly emanating.

The previously quiet forest suddenly stirred with commotion. The man’s sharp hearing detected the disturbance. Most animals here were spirit beasts; such unrest was unusual.

Yinyao tried to command the beasts with sound but found she could not summon them easily—they only stirred uneasily.

Closing her eyes, Yinyao poured spiritual energy into the bell. At the same time, her right hand began drawing symbols faster than any could match. She sought to strike with both hands—ancient forbidden symbols combined with beast mastery, enhancing her power.

The charming man watched with curiosity. Though unfamiliar with the symbols, he recognized the left-hand technique as a sound-based beast control used by some humans. The right-hand markings were ancient, mysterious arts long lost.

This woman was full of wonders—her background, strength, and rare skills piqued his interest.

Suddenly, he lost focus and was struck by the Ice Spirit’s blade. Holding his injured left hand, he winced but composed himself, deciding to deal properly with this woman before making further plans.

Not far off, two figures darted through the forest, one following the other.

“Yuner, please be good. Don’t cause trouble. Come back with me, alright?” A gentle male voice sounded, soft as jade.

“Ziye, go back first. Let me be alone for a while. I’ll be fine, really! This is our White Fox clan’s territory; no one dares harm me here!” The woman’s stubborn voice replied firmly.

The man paused, listening intently. “Wait, don’t move! Yuner, do you hear that? Sounds like a fight nearby.”

“Ziye, are you joking? Remember mother’s decree forbids fighting in the White Fox territory—especially in these woods!” Though Yuner protested, she too listened carefully. Better safe than sorry; if anyone disobeyed, their mother would be furious.

After a moment, Ziye looked up solemnly. “Yuner, I’m not lying. Let’s hurry and check. If the clan leader finds out about this, it’ll be bad.”

Yuner nodded. “Alright, I heard it too.”

When they arrived at the source of the noise, they saw a Nine-Tailed Fox man attacking a White Fox woman, their strength uneven. The woman was near collapse.

Enraged at her kin being bullied, Yuner rushed forward, waving her right hand. A blade of spiritual energy formed, blocking a strike aimed at Yinyao.

“What’s a Nine-Tailed Fox doing in our White Fox territory, bullying one of our own?!” Yuner scolded the charming man fiercely.

Yuner’s companion stepped forward—aware the woman’s courage was unmatched, but her strength limited. That flashy move was all she could muster. Without his aid, these two women stood no chance.

“Oh? When did this nosy little runt jump out?” The charming man paused, smiling low at Yuner.

“Long time no see.” Then another male voice called out, warm as spring breeze.

“Ziye, come quickly!” Yuner beckoned to the man, urging haste.

From the moment he heard that gentle voice, the charming man’s expression shifted. Seeing the newcomer, he smiled brilliantly, “Indeed, long time no see. So, you want to save this woman?”

“Can’t you tell?” The gentle man retorted, unfazed.

Yinyao finally had a moment to observe her unexpected protectors. The little girl before her had a delicate, rosy face, still flushed from running, smiling brightly without fear. Her gaze often rested on the gentle man, hinting at a close bond.

The gentle man was handsome and refined, embodying the phrase “gentle as jade.” His calm demeanor contrasted intriguingly with the fiery girl’s personality.

Despite her battered state, Yinyao admired her own composure, even amused by their interaction.

“Alright, today I’ll spare her for your sake. But don’t regret saving her. One warning—her surname is Yin.” The charming man grinned wickedly before departing.

The gentle man’s eyes flickered with surprise at the name Yin, casting a probing look at Yinyao. The Yin surname was rare.

“Hello, I’m Bai Yun. What’s your name?” Bai Yun smiled brightly, an innocent aura about him.

Feeling the gentle man’s discerning gaze, Yinyao understood he was no ordinary person. Through Bai Yun’s presence, she met his eyes, then forced a smile. “I’m Yinyao.”

“Hehe, that man is Bai Ziye—a very good person.” Bai Yun pointed to the gentle man nearby, her smile wide and genuine.

Bai Ziye approached, offering a polite smile. “Hello, Yinyao. I’m Bai Ziye.”

Out of Bai Yun’s sight, Yinyao and Bai Ziye exchanged silent glances—a quiet battle of wills. She knew his interest stemmed from her Yin surname but refused to back down.

After a moment, both averted their eyes, feigning casualness.

“Yinyao, huh? Wait, you share a surname with my aunt? Ziye, isn’t the Yin name reserved for those with a hundred percent inheritance power?” Bai Yun suddenly asked the knowledgeable man beside him.

—End of side note—

La la la~ Second update complete~