Chapter 106: The Chief of the White Fox Clan

“Alright, given the commotion you just caused outside, things must be in chaos by now! I’ll have Yun’er lead you through the secret passage to see the clan leader. Meanwhile, I need to go out and deal with the mess you stirred up,” Bai Ziye said, looking at Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu as he laid out his plan.

Bai Yun nodded eagerly. “Come with me. Ziye will be busy handling your trouble. If he doesn’t show up in time to resolve the issue, my mother will blame him—and that won’t be good!”

Yin Yao glanced at Bai Ziye with suspicion. It seemed Bai Ziye’s identity was no simple matter. But considering that the charming girl before her was the daughter of the White Fox Clan’s leader—her own cousin—that complicated identity made sense.

“Go ahead. We’ll follow Bai Yun to meet the clan leader,” Yin Yao nodded, signaling her understanding.

Ji Xuanyu also nodded toward Bai Ziye. Bai Ziye, watching the innocent Bai Yun, hoped this child would stay vigilant. Although Yin Yao’s identity was nearly confirmed, it was not yet certain. He had to remain cautious.

Bai Ziye stood up and vanished from the residence in the blink of an eye. Everyone knew he had used teleportation to save time. Watching him leave, Bai Yun beckoned Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu and led them to a well beside the house.

Her steps seemed erratic but followed an invisible rhythm. After a while, the water in the well visibly receded. Bai Yun was the first to jump in. “Come on down!”

Yin Yao jumped down swiftly, followed closely by Ji Xuanyu.

Inside the narrow corridor, Bai Yun held a luminous pearl to light the way. Yin Yao examined the tunnel; though its structure appeared simple, it was clearly crafted with great care. The corridor was dry, making it hard to imagine that its entrance was a water well. The deeper they went, the stronger the sense of mystery grew.

Seeing Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu reaching out to touch the stone walls, Bai Yun quickly warned, “Don’t touch! It’s dangerous!”

They withdrew their hands, puzzled. They felt the passage was secure, showing no signs of traps. But Bai Yun’s caution suggested otherwise.

“Don’t tamper with anything! Not even Ziye dares to touch the walls here. This seemingly harmless passage is riddled with danger. One careless move could trigger a trap. No one knows how deadly they are. I advise you not to satisfy your curiosity or we might never return!” Bai Yun patted her chest anxiously as she explained.

Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu’s earlier actions had terrified her. If they had triggered a trap, the consequences would have been dire.

“Sorry,” Yin Yao apologized to Bai Yun.

Bai Yun waved it off, still holding her chest. “Luckily, I stopped you in time. It’s fine now. Just don’t move recklessly again. Follow me quickly.”

Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu nodded, and the three quickened their pace.

After an unknown length of time, Bai Yun stopped, bent low, and cautiously moved forward, signaling Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu to stay put. After a moment, she returned.

“Let’s go. Remember, no touching,” she warned again. This was a dangerous zone; any mishap could be fatal.

Seeing Bai Yun’s careful demeanor, Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu understood the gravity of the situation and dared not act rashly. They didn’t want any accidents delaying their mission.

Ahead was a staircase. Bai Yun led the way. After a while, a faint ray of sunlight seeped in. Bai Yun tapped on a stone slab ahead, and soon a square opening above them slid open.

Bai Yun turned with a radiant smile. “Let’s go up.”

With that, she stepped out first, followed closely by Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu.

Once outside, they found themselves in what appeared to be a garden. The exit led to a small river. Yin Yao grew increasingly curious about who had built this secret passage and how they had prevented the water from flooding it.

Bai Yun led Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu along a stone path. They passed women dressed as maids, who greeted Bai Yun warmly and glanced curiously at Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu.

Ahead stood a grand building resembling a palace. Bai Yun stopped and turned to whisper to Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu, “Don’t speak hastily. I’m sure my mother is already inquiring about the commotion earlier.”

“Got it. Are you taking us to meet your mother now?” Yin Yao asked, still incredulous at how quickly she was about to find her kin and learn about her mother.

“Of course. Let’s go.” Bai Yun grabbed Yin Yao’s hand and moved forward, waving Ji Xuanyu to catch up.

Ji Xuanyu quickened his pace to walk beside Yin Yao, the three of them shoulder to shoulder.

“Miss, you’re back!” At the hall’s entrance, a maid bowed to Bai Yun, her curious eyes flicking to Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu.

“All right, all right. Tell me, is mother already questioning the uncles about the noise just now?” Bai Yun spoke with no airs, more like a close friend than a noble lady, her tone naturally endearing.

The maid nodded. “Yes, the clan leader is asking about the situation. Are you going to see him now?”

“Yes, I’ll go in first. Bye!” Bai Yun pulled Yin Yao into the hall, waving to the maid.

“Hey, hey, Miss, who are they? You can’t just bring people in like that!” the maid called after them anxiously, but the trio had already entered.

“Yun’er, you’re so reckless!” a gentle but firm voice sounded from inside, though no one was visible.

Bai Yun glanced into the hall and chuckled. “Hello, uncles! Sorry to disturb you.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry,” came the warm voices of several middle-aged men. It seemed Bai Yun’s behavior was not unusual.

Bai Yun called to a woman in a white ruqun, her back to them. “Mother, guess who I brought to see you~ hehe.”

“Oh? Who?” The woman turned gracefully. Once fully facing them, Yin Yao took in her appearance.

She was fresh and elegant, like a lotus blooming from pure waters, yet her brows carried the aura of a strong woman—soft yet resolute, perfectly fitting.

Bai Ling turned to see her mischievous daughter and the man and woman beside her. She felt an inexplicable familiarity with the woman’s face but couldn’t recall who she was.

Pointing delicately at Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu, she asked, “Are these the people you brought back?”

Bai Yun ran up and grabbed Bai Ling’s arm, nodding vigorously.

“Returnees from a distant ancient land,” Yin Yao said calmly, looking at the woman before her—her own aunt.

At those words, Bai Ling froze, staring at Yin Yao in disbelief. Realizing her reaction was unusual, she quickly dismissed the others present.

Then, after scrutinizing Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu, she nodded and beckoned, “Come inside.”

Bai Yun didn’t know why her mother suddenly acted this way, but since it wasn’t bad, she happily linked arms with Bai Ling and entered the inner hall—a study.

Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu exchanged a glance and followed them inside.

Seeing them enter, Bai Ling gestured for them to sit, summoned a maid to serve tea, then dismissed her, instructing no one was allowed near without her permission.

“Explain the meaning of those six words, and tell me about yourself,” Bai Ling said calmly to Yin Yao, clearly masking her inner excitement.

“The Wasteland Continent. My name is Yin Yao. My mother’s name is Silver Fox,” Yin Yao replied succinctly, conveying only the essentials. At this moment, she was remarkably composed, as if growing calmer with each step.

Bai Ling’s hands trembled as she held her teacup, staring at Yin Yao in disbelief. Though she had suspected when those six words were spoken, confirmation overwhelmed her with emotion.

“Are you truly my sister’s daughter?” Bai Ling’s voice quivered.

“Aunt, please believe me! I returned to the Void Continent because my father, Qin Mo, told me my mother wasn’t dead but taken here. I came back to rescue both my father and mother. Please trust me!” Yin Yao knew this woman was the first person who could directly aid her.

Bai Ling stood, strode over, and embraced Yin Yao, tears flowing as she cried aloud, “Yin Yao, I’ve finally found someone connected to my sister! You are truly my niece!”

Bai Yun watched her mother’s joyful tears and couldn’t help but shed a tear herself, though she smiled. Despite her usual mischief and immaturity, she understood how much this meant—her aunt had long been a painful memory for her mother. Finding her sister’s descendant was a blessing.

Watching the three women weep together, Ji Xuanyu felt a surge of happiness. Yin Yao had found her kin, and soon they would locate the Silver Fox senior. Perhaps the father Yin Yao had just learned of would be found as well.

Yet, in this world, where were his own dragon clan relatives? A vague sadness settled over him.

After a long while, Bai Ling wiped her tears and finally noticed the young man with Yin Yao. She asked, “Who are you?”

“Hello, Aunt. I’m Yin Yao’s friend from the Wasteland Continent,” Ji Xuanyu said, glancing at Yin Yao before calling himself her friend.

Bai Ling looked to Yin Yao for approval. She nodded, and Bai Ling relaxed. Suddenly recalling something, she eyed the two and asked with certainty, “Was the noise earlier caused by you two?”

“Sorry!” Ji Xuanyu bowed apologetically.

“Sorry, Aunt,” Yin Yao also apologized.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Good to know it was you two. So, your friend… what’s your name?” Bai Ling realized she hadn’t asked.

“I’m Ji Xuanyu,” he replied promptly.

“Ji Xuanyu, so the Flame Dragon just now was yours?” Bai Ling inquired.

He nodded. Bai Ling then turned to Yin Yao. “Yao’er, earlier I saw the Silver Fox’s phantom. Were you advancing just now? How strong are you now?”

“Mid-stage Void Sect,” Yin Yao answered frankly. Bai Ling’s question reminded her that Ji Xuanyu had also grown stronger—though she wasn’t sure of his current level. She decided to ask another time.

Hearing this, Bai Ling nodded. “Not bad. You grew up on the Wasteland Continent, and returning here with mid-stage Void Sect strength is impressive. I believe with effort, you’ll soon surpass Bai Ziye, our White Fox clan’s top genius.”

This was the first time Yin Yao heard of Bai Ziye’s status. He was the clan’s foremost prodigy, evidently formidable. That meant the Nine-Tailed Fox team captain must also be extraordinary. She resolved to ask Bai Ziye about him next time.

Hearing Bai Ling say Yin Yao could surpass Bai Ziye soon surprised Bai Yun. “Mother, you’re kidding, right? Ziye’s already a Void Emperor and is about to enter mid-stage Void Emperor. Saying Yin Yao will surpass him so quickly seems off!”

Bai Ling smiled and shook her head. “If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.”

In truth, Bai Ling’s judgment stemmed from knowing Silver Fox would never lightly bestow the ‘Yin’ surname on her daughter. To earn that name, one must possess extraordinary talent. That was why she believed Yin Yao could soon exceed Bai Ziye.

This was Yin Yao’s first clear understanding of Bai Ziye’s strength. Though he looked only slightly older, his power was immense. She vowed to work hard and surpass him soon.

Mid-stage Void Emperor—nearing the middle stage.

Ji Xuanyu silently repeated this news in his heart.