Chapter 108: Bai Ziye’s Origins

“Zi Ye, I never imagined that under such miraculous circumstances, I could find my sister’s relatives. Do you think we should tell Yao’er about her mother and father?” Bai Ling tilted her head to look at Bai Zi Ye beside her. Over the years, it was truly thanks to Bai Zi Ye’s constant help that she hadn’t been worn down beyond recognition.

Her own two children—one brave but reckless, the other simple-minded—were utterly unsuited to manage such a vast clan. Yet Bai Zi Ye, the child once found and taken in by Silver Fox, was a true expert. Fortunately, Zi Ye belonged to the White Fox Clan, which made Bai Ling consider passing the clan chief’s position to him.

Indeed, very few knew Bai Zi Ye’s true origins. He was a serendipitous discovery by Silver Fox during her travels. Finding him pitiable, she brought him back and had Bai Ling forge a new identity for him, naming him Bai Zi Ye, back when the Spirit Fox Clan had yet to divide.

One wonders, if Silver Fox were to return now and see how much the child she once rescued had accomplished, would she not be filled with joy?

This was a secret known only to Bai Ling, Silver Fox, and Bai Zi Ye’s adoptive parents. At that time, Zi Ye was too young to remember much or know his real background. Now that his adoptive parents have passed, only Bai Ling and Silver Fox remain who truly know.

Bai Ling gave Bai Zi Ye a deep look, emotions hidden beneath her calm exterior. If not for the sudden reappearance of Yin Yao, he might never have recalled that long-forgotten matter. But now, seeing Yin Yao stirred something uncontrollable within her.

Observing the man by Yin Yao’s side, it was clear he held feelings for her beyond mere friendship. As for Yin Yao’s own hesitations, Bai Ling hesitated, wondering if she should reveal the past words once spoken—the question was, who else would even remember?

Bai Zi Ye did not notice Bai Ling’s hesitance; gazing into the distance, he finally spoke: “Chief, why ask Zi Ye? You’ve long known whether to tell Yin Yao, haven’t you? Even if we don’t tell her, I believe she will seek the truth herself. The real question is—are we truly ready to tell her now?”

Bai Ling nodded, as Bai Zi Ye had already anticipated: “Yes, I can see that Yin Yao returned to the Void Continent solely because of her parents. If it weren’t for those matters, she wouldn’t step foot here. But as you said, she isn’t yet ready to know all this. We should wait a little longer.”

“Please arrange it as you see fit,” Bai Zi Ye replied with a humble smile.

This humility was characteristic of him—never one to claim credit, always modest. It was as if he quietly worked selflessly for everyone, never seeking reward.

Bai Ling thought perhaps it was this very nature that earned him such a good reputation among the clan. When she eventually announced her intent to pass the chief position to Bai Zi Ye, the clan would surely have no objections.

“Let’s go. We still have preparations for tomorrow. I imagine, after your explanation, many clan members are curious about that mysterious disciple and her dragon friend,” Bai Ling said with a content smile. Bai Zi Ye was truly her right hand.

“Yes, chief. You should rest early. Zi Ye will take his leave now,” Bai Zi Ye said respectfully, bowing to Bai Ling before walking off in the opposite direction.

Watching his retreating figure, Bai Ling shook her head with a seemingly helpless smile. No one could understand why she behaved that way—only she herself knew the tiny selfish hope hidden in her heart.

As the sun climbed the mountain, Yin Yao and the others were already dressed and ready, waiting for Bai Ling to take them to meet the White Fox Clan members. Bai Ling and Bai Yong arrived at the courtyard where Yin Yao stayed, where Bai Yun, Bai Zi Ye, Yin Yao, and her friend Ji Xuanyu were already waiting.

Seeing everyone ready, Bai Ling smiled and nodded.

“Let’s go, everyone,” Bai Ling called out, signaling the group to move.

“Oh yes, let’s go! Yao’er, sister, we’re off! I’ll tell you, you’ll see so many clan members! But don’t worry, they’re all very kind!” Bai Yun grabbed Yin Yao’s hand and hurried along, chattering nonstop, eager to introduce more about the White Fox Clan.

Yin Yao appreciated Bai Yun’s kindness and realized that, despite her carefree and sometimes impudent demeanor, Bai Yun was actually quite thoughtful. She even worried that Yin Yao might be overwhelmed by the number of clan members. Yet Bai Yun truly underestimated her—once, she had been a peak figure atop the mountains.

“Yun’er, watch yourself. Look at you, what a mess!” Bai Ling called out, feigning annoyance at her daughter’s antics.

Having run ahead, Bai Yun laughed and turned back, teasing: “Oh, Mother, stop blaming me! This is all your fault! Hehe! It’s nothing, really!”

Everyone chuckled at Bai Yun’s playful reply. Bai Yong couldn’t help but say, “Just leave her be. If only she’d listen sometimes!”

Bai Ling nodded in agreement, and Bai Zi Ye’s lips twitched into a faint smile. Even Ji Xuanyu, who hadn’t yet fully blended into this circle, couldn’t help but smile at their interactions.

Hearing her brother’s teasing, Bai Yun crossed her arms in mock anger and strode over to Bai Yong. “Are you really my brother? All you do is badmouth me!”

Then turning to Bai Ling, she pouted: “Mother, you’re so unfair. You don’t defend me, and you agree with him! How could you!”

“Yes, yes, I, your mother, apologize!” Bai Ling said, looking at her daughter, now as tall as herself, marveling at how quickly time passed. The once little girl who followed grown-ups everywhere and clung to everyone had grown up.

Bai Ling reached out and gently stroked Bai Yun’s head. Surprised by this sudden tenderness, Bai Yun quieted and obediently stayed by her mother’s side.

The others smiled gently at the scene.

After a while, a maid hurried over, reminding them that time was running short. Bai Ling finally withdrew her hand and smiled apologetically: “Sorry, everyone. Let’s go—we can’t be late!”

As she spoke, Bai Yun leapt forward, teasingly: “Yes, yes, we better hurry! Otherwise, Mother’s perfect record of never being late will be ruined!”

With a playful tongue-out, Bai Yun pulled Yin Yao along, bouncing as they walked.

Yin Yao glanced down at the small hand holding hers and reflected on how long it had been since anyone had touched her like this. Bai Yun’s grip was so natural, as if it should always be so. Yet Yin Yao knew that back on the Wasteland Continent, most treated her only as their leader or master. Who would dare hold her hand without permission?

The warmth from Bai Yun’s hand comforted Yin Yao, and she matched her pace, keeping up with Bai Yun’s constantly changing steps.

After about ten minutes, Bai Yun slowed, no longer bouncing but walking gracefully like a lady. Yin Yao was momentarily unprepared for the sudden change. Just as she was about to ask Bai Ling about it, Bai Yun pulled her to the side and pointed ahead.

Following Bai Yun’s gesture, Yin Yao saw an open-air platform resembling an altar. Below it was a sea of people—heads as far as the eye could see.

“Yao’er, we stay here. The clan members down there can’t see us. Later, Mother, Brother, and Zi Ye will come up to the Spirit Altar to give a brief explanation about yesterday’s events, then introduce you and your friend. I’ll lead you both up afterward to meet the clan,” Bai Yun whispered.

“Yao’er, like Yun’er said, just follow her later. Don’t worry about your friend; Yong’er already told him last night. Just be ready to come out together,” Bai Ling said as she approached Yin Yao, giving her instructions.

Then Bai Ling turned to the now well-behaved Bai Yun: “Yun’er, don’t mess things up, alright?”

“Oh, I know, I know! Don’t worry! I’m very careful about important matters like this—I won’t cause trouble!” Bai Yun pouted in playful defiance.

“All right, then! Brother, Zi Ye, and I will go up first. Yao’er, Xuanyu, wait here,” Bai Yun said, making Bai Ling smile as she waved goodbye to the three.

Watching Bai Ling, Bai Yong, and Bai Zi Ye ascend the Spirit Altar, Ji Xuanyu came to stand beside Yin Yao. Yin Yao looked at him, silently asking: How strong are you now?

Ji Xuanyu smiled faintly: “Same as you.”

Satisfied, Yin Yao nodded. Bai Yun noticed the subtle exchange between them and smirked mischievously: “Hey, what were you two doing just now behind my back?”

Yin Yao felt a small headache coming on. She still wasn’t quite used to Bai Yun’s spirited personality. Ji Xuanyu only smiled mysteriously and said, “Not telling you~”

His response made Bai Yun chuckle twice, certain that the two were hiding some secret from her. Judging by their tacit understanding and familiarity, their relationship was no shallow friendship.

“My clan members, good morning!” Bai Ling’s gentle, melodious voice echoed through the air, breaking Bai Yun’s daydreams and refocusing Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu. Together, they released their spiritual senses to take in the scene before the Spirit Altar.

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Side Note:

New Work by a Friend: The Emperor and Empress’s Ruthless Reign

Author: Ban Diao Liu Zi

She fought for freedom, even willing to kill her sister, only to discover it was all a conspiracy! The mutual slaughter ended with a cold gun pressed to her head and her sister’s, a bitter smile exchanged—thus their lives ended.

She was plain-looking, talentless, and virtueless, seemingly forgotten by the world, loved only by her parents—a lifetime of contentment.

When conspiracy closed in, she teetered on the edge of life and death.

When she awoke, she had become herself!

Conspiracy after conspiracy! How could she ever accept her fate?