Chapter 132: The Clan Chief’s Guard

Yin Yao and her two companions did not linger long with Uncle Qiang. After some deliberation, they agreed that Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu would reside in the main city for a few days, awaiting further word. After all, planting two individuals beside the Patriarch of the Nine-Tailed Fox clan was no simple task.

"Mei, what were you doing at the territory's border today? Don't tell me you were on patrol; you didn't even have any subordinates with you," Yin Yao said with a sly smile. In hindsight, she realized that Mei’s appearance had been far too coincidental.

"Er..." Mei looked taken aback, not expecting such a direct question. Seeing his reaction, Yin Yao’s smile widened. "Go on, tell me the truth. I can tell the difference between a lie and a fact."

Mei raised his right hand and cleared his throat. "Cough, cough. Why are you so sure it wasn't a coincidence?"

Ji Xuanyu raised an eyebrow. It seemed Yin Yao had also sensed the suspicious timing of Mei’s arrival. However, regardless of Mei’s true motives for approaching them, it mattered little now. Since he had already provided Yin Yao with significant help, his minor ulterior motives could be overlooked.

"Well, it was quite a coincidence," Yin Yao said, feigning seriousness, though the mirth in her eyes was unmistakable. Anyone could see she was teasing him.

The two members of the White Fox clan were a study in contrasts: one kept pestering her, while the other was entirely indifferent, wearing a cold, stony expression as if the world owed him money. And the one who actually engaged with her was... well, she sighed.

"Fine, I'll tell you. You don't have to look at me like that!" Mei surrendered, feeling helpless.

"Go ahead," Yin Yao replied, dropping her playful demeanor.

Feeling awkward, Mei was at a loss; dealing with such a sharp person was truly troublesome. "After you were taken away, I heard the White Fox clan had a 'Bai Yao.' Given how unique your situation was, I got curious. I remembered you once called yourself Yin Yao, so I wondered if it might be you."

"Later, I disguised myself as a member of the White Fox clan and hid in the crowd when Bai Ling introduced you. I saw you and confirmed my suspicions. At that moment, I realized you were someone of value. I thought perhaps we could cooperate."

"I spent a long time trying to figure out how to contact you, but I couldn't find a way. In the end, I chose the simplest, most foolish method: waiting for the rabbit by the tree. I had a hunch you would leave the White Fox clan. Based on the impression you gave me, I stood at that border for days. I’m glad you actually came."

Yin Yao was slightly surprised. She hadn't realized her presence left such a deep impression that Mei would be so convinced after only one meeting, and so persistent for a one-in-ten-thousand chance.

"Weren't you afraid I wouldn't leave the White Fox clan?" she asked.

"Intuition. My intuition told me you weren't simple and wouldn't stay there forever. Seeing how you were clearly devoted to the Spirit Fox clan, how could you not appear? I just inexplicably believed you would." As Mei spoke, the awkwardness faded, replaced by calm.

Hearing the sincerity and faint confusion in Mei’s tone, Yin Yao smiled and shook her head. "Congratulations, your intuition is correct. I won't stay with the White Fox clan; I am here to protect the Spirit Fox clan."

Ji Xuanyu, who had been silent, flickered his gaze upon hearing Mei’s earnest words, as if confirming something, before returning to his calm composure.

"I see," Mei replied.

"Let's part ways now. If others see you with two strangers, it will draw attention. It would be bad if we aroused suspicion," Yin Yao said, noting the movement of people nearby.

"Agreed. Be careful. I will notify you when the time comes." Understanding her intent, Mei nodded. Before leaving, for some reason, his eyes lingered on Ji Xuanyu for a moment.

Once Mei had disappeared, Ji Xuanyu finally spoke. "Yao'er, how long do you think it will take for him to bring us news?"

"Not long. I expect Uncle Qiang will have Mei bring us good news within three days," Yin Yao said with a confident smile.

"You trust this Uncle Qiang so much?" Ji Xuanyu flashed a faint, gentle smile, resembling the elegant Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Chu Zuyi, of the past.

Seeing that smile, Yin Yao felt an strange flutter in her heart. "Don't you trust him?"

"Heh." Ji Xuanyu didn't answer directly, merely smiling. In truth, he trusted Uncle Qiang as well, but he had simply wanted to hear Yin Yao’s thoughts.

They found an inn and rented two rooms. The day’s events had been entirely unexpected. They had set out to find Li Su in the hidden realm, but instead, they had been intercepted by Mei, met Uncle Qiang, and were now poised to infiltrate the inner circle of the Nine-Tailed Fox clan's leader.

Though far from their original plan, it was a promising turn of events. Finding Li Su could wait, but restoring the Spirit Fox clan was urgent. Moreover, only the Nine-Tailed Fox clan leader could provide information about her mother, Yin Hu.

Three days later, as expected, Mei returned with good news. He found them easily, despite them never revealing their location—a testament to the reach of his mysterious underground organization, which seemed to permeate the entire Nine-Tailed Fox territory.

"Uncle Qiang has made arrangements. In two days, the Patriarch will be selecting a group of personal guards. This is your chance to slip in. With your capabilities, I’m sure it will be no problem." Mei wore deep purple robes, looking exceptionally alluring.

"Thank you, Mei. Please thank Uncle Qiang for me as well."

"No need for thanks; this is a small matter. The rest is up to you. Uncle Qiang said he can only help this much; any further involvement would invite suspicion. Proceed with caution and don't rush, or it will backfire," Mei warned.

"Rest assured."

"Here are two sets of clothes to make you look like wandering cultivators passing through. You will also need to alter your appearances, as the Patriarch surely knows what Bai Yao looks like—and the same goes for you, Ji Xuanyu." Mei handed them a parcel.

Ji Xuanyu took it; he knew it contained skin masks. Disguise was inevitable, and they had already been taking precautions over the past three days. This was not the White Fox territory, and caution was paramount.

The selection venue was packed with people—wandering cultivators like Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu, wealthy-looking individuals, and even men clad in general’s armor. The position of the Patriarch's guard was clearly a coveted one.

"Yao'er, let’s take separate rings and finish quickly. I believe we will catch the Patriarch's attention soon enough," Ji Xuanyu said casually.

"Fine by me. Let’s see who is faster," Yin Yao replied, a playful smile appearing on her plain face, making it suddenly vivid.

Their conversation was overheard by a burly man nearby. Finding the boastful words of these two small, thin individuals laughable, he swung his massive axe and roared, "Why don't you two run home to your mothers instead of playing soldier? Haha!"

Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu exchanged a silent glance, finding the man amusing. How easily people judged by appearances!

"Big brother, if you're so eager to go home, you should go. I'm sure your wife is waiting for you to change the baby's diaper," Yin Yao said, lifting her chin with an innocent smile.

A crowd gathered, expecting the petite man to be pulverized by the burly warrior, who was known for his brute strength.

"You little brat, taste my axe!" The man swung down at Yin Yao.

Yin Yao shifted her foot slightly, sidestepping the blow, and delivered a swift kick. The massive figure flew through the air in a perfect arc.

Gasps filled the air. No one had expected the burly man to be sent flying by such a slight person. Seeing the small man’s smiling face, the crowd felt a chill.

Applause broke out. A man with a build similar to Ji Xuanyu’s walked over slowly, clapping. Yin Yao sensed his cultivation was roughly at the early stage of the Void Emperor realm. She had used only a subtle technique, avoiding spirit energy to keep a low profile.

"And who might you be?" Yin Yao asked with a friendly smile.

"Wow, is that Hua Yin? The one everyone says is a shoo-in for the Patriarch's guard?"

"Yes, it’s him! Master Hua Yin!"

"Look at him, he’s so distinguished! He’ll definitely be chosen!"

"I heard this is his first time here. He’s the genius second only to Young Master Mei!"

The crowd chattered excitedly before the man in blue could even speak. He was clearly an important figure—a genius second only to Mei.

"Greetings, I am Hua Yin," he said, extending a hand.

Hua Yin’s expression held a hint of arrogance, though well-concealed. Yin Yao smiled dismissively. "I am Yao. This is my friend, Yu."

Ji Xuanyu reached out and shook Hua Yin’s hand. "I am Yu."

"You’re here for the competition, too? Based on your skills, you’ll certainly be chosen. In my opinion, I’ll take first place, and you two can fight for second and third," Hua Yin said once the crowd had dispersed.

Yin Yao and Ji Xuanyu could only offer a polite, helpless smile.

Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd.