Chapter 81: Chief of the Fox Clan, Take Off Your Robe...

“Aren’t you leaving yet? Do you want me to see you off?”
Lang Ba shuddered, not daring to look back as he hurried away, cold sweat already soaking his back.
If Ling Tian had truly harbored murderous intent just now, his life would have ended there.
Fortunately, Ling Tian hadn’t felt that way, or he would have suffered a tragic fate.
The scene where Huang Yu and Hu Yunying spoke those words had already been recorded by a watchful demon; soon, word would spread across the demon realm.
When that time came, there would be few among the demons who dared to bully the fox clan.
After all, with these two top demon clans offering their protection, who would be so blind as to provoke them?
“I imagine everyone must be weary from the journey. Why not rest in our clan’s hall for a while?”
Hu Shuxuan, delighted by the turn of events, extended an invitation to Ling Tian and his companions.
Not only had the matter been resolved, but it had also brought such wonderful news—how could she not be pleased?
“That would be best,” Ling Tian nodded, accepting without hesitation.
He didn’t consider himself so noble as to expect no recompense.
After allowing the fox clan to benefit so greatly, was it really too much for him to accept a reward in return?
Hu Shuxuan led the way, with Ling Tian and the others following behind.
The curious members of the fox clan had already gathered, having witnessed the earlier scene.
It was only natural for them to look upon Ling Tian and his group with gratitude.
Huang Yu, seeing the innate beauty of the fox women and the admiring glances they cast, felt a little dizzy with pride. His steps even faltered.
So this was how it felt to be admired.
He supposed he had Ling Tian to thank for this.
Had Ling Tian not returned Xiao Ling’er, would the Phoenix Clan ever have made such a decision?
Yet, he was mistaken. That was only one aspect; the true reason the Phoenix Clan agreed was the power behind Ling Tian.
“Xian’er, he didn’t do anything to you, did he?”
Hu Baiyi, unable to believe such good fortune could fall from the sky, nudged his sister Hu Xian’er.
He couldn’t help thinking his sister must have paid a heavy price for all this.
And what could be more precious to a woman than her innocence?
Though he felt aggrieved, there was nothing he could do.
If that were truly the case, Hu Baiyi would never forgive himself.
Hearing this, Hu Xian’er turned her eyes slightly, immediately understanding her brother’s thoughts. She shot him a reproachful look, then, after a moment’s contemplation, spoke with a spark in her eyes:
“He’s not that kind of man. Around him are only those of noble status and extraordinary beauty, yet he’s never acted improperly.”
As she spoke, an image surfaced in her mind—Xiao Ling’er and the other two sharing a bed with Ling Tian.
Her cheeks flushed. In such circumstances, how could he possibly compromise himself for her looks?

Seeing his sister’s expression, Hu Baiyi was taken aback.
His mischievous little sister had never shown such an expression before.
She wouldn’t lie to him. Could it be that not only had that human youth done nothing untoward, but she had even fallen for him?
At this thought, Hu Baiyi shook his head in secret, yet he felt no inclination to interfere.
He wanted to protect his sister, but he also wished to respect her choices. If she truly liked him, so be it.
“We simply struck a deal, nothing more,”
Hu Xian’er shook her head, explaining, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes.
Hu Baiyi said nothing, just patted her shoulder gently, signaling her to follow.
Meanwhile, the fox clan onlookers were efficiently dispersed.
In the main hall, Hu Shuxuan wished to have Ling Tian take the seat of honor.
Ling Tian declined, insisting that as a guest, it would be inappropriate.
Left with no choice, Hu Shuxuan took the main seat, while Ling Tian and his party sat along the side.
“Thank you for your help today. We are fortunate to be protected by the two great clans, but may I ask, what must our fox clan offer in return?”
Hu Shuxuan presented the finest spirit tea, expressing her gratitude without digression, voicing the question that weighed on her heart.
In her view, for these two clans to protect hers, there must be an exchange of interests.
Otherwise, why would they do so?
“Chief, you overstate things. Our clans protect the fox clan of our own will. If you truly wish to thank someone, thank Daoist Tianling over there!”
Huang Yu took a sip of tea, shaking his head with a light laugh, implying that no price was required.
His gaze fell on Ling Tian.
He didn’t want to reveal the true initiator, fearing Hu Shuxuan would become uneasy and refuse this kindness.
After all, with so many weaker clans, why protect theirs in particular?
Wouldn’t that seem rather unreasonable?
“This matter was simply a mutually beneficial exchange between myself and Xian’er, nothing owed on either side. Chief, you needn’t concern yourself,”
Ling Tian, sensing Hu Shuxuan’s grateful gaze, shook his head and explained.
Hu Shuxuan was silent for a moment. Seeing Hu Xian’er slowly approach, she spoke softly:
“Such a great kindness is hard to repay. My daughter is clever and capable—why not let her accompany you, serve tea and water…”
“Mother…”
Before Hu Shuxuan could finish, Hu Xian’er called out in a slightly coy tone, her gaze lingering on Ling Tian, heart pounding, unsure how he would respond.
Part of her almost wished he would accept.
To Hu Xian’er, Ling Tian was simply too mysterious.
The more enigmatic a person, the more he piqued her interest.
But before Ling Tian could reply, Hu Yunying couldn’t help but interject:
“I object!”

Seriously, she had nearly succeeded several times, only to be interrupted.
And now, her mother was making arrangements for her? Since when was life so easy?
With that exclamation, Hu Yunying drew everyone’s eyes.
Huang Yu sighed softly; now, he truly had no chance.
Fortunately, nothing had yet begun between them, or he might be feeling much worse.
Being the center of attention made Hu Yunying a bit embarrassed, realizing she had acted impulsively, overstepping her bounds.
She should have let Ling Tian answer. What was she doing?
Fortunately, Ling Tian seemed to sense her discomfort and spoke up:
“Forget it. Once this is over, I’ll return to the human realm. It wouldn’t be right for Xian’er to follow me.”
Hu Xian’er looked disappointed, though she comforted herself—wasn’t he refusing out of concern for her safety?
If not for safety, surely he would have agreed?
The thought made her secretly happy.
Hu Shuxuan, hearing this, could only acquiesce, unable to insist.
Glancing at Hu Yunying, then at her own daughter, she sighed inwardly. In the future, she would need to talk more with her daughter about such things.
Some people…

[A heavenly notification appeared: Fox Xian’er’s cultivation method, Nine Nether Celestial Arts, is incomplete, resulting in greatly reduced lifespan. Would you like to expend a drop of Dao Origin to complete the Nine Nether Celestial Arts and refine the fox clan’s meridians?]
[Reward: Fox clan loyalty greatly increased, gain Nine Nether Enchantress Physique!]
Ling Tian heard this message in his mind.
He hesitated; Dao Origin was not easily obtained.
But the matter of Hu Xian’er’s shortened lifespan…
Ling Tian had heard that the strongest among the foxes now was Hu Xian’er’s mother, Hu Shuxuan.
All the elders had passed on; their lifespans were indeed drastically shortened!
Very well—since Hu Xian’er was a nine-tailed fox, her potential would surely be great. If a drop was spent, so be it.
“You all go ahead. I have important matters to discuss with the clan chief.”
Suddenly, Ling Tian stood and spoke.
No one suspected a thing, and they left the hall.
Hu Baiyi remained to accompany them, ensuring proper courtesy.
Hu Shuxuan watched Ling Tian approach, assuming the matter was important enough to warrant a private conversation.
But when Ling Tian stopped a few steps away, his words were astonishing:
“Clan Chief, please… undress…”