Young Master Bai — Chapter 54

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Chapter 54: The Reasonable Little Fox

The Great Snow Mountain was the most majestic range in the world. According to the legacy of the Great Bear clan, ever since the birth of the very first bear yao ten million years ago, the Great Snow Mountain had always stood in this form, even continuing to grow over the years. Whether Heavenly Stars fell from the sky or chaos erupted among the clans, none of it could shake this true cornerstone of Heaven and Earth. It had witnessed disasters that drove living beings to despair, then buried the corpses of countless races beneath its boundless snows, unchanged since ancient times.

The Great Bear clan was one of the oldest races in the world. Living in the Great Snow Mountain, they feared neither the cold nor the ice ages, and survived far more easily than other yao clans. So long as there was food, they would feast; rumor had it they could devour an entire mountain and store all that energy in their bodies. Once they fell into hibernation, they could last centuries without exhausting it. This divine ability, known as Mountain-Devouring, together with the mountain’s harsh climate unsuitable for most yao, allowed the Great Bear clan to endure to this day. If not for the Yao King residing on the highest peak, they would not have been drawn into worldly strife at all.

The Great Snow Mountain held over a hundred peaks and was home to tens of thousands of yao clans. Aside from the Bai family, the Heavenly Wolf clan, the Red Fox clan, and the Great Bear clan, some rare high-level yao also occupied territories of their own. Outwardly they acknowledged the Bai family as leader, but in truth, rallying them was never easy. Tonight, Bai Chen was hosting a feast to see just how much strength was truly at his disposal.

The feast itself was managed by minor yao. As midnight had not yet arrived, Bai Chen lay lazily reading in his chamber, showing no trace of urgency. Yunce, after serving five hundred years as Fox King until his fur grew patchy, was more eager than anyone to abdicate at last. He even went out personally to spread the good news among the clans.

A king so anxious to step down was a rarity indeed. Bai Chen was just remarking on it with Li Wuming when the carefree former Fox King strode in with a grin. “As expected, the Great Bear clan is the most loyal to us. The moment they heard, Little Uncle, that you were ascending, their clan chief came straightaway.”

Though there were still two hours before midnight, the clan chief of the Great Bear clan had already followed Yunce directly to the Silent Tower. Clearly, he was genuinely looking forward to the Nine-tailed White Fox taking up authority once more.

Yet after five centuries, nothing was guaranteed. Bai Chen remained calm, resting his head in Li Wuming’s arms, and said casually to Yunce, “You’ve always had good relations with them. Go prepare a table of food and entertain them well.”

Though born a fox yao, Yunce had an honest and straightforward nature. He never understood wordplay, but the Great Bear clan was equally forthright — never speaking in circles, showing their emotions openly. Their temperaments matched well, and over the past five hundred years the Black Fox King and the Great Bear clan had become closer than the Red Fox clan, who were fellow foxes by blood. Yunce’s stable reign as Fox King owed much to the Great Bear clan’s strong support.

A blunt man was fit only to deal with kindred spirits. Normally averse to socializing, Yunce brightened at the thought of entertaining the Great Bear clan. “Don’t worry, Little Uncle. There’s no bear that can’t be won over with a good roast. And if there is, I’ll just serve two!”

Laughing, he went off eagerly to feast with his old friends. Seeing his nephew regain his old liveliness, Bai Chen felt pleased, then glanced at the envious Chenzui standing nearby.

These days, whenever he had free time, Bai Chen kept Chenzui close for instruction. Even now, he had the successor writing an essay predicting the feast’s outcome. But the aroma of food and wine drifting up from the hall, mingled with music and rehearsed dances, tempted the six-tailed Red Fox greatly. Compared with essay writing, this was dull work indeed. His eyes rolled with mischief, and he proposed, “Ancestor, my father is bound to come. Why don’t I wait for him outside?”

The boy was clever enough when it came to shirking lessons. Bai Chen glanced over and saw the essay was already eight-tenths finished, so at last he relented. “Go on, then. But remember — even if the Red Fox clan’s chief is your father, you cannot neglect him.”

“I know, Ancestor, don’t worry!”

The moment he was freed from his studies, Chenzui bolted faster than a rabbit, disappearing in a flash. Bai Chen could only shake his head with a sigh, rubbing against Li Wuming’s arm and murmuring softly, “Look at these juniors of mine — either too simple or too playful. If I don’t take the reins, who else can manage the greater picture?”

In the past, the Great Snow Mountain had only a Fox King. Though all clans respected the Bai family on the surface, each ruled themselves behind closed doors. This time, however, Bai Chen had proclaimed himself not Fox King, but Yao King — a clear signal that he intended to unify the clans and reorganize the yao.

To make the habitually unruly yao submit was no simple matter. And worse, he now lacked his own cultivation. Though he looked relaxed, Li Wuming knew the little fox was tense. The book in his hands was either left unopened for ages or flipped through in a rush, proof he wasn’t taking in a word.

Yet as a human, he could not interfere directly in yao affairs. All he could do was gently stroke Bai Chen’s hair, soothing him with a half-teasing question: “You’re bold indeed. Knowing my master is still in the Great Snow Mountain, and yet you dare call yourself Yao King.”

Everyone knew of Sword Immortal Bai’s deep resentment toward the Yao King. His sword strike earlier had shown he remained invincible. Even the Heavenly Wolf clan had restrained their warriors from venturing out in these tense days. For Bai Chen to declare himself Yao King now — that took audacity.

“Precisely because of your master. At this moment, none but me among the yao would dare claim the title. Opposition will be lessened.”

Crisis meant opportunity. Bai Chen believed Li Wuming would protect him. Setting aside the book he couldn’t read, he looked solemnly at the only man he could rely on. “No matter how I explain, action speaks louder. As long as I prove I am not the same as the Yao Kings of old, one day your master will understand.”

Until events unfolded, all was speculation. But once Bai Chen truly became Yao King, facts would speak for themselves. If he governed well and gave Li Wuming peace, would Sword Immortal Bai still curse him as a faithless fox?

Bai Chen saw it clearly. Li Wuming hadn’t expected such reasoning, and asked with curiosity, “My master once ordered me to take your life. Do you truly hold no resentment?”

Of course he had feared it. But thinking of the old feud between Sword Immortal Bai and the Yao King, Bai Chen couldn’t be bothered to brood. Softly he said, “Though I am a fox yao, I understand human principles. Spouses should support each other — and even cut-sleeves are the same. He is your teacher, your only elder left in this world. Since you help me guard the Great Snow Mountain, it is only right I help you care for him, so you won’t be torn between us.”

Even Bai Chen himself felt he was the most reasonable Dao companion in the world. If he were Li Wuming, he would scoop him up immediately and rub him until his fur was a mess. But the wooden Sword Immortal didn’t catch his hint — instead, he stared at him in surprise.

This displeased Bai Chen. “Why do you look as if you’re seeing me for the first time?”

What Sword Immortal Bai had said had lingered with Li Wuming, making him reflect on what exactly he loved about Bai Chen, and whether his affection would fade as the little fox grew older. Yet hearing these words now dispelled all doubts. Unlike his master, Li Wuming’s bond with Bai Chen had been forged through day-and-night companionship in human form. In his eyes, Bai Chen was as human as he was — merely with ears and a tail.

More certain than ever, he kissed his Dao companion’s cheek with joy. “I never thought my little fox would be so understanding. I am happy.”

To say a yao had human nature sounded odd, but Bai Chen was satisfied by the kiss, nestling closer before continuing, “The yao have always clung to ancestral ways, afraid to deviate. But the mighty beasts of antiquity are long gone. If other races have strengths, why shouldn’t we learn from them?”

Perhaps it was losing his yao core and experiencing weakness firsthand that let Bai Chen see things with balance. He judged only by strength and reality, not the empty pride of ancestors or the praise and blame of outsiders. This was the quality a leader most needed. Watching him, Li Wuming was certain the little fox would make a fine king.

But now, stripped of his claws, he needed someone to protect him. As the man raising a fox, Li Wuming intended to take that role. Smiling, he placed the Supreme Emperor Sword into Bai Chen’s hands. “Here. It’s yours.”

The Supreme Emperor Sword had once been Sword Immortal Bai’s, then passed down to Li Wuming. It was a legacy of their sect. This gesture startled Bai Chen. “What do you mean?”

“The Supreme Emperor Sword was the first blade forged by humans. It symbolizes the moment our frail race gained weapons to defend itself — our proof of standing in the world. Only a Sword Immortal can wield the ancestor of swords. Today I lend it to you, to bear witness to the rise of the yao.”

Speaking of his sect, Li Wuming’s expression grew solemn. But then he smiled warmly again. “You have no yao power now, but that doesn’t matter. I’ll be your claws and protect you.”

The name of the Sword Immortal alone could awe all yao. With this sword in hand, none would dare question Bai Chen’s claim as Yao King. Its scabbard was forged of Imperial Heart Black Copper, a craft long lost in the human realm. This was the only surviving ancient blade of its kind, heavy and dignified in his grip.

Bai Chen stroked the scabbard’s engravings. Thanks felt too paltry for such help, so instead he whispered, “Now that there is a precedent of a Yao King, do you still believe in me?”

But Li Wuming’s easy expression didn’t waver. “After today, you are the Yao King.”

Bai Chen devoted himself to the Great Snow Mountain, yet found little genuine support among the yao. Aside from the noble blood of the Nine-tailed White Fox, the only one who truly understood and admired him for his vision and ability was a human. Though ironic, he found it heartening. After all, this man who understood him best was now by his side. No need for courtesy — he accepted the sword, sat up straight, and met Li Wuming’s gaze seriously. “For all you’ve done for me, if one day you ever feel I’ve wronged you, I’ll let you lock me up and interrogate me however you like. I’ll even hand you the chains.”

Such words, spoken on a soft bed, carried a hint of intimacy. Li Wuming, well-versed in erotic texts, couldn’t help but let his thoughts stray. His eyes swept over the fox’s slender body, and he chuckled. “I’ll remember that. Don’t you dare take it back.”

Even the most proper fox was freer than humans. Bai Chen had once seduced Li Wuming of his own accord. Now he would never play the ascetic. With his tail brushing the man’s face, he lifted his gaze in a challenge. “If you’ve got the skill, drive out your master’s divine sense. I’ll be waiting in bed for you to deal with me.”

“You really are a little seducer.” To not wear out such a fox to exhaustion would be a crime. But with his master’s spiritual sense watching overhead, Li Wuming could only tighten his fist in frustration — for the first time tempted to chop off his own hand.

Once, Bai Chen had been vexed by his restraint. Now, realizing the man was deliberately holding back, he found it amusing instead, laughing aloud.

His laughter only deepened Li Wuming’s frustration. Yet seeing the little fox no longer so tense, he was relieved. Gently pushing Bai Chen to his feet, he smiled in encouragement. “Go on. With your ability, cleanse the title of Yao King of its stains, and make it the true glory of our race.”

~ Chapter End ~

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