Young Master Bai — Chapter 62

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Chapter 62: The Three Foxes

The human race and the yao had been hostile for many years. The last time the Great Snow Mountain crossed into human territory was three hundred years ago, when Fu Hongye, the former head of the Heaven's Way Alliance, invited them to the South Sea to eliminate a demonic overlord together. Even then, they had concealed their traces and quickly departed by sea, never revealing the slightest hint of their presence. For Bai Chen to now travel with such grandeur, using a token from the Unknown Truth Sect to openly take the official road toward Lin’an, counted as the first formal diplomacy between the yao and humans.

The Great Bear clan appeared outwardly as massive bears walking on two legs. Even after reaching human lands, Bai Chen did not force them to take human form. Along the way, they inevitably attracted crowds. Yet ordinary folk still feared yao, so none dared to approach. They only watched curiously from a distance, and not a single soul stepped forward to speak.

The yao’s endurance far surpassed that of humans. Even though Bai Chen followed every official procedure — submitting to inspections and customs checks at each city gate — it still took only three days for them to reach Dongling City, the closest city to Lin’an.

Dongling City had once been the imperial tomb of the ancient Xi Shang Kingdom. After Xi Shang’s fall, the site was plundered clean. Now, Dongling had become the largest antique market of the human race. Shops lined the streets on both sides, with genuine relics and counterfeits jumbled together. Only experts could hope to unearth treasures here.

The yao themselves had no interest in human antiques, yet Bai Chen ordered the group to rest in the city. He even rented out an inn and hired a famed chef, looking very much as if they intended to spend the night.

From Dongling to Lin’an took but three hours by carriage. After wandering the streets once, Chenzui returned to the inn to find Bai Chen still reading leisurely and Li Wuming nowhere to be seen. Unable to hold back, he finally asked, “Ancestor, Lin’an is right before us. Why are we not going?”

Naturally, Bai Chen had not stopped here out of interest in antiques. Seeing Chenzui return, he calmly popped a piece of candied fruit into his mouth and replied, “No rush. We wait for someone to receive us.”

It was only proper for emissaries from foreign clans to be formally welcomed; it would never do to slip quietly into the city without ceremony. Bai Chen knew that meetings of the Heaven’s Way Alliance could drag on for days or even months. By coming as far as Dongling, he ensured that the matter of the yao’s visit could no longer be delayed indefinitely.

Since they were already within human borders, the Alliance could not turn them back. It was only right that Lin’an’s sect leaders gather again, debate the matter, and send a representative to welcome the new Yao King. In dealings between the two races, every word and gesture carried symbolic weight; appearances must not be neglected.

That was the very lesson Bai Chen had set for Chenzui today. Instead of explaining, he set aside his book and beckoned him over. “You went out to watch the bustle earlier. What did you see?”

Having followed Bai Chen for some days now, Chenzui well knew this meant another essay was coming. Though his head ached, he respectfully reported what he had overheard. “There have been changes among the Heaven’s Way Alliance Ten Seats. The humans were all gathered before the notice boards discussing it. A street gazette even published the new Ten Seats rankings. I brought one back for Ancestor.”

Officially, the Alliance’s Ten Seats held no rank among themselves except the Alliance Leader. But the people of the martial world loved to compare and classify. Thus, according to territory and strength, folk-compiled rankings circulated.

The source of the gazette was unknown, but it abounded with rumors. Bai Chen scanned it at a glance and immediately spotted mention of their arrival in Dongling, complete with an illustration. Even the bears’ fur had been carefully drawn. No wonder every teahouse and tavern seemed to have a copy.

Yet what drew his attention more was the news of the Ten Seats reshuffling.

First Seat: Unknown Truth Sect

Second Seat: Myriad Treasures Hall

Third Seat: Azure Heaven Manor

Fourth Seat: Little Thunderclap Temple

Fifth Seat: Hidden Wisdom Sect

Sixth Seat: Endless Longevity Academy

Seventh Seat: Illusory Moon Villa

Eighth Seat: Celestial Master Manor

Ninth Seat: Astrology Pavilion

Tenth Seat: Three Thousand Spirit Stones a Jar of Soy Sauce

This was the current ranking of the Heaven’s Way Alliance. Hidden Wisdom Sect had risen thanks to their recovery of the Divine Wordless Book, while the former Tenth, Eight Directions Wind and Rain Tower, had been pushed out, replaced by Little Thunderclap Temple.

The name suggested a connection to the Great Thunderclap Temple, where Buddhist cultivators who achieved perfect merit resided. Since Buddhist monks and Daoist priests rarely mingled, how had such a sect joined the Alliance?

If that development only made Bai Chen frown, then the peculiar Tenth Seat truly baffled him. “Is this name a mistake?”

As Bai Chen had only recently awakened, he was unfamiliar with human oddities. Chenzui quickly explained, “No mistake. That’s the Wandering Immortal Alliance. They change their name every year. Last year they were called Street Corner Rice Shop. The year before that, World’s Number One Flower Pavilion.”

Bai Chen had indeed gathered data on the Wandering Immortal Alliance, but he hadn’t known they changed names annually. While the Alliance allowed name changes, each required paying three thousand spirit stones to notify the world. To do it merely for amusement was sheer idleness.

“Such a frivolous sect can join the Ten Seats?”

This was a question much debated across the realm. Chenzui could only repeat what he had heard. “Ancestor, this sect has only seven members, but each is a Wandering Immortal. They are said to be mortal enemies of the Endless Longevity Academy. That sect’s Seven Excellences are qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and flowers. The Alliance’s Seven Commonplaces are firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. In all things they oppose one another.”

“To leave seven Wandering Immortals helpless — clearly, the Endless Longevity Academy is no simple sect.”

Bai Chen carefully studied the gazette’s analysis of each sect, his gaze growing grave. The humans had indeed advanced greatly. That even seven Wandering Immortals could rank only Tenth showed how formidable the others must be. With the Great Snow Mountain’s current strength, guile would be required, not brute force.

Fortunately, the Unknown Truth Sect, which held the First Seat, had already entered into an agreement with the yao. Thus Bai Chen felt little concern. He noted the information, then glanced at Chenzui, remarking casually, “You seem in high spirits on this journey.”

Relieved by his master’s easy tone, Chenzui beamed. Since descending with Bai Chen, he had been captivated by the human world’s liveliness. Compared to the silence of the Great Snow Mountain, he found it irresistible. “Of course. At last I don’t have to hear my father nagging. Ever since Ancestor proposed naming me crown prince, he has been even stricter — lecturing half the day if I showed the slightest impropriety.”

He was at an age fond of play. Bai Chen chuckled. “So you enjoy my company? I thought you most dreaded doing homework.”

Mention of homework reminded Chenzui of the pile of essays awaiting him. Though his face fell, he sighed honestly, “Homework is never pleasant. But you don’t constantly warn me to avoid this or be wary of that. Traveling with you feels freer.”

Hua Jian Hu’s strictness in raising his son had been more about cunning, forbidding him from trusting any yao but his father, and ever reminding him to maintain princely dignity. Without this journey, Chenzui would not have realized the burdensome monotony of such a life. Now, having tasted freedom, he found it unbearable to return.

Bai Chen thought of the boy as he first appeared — aloof, cold, a fitting heir for a great clan, but lacking vitality. Now he brimmed with life. This recalled a question. “By clan law, Yunce is this generation’s Fox King. As heir, you should call him father. Even if he kindly let you remain with your birth-father, you ought to respect him as an adoptive father. Why so distant?”

“I…”

Chenzui faltered. Bai Chen’s tone sharpened. “If you have reason, speak it. If you know it baseless, correct yourself quickly.”

It was no secret that Chenzui and Bai Yunce were not close. Though Yunce had abdicated, he remained clan chief. If heir and chief were estranged, it would bode ill. Seeing he could not hide it, Chenzui whispered, “The clan chief is the least fox-like fox. With his blunt nature, he prefers straightforward folk like the Great Bear clan. To a fox like me, full of schemes, I know I displease him. Better to keep distance than earn his disdain.”

It was not without logic. Bai Chen raised a brow. “Did your father tell you this?”

Chenzui’s composure faltered. He quickly added, “I also feel the chief acts rashly, not as wise as Ancestor. Of course, I will never neglect proper rites. From now on, I shall honor him as an adoptive father.”

“You are still young. You don’t yet know — those who act without calculating profit are the most precious in this world…”

Having grown up distant from Yunce, it was hard for Chenzui to change now. Bai Chen sighed and shook his head. “Forget it. You are already two hundred years old. Be close to whom you will.”

Surprised, Chenzui asked, “I dislike the chief, and Ancestor won’t scold me?”

“This world is full of relatives with mismatched tempers. You may feel dislike in your heart, but in conduct, you must not be disrespectful.”

Relieved, Chenzui brightened. “I will heed Ancestor’s teaching. Outside, I will always give the chief face.”

That was enough for Bai Chen. With affairs outside so tense, let the family foxes work out their bonds in time. Chenzui soon grew restless again, his heart already wandering toward the lively market. Bai Chen read him easily and rescued him with a smile. “Go play, then. Take guards with you, but don’t forget your homework.”

“Thank you, Ancestor. I will carefully observe human customs and submit my reflections.”

Freed from his elder’s company, Chenzui darted out like a bird from a cage. Passing by, he nearly collided with Bai Yunce, who was surprised to see the boy so lively. The Eight-Tailed Black Fox immediately gave Bai Chen an admiring look. “Little Uncle, you truly have a way. That boy always puts on airs with me, but with you he is obedient as a lamb.”

Since Yunce had arrived, and with Li Wuming away visiting ruins, Bai Chen welcomed the company. He let Yunce take Chenzui’s seat and began admonishing him instead. “I should scold you as well. Chenzui is our heir. How could you allow Hua Jian Hu to teach him to keep distant from you?”

Yunce sighed. “Little Uncle, you don’t know. Hua Jian Hu once had a childhood sweetheart. But my elder sister set her sights on him, and the Red Fox clan forced him to wed her instead. The jilted girl married his brother out of spite. The Red Fox clan was torn by strife until ten years ago, when the younger son rebelled and was slain. Only then did peace return.”

He had just come from roasting thirty chickens and ducks with the Great Bears in the kitchen, bringing one up for Bai Chen. But when asked about this old wound, he lost his appetite, tearing off a duck leg for himself with a sigh. “In truth, our Bai family wronged him. If I also stole away his son to raise, it would be too cruel.”

In human form, the Eight-Tailed Black Fox was a strikingly handsome youth, yet careless in manner. Even speaking of sorrowful matters, chewing on a duck leg as he did, he hardly invited sympathy.

Bai Chen could only sigh. Finding this nephew a suitable partner would indeed be difficult. But the matter was serious, and he asked sternly, “That girl — was she She Jia Hu who was exiled to Ice Valley?”

Back in the Yinrong realm, Bai Chen had already suspected as much. Now it was confirmed. Yunce nodded anxiously. “I heard Little Uncle found a cave in Ice Valley with fox-scented hairpins inside?”

“For years the Nine-colored Deer has hidden in Ice Valley. Were I him, I would never waste such a pawn as She Jia Hu.”

The true origins of that Yao King heir remained uncertain. What was known was that the Ice Valley cave housed a Nine-colored Deer, a female fox, a skilled human cultivator, and a mysterious shapeshifting yao seen before in Elderly Village. Even with these confirmed members, their lair remained unknown.

The most dangerous enemies are the unseen. Bai Chen concluded the fox-scented ornaments must belong to She Jia Hu. That meant the Red Fox clan’s secrets were likely exposed.

Yunce had ruled as Fox King for five hundred years; his instincts were sharp. He quickly spat out his duck bone and warned, “Then we must be cautious. She Jia Hu is the Red Fox clan’s best at concealment. If she has joined the Yao King heir, every scouting method of the Red Fox clan will be useless.”

In that case, spies placed near the Heavenly Wolf clan camp had surely already been exposed, which explained why they had detected nothing of the massacre.

This was troubling indeed. Bai Chen rubbed his brow and sighed. “No matter how perfect, a concealment unchanged for a thousand years will eventually be unraveled. I will seek a way forward.”

Thus he took yet another burden on his shoulders. Yunce knew how heavy the throne weighed. Quietly pushing the roast duck toward him, he lowered his voice. “Little Uncle, you are consumed by clan affairs with no time for yourself. Is this truly right?”

Bai Chen’s tastes had been refined by Li Wuming; he would not eat duck unless it was carved. But seeing Yunce’s furtive concern, he smiled. “You mean my yao core, don’t you?”

“The higher your station, the more enemies you draw. Now that you are Yao King, to lack your yao power is far too dangerous.”

Yunce knew the truth of Bai Chen’s death and worried deeply. Such genuine concern only true kin could give. Bai Chen felt warmth in his heart, and the throne seemed worth the weight.

Perhaps his time with Li Wuming had influenced him, for he even joked, “No wonder you’ve been glued to my side lately. You’re guarding me. Were we not of the same fox clan, Li Wuming would be drowning in jealousy.”

Trusting as ever, Yunce widened his eyes. “I’m just a beaten-down fox. What does Brother Li have to worry about?”

“I wouldn’t mind if you found a partner to prove him wrong.”

Though Yunce hardly resembled a subordinate fox with his casual leg-crossing and duck-gnawing, Bai Chen chose to see him as another stunning fox in human form. He let the jest pass and spoke earnestly. “My yao core was stolen by the Yao King heir through deceit. Without power, how could I ever reclaim it?”

Yunce blinked. “Even with Brother Li’s cultivation, it can’t be done?”

“Individual strength has limits. No matter his level, if he cannot find the enemy, his power cannot be used.”

If both his birth-time assassination and later rescue had been orchestrated by the Yao King heir, then this foe had lurked for over six hundred years. To have hidden so long without flaw made them nearly impossible to find.

Bai Chen’s only strategy was to seize the Yao King’s position, forcing the heir to act and reveal themselves. As for Li Wuming, Bai Chen popped a candied fruit he had bought into his mouth and lowered his eyes. “My dao companion is of royal blood, a general’s talent, with peerless cultivation and an invincible master. He ought to be the proudest man under heaven, living free. I will not have him bowing or pleading on my behalf, nor serve another’s schemes. This mistake is mine. I will correct it myself.”

The little fox, outwardly obedient yet inwardly stubborn, had a streak of pride. It was precisely what Li Wuming loved. Were he here, he would already be ruffling those fox ears. Indeed, Bai Chen found himself absentmindedly twitching his ears, feeling them oddly empty without Li’s hand.

Oblivious, Yunce munched the duck instead, grinning. “Then let me stay with you when Brother Li is away. Until you recover your power, I will be your yao core.”

~ Chapter End ~ 

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