Er Yun, suddenly used as a human shield by Bai Shuo, turned pale with a bewildered expression. He glared at her, “W-What are you doing?!”
“W-What am I doing? None of your business!” Bai Shuo retorted, mirroring his tone. “What are you panicking for? You’ve got nine lives, so it’s not like you can die!”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Er Yun was dumbfounded, then frantically looked to Chong Zhao. “Senior Brother, save me…!”
Chong Zhao gave Er Yun a peculiar look, his expression darkening. Suddenly, he drew his sword and pointed it at Er Yun. “Who are you? Where is Er Yun?”
“Er Yun’s” delicate expression froze. She turned her head to Bai Shuo with interest and asked, “That fool didn’t realize for days, even though we’re close as siblings. But you, a mere Daoist, how did you see through me?”
“Oh, it was nothing,” Bai Shuo took a step back. “The first time we met at the inn, I knew you were an imposter.”
“Oh? And why is that?”
“Because it’s me, not him, who’s close to Er Yun.” Bai Shuo shrugged and winked. “Surprised, little fox? I also come from that remote corner where the Mystical Sect lies.”
The “Er Yun” looked speechless, but before she could respond, Nan Wan exclaimed, “You’re Mu Jiu from the fox clan!”
“Oh dear, I’ve been found out.” Mu Jiu pouted unhappily, showing no regard for the tense atmosphere around them, and instead stared at Bai Shuo. “Little Daoist, how did you figure out who I am?”
Bai Shuo hesitated, scratching her head. “Well… it’s hard to say.”
Seeing Bai Shuo’s hesitation, Mu Jiu, still wearing Er Yun’s face, looked utterly frustrated. “Come on, just tell me!”
“Oh, it’s nothing special. Last night, I got up to use the bathroom and happened to run into you.”
Everyone looked at her, expressions odd.
Bai Shuo, unfazed, spread her hands. “Since you’re a man and a shapeshifter, I figured you must be from the fox clan. After all, it’s known that Mu Jiu, the fox clan’s demon lord, loves lively occasions. How could you miss the Wu Tong martial feast, such a grand event of the Three Realms?”
Mu Jiu, seeing Bai Shuo’s calm and straightforward demeanor, suddenly laughed, “Ah, what a charming little lady they’ve raised out there in that desolate place of Mystical Sect. Really, you’re quite amusing…”
As he spoke, Mu Jiu leaned toward Bai Shuo, but before he got close, a pair of hands grabbed him by the collar and tossed him aside. Mu Jiu turned around to see a heavily powdered face looming, which scared him into retreating several steps. He jumped behind Chong Zhao, calling out, “Oh, how hideous! Senior Brother, I’m scared!”
Veins bulged on Chong Zhao’s forehead, his voice icy. “Where is Er Yun?”
“He’s sleeping outside the city, don’t worry.” Mu Jiu rolled his eyes and emerged from behind Chong Zhao, now appearing as a red-robed youth.
The youth was exceptionally handsome, with foxy eyes brimming with charm, as if capable of mesmerizing everyone. Yet, his expression bore a mischievous and carefree arrogance.
Hands on his hips, he glared at Bai Shuo and pointed his lips toward the still-silent drunken old man. “That lunatic wants to kill you, and you’re using me as a shield! What’s that about?”
In the commotion Mu Jiu stirred up, everyone almost forgot their original purpose.
Then, Bai Shuo sighed. “Senior Rong Xian harbors resentment toward both clans. If there’s any compassion or remorse left in his heart, it’s probably only for the fox clan.”
“Remorse?” Mu Jiu scoffed, casting a mocking look at Rong Xian. “Who would have thought, Rong Xian, that you were still alive. You—a deceitful, power-hungry beast who abandoned his wife and child—are capable of remorse?”
[Explanation: In this context, Mu Jiu is harshly condemning Rong Xian's betrayal and abandonment of his loved ones, indicating deep resentment from the fox clan toward him.]
The fox clan has, without a doubt, earned a reputation as the sharp-tongued masters of the Three Realms.
“Hold your tongue!” It wasn’t the drunken old man but Bei Chen who suddenly stepped forward, his sword aimed at Mu Jiu, his expression cold and stern.
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