Bai Yu was no rookie in training. His muscle-honed body was used to enduring hardship, but to remain unperturbed while every bone inside of him broke into pieces? He wasn't sure it was possible for anyone, god or mortal, to stay unfazed under such cruel discipline!
Still, he couldn't bear to cry out. His pride wouldn't let him. One way or another, it was his fault. He was in charge and he let his lord down. He could only assume the amount of chaos that would ensue from his remiss security over the clan.
Not to mention Taotie, that monster hated the Huli Jing with every fibre of his being...
And so, Bai Yu bore his punishment like the seasoned warrior he was. His back, breaking out in beads of sweat and his mouth grimacing were the only signs of his suffering.
Gods were not called Supreme Immortals without reason. It was nearly impossible to kill them. Even if a god was chopped into tiny pieces, they would still remain alive. It was their primordial souls which ensured their existence.
The gods' spiritual bodies were certainly capable of enduring a lot more than mortals, however, it didn't mean they couldn't feel anything, especially from opponents with powers far stronger than their own…
Bai Yu reached his pain threshold. His mind rebelling against the pain, bringing him to the brink of losing consciousness.
Only then, did his pain lessen. The captain of the guard felt a cooling sensation seeping into every part of his body, realigning his bones and mending them back to their natural state.
Bai Qingyue's already healed palm hovered over Bai Yu's form, curled on the ground. He effortlessly mended all the bones back into place.
"I would have kept your condition in this state for a longer duration, had I not required your presence." The Fox God said.
Bai Yu slumped on the ground. The feeling of control over his limbs gradually returned to him. He flexed his fingers and toes. Finding himself capable of doing so, his demonic black eyes were glazed, clouded with relief.
"At your service, my Lord." Bai Yu hoarsely answered. his braided white hair clung against his clammy back.
Bai Qingyue hummed in response and issued another order, "Summon the elite squadron."
The tortured man did as he was told and rose to his feet right before a dozen shadowy figures materialised in the garden. They all kneeled in unison, awaiting orders.
Eyeing his soldiers with appreciation, Bai Qingyue raised his elegant hand, signalling them to rise.
The subordinates simultaneously stood up and straightened their backs, cupping their hands at the front. Their matching uniform was covered with metal plates, showcasing an engraving of the regal, nine-tailed Bai Fox clan crest. Almost all of them had matching white hair except for a few members from the sub-branches of the family. Their bloodline was so diluted that the curse no longer affected them.
"From now on, I shall be handling all matters regarding the clan and my sovereignty from within this mortal realm."
The Fox God subordinates simultaneously sucked in a sharp breath, surprised. Their Fox Lord had just migrated to the mortal world, what could possibly be the reason for this rash decision?!
The Fox Lord in question gestured to the guard kneeling in the middle. Her dark, green tinted hair matched the emerald shade of her eyes. She was exceptionally striking amongst the guards bearing a similar appearance belonging to the Bai clan.
Observing his troops' expressions, Bai Qingyue said, "Your Lordship's orders shall be meted out without any room for discussion. The Captain of the Guard is temporarily dismissed of his duties."
All of the Huli Jing present were stunned speechless by their Lord's decree.
Bai Yu was the captain of the guard longer than Bai Qingyue's reign! The attending soldiers couldn't help but throw sympathetic glances at Bai Yu.
His demotion meant the Sovereign Lord was truly furious this time!
Bai Qingyue addressed the dark-haired Fox Goddess in the middle. "Bai Cuifeng, I hereby ordain you as the new captain of the guard. Rally the troops in search of my mother's whereabouts and send scouts in search of Taotie's hideout." His tone turned stern, emphasizing his words as he said, "Immediately inform me of any information you come across."
"Understood, my Lord!" Bai Cuifeng said, sounding feminine yet stern at the same time.
She had to work hard to maintain her unfazed expression. Although she felt a little bad for Bai Yu, her captain of the guard for all these years. Secretly, she was elated!
I can't believe the Sovereign Lord recognized my merit! Bai Cuifeng thought to herself, gazing at her Lord with obvious admiration.
Meanwhile, Bai Qingyue finalized his commands. He waved his hand to dismiss the troop. There were more pressing matters to attend to. Recalling one final issue, he added. "Additionally, I want all of the palace attendants to be interrogated. I will not have any rats in my palace. Dismissed."
The entire squadron had disappeared as swiftly as it arrived. Only Bai Yu remained, dreading his Lord's plans.
Full of remorse, he asked, "Sire, what do you need from this servant?"
Bai Qingyue's harsh gaze softened slightly as he turned to stare at the nearby wooden cabin.
Perceiving the subtle changes of his Lord, Bai Yu's brow arched in contemplation. He had never seen his Lord looking so… so tenderly at anything or anyone before.
Clearing his throat, Bai Qingyue instructed, "I need you to change into your fox shape. Leave only one tail and regress to your youth. Make sure you look as appealing as possible."
Bai Yu would have already laughed if the words were not uttered by his iceberg Lord.
He blinked a few times, trying to digest the information…
My Lord wants me to turn into a little fox?!