It was another report regarding the Red Fox clan. One of Bai Qingyue's subordinates had promptly returned to deliver it shortly after his announcement to the troops. It contained a detailed account of his scout's discoveries thus far.
His mother, Hong Meigui, was not at the Red Fox clan's territory and surprisingly, neither was the Red clan's princess, the Fox Goddess whom his mother had insisted on betrothing to him.
The bewitchingly beautiful man sighed deeply, holding a palm to his forehead in frustration. He didn't want to deal with his mother's shenanigans. There were far more pressing matters to attend to, such as convincing his wife to become an immortal and warm his bed along the way.
Or, he could warm hers. Though she'll need a larger sized bed for both of them to lay on, Bai Qingyue thought to himself.
While Bai Qingyue was occupied with his thoughts, the residence grew thick with smoke. Near the entrance of the yard materialized a large grey fox with a long snout and bright, narrow eyes. Six fluffy tails swished behind his backside. The fox trotted towards Bai Qingyue and bowed low in reverence, nearly pressing his nose to the concrete floor.
"Your servant Lang Ju is here to report." The Fox familiar said with a slur to his voice.
"Rise." Bai Qingyue's eyes were still focused on the bamboo scroll when he spoke.
"Sire, your human disciples have arrived at the assembly." Lang Ju reported.
Bai Qingyue had summoned a few servants to better facilitate his remaining duration in the realm until the time of Li Meirong's eventual ascension. As per his father's request, he kept his parent's identity a secret. Bai Zhang's cloaking abilities were top notch. Even his own kind was unable to recognize him for who he was, however, Bai Qingyue was certain his mother would surely be able to.
"Very well. Disperse."
At once, the Lang Ju bowed once more and disappeared.
Bai Qingyue immediately stopped dawdling. He got up from his seat, squeezing the scroll in his palm until it disintegrated into ashes and briskly made his way towards the main halls.
He reached the main halls of his father's palace. It was a separate structure from the pagoda, A mansion meant for ceremonies and gatherings for prominent figures within the sect.
Since he entered from inside the inner chambers, the first area he reached was the centre stage.
Bai Zhang was already seated on an elevated chair up front. Bai Qingyue settled himself on the empty accommodation at his side, specifically designated for him.
Unlike the previous trial, this was an intimate gathering. The first order of business was the trial concerning the destruction of a certain Spirit Beasts shop.
Shopkeeper Mu was already present, kowtowing and narrating his side of the story with a trembling voice, uttering his complaints.
"She barged into my store and threatened my life, undoubtedly with the intention of robbing me! Later on, the girl went back and blasted my shop into smithereens, clearly to hide the evidence. Grandmaster Zhou Zhang, I beseech you, condemn this culprit to the fullest extent of the law!" When he finished speaking, his position assisted him in hiding the smirk plastered across his face.
The shopkeeper made a purposeful show of being wronged whilst containing his excitement.
Justice shall prevail! That damn girl should be chopped into pieces! Did she really think she could ruin my life's work and get away with it?! Humph!
Shopkeeper Mu was full of confidence. He was a Senior inner sect disciple who had been part of the sect for many years. Despite the girl's superiority in terms of strength, it would do her no good in front of the frightening Bestiary division's Grandmaster.
He raised his face to peer at his superiors. Grandmaster Zhu Zhang's presence was as regal as ever, tapping on the armchair with a look of utter boredom. His coal-black robes and oppressive aura matched the unfamiliar looking man sitting by his side.
Curiously, Shopkeeper Mu inspected the unknown person a little better. He noticed the pale-haired man shared an unmistakable resemblance with the prominent Grandmaster. Perhaps they were related? The main difference in their expressions was that the other man's mouth was stretched into a harsh sneer. His bright, cold eyes glinted with obvious displeasure.
Shopkeeper Mu's shoulders shivered, a sense of unease suddenly overtaking him.
Why did it seem as though this scary looking man was annoyed at me? I've never even met this person!