Chapter 9: The Baby Fox in the Mist

Ling Yue's bold words landed like a slap across Ye Qing's face.

Ye Qing had been training in martial arts for years and only broke through to the fourth stage of body training thanks to the many Vitality Condensing Grasses growing in his courtyard.

No matter what, he couldn't bring himself to believe that this girl had reached the third stage of body training in just a month.

But the technique she used earlier was clearly the Lightning Burst Fist!

"Ye Qing, you're clearly jealous! Compared to someone like you who buys their way forward, Sister Ling Yue's talent is on another level."

If it weren't for Ling Yue stepping in just now, Yin Shuang might have been seriously hurt by Ye Qing's punch. In her eyes, Ye Qing only relied on his father's status as the ore quarry manager and their family's wealth.

"She's just trash. If she's so capable, then let her fight me!" Ye Qing's face flushed as he raised his fist, ready to strike Ling Yue.

So what if she showed two lightning streaks? He was a fourth stage body training cultivator—he wouldn't lose to someone below him.

"What are you all doing? Don't you know the rules?! Seems like you're all asking for a beating, causing trouble outside the martial hall." The martial hall trainer rushed out upon seeing the tension and separated Ling Yue and Ye Qing.

"If you want to fight so badly, save it for the clan's assessment competition. Don't cause a scene here. As punishment, all of you will train an extra hour today!" The trainer glared at Ling Yue and Ye Qing, motioning for them to leave.

These were the heirs of the main family—future pillars of the household. The trainer had no real authority to deal with them strictly.

Though the trainer's words weren't meant to encourage anything, the three heard them differently—especially Ye Qing.

He knew now there was no more chance to make a move against Ling Yue within or outside the martial hall, especially with Yin Shuang constantly by her side. That meant his only opportunity left was the clan's assessment competition.

During that competition, he would thoroughly humiliate Ling Yue and her mother. Only then would he be satisfied.

Later, after class ended at the martial hall, Ye Qing blocked Ling Yue's path again.

"Ye Ling Yue, if you think you're so strong, then we'll settle this in the clan's assessment competition. We'll see who's stronger. But judging from your weak strength, you'll only embarrass yourself."

Hearing that, Yin Shuang desperately signaled with her eyes, telling Ling Yue not to accept.

Ling Yue may have been lucky enough to push Ye Qing back just now, but he was still a fourth-stage body training martialist. In a real battle, Ling Yue had no chance against him.

"If we're going to compete, fine. But what happens to the loser?" Ling Yue ignored Yin Shuang's signal and calmly asked.

"If you lose, you have to crawl around the training ground three times like a dog, shouting, 'I, Ye Ling Yue, am an unwanted daughter born from a whore!'" As Ye Qing finished, the people around him broke into laughter.

"What if I win?" Ling Yue's expression darkened.

"If you win, then even a sow could climb a tree. If you actually win, you can name your terms." Ye Qing laughed so hard tears spilled from his eyes.

"Alright. In that case, let's have cousin here be our witness." The two sealed their bet by slapping their palms together—a traditional gesture similar to shaking hands.

While the two were pleased with their challenge, Yin Shuang was on the verge of a breakdown.

"Ling Yue, that was too reckless! How can you catch up to Ye Qing in a month? This is your first assessment competition, and there are so many strong candidates. He's clearly trying to humiliate you and your mother!" Yin Shuang was flustered and pale.

"Don't worry, Yin Shuang. I know what I'm doing," Ling Yue reassured her.

She wasn't someone who acted on impulse. For her to accept Ye Qing's challenge, she must have some confidence. Besides, what she displayed earlier wasn't her full power.

If she unleashed four lightning streaks instead of two, even if she couldn't win, she could at least force a draw.

After returning to the northern courtyard, Ling Yue didn't mention the bet to her mother. Instead, she went straight to her room to replay her encounter with Ye Qing in her mind.

Compared to two weeks ago, Ye Qing had clearly grown stronger.

In body training, the nine levels are divided into three phases. The first three levels focus on toughening the skin until it's as hard as copper, able to endure most physical attacks.

Levels four to six focus on strengthening the bones, making one capable of brawling wild beasts bare-handed.

Levels seven to nine temper the internal organs, so that even blades and spears struggle to do harm.

If Ling Yue wanted a real chance at victory, she would have to break through to the fourth stage. But leveling up wasn't that easy—each breakthrough required more time than the last.

Sighing at her situation, Ling Yue decided to enter the Grand Mist Sky to harvest more Vitality Condensing Grass.

But when she entered, she was stunned by the sight before her.

The previously well-tended rows of spirit grass were now a complete mess. As she grieved over the chaos, her eyes landed on a small, white, fluffy creature digging busily in the soil with its furry paws.

Surrounding the creature's round behind were several of the oldest Vitality Condensing Grasses—each at least ten years old.

There are animals inside the Grand Mist Sky?

Shocked and curious, Ling Yue crept closer, trying to grab it—but the little white fluff ball darted away in a flash.

Now that she got a proper look, she could see its appearance clearly.

So… so cute!

It was a round, chubby fox, the size of a teacup. With short legs, a stubby neck, and baby-blue eyes, the creature was irresistibly adorable. Even its little nose was smudged with dirt.

When the little fox noticed Ling Yue, its expression shifted into full panic, like a thief caught red-handed.

"Little guy, do you live here?" Ling Yue stepped closer, but the fox was cautious. Before she could react, it bolted into the white mist. Its speed was astonishing—far faster than even her mother, who was a cultivator of the lower celestial stage.

"Sigh, he's gone. So he was hiding in the white mist this whole time…" Ling Yue could only stare wistfully. She still couldn't pass through the mist.

She turned back to look at the trampled spirit grasses. At first, her brows furrowed—but after a while, her expression softened.

A few hours later, peace returned to the Grand Mist Sky.

After confirming the female intruder had left, the little fox poked its head out from the mist once more. But this time, the field was completely bare—the spirit grasses had all been picked and wouldn't grow back for another day.

Squeak—

The little fox scrunched up its nose and let out an angry cry.

Suddenly, its nose twitched—something smelled good. Not far away, a bowl of fragrant sheep milk had been placed on the ground.

Squeak—

The little fox cautiously approached and sniffed the bowl. Then, with a snort, it lifted a paw and arrogantly pushed the bowl away before disappearing back into the white mist.