Chapter Ten: The Grand Art of the Celestial Fox

“How did the information gathering go?” Bai Shengyun asked coldly, basking in the sunlight without a hint of reservation. He even switched legs, letting Xie Yingying continue to serve him.

Ning Qingqing suppressed the look in her eyes that threatened to devour and obediently replied, “Gu Fengshan is preparing for the Centenary Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual, so everyone has flocked there.”

After all, such a grand event only occurred once every hundred years, so it was no surprise that the mountain was deserted.

“When does the Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual take place?” Bai Shengyun asked again, his expression still detached, as though none of it concerned him.

As for the so-called Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual, it was, in reality, a contest where participants vied against each other, testing their skills and magic.

There were, of course, rewards for the victors—whoever persevered to the end and triumphed in the final challenge would claim the highest prize.

But the event was bound to attract cultivators from all directions, their abilities varying greatly, making it impossible to predict who would emerge victorious.

“It’s scheduled for tomorrow. Most of the preparations for the ritual are complete,” Ning Qingqing answered again, obediently bowing her head, awaiting Bai Shengyun’s next command.

She had little interest in the Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual; she merely wished to serve at Bai Shengyun’s side, hoping to earn a sliver of his favor.

Ever since she’d met him, she’d harbored a vain hope to remain by his side, to follow wherever he went.

For this, she would accept any task, no matter how arduous or demeaning, without complaint.

Xie Yingying paused at Ning Qingqing’s words, finally understanding the point of the Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual. Her gaze toward Bai Shengyun grew more meaningful.

Perhaps others were still in the dark, but she knew Bai Shengyun’s circumstances inside and out. This contest would bring him no benefit whatsoever.

Should he attend, he would undoubtedly become the target of all, challenged from every quarter.

With this in mind, Xie Yingying hatched a plan, probing gently, “The Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual sounds like great fun. Immortal Bai, do you intend to join the festivities?”

“Are you so eager to see the spectacle?” Bai Shengyun didn’t answer but asked in return, a faint smile playing at his lips.

“I don’t particularly mind, but since it only happens once a century, I imagine many powerful figures will be present. I wonder what kind of scene this contest will be?” Xie Yingying sighed with feigned anticipation, as if already picturing the excitement.

In truth, she was carefully watching Bai Shengyun’s expression, eager to gauge his reaction.

The Grand Ritual was a chaotic gathering of all sorts. If she could seize this opportunity to escape, it would be worth attempting. How could she continue to be at Bai Shengyun’s mercy, threatened and ordered about?

Ning Qingqing grew impatient at the side and muttered under her breath, “Why do you want to join the fun? You really haven’t seen much of the world.”

She didn’t dare speak too loudly, but the three were close enough that every word was clear.

Xie Yingying simply smiled. “Precisely because I’ve never seen such a spectacle, I’m curious what grand scale the Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual might be.”

Suddenly, Bai Shengyun turned his cold gaze on Xie Yingying. “Do you truly wish to go?”

“No, I’m just a little curious, that’s all—not that interested,” Xie Yingying replied cheerfully, her composure unshaken, her true intent flawlessly concealed.

Her main concern was whether Bai Shengyun planned to participate. If he did, it would offer her a chance to escape.

If things turned out otherwise, she would simply abandon this opportunity and devise another plan in secret.

Bai Shengyun chuckled lightly and said straightforwardly, “Since you wish to go, let’s go. I, too, am curious to see what kind of event this Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual really is.”

Xie Yingying was momentarily stunned, but as she realized what this meant, her spirits soared. It was as if a pillow had been offered to a drowsy soul—just in time.

“Come, let’s find an inn to settle in for the night. Tomorrow, we’ll attend the ritual.”

Bai Shengyun was the first to return to the carriage, sitting cross-legged in meditation, eyes closed to rest and recover.

Ning Qingqing shot a fierce glare at Xie Yingying but drove the carriage in silence.

Xie Yingying lounged cheerfully outside, swaying gently as she rode down the mountain, searching for a place to stay.

The Heavenly Fox Grand Ritual—with so many in attendance, if Bai Shengyun participated, he wouldn’t be able to keep as close an eye on her as he did now. Wasn’t this the perfect chance to escape?

She had no intention of enduring Bai Shengyun’s oppression any longer, constantly fearing for her life, living in perpetual dread.

For the sake of freedom, she would do whatever it took to ensure he attended the Grand Ritual.

“I see that you’re nothing but a scheming enchantress, relying on the Immortal to overlook your petty tricks, acting recklessly and without restraint!” Ning Qingqing remarked sarcastically, her words sharp and biting.

Xie Yingying raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. “The Immortal is still in the carriage, Ning Fairy. You’d do well to watch your tongue. A moment’s rashness can easily offend.”

Throughout their journey, Ning Qingqing had picked fights incessantly. If anyone was truly rude, it was mostly due to her provocations.

Xie Yingying didn’t mind; when pushed too far, she’d retort, finding amusement in watching Ning Qingqing flush angrily with frustration.

The trio arrived at an inn, where Ning Qingqing dutifully tended to the carriage and made arrangements.

She requested three rooms from the inn’s attendant, but when she received the keys, she played a sly trick.

“Immortal, you’ll stay in Room One of the Heaven Wing. I’ll have a porter move your things there right away. Is there anything else you require?” She wore a fawning smile, presenting the key to Bai Shengyun with both hands.

But Bai Shengyun didn’t take it. “Lead the way.”

Ning Qingqing wasn’t discouraged and promptly guided them to the room, personally seeing Bai Shengyun settled inside.

Xie Yingying stood outside, arms crossed, an amused glint in her eyes as she watched Ning Qingqing fawn over Bai Shengyun like a loyal hound.

She was certain that if Ning Qingqing had a tail, it would be wagging so vigorously it might take flight.

But Ning Qingqing hadn’t forgotten about Xie Yingying. With a cold face, she handed her a key. “There’s only one Room One in the Heaven Wing. Sorry to trouble you to stay elsewhere.”

Upon seeing the room number, a flicker of meaning passed through Xie Yingying’s eyes, but she accepted the key without protest. “Thank you, Fairy Ning. I won’t stand on ceremony.”

She knew Ning Qingqing held a deep grudge against her, their journey laden with hostility. Arranging her room so far away was, in fact, to her advantage.

The farther she was from Bai Shengyun, the less she had to fear his threats—and the easier it would be to act in secret.

Of course, Ning Qingqing dared not house her too far away, only separating them by a few rooms, but that distance was enough.

Bai Shengyun had nothing to say about Ning Qingqing’s arrangements; he simply sat in his room, sipping tea, coolly observing it all unfold.