Chapter Twelve: Mistaken Identity

After chatting for a long while, one of the elders inquired about Xie Yingying’s background. “May I ask, young master, which sect does that lady belong to?”

Since this was a matter of marriage, it was essential to clarify Xie Yingying’s identity; only then could they proceed appropriately with the betrothal gifts.

The marriage of the young emperor of the Celestial Fox Clan was not something to be handled carelessly. If it was to be done, it had to be done magnificently, creating an unprecedented grand occasion worthy of Bai Shengyun’s status.

However, Bai Shengyun’s lips curled slightly, as if recalling something, and with a smile he replied, “Xie Yingying, the most beautiful woman of the Demonic Sect. You may make the arrangements.”

Upon hearing this, the elder’s vision swam; his earlier joy shattered instantly, leaving him nearly dumbfounded.

“It’s actually her?”

Who would have thought Bai Shengyun’s intended bride would be Xie Yingying? Remembering the notorious reputation Xie Yingying had earned, the elders’ expressions turned exceedingly complicated.

The chief elder, naturally familiar with the Demonic Sect and having some knowledge of Xie Yingying’s character, looked hesitant. “Young master, are you certain you wish to be joined in matrimony with this lady?”

Bai Shengyun glanced at the chief elder, his smile unwavering. “Of course. When have I ever deceived you?”

Since they had already shared such intimacy, the rules of the Celestial Fox Clan dictated he must bear responsibility; otherwise, he himself would be greatly affected.

Though resigned, he could do nothing else.

“Ahem, but I have heard rumors that this demonic cultivator lady has acted rather inappropriately outside; I fear it may affect your standing.”

Although the elder phrased it delicately, his disdain for Xie Yingying was evident.

A woman so lacking in propriety, and yet, somehow, she had become entangled with Bai Shengyun.

The elder was convinced that Bai Shengyun must have been deceived or beguiled by Xie Yingying’s tricks; otherwise, how could he possibly take a liking to her?

Their expressions clouded. Though Xie Yingying bore the title of “first beauty,” her wanton ways had dragged her reputation through the mud. How could someone like that be worthy of Bai Shengyun?

“All you need do is carry out my instructions. There is no need for further discussion,” Bai Shengyun’s tone grew colder, a warning laced in his voice.

He knew well enough what kind of person Xie Yingying had been, but now that she was with him, she must from this day forth become a proper lady, severing ties with all those dubious people.

The elders were silent for a long time. In Bai Shengyun’s presence, they dared not protest further and at last agreed through gritted teeth.

“Rest assured, young master. We shall report to the clan at once and begin preparations for the wedding.”

“Very well. Off you go,” Bai Shengyun replied in a deep voice, dismissing them without another word. He then leisurely sipped his tea, entirely unbothered by the matter of Xie Yingying.

Meanwhile, Xie Yingying, bored out of her mind in her room, had long grown weary of the scenery outside the window. She lay bonelessly, limp as wet clay, sprawled by the window.

At last, she simply got up and left the room. After all, Bai Shengyun had only threatened her not to run away; he hadn’t said she couldn’t wander nearby. At this hour, he wouldn’t come after her.

With this in mind, Xie Yingying walked out with a clear conscience.

As she exited, she noticed the entire inn was deserted. Bai Shengyun hadn’t even bothered to assign any guards, clearly confident she couldn’t possibly escape.

Xie Yingying curled her lip in silent annoyance and strolled out, meandering through the courtyard.

Passing a rockery, she noticed a mound of white fur atop a stone, rising and falling with steady breaths.

Assuming the white form coiled atop the rock was Bai Shengyun, she grumbled irritably, “Why do I bump into you everywhere? You haunt me like a ghost!”

She was merely wandering about, yet somehow had run into Bai Shengyun again. She felt thoroughly vexed by his ever-present shadow.

Along the way, she had suffered greatly at Bai Shengyun’s hands, never given a moment’s rest, let alone a chance to escape.

Seeing the furry creature unmoving atop the stone, she turned to leave, retracing her steps.

Little did she know, the one lounging in the sun atop the rock was not Bai Shengyun, but his third brother.

Bai Qirui, bored out of his mind, was sunning himself on the stone. His keen senses caught the sound of a voice, and looking over, he saw Xie Yingying just as she was about to turn away.

“Fair maiden, please wait,” he said, speaking in human tongue and stopping Xie Yingying in her tracks.

Hearing this gentle, mellow voice, Xie Yingying immediately realized she had mistaken him for someone else. He only resembled Bai Shengyun; he was not the same.

She did stop, but her expression was far from pleasant. “May I ask what you want?”

“May I ask your esteemed name, and why you believe I haunt you like a ghost?” Bai Qirui, though appearing as a celestial fox, spoke with a faint smile.

Xie Yingying returned his smile and replied, “I wouldn’t dare claim any fame; my name is Xie Yingying. I was merely passing by and did not mean to disturb you.”

She instantly changed her demeanor, feeling a bit regretful for her earlier words.

She had thought he was Bai Shengyun, deliberately appearing in this form to torment her.

She had no resistance to fluffy things, but as soon as she thought of Bai Shengyun, she felt uncomfortable.

A gentleman may be killed but not humiliated; although she was far from that level, she didn’t want to be bullied by Bai Shengyun forever—constantly threatened, living in fear for her life.

“Miss Xie, did you mistake me for someone else?” Bai Qirui sat up, fixing a pair of fox’s eyes on Xie Yingying.

Upon realizing this was not Bai Shengyun, Xie Yingying’s attitude softened considerably; she no longer wore the sullen face she had before.

After all, not everyone was as detestable as Bai Shengyun, who delighted in tormenting others with all manner of tricks.

This man merely shared the same fox form as Bai Shengyun; at a glance, it was nearly impossible to tell them apart.

“It was thoughtless of me just now. I apologize for my words. May I know your name?” Xie Yingying apologized politely, though inwardly she was guessing his identity.

Anyone appearing here must be from the Celestial Fox Clan, but with that thick, fluffy coat, she really couldn’t tell who he was.

Besides, she had only ever met Bai Shengyun among the foxes; they all had similar fur, and even with sharp eyes she wouldn’t be able to distinguish them.

Nevertheless, Bai Qirui was rather amused by how quickly Xie Yingying changed her tune. She had clearly mistaken him, but her reaction was swift indeed.