Chapter 36: The Envoy Got into a Fight!

Although she did not understand why Yang Qingyuan was still so lenient toward these demons, Wang Quanzui followed his advice, retracted her Phantom Dream Sword, and let the little mouse demon go.

"What's wrong? What are you thinking about? Do you feel that we shouldn't have let that little demon go?"

"It's not that. I'm just wondering, why are you able to be so tolerant toward these demons, Qingyuan?" Wang Quanzui shook her head.

"Tolerant? I wouldn't call it that. I just feel that before the truth of a matter is truly understood, killing so casually is, in the end, somewhat inappropriate."

"But they are demons, not humans."

"What does it matter if they are demons or humans? All living things possess spirits; why should humans consider themselves special?"

Yang Qingyuan smiled slightly, picked up his three-pointed, double-edged spear from the ground, and continued to fly toward the depths of Yellow Wind Ridge. Wang Quanzui hurriedly followed.

"But demons eat people."

"Not all demons eat people, do they? For example, the mountain demon that Sister Yang Yan's husband once released privately—didn't it quietly send someone to deliver a letter of gratitude later on? As for those demons who do enjoy eating people, there is nothing more to say; if we encounter them, we just kill them."

"We are no longer children. We should gradually learn how to step out of our comfort zones and think independently, rather than passively accepting information instilled from the outside. Before making a decision, why not try to set aside all previous prejudices and judge simply using your own fundamental sense of right and wrong? Perhaps then you will find that this world is quite different."

Listening to these earnest words of guidance from Yang Qingyuan, Wang Quanzui nodded thoughtfully.

"Perhaps you are right."

"As I said, do not passively accept outside information. Whether something is right or wrong, only by thinking independently can you have the ability to judge."

"Hmm."

Wang Quanzui nodded. As she looked at Yang Qingyuan, a spark of admiration grew in her eyes. He was always like this—though usually understated and never showing off, once one settled down to spend time with him, one would discover that he possessed a unique charm that others lacked. It was precisely because of this that Wang Quanzui had loved being around him since they were young. From Yang Qingyuan, she could always feel a sense of inexplicable peace.

"Are we going straight to Yellow Wind Ridge to find Jin Wuwei now?"

"Yes," Yang Qingyuan nodded.

"There are many demons in Yellow Wind Ridge; might that be a bit risky?"

"It's fine. If a fight really breaks out, you can just turn around and run; I will cover your retreat."

"You’re the one who would turn and run!" Wang Quanzui glared at him indignantly.

"Hahaha, I’m just joking. Let’s go, to Yellow Wind Ridge, and get to the bottom of this!"

***

Yellow Wind Ridge, inside Jin Wuwei’s cavern.

"Big brother, why go to such lengths to send your minions to blow sand into Yellow Wind City? If you ask me, those humans have already stolen from us. If they don't hand over the thieves, shouldn't we just go and wash the entire city in blood?"

The speaker was a "spirited lad" with yellow hair, large hoops hanging from his ears, and sharp fangs. He was Jin Linglin, the younger brother of the local demon king, Jin Wuwei. In terms of combat power, Jin Linglin was actually even more formidable than his brother.

"No! Brother, under no circumstances can we take the initiative to attack humans. Not to mention the Taoists of the Human-Demon Alliance, don't forget that Tushan Honghong, the Queen of the Fox Demons, has personally issued an order: no demon within the territory of Tushan is to attack humans unprovoked!" Jin Wuwei immediately stopped his brother's impulsive behavior.

"Your sister-in-law only gave birth to your nephew these past few years. Your momentary impulse could very well bring disaster upon our family!"

"But brother, those humans are going too far! They’ve even come to our home to steal; how can this be considered us provoking them?" Jin Linglin said, feeling stifled.

"Don't be impatient. I have already reported this matter to Tushan. I trust that before long, a Tushan envoy will arrive."

"Hmph! Tushan—a pack of foolish foxes, always blindly yielding to humans! If it weren't for their indulgence, how would these humans dare to have the audacity to steal from us?" Jin Linglin snorted, his words filled with dissatisfaction toward Tushan.

"Brother, say no more. I hear that Tushan Honghong is currently visiting the other three great demon kingdoms, trying to establish some sort of Demon Alliance. At such a critical juncture, we should not stir up trouble."

"I understand, brother..." After hearing Jin Wuwei’s earnest dissuasion, although Jin Linglin still could not swallow his anger, he ultimately forced himself to endure. His brother was right; even if he didn't consider himself, he had to consider his newborn nephew.

"Report! My King! An envoy from Tushan has arrived!"

"Oh? They’ve finally arrived? Quickly, show them in!" A look of joy appeared on Jin Wuwei’s face.

"This..." The minion who came to report showed a conflicted expression.

"What is it? Stop dallying, speak!" Jin Linglin urged impatiently.

"My King, the Tushan envoy has arrived, but it seems she is currently fighting two humans at our doorstep..."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on the corner of Jin Linglin’s previously irritated mouth. "The Tushan envoy is fighting two humans? That’s interesting. Brother, I’ll go out and take a look first."

With that, Jin Linglin transformed into a golden whirlwind and vanished from the cavern in the blink of an eye. After watching his brother leave with a helpless sigh, Jin Wuwei turned his gaze back to the minion.

"Tell me, what is actually going on?"

"Back to you, my King, the situation is this..."

***

Time turned back to half an hour earlier. When Yang Qingyuan and Wang Quanzui first arrived at Yellow Wind Ridge, a powerful demonic aura suddenly drew their attention.

"Hmm? Why are there two humans here?"

Following the source of the voice, they saw a young fox demon with a youthful face and a... *ahem*... curvaceous figure, looking at them with a puzzled expression. The fox girl was dressed in red and white robes, with one arm sleeveless and the other featuring a long, wide sleeve. Her pale purple hair was draped loosely, and her eyes were bright and clear. Paired with her slightly chubby, youthful cheeks, the delicate cowlick on her head, and her two fox ears, she looked incredibly cute.

However, those ears, which appeared very cute to Yang Qingyuan, turned into a source of grave concern in the eyes of Wang Quanzui.

"A fox demon with folded ears... She belongs to the royal family of the Tushan fox clan!"