Chapter 10

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By the time Hu Yuanfei finished his business, the Gray Wolf’s registration was just beginning. He took the child cradled in the Gray Wolf’s arms and crouched nearby to listen to her speak. The two demons were forced to stay together because of this one cub, though in truth they barely knew each other; not long ago, they nearly came to blows over a mouse.

The Gray Wolf’s answers were concise and straightforward.

“My name is Lang Xiao, five hundred and thirty-one years old. I used to live on Tianmu Mountain, but my birthplace isn’t there—I can’t recall the exact location.”

Only then did Hu Yuanfei realize that Lang Xiao was nearly two hundred years older than himself. No wonder she was stronger; it was no surprise he couldn’t defeat her.

“All right, please have a seat here for your ID photo.”

Lang Xiao sat upright, eyes fixed straight ahead. Though displeased, her lips were tightly pressed and her gaze remained vigilant, looking even fiercer than usual. The police officer holding the phone shivered inwardly, fearing she might suddenly lash out. Yet when he took the photo, her eyes appeared resolute and bright—surprisingly photogenic.

“Okay, now please transform back to your original form for a few more shots.”

Lang Xiao stared at the phone for a moment before asking, “What is this thing?”

The officer was momentarily caught off guard but explained, “It’s called a cellphone. It has many functions: remote calls, photos, videos, payments, transportation tickets, maps, and more. It’s something humans must have nowadays. Once your ID cards are ready, you can also buy one.”

Lang Xiao quickly asked the key question, “How much does it cost?”

“There are cheap ones and expensive ones. Basic phones cost a few hundred yuan, smartphones start at a thousand yuan, and some models can go up to seven or eight thousand or even ten thousand yuan.”

Lang Xiao nodded knowingly. If it was just a few hundred yuan, she could consider it.

Satisfied, she then shifted back into her original form.

Her true form was quite beautiful, with sleek, glossy gray-yellow fur that shone vibrantly. Her physique was well-proportioned and athletic, clearly built for endurance and explosive power.

Still on guard, Lang Xiao stood scanning the surroundings, her presence impossible to ignore.

The officer instinctively touched his waist, wary she might attack.

Daoist Wen Yuan sized her up, sighing, “It’s rare nowadays to see such a pure and graceful spirit creature.”

Though he was from the same sect as Daoist Ling Yun, Lang Xiao found Wen Yuan rather calculating and worldly—too much like humans, sharp and scheming in appearance.

After recording the two demons’ information, Yan Kai surveyed the now tidied villa hall and abruptly asked, “Did you get the owner’s permission to live here?”

The question instantly shattered the slightly relaxed atmosphere.

Lang Xiao asked, “What if we didn’t?”

“Illegal trespassing is against the law. It’s unsafe for you to stay here secretly.”

“We are safe.”

Yan Kai’s forehead twitched. “It’s not safe for this villa, nor for the owner.”

“Oh, we will be careful not to damage anything.”

Communicating with demons was always difficult. Yan Kai said firmly, “In any case, you cannot live here.”

“If not here, then where? We’d go back to the mountains.”

“Absolutely not up there!”

Hu Yuanfei interjected, “This not okay, that not okay—then what do you want?”

Yan Kai shook his head helplessly and said he’d try to apply for them some government housing, at least something official.

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Hearing about housing, Lang Xiao immediately perked up. Her first question was, “Does the housing cost money?”

Yan Kai was speechless for a moment before answering, “Of course! But it’s cheaper than regular rent.”

“How much per month?” Lang Xiao pressed.

“That depends on the size. A two-bedroom apartment costs under a thousand yuan.”

Lang Xiao had just been to the market with an agent and knew the going rate. A two-bedroom for under a thousand yuan was practically impossible to find.

“Fine,” she nodded, already looking as if she was about to move in.

Yan Kai regretted speaking too soon. These were demons, a special case. Government housing was densely populated by ordinary humans; the presence of two demons could be destabilizing and might cause serious problems. His higher-ups might reject his application.

“I’m only proposing this; it may not succeed. But I’ll do my best to find you housing.”

“Very well.” Lang Xiao returned to her cold demeanor. “It’s late. The cub needs to nurse and sleep. Are we still going to the hospital for a checkup?”

Yan Kai realized the sun was setting—it was too late to take the child to the hospital.

“Stay here for now. Don’t leave without permission. We’ll come again tomorrow.”

The humans finally left. Luckily, no conflict arose. Lang Xiao felt a subtle dangerous aura from these officers but couldn’t pinpoint its source—they were just ordinary humans.

“Then you may leave.”

Being brusquely dismissed, Yan Kai shook his head again, reminded them to care for the child well, and left with his team.

The child was well cared for and clearly safe staying here overnight; there was no need to forcibly remove her.

The police had departed, but Daoist Wen Yuan remained.

He reached out toward the cub in Lang Xiao’s arms.

Lang Xiao swatted his hand away and erected a protective barrier with her power. “What are you doing?”

Wen Yuan smiled kindly, “I just wanted to look at the child, nothing else.”

From the first glance, he saw the child’s disposition and innate qualities were extraordinary. The more he looked, the more he coveted her.

An excellent seedling—this child is perfect for cultivation!

At such a young age, already surrounded by golden merit light, she was destined for a life of smooth fortune, even if not wealthy or noble.

If she were sent to Qingyang Temple, her abilities would surpass even Senior Brother Ling Yun.

“This child has excellent innate qualities, a fine candidate for cultivation. I think—”

Before he could finish, Lang Xiao shoved him backward sharply. “You won’t!”

Wang Wen Yuan didn’t try to advance again. Instead he said, “Our Qingyang Temple at the foot of the mountain has many houses. We can provide you a free three-bedroom apartment, as long as the child can come study at Qingyang Temple when she grows older. We can teach her all our Taoist arts.”

Lang Xiao was no fool; she wouldn’t send herself or the child to a temple. She trusted the police more—they radiated righteous energy, far more trustworthy.

“Not a chance.”

“No negotiation? Our Qingyang Temple is very powerful, one of the top Taoist sects today. We warmly welcome demons who walk the righteous path—”

Before he could finish, he was shut out the gate.

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Daoist Wen Yuan sighed, “It was so hard to find such a fine seedling. If my senior brother saw this, he would be regretful.”

He began to understand why his senior brother insisted on sending the child away in such dire circumstances.

No rush—she’s still young. There’s plenty of time to convince them.

The villa finally quieted down. Neither demon spoke for a while. Hu Yuanfei felt guilty—today not only had he failed to find the chicken feet, but he’d also brought the police here.

“Sorry,” he said, apologizing to another demon for the first time in centuries. “It wasn’t that I couldn’t escape—I blamed humans for being too cunning, saying there are cameras everywhere, that our movements would be seen. I was worried it would put you in danger. The human world is truly perilous.”

He spoke with a mix of explanation and regret, still shaken by the day’s events.

The human world nowadays made him feel like he was walking on thin ice. The things humans created were terrifying.

Lang Xiao didn’t blame him or anyone else. They had entered human territory and had to follow human laws and rules. Besides, ever since she took charge of the human child, she felt their lives would never be the same.

“This outcome is already good enough.”

Their IDs were processed smoothly, and housing was forthcoming. The only worry was the cub’s future.

She would never let the humans take the child away!

After a full day on the run and meeting a house full of people that afternoon, Qing Yao had not cried once. Now perhaps a little hungry, she lifted her head toward Lang Xiao, who held her, suckling her lips and making smacking noises. Seeing Lang Xiao look over, she raised a hand to pat her belly, signaling hunger.

Lang Xiao hurriedly got up to prepare milk.

Seeing the milk powder can opened, Qing Yao quickly crawled to her feet, clutching at her legs and trembling as she tried to stand. Despite her efforts, she wobbled and sat back down. She didn’t cry; sitting, she continued to tilt her head back, loudly urging for milk.

“Hu Yuanfei, boil water,” Lang Xiao ordered the fox.

Not having been called like this for a long time, Hu Yuanfei was momentarily stunned. “You called me?”

“Yes, you.”

Hu Yuanfei jumped over. “Using spirit power again? I’ve already used quite a bit today to shake off humans.” Complaining, he raised his hand to start boiling water with magic.

Lang Xiao sighed helplessly and pushed the kettle toward him. “Use this. Use mineral water.”

Hu Yuanfei was excited—his first time using an appliance. He touched it for a while, then stared at the kettle. After pouring in water, he watched it for a moment and then touched it again.

“Why isn’t it hot?” he wondered. “Is it broken?”

Lang Xiao was about to sigh again. How could the so-called smartest fox tribe be so dumb? She plugged in the kettle, which immediately hummed to life.

Hu Yuanfei was amazed. “So that’s how it works. Why does it only work when plugged in? Is this spirit power?” He even tried to stick his finger into the socket, but fortunately, Lang Xiao stopped him before he could.

She pushed him away to change the cub’s diaper.

The lively yet quiet night passed. Early the next morning, the police came again.

Qing Yao still clutched her bottle, drinking intently. Seeing newcomers didn’t stop her, but her eyes rolled to follow their movement.

A female officer arrived, carrying two breakfasts.

Seeing the two demons, she handed over the food. “You probably haven’t eaten. I brought breakfast. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just got some random stuff.”

Hu Yuanfei, nearly starved for three days, took it immediately. Oh my, human food—and humans offered it willingly!

Lang Xiao glared at him from the side, astonished at how undignified a demon could be, burying his head to eat so ravenously.