CHAPTER 208
What Is the Blood of the Fox Demon King?
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A remote border town in the northern frontier had been seized by the Northern Garrison Army and converted into a command post.
Due to Dongfang Jue's strict order to avoid disturbing the populace, the main army camped outside the town, with only a small contingent stationed within.
Inside the makeshift command post—a converted teahouse—dozens of commanders gathered before "Dongfang Jue," their expressions clearly filled with apprehension.
"Your Majesty, we are not cowards who fear death. It's just that we've heard you became a disciple of the Lingxian Hall, and both the generals and our men are filled with doubts!"
"Indeed, indeed!"
"The soldiers are all whispering about it…"
Ye Qinghan seized upon the crucial point: "What are they saying?"
Caught off guard, the man glanced nervously at the two celestial maidens beside him, then shifted his gaze to his king. His eyes darted about, as if he wanted to speak but dared not.
Ye Qinghan suddenly burst into laughter, plopping down onto the table as he surveyed the assembled generals.
"I know what you're worried about. Worried I'll abandon you? Or that I've been deceived by that Su Immortal? Or that someone's blackmailing me?"
Ye Qinghan paused for a long moment, her gaze sweeping over the assembled generals. These formidable warriors, usually fierce and battle-hardened, now hung their heads like schoolchildren caught without homework, too afraid to meet her eyes.
"I've already introduced them to you earlier. These two are my senior sisters. You all know them, right?"
"Senior Sister Ye Qinghan—you shouldn't be unfamiliar with her. Those with better connections should know her story. Have you heard of Ye Yanwang?"
"Second Senior Sister, Li Shiyao—you're even more familiar with her, aren't you?"
"Honestly, tying you two together wouldn't even be enough for their morning exercise routine, let alone Master's!"
"If you wanted to harm me, would you really need to go through all this trouble?"
Her tone carried a hint of mockery, as if looking down on a foolish fool. She glanced again at the men below, their faces now filled with shame.
"First, as disciples of the same master, my senior sister and I are blood relatives. We call each other sisters, and her affairs are my affairs!"
"Second, should we prevail in this battle, our sisterly bond could forge an alliance between the Northern and Southern Realms, ending all warfare—a benefit for both nation and people!"
"Third, the most crucial purpose of this journey is to bridge the divide between humans and demons. Humans have good and evil within them, and so do demons."
Ye Qinghan believed this was the Northern Domain her mother desired. If they could foster goodwill with the human race, it would honor her mother's lifelong efforts.
Eliminating such barriers completely would not happen overnight. Ye Qinghan felt no urgency; it would take time.
"Senior Sister, am I correct?"
Li Shiyu remained silent, merely nodding in agreement.
This was precisely the result of Dongfang Jue and Ye Qinghan's deliberate instructions to Li Shiyao: speak only when necessary.
Ye Qinghan wouldn't ask questions requiring lengthy responses either—merely needing her to signal agreement or nod her head.
With that matter settled, they began assigning tasks. The main force would split into three columns, setting out tonight to sweep across the Northern Realm!
The war council concluded, marking the end of a full day. It was now afternoon.
Li Shiyu still couldn't rest. The townspeople wanted to see the bloodline of the Fox Demon King, so she had no choice but to make an appearance.
Following behind Li Shiyao, Dongfang Jue turned to ask Ye Qinghan.
"Senior Sister, was what you just said true?"
Ye Qinghan walked while speaking, her expression equally puzzled.
"What?"
"You know, Senior Sister said humans are divided into good and evil, and so are demons. Do you truly believe that?"
Ye Qinghan gave a cold snort, clearly understanding Dongfang Jue's thoughts. She smiled and replied.
"That is indeed my sincere belief. However, General Dongfang, I still need to observe you for a while longer."
Dongfang Jue began to chuckle. Truthfully, the fact that the senior sister had given her a chance was already quite generous!
At least she hadn't been dismissed outright—she'd even been given a chance to prove her loyalty!
"Hehe, Senior Sister, Jue'er genuinely wishes to be your sister. I have no ulterior motives!"
Ye Qinghan wasn't buying it.
"Our Master made it clear from the start: words must be tested by deeds. General Dongfang's claims still require proof through action."
"But if you can keep up the act for a lifetime, I wouldn't mind being sisters with you—provided you can maintain it forever."
To be honest, Dongfang Jue hadn't intended to use this matter to gain her senior sister's trust. But then again, her senior sister was probably envisioning a future of harmonious coexistence between humans and demons, which must have put her in a good mood.
Dongfang Jue had heard whispers of this—it was also the hope of the previous Demon Emperor, Ye Qinghan's mother.
The reason behind it wasn't hard to guess. Ye Qinghan's good mood likely stemmed more from seeing the hope of fulfilling her mother's dream.
"Jue'er isn't pretending—she's genuinely learned her lesson now!"
Ye Qinghan fell silent, trailing quietly behind Li Shiyao.
Ye Qinghan felt a strange sense of luck in this moment, observing the so-called Demon Clan subjects from an outsider's perspective.
Amidst their ignorance, Ye Qinghan understood what they yearned for—a demon emperor who would be kind to his people, one who could provide them with abundant food and clothing.
When they gazed upon the young fox demon king, Xue, the longing in their eyes seemed ready to spill over. He was their hope.
Yet, as she had just stated, humans were divided into good and evil, and so were demons.
What the ignorant masses craved was nothing more than enough to eat, enough to wear, security in old age, and care for the young.
Yet some resisted change—for they still needed victims to oppress!
They relished riding atop weaker creatures to flaunt their supposed nobility.
While siphoning off more resources, they reveled in the look in those people's eyes as they knelt at their feet.
Yet before the true blood of the Fox Demon King, before the undeniable divine arts and supernatural powers, before Ye Yanwang himself, they must still kneel.
Outside stood hundreds of thousands of Northern Frontier Army troops; inside were the three immortal sisters. They had no choice but to bow their heads.
Ye Qinghan understood these elders sought to guide the young Demon Emperor, making her realize that even after conquering the Northern Realm, someone must govern it on her behalf.
Indeed, that was true.
The Demon Emperor had only one pair of eyes; she couldn't see every corner of the Northern Realm.
But Li Shiyao was different. Li Shiyao was the Holy Maiden of the Fool.
"What did you just say?"
Li Shiyao wore Ye Qinghan's signature cold expression as she stared at the leading man.
"Demon Emperor, this is the annual…"
As he spoke, several large boxes were carried in…
Li Shiyao kept her icy expression, glancing from the boxes to the man.
Even Li Shiyao understood these were gifts meant for her, though the man had cleverly framed them as rewards for the troops.
"I don't like you, and I don't like these things either."
"You—die! Divide the goods. Got it?"
Ye Qinghan was stunned, his eyes wide as he stared at Li Shiyao. His master had been trying to cultivate an image of her loving the people like her own children!
Li Shiyao wasn't usually the type to kill people! What was wrong with her today?
"Why?" The man understood the words, but couldn't comprehend the meaning!
"I said I don't like you. Can't you understand?"
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