"Junior Sister Xu has returned to her father to mobilize the Taiyi Country's army. Junior Sister Jiang's cultivation is higher than mine. Master, I also want to contribute to the upcoming great battle," Little White Fox said, arriving in the council hall and hugging Lin Bai's arm, pleading softly. "I don't want to be the most useless disciple."
"Who said you were useless?" Lin Bai smiled, lightly brushing Little White Fox's nose. "You've fought by my side until now. No one is more important than you. Speaking of which, I have something good for you!"
As he spoke, Lin Bai took out the Positioning Ring and slid it onto Little White Fox's arm.
He had forgotten about this after completing the Pet System tasks. He only remembered it when he saw the Positioning Ring while summarizing the system tasks and rewards. Just then, Little White Fox happened to arrive, so he took it out and put it on her.
The Positioning Ring, like a tiny bracelet, looked incredibly cute on Little White Fox's arms, which were like white lotus roots.
The moment Lin Bai put the Positioning Ring on Little White Fox, a virtual projection of Little White Fox, along with the direction and distance between them, instantly appeared in his mind.
At that moment, the distance between Little White Fox and him showed as zero.
By focusing his attention on Little White Fox, he could also observe her surroundings.
The Positioning Ring can indeed function as a mobile monitor. If I had Divine Skills like teleportation, I could use its positioning to instantly reach Little White Fox's side.
Little White Fox glanced at the bracelet on her wrist, then shifted her gaze away and continued, "Master, can you give me the Dan Fang for the Transformation Pill? I want to increase the Demon Country's strength."
The Shape-altering Pill Formula?
Lin Bai suddenly realized something was wrong. Little White Fox usually asked him directly for Pill Medicine; when did she start caring about the Dan Fang?
Moreover, according to Little White Fox's temperament, after receiving the Positioning Ring, she should have been excitedly showing it off for a long time and continuously sending him positive emotional feedback through their connection.
But now, after receiving the Positioning Ring, Little White Fox was as calm as still water.
Not normal! Far too abnormal. Someone is plotting against Little White Fox...
Lin Bai stroked Little Fox's head and said calmly, "The Demon Country's strength indeed needs to be improved. Xiao Bai, you go back first. I have matters to discuss with Taiyi Country shortly. After I'm done with Taiyi Country's affairs, I'll send the Dan Fang for the Transformation Pill over to you."
"Thank you, Master." Little White Fox beamed with joy, thanked Lin Bai, and then bounced away energetically.
Lin Bai watched her leave, his expression gloomy, his gaze tracking Little White Fox's position all the way.
In a short while, Little White Fox returned to her Demon Country.
Then, an unfamiliar face entered Lin Bai's sight: a handsome young man in green robes, looking at Fox Three with utter delight, as if gazing upon a peerless treasure.
The Monster Race members in the Demon Country were all recruited from the Beast Control Sect. Lin Bai couldn't possibly know all of them, but he had met all the high-ranking members of the Demon Country, and this young man was definitely not among them.
Strangely, Hu He and the others showed no surprise at this unfamiliar young man, acting as though he was supposed to be there.
A chill ran down Lin Bai's spine.
Xu Longyun was right. My development has been too rapid. Zhen City has likely been infiltrated by many from the Seven Righteous Sects and Five Demonic Sects. Without a thorough purge, the Justice League will one day collapse from within.
Moreover, the people around him were too weak; an enemy had infiltrated their ranks, yet no one had noticed...
Lin Bai no longer hesitated and rushed towards the Demon Country's office at his fastest speed.
With Lin Bai's sudden arrival, the young man was startled. He subconsciously looked up, but the moment he saw Lin Bai, he froze completely, rooted to the spot.
"Master, you came so quickly!" Seeing Lin Bai, Little White Fox's face lit up with pleasant surprise. Pointing at the young man, she said, "Master, let me introduce you. This is Hu Qing, a Six-Tailed Fox. He heard the news about the establishment of our Demon's Country and came to join us voluntarily. A Six-Tailed Fox's cultivation is equivalent to a human's Hollow Realm, stronger than all the Monsters in the Demon's Country. If it weren't for the fact that I'm your disciple, I would have wanted to abdicate the position of King of the Demon Country to him."
Hu Qing was a tamer under Elder Qiu of the Beast Taming Sect, sent on a mission to infiltrate the Justice League and defraud them of the Transformation Pill. Born and raised in the Beast Taming Sect, his entire cultivation came from the Sect.
Under the Beast Taming Sect's teachings, he prioritized the sect above all else, believing wild Monsters could hardly achieve anything significant and scoffing at the so-called Demon Country.
On his way, he received news that the Seven Righteous Sects were about to encircle and annihilate the Justice League. After a moment's hesitation, he still entered Zhen City without looking back.
Hu Qing didn't believe Lin Bai could survive the Seven Righteous Sects' siege.
The Transformation Pill was too important to the Beast Taming Sect; he felt he had to obtain the Transformation Pill's Dan Fang before Lin Bai perished.
Upon entering Zhen City, he initially thought it would take considerable effort to get close to Little White Fox. Unexpectedly, with a slight use of the Charm Technique, he entered the Demon Country unhindered.
Furthermore, none of the Demon Country's upper echelon had cultivation beyond the Divinity Transformation Realm. He easily used the Charm Technique to influence everyone. If not for the fear of alerting Lin Bai, he could have single-handedly slaughtered this so-called Demon Country...
Having easily controlled Little White Fox, Hu Qing's disdain for the Justice League intensified. Seizing the opportunity, he charmed Little White Fox into trying to trick Lin Bai into giving her the Transformation Pill.
He had thought Lin Bai had fallen for it and that the Shape-altering Pill Formula would soon be his.
However, in the next moment, Lin Bai appeared before him.
He was just about to use the Charm Technique on Lin Bai, but upon seeing Lin Bai's face, he found himself unable to cast any Spells.
What was this feeling? It was like seeing his father; an inexplicable sense of closeness surged from his heart, making him certain that this human would absolutely not harm him.
He saw a radiance emanating from Lin Bai.
Hu Qing felt that if anyone could lead the Fox Clan to its glorious peak, it would undoubtedly be this man before him. He was even more trustworthy than Elder Qiu, who had nurtured him and watched him grow up...
Hu Qing realized something was wrong with his state, yet he was willing to indulge in it, not even wanting to check if he had fallen prey to a Charm Technique...
Hu Qing? A Six-Tailed Fox? Is this Qi Yun at work again? If it were any other Monster, it would have caused me some trouble. But of all things, a Fox Spirit...
As Lin Bai's gaze fell upon Hu Qing, an overwhelming sense of guilt washed over the latter. THUD. He knelt on the ground, sweat pouring down him like rain. "Alliance Hierarch, I was wrong! I was sent by Elder Qiu of the Beast Taming Sect. My purpose was to steal the Dan Fang for the Transformation Pill..."
Before Lin Bai could even question him, he confessed everything in a torrent, holding nothing back, effectively selling out the master who had nurtured him for centuries. Overwhelmed by guilt, he quickly dispelled the Charm Technique affecting the people of the Demon Country.
"Hu Qing!" Little White Fox snapped to her senses, her eyes widening in anger. "You used the Charm Technique on me? Master, kill him! The Monster Race, especially the Fox Clan, cannot tolerate anyone harboring malicious intent towards you!"
"Kill him!" Hu He's face turned deathly pale. Glaring at Hu Qing with hatred, Hu He gritted out, "Shameless scoundrel, how dare you use Charm on your own kind?"
"Alliance Hierarch, kill him!"
The high-ranking members of the Demon Country clamored in unison. Realizing they had been charmed without noticing made a wave of fear wash over them. It was fortunate Hu Qing was only after the Transformation Pill; otherwise, the Demon Country might have already been destroyed. It was too terrifying!
Lin Bai waved his hand, silencing the crowd.
"Xiao Bai was right. The moment I saw the Alliance Hierarch, I knew I was wrong," Hu Qing said, tears streaming down his face, his voice filled with sorrow. "I shouldn't have harbored prejudice against the Alliance Hierarch. If there's anyone in this world who can save the Monster Race, it must be the Alliance Hierarch. I shouldn't have come to steal the Transformation Pill. I am guilty. If my reckless actions have caused the Alliance Hierarch to have a negative impression of the Fox Clan, I am willing to die."
"That won't be necessary. Who doesn't make mistakes? There is no greater good than to know your mistakes and be able to correct them. Any Fox Demon who strays but finds their way back is a good Fox Demon. Get up. Serve the Demon Country diligently from now on, and that will be enough," Lin Bai said. If it were any other Monster Race, I'd at least seal them into a Card, but for the Fox Clan, it's completely unnecessary. Every Fox Spirit is one of my own.
Hu Qing was stunned.
Hu He and the others were stunned.
"Master, you can't be lenient with him just because he's a Fox Demon! He used the Charm Technique on me. What if he harms you in the future? Besides, the Shape-altering Pill Formula is so important..." Little White Fox said indignantly. "You can't be soft-hearted in this matter."
"He won't harm me." Lin Bai patted Little White Fox's head, then looked at Hu Qing and asked, "You came to trick us out of the Transformation Pill. Did you have anyone to receive you?"
"Huang Yun, Elder Qiu's second disciple, came with me. His pet beast is a peregrine falcon, the fastest. Elder Qiu doesn't want the heaven-descended ones to know about the Shape-altering Pill Formula, so he sent Huang Yun to escort it and provide support..." Hu Qing said.
"What's his cultivation level?" Lin Bai interrupted.
"Hollow Realm," Hu Qing answered honestly.
"Where is he now?" Lin Bai's eyes lit up as he asked eagerly.
"Fifty li outside Zhen City," Hu Qing replied, glancing at Lin Bai strangely.
"Your cultivation is also at the Hollow Realm. Are you confident you can defeat him?" This was a stroke of luck, like receiving a pillow just as one felt sleepy. Lin Bai had been worrying about finding a solution, and someone had just delivered themselves to his doorstep.
"Alliance Hierarch, I am a Nine-Tailed Fox. I excel at Charm, not combat. Besides, his controlled beasts include not only the peregrine falcon but also a red wolf and a jiaolong. Against all four of them—him and his three beasts—I am not their opponent," Hu Qing hesitated for a moment before saying. "However, with the Alliance Hierarch's Divine Skills, subduing him should be as easy as flipping your hand."
If I could take him down, would I even need you? Lin Bai scoffed inwardly.
This was the most troublesome aspect of the Beast Taming Sect. Superficially, you faced one person, but in an actual battle, who knew how many strange assistants would appear.
Lin Bai had all sorts of strange Divine Skills and items, but he was sorely lacking in offensive means.
Fifty li is too close to Zhen City. If I called for help, none of them would survive. But it wasn't worth it for a single Hollow Realm cultivator...
Suddenly, Lin Bai looked at Hu Qing, still kneeling on the ground, and an idea struck him. "You just said you were willing to make any sacrifice for the Monster Race?"
"Please punish me, Alliance Hierarch. Hu Qing has no complaints," Hu Qing said.
"I'll make you into a Puppet!" Lin Bai declared. "When I achieve the Heavenly Dao, I will restore your freedom. Are you willing?"
"Hu Qing is willing," Hu Qing replied without hesitation. "To be utilized by the Alliance Hierarch is my honor."
"Hmph! That's how it should be. Master, you can't easily trust enemies," Little White Fox snorted.
She didn't know about Lin Bai's innate high affinity with the Fox Clan, but Hu Qing had used the Charm Technique on her and had come for the Shape-altering Pill Formula.
Even if Lin Bai forgave him, Little White Fox would never trust him again.
Hu Qing has the highest cultivation here. If he can use the Charm Technique once, he can use it a second time. This time it was just to trick me out of the Shape-altering Pill Formula. What if next time he makes me try to assassinate Master? I would be filled with lifelong regret...
Her little face was cold. The Hu Qing incident made her realize once again that insufficient cultivation could truly make her a burden to Lin Bai.
Under the icy gazes of the Monster Race members, Lin Bai flicked out a golden Card, and Hu Qing willingly allowed himself to be sealed into it.
No new Card appeared in his mind.
This was within Lin Bai's expectations; sealing a Monster Race member was the same as sealing a human and didn't count as a new application for the Cards.
Then, Lin Bai released Hu Qing again.
Hu Qing stood to the side, dazed and vacant, while a new type of energy, distinctly different from Spiritual Power and Inner Strength, appeared in Lin Bai's Dantian—it was Hu Qing's Demon Qi.
The Demon Qi was extremely powerful, far exceeding the combined strength of several Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators, and Lin Bai instantly became familiar with the Fox Demon's Charm Technique.
He just wasn't sure if the Demon Qi of a Six-Tailed Fox Demon was enough to truly elevate him to the Hollow Realm. But it didn't matter. Hu Qing alone couldn't defeat that Hollow Realm senior brother. But with him (Lin Bai, now empowered by Hu Qing's Demon Qi) added, it would be like two people. If he then sealed an actual human Hollow Realm cultivator, his own cultivation level would surely rise, allowing him to use a Gold Card to seal even someone at the Great Cheng Realm!
A Transformation Pill was stuffed into Hu Qing's mouth.
Hu Qing's eyes moved, and he regained his senses. However, unlike Dao Xu and the others, he didn't resent being made into a Puppet. Instead, he was genuinely relieved, feeling that only by becoming a Puppet could he atone for the sin of offending Lin Bai.
"Hmph, you got off easy." Little White Fox glared fiercely at him before her gaze fell upon the bracelet on her wrist, and her eyes immediately narrowed into crescents. "Master, it's so beautiful! What kind of Magic Treasure is this bracelet?"
Sensing Little White Fox's burst of joy, Lin Bai smiled faintly. That's more like my Little Fox. He looked at Little White Fox. "It's a Positioning Magic Treasure. With it, no matter how far you are from me, I'll always know your location. If you're in danger, I can come to your side in an instant to protect you."
Hu He looked at Little White Fox with envy, pursing her lips.
"Master, you're so good!" Little White Fox excitedly threw herself into Lin Bai's arms, nuzzling her head against his chest. Then, she lifted her head, jiggled the bracelet on her wrist, and looked at Lin Bai with anticipation. "Master, I want to connect with you via the Magpie Bridge too! That way, you can rush to protect me at the first moment, and I can also rush to Master's side at the first moment!"
Lin Bai hesitated for a moment, then used the Milky Way on Little White Fox. The next second, the Milky Way spread out, and he was abruptly pushed away.
A moment of silence.
Lin Bai was stunned, a corner of his mouth twitching. As expected, Little White Fox was created according to his own aesthetic preferences. How could he truly treat her as a pet... Sigh! The Love Principle is about to collapse!
Little White Fox looked at the Milky Way enveloping her and Lin Bai who had been pushed away. She slapped the surface of the water, cheering, "I knew I could do it! I knew Master likes me! Hahahaha, this is wonderful!"
Hu He and Little White Fox's few brothers and sisters all looked at Lin Bai in unison, their eyes filled with eager anticipation.
A fox who doesn't want to connect to Lin Bai via the Magpie Bridge is definitely not a good fox.
The Bear Demon, Wolf Demon, Tiger Monster, and other high-ranking members of the Demon Country looked at Lin Bai with rather peculiar expressions...
Ignoring the gazes of those Monsters, Lin Bai coughed and looked at Hu Qing. "Come, go out with me. We'll turn that Hollow Realm senior brother of yours into one of our own..."