Married the Second Generation Fox Demon with a Baby in a Flash Marriage - Chapter 41

Inside the room, Ye Xinyu checked over Hu Mengmeng’s body. The wounds had already fully healed. Ye Xinyu gave Hu Mengmeng a bath and blow-dried her fur.

Ye Xinyu told Su Mingli to go to sleep; she would be the one to watch over Hu Mengmeng tonight.

Seeing how meticulous Ye Xinyu was being with Hu Mengmeng, and seeing that Hu Mengmeng was simply sleeping and causing no trouble, Su Mingli felt it wasn’t right to fight over the task since the two were already married. She went back to her room to sleep.

Hu Mengmeng’s body was warm and fluffy, like a natural heating pad.

“Are you having a nightmare? Is Mengmeng scared too? Be good, Sister is here.” Seeing Hu Mengmeng’s little paw twitch in her deep sleep, Ye Xinyu felt a wave of tenderness. She gently stroked the fox’s head and pulled Hu Mengmeng softly into her embrace, smoothing the fur along her back.

The next day, when Ye Xinyu woke up, Hu Mengmeng was still in a deep slumber beside her.

Ye Xinyu turned on her side to hold Hu Mengmeng in her arms, burying her face in the fluffy fur and giving her a kiss.

The sleeping Hu Mengmeng remained completely unaware.

As Ye Xinyu stroked Hu Mengmeng and prepared to get up, she noticed an anomaly in Hu Mengmeng’s body. What were originally four and a half tails had changed—the half-tail had grown to the same length as the others, and a tiny protrusion was budding next to them. It looked like a sixth tail.

Because Hu Mengmeng had absorbed the Great Demon’s inner alchemy, her cultivation had surged, causing the number of her tails to increase.

Ye Xinyu touched the tiny tail without much joy; she would have much rather Hu Mengmeng be safe and sound.

Hu Mengmeng continued to sleep. After eating, Ye Xinyu stayed in the room to cultivate alongside her, observing her condition at all times.

Around ten o’clock, there was a knock at the door. Ye Xinyu opened it to find Gu Yiying.

“What are you doing here?” Ye Xinyu asked. She noticed Gu Yiying’s expression looked very strange—her face was flushed red as if she were drunk.

“Ahem, I made a talisman. It can gather spiritual energy and accelerate Mengmeng’s absorption of the alchemy. Give it a try.” Gu Yiying handed a yellow talisman paper with a complex pattern to Ye Xinyu.

“Are you sure?” Ye Xinyu asked. She had never heard of this kind of talisman. Her mother had disappeared early and hadn’t had the chance to teach her much, but through extensive experience, she knew some general common sense.

“This is from the General Catalog of Talismans. I just tested one, and currently, there’s only this one. If you want to try it, go ahead. Fifty thousand yuan a piece, no bargaining! For more, you’ll have to wait; they need to be drawn fresh,” Gu Yiying said, the pride in her eyes impossible to suppress.

“A new talisman prototype, and it’s your first time using it?! Did Tao Tao draw this? I’m not paying for a trial talisman. I’ll try it first, and if it’s worth the money, I’ll definitely buy it.” Ye Xinyu took the paper.

“You guessed it?! Let me tell you, this disciple of mine has incredible talent for drawing talismans. No matter what steps I dictate, how much material to use, or how much spiritual energy—she is perfectly accurate. Her hand doesn’t shake at all! Her concentration is extraordinary!” Seeing that Ye Xinyu had figured it out, Gu Yiying didn’t beat around the bush and spoke directly, her excitement overflowing.

The most basic part of drawing a talisman is the brushwork; following that is the application of spiritual energy and materials. Every talisman has its own steps—where to use a certain amount of energy and how much ink is needed are all precise. A tiny bit too much or too little results in a failed talisman.

When Gu Yiying drew simple talismans repeatedly, her highest success rate was 90%. When drawing complex ones for the first time, a success rate of only 20% or 30% was possible.

Gu Yiying hadn’t expected that Tao Tao, who had never drawn a talisman before, would succeed on her very first try. She possessed incredible focus and mimicry skills. Her art teacher had said she had no talent for drawing because she lacked “creativity” and relied entirely on technique without a personal style—but for drawing talismans, that was not a problem at all.

Talisman drawing requires perfect mimicry. The methods are experiences summarized by ancestors; even a slight deviation won’t work.

Because Tao Tao had once been possessed by a demon, she was sensitive to spiritual energy. The body of that parasitic demon was sealed in her leg, allowing her to use spiritual energy freely. After completely converting the energy using Gu Yiying’s method, she showed talent in its application. Combined with her special drawing talent, her first talisman was stunning.

Her weakness was a lack of spiritual energy storage. For a talisman that promoted absorption and circulation, one single sheet would use up all her energy. She could only draw a second one after resting and absorbing more energy. Furthermore, because of the insufficient energy, the duration of the talisman’s effect was relatively short.

“This good disciple was introduced to you by me. Aren’t you going to give me an introduction fee?” Ye Xinyu said as she walked inside with the talisman.

Drawing talismans was inherently a money-making venture. The Gu family placed great importance on wealth—selling talismans to earn money for materials and training newcomers. Gu Yiying was the most extreme example. Having dealt with her often, Ye Xinyu knew how to bargain; otherwise, she would be fleeced to death.

“That was something you gave me voluntarily; we were even at that moment!” Gu Yiying hurried in after her.

“It’s still a favor. And fifty thousand for one is too expensive. You can buy several bottles of pills from the Pill Sect for ten thousand,” Ye Xinyu said as she activated the talisman on herself.

The talisman contained spiritual energy and encouraged the surrounding energy to gather on the body. She could clearly feel the spiritual energy in her body circulating about 10% faster. This kind of talisman had many wonderful uses; it didn’t just promote alchemy absorption but was also effective for things like cultivation and restoring energy.

After using it and knowing it was harmless and truly promoted circulation, Ye Xinyu had a good idea of its value.

“Pills from the Pill Sect? Those things—if you eat too many, you get pill toxicity. You know that. My talisman is natural and pollution-free, high efficiency, great results. It’s much better than those! Fifty thousand a piece—how do you like it?” Gu Yiying said.

“I want a thousand of these for five thousand a piece. If it’s fifty thousand, I don’t want them. It’s up to you.” Ye Xinyu opened her eyes and transferred the unexhausted talisman onto Hu Mengmeng, looking at Gu Yiying.

“Your price-cutting is too brutal! No way, thirty thousand!” Gu Yiying was speechless.

“You came back with materials early this morning. Excluding breakfast time, you’ve drawn two, and another is being drawn. Tao Tao can draw five or six of these a day, right? Do you think I don’t know the materials used for this? The cost of one sheet is at most a thousand yuan. If you want thirty thousand, I’ll pass,” Ye Xinyu said indifferently.

“Tch, nothing gets past you! Tao Tao’s success rate is high now, but if it drops, more than half the materials will be wasted. Five thousand is too low. Ten thousand, final offer!” Gu Yiying rolled her eyes.

“Fine, ten thousand a piece. I want a thousand, to be delivered within a year.” Ye Xinyu said, her eyes and attention remaining on Hu Mengmeng.

Gu Yiying knew Ye Xinyu had a bottom line, and ten thousand a piece was still very profitable. Her little disciple was practically a human ATM!

Gu Yiying returned to the room to continue drawing with Tao Tao.

The most obvious sign of Hu Mengmeng’s accelerated absorption was the growth of her tails. The sixth tail was growing faster and faster.

At noon, Ye Xinyu received a call from Tong Qiao, who sent over the materials she had investigated. Combined with the information Xiao Zhang had sent, Ye Xinyu gained a general understanding of the incident.

Five female students at Fengcheng University had experienced the same thing. These five had one thing in common: they were all beautiful, at the level of “class beauties.” The incidents occurred roughly after 9:00 PM—two on campus and three at a bar off-campus. They were all currently unconscious, so nothing could be asked.

Their companions all seemed to have a collective case of amnesia; they similarly didn’t know what had happened. The school’s surveillance didn’t find anything, and the bar had recordings only of the entrance, not the interior. No one knew what had happened inside.

In such a bizarre event, there was a high probability it was the work of a demon.

After reviewing the materials, Ye Xinyu screened the registered demons in the vicinity and made a plan. She wanted to visit the victims, but she wasn’t comfortable leaving Hu Mengmeng, so she could only push it back temporarily.

As expected, Tao Tao could produce a talisman every hour or so. Hu Mengmeng would consume one every half-day, so the supply was perfectly synchronized, and the speed of alchemy digestion increased significantly.

By evening, Ye Xinyu bathed Hu Mengmeng as usual, dried her fur, and held her to sleep.

In the middle of the night, Hu Mengmeng woke up.

Her injuries were completely healed. Because she had consumed the Great Demon’s inner alchemy, the poison was entirely neutralized. She woke up feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

Hu Mengmeng’s first sensation upon waking was a wonderful scent. What is that? It smells like bamboo leaves mixed with jasmine, a cold fragrance.

Her surroundings were soft; this wasn’t her bed.

Hu Mengmeng opened her eyes. Only the night light was on. Under the dim yellow light, she turned her head and saw a familiar face.

It was Ye Xinyu!

She was in Ye Xinyu’s arms, being held as she slept!

Hu Mengmeng’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t believe she had woken up to such a huge reward. She reached out a paw to pat herself to see if it was real, but Ye Xinyu subconsciously caught the little paw that had strayed from the blanket and pressed it back in, pulling Hu Mengmeng closer. Hu Mengmeng’s paws suddenly pressed against something soft and bouncy. Boom—it felt like her blood flow had accelerated.

“Be good, Mengmeng. Sister is here.” A low voice came from above as Ye Xinyu’s hand stroked Hu Mengmeng’s back.

Over the past few days while Hu Mengmeng was sleeping, she would twitch occasionally, and Ye Xinyu would always comfort her in a low voice. it was very effective. Just like when they were little.

Hu Mengmeng blinked. Her vision felt a bit blurry. Am I dreaming? Sister is holding me so tenderly!

“Sister…” Hu Mengmeng called out.

Hearing Hu Mengmeng’s soft, tender voice, Ye Xinyu woke up instantly. She loosened her grip slightly and looked down.

Hu Mengmeng’s amber-red eyes, which had been closed for two days, were now wide and round, brimming with moisture.

“Mengmeng, you’re awake! How do you feel?” Seeing her wake up, Ye Xinyu finally felt a weight lift from her heart. She stroked the fox’s head and asked.

“Sister, am I dreaming?”

“How could it be a dream? You’re awake! Are you hungry? How does your body feel?” Ye Xinyu got up and turned on the lights.

“Sister, I’m fine. I feel great. Sister, I’m sorry. You told me not to turn into that form, but I did anyway… and I was so mean to you.” Remembering what she had done before falling asleep, Hu Mengmeng shuddered.

So brutal! At that time, it felt like her brain had no emotions; she only knew that the snake had to die, and she was even fierce toward Ye Xinyu.

While she slept, she was still dreaming of fighting that snake. Sometimes she was scared, sometimes fearless. It seemed there was always a gentle voice and a soft power comforting her. That must have been Ye Xinyu!

“Mengmeng, how could I blame you? If you hadn’t taken that form, we probably would have both been captured by that Viper Great Demon—either dead or injured. Don’t think about it anymore. In the future, I won’t give you the chance to take that form again. Are you hungry? I’ll take you to find something to eat. What do you want? I’ll take you to brush your teeth first.” Ye Xinyu got up and put on her slippers, picking up Hu Mengmeng from the bed.

Ye Xinyu didn’t tell her to transform back, and since she was being held, Hu Mengmeng had no desire to change back either. She nestled into the crook of Ye Xinyu’s arm, feeling like the happiest little fox in the world.

In the bathroom, Hu Mengmeng squatted on the sink. She opened her mouth, and Ye Xinyu helped clean her teeth. Then she carried her downstairs to the kitchen.

“Sister, I can walk myself.” Not wanting Ye Xinyu to get tired, Hu Mengmeng reluctantly jumped from her arms and walked down the stairs along the railing.

Fox demons aren’t picky eaters; they can digest anything. Hu Mengmeng looked at the food in the fridge and named a few items while drooling. Ye Xinyu took them out, heated them up, and personally fed her porridge, snacks, and vegetables. After she finished, she even helped wipe her mouth.

Ye Xinyu’s eyes were gentle, with none of her previous coldness.

“The sun isn’t up yet; you can sleep a bit longer. Since you just ate, we have to brush your teeth again before sleeping.” Ye Xinyu spoke to her as if she were a small child. Hu Mengmeng obediently followed her to brush her teeth again, and then they went back to Ye Xinyu’s room together.

Once on the bed, Hu Mengmeng consciously nestled into Ye Xinyu’s arms, though her little paws felt a bit awkward and were tucked in constrainedly.

Ye Xinyu pulled Hu Mengmeng into her embrace. Above, where Hu Mengmeng couldn’t see, a smile appeared at the corners of Ye Xinyu’s mouth, a dimple faintly visible.

Feeding Hu Mengmeng and cleaning her—Ye Xinyu felt this was the most interesting and happiest thing she had done in years. This silly child, looking so dazed and confused. The soft fur and clear eyes were like the most healing medicine in the world.

Ye Xinyu, who hadn’t slept well for two days, fell asleep shortly after holding Hu Mengmeng.

However, Hu Mengmeng, who had slept for two full days, didn’t feel sleepy at all. She was going crazy with joy. Sister was being too good to her—it felt just like when they were little. So good, why is she so good?!

Every breath she took that carried Ye Xinyu’s scent felt sweet, making her feel tipsy and lightheaded. Being injured was totally worth it!

Happy moments are always short, and soon the sun rose. There was movement outside; Su Mingli had gotten up to cook, and Gu Yiying and Tao Tao were up as well.

Ye Xinyu woke up slowly and looked down to see Hu Mengmeng’s wide eyes.

“Mengmeng, let’s get up. Your mother was very worried about you these past few days. By the way, there’s something I should tell you—that day, I told your mother that I am a demon hunter.”

“I know! Is my mom angry? Did she lose her temper with you?” Hu Mengmeng asked quickly.

“No. She’s very kind. I asked her about your fox mother, and I will help search for her.”

“Sister, thank you!” Hearing this, Hu Mengmeng rubbed her head against Ye Xinyu. With Ye Xinyu’s connections, they would surely find news of her fox mother much faster.

Ye Xinyu stroked Hu Mengmeng’s head. Suddenly, Hu Mengmeng looked up, remembering her escape.

“Sister, oh no! I just remembered—that day someone checked my bag and said there were illegal drugs. They said I was a suspect and wanted to arrest me! I don’t know if it’s serious. That person had a talisman, so I jumped out the window. They won’t put me on a ‘wanted’ list, will they?!”

“They won’t. The school called before. I acted as your guarantor and hired a private investigator to clear your name. However, there’s a very bizarre incident behind this that looks like the work of a demon. Even if your innocence is proven, you’ve already shown them your abilities, so standard evidence might be insufficient. That’s why I took on this commission; we need to find the real culprit. I’ll give you the details later.”

“Thank you, Sister. I’m sorry I caused trouble and have to bother you to help me,” Hu Mengmeng said apologetically.

“It’s okay. It’s not your fault. Let’s get up first.”

Hu Mengmeng felt Ye Xinyu was so gentle; she wanted to nestle in her arms forever. But it was daylight, and they had to see Su Mingli. After a few more words, they got up.

To go out and see Su Mingli, Hu Mengmeng couldn’t stay in her fox form. Transforming into a human would keep Su Mingli from worrying. Hu Mengmeng went to her room, showered, changed clothes, and went to see her mother.

“Mom!” Hu Mengmeng stood at the kitchen door.

Su Mingli had just finished chopping vegetables. Hearing the voice, she turned and saw Hu Mengmeng. She froze, and her eyes turned red.

“Mom, I’m better! Completely better, not a single wound!” Hu Mengmeng bounced over to her side.

“You brat, you finally decided to wake up!” Su Mingli choked up, looking her over. What she wanted to say turned into her usual tone as she lightly slapped Hu Mengmeng with her wet hands.

“Mom, I just changed! They’re dirty now!” Hu Mengmeng said, looking at the water spots.

“Dirty is fine! You’ve been lazy for two days; hurry up and help me cook!”

Hu Mengmeng knew Su Mingli was “sharp-tongued but soft-hearted,” so she leaned in and gave her a kiss. “Mom, I made you worry. It won’t happen again!”

Hearing such mushy words, Su Mingli’s heart felt complicated. This little kid really has grown up! She pulled Hu Mengmeng to help with breakfast.

Once breakfast was ready, Hu Mengmeng ran to call Tao Tao and Gu Yiying. She was thrilled to see Tao Tao, and Tao Tao was equally happy, holding her by the shoulders and looking her over.

“Mengmeng, you can really change from that small to this big!”

“I told you I’m a demon, and a very powerful one! I’ll protect you from now on!” Hu Mengmeng puffed out her chest. With her fox bloodline restrained, she looked like an innocent child—her baby-faced smile was pure and happy.

Outside, the gentle expression on Ye Xinyu’s face gradually turned cold. Gu Yiying glanced at her and started to smile, but the smile collapsed after a few seconds.

“Mengmeng, I can draw talismans! Master taught me! In the future, whatever talisman you want, I’ll draw it for you!” Tao Tao said, bringing out all the talismans she had practiced drawing.

“Tao Tao, don’t talismans cost money? Doesn’t the material cost money? You can’t just give them away for free. Even siblings keep clear accounts!” Gu Yiying said quickly.

“But, Master, didn’t you say these were mine to use? If I don’t use them, can’t I give them to Mengmeng?” Tao Tao said timidly.

“Uh…” Gu Yiying was speechless. She had indeed told Tao Tao to keep the successful practice talismans. Wasn’t she just slapping her own face? Is it okay for a Master to be this stingy? “Fine, fine, just these few. Give them if you want.” She waved it off, thinking she’d talk to her disciple in private later.

“Tao Tao, these aren’t very useful to me, you keep them. Let’s go down and eat.” Hu Mengmeng ignored their bickering and pulled Tao Tao along.

Ye Xinyu had already gone downstairs. The group sat down to eat. When Hu Mengmeng was unconscious, their meals had been silent affairs, but now the atmosphere was cheerful—except for Ye Xinyu. She was very quiet and didn’t make eye contact with Hu Mengmeng. She finished quickly and set down her chopsticks.

She had mentioned earlier that they would go out to investigate after eating, so Hu Mengmeng hurried to finish and follow her. Ye Xinyu handed her the gathered files.

“To determine what kind of demon did this, whether it was one or many, we need to see the crime scenes and check the victims. We’ll go to the school scenes first to look for clues, then to the hospital. When we’re out, call me ‘Senior Sister’.” Ye Xinyu made the arrangements, even specifying how she should be addressed.

Hu Mengmeng had never done this before, so naturally, she followed Ye Xinyu’s lead. Ye Xinyu was purely professional; after giving instructions, she called for a car and they headed to the school.

In the car, Hu Mengmeng looked at Ye Xinyu and wondered if it was just her imagination. Whenever she was in human form, Ye Xinyu didn’t seem close to her anymore; even the softness from her face was gone. Hu Mengmeng really wanted to turn back into a little fox and nestle in her arms to ask why. It seems my courage is bigger as a fox. As a human, she didn’t dare—and felt too embarrassed—to proactively cuddle. Hmph, I’ll turn into a fox when we get back!

The villa was close to the school, so they arrived in minutes.

“Xinyu, over here!” On a tree-lined path at the school, a short-haired girl waved as their car approached. They got out.

“How are you two together?!” Tong Qiao was surprised to see them.

“She has some talent. I’ve taken her as a disciple on behalf of my mother. She will follow me for cultivation from now on,” Ye Xinyu said indifferently.

“Hello, Senior Sister.” Hu Mengmeng smiled at Tong Qiao. Ye Xinyu didn’t mention their relationship, and Hu Mengmeng wouldn’t either. It seemed back then she was the one who added the “hidden marriage” condition to the agreement…

“My eye for talent is still the best! Impressive, Mengmeng. You’re the first disciple Xinyu has taken for her mother in a long time. You must study hard under her, okay?” Tong Qiao encouraged her. In her view, Hu Mengmeng had just joined, so while her talent might be good, her strength wouldn’t be high yet.

“I will!”

“Let’s check the scenes first. I don’t know if anything can still be seen after so many days,” Ye Xinyu said.

Tong Qiao led them to the two on-campus locations. Many days had passed, and nothing was visible to the naked eye.

“Focus spiritual energy into your eyes and see if anything was left behind. If you find anything suspicious, put on gloves, pick it up, and put it in a bag,” Ye Xinyu told Hu Mengmeng. Hu Mengmeng took the items from her bag. Ye Xinyu could have done it herself, but she avoided using spells unless necessary.

Although Hu Mengmeng was in human form, after the energy conversion and the absorption of the Great Demon’s alchemy, her cultivation was already higher than Ye Xinyu’s current level. With a few pointers from Ye Xinyu, she could use techniques skillfully.

What the eye cannot see, special methods can. Hu Mengmeng gathered energy in her eyes, and the world changed—she could see every ant on the ground clearly, and the specks of spiritual energy scattered around. Looking around, she found something strange in the grass—a faint residual spiritual energy that would have been missed if she weren’t looking closely.

She put on gloves and plucked the blades of grass, placing them in a sealed bag. She even spotted a few fallen hairs and included them.

“Sen… Senior Sister, there’s something weird on these. I don’t know if these hairs are related, but they have some residual energy too.”

“Wow! This place was already checked by the first group of people and they found nothing!” Tong Qiao was amazed, lamenting that Hu Mengmeng’s talent was indeed superior.

After checking this spot, they went to the second location.

“Hu Mengmeng! Gu Mingzhen, look! Why is she still here?!” As they walked, a group of people appeared nearby. One of them pointed and questioned another.

The speaker was Lin Yuanya, and the one being questioned was Gu Mingzhen. They said Hu Mengmeng would be arrested and wanted as a fugitive—why is she walking around the campus so openly?!

“Xiaoya, she’s clearly just too bold! I’m calling my cousin right now to come and arrest her!” Gu Mingzhen felt she had lost face. She had heard her cousin say Hu Mengmeng ran away—and faster than him, even—so there was definitely a problem.

As Gu Mingzhen made the call, she noticed Lin Yuanya’s eyes were fixed on Hu Mengmeng’s group. “What is it, Xiaoya?”

“I see Senior Sister Ye. Hu Mengmeng, that tag-along, is following her around—carrying her bag, getting her water. She sure learned how to suck up fast!” Lin Yuanya said with resentment.

“Xiaoya, let’s go over there. Before my cousin gets here, we’ll stall her. And we can tell Senior Sister Ye about her scandals!” Gu Mingzhen’s eyes darted as she suggested.

“Hurry up then, you do the talking!” Lin Yuanya said, heading toward them.

“Senior Sister Ye, hello!” Lin Yuanya greeted them nervously and excitedly. Hu Mengmeng frowned, remembering that Lin Yuanya seemed to like Ye Xinyu. Seeing her coy expression now, she hadn’t expected the girl could actually be shy.

“Yes. We have business and it’s not convenient to talk. Please move aside,” Ye Xinyu said. Lin Yuanya and Gu Mingzhen had rushed in front to block them.

“Senior Sister Ye, I didn’t want to say it last time. Hu Mengmeng has a character problem. If you choose her for guidance, not only will you waste your time, but you’ll be raising an ungrateful wolf!” Gu Mingzhen glared at Hu Mengmeng.

“What nonsense are you talking?!” Hu Mengmeng was speechless. These two were still obsessed with her being chosen by Ye Xinyu.

“You won’t let people speak about what you did? Hu Mengmeng was a high school classmate of Xiaoya and me. In high school, she liked Xiaoya and pestered her every day—bringing her breakfast, doing her chores, following her everywhere. It was annoying. After university started, she saw you and said she didn’t like Xiaoya anymore and ignored her completely. Xiaoya even saved her life once—look at her attitude now, like an enemy!” Gu Mingzhen spoke rapidly.

“Is what she said true?” Ye Xinyu looked at Hu Mengmeng. She really did like Lin Yuanya?

“That… that was a misunderstanding. I thought it was Lin Yuanya who saved me. Later I found out it was you, not her,” Hu Mengmeng said quickly.

“Oh, look at that! Now she’s saying it was Senior Sister Ye who saved her. She’s so good at using this routine to get close to people! Who remembers things from childhood clearly anyway? Senior Sister Ye, look at her—how fast her ‘love’ changes! Even if she did get the person wrong, liking someone just because they saved you—isn’t that ridiculous?!” Gu Mingzhen caught the point and mocked her.

Lin Yuanya stood to the side, acting like a refined, embarrassed lady. Hu Mengmeng watched Ye Xinyu’s face grow colder and colder. Her head was spinning—it wasn’t that simple! How can I explain this to her? Our relationship just started getting better!

“No, that’s not it! It’s not like that!” As she stammered, she felt something flying toward her. She instinctively shielded Ye Xinyu and caught the flying objects with her bare hand.

It was two talismans!

After catching them, a spiritual energy shroud tightened around her. Hu Mengmeng let out a low grunt, and her spiritual energy exploded outward, shattering the talismans. She looked around to see two young men running toward them—one with a talisman, one with a gun. Dangerous items.

“Sister, get back!” Not knowing if they were good or bad, she called out to Ye Xinyu and ran forward to meet them, keeping them away from her.

Ye Xinyu wanted to say something, but Hu Mengmeng had already reached them. Her spiritual energy formed two ropes that bound their hands and feet. Before they could do anything, she flew forward, accurately kicking the gun out of the man’s hand and delivering a kick to each of their knees. Both lost their balance and hit the ground.

It happened so fast the bystanders hadn’t even reacted before the two men were down.

“Holy crap! Hu Mengmeng took down the Gu brothers that fast? Didn’t she just start learning from you?!” Tong Qiao was stunned. She knew these two and was about to intervene, but it was already over.

Ye Xinyu’s expression didn’t change as she walked over. Gu Mingzhen and Lin Yuanya were also dazed. When did Hu Mengmeng become like this? The men were Gu Mingzhen’s cousins; she knew how strong they were—they were from the police academy and worked for a special department!

“Hey! Is there no law anymore? Hu Mengmeng, what you’re doing is illegal!” one of the men roared.

“You have the nerve to talk about the law? Did you investigate her before jumping to conclusions? Didn’t you see me standing there, yet you still used a talisman and a gun on her?” Ye Xinyu said coldly.

“Ye… Ye Xinyu! We came because of a report. This Hu Mengmeng is suspicious. When I checked her before, I told her nicely to cooperate, but she resisted arrest and ran! Even if she’s innocent, resisting and fleeing is a crime!”

“You say she committed a crime, so she did?”

“Eldest Miss Ye, regardless of the situation, can you help unbind us first? We’re just trying to find the truth and catch the bad guy,” the other man said.

“Hu Mengmeng is my fellow disciple. I called her away that day. I’ve already guaranteed her to the Principal, and your superiors agreed. Did you not know? You haven’t found the real culprit in so long, were you looking for a scapegoat? You didn’t even check whose person she is. I will be reporting this attack to your superiors.” Ye Xinyu didn’t let Hu Mengmeng release them; she spoke with icy detachment.

Hearing Ye Xinyu’s bossy defense and seeing the men silenced, Hu Mengmeng’s eyes turned into stars. Sister is still good to me; she definitely didn’t believe Gu Mingzhen.

“Eldest Miss Ye, don’t! We’re the ones who got hurt! We didn’t even do anything! Help us get loose!”

“Let’s go.” Ye Xinyu ignored them and spoke to Hu Mengmeng. Hu Mengmeng didn’t care about the men and followed her.

“Fellow disciple…?” Lin Yuanya murmured behind them, her eyes full of resentment. Hu Mengmeng had become Ye Xinyu’s “Junior Sister” and had become so powerful because of that selection! Lin Yuanya and Gu Mingzhen couldn’t see spiritual energy; they only saw that Hu Mengmeng was fast and had knocked them down.

“Xiaoya?” Gu Mingzhen patted her, but Lin Yuanya pushed her away.

“You’re useless! You can’t do anything right!” Lin Yuanya snapped and followed Ye Xinyu. Gu Mingzhen hurried after her.

“Hey! Zhenzhen! Zhenzhen!” The men on the ground called out, but she ignored them. They were furious. Hu Mengmeng’s spiritual binding was clever, forming a loop they couldn’t break without help. They could only wait for the energy to dissipate. It was embarrassing—they could only lie there!

They checked another scene and found the same clues, which Hu Mengmeng collected. Afterward, they took a car to the hospital.

“Sister, about earlier…” Hu Mengmeng started.

“Business first. I’m showing you the ropes. You should analyze it yourself. The same hair was found at both locations; it should be one demon. You can’t tell what it is yet, so I’ll send it for testing. Let’s check the hospital.” Ye Xinyu cut her off professionally.

Hu Mengmeng pouted and focused on the case. Seeing them leave, Lin Yuanya called her driver. Gu Mingzhen tried to follow, but Lin Yuanya, now furious at her, didn’t let her. She got in alone and told the driver to follow Ye Xinyu’s car.

At the hospital, they visited several students. Ye Xinyu showed her ID, and the doctors shared the records. Aside from the constant sleeping, there were no injuries, but there were signs of sexual intercourse. The girls were originally virgins, and blood was found. The results were bizarre: they could only find the girls’ DNA, nothing from the other party, and no fingerprints.

They stepped out of the hospital.

“Senior Sister Ye, is there anything I can help with?” They ran into Lin Yuanya again.

“No. It’s best not to be out alone lately. Go home early,” Ye Xinyu said, glancing at her. Lin Yuanya was indeed quite pretty.

“Thank you for your concern!” Even with just that one sentence, Lin Yuanya was happy.

Hu Mengmeng’s expression was conflicted; she didn’t know what Ye Xinyu was thinking.

“Their bodies are likely exhausted from over-consumption. It could be a fox demon; they like ‘Yin’ and some prefer to harvest ‘Primal Yin’ from women for cultivation. How do you think we should proceed?” Ye Xinyu said, looking at Hu Mengmeng as they got in the car.

“First, check the officially registered foxes nearby. If they aren’t suspicious, ask if they’ve seen any strangers. If we find nothing… I can act as bait,” Hu Mengmeng said, her face looking extremely awkward.

“There is one registered fox nearby—your counselor, Shen Yuexi. Let’s go find her now.”