13. Chapter 13: Forming a Pact with Little White

“Indeed. As far as I know, the nine-tailed spirit fox favors forming bonds with Yin-blooded individuals, willingly entering into contracts to recognize them as their masters. Every month, the fox drinks its master’s blood once, and after a year, it can transform into a human. Spirit foxes of noble lineage can even cultivate alongside their masters and change into any form they desire. This girl here is one of the Yin-blooded,” Master Taihe’s eyes sparkled brightly, filled with indescribable envy and admiration.

“Yin-blooded? You mean blood type? I have Rh-negative blood, commonly called panda blood,” Yuan Qian’er asked curiously.

“Yes, people with this blood type are exceedingly rare here. So, girl, you’re quite fortunate. Come, no more talk—let’s establish the contract first.” Master Taihe took the talisman-like symbol he had drawn earlier, added drops of blood from Yuan Qian’er and Little White onto it, chanted a few incantations, then burned it to ash. Mixing the blood of both human and beast into water, he had them drink it. After a while, he said, “There, the contract is sealed. My task here is complete. Girl, I’m entrusting you to Yi Ran’s care. Stay close to him, don’t cause trouble, and raise Little White well. I will retreat into seclusion for a few days. Once I emerge, I will come to find you.”

“Old man, why must you go into seclusion? What if I raise Little White and you’re still not out?” Yuan Qian’er’s heart tightened. Was something wrong with him? Was he injured? Why retreat now, out of the blue?

“You ungrateful child, how dare you ask? If it weren’t for the effort I made to bring you back, do you think it would have been so easy? And that foolish friend of yours came through with you. When the spatial portal was about to close, I had to forcefully hold it open to save her life. That’s why I was struck back by the space itself,” Master Taihe glared at Yuan Qian’er, as if blaming her entirely.

“So you mean Qing Cheng made it safely too? Where is she now? Why didn’t I see her when I arrived?” Yuan Qian’er finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“She should also be within the capital. The spatial connection points are identical; she simply arrived a little later. By the time she showed up, Yi Ran had probably already brought you back.”

“Then I must find her as soon as possible. What if she’s mistaken for an exhibitionist and arrested? Hey, old man, thank you. I will remember this kindness. You retreat quickly, and once you’re well, come find me and Yi Ran to play,” Yuan Qian’er said eagerly, already longing to reunite with Su Qing Cheng.

“Wait, take this token. If anyone doubts your identity, say you’re my little granddaughter. Show this token, and people will treat you as if they see me. That way, staying close to Yi Ran won’t invite gossip.” Master Taihe truly regarded Yuan Qian’er as his own granddaughter and would never allow her to suffer even the slightest injustice.

Seeing this, Yuan Qian’er took the token and hugged Master Taihe tightly, saying, “Grandpa, thank you.”

At her words, Master Taihe beamed like a blooming flower. “Hey, good girl, take good care of yourself, you little rascal.” Then he looked at Mo Yi Ran and said, “Yi Ran, I entrust her to your care. You must not let her get hurt. Keep her happy. This was the charge our benefactor gave me when entrusting her to me. Now, I have no choice but to hand her over to you. Protect her well.”

“Master, rest assured. Yi Ran will not disappoint you. You can focus on your seclusion and recovery,” Mo Yi Ran promised solemnly.

“Oh, can you two stop acting like this is a farewell for life? It’s not like we won’t see each other again. I believe your recovery will be strong and swift. You’ll come find us soon enough. By then, I’ll have made a name for myself in the capital, and I’ll watch over you,” Yuan Qian’er said with hopeful eyes, envisioning a bright future calling to her.

After their laughter and cheerful chatter, Yuan Qian’er and Mo Yi Ran set off on their return journey to the capital, while Master Taihe retreated to his mountain to enter seclusion.

This time, Mo Yi Ran’s descent from the mountain had been announced in advance, and the entire capital buzzed with excitement! Even Emperor Bing Qinghua, upon hearing of Mo Yi Ran’s return, sent a carriage to welcome him, showing the high regard in which Mo Yi Ran was held in the capital.