Above Taichu Hall, Pei Wanyu watched Xiao Yinruo setting up a barrier, arms crossed and a gentle smile on her face, her fingers lightly tapping against her arm.

Indeed, with Yinruo's current strength, she might not be able to fully detect or break the barrier she has set up, but...

If someone is inside the barrier from the start, how would it trigger an alert?

With a soft hum, Pei Wanyu flicked her fingers, and a black feather wrapped in a purple aura floated out with the wind, gradually blending into the space.

Having completed this, she patiently waited for the show to begin.

······

Lu Jin'an stepped onto the stairs leading to the peak of Yun Meng Cliff, carefully reviewing the intelligence sent over by Mo Yun Pavilion.

Back when Dongfang Xinglan took control of Shengjing, Xiao Li began showing signs of leaving Wandao Sect, though not frequently. The locations where she sent letters varied, but according to Mo Yun Pavilion's investigation, the messages were taken by Qingqiu's trade caravans.

Standing behind Xiao Li was Qiu Qingtang, so it's undoubtedly at Qiu Qingtang's behest.

Although the content of the messages can't be confirmed, another piece of intelligence from Mo Yun Pavilion caught Lu Jin'an's attention.

Something significant happened in Qingqiu—the Qiu's Fox Clan has annexed the Han and Xue Clans' fox clans.

Among Qingqiu's nine major families, the strongest is the Yu Family Fox Clan, followed closely by the Qiu Family. Although the Qiu Family's overall strength is inferior to the Yu Family, with the impending end of the old ancestor Qiu Miaoyu, they've lost considerable influence.

Moreover, with no successors, the Qiu Family's position has been increasingly marginalized.

Yet in such circumstances, the Qiu Family unexpectedly annexed the Han and Xue families, catching everyone off guard.

Both being major families in Qingqiu, while not the strongest, the Han and Xue families weren't weak. Plus, with the Yu Family leading Qingqiu, how did they end up being annexed by the Qiu Family?

As the Saint Heir of Wandao Sect, Lu Jin'an clearly understood the meaning of the word 'annexation' in the demon clan: most of the males from the annexed races are killed, the remaining females are divided for concubinage, and many female demons are impregnated with offspring from the dominant clan.

How did a Qiu Miaoyu, whose days are numbered, accomplish this?

The intelligence does not detail much; after all, even with Mo Yun Pavilion's expertise in intelligence gathering, penetrating demon clan territories, let alone sacred grounds of a clan, is implausible.

Lu Jin'an continued walking, contemplating the frequent correspondence orchestrated by Qiu Qingtang and hypothesizing potential changes within the fox clans.

The Fox Clan is a major force within the demon clan, although Qingqiu Fox Clan currently leads, alongside Qingqiu are the equally established Yousu, Pure Fox, and Tushan Fox Clans.

These four great fox clans are ancient, descending from the Dragon Clan's era. Though of the same origin, changes over time have led to the four distinct fox clans it is today.

To the Human Clan, the most notable isn't Qingqiu, but the Yousu Fox Clan, for Yousu Fox Clan once bewitched and led to the downfall of three Immortal Dynasties and eight sects among the Human Clan.

Subsequently, as the Human Clan emerged victorious, they first allied with the other three great fox clans, relegating the Yousu Clan, once considered the fox's rightful lineage, to lesser status, even dividing their ancestral land among the three clans.

Presently, the ancestral lands of the foxes largely fall under Qingqiu's domain, marking the current Western Boundary at Heaven Fox Mountain as home to Qingqiu.

These historical snippets flash through his mind, yet Lu Jin'an can't pinpoint any crucial clues.

The fox clan's internal strife partly stems from clandestine provocations by the Human Clan, albeit specifics remain scant—after all, it's ultimately an internal affair.

Still, this turmoil is undoubtedly an internal conflict within Qingqiu; the Yu Family failed to curb the Qiu Family—whether the other three clans are involved remains uncertain...

In thought, Lu Jin'an ascended the final step of Yun Meng Cliff, then... halted.

A barrier?

Since when was Yun Meng Cliff enveloped by a barrier?

Moreover, it bore the mark of the Master.

Intrigued, Lu Jin'an surveyed his surroundings, finding no trace of a fox spirit.

Instead, the air was suffused with an inexplicably exotic scent.

Lu Jin'an raised a brow, distinctly sensing his Left Assistant Palace within activating to expel the absorbed strange fragrance.

"..."

Lu Jin'an instantly grasped the situation; spring has arrived, these fox spirits...

With a silent smile, he stood still but, upon confirming Qiu Qingtang's location, flicked his finger, sending a beam of spiritual power shooting out.

Soon after, Xiao Li darted out from the hall, transforming into her youthful form: "Greetings to Young Master Lu."

Lu Jin'an glanced at Xiao Li, noting her realm was too low, suppressible with elixirs—thus exhibiting no anomaly.

He nodded lightly: "Is she available?"

"She is indeed, she is," Xiao Li promptly gestured an invitation: "Young Master Lu, please."

Lu Jin'an moved onward, the Left Assistant Palace growing increasingly active. Though Lu Jin'an had never experienced this before, now it seemed the seductive fragrance emitted by fox spirits during specific times was truly enthralling.

It's no wonder it had ensnared many notable figures from the Human Clan in the past.

"Are they keeping to themselves?" Lu Jin'an inquired.

"Yes, those who can suppress it with elixirs are doing so, but during this period, their master instructed them not to venture out casually."

Xiao Li glanced at Lu Jin'an, contemplating how the nearly thirty foxes residing on Yun Meng Cliff were intended by their master as future 'bride price,' not meant for others to see.

"Oh, and what of the male foxes then?"

"Their master sold them off at a high price."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jin'an paused: "Hmm?"

"Hmm?" Xiao Li raised her head in bewilderment: "Does Young Master Lu have any questions?"