Chapter 751: Plans

“Thank you, Uncle Long and Hall Master Yao, for the information!” Shen Haoran said to Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen with a cupped fist. This information was quite valuable to him.

“Don’t mention it. My Cyan Dragon Race also has a presence in the Beast King Domain. I’ll ask my people there to keep an eye out. If Bai Zhennan makes any moves, I’ll let you know ahead of time,” Long Xiaotian said with a wave of his hand.

“Thank you. However, I may be leaving the Demon Race in a few days. Should anything unexpected happen, I must ask Uncle Long and Hall Master Yao to help look after the Fox Race. I, Shen Haoran, will never forget this kindness. If either of you ever need anything in the future, I would lay down my life without hesitation!” Shen Haoran stood and gave Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen a deep bow, his voice heavy. This was the main reason he had sought them out today.

Seeing Shen Haoran give them such a solemn bow, Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen felt both surprised and honored. They quickly helped him up. “Your affairs are our affairs. We’re all in the same boat now. We will certainly do as you’ve asked!”

Hearing Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen agree, a weight was lifted from Shen Haoran’s shoulders. The Fox Race had only just established a foothold in Central City; they would need help to grow. With Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen as allies, the Fox Race’s future development would face fewer obstacles, and he could leave without worrying so much.

“Nephew Shen, you’re leaving the Demon Race?” Long Xiaotian asked after Shen Haoran sat back down. To think he was leaving so soon after conquering a territory for himself in Central City.

“Yes. I have to return to the Human Race. There are still things I must do,” Shen Haoran said with a firm nod. It had been almost a year since he arrived in the Eastern Domain of the Demon Race. Not a moment went by that he didn’t think of returning. His vengeance against Fallen Valley, his mother trapped in the Imperial City—he had to resolve these matters himself. He had already wasted too much time and couldn’t afford to waste any more.

At this thought, a murderous glint flashed in Shen Haoran’s eyes, startling both Long Xiaotian and Yao Wuchen. They exchanged a look before asking, “Nephew Shen, do you need our help with your affairs in the Human Race?”

“Thank you, but no. The Demon Race can’t easily interfere in the affairs of the Human Race. Besides,” Shen Haoran said, declining their kind offer, “this is something I must handle myself!”

“When do you plan to leave?” they asked.

“In a couple of days, once I’ve settled matters for the Fox Race,” Shen Haoran said with a wry smile. He still hadn’t told Lady Ya he was returning to the Human Race. ‘How am I supposed to bring it up?’

The three of them talked for a while longer before Shen Haoran left the Medicine Hall and headed back toward the Fox Race’s territory.

The former territory of the White Tiger Race was now completely transformed by the Fox Race. A vision of pure white spread out in every direction. The buildings were white, the flowers were white, and even the roads were paved in white.

When Shen Haoran arrived back at the Fox Race’s territory, Lady Ya and Xue Ling were waiting for him at the entrance, smiling brightly.

“You’re finally back!” The two women greeted him with smiles as he approached. Lady Ya, in particular, was overjoyed. With Shen Haoran’s help, the Fox Race’s efforts to establish themselves in Central City were on the right track. As long as they continued to develop steadily, it wouldn’t be long before they truly replaced the White Tiger Race and became the fifth Major Influence in the city.

But while joy was on Lady Ya’s face, a deep-seated sorrow lurked in her eyes. She gazed at Shen Haoran, the words she wanted to say caught in her throat.

“I have something to take care of. You two go ahead and talk.” Xue Ling, noticing the sadness in Lady Ya’s eyes, made an excuse and left, leaving Shen Haoran and Lady Ya alone.

“Lady Ya, are you…” Shen Haoran began, suddenly finding the atmosphere awkward. He tried to think of something to say, but before he could, Lady Ya rushed into his arms.

“Tell me, are you leaving?” Lady Ya asked softly.

“You already know?” Shen Haoran said, stunned and a little sheepish.

“Xue Ling told me everything. I want to go back with you. I can help you fight Fallen Valley!” Lady Ya lifted her head, her gaze defiant as she looked at Shen Haoran.

Gazing at Lady Ya’s defiant, beautiful face, Shen Haoran shook his head helplessly. “No. The Fox Race is just getting started. If you, the Clan Leader, were to leave, the clan would be left without a leader. Would you be willing to just hand over this territory we fought so hard to win? Besides, Fallen Valley is something I must deal with personally. I won’t rely on anyone else’s power, not even yours. I need you here, in the Demon Race, to build a foundation for me. You cannot come to the Human Race!”

“But…” Lady Ya looked into Shen Haoran’s determined eyes, wanting to argue, but before she could get the words out, he leaned in and forcefully silenced her with a kiss.

The warmth of his lips sent Lady Ya’s mind into a blank slate. Her face flushed crimson, and she froze, unsure of what to do. After a moment, however, she began to relax. Shen Haoran’s hot breath ghosting across her skin made her gaze grow hazy and distant.

A long moment passed before Shen Haoran finally pulled away. Both of their chests were rising and falling heavily, the kiss having left them breathless. Lady Ya said nothing, burying her face and not daring to meet his eyes.

Shen Haoran pulled Lady Ya into his embrace, whispering softly in her ear, “Don’t worry. You’re my woman, and I won’t forget you. Once I’ve settled things with Fallen Valley, I’ll come back for you.”

Listening to the steady beat of his heart, Lady Ya nodded meekly. They held each other for a while longer until, overcome with shyness, Lady Ya finally excused herself and left.

When Shen Haoran returned to his room, he found Xue Ling sitting primly on his bed.

“Done with your goodbyes?” Xue Ling asked lightly. An innate seductiveness radiated from her, making Shen Haoran swallow hard.

“You’re the one who told Lady Ya about Fallen Valley, aren’t you,” Shen Haoran said, shooting Xue Ling a glare.

“She has a right to know. Besides, you didn’t know how to bring it up with her, did you? I was just solving the problem for you,” Xue Ling said with a casual shrug, utterly unconcerned.

‘Staring at Xue Ling, Shen Haoran felt a headache coming on. If he had to say which of the women in his life he feared the most, it was without a doubt Xue Ling. He could never bring himself to act tough in front of her. Who knew when this beautiful viper might get angry and slap him to death? It would be game over for him then. And there was no doubt in his mind that she was fully capable of doing it. So, in her presence, Shen Haoran did his best to act like a gentleman. At least, until he was stronger than her, he wouldn’t dare to oppose her directly.’

“Well, thanks so much,” Shen Haoran replied dryly.

“When are we leaving?” Xue Ling asked, ignoring his tone.

“The day after tomorrow,” Shen Haoran said after a moment’s thought. “I still need to sort things out for the Fox Race.” He then sat down and began to ponder how to best arrange their affairs…