Chapter 88: Stumbling Into the Fox’s Den

Caught off guard.

Several days had passed. Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan traveled together, quickly crossing a major city and entering the Demon’s Road.

Neither of them realized they’d already wandered into danger. After days on the road their stomachs were growling with hunger. Maybe it was just a mirage, but through the lingering mist ahead they could just make out a bustling restaurant.

Xie Jinxuan pointed excitedly at the restaurant. “Xiaoyao, look! There’s a restaurant up ahead. We’re starving! Let’s check it out!”

Gu Xiaoyao quickly grabbed Xie Jinxuan, his voice full of doubt. “Jinxuan, this place is miles from any town, yet there’s a restaurant this fancy out here? Sounds fishy to me!”

“Of course I know it’s suspicious! But honestly, food comes first. No matter what’s ahead—even if it’s a dragon’s lair or a tiger’s den—today I’m charging in!” Xie Jinxuan shook his head with a confident grin, running a hand over his neck.

“Jinxuan, if you know it’s a trap, why march in anyway?” Gu Xiaoyao’s face stiffened at those words. He turned, clearly puzzled.

“Relax, Xiaoyao. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. Even if things get dangerous, I’m not that easy to take down. And if all else fails, I’ve still got you, haven’t I?” Xie Jinxuan strode forward, clapping Gu Xiaoyao’s shoulder with a carefree smile.

“So just chill out. When opportunity falls from the sky, who are we to say no?” With that, Xie Jinxuan set off for the restaurant.

Gu Xiaoyao watched his friend disappear. He was about to call out and stop him but, on second thought, figured Jinxuan had a point. No way a tiny outpost like this could be hiding a sixth-rank demon beast, right?

Gu Xiaoyao quickly caught up with Xie Jinxuan.

The two stopped in front of the enormous restaurant. A sign hung above the door boldly reading ‘Yangchun Lounge.’ From inside they could hear faint, excited chatter; the energy of satisfied customers hung in the air. The pair froze in place, momentarily stunned.

A loud shout from inside grabbed their attention.

“Handsome sirs! Are you here to eat, or are you looking for a place to stay? Please, come on in!” A beautiful woman sauntered out to greet them.

She hid her mouth behind a fan. Dressed in a form-fitting outfit with curves in all the right places, her shirt slipped off one shoulder, exposing creamy skin. Every inch of her radiated a dangerous allure.

Both Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan instantly forgot about their hunger, standing there frozen like statues.

The woman watched their dazed expressions with a teasing smile and, lips curling mischievously, looped her arms through theirs.

“Gentlemen, my name’s Su Yao. I’m the owner here. Looks like you can’t move a step further, so let me show you inside myself.”

With that, Su Yao led them into the restaurant.

Feeling the softness of her grip on their arms, the two came back to their senses. One look at her captivating face made them blush furiously.

Su Yao took note of the scene, stopping to tease them. “Well, gentlemen, what do you think? Am I easy on the eyes?”

The two nodded instinctively, speaking in unison. “You’re stunning—and running such a grand place at your age is impressive! Truly admirable!”

“Girls, come and keep these charming young men company!” Laughing, Su Yao turned and clapped, her call echoing through the restaurant.

“Coming, sis!” Out of nowhere, five enchanting women appeared, quickly crowding around Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan. “Come on, young masters, play with us.” They looked the men up and down, grinning, “This one’s especially cute. I wonder if he has anyone special in his life. What do you say to me, handsome?”

“Come on, gentlemen, let us serve you tonight. Our food is delicious—trust me, you’ll never want to leave.” With that, they tried pulling the two inside.

Seeing this, Su Yao twirled her wrist, sending two beams of light at them, then covered her mouth to hide her laughter. “Alright, gentlemen, let my sisters take care of you from here. I’ll take my leave.”

Once Su Yao was gone, the entire restaurant upstairs came alive. The place was packed, guests raising glasses and toasting each other in a riot of noise.

Hearing the lively commotion, whatever doubts Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan had were swept away.

Blushing in front of so many captivating women, the pair finally spoke, “We’ll leave everything to you ladies from here.”

The women exchanged glances, lips curved in sly smiles, then began introducing themselves.

“Sir, I’m Su Wan, second oldest.”

“I’m Su Qin, third.”

“Su Ran, the fourth.”

“Su Xue, fifth.”

“And I’m Su Xiaoxiao, the youngest, sixth in line.”

After introducing themselves, the sisters huddled close around the two men, giggling. “Handsome sirs, may we ask your names? Could you share them with us?”

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan glanced at each other, scratching their heads. “Since you’ve all told us your names, it would be rude for us to keep ours secret.”

“I’m Gu Xiaoyao.”

“And I’m Xie Jinxuan.”

The Su sisters burst out laughing, faces flushed. “You two are not just good-looking but your names are wonderful as well. Are either of you engaged?”

“If not, do any of us five sisters catch your eye?”

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan had never faced such a situation. Embarrassed, they both said, “We… we’re not engaged. You’re all lovely but we wouldn’t dare hope for someone like you. Please, have mercy on us.”

“Aww, they’re shy! You must’ve come a long way and must be starving, right?” Su Wan giggled as the two stomachs growled in unison.

Su Xue chimed in, blushing, “Big sis is right. Why don’t you join us upstairs and have something to eat? And if you’re interested in visiting my room… well, I wouldn’t mind.”

Su Qin flicked Su Xue’s forehead with a frown. “Greedy little thing! You want both handsome guys for yourself? Leave some for your sisters! You shameless girl.”

Su Ran joined in with mock annoyance. “Sis is right! Stop trying to hog them for yourself.”

“Alright, stop bickering or the poor guys will starve to death.” Su Xiaoxiao jumped in to break up the squabble, head bowed shyly.

With that, the arguments faded instantly.

The five Su sisters were all fifth-rank mid-stage Celestial Fox demons. Su Yao, the eldest, was already at sixth-rank mid-stage.

Beast cultivation levels:

[First Rank: Matches human Sword Practitioner Realm. Has basic intelligence but can’t speak, capable of simple demon spells.]

[Second Rank: Matches Sword Qi Realm. Capable of slightly stronger demon spells.]

[Third Rank: Matches Sword Sea Realm. Can speak and use demon spells more skillfully. Begins nurturing a demon core—though it’s fragile, easy to shatter.]

[Fourth Rank: Matches Sword King Realm. Can use a wider array of demon techniques and boasts tremendous strength.]

[Fifth Rank: Matches Sword Emperor Realm. Extremely powerful, already developing a human form, and begins facing tribulations to fully transform.]

[Sixth Rank: Matches Sword Saint Realm. Beast fully appears human, possesses immense strength, capable of moving mountains and filling seas.]

[Seventh Rank: Matches Demi-God Realm. Can ride clouds, summon storms, and control natural forces.]

[Eighth Rank: Matches Sword God Realm. Unspeakably terrifying—one thought can slaughter millions and bring down rivers of blood, blessed with endless lifespan.]