The Four-leaf Flower in Master Liuâs hand was placed there by Zhang Xiaoman, intended to be a lifesaver at critical moments.
The white Little Foxâs empty gaze finally showed a hint of spirit.
Its nose moved imperceptibly, and unknown when, a complex emotion appeared in its eyes â surprise, longing, gratitude...
Master Liu sensed its emotions and cautiously stuffed the Four-leaf Flower into its mouth, then placed his palm on its forehead, transmitting a mental thought.
This was the Contract Summoning Skill.
Imprinted by Zhang Xiaoman, it could accommodate three Spiritual Beasts; currently, there was only one, Big Black, and this Little Fox was the second.
After swallowing the Four-leaf Flower, the White Foxâs injuries began to heal visibly.
It was primarily skilled in spiritual power, with physical qualities not being particularly strong, so a Four-leaf Flower was enough to save its life.
It struggled to rise off the ground.
The white Little Fox also knew it had become the spiritual beast of the green-clad elder before it, feeling a faint connection with him.
The contract needs mutual consent and cannot be forced.
"Today you sought revenge and nearly lost your life, which can be considered the completion of your karmic ties here. I pulled you back from the brink of death, and from now on, you shall cultivate by my side, refrain from causing more killings, and should I discover you arbitrarily killing again, I will personally take your life!"
The Little Fox lowered its head, its forelimbs half-kneeling on the ground, emitting two soft whimpers in response to Master Liuâs words.
"Alright, from this day forth, you shall be my spiritual beast, Master Liuâs. Let me ask you, do you have a name?"
The Little Fox shook its head.
Pei Laoliu looked at its snow-white fur, then at Big Black beside it, and a name slipped out.
"In that case, you shall be called Little White from now on. With me, no one will ever bully you again."
He said this, picking up the Little Fox.
Though it consumed the Four-leaf Flower, it couldnât completely heal it, so it remained weak.
It had only recently come into mana and couldnât speak yet, only lending its voice through others.
Pei Laoliu then checked on the two children.
They had fallen into a coma due to Little White absorbing some of their Essence Qi.
Fortunately, the Fox Demonâs Daoist skills were not deep, and it hadnât absorbed much in that short time, so the children werenât in mortal danger.
This was the reason Pei Laoliu agreed to take it in.
The Fox had killed, but only to avenge its family and wasnât responsible for other killings, leaving room for redemption.
Several people nearby gradually woke up.
The matters of this place should be concluded, and now only needed the City Guard Army to take the two children away.
But this conclusion was for Pei Laoliu; for Xing Rilong, it was entirely different.
He forced himself to stand and walked out behind Master Liu.
Just as Pei Laoliu stepped out of the yardâs gate, he suddenly heard a somewhat weak voice behind him.
"City Guard Army, listen to orders; this man is a Cultivation practitioner, and the Demon Fox in his hand is the killer of the Qian Family. You must capture this villain!"
His words caused everyone to pause for a moment.
How were things fine just now, and suddenly theyâre turned on their head?
And that Demon Fox, is this for real?
But everyone being part of the City Guard Army was curious about the reason, yet fulfilling orders was their duty.
Once they regained their senses, they immediately raised their Long Spears and closed in.
"Captain Xing, what do you mean by this? Do you intend to battle Master Liu?"
Pei Laoliuâs face turned cold as well.
Xing Rilong reacted quickly, already rushing to Li Qiangâs side, drawing out his Longsword and placing it against the latterâs throat, saying:
"Senior, I know your martial arts are strong and you possess some peculiar skills. But strategy allows for no kindness; this boy is in my hands. As long as you comply quietly, surrender and hand over the Demon Fox, I, Xing Rilong, promise here not to trouble you."
Upon hearing this, Pei Laoliu looked at Little White in his arms, while the Mountain and River Sword behind him emitted a slight vibrating sound.
Little White understood Xing Rilongâs words, its fur standing on end, and it let out a low growl at him.
At its feet, Big Black arched its body, ready to fight at any moment.
"Senior! Please do not act rashly! I know you are a peerless master, so Iâm very nervous now. If you or that black dog make any moves, I will kill this boy with a single stroke!"
Xing Rilong tightly gripped his treasure sword, his palm soaked with sweat.
Li Qiang, initially waiting outside, didnât expect to encounter such a situation suddenly.
Nevertheless, he tried to remain calm, not wanting to cause trouble for Master Liu.
He looked at Pei Laoliu with resolute eyes, believing that the other could surely rescue him unharmed.
"Haha, I never thought Master Liu would be careless in his affairs one day. But you better think it through: if you kill this boy, then you and everyone present might not leave here alive."
Pei Laoliu threatened.
Then Xing Rilong shook his head, saying:
"Senior, I know your skills are exceptional, and Iâm aware of the consequences of my actions. But please forgive my rudeness; I have compelling reasons to do so."