291: Chapter 291 Celestial Fox Ancestor: From this day forward, Xu Ruyu is an honored guest of my Celestial Fox Clan.

Ancestor Tianhu's gaze finally landed on Xu Ruyu, her ethereal and majestic voice carrying a hint of approval:

"Little fellow, you are quite good. You certainly didn't disappoint this seat and... this Little Girl, Qingtian."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance at Fairy Qing Tian, who was smiling cheekily beside her.

"The Heart of Dao-Seeking trial—since this trial was established, it can be said that no one has ever truly triggered and seen through it.

Because the vast majority of people, the moment they obtained the taihu tripod, were already blinded by 'power' and 'strength,' losing their original intent; how could they speak of 'Dao-Seeking'?"

"Even if there are a few with firm wills who can resist temptation, to be like you—actively analyzing your own Dao, discerning gain and loss, and resolutely abandoning the supreme Opportunity and authority within reach just to uphold your own path... is unprecedented."

Ancestor Tianhu lifted her hand slightly, and the dark golden taihu tripod that had been following behind flew into her palm, spinning rapidly: "This tripod recognizing you is fate.

That you had the great courage to abandon it is heart. Fate arises from the heart, and when the heart is clear, the Dao is firm. Therefore, you have passed the ultimate trial of my Taihu Clan's Nine-Aperture Exquisite Array in the most perfect way."

Having said this, she looked at the Taihu Clan Clan Chief and the Supreme Mage, her tone flat yet carrying an unquestionable air as she continued:

"From now on, little friend Xu Ruyu is the most distinguished guest of our Taihu Clan, and also... a 'fellow traveler' recognized by this seat.

For as long as he is in Tianyin Mountain, the Taihu Clan must treat him with the highest courtesy, satisfy his reasonable demands with full effort, and ensure his safety.

Allocate the best area for the place he seeks for protection, and no one is to disturb the Hehuan Sect members in their cultivation.

Anyone who violates this order shall be expelled from our Taihu Clan. Do you all understand?"

"We respectfully obey the Old Ancestor's decree!"

The Taihu Clan Clan Chief, the Supreme Mage, and all the clansmen—how could anyone dare to say a single word of dissent in front of Ancestor Tianhu? Even Elder Mo Feng, who had previously stood up to oppose, joined the others in responding without hesitation.

With Ancestor Tianhu's personal command, all disputes and obstacles vanished in an instant.

Ancestor Tianhu nodded and looked at Xu Ruyu again, a hint of deep meaning flashing in her purple eyes: "Your Dao is very interesting.

It shares similarities with the Dao of 'Fate' advocated by the Little Girl, Qingtian. Walk it well; although this world is small, it hides dragons and crouching tigers. Do not slacken."

After she finished speaking, her figure gradually became illusory. Finally, that white-clad silhouette completely transformed into specks of moonlight and starlight, once again merging into the little fox in the Little Girl's arms.

The taihu tripod also turned into a stream of light and submerged into the Clan Chief's body—evidently, Ancestor Tianhu had returned the authority to wield this tripod to the Clan Chief.

"Qingtian..." Xu Ruyu looked at this familiar yet strange Little Girl, momentarily not knowing what to say.

"Hee hee, Big Brother, long time no see. You were so amazing just now!"

Seeing that Ancestor Tianhu had resolved the predicament Xu Ruyu was facing, Fairy Qing Tian hugged the little fox and hopped over to Xu Ruyu, tilting her little face up and revealing an innocent smile:

"Even that old granny Tianhu praised you! So that's what the Heart of Dao-Seeking trial is like; it's actually quite interesting!"

Looking at the Little Girl before him, a warm current could not help but surge in Xu Ruyu's heart.

Regardless of her background or her relationship with Ancestor Tianhu, at least for this moment, she was one of the few "old acquaintances" he had in this strange and vast Taihu Clan.

"You... have you been with Ancestor Tianhu all these days? Was she inside that little fox the whole time back then?" Xu Ruyu asked, looking at the little fox in the Little Girl Qingtian's arms with some curiosity.

He naturally remembered that when Qingtian appeared and subdued those Hehuan Sect ancestors, she had taken the little fox from Lady Qingli's arms and left.

He hadn't expected that such a great Buddha was hidden within the little fox.

"Yeah! After leaving the Hehuan Sect, old granny Tianhu took me to play everywhere, watching the stars and the moon—it was so much fun!

Not long ago, she said there might be some excitement to see here, so I followed her! I didn't expect to see you passing the trial, Big Brother, and being so amazing!"

Fairy Qing Tian chattered away, full of a child's innocence. Xu Ruyu smiled and patted her pigtails: "Thank you, and thank Ancestor Tianhu as well."

He knew that if Ancestor Tianhu hadn't appeared at the end to set the tone today, matters would likely have had further twists and turns.

And the "fellow traveler" recognition she spoke of gave him an extremely weighty protective amulet.

"You're welcome, you're welcome!" Fairy Qing Tian waved her hand, then suddenly leaned in and whispered mysteriously, "Big Brother, that old granny Tianhu said your Dao is very special and told you to walk it well.

She also said... maybe there will be a time in the future where she needs your help! But that's a matter for the future! For now, just settle down here and rest easy!

With that old granny Tianhu's word, no one will dare to bully you or your Sect!"

Xu Ruyu's heart stirred, and he nodded.

Ancestor Tianhu's promise and the appearance of Fairy Qing Tian added many unpredictable variables to this trip, which was originally just for seeking protection...

He turned around and looked at the Clan Chief, the Supreme Mage, and the many Taihu clansmen who were watching him with immensely complex expressions.

The Clan Chief stepped forward. This time, there was no doubt or reluctance in her eyes, only pure respect and gratitude: "Holy Master Xu... no, Fellow Daoist Xu.

Ancestor Tianhu's decree has been issued; from now on, the Tianyin Mountains are home to you and the Hehuan Sect.

If you have any needs, just speak up; our entire Taihu Clan will do our utmost to assist!"

"Many thanks, Clan Chief." Xu Ruyu cupped his hands in salute. This time, he accepted it calmly.

The Nine-Aperture Exquisite Array—thus, all nine trials were passed.

It drew to a perfect conclusion in a way that no one had anticipated.

Fairy Qing Tian left as nonchalantly as ever, without the slightest bit of lingering attachment.

However, watching the little figure of Qingtian gradually recede, some intermittent voices drifted back—

"Qingtian, who are you calling an old granny? Aren't you young yourself?"

"Heh heh, I'm only eight years old, definitely younger than you, you flirtatious fox!"

"Pah..." The voices grew more and more distant, fading into nothingness as Fairy Qing Tian went further away.

Xu Ruyu smiled, knowing that it was Fairy Qing Tian and Ancestor Tianhu bickering.