Finishing her final preparations, Li Meirong began to navigate towards Zhu Qingyue's courtyard. Attempting to maintain her uplifted spirits as her feet hurried alongside the winding paths that led to her teacher's residence. While she was hurrying to her appointment, at the same time another important meeting was about to take place, as Grandmaster Zhu Zhang's abode welcomed its own special guest.

The top terrace of the grandmaster's five-layered pagoda revealed a regal man emitting an imposing aura, seated upon a golden chaise. A pensive expression was displayed on his usually indifferent-looking countenance while skimming through the contents of his latest experiment.

Suddenly, a gust of air invaded the room, disturbing the man's concentration. The grandmaster raised an eyebrow of disapproval as a cloud of grey smoke coalesced before him, moulding into a figure of a fox cub.

Bai Zhang raised his ink-black eyes from his notes to stare at the cub. His brows contorted into a subtle frown as he began to invoke his inner energy. The nearby candles flickered in response to the invisible pressure surrounding him, his aura causing the small fox to grow instantly apprehensive.

"Why have you come here?"

Noticing the undisguised threat, the small fox immediately dipped into a low bow.

"Lord Bai," He explained, "The Sovereign Lord is occupied as of late and does not suspect this Subordinate. This One has news of Lord Bai's wife."

"Drop the title. There can only be one Lord in our clan and I have long since relinquished my right to be Sovereign Lord." The Grandmaster's eyes sharpened, glaring at the fox cub, "Also, my son is far more clever than you might think. Do not blindly presume that he is truly the besotted fool you perceive him to be. How long do you think that human female could serve as an adequate excuse for your unusual disappearances?"

Similar to Bai Qingyue when irked, Bai Zhang spoke in a voice that was both unhurried and low, yet he lacked the menacing undertone which usually accompanied his son's rebukes. Placing his notes onto the table before him, the Grandmaster waved his sleeve and allowed the oppressive pressure to gradually dissipate.

At that moment, the fox cub shape-shifted into a humanoid form and at once, the transformation revealed Bai Yu's bulky figure. Without delay, the subordinate kneeled on the floor before Bai Zhang.

"This Subordinate wouldn't dare imagine His Lordship to be a foolish man! But he has not left Her Ladyship's side at all during this whole week except for the times in which he practised his… culinary skills. This Subordinate doesn't think he suspects, or cares about this One's whereabouts that much." Bai Yu's response was straightforward as usual. He lacked the cunning trait of his kind, but this apparent shortcoming also made him a great subordinate.

Hearing his reply, the Grandmaster let out a dry laugh. He knew very well where Little Qingyue had been spending his time lately, the demolished kitchen in his residence was unmistakable proof of the Fox Lord's pastime activities.

Directly eyeing the former Second-in-command, Bai Zhang inquired, "It's good that you think so. So, where is that witch right now?"