Without turning to glance back at the woman, Bai Zhang scoffed in response, "I am not obliged to provide you with any sort of explanation. Our interactions are to be limited to finding a solution for breaking the spell."

"Indeed, but you forget that I am your ranking superior. You are obliged to involve me in anything I deem relevant." As she spoke, the woman's body began to shift, growing taller and more imposing. Slim shoulders widened and breasts retracted into a flat chest. The robe "she" was wearing seemed to have magically adjusted to her new masculine physique.

There was no trace left of the feminine beauty. Instead, it was replaced with a striking and impressive male with bronze skin and eyes that shined brighter than all the stars in the night sky. A pair of large dark horns grew out from the sides of his forehead, each protruding bone split and divided into several more prongs, similar to an adult elk's antlers.

Despite the man's words, Bai Zhang stood tall and unperturbed, still staring into the distance.

"Alas, a person's status means nothing to me now, so save your royal arrogance for someone who cares." Bai Zhang's hands clenched and unclenched as he spoke and his eyes sparked with a look of determination, "All that matters now is breaking this wretched curse."

The woman who had turned into a man laughed loudly. His voice now sounded rough and yet somehow retained its distinct personality, "Yes yes, I already know all about your obsession. Don't worry, I wouldn't still be here if I didn't like your obnoxious attitude! I'll continue to let your insubordination slide, but don't forget your promise to me, Old Fox. When the time is right, I will need the Huli Jing's allegiance to compete with my older brother for the throne."

Bai Zhang sighed and replied wearily, "It will not be that simple. You and I have been gone from the Heavenly Realm for a very long time, and my son's sudden appearance changes everything. I expected to have to battle the elders for the clan head's position, but not my own flesh blood."

The man with skin like dark honey paced forward and leaned one foot on the lower rung of the terrace's railing, "Even though your son is currently the Sovereign Lord, you are still the strongest god in your clan, isn't that so? Force the celestial foxes to obey you."