From the time the Lightning Mink emerged in the mundane world, it has followed Fang Bai closely. To it, Fang Bai is both mentor, friend, and elder brother. Although most of the time it appears cold and arrogant in front of Fang Bai, deep down it holds him in great esteem.

Thus, the act of naming was significant for the Lightning Mink, and Fang Bai’s approval was paramount.

With Fang Bai’s keen insight, he naturally noticed the subtle intentions of Mingzhu and smilingly asked the Lightning Mink, "Mingyu...what do you think of this name?"

Lightning Mink glanced at Mingzhu and nodded, "It’s alright."

Fang Bai said, "As long as you think it’s good! Then from now on, I’ll call you Mingyu, alright?"

Lightning Mink nodded.

Mingzhu cheered, exclaiming, "Little Mink finally has a name!"

Naming the Lightning Mink was just a trivial matter; with Fang Bai’s nod and the Lightning Mink not opposing, it was settled.

However, Elder Mingjing’s mind harbored a matter closely tied to the future of the Mink Clan; he had already consulted with the Lightning Mink, and it had expressed its stance, but Fang Bai’s consent was equally necessary.

"Immortal Friend Fang, I have a matter here I’d like to seek your opinion on..."

Mingjing spoke with deliberation, this dignified Immortal Emperor Realm Expert showing a trace of nervousness at this moment.

His nervousness stemmed from the concern that Fang Bai might refuse, and should Fang Bai decline, the Lightning Mink would likely obey his decision.

"Please go ahead, Elder Mingjing."

Fang Bai smiled gently at Elder Mingjing, having already guessed at some of his thoughts.

In fact, Fang Bai had brought the Lightning Mink to the Demon Realm to find the Mink Clan, precisely to help the Lightning Mink "return to its roots," preventing future solitude and loneliness due to the absence of fellow kin.

Given the Lightning Mink’s innate talent and abilities, staying within the Mink Clan, with time, it would undoubtedly become the backbone of the Clan, especially since the Lightning Mink is a steadfast supporter of his own. When Fang Bai rebuilds the Emperor’s Palace and competes against the eight great Immortal Emperors, the Mink Clan from the Demon Realm would be a significant source of external support and strength.

Fang Bai also believed that if he insisted on taking the Lightning Mink away, it would undoubtedly follow him, even Mingzhu wouldn’t be able to keep it.

However, Fang Bai didn’t intend to break up lovers and would respect the choice of the Lightning Mink.

Regarding whether the Lightning Mink would stay or leave, Mingzhu had discussed with her grandfather, thus she knew what her grandfather would be asking, her heart inevitably suspended, and her body unconsciously moved closer to the Lightning Mink.

The Lightning Mink too grappled with its indecision, not yet having decided whether to stay behind or to leave with Fang Bai.

As a member of the Mink Clan, witnessing its current plight of decline, it felt a strong desire to stay, to join forces with its kin, lead the Mink Clan out of adversity, and rekindle its lost glory.

Yet if it chose to stay, it would no longer be able to follow Fang Bai, gain his guidance and advice, nor could it bear parting with friends in the Emperor’s Palace.

Conversely, leaving meant it would seldom see the charming and cute Mink Clan maiden, Mingzhu, and it worried whether the clan would continue its downward spiral, until eventual extinction.

"Since the ancient era, after the disappearance of our Great Emperor of the Mink Clan, our clan has gradually declined; previously with consecutive fierce battles against three major Demon Clans, countless talented disciples have perished, coupled with many leaving, dying or dispersed, the Mink Clan’s overall strength is increasingly weakened, now we are barely scraping by..."

Elder Mingjing organized his thoughts and slowly began, his tone somber and melancholic.

"In the Demon Realm, any tribe relies on its talented youth to rejuvenate the clan, the Mink Clan is no exception. Except, in these years, the Mink Clan has produced only one disciple with an extraordinary bloodline..."

As he said this, he looked at his granddaughter Mingzhu, his expression revealing a trace of comfort, but soon followed with, "Yet just Mingzhu alone with an extraordinary bloodline is still far from enough for the Mink Clan, and cannot bear the responsibility of reviving the clan. Therefore..."

His gaze fell on the Lightning Mink, openly revealing his appreciation and affection, his tone tinged with awe as he said, "Silver fur... In the lineage of the Mink Clan, since the ancient Great Emperor, such fur has never appeared again! Mingyu’s innate talent and potential are far superior to Mingzhu’s, and his future achievements would be much grander. Therefore..."

He drew a deep breath, earnestly stating, "So, I and the entire Mink Clan descendants hope Mingyu can stay within the Mink Clan, fighting alongside us for the rise and revival of the Clan. As long as Mingyu is willing to stay, we, a bunch of old folks, will spare no effort to impart guidance and will devote all of the clan’s cultivation resources for his development..."

Upon saying this, he couldn’t help but chuckle wryly, somewhat helplessly stating, "On this matter, Mingzhu has already asked Mingyu, Mingyu hasn’t opposed but is very concerned about your opinion, Immortal Friend Fang..."

Standing beside the Lightning Mink, Mingzhu anxiously looked toward Fang Bai, fearful he might shake his head or say "no", taking the Lightning Mink away from her.

"In my lifetime, I, Mingjing, seldom ask favors from others, but this time for the future of the Mink Clan, I have to put aside my pride and plead with you, Immortal Friend Fang..."

Elder Mingjing looked at Fang Bai with a tone almost imploring, "Hoping Immortal Friend Fang could fulfill our Mink Clan and allow Mingyu to stay!"

A dignified Immortal Emperor was willing to set aside pride and stature to petition a mere third-level Immortal King Realm ’Junior Immortal,’ which would be impossible without genuine sincerity. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

The Lightning Mink was moved, its lips parted, ready to immediately agree, yet knowing Fang Bai hadn’t voiced his stance, it held back from speaking.

"Immortal Upper Fang, I implore you to allow Mingyu to stay! Our... our Mink Clan needs his help!"

Mingzhu also entreated.

Soon after, the stone house fell silent, with Elder Mingjing, Mingzhu, and the Lightning Mink all watching Fang Bai, waiting to see what he would say.

Under their tense, anxious, and expectant gaze, Fang Bai smiled at the Lightning Mink and said, "Actually, you don’t need to care much about my opinion. Whether to stay or leave, how to choose, you just need to follow your heart; I will unconditionally support you! However..."

Upon hearing the words "however," Mingjing and Mingyu immediately felt intense suspense.

Fang Bai said, "However, I am inclined to you staying! Because I hope the Mink Clan will flourish once more because of you!"

Elder Mingjing let out a long breath of relief, while Mingzhu couldn’t help but cheer and rejoice.

The Lightning Mink vigorously nodded, earnestly stating, "I will do my best!"

...

At dawn, as the Golden Crow rose, Mount Luohu was bathed in golden sunlight.

Tens of thousands of Mink Clan disciples, summoned by Elder Mingjing’s call, gathered on the open grounds below Mount Luohu.

The vast majority of them didn’t know why Elder Mingjing had summoned everyone but vaguely guessed it might be related to Fang Bai and the Lightning Marten.

Once all the Mink Clan disciples were present, several figures descended from Mount Luohu, appearing before tens of thousands of Mink Clan disciples.