Chapter 18: The Fox King

After a moment of deliberation, Xu Xuan ultimately decided to help the Fox Clan through their crisis. Money mattered little to him; what truly bothered him was seeing monsters bully people. As a scholar, he felt compelled to uphold justice and lend a hand wherever injustice was found.

Upon hearing Xu Xuan’s willingness to assist, Tu Shan Xue was overjoyed.
“Thank you, benefactor. I am willing to pay you an advance,” she said, her face alight with excitement, fearing he might change his mind. With a flick of her delicate hand, she swept across the table.

Clink, clink!

After a series of crisp sounds, ten ingots of pure gold appeared on the tabletop. Each weighed a tael, flawless and bright—real, unadulterated gold.

Xu Xuan’s eyes sparkled at the sight. He discreetly gathered the gold ingots, then turned and said,
“Time is of the essence. Let us depart tonight for your clan’s territory and await the old monster’s bridal procession.”

“All is at your command, benefactor.”

...

With that, the little white fox led the way, Xu Xuan following closely behind. Fortunately, Xu Xuan possessed decent martial skills, and though the mountain paths were rugged, they posed little challenge to him.

The wind howled past his ears, trees flashed by, and soon Xu Xuan had ascended West Mountain, following Tu Shan Xue deep into the woods.

Halfway there, Xu Xuan spoke,
“Jin Qian, are you familiar with this Old Ancestor Black Cloud?”

“Not at all, young master. You’d best ask that fox enchantress.”

“Why do you sound a bit annoyed?”

“Hmph! Fox spirits are always seducing people. I suppose you’ve been bewitched as well, haven’t you?”

“???”

Xu Xuan couldn’t fathom Zhao Jin Qian’s thoughts. If not for the promise of wealth, he wouldn’t meddle in such matters. Yet to Zhao Jin Qian, Xu Xuan’s decision to help the Fox Clan was entirely due to being captivated by beauty.

Indeed, that fox spirit was remarkably attractive, naturally alluring; not just men, but even she, as a woman, found herself entranced.

“Shameless wench!” Zhao Jin Qian cursed inwardly, her jealousy raging. “Feigning innocence to win the young master’s sympathy—disgusting, truly disgusting!”

Page 1/3

Time passed swiftly. After about the duration it takes to burn two incense sticks, Tu Shan Xue finally stopped in a mountain valley.

In the darkness at the valley’s center, faint firelight flickered. Xu Xuan stepped closer and discovered a cave. Following Tu Shan Xue inside, he was astonished by what he saw.

The enormous cave twisted and wound into the distance, its end impossible to see. At its heart, a bonfire blazed, surrounded by foxes of every kind—red, white, yellow; all imaginable colors.

Some foxes lounged, some sat half-upright, others crouched, all behaving like humans. They had clearly awakened their intelligence.

What surprised Xu Xuan most was a cluster of young foxes by a smaller fire, clutching books and making strange sounds, as if reciting lessons. A group of foxes, learning like children, reading aloud and gaining knowledge.

These foxes were no mere beasts; they had become “demons.”

Seeing Tu Shan Xue bring a scholar-dressed youth, the foxes gathered round, their gazes scrutinizing Xu Xuan. He, as a scholar, carried a mysterious fragrance, a sign of good fortune.

Fox spirits in the cave sniffed the air, their eyes shining with yearning, eager to devour Xu Xuan alive. Yet as Tu Shan Xue uttered a series of peculiar sounds, the foxes’ desires were quickly restrained. Clearly, she warned them in the language of the foxes to treat Xu Xuan respectfully.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak...”

The young foxes, seeing Tu Shan Xue, squealed in delight, dropping their books and circling her, dancing and cheering like human children.

“Enough, you little rascals! We have an honored guest today—mind your manners,” Tu Shan Xue said, smiling as she shooed them away.

Many of these foxes possessed spiritual cultivation, quite a few able to separate their souls, but within their own lair, they preferred their true forms.

Xu Xuan opened his Celestial Eye; golden light flashed in his vision and the scene transformed. Now he beheld a host of stunning beauties laughing coquettishly, each one enchanting and radiant, their eyes shining as if they could steal a man’s soul.

For a moment, Xu Xuan felt as though he had entered a kingdom of maidens, surrounded by lively songbirds and swallows—such was the bustle.

“A friend from afar has come, and I have not welcomed you properly. Please forgive me,” came a gentle, cultured voice from deep within the cave.

Page 2/3

The voice was exceedingly polite, warm and refined, with an air of distinction. Xu Xuan looked toward the source and saw a pure white fox walking upright, forepaws pressed together in a gesture of greeting—an oddly amusing sight.

“Benefactor, this is our Fox King,” Tu Shan Xue introduced at once upon seeing the white fox.

Upon learning this was the Fox King, Xu Xuan immediately returned the greeting,
“Xu Xuan of Willow County, pays respects to the Fox King.”

“An esteemed guest graces my humble abode, making it shine with honor. Please, Master Xu, come inside,” the Fox King replied. As he spoke, a flash of white light enveloped him, and the upright white fox vanished; in its place appeared a white-robed, silver-haired man, graceful as jade.

The Fox King was exceedingly handsome, his features sharply defined, almost ethereal, with a touch of delicate beauty. His cultivation was profound; he could fully transform, like the ancient turtle demon, into a human form. Unlike Tu Shan Xue, who could only project her spirit and, even when transforming, had to retain some beastly traits—her cultivation was not yet enough to stand alone as a great demon.

The Fox King led Xu Xuan deeper into the cave, where stone tables and chairs stood, pristine and well-arranged—a world apart.

Once Xu Xuan was seated, the Fox King gave instructions, and soon the stone table was laden with a sumptuous feast.

Man and fox sat opposite each other, while Tu Shan Xue now appeared as a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old maiden, pouring wine.

After listening to Tu Shan Xue’s account, the Fox King understood Xu Xuan’s purpose and was immediately moved with gratitude. He had been troubled by Old Ancestor Black Cloud’s marriage proposal; Xu Xuan’s arrival was a great relief both emotionally and logically.

Yet, knowing Old Ancestor Black Cloud’s formidable cultivation, the Fox King foresaw the danger and could not bear for Xu Xuan to risk himself. Xu Xuan had saved Tu Shan Xue, making him a benefactor to the foxes; it would be ungrateful indeed to repay kindness with harm.

With this in mind, the Fox King made his decision. He first offered Xu Xuan a cup of wine, then declared,

“Master Xu, your kindness to our clan is something I will never forget. Tomorrow, I shall send you a hundred taels of pure gold. You should hurry down the mountain and leave.”

“Hmm? Fox King, what do you mean? I have yet to help you resolve your troubles—how can I leave now?”

Xu Xuan frowned. To accept reward without service was unworthy; if he failed to aid the Fox Clan in their hour of need, he would be ashamed to accept their gold.

Page 3/3