“Huh?”

The little fox tilted its head, its button-black eyes looking at Xu Qi’an in confusion.

A few seconds later, it exclaimed joyfully: “How did you know my pet name is ‘Little Cutie’? That’s what all my sisters call me!”

That’s not the point!! Xu Qi’an mentally criticized, maintaining his gentle smile:

“So, do you have a way to contact her?”

The little white fox nodded, then shook its head, wariness showing in its bright eyes:

“Her Majesty’s whereabouts are secret. Without permission, I can’t contact her on my own.”

Her Majesty? Princess? Who are they talking about… Li Lingsu, who was listening, was puzzled.

Though he knew the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror was a relic of the Monster Kingdom’s ruler, he didn’t know Bai Ji was of the Nine-Tailed Fox clan, much less understand Xu Qi’an’s intentions.

Xu Qi’an turned his head to look at Li Lingsu and Miao Youfang, frowning:

“Why are you standing there like idiots? Are you ignoring the tasks I assigned? Get to work—I don’t keep useless people around.”

Miao Youfang hurriedly left, carrying his sword.

The spirit medium mother and son deserved their fate, and their subordinates who had helped commit evil were equally guilty of oppressing the common people.

If they thought escaping the City God Temple would erase their past misdeeds, they were being too optimistic.

Li Lingsu’s task was to treat the middle-aged man’s wife, preventing her death from severe illness.

Xu Qian—no, Xu Qi’an, this guy, since revealing his identity, he’s dropped all pretense… Sometimes I still miss Senior Xu, at least he wouldn’t curse and swear like Xu Qi’an does, showing no refinement at all, truly a crude warrior.

Senior Xu had such proper senior bearing…

Li Lingsu mentally complained about Xu Qi’an while reminiscing about Xu Qian.

Xu Qi’an closed the temple doors, took the little white fox from Mu Nanchi’s arms, lifted it high, and showed a warm, sunny smile:

“Help me contact the Nine-Tailed Fox, and I’ll buy you lots and lots of delicious treats.”

Bai Ji remained unmoved by the temptation of free food, speaking serious words in its soft, childish voice:

“No, rules are rules.”

If this were Xu Ling’yin, she’d have sold out her whole family by now. Indeed, human cubs and fox cubs are incomparable… Xu Qi’an continued:

“Do you know about the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror?”

The little white fox answered honestly: “No.”

It was a new generation cub in the fox clan; events from five hundred years ago were too distant. It only knew the rough story from oral tradition, not specific details about a magical treasure that had vanished centuries ago.

Xu Qi’an explained about the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror.

“So, you must contact her. This is very important.”

Xu Qi’an put on his adult demeanor, treating it as a serious matter.

Usually, when children see this attitude, they become hesitant and uncertain, as they aren’t used to making decisions.

Of course, this trick wouldn’t work on Xu Ling’yin—she would listen seriously, then ignore you completely.

But Bai Ji was delicate, prone to crying, gentle-tempered, and noble, like a young lady from a wealthy family—a little adult who understood reason.

“Alright… okay…”

It tilted its head, thinking for a while before softly agreeing.

Since Silver Bell Officer Xu spoke so seriously about this relic of the former ruler, Bai Ji considered it truly important.

Perhaps Her Majesty needed it, and it shouldn’t hinder matters.

It immediately kicked its hind legs, signaling Xu Qi’an to put it down.

Xu the Freeloader complied, and Bai Ji, with its fluffy tail raised, ran to the fallen statue’s edge, looked at the high pedestal, and then turned back:

“Help me get up there.”

“Can’t you jump yourself?” Xu Qi’an asked.

The little white fox’s beautiful eyes seemed to grow moist, saying pitifully:

“I can’t jump that high.

Her Majesty’s descent needs proper ceremony, I need to be up there.”

Xu Qi’an picked it up and placed it on the pedestal where the temple god statue had stood.

The little white fox curled up, folding its tail, and closed its eyes as if falling asleep.

Xu Qi’an and Mu Nanchi waited patiently.

About half a quarter-hour later, a vast, smoke-like, overwhelming will descended—no, more accurately, awakened from within Bai Ji.

A second tail grew behind it, then a third, a fourth… until nine tails appeared, like a peacock’s display.

It opened its eyes, its button-black pupils replaced by a clear light that seemed to overflow from its sockets.

Silver bell-like laughter echoed in the temple, carrying a bewitching charm.

She’s here…

The Monster Kingdom’s Princess, the Nine-Tailed Fox, is one of the world’s peak experts.

Though Xu Qi’an had technically met her once before, he dared not underestimate her. His body tensed slightly as he cupped his hands:

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Bai Ji walked over, swaying nine fox tails, stepping through the air, and stopped before Xu Qi’an, looking at him at eye level, smiling:

“What business do you have with me, little Silver Bell?”

Such a big sister attitude… Xu Qi’an thought privately. Instead of stating his business directly, he examined the little white fox and asked:

“Is Bai Ji of your bloodline?”

The Nine-Tailed Fox’s manner of appearance was strange—not a descended will, but rather an awakening.

In other words, Bai Ji could be seen as a sleeping Nine-Tailed Fox; she could directly occupy this body whenever she wished.

Now quite experienced, Xu Qi’an knew such operations required not only special secret techniques but also an important consciousness vessel, usually only possible with direct blood relations.

The Nine-Tailed Fox laughed lightly:

“Why don’t you guess?”

…Xu Qi’an wasn’t sure how to respond.

The Nine-Tailed Fox tilted her head, glancing at Mu Nanchi, who immediately glared back.

What are you looking at?

She casually shifted her gaze away, then looked toward the Pagoda of Six Realms.

“Since you’ve found Shenshu’s other arm, why haven’t you released him?” The Nine-Tailed Fox’s voice was soft and alluring.

Is she questioning me… Xu Qi’an calmly replied: “Releasing him requires being able to control it, and besides, the Pagoda Spirit is unwilling to release Shenshu.”

“Foolish!”

Even her scolding felt like a lover’s coquettish complaint. Xu Qi’an thought this must be the highest realm of enchantment.

“If the Pagoda Spirit is unwilling, then forcibly destroy it. What use is a disobedient magical treasure? Shenshu’s severed arm is full of malice, but from another perspective, it’s the best weapon against enemies.

“Used properly, it can help you kill enemies above your level. You’ve interacted with it and should know it can communicate and negotiate, rather than being a purely instinct-driven evil thing.”

The little white fox walked while talking, and when it stopped, it was almost face-to-face with Xu Qi’an.

Though just a fox cub, it exuded a strong mature feminine charm.

Xu Qi’an frowned slightly and stepped back.

The Nine-Tailed Fox paused, examining him for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, teasing:

“Beast Gu.”

“The Beast Gu is the Heart Gu.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox smiled sweetly:

“The fox clan has no shortage of beauties—seductive and unrestrained, pure and lovely, charming and passionate, cold and icy… This princess can reward Silver Bell Officer Xu with a group of fox beauties to help cultivate your Heart Gu.”

Your Majesty, our fox clan must keep its promises… Xu Qi’an said solemnly:

“Thank you for your kindness, but this Silver Bell Officer is not a wanton man.”

Mu Nanchi maintained a stern expression throughout, feeling quite annoyed inside.

As a woman, she instinctively rejected the alluring Nine-Tailed Fox. What alarmed her more was that Xu Qi’an, who usually navigated through flowers with ease, seemed unable to gain any advantage before her, and was even subtly suppressed.

This wasn’t suppression in terms of cultivation, but rather in terms of status dynamics.

Xu Qi’an took a deep breath: “I invited Your Majesty here for an important matter.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox smiled silently, waiting for him to continue.

“I’ve found a fragment of the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror.” Xu Qi’an got straight to the point without beating around the bush.

The nine gently swaying fox tails suddenly froze. After a few seconds, the Nine-Tailed Fox’s alluring voice sounded, tinged with desire and joy:

“Are you certain it’s the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror?”

Xu Qi’an didn’t waste words, beckoning the Pagoda of Six Realms and communicating with the Pagoda Spirit.

The first level’s gate opened, and golden light wrapped around the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror as it flew out, landing in Xu Qi’an’s palm.

The Chaos Sky Divine Mirror seemed to have fallen into slumber, that lashless eye was no longer prominent on its surface.

The Nine-Tailed Fox’s gaze followed it. The clear light in her eyes gradually receded, revealing a pair of bright black eyes. Though they had the same eyes, as Xu Qi’an, their spirit was entirely different from the little white fox’s.

Bai Ji’s eyes were moist and pure, the cleanest child’s eyes.

These eyes now held too many complex emotions—reminiscence, sorrow, joy, melancholy… Eyes are windows to the soul, and these carry such complicated feelings.

“Was the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror truly the Monster Kingdom Ruler’s dressing mirror?”

Xu Qi’an asked while playing with the bronze mirror.

“Every magical treasure has its unique abilities, but in daily life, Mother did indeed place it on her table as a dressing mirror.”

The complex emotions in the Nine-Tailed Fox’s eyes receded, replaced again by overflowing clear light.

Xu Qi’an smiled: “So, what does Your Majesty propose to trade?”

The power dynamic had shifted; Xu Qi’an now held the initiative.

The Nine-Tailed Fox sighed, complaining coquettishly:

“You heartless man, I’ve already given you Bai Ji as a child bride, isn’t that enough? Yet you’re still so greedy. Fine, since Ye Ji is already your former lover, I’ll give you both Bai Ji and Ye Ji together.”

Mu Nanchi’s eyebrow twitched.

Do you think you can get it for free? Xu Qi’an snorted:

“Your Majesty, please don’t joke like this.

Magical treasures are extremely rare. Though the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror is broken, I can nurture it with dragon qi and keep it to fight enemies.

If you’re not sincere, then I’ll take my leave.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox smiled:

“Mother was right—when men are cruel, they truly show no consideration for relationships.

Very well, since Silver Bell Officer Xu isn’t interested in the Bai Ji and Ye Ji sisters, this princess will have to think of something else.”

She seemed to have prepared this already, continuing without pause:

“Two Demon-Sealing Nails!”

Xu Qi’an’s eyes lit up: “Four!”

The Nine-Tailed Fox complained:

“Why don’t you just have me help remove all your seals?

Though I have methods, I can only remove two at most—any more is beyond my ability. You should already know that the Demon-Sealing Nails are Buddhist artifacts. Besides the Buddha, only Bodhisattvas can remove them all.

Also, I’m currently overseas and cannot return to the Nine Provinces continent. Removing the Demon-Sealing Nails will take some time.”

Trading a broken magical treasure for two Demon-Sealing Nails is a huge profit for me. In the current situation, nothing is more valuable than releasing the seals… Xu Qi’an frowned:

“How long?”

“Three months!” she said.

“No. I’ll give you one month. After that, the deal is void.” Xu Qi’an was quite forceful.

Three months was too late.

“Agreed!”

The Nine-Tailed Fox accepted.

After reaching the deal, Xu Qi’an asked: “What is Your Majesty doing overseas?”

The Nine-Tailed Fox smiled: “Searching for possible clan members.”

Xu Qi’an didn’t quite understand, or rather, didn’t realize the importance of the information contained in these words.

The Nine-Tailed Fox explained:

“After the end of the God-Demon Era, humans and monsters rose. Among the descendants of gods and demons, some went overseas and never returned.”

Went overseas… Xu Qi’an suddenly thought of the legendary “White Emperor” a divine beast from Yun Province, supposedly a descendant of the Qilin.

It had come from overseas and stayed in the coastal Yun Province for a long time. This beast’s breath could create wind, and its inhalation could create thunder. Its appearance was accompanied by wind, rain, and lightning, which happened to solve Yun Province’s drought at the time.

“The Nine-Tailed Fox is a descendant of gods and demons, possessing unique spiritual essence, but our clan has always been few. Now I’m the only one left in the Nine Provinces.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox sighed, self-pityingly: “This princess, an unmarried maiden of several hundred years, also thinks of marriage, so I’m going overseas to find my future husband.”

…Xu Qi’an couldn’t tell if she was speaking truth or jest.

Honestly, the Nine-Tailed Fox’s personality was somewhat difficult for him to handle. In traditional martial arts stories, she would be the capricious, unpredictable enchantress.

Well, she was an enchantress.

Why must you find someone from the same clan? Isn’t it fine to find someone from a different race… Xu Qi’an said:

“I think the Heart Gu would suit Your Majesty.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox choked slightly, staring at him intently:

“Your provocation is quite on point.”

Xu Qi’an laughed dryly and changed the subject:

“How did the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror end up in the Central Plains?”

“When the monster race was defeated years ago, the remnants scattered and fled, hiding throughout the Nine Provinces. After I rose to power, I gathered most of the Monster Kingdom’s remnants, but some monsters were still terrified of the Buddhist sect.

They chose to integrate into human society and live peacefully, or seclude themselves in mountains, no longer involved in affairs between the two races. They had various Monster Kingdom relics in their possession, lost to the outside world. The Chaos Sky Divine Mirror isn’t the only treasure that hasn’t been found.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox explained.

“Please don’t leave yet, Your Majesty. I have a few questions to ask.”

While storing the Chaos Sky Divine Mirror in the Pagoda, he asked:

“What was the real reason the Buddhist sect destroyed the Monster Kingdom back then?”

History books said it was because monsters were causing chaos and harming civilians, and the Buddhist sect eliminated them for humanity’s sake.

But after experiencing so much, he would be too naive to believe what was written in books.

The Nine-Tailed Fox was silent for a while, her mature and alluring feminine voice carrying a hint of coldness as she counter-questioned:

“Why did the Buddhist sect covet the Central Plains territory?

If you can understand the truth hidden behind this matter, you’ll naturally understand why the Buddhist sect wanted to destroy the Monster Kingdom.”

If I knew, would I be asking you? Xu Qi’an said:

“Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox pouted, letting out a coquettish humph: “The value of this intelligence—even selling you wouldn’t be enough. Such sweet dreams, you nasty man.”

Her tone was soft and coy, like throwing a tantrum.

You’re like a widow making trouble at night! Unable to get an answer, Xu Qi’an angrily complained internally, then asked:

“What’s Your Majesty’s view on the Central Plains situation? As far as I know, Xu Pingfeng has already allied with the Buddhist sect to invade the Central Plains.”

The Monster Kingdom and the Buddhist sect were mortal enemies, so if Xu Pingfeng allied with the Buddhist sect, he was naturally an enemy of the Monster Kingdom as well.

“I will provide some assistance.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox straightforwardly stated her position: “Anything else to ask?”

At what age does your fox clan come of age… Xu Qi’an shook his head: “No more questions.”

Bai Ji flew back to the pedestal, and during the process, its tails decreased one by one, the clear light in its eyes receding.

When its four short legs landed on the pedestal, the Nine-Tailed Fox had just left.

“Has Her Majesty left?”

It looked around cluelessly, carefully walked to the edge of the pedestal, looked down to gauge the height, and then cautiously jumped down.

And tumbled in the process.