During the days spent recovering in the Undersea World, Xiangliu would go out once every day and return with fruits to feed Leng Qingqiu. When he was away, she would cultivate the techniques he had taught her.
"I know you want to kill me, but how could a mere mortal like you kill an Ancient Demon King such as myself? I can teach you how to cultivate, but whether you succeed depends on your own destiny. If you want to kill me, feel free to take my life whenever you wish—provided, of course, that you have the ability to do so."
"Fine, it's a deal." Leng Qingqiu swore to herself that she would train hard. Only by becoming strong could she avenge her father. She practiced day and night, but she felt an inexplicable force blocking her progress, causing her to faint several times.
Xiangliu suspected that the Undersea World was too claustrophobic and ill-suited for a woman like her. He decided to take Leng Qingqiu back to the surface to find a place more suitable for her.
Just as they broke the surface of the sea, they suddenly saw a small, fiery-red fox sprinting toward them. The little fox was petite and exquisite, with several fluffy tails swaying gracefully behind it. Its eyes were dark and shiny, like two sparkling gemstones, glowing with a spirited and adorable light.
The little fox seemed filled with curiosity and friendliness, approaching them without a shred of fear. Both Xiangliu and Leng Qingqiu were charmed by its cute appearance and could not help but smile in delight. The little fox used its soft paws to gently touch the hem of Xiangliu’s robe, as if trying to curry favor. Xiangliu reached out to gently stroke the fox’s fur, feeling the warmth and joy radiating from the creature.
As Leng Qingqiu looked at the little fox, an inexplicable sense of kinship welled up in her heart. She felt as though this fox were a messenger sent from heaven to keep them company, bringing them an unexpected surprise and joy. She could not resist scooping the little fox into her arms, gently stroking its ears and back. The little fox let out a happy cry, seemingly enjoying the intimacy.
With the addition of the little fox, their journey became much more interesting and fulfilling. The fox became their companion, traveling with them and bringing endless laughter. Sometimes it would hop along ahead to lead the way, other times it would hide in the grass to play hide-and-seek with them, filling the entire journey with vitality.
Both Xiangliu and Leng Qingqiu knew their meeting with the fox was no accident. Perhaps it was fate that had brought them together at this particular moment. They believed this little fox would bring more beauty and miracles to their future.
In truth, Xiangliu had recognized at first glance that the fox possessed the Primordial Spirit of Mingzhang. He mused that it hadn't taken long for Mingzhang to be reverted to his original form by his cunning master after being away for only a few days, but seeing how much Leng Qingqiu adored it, he kept his peace.
"What a cute little fox! Look, Xiangliu, it has so many tails! I want to hold it and count them properly."
"You may hold it, but do not touch its tails, or I will chop them all off."
"Everything was fine a moment ago, now you've changed your tune—what a moody demon!"
Leng Qingqiu held the little fox, stroked its head, and tucked it into her arms, clearly quite fond of it.
"Behave yourself," Xiangliu growled, baring his fangs at the little fox. Terrified, the fox hid its head inside Leng Qingqiu’s sleeve.
"You’ve frightened it. Lord Xiangliu, where are we going?"
"I have business to attend to. You play with that stupid fox for a while on your own." With that, he vanished.
"Little fox, why are you here all by yourself? You poor thing!"
"It’s me, Mingzhang!" A familiar voice transmitted from the little fox.
"Good heavens! You can talk?" Leng Qingqiu’s hand shook in surprise, and she dropped the fox onto the ground.
"I’ve been ruined because of you! My master punished me and turned me into this. You have to take responsibility for me!"
"I can barely look after myself; I can't take you in. You should go. Xiangliu is an Ancient Great Demon—it's too dangerous for you here."
"Didn't you tell Xiangliu that I was an old flame you were bringing along? Are you going to be so heartless as to drive me away now?"
"But you're not!"
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in this wretched state!"
"Fine, you can follow me. But it’s very dangerous. If your life is in danger, run immediately. I can't protect you."
"I will protect you, don't worry! If we leave, I'll take you with me."
"Look at you—you can’t even protect yourself."
"Qingqiu, you’ve been practicing techniques lately. There is a Restriction on you—a very powerful one at that. You cannot continue practicing."
"No wonder I haven't made any progress despite all my hard work. Can you break it?"
"I can't, but my master should be able to. Would you be willing to return to Baiyun Temple with me?"
"Xiangliu won't allow me to leave. If he finds out I’ve escaped, he’ll kill us both."
"He won't. He needs you, too."
"What do you mean by 'too'? Don't tell me you drink blood as well? You’re a legitimate practitioner of the Dao."
"Of course not, I’m a human. We’ll go back, ask my master to break the seal, and I’ll help you cultivate."
"All right."
The girl and the fox walked down the street. Everyone saw only Leng Qingqiu talking to herself, and they stared at the young woman with gray hair as if she were a lunatic.
"A young girl, and already mad. What a pity, with a face as beautiful as a flower." Old Wang the pie vendor stared until his nose started bleeding.
"Qingqiu, let's hurry. The way they’re looking at you is strange. We need to leave; it’s dangerous."
Leng Qingqiu bought a few flatbreads, hugged the fox, and hurried to an inn, where she ordered a room and carefully locked the door.
"Your hair is too conspicuous!"
"You're the one being conspicuous, with all those tails and bright red fur! Careful, or a fur trader will catch you and make you into a coat. Hahaha!"
"Qingqiu, fetch me a large bucket of water for a bath. I’ve been running all this way—I’m filthy!"
"Can't you fly?"
"I’d like to, but since I turned into this, I can't draw any talismans."
"Fine, I’ll wash you. You’re so small now, you’ll drown if you fall in the bucket."
"No!" The little fox turned its head and tried to bolt.
Leng Qingqiu had been stifled while locked away in the Undersea World, and seeing the cute little fox, she couldn't resist teasing it. She tossed it into the bucket and scrubbed it with a brush. The fox bared its teeth and hissed as they played. Neither of them noticed a pair of cold, blue eyes watching the room from the shadows outside.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, the screen collapsed, water splashed everywhere, and the window rattled. Leng Qingqiu walked over to close the window, but a large hand clamped around her throat, choking off her breath. Xiangliu said coldly, "I was only gone for a moment, and you’re already having this much fun with this lecherous fox! Have you forgotten who your master is?"
The "little fox" remained motionless, hiding behind the screen. His master had warned him not to confront Xiangliu head-on and to do whatever it took to bring Leng Qingqiu back to the temple.
"Get out at once, or I will take your life! Get out!"
"Lord Xiangliu, please, keep the little fox. Wouldn't it be better to have someone else here to serve you?"
"He is just a fox; what kind of service could he possibly provide? Don't think I don't know who he is! I am an Ancient Great Demon!" Xiangliu's blue eyes turned crimson.