In the scorching underground cavern, waves of heat surged forth as the crimson lava beneath the platform churned and bubbled, occasionally erupting with a thunderous crack.
Zhang Xiaofan felt his breath growing ever more difficult to draw, each inhale searing his lungs. In this place where even a step could ignite sparks, the white six-tailed fox ahead lay motionless, seemingly enjoying the heat.
He stood rooted to the spot, staring ahead, hesitating for a moment before finally advancing, his fingers instinctively tightening around the charred stick in his hand.
The platform was long and narrow, stretching deep into the molten lake. As Zhang Xiaofan moved forward, the temperature rose, reaching a fever pitch that threatened to drive him mad.
His throat was parched, but he dared not lose focus. His eyes remained fixed on the fox.
He halted three steps away from it.
Now closer, he could see more clearly. He realized with a start that this was indeed a beautiful fox, its pure white fur unmarred by a single singe or blemish, a stark contrast to the inferno-like surroundings.
Yet, its eyes were closed, and a slight frown creased its brow, hinting at some hidden pain.
Zhang Xiaofan watched, his mind racing. From Xiaochi Town to here, he had heard of a “three-tailed demon fox” wreaking havoc. But this fox before him was clearly different from the one he had battled earlier.
He vaguely remembered his elder brother, Song Daren, once telling him that the world was vast and full of wonders, and that among the mountains and rivers, there were many spirits and demons. Ancient legends said that foxes were among the wisest of beasts, often becoming demons through their cultivation. Among the fox demons, the most spiritual lineage had a unique trait: the more tails they had, the deeper their cultivation and wisdom.
Staring at the six-tailed fox, Zhang Xiaofan’s heart skipped a beat.
At that moment, the six-tailed fox stirred, its tail twitching and head swaying slightly. Then, it opened its eyes.
Its black, deep-set pupils reflected the tense figure of the young man before it.
Startled, Zhang Xiaofan took a step back, raising his charred stick defensively. But the fox simply lay there, unmoving, gazing at him without any sign of aggression.
They stood there, man and fox, facing each other in silence, save for the distant rumble of the ancient lava lake.
The air still scorched, floating between them.
“Young man,” a low, weary voice emerged from the fox, breaking the silence, “what brings you here?”
Zhang Xiaofan confirmed from the weak, tired tone that the fox was indeed injured. But he did not let his guard down. “You demons have caused much harm to the people. I am a disciple of the righteous path, and I am here to rid the world of your evil.”
The six-tailed fox looked at him, its gaze unreadable, neither angry nor mocking. After a long pause, it simply said, “Noble aspirations, indeed.”
Zhang Xiaofan frowned, “Enough of your talk. Get up, and—”
“Are you here to kill me?” the fox interrupted, calmly.
Caught off guard by its directness, Zhang Xiaofan paused, then retorted, “You demons bring suffering and death. I am here to deliver justice!”
The fox tilted its head, a mix of mockery and sorrow in its eyes. “Young man, I reckon you are not yet twenty years old, right?”
Zhang Xiaofan snorted, “What does age matter? I will still vanquish you.”
The fox lowered its head, seeming to mull over something. “Indeed, humans have a natural advantage in cultivation. We foxes toil for thousands of years, yet gifted humans can surpass us in mere centuries, like that old geezer, Shangguan…”
It paused, a wry smile crossing its face. “How could you, so young, know the truth about our deeds?”
Zhang Xiaofan sneered, “Your three-tailed companion has been terrorizing Xiaochi Town, stealing livestock and killing people. Is that not enough to call you evil?”
The fox was silent for a moment, then admitted, “True, I’ve heard of it. Three days ago, she went to Xiaochi Town. A father and son dared to stand in her way, and she killed them in her rage.”
“Then what do you have to say for yourself?” Zhang Xiaofan demanded.
The fox replied calmly, “You misunderstand. I’m not defending myself. Even if it had been me, I would have done the same.”
Furious, Zhang Xiaofan shouted, “Then you admit to being an evil force! Die, demon!” The charred stick glowed with a blue light, ready to strike.
But the fox remained unperturbed, “Tell me, what is this ‘world’ you speak of?”
Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback, his thoughts racing. The fox’s words seemed to echo in his mind, stirring something deep within him.
“Do you think the world is solely for humans, where all creatures exist only to serve you? Any resistance is deemed evil, worthy of death?” the fox continued, its voice flat.
Zhang Xiaofan stared at it, silent. He did not understand why the fox spoke to him, or why these rebellious words affected him so.
“Have you ever considered the feelings of other beings, those you hunt and devour? In the end, it’s just because you are stronger, and they are powerless. If we foxes, who are stronger than some humans, kill a few, what of it? It’s survival of the fittest, after all.”
The fox smiled, “Well, what do you say?”
Zhang Xiaofan glared, lips pressed tight, but said nothing.
“Even among humans, it’s the same. You seek immortality, yet you fight amongst yourselves. Righteous and wicked paths are just labels, with the victors becoming kings and the losers becoming outcasts.”
Again, the fox smiled, “Well, what do you say?”
Zhang Xiaofan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The fox, having spoken so much, seemed tired.
After a long while, Zhang Xiaofan spoke, “What do you want me to say?”
The fox looked at him, seeing the complex emotions in his eyes. “If others have told you such things, do they make you doubt your righteousness?”
Zhang Xiaofan did not answer, but the blue light of the charred stick began to glow again. “Demon, prepare to die.”
The blue light grew, overpowering the red glow of the lava, rushing toward the fox.
Shaken, the fox felt a chill despite the heat.
Suddenly, Zhang Xiaofan heard a roar from the tunnel behind him, the sound of a thousand galloping hooves, growing louder and more ferocious. Turning, he saw a massive fire dragon burst from the tunnel, its roar echoing through the cavern. On its head, the figure of the three-tailed fox descended, her clothes torn and stained from battle.
Zhang Xiaofan was shocked but did not let his guard down. The dragon, now in the lava, roared and plunged into the lake, emerging to roll and swim contentedly.
“Brother, are you alright?” the three-tailed fox asked, her voice filled with worry.
The six-tailed fox smiled, “This young man from the righteous path has not yet struck me.”
Zhang Xiaofan blushed, realizing the fox’s poor condition.
The three-tailed fox, her face tear-streaked, said, “Brother, the people from Xiangfeng Valley are here, along with two disciples. They are too strong for me…”
The six-tailed fox sighed, “Even with the Fire Dragon Mirror, your three hundred years of cultivation cannot match them. It’s over.”
Tears fell from the three-tailed fox’s eyes, staining the white fur. “But, Brother, we have no way out, and they will soon breach the tunnel. What should we do?”
The six-tailed fox, struggling to lift its paw, said, “Even if they weren’t here, my time is already up.”
She pulled out the Fire Dragon Mirror, its red tassels shimmering. The ancient flame symbol on it seemed to burn brighter, almost leaping to life.
“Three hundred years, Brother,” she said, her voice low and broken, “I followed you since I first met you on Fox Ridge. No matter where we went, I never regretted it…”
Zhang Xiaofan, listening, felt a strange sense of confusion. The name “Fox Ridge” seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place it.
The three-tailed fox, tears streaming, said, “Why are you asking me to leave now?”
The six-tailed fox, trembling, said, “No…”
With a sudden, anguished cry, the three-tailed fox drove the Fire Dragon Mirror into her chest, its light piercing her body. She fell, blood pooling around her, staining the rock.
The world seemed to still, and Zhang Xiaofan, overcome with emotion, ran to her side, cradling her body and placing it before the six-tailed fox. He stepped back, standing protectively in front of them.
A final, anguished cry, and the three-tailed fox breathed her last, her body still and cold.
The six-tailed fox, its once beautiful fur now withered, reached out, holding her close. “You…,” it whispered, each word tearing at its heart.
The world was quiet, and the young man, Zhang Xiaofan, stood there, witness to the depth of a demon’s love.
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