Another corner of the palace.
This was Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ residence.
As an exceptionally rare male Azure Fox, his treatment was naturally far from lacking.
Though Qingqiu Nine Calamities hailed from the unknown outside world—his origins tinged with hints of mystery—it changed nothing: he was still an Azure Fox.
At least, that was what the Azurehill Fox Clan elders believed.
Yet even so, his authority hadn’t reached the point of acting with impunity.
His status and power remained unstable.
It would take time to settle.
He was confident it wouldn’t be long before every fox in the Azure Fox Realm acknowledged his presence.
*Hehehe.*
Sitting in the backyard admiring blossoms, Qingqiu Nine Calamities let out a soft chuckle.
The smile quickly faded, replaced by a thoughtful ripple in his eyes.
“That three-tailed Azure Fox… what’s her story? Could there truly be an Azure Fox wandering beyond our realm?”
He could’ve followed his original plan, but this sudden variable left him hesitant.
Another thought weighed heavier:
“She showed such resistance toward me… Did she discover something? Even the princess dislikes me. This technique is still imperfect.”
He shook his head slightly, disappointment flickering across his face.
“Still, no major issue. At least the elders noticed nothing.”
So what if she was the doted-upon princess?
So what if a mysterious three-tailed Azure Fox returned from the outside?
Neither could derail his plans.
Sooner or later, the ancient Azurehill Fox Clan would fall under his control.
Shaking off the fantasy, confusion surfaced.
They were both outsiders.
Why did *she* receive the elders’ leniency?
It made no sense.
*He* was the rare male Azure Fox, a five-tailed powerhouse fully qualified for clan duties—yet treated differently.
At least in attitude.
“Hmph. Leniency for a kit? Absurd. I’m comparing myself to kits now?”
He dismissed the thought instantly.
That three-tailed fox wasn’t worth his concern.
...
Scene shift.
Inside the Azure Fox Hall.
Lively fox kits bounded energetically through a landscape mimicking wild forests—burrows, branches, slopes, underground tunnels.
Here, kits embraced their instincts freely.
Only three played joyfully now: treasures of the Azure Fox Realm.
Azurefox Moyue approached.
“Eryue, Sanyue, Siyue—come here.”
At her voice, the clever kits dashed from all directions.
*Eep! Eep!*
*Eep~*
*Eep~*
Their cooing whimpers swirled around her—a sound that melted hearts.
But Azurefox Moyue, their guardian, remained unmoved.
No matter how they pawed, she offered little indulgence.
One Qingqiu Zili already gave the elders headaches.
Another like her? They’d pluck every strand of tail fur.
“Sit straight,” she instructed. “I have important news.”
She placed a three-tailed Azure Fox gently on the ground.
“From today, *she* is your new companion.”
The kits swarmed closer.
*Mmm.*
Mulan stayed still as they sniffed her curiously.
*Surely they noticed nothing?*
Before she could react—
they pounced, nuzzling her with pure affection.
Azurefox Moyue’s tense shoulders relaxed.
She’d feared Wuyue might be ostracized.
But conflict among Azure Foxes? Unlikely.
Especially not with these innocent kits.
Crouching, she patted each head. “Be kind to one another.”
Then she vanished from sight.
Mulan sensed she lingered nearby—choosing not to intrude.
*Sharp as I am, I won’t drop my guard. One slip, and it’s over.*
*Mmm~*
She lazily eyed the kits clinging to her, then wrapped each snugly with a tail.
Perfect fit.
Fox communication needed no words—just gestures, glances, sounds.
Her first message was clear:
*She, Mulan, was the eldest.*
Newcomer “Wuyue” might be, but she was slightly larger… and had *three tails*.
Wasn’t that enough?
She was an adult in spirit—big sister status was only natural!
The kits accepted instantly.
In the Azurehill Fox Clan, tail count was law.
Three tails meant leadership.
Plus, Mulan’s gentle, inviting fragrance made them adore her even more—a charisma no ordinary fox possessed.
*Mmm~ Good kids~*
Satisfaction glowed in her golden eyes as her tails brushed their heads.
Seemed she had a knack for handling foxes.
No mischief survived her calm authority.
“One more rule,” she murmured, now the undisputed big sister.
“If I say no, don’t bother me. You play. I rest. Understood?”
Fox-form or not, she had zero interest in bounding around.
Their playstyle wasn’t hers.
*Used to be human, after all.*
Occasional runs? Fine. Constant chaos? No thanks.
*Awo~*
*Eep~*
The kits nodded obediently.
“Good. Go play. I’ve matters to ponder.”
They scampered off.
Mulan curled in a quiet corner—pretending to sleep, truly studying the power within.
From the shadows, Azurefox Moyue watched, thoughtful.
She couldn’t decipher their silent exchange—not even a seventh-rank powerhouse could crack Azure Fox communication.
But she saw it: unlike others, Wuyue lacked that innate fox vitality.
Even Qingqiu Zili, long past kithood, buzzed with chaotic energy—costing elders many strands of tail fur.
Yet Wuyue? Utterly lethargic.
“Hmm… Need to find a way to perk her up.”
Ensuring every Azure Fox’s spirit thrived was her duty, too.
