Mulan and Qingqiu Zili stepped out of the Azure Fox Palace.

"Wuyue, what’s next? When do we investigate that annoying guy?"

Qingqiu Zili trailed behind Mulan, eyes locked on her swaying tail—unable to look away, like a kitten mesmerized by a cat teaser.

Mulan wandered aimlessly through the halls, clearing her mind while scanning the surroundings, eager to familiarize herself with the place.

"Patience. These things take time. We haven’t finished preparations yet."

Investigating Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ oddities? How could two three-tailed azure foxes possibly slip past a five-tailed elder’s notice?

The power gap was too vast. They needed backup.

Report openly to the elders?

Probably futile.

Mulan put herself in their shoes.

With the Azurehill Fox Clan critically short on males—only a handful left, including the elderly First and Second Elders—every single male mattered. Even low-bloodline ones.

Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ arrival was the clan’s hope, second only to a Golden Nine Tails’ birth.

A male azure fox? His offspring could all be noble foxes. He might even sire a Golden Nine Tails. Entrusting the entire clan to him seemed reasonable.

If he was an imposter… his chosen identity was brilliantly crafted.

Elders and senior foxes all favored him.

If Mulan and Zili accused him? They’d be dismissed as childish troublemakers.

After all, even the elders saw nothing amiss.

As young foxes, they held little authority.

Mulan shifted perspective again.

If *she* were Qingqiu Nine Calamities—seeing elders doubt him over two cubs’ words—he’d likely play the wounded youth, disillusioned by his kin.

Who was he? A returned male fox. The clan’s savior!

To face suspicion upon returning? Unbearable.

He wouldn’t prove himself. He’d *choose* to leave.

And the clan would beg him to stay.

The elders wouldn’t risk it.

Unless irrefutable evidence surfaced—without forcing his hand.

Mulan’s head throbbed.

So troublesome.

What could a little azure fox girl do against Qingqiu Nine Calamities?

Her noble status meant nothing next to the sole male fox.

Only a Golden Nine Tails could overshadow him.

"Mm."

Mulan guided one tail forward, fingers gently grooming the azure fur.

If only it turned golden… so many problems would vanish. Maybe even heal the clan’s hidden wounds.

Sadly, impossible.

Just then—a figure stepped into view.

A tall man with cyan hair approached, lips curved in a faint, unreadable smile.

Mulan and Zili froze. Their tail fur bristled in perfect unison.

"Ugh… that annoying guy…"

Zili ducked behind petite Mulan—despite claiming to be the "older sister," she looked anything but mature now.

"Tch."

Mulan held her ground. Adult dignity pushed her forward. She glared straight at Qingqiu Nine Calamities.

That ominous aura made her stomach turn.

Why couldn’t the Black Fox Elders smell it?

He stopped ten steps away. Silent. Staring with inscrutable intent.

Pressure spiked. Mulan shot him a sharp glare.

"What are you staring at?"

He chuckled lightly, brushing off her rudeness.

"You’re… Azurefox Wuyue, who arrived days ago? I’m surprised you’ve mastered transformation already. Why hide this form at first?"

Mulan glared again.

"What’s it to you?"

(Truth was, Mulan hated socializing—especially meaningless chatter with people she disliked. Politeness was for those she liked. Fake smiles? Survival tools.)

One look at Qingqiu Nine Calamities told her: no common ground.

He’d sensed it too. This was a test.

Since Zili showed clear disgust, Mulan mirrored it.

He wouldn’t dare harm an azure fox inside the Azure Fox Realm—especially as a newcomer.

"Hmph."

Unfazed, he kept a calm, patient demeanor—like an adult humoring children.

"As a fellow returnee from the outside world, I’m glad you’re lively. Surviving alone out there isn’t easy. I hope you settle in quickly."

He strolled past them.

Zili, still clutching Mulan’s tail, stuck her tongue out at his back.

"Nyah nyah~ This princess will *never* marry a creep like you!"

No reply. He vanished from sight.

Both girls exhaled deeply.

"That was terrifying."

"Mm. Next time, Moling *must* come with us."

Moling Qingqiu was Zili’s attendant—handling daily needs and security. He trailed her only outside the palace; within its walls, safety was absolute.

After all, the Azure Fox Palace was guarded daily by multiple eight-tailed elders.

…Unless danger wore a harmless face.

Mulan agreed. A six-tailed protector meant peace of mind.

Next encounter with Qingqiu Nine Calamities? They’d stand taller.

Even scolding him would feel easier.

Mulan glanced skyward.

Nearly noon.

They’d lingered too long playing with the young Azurehill foxes earlier.

"I’m hungry."

"This princess too! Let’s eat Violet Crystal Grapes!"

"Yay!"

Why had Mulan come to the Azure Fox Realm?

For unlimited Violet Crystal Grapes!

Halfstep Tangerine Cat Realm wasn’t joking around!