“Does the Plunder Witch really lack that kind of power?”

Hearing this, Mulan nearly burst out laughing.

If she didn’t have that power, how could she come and go freely in the Azure Fox Realm?

Still, Mulan wasn’t entirely sure whether Mirophiel could bypass the barrier magic to enter the Black Tower.

Kidnapping Qingqiu Zili wasn’t just about trading for research artifacts.

Otherwise, Mulan wouldn’t be here disguised as a fox girl.

Mulan took a step forward, ready to explore.

The second floor of the Black Tower was vast, cluttered with all sorts of random junk.

Finding her target amid the mess wouldn’t be easy.

She scanned the area—unfinished fox statues, an empty rice jar, tattered dolls, and mysterious old books.

Mulan couldn’t help but think every generation of the Golden Nine Tails was basically a hoarder.

*What even are these things?*

*Bro, was collecting literally everything really necessary?*

*Those golden foxes probably tossed in anything that caught their eye.*

She glanced back at Qingqiu Zili.

“Zili, have you ever been to the third floor?”

“Huh? Seriously, didn’t I tell you? Even this princess—and the clan elders—aren’t allowed past the upper zones. It’s the Golden Nine Tails’ private domain. Only those with her bloodline can bypass the barrier.”

“A restricted area, huh~”

*Perfect spot to slack off,* Mulan mused. *No one would bother you up there. Genius.*

Too bad she couldn’t go.

*Whatever. Let’s find what’s calling to me.*

*Maybe I’ll strike gold—like a hidden treasure buried in trash.*

She felt a flicker of anticipation. *What could it be?*

Guided by instinct, she reached a corner.

Stacked crates stood about her height.

Atop them rested a worn paper-bound book, unremarkable at first glance.

“Hm?”

Mulan tilted her head slightly. *Is this it?*

*Some earth-shattering secret? A legendary technique?*

She moved closer—

—but Zili tugged her sleeve.

Her emerald eyes shimmered with confusion.

“Wuyue, what are you doing?”

“I just want to check the book.”

“The elders said not to touch things here! Something terrible might happen!”

Spoiled as she was, the princess knew better—messing with the Golden Nine Tails’ belongings was forbidden. Common sense for every fox.

But Mulan had none. She grinned.

“But it’s *calling* to me! Maybe it’s meant for a chosen fox like me. Aren’t you curious?”

“Oh? Really?”

Zili instantly released her hand, intrigued.

*A Golden Nine Tails’ item reacting to a blue fox? Why can’t I feel it?*

“Hurry! Bring it over!”

“Mm~ Leave it to me.”

Mulan stood on tiptoe—stretching, dust smudging her fingers. *Ugh, if only I were taller.*

Alas, petite stature stayed petite. Always needing someone to lift her up.

Fourth Elder, watching from the shadows, almost intervened—then paused.

Dangerous artifacts had long been relocated. This zone held only harmless clutter. *One book won’t hurt.*

*Scene shift.*

Book in hand, Mulan brushed off the dust.

“What’s inside?” Zili leaned close, her three tails swaying eagerly.

Browsing was one thing; touching was another. Now that Mulan held it, Zili burned with curiosity.

“Hold on, let me see.”

Mulan flipped the page.

【So much for the so-called Dragon King.】

Zili’s eyes widened. Her tails whipped faster.

“Whoa! Is this the first Golden Nine Tails’ journal? It’s about the Dragonkin!”

*Dragonkin?*

Mulan recalled the legend: the Golden Nine Tails fought the Dragon King, securing the Azurehill Fox Clan’s standing.

She’d assumed it was a narrow escape—or at best, a draw.

But this line suggested victory?

She knew Dragonkin strength well: adult dragons naturally reached Solarcrown Rank. No training needed—just eat, grow, destroy. A single breath could flatten mountains. Nuclear-level devastation.

The Dragon King? Sunshatter Rank. Star-shattering power.

Yet the first Golden Nine Tails stood her ground. Absurdly strong.

Same rank didn’t mean equal power. Racial talents mattered.

Dragonkin poured everything into destruction. Golden Nine Tails? Balanced. Yet she still clashed with a god of ruin. *How?*

*Maybe this book holds the answer.*

Mulan turned the page.

*Theater of Fate: Chapter of Pride — Hero vs. Dragon*

【Every soul walks a destined path. The weak may fell the strong—that is fate. A fallen heir may restore a kingdom—that, too, is fate. Yet fate is woven beyond mortal reach. But I am different! Within this theater, story reigns supreme! All must accept their scripted roles! I am the hero. You are the dragon. The hero *will* vanquish the dragon—this glorious epic is fate’s decree. I invite you to perform this tale with me. You cannot refuse!】

The moment Mulan finished reading, the book blazed with golden light.

In a flash—

the two fox girls vanished.