Mulan and Qingqiu Zili had never set foot in Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ room.
That suspicious guy also lived inside the palace.
Naturally, the elders wouldn’t mistreat such a noble male azure fox.
Now, whenever Mulan and Qingqiu Zili strolled through the palace, they were highly likely to bump into Qingqiu Nine Calamities.
Thankfully, after their first encounter, they’d brought Moling Qingqiu along.
No need to fear anymore.
Scene shift.
The two young azure fox girls headed to Third Elder’s residence.
The noble, graceful black fox lady was already waiting for them.
“Oh dear, what brings you this time? Your recent antics have caught other elders’ attention. I can’t cover for you much longer.”
A trace of helplessness flickered in Third Elder’s eyes. She hadn’t expected to agree to these little ones’ reckless schemes.
The idea that the clan’s only male azure fox might be an imposter left every fox stunned beyond belief.
Any other elder would dismiss such claims as nonsense.
But the one speaking was Azurefox Wuyue—the pitiful azure fox the clan doted on to heal her wandering past.
That made things uncertain.
Had Qingqiu Zili come alone with this theory, Third Elder would never have helped.
But it was Azurefox Wuyue making the request—impossible to refuse.
This child seemed to carry a magical charm; whatever she said, others instinctively believed, as if under Charm Magic.
Yet… how could a three-tailed azure fox possibly charm an eight-tailed black fox?
Third Elder felt she’d truly lost her mind.
As a black fox, doubting the sole male azure fox’s identity was sheer heresy.
Noticing Third Elder had been waiting, Mulan immediately snuggled into her arms.
“Third Elder, you’ve worked so hard~”
Initiating cuddles was the ultimate move of a pampered child.
In every way, Third Elder embodied the mother Mulan never had—gentle, tolerant, endlessly indulgent.
She’d even given her the name “Azurefox Wuyue.”
Mulan happily leaned into this perfect woman.
Zero shame!
“Ara ara~ Has Mulan started enjoying cuddles too?”
Third Elder’s gaze softened. She gently stroked the small fox in her arms, suddenly feeling it was all worth it.
Who could resist an adorable little azure fox’s affection?
Qingqiu Zili had never liked cuddling since childhood—always causing trouble instead. The contrast between them was worlds apart.
Right or wrong, she’d keep helping them seek the truth.
“Tell me what you need. I’ll do my best.”
Mulan looked up with a smile.
“This time, Third Elder, just confirm Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ location. We’ll search his room for clues.”
“That’s bold. He’s still out strolling. I’ll warn you the moment he returns.”
“I knew Third Elder is the best~”
Mulan nuzzled closer, her three tails wrapping playfully around Third Elder’s arms and legs—pure, shameless cuddling.
“Hmph!”
Qingqiu Zili puffed her cheeks, seething.
So envious! So jealous!
Mulan had never cuddled *her* like that—not even as her sister!
“Wuyue, come cuddle your sister!”
“No way! You greedy fox who hogs all the food—I don’t have a sister like you!”
Disdain filled Mulan’s eyes. Clearly, “hogging food” was unforgivable.
Third Elder hid a smile. Since Wuyue arrived at the Azure Fox Realm, Zili had grown calmer—likely thanks to finding an ally.
Though their antics were exasperating, Third Elder secretly enjoyed being relied upon. Rare for two azure foxes to lean on her so deeply. Other elders would envy this.
“Hurry now. Dawdle too long, and Qingqiu Nine Calamities might return.”
Mulan nodded slightly and stepped back.
“Thank you, Third Elder! I’ll bring Violet Crystal Grapes to thank you after!”
“No need. If Fourth Elder learns I ate *your* grapes, she’ll hunt me down.”
Fourth Elder oversaw every Violet Crystal Grape. She tolerated no secret snacking—except from Qingqiu Zili and Azurefox Wuyue.
The two girls left and headed straight for Qingqiu Nine Calamities’ quarters.
By custom, every azure fox received a black fox attendant upon taking human form.
Qingqiu Zili had Moling Qingqiu; he cared for Azurefox Wuyue too.
Elders had offered Qingqiu Nine Calamities an attendant, but he refused—“I can manage myself.”
Mulan sensed something fishy. Maybe he feared the attendant seeing secrets.
Thanks to no guard, they slipped inside effortlessly.
Inside the room.
“Hmm~ So this is *his* place?”
Mulan scanned left and right—nothing unusual.
Qingqiu Zili crept behind her, mischief gleaming in her eyes.
“Ugh~ Once we expose this annoying guy, someone must deep-clean this place.”
She wrinkled her nose, then froze.
“Wow! Violet Crystal Grapes!”
On an intricately carved wooden table sat a plate of glistening grapes, impossibly tempting.
Qingqiu Zili’s tail swayed wildly, nearly lunging forward—
Mulan yanked her back.
“Resist, you silly fox! We’re here for *serious business*!”
“Serious business? Isn’t sneaking grapes the serious business?”
Mulan sighed at Zili’s feigned innocence.
“Keep this up, and Qingqiu Nine Calamities will eat you whole.”
“Ribbit! This princess refuses!”
Living with Mulan had rubbed off on Zili—odd habits included. Like frog sounds.
They searched the room thoroughly.
Minutes passed. Nothing odd. Everything perfectly normal.
Mulan frowned.
“Tch… really no clues? If he’s truly the enemy, his deception level is terrifying…”
The better the disguise, the deeper the scheme.
Who knew when he’d strike?
“What a hassle.”
