The day had arrived for Qingqiu Nine Calamities to be crowned King of the Azurehill Fox Clan.

A grand celebration unfolded for the entire clan.

Foxes from across the Azure Fox Realm gathered to witness the birth of their new sovereign.

In the palace square, a sea of foxes waited in anticipation for the new king’s address.

Qingqiu Nine Calamities stood ready on the balcony, clad in noble, lustrous fur. His handsome features and mature, composed aura radiated the presence of a true ruler.

"Hmph."

Mulan watched his back from a short distance, her guard already raised to the maximum.

To achieve this position so swiftly—undeniably impressive.

With the support of seven elders, his ascension held no surprise.

Only through Mulan’s extraordinary charm and promised possibilities had she barely swayed the Third and Fourth Elders.

Thus, they trusted him not fully, remaining silently on high alert—ready to strike at the first sign of treachery.

If Qingqiu Nine Calamities revealed his true identity, the other elders would surely react.

Yes, the clan elders were obsessed with the Golden Nine Tails—but not foolish enough to accept an impostor fox as king.

Now, Mulan felt a flicker of curiosity.

If he intended to reveal his hand now… what confidence did he hold against nine eight-tailed elders and numerous powerful senior foxes?

Perhaps only a Sunshatter Rank powerhouse like Mirophiel could stand fearless.

Qingqiu Nine Calamities couldn’t possibly possess such strength.

What hidden cards did he hold?

Mulan clenched her small fists, a trace of tension in her heart, wondering if the life-saving magic given by that witch would hold.

Perspective shifted.

Qingqiu Nine Calamities gazed down at the gathered Azurehill foxes. A subtle smile curved his lips—satisfaction at a goal achieved.

"I, Qingqiu Nine Calamities, thank you all present. Your trust brings me joy. It is by your recognition that I stand here today."

Applause erupted across the square.

He smiled graciously, then turned toward Qingqiu Zili nearby.

"Qingqiu Zili, come stand beside me."

"Hmph!"

Her tail fur bristled slightly. Every line of her posture screamed resistance.

As the eldest female Azure fox, she alone held the right to crown the king—not even the elders could place the crown.

Ironically, only the elders could choose the king.

"Detestable man…"

Qingqiu Zili moved forward reluctantly. The elders’ stares warned her: *Do not falter now.*

This was no time for willfulness.

She took the crown from the First Elder’s hands and approached Qingqiu Nine Calamities.

"Hehe… I leave this to you, Your Highness—the Azurehill Fox Clan’s most beloved princess."

He bowed his head slightly, gesturing for her to place the crown.

"You’ll meet your end sooner or later," she muttered, setting it on his head, desperate to escape.

Suddenly, he seized her arm. The crown gleamed with eerie light.

He turned to the crowd, flashing a sunny smile.

"Dear compatriots, with your trust, I shall forge a new future for our clan… though I never promised it would be pleasant."

No sooner had the words left his lips—

—an ominous magic circle flared beneath his feet!

The Third and Fourth Elders struck without hesitation, moving like lightning!

*Boom!*

A solid barrier erupted from the circle, buying him critical seconds.

"Cursefiend—Reversal Technique!"

A black beam shot into the heavens.

An ancient, forbidden aura spread—the cursed art of the Greedwolf Cursefiend!

In the next heartbeat, he yanked Qingqiu Zili down.

"Aah!"

Black arms surged from the circle, dragging her into void.

The core sacrifice was offered. The era-spanning curse activated.

The Azure Fox Realm’s barrier shifted color—and purpose!

Once, it blessed only the clan; intruders below Sunshatter Rank suffered weakening.

Now, everything reversed.

Every Azurehill fox present winced in agony. Strength drained to nothing. Pressure crushed mind and body. Even the elders collapsed.

"Hehehe…"

Qingqiu Nine Calamities smiled, watching them fall.

"Too easy. Your obsession with the Golden Nine Tails drove you mad—trusting a nameless male Azure fox. But you welcomed not hope… but demise."

The Cursefiend Reversal Technique demanded high status and a noble-blood sacrifice.

All his humility, all his charm—just to earn trust, become king, secure the ritual’s foundation.

And the perfect sacrifice? Qingqiu Zili.

Bearer of the Azure fox bloodline—the clan’s noblest in an age without the Golden Nine Tails.

Fate had chosen her.

(Azurefox Wuyue or other young foxes could’ve served… but Zili was simply more accessible.)

Arms spread wide toward the suffering crowd, he declared:

"For the supreme Greedwolf Cursefiend… Azurehill Fox Clan, welcome your end."

A voice cut through the air behind him.

"You bastard! Where did you take Qingqiu Zili!?"

He glanced back—Azurefox Wuyue, small but standing firm.

"You’re still upright? Impressive."

"Answer me."

Mulan glared, teeth gritted. Crushing pressure bore down, yet fear never touched her—only concern for Zili.

He answered without hesitation.

"I sacrificed her. She fades slowly. The curse peaks soon. Then… you’ll be lambs awaiting slaughter. No need for my hand."

A malicious grin spread across his face.

"What? Wish to save her? Then try to cross me… clever little fox cub."