Mulan had been pondering the perfect solution.
Relying on Mirophiel might only save herself.
She could beg.
What was dignity worth if sacrificing it could save her friends and family?
But Mulan wasn’t sure her pleading would convince Mirophiel to also resolve the Azurehill Fox Clan’s crisis.
She feared that surrendering her dignity and future authority might still fail to save everything before her.
Only then did she realize—there was no time left to hesitate.
“Huff.”
Mulan lifted her head slightly, locking eyes with Cursed Calamity Nine Banes. She felt the mountainous pressure bearing down, while memories flashed through her mind like a slideshow.
This was no life-flashing-before-her-eyes moment.
His question jolted her awake.
Mulan murmured,
“It seems… I might have a chance to turn the tables.”
“What?” Cursed Calamity Nine Banes frowned slightly.
“I just realized: begging a powerful being to save the day by sacrificing dignity is the worst plan. It would strip me of pride forever.”
A faint smile touched her lips—no joy, only clarity.
Begging?
It would only lower her standing and drain her future dignity.
She wasn’t a fragile girl. She was an adult who could stand tall and firm.
At the very least, she’d face this crisis with grace and spine straight.
She knew the Azurehill Fox Clan’s history. She understood the Azure Fox Realm’s lore.
Founded by the first Golden Nine Tails, its barrier was meant to be an unbreakable shield.
But when the Golden Nine Tails fell, the barrier weakened—vulnerable to domination.
One solution existed:
If the Golden Nine Tails were reborn, the barrier’s full power would reignite, transforming the realm into the golden bloodline’s absolute domain. Any intruder would face merciless retribution.
Only the Golden Nine Tails could shatter Cursed Calamity Nine Banes’ scheme.
Common knowledge among the clan.
Theoretically, new Golden Nine Tails arose only through lineage.
But had Mulan overlooked something?
Could there be no exception?
Why had she dreamed of the Golden Nine Tails?
Why did Mirophiel, seeing her as an azure fox, ask, “Why isn’t it golden?”
Mulan, though an azure fox, carried uncommon charm.
Golden eyes radiating nobility.
The Qingqiu Black Spire called to her.
A mysterious book transported her to the third floor—accessible only to Golden Nine Tails blood.
All signs pointed to one truth.
“Huff.”
Her blood simmered. Her golden eyes gleamed brighter.
She—Mulan, or rather, Azurefox Wuyue—held the potential to become the Golden Nine Tails.
A miracle gifted by that mysterious girl.
Only one step remained.
The petite girl stepped forward bravely.
“You doubt whether I’m truly an azure fox? Then hear my answer.”
Her tail, once limp on the ground, stirred to life. It rose straight behind her, infused with quiet confidence.
“Oh?”
Cursed Calamity Nine Banes stared, an ominous chill creeping in.
Yet curiosity burned—like Pandora’s box, dangerous yet irresistible.
The current had shifted.
Mulan’s gaze hardened. Golden light swirled in her eyes.
“Listen! I carry azure fox blood—I am an azure fox!”
“This blood earned me the clan’s love—I am an azure fox!”
“I enjoy rights reserved for azure foxes in the Azure Fox Realm—I am an azure fox!”
She glared at him, her delicate frame radiating fierce presence.
“Now open your eyes wide—am I, or am I not, an azure fox?!”
Her voice rang out, fur bristling slightly with passion. A noble golden glow bloomed across her skin.
Since becoming an azure fox, Mulan had secretly seen herself as an outsider.
Outwardly fox, inwardly human.
Even cherished. Even privileged.
She still felt separated by an invisible wall.
But that was wrong.
Mulan and Azurefox Wuyue were one. Azure fox blood was part of her. The realm had welcomed her without question.
Between azure fox and Golden Nine Tails lay only one key: self-acknowledgment.
The key to miracles.
Mulan stepped forward, light blazing, resolve unshakable.
“I am an azure fox. I am part of the Azurehill Fox Clan. I will carry our future. This is my home. And you, Cursed Calamity Nine Banes—you are the invader trampling it. I will strike you down!”
BOOM!
A pillar of light erupted from her, piercing the sky and striking the realm’s barrier.
Dark stains shattered and melted under searing gold.
The Reversal Technique’s effect vanished.
Qingqiu Zili, near death, was gently freed from the spell array.
“This…?”
Cursed Calamity Nine Banes scanned the scene in disbelief. His eyes landed on the softly glowing fox girl. Face darkened—but calm held.
“Was this your doing, Azurefox Wuyue?”
Mulan met the sinister wolf’s gaze and sighed softly.
“Cursed Calamity Nine Banes, azure fox abilities have limits. My time here taught me: the more you scheme, the clearer those limits become… unless you transcend being an azure fox.”
He clenched his fists, glaring at her cryptic words.
“What are you saying?”
“I refuse to be just an azure fox anymore, Cursed Calamity Nine Banes!”
Before his stunned eyes, Mulan’s fur blazed into elegant, radiant gold.
The Golden Nine Tails was born!
The golden age had returned!
The Azure Fox Realm erupted in jubilation. Magic surged, igniting wonders: trees shot upward, grass sprouted in vibrant spring hues.
Auspiciousness heralds fortune.
The Golden Nine Tails’ birth was the omen of hope.
Clan members, awakening from the technique’s grip, stared at the golden fox atop the palace. Their blood boiled. Limits shattered in a single breath.
“It’s the Golden Nine Tails! She’s here!”
Cursed Calamity Nine Banes’ own blood burned.
The Ravenous Wolf Bloodline screamed: *Devour her!*
Hunger. Madness. Fever.
Now.
He laughed wildly, eyes ravenous.
“HAHA! Excellent! I underestimated you. So, little three-tailed Auspicious Fox—unripe and tender—are you ready to be devoured?”
“Devouring everything only brings ruin.”
Mulan coldly flipped him the middle finger, confidence unshakable.
“And I ask you: are *you* ready for my second phase?”
