The intricately carved wooden doors groaned open from within, pushed by an unseen force.
The two fox-clan maids, still entranced by that bewitching voice, snapped back to reality. They hastily smoothed their court gowns and turned toward the inner chamber with reverent bows.
Even the carefree white fox nearby stepped back, secured her half-slipped wooden clogs, and stood firm with a slight bow of her head.
Yurou Jiushuang—the Heavenly Maiden of the Nine Tailed Fox clan, chieftain of the Yurou lineage—was the most exalted and noble-blooded figure in all foxkind. The clan’s true leader. The sole bearer of the Nine-Tailed Form in this age. Her power was unfathomable; across the entire continent, she had no equal.
No one knew her true limits. In millennia since her birth, no foe—not even among the Divine Races—had ever forced her to unleash her full strength.
Charm was a hallmark of the Nine Tailed Fox. Legend said Yurou Jiushuang’s voice alone could bewilder enemies, casting irresistible allure upon all, regardless of gender.
The two inexperienced maids had just tasted what it meant to be swept into a tender embrace.
Kneeling on one knee, heads slightly bowed, they still wondered: what did this legendary Heavenly Maiden truly look like?
A soft spiritual glow bloomed within the dim chamber. In an instant, a snow-white jade fox the size of a pavilion let out a skyward howl. Twin cherry-red flames burned in her eyes; nine massive sakura-white tails swayed ceaselessly behind her.
A sudden gale roared. Nine orbs of Foxfire—like luminous stones burning through the long night—lit the resplendent hall, gilding the fox spirit’s pristine fur, shifting the very hue of heaven and earth.
The violent downpour softened into a gentle drizzle.
Their earlier bows had been out of respect. Now, it was bloodline-deep submission.
The sakura-white tails, fluffy as winter coats, swayed like nine blazing cherry branches—the Yurou clan’s ultimate symbol: the Nine-Tailed Form.
The Nine Tailed Fox were not a single tribe but a coalition of fox clans, led by the Yurou lineage—direct descendants of the celestial Nine-Tailed Fox immortal. As an ancient Divine Race, they had endured ten thousand years.
Under divine protection, once-frail fox clans gained the potential for multiple tails, vastly extending lifespans and power ceilings.
As the source of foxkind’s strength, the Yurou lineage embodied not only leadership but also totem and auspicious omen—cherished and guarded by all.
Truly, so long as the Yurou bloodline endured, the fox clan would remain unshaken, shielded from all outside threats.
The ethereal light faded. The colossal Nine-Tailed Fox spirit dissolved into silence. Then—*ching… ching…*—bell chimes approached through the vast hall.
The sheltered maids tensed, hearts racing with visions of a majestic, ineffably noble sovereign.
A pair of translucent, snow-white feet stepped forth. Her tails swayed with each step; ankle bells chimed crisp and clear, growing nearer.
“Which elder’s maids are you?”
“Eh…?” The maids blinked. They hadn’t listened closely before—but that voice… far too young?
No. Unmistakably a little girl’s.
They lifted their heads, eyes widening slightly.
Before them stood not a maiden, but a petite girl in an exquisite silk ruqun. Long sleeves and hem trailed behind her, adorned with ornaments. Nine sakura-white fox tails danced gracefully, making her figure seem even more delicately petite.
Fox ears twitched atop her head.
Her snow-white hair was pinned high with a jade hairpin, ends brushing her heels. A single forelock held a sakura-white streak.
Barefoot, her arches smooth as warm jade, skin pale as fresh cream. Ten tiny toes, pink as polished gems.
Jade-linked bells circled her ankles; smooth thighs peeked beneath the ruqun’s hem.
Small hands tucked in wide sleeves held a folded fan, half-concealing a face that made “enchanting” seem dull.
Her April-cherry-blossom eyes held a mesmerizing pull—one glance, and hearts surrendered willingly.
What terrifying, innate charm…
As the fan closed, her visage seemed to scorch the gaze of any who looked. Even peerless beauties would shrink in shame before it.
Some faces exist in this world where one glance makes life feel worth living.
To see her—once—was worth dying for.
The maids, stunned by this beauty’s impact, froze.
The white-haired girl stretched lazily before them, eyes half-lidded in a yawn. Her fox ears and tails perked up with the motion.
The white fox girl watched, utterly unperturbed—clearly used to this.
“…Ah! Forgive us, Your Majesty! We were rude!” Their scattered wits returned. Heads bowed low in apology.
“Rise.” The girl glanced at them, unfazed. After millennia, mortal formalities meant little.
“Thank you, Your Majesty…” Bloodline submission made rising difficult—but her command was law.
They stole furtive glances.
*This… is Yurou Jiushuang? Our Heavenly Maiden?*
She looked nothing like they’d imagined.
This was their first audience. Nerves frayed.
“We are daughters of Clan Head Su Li.”
“Oh? The Su Li household’s young ladies?” Yurou Jiushuang’s tone was lazy, informal. “How’s that old man Su Li Fengnu faring?”
“Our father is unwell. He sent us to Tianyue Pavilion to invite you to the court assembly.”
“Little Yueji,” Yurou Jiushuang turned aside, “how long has it been?”
“Half a year, Your Majesty.”
“Only half a year?” She tilted her head, one ear drooping. “And the elders already miss me this much?”
“Understood. Tell your father I will attend.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
After the maids left, Yueji spoke softly: “Also… your younger sister, Yurou Xuehua, seeks you.”
Silence. Yurou Jiushuang stilled her stretch; her lazy expression sobered.
She shook her head. “Tell her I am unwell today.”
“But Your Majesty—”
“I know why she’s here. Without meeting her.”
