The Nine-Tailed Fox started, then let out a tinkling, charming laugh. "You little fellow is quite grasping, but alas, over these three hundred years, I, your elder, have burned through every last treasure to fend off the corrosive evil fire.

Had I been allowed to pass into Nirvana peacefully, perhaps I could have left you my pelt to fashion a fine fox-fur coat; but no, I must dissolve into ash entirely—not even a single strand of fox hair will remain…" She spoke of her impending demise with a cheerful openness, completely unconcerned. Feng Zikang felt a slight disappointment, but her demeanor suggested she wasn't feigning; with her end imminent, there was little point in hoarding anything.

"...However, if I don't grant this greedy boy some benefit, he might just abuse my child…" The Nine-Tailed Fox frowned, then suddenly clapped her paws together and smiled. "Ah, one thing comes to mind!" She reached deep into her bosom and pulled out a roll of vellum.

"I have here a chart to the Immortal Abode in the Cloud-Soaring Cave on Mount Taihua. It is rumored that this immortal residence holds treasures beyond counting.

For three centuries, I have been shackled by wounds and sickness, unable to explore it. Now that my spirit and form are about to be annihilated, it shall be your good fortune, young man!" "A treasure map…" Feng Zikang took the so-called Chart of the Immortal Abode in the Cloud-Soaring Cave on Mount Taihua with a wry smile.

He had never taken a liking to such maps; even if they weren't fake, they were invariably fraught with deadly mechanisms, requiring a near-death struggle. Why bother with these needless worldly possessions when one was striving for true cultivation, risking one's very life for nothing?

Still, it seemed nothing truly valuable could be extracted from this fox now. He sighed: "Senior, if that is the case, please rest and proceed with your delivery.

Must I withdraw for a moment?" "No need!" The Nine-Tailed Fox chuckled sweetly. "Stay right here and guard me.

Oh, and release that young girl from the Wu family; she is bold, calm, and meticulous—she can certainly lend an old one a hand! Childbirth is not something you men can be relied upon for!" Hearing this, Feng Zikang opened the rouge box.

Inside, he saw a miniature courtyard where an ant-sized girl in red sat serenely. He gave the box a slight shake, and the girl, losing her balance, tumbled out with a somersault, immediately growing to about five feet tall—a blooming, exquisite young maiden.

She landed on the ground, looked up, but showed no panic, only studying her surroundings with cautious scrutiny. This young girl possessed exceptional beauty.

Though not yet fully mature, the corners of her eyes and brows already held a natural grace. Compared to the dazzling allure of the Nine-Tailed Fox, hers was a taste of unripe, yet unique charm—truly the mold of a peerless beauty.

"Miss Wu, don't be afraid. Your father has sent someone to bring you back!

This young man is immensely powerful; I couldn't defeat him, so I must let you go back with him!" The Nine-Tailed Fox lied brazenly. The Wu girl’s eyes flashed with surprised joy upon seeing Feng Zikang, before she managed a wry smile.

"Senior, please do not jest. Your divine powers are boundless; how could this young man possibly be a match for you?" "Hahahaha!" The Nine-Tailed Fox laughed.

"You two are quite a pair—both appearing docile on the surface but harboring cunning schemes beneath. Young people nowadays are far more formidable than we were!" After a moment of wistful reflection, she turned serious.

"Little girl, look at my condition; I am clearly about to give birth. That is why I couldn't best your handsome rescuer.

I have already settled terms with him: after I deliver this child, I will release you to return home. Are you willing?" Although the Wu girl was still young, having grown up in a populous, grand family where her mother had borne siblings, she was familiar enough with such matters not to panic.

She observed the Nine-Tailed Fox’s distended belly and pale face, and nodded. "Young Master, please trouble yourself to fetch some hot water…" She bowed slightly to Feng Zikang but was already delegating tasks.

Feng Zikang smiled bitterly and went to the river to draw water, using his Inner Fire to bring it to a boil. Since the School of Military Arts devised this technique for harnessing the intent of killing, perhaps he was the only one to ever employ it for such a domestic purpose.

By then, the Nine-Tailed Fox had enveloped herself and the Wu girl in a barrier of five-colored silk threads, obscuring their forms. Only sounds of sharp intakes of breath and cries of pain could be heard.

Whether human or fox, a female enduring her first delivery always suffers excruciating pain—it is universal. Moreover, the Nine-Tailed Fox had carried this litter for three hundred years; the fetus inside was long fully developed.

To bring it forth now was exponentially difficult. Her cries of pain continued, gradually weakening.

After perhaps six or seven hours, a baby's cry finally pierced the air—the child was safely delivered. Miss Wu washed the infant and brought it out.

The newborn flickered uncertainly between human and fox forms before finally stabilizing into a small, docile white fox, sleeping soundly in her arms. "It’s rather cute…" She stroked the little fox’s fur with genuine affection, her face calm and composed, showing no trace of terror.

Miss Wu was not a cultivator and was barely thirteen or fourteen years old; to possess such composure was truly extraordinary. It was only then that Feng Zikang realized he still didn't know why the Nine-Tailed Fox had kidnapped Miss Wu.

From what she had said, it seemed she planned to use the moment of celestial transition to revert to her original state, healing her injuries while giving birth. But how did Miss Wu fit into this?

It remained baffling. "Miss Wu, do you know why the Nine-Tailed Fox abducted you?" The Wu girl started, then shook her head.

"I do not know either. Senior's abilities are so vast; she surely has no need for my family’s wealth…" Feng Zikang asked casually, not expecting an answer.

He frowned in thought, but the core reason eluded him. "Since that is the case, I will take you home.

However, before that, I must visit Hánshān Cave in the southernmost part of the Southern Barbarian territories. Do you wish to accompany me, or wait here?" "I shall naturally accompany the Young Master." Miss Wu was intelligent.

With savage beasts roaming the deep south, how could she, a frail woman with no martial skill, possibly survive alone? Her only hope lay with this powerful figure whom her father had supposedly sent.

Feng Zikang nodded. The young lady's calm demeanor—not bursting into tears or demanding he send her home first—was commendable.

Since it was on his way, forging this goodwill bond wouldn't hurt; after all, she was the fiancée of Luo Kedi, so there was some lingering connection. "My surname is Feng.

I am a descendant of the Military School of Longhu Mountain. I came down the mountain to help Governor Wu destroy the barbarian general Wudunya.

Your father knows me. Luo Kedi is my junior martial nephew.

I will certainly send you home; do not worry!" Hearing Luo Kedi's name, a faint blush touched the Wu girl's face, finally revealing a rare, girlish sentiment. "So, you are Martial Uncle Feng…" As they spoke, a soft sigh drifted from within the five-colored silk threads.

The Nine-Tailed Fox had awakened.