Chapter 13: The Little Fox’s Shyness

“I’m not blaming you. The carriage is set with protective seals. If you had touched them, you might have died.” Xuanyuan Yu wiped the corner of the little fox’s eye. This little fox, like a human, could get angry, feel wronged, and act coquettishly; to him, she seemed nothing but endearing. Yet this single tear stirred a different feeling within him.

After hearing Xuanyuan Yu’s explanation, Nuoxue realized she had misunderstood him. Shyly, she covered her eyes with her tiny paws, her body awkwardly twisting in Xuanyuan Yu’s embrace.

“Hehe,” Xuanyuan Yu couldn’t help but laugh at such an adorable little fox. He gently removed her paws and began to rub the pads of her feet. “You little fox, you can even get shy. It’s really quite endearing.”

“Chirp chirp chirp,” she protested, “I’m not shy, okay? That’s just me, me.”

Nuoxue kept turning her purple eyes restlessly. Finally, she leapt onto Xuanyuan Yu’s shoulder, pressing her fluffy little head against his face, thinking to herself: quickly forget this incident, forget it, forget it—such an embarrassing thing couldn’t possibly be remembered by Master!

Feeling that the little fox had settled down, Xuanyuan Yu let her lie quietly in his arms to sleep while he read. Nuoxue nestled closer, finding a comfortable spot and soon drifted off peacefully.

After three days inside the carriage, Nuoxue was growing impatient. Were it not for the lingering chill emanating from Xuanyuan Yu’s body, she might have already dashed outside to frolic with the butterflies. Now, her master announced they had arrived in the Xuanxue Kingdom—a name that filled Nuoxue with longing. She guessed this place must have snow, perfect for her cultivation.

“We’ve arrived,” Xuanyuan Yu’s voice reached Nuoxue’s ears.

“Chirp chirp chirp!” Truly? Nuoxue excitedly bounced in Xuanyuan Yu’s arms. This chill, this temperature—it was the ideal land!

Xuanyuan Yu gently restrained the little fox in his embrace and soothed her overexcitement. “Alright, be good.”

Hearing this, Nuoxue calmed down and let him hold her quietly, though her large eyes roamed curiously. Since the carriage had entered directly into the palace, Nuoxue hadn’t seen the outside scenery, yet the palace itself was breathtaking.

Perched atop a snowy mountain peak, the palace’s cold air invigorated Nuoxue’s spirit. She immediately began her cultivation within Xuanyuan Yu’s arms.

The grand palaces were constructed of jade spirit stone, exuding majesty and inspiring reverence and longing. Spiritual energy encircled the mountains, enveloping the entire palace. Within, flowers bloomed in profusion, birds sang sweetly. Despite the palace’s lofty perch, no biting winds swept through; instead, it felt like eternal spring.

“Put the little fox on the bed. I’ll take care of things after I return,” Xuanyuan Yu said, handing Nuoxue to Lieyan. His voice faltered briefly as he realized he had not yet given the little creature a name.

Without even changing out of his dragon robe, Xuanyuan Yu went straight to the outer court’s palace for a council meeting. This time, he was traveling abroad under the guise of a tour, seeking otherworldly beings. He entrusted everything to Yeming and now naturally had to handle some matters himself.

“My lord,” Yeming greeted Xuanyuan Yu upon his arrival, setting aside his pen.

“Yes, any abnormalities?” Xuanyuan Yu asked, signaling for him to stand. Yeming had followed him for a long time, and Xuanyuan Yu trusted his abilities implicitly.