Chapter 6: The Enigmatic Fox Spirit

The little fox fidgeted restlessly in Xuanyuan Yu’s arms, saliva nearly dripping from its mouth. Xuanyuan Yu smiled gently and tapped its moist nose, saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll be eating soon.” His tender tone was filled with deep affection and indulgence.

Han Bing wiped his eyes, wondering if his master had truly smiled just now, or if his cultivation had driven him mad. Unsure, he asked Lie Yan, “Did the master just smile? I’m not losing my mind, am I?”

Seeing Han Bing dazed, Lie Yan nodded, confirming Han Bing hadn’t imagined it. In truth, Lie Yan was somewhat surprised himself; the master had never smiled like this at anyone before. Watching Han Bing so unsettled, Lie Yan thought for the first time in many years that perhaps their names should be reversed.

He had served by Xuanyuan Yu’s side for many years, yet this was the first time he had seen him so gentle, as if facing his beloved woman. Well, that analogy was off—how could his master fall in love with a fox? That was terrifying; human and beast relationships were impossible!

Previously, whenever Xuanyuan Yu smiled, it meant someone was about to suffer misfortune. But this smile clearly showed he favored the rescued little fox. No one knew how much virtue this fox had accumulated in its past life to be chosen by his master now.

Lie Yan himself couldn’t understand why a seemingly fragile, merely cute little fox could win over Xuanyuan Yu’s affection.

Xuanyuan Yu, naturally unaware of his two subordinates’ thoughts—and even if he were, he wouldn’t say a word—placed a plate of raw meat before the little fox, preparing himself to eat as well.

The little fox, Nuoxue, turned its head away and kicked the plate of raw meat with its hind leg, then leapt into Xuanyuan Yu’s embrace, squeaking persistently.

“I don’t want this. Raw meat doesn’t taste good at all; I want cooked food.”

Having lived for over a thousand years in the 21st century and having transformed into human form, Nuoxue naturally could not eat raw food forever. Even without living in a metropolis, it had absorbed some human behaviors and thoughts from other spirits.

“Don’t like this? Then what do you want to eat?”

Hearing Xuanyuan Yu’s words, Nuoxue began to look at the exquisite dishes on the table, then pointed with its small paw at the dishes and the bowl of white rice before Xuanyuan Yu.

Xuanyuan Yu already knew this little fox was quite perceptive—not only could it sense human emotions, but it could also understand human speech. Thus, he wasn’t too surprised by Nuoxue’s behavior. However, for a fox that had lived a thousand years, it was a failure not to realize it had been seen through. Such cunning foxes were rare indeed.

“Han Bing, bring another bowl of rice,” Xuanyuan Yu said, holding the little fox and speaking to Han Bing behind him, his tone devoid of emotion.

“Yes, master.”

Though he said this, Han Bing’s heart was breaking. He was so handsome and suave, charming to all, supremely powerful, and above all, loyal! Yet, in his master’s heart, he couldn’t compare to a mere little fox. Was he not even as good as a beast? Was he truly less than an animal?

Han Bing carried rice and chicken broth, walking alongside Lie Yan, who held roasted and stewed chicken. This was Xuanyuan Yu’s special instruction, as foxes naturally loved chicken.

“Lie Yan, I can’t believe I’m outdone by a fox in the master’s heart. He is so gentle with the fox, but shows me no affection at all. Shouldn’t I feel deeply saddened by this?”

Han Bing held his dish with one hand while clutching his chest with the other, as if struck by a heavy blow. The grief and indignation on his face could make anyone think his family was bankrupt or that his wife had been unfaithful.