"Brother Liu…"
Upon hearing the frail voice from within the cave, the white-clad woman's face twisted with sorrow.
She turned, glaring fiercely at Ji Changfeng, as if he were some heinous villain.
Sigh…
Ji Changfeng let out a soft sigh.
One hand rested on the divine sword at his waist, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the white-clad woman. "You should know," he said softly, "if I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't even have the chance to use your treasure."
As his words fell, a blinding surge of sword intent erupted.
Boom—
The sword intent soared into the sky, piercing the clouds!
An aura of invincible dominance spread through the grove, dispersing the surrounding mist in an instant.
Whoosh!
The sword intent radiated outward.
Though it wasn't deliberately aimed at the white-clad woman, her face paled, a flicker of fear flashing in her eyes.
"Xiao San, let them in," the frail voice called again from the cave, this time with a grave tone. "They're not from Incense Valley."
The speaker had clearly sensed Ji Changfeng's overwhelming presence.
The white-clad woman gritted her teeth, glancing at Ji Changfeng. Reluctantly, she stepped aside and led the way.
After their brief exchange, she understood.
This white-robed youth's strength was extraordinary.
Even with the Mysterious Fire Mirror, she doubted she could withstand a single move from him. The gap in their cultivation was simply too vast—no treasure could bridge it if the wielder's strength was lacking.
Ji Changfeng followed her into the Black Stone Cave, his expression impassive.
He had no fear of any tricks she might try.
No matter what ghosts or ghouls you are, I'll cut them down with one sword!
Seeing this, You Ji and Bi Yao exchanged a glance. Curiosity getting the better of them, they followed into the cave.
Whoosh—
The cave was pitch black.
A faint demonic aura permeated the air.
Numerous demonic creatures lurked in the shadows, their eyes glinting with wariness as they watched Ji Changfeng and his companions.
"Hmph." Ji Changfeng snorted lightly.
A faint thread of sword intent spread out.
The lurking creatures let out pained cries, trembling as they retreated, too afraid to approach.
The group passed through the cave's passage.
Below lay a flat, open cavern.
Whoosh—
A wave of scorching heat hit them.
Then, a bright blaze illuminated the path ahead. To their shock, the Black Stone Cave concealed a pool of molten lava!
No wonder it's so hot.
Bi Yao and You Ji exchanged thoughtful looks.
The group ventured deeper.
Soon, the true nature of the Black Stone Cave revealed itself.
A sea of fire engulfed the cavern, save for a single flat clearing where a massive six-tailed demon fox lay sprawled.
Its body radiated a chilling aura.
Even from a distance, Ji Changfeng and the others could feel it, despite the surrounding inferno.
"It's gravely injured?" You Ji murmured thoughtfully.
Bi Yao glanced curiously at the six-tailed fox. Her mother was a fox demon, so she naturally felt an affinity for them.
Cough, cough…
The six-tailed fox weakly opened its eyes, looking at Ji Changfeng and the others. Its massive maw spoke in human tongue: "With your righteous aura and profound techniques, you must be a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, correct?"
"Indeed," Ji Changfeng nodded calmly.
The six-tailed fox continued, "Xiao San has only cultivated for three hundred years. She didn't mean to harm anyone. As for the livestock from Xiaochi Town… she took them for my sake. Cough, cough… Can you spare her life?"
Demonic creatures had long cultivation cycles.
Though the three-tailed fox had cultivated for three hundred years, her strength was only equivalent to the fifth or sixth layer of Jade Purity.
Her progress was slow, indeed.
But this also meant demonic creatures had exceptionally long lifespans, often spanning millennia.
There were advantages and drawbacks.
"Brother Liu…" The white-clad woman's face softened with affection, her eyes resolute. "If I die, I'll die with you!"
Sigh. The six-tailed fox sighed softly. It raised a massive paw to touch the white-clad woman but let it fall weakly. "Xiao San, why must you do this?"
"You've hidden and suffered with me for three hundred years. Leave now, focus on your cultivation, and don't think of revenge…"
Ji Changfeng watched in silence.
He gazed at the devoted pair of fox demons, his thoughts unreadable.
Behind him, Bi Yao's face showed a trace of compassion.
She seemed to want to say something but held back.
Staring at Ji Changfeng's back, she sighed inwardly. What will you do?
You Ji's starry eyes flickered. Even she felt a pang of sympathy for the devoted pair.
She could tell the three-tailed fox was speaking the truth.
If the six-tailed fox died, the three-tailed fox would surely follow.
Ting-ling-ling—
A crisp chime rang out.
The Infatuation Bell at Ji Changfeng's waist seemed to sense something, letting out a mournful sound.
"Sir, what say you?" the six-tailed fox asked weakly, looking at the white-robed youth. "Can you spare her life?"
Under its hopeful gaze, Ji Changfeng shook his head.
The six-tailed fox's eyes dimmed with disappointment.
But then, Ji Changfeng spoke calmly, "Your death penalty can be spared, but you cannot escape punishment."
"I, Ji, will abolish your cultivation. In the future, perform ten acts of kindness to atone for your wrongs. Are you willing?"
The six-tailed fox's eyes lit up. It quickly answered for the three-tailed fox, "Willing! Absolutely willing!"
"Thank you for your mercy!"
Abolishing cultivation didn't mean it couldn't be regained.
It would only cost time.
And for demonic creatures, time was the least of their concerns.
"As for you…" Ji Changfeng turned to the six-tailed fox, pausing thoughtfully. "I, Ji, offer you an opportunity. Are you willing to accept?"
"An opportunity?" The six-tailed fox blinked, confused.
"Indeed." Ji Changfeng nodded. "Would you join the Qingyun Sect and serve as a guardian beast for Dazhu Peak?"
The six-tailed fox's heart jolted. Cautiously, it said, "Sir, I have a blood feud with Incense Valley. Moreover… I'm gravely injured and near death."
It gave a self-deprecating laugh.
Joining the Qingyun Sect for protection would be ideal.
But with its cultivation ruined, what use would it be?
Ji Changfeng tilted his head slightly. "I care not for your feud with Incense Valley. As for the chilling poison in your body? I have a way to cure it."
"What?!"
Before the six-tailed fox could respond, the three-tailed fox's head shot up. She looked at Ji Changfeng with pleading eyes. "Sir, is that true?"
"I, Ji, never lie," Ji Changfeng said calmly.
Thud—
Without hesitation, the three-tailed fox knelt before him, her voice trembling with emotion. "If you can save Brother Liu, let alone abolishing my cultivation—even if you killed me, I'd have no complaints!"
Ji Changfeng shook his head lightly. He lifted her to her feet with a wave of his hand, then turned to the six-tailed fox. "Treating your injuries isn't difficult, but it comes with a cost…"
"What cost?" the three-tailed fox asked nervously.
"Your entire cultivation will be abolished," Ji Changfeng said calmly.
The chilling poison had taken root in the six-tailed fox's body for three hundred years, fully integrated with its cultivation.
Removing the poison would mean erasing its cultivation entirely.
The two foxes froze.
Were they worried about losing their cultivation?
Not at all.
By now, they understood.
Ji Changfeng… seemed to be giving them a chance to fulfill their bond.
Losing their cultivation and cultivating anew together wasn't a punishment—it was a tremendous gift!
For two devoted demons, spending a lifetime together in peace was a dream come true.
With the Qingyun Sect's protection, they'd have no need to fear danger.
This was a blessing!
"What say you? Will you join the Qingyun Sect?" Ji Changfeng asked calmly.
Just as the six-tailed fox suspected, he did want to give them a chance.
The world is full of devotion—why should I stand in its way?
If he felt like helping, he would.
As for Incense Valley?
They're nothing!
A sword cultivator follows their heart's clarity.
Do what you will, heedless of the consequences!
The two foxes exchanged a glance, then knelt before Ji Changfeng. "We pay our respects to our lord!"
"Good." Ji Changfeng nodded slightly.
The six-tailed fox hesitated, then seemed to resolve itself. "My lord, I have a request."
"What is it?"
Ji Changfeng's heart stirred, already suspecting what was coming.
"My lord, my mother is trapped in Incense Valley's Mysterious Fire Altar. She's been imprisoned for three hundred years. I…" The six-tailed fox's expression was helpless. "I beg you to save her."
It knew the request was audacious, especially after Ji Changfeng had just offered them refuge.
"Very well," Ji Changfeng agreed without hesitation.
Incense Valley's actions were utterly deplorable!
Imprisoning someone's mother for three hundred years?
How could they stoop so low?
Hmph!
A sword cultivator, seeing injustice, must act!
He, Ji Changfeng, would ensure this mother and son were reunited!
"Don't worry," he assured. "Your mother, I shall care… cough, cough, I shall definitely save her!"
What ill intentions could he have?
He simply wanted to reunite a mother and son separated for three hundred years!
He swore.
He absolutely wasn't curious to see the legendary Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…
___
If you want to support me and read advanced 100+ chapters and also other stories: patreon.com/Caluem