Truly worthy of the benefactor she, Hu Shi Qi, had set her sights on.
Upon successfully receiving her封 (fēng) — a seal of recognition for her completed transformation — she was fully materialized without any flaws.
She was immensely delighted, thinking about how she would need human essence for future cultivation and looking at the rich golden light of merit surrounding her benefactor.
She felt that if she could follow her, she would surely accumulate enough human essence quickly, and even gain some merit. This way, she wouldn't have to fear tribulations in the future.
Although this might be somewhat shameless, for the sake of cultivation and her future, what was face?
Lin Yan saw the unspoken words on the young fox's face, especially her pitiable demeanor, which made Lin Yan understand that this little fox still had some request.
"So what?"
"So, can I descend the mountain with my benefactor?" she asked cautiously, observing Lin Yan's expression. "This little fox has no relatives or friends, and it's her first time descending the mountain..."
She tried hard to think of a reason that would make Lin Yan bring her along.
"Alright, I'll take you down the mountain, and then we'll go to the bureau to get you a permit." Lin Yan didn't listen to her reasons any further.
This little fox might be useful. At least her illusionary arts were good, and she could help Lin Yan with some things by her side.
Moreover, what the little fox said was also true. A fox with no kin or friends going into the mortal world would likely be sold off quickly.
"Thank you, benefactor, thank you, benefactor!" Hu Shi Qi quickly thanked her. "Benefactor, I can serve you tea and water, make your bed, and warm your quilt. I am very capable and can do anything."
"Alright, this is a democratic society now. We don't engage in oppressing people anymore," Lin Yan said with a smile, shaking her head.
"There is much you still need to learn. I will find you a teacher to help you with your studies later. Since I'm bringing you down the mountain, I will be responsible for you until the end."
"Is that really okay?" Hu Shi Qi asked happily, then ran to Lin Yan's side and affectionately linked her arm with Lin Yan's. "Benefactor, you are so kind."
Looking at Hu Shi Qi's affectionate display, Lin Yan, who had once been the boss of an entertainment company, thought that she could put her in the entertainment industry.
With such innocence and allure, she would definitely become a goddess for otaku and become hugely popular. However, she was still young. She would see what she wanted when she grew older.
But a fox spirit would probably also love the entertainment industry.
Fu Yao arrived at the place shrouded in thick mist again. The crying continued, but she couldn't find the person making the sound.
She wandered in the mist, unable to find the crying person or an exit.
Gradually, Fu Yao felt her legs growing heavier. She couldn't walk anymore. The crying seemed to have gotten closer, and she heard that familiar voice calling her, "A'Yao."
A flash of fire illuminated the mist and woke Fu Yao from her dream.
Fu Yao woke up from the dream, gasping for breath. The heavy feeling from the dream and the fear upon waking enveloped her.
Fu Yao dared not fall asleep again. She didn't understand why, after not having dreams for several days, she would suddenly have such a dream again.
Who was the person calling her, and why?
And what was the firelight that finally woke her up?
Fu Yao picked up her phone from the nightstand, played some music, then got out of bed and turned on her laptop, finding a lively variety show to watch.
Just as Fu Yao finished doing all this and was about to get herself a glass of water, she saw the protective charm the monk from the temple had given her.
The once vibrant charm had turned black and charred, its cinnabar completely faded.
The glass cup in Fu Yao's hand fell to the ground. Fortunately, the thick carpet on the floor prevented the cup from breaking.
She paid no mind to the fallen cup, taking several steps to the cabinet and picking up the charred protective charm.