…In a certain place, there existed a beast that resembled a fox and had nine tails.

『Classic of Mountains and Seas』 <Southern Mountains Chapter>Folktales about foxes and other animals were never taken lightly anywhere.

It’s natural for humans to interpret the world from a human-centric perspective, but those studying Taoism should not do so.

In the Azure Forest, deep Taoist knowledge was taught.

Therefore, it’s common knowledge there about the jade palace built by Queen Mother of the West in the Kunlun Mountains.

It’s said that among her followers was the nine-tailed fox, Gumiho, the leader of all female immortals.

The legend that a fox yokai bewitched men was likely a misunderstanding of the regular fox spirit.

Queen Mother of the West might not have been in the Kunlun Mountains, but the nine-tailed fox did exist.

However, few knew that their true identity was connected to the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox.

Dam Hyun had a triumphant expression.

“I wonder what expression Senior Uncle Do Seon would make if he hears this story.”

“Did Senior Uncle Do Seon know about this?”

“We had discussions about the relationship between the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox of Kunlun and Queen Mother of the West.”

“Even though we practice sorcery as Taoists, the stories about Queen Mother of the West or immortals seem a bit far-fetched.”

Dam Hyun nodded.

It might seem ridiculous for a martial artist who practiced sorcery to discuss ascending to immortality, but it was indeed the reality.

Although there were those who claimed to have ascended, no one had ever seen an immortal descending to earth. At least, that was what Dam Hyun knew.

Many claimed to have met an immortal…

“What does it matter if I’m currently walking with great yokai?”

“That’s true.”

Immortals must exist, somewhere in the heavens or elsewhere.

Baek Yi-gang hoped that the place where the Immortal Divine Sword and Sohwa’s souls went was indeed that realm.

“This is it. You go in alone.”

The place Seo-mi stopped was in front of a huge cave.

The entrance of the cave was as large as a building.

It was said that Gumiho, the leader and mother of the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Foxes, was inside.

Seo-mi said to Yi-gang, “…Mother has aged. Be careful not to let your guard down.”

It was a puzzling statement, advising not to let one’s guard down.

It would have been understandable if he had been told to behave respectfully or not to do anything foolish.

Yi-gang, feeling the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon in his pocket, cautiously took a step forward.

Dam Hyun’s voice transmission reached Yi-gang’s ears.

-There are many legends that Gumiho devours humans. Be careful.

Yi-gang nodded slightly and entered into the darkness.

Although the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox often transformed into a human form, there were no signs of human presence in this cave.

Not even a path was made.

Rugged stalagmites protruded sharply, and only a few clumps of white fur were scattered around.

Without a torch, it grew darker as he walked further in.

As he went deeper, the light from the entrance was no longer visible. His vision turned pitch black.

Ssssss—

Only the sound of a slightly damp wind echoed.

Yi-gang’s steps were not fast, but he did not stop walking either.

Using his unique sensitive senses, he moved forward through the darkness.

It was after a while that his pace slowed down.

Ssssss…

His slow steps came to a complete halt.

Even in the darkness, Yi-gang could roughly understand his surroundings.

He also noticed that there was something huge in front of him.

And inside the cave, he realized the damp air blowing was the ‘breath’ of something.

It was hard to believe that the breath of a creature could be so vast.

「There.」

The slender voice was that of the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon.

Something in front of him had awakened her from within Yi-gang’s embrace.

And then, a blue eye appeared in the darkness.

The eyeball was as big as a door, and “appeared” was the right word.

Though it just opened its eyes in the darkness, the blue iris flashing like electricity seemed to float in the air.

It looked straight down at Yi-gang.

“…You.”

It sounded like a growl, yet it was a human voice.

It seemed unable to control the volume, leaving his ears ringing.

As it darkened again, as if eyes were closed, flames burst up around them.

Caught off guard by the sudden light, Yi-gang shielded his eyes.

Squinting, he saw a giant fox sitting on a rock in front of him.

It was much smaller than it seemed a moment ago, though still as large as a house.

“I have reduced my size.”It was the voice of an elderly woman.

Mentioning the nine-tailed fox usually conjured the image of a young and bewitching woman, but the reality seemed different.

To begin with, the number of tails was different. Instead of nine, there were only four white tails flickering.

She noticed Yi-gang’s gaze.

“You wonder why, if I am called the Nine-Tails, I have only four tails.”

“…Yes, indeed.”

“The tails are my life.”

Nine lives.

“I gave three to those children, one is wandering the world, and another I gave to my beloved long ago.”

“If by beloved, you mean…”

“He bore the name Namgung.”

It was true that a martial artist from Namgung had once formed a bond with a Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox.

Gumiho seemed to be the true great yokai.

The Nine-Tails leaned her chin on the rock with a tired expression.

Her fur was ash-colored, lacking luster.

“Poor thing.”

“…Do you recognize Namgung Seo-ryeon?”

“I do. That child insisted on taking one of my remaining tails and came back.”

From within Yi-gang’s embrace, a Blue Eye Gem smoothly slipped out. The Nine-Tails gulped it down.

The back of a fox doll opened, and another Blue Eye Gem emerged. It was the Blue Eye Gem that the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon inhabited.

The Nine-Tails gazed intently at the floating Blue Eye Gem.

“It took a long time.”

「Because you called for me…」

Yi-gang could feel the complex emotions in the voice of the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon.

There was joy at having reached this point through a smile, and fear of the unknown.

“You have little time left. Go to sleep.”

With those words, the light from the Blue Eye Gem dimmed.

Yi-gang was anxious, but it didn’t seem like the Nine-Tails would harm the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon.

“This child wanted to become a fox, not a human. Do you know what that means?”

“…To obtain the body of a yokai?”

“Yes. Like Seo-mi, Heuk-mu, and Cheok-yo, to become my child.”

“Is that possible?”

Other foxes had implied it was impossible.

But the fox before him was clearly a being of a different caliber.

It felt more like looking at an ancient tree than an animal. Even in conversation, there was no sense of humanity.

“It’s possible.”“Then…”

“Since this child has brought one of my tails, I just need to shape that tail and breathe life into it.”

Joy returned to Yi-gang’s face.

“And for the one who brings the token, I promised a reward… What do you desire? Shall I cure that sick body of yours?”

“…!”

He was relieved yet surprised at her words.

Even though the magical fire was illuminating, for her to immediately recognize that he was suffering from meridian blockage disease was astonishing.

Gumi wrinkled her nose.

“You smell of ashes and dust. With this condition, you have a short lifespan of less than a year.”

“…”

“You’ve forcibly opened one meridian. Is it thanks to the spiritual power of someone you carry within you?”

“It’s the care of my ancestor.”

“You’ve benefited from your ancestor’s virtue. Do you wish to add more years by connecting the major meridian?”

“Of course.”

“Good. The will to live is indeed a blessing.”

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon kept her promise to heal Yi-gang’s body.

“I will create this child’s body and open your major meridians for you.”

“Thank you.”

Feeling that everything was working out, Yi-gang sighed in relief.

But his relief was short-lived.

Gumi asked a question.

“However, there’s something we need to clarify beforehand. What you wanted was for this child to be turned into one of us, the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Foxes, correct?”

“…Yes. As she wishes.”

“Speak clearly. I dislike vagueness and abstractness.”

“Speak clearly?”

Yi-gang remained silently contemplative.

Gumiho, more akin to an immortal than just a yokai, capable of transforming a soul into a yokai and opening Yi-gang’s major meridians, would not incorrectly be called an immortal.

And Yi-gang, well-versed in ancient tales, realized an important fact.

When making a wish to something, one should avoid vague expressions, as how it will be fulfilled is uncertain.

“…I wish for Namgung Seo-ryeon herself, with all her soul and memories, to become a Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox.”

“That condition, even for me, will not be easy.”Had Yi-gang given the correct answer?

“You already possess more than half of this child’s spiritual energy, don’t you?”

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon transferred all her spiritual energy to him.

Then, Yi-gang’s body undoubtedly changed. He became capable of using the Heavenly Thunder Bell, which he couldn’t have used without the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon’s assistance.

Yi-gang said with a bitter expression, “You can take it back if you want.”

“How can rain that has seeped into the ground be turned back into clouds?”

“Then, does this mean Namgung Seo-ryeon cannot fully become a yokai?”

“It’s a difficult task that I’m not sure is possible even with my power. I don’t have the same abilities as Queen Mother of the West. But I can attempt it.”

“Then, please do so.”

How could he not attempt it, however small the possibility might be?

Yi-gang asked this of Gumiho.

“Alright. But there are preparations to be made, so wait. I will let you know.”Yi-gang emerged from the cave where the Nine-Tails resided.

His companions welcomed him back with faces full of relief.

In the meantime, Pahan had set up a campsite under a large rock.

“There is a village nearby; how about staying there?”

“No. We need to stay here for a while. Sir Pahan, you may return.”

Pahan had performed admirably as a guide.

It was now beyond reproach for him to return to West Sky Castle.

“…I will stay as well.”

But unexpectedly, Pahan said so.

Whether it was out of kindness or an order from the Nine Spear King, Yi-gang did not refuse.

It seemed there might be a need to wander around the Kunlun Mountains. Pahan staying would be a great help.

While explaining the conversation with the Nine-Tails, Cheok-yo came looking for them.

Yi-gang quietly stopped Ha-jun.

“It’s okay.”

Ha-jun was already standing up, sword in hand.

He slowly lowered his hand from the sword.

But having clearly seen Yi-gang and Cheok-yo in a scuffle, he did not let down his guard.

There was no need to keep Cheok-yo in check, really.

Cheok-yo was just feeling bewildered.

A moment ago, he had received an order from his mother, the Nine-Tails.

“Uh, Mother said, to cooperate with you… as much as possible.”

“Good, I appreciate it.”

Yi-gang nodded.

At his straightforward attitude, Cheok-yo found himself at a loss for words. Yi-gang even posed a question.

“If Namgung Seo-ryeon becomes a new Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox, does she become your younger sister?”

Cheok-yo couldn’t immediately respond to Yi-gang’s sudden question.

But upon reflection, the answer was clear.

“Perhaps.”

“It would be good if you treat your younger sister well.”

“…”

Whether to take this advice or not…

Though feeling suddenly indignant, Cheok-yo managed to suppress his emotions, recalling his mother’s words.

“We first need to enter the mountain to gather what’s needed.”

“I’ll help if you guide me.”

“I cannot enter the mountain.”

Yi-gang frowned at Cheok-yo’s words.

It seemed unlikely for a fox to be unable to climb mountains, but the reason became quickly apparent.

“It’s because my mother made a promise with the Taoists of the Kunlun Sect.”

“A promise?”

“Our family has agreed not to enter the mountain for a hundred years.”

Why would they make such a treaty?

Yi-gang had heard that the Taoists of the Kunlun Sect were unusual, but he didn’t know they had such an agreement with the Heavenly Thunder White-Tailed Fox.

“I’d like to wipe them all out, but a child cannot break a promise made by their mother.”

Cheok-yo spoke as if truly aggrieved.

Yi-gang nodded in agreement.

With Pahan and the others, they should be able to gather what was needed.

“So, what do we need to gather?”

“That.”

Cheok-yo pointed to a distant, sharp mountain.

Surely they weren’t expected to move the mountain itself, what could be seen from here was…

“Surely not…”

Pahan looked uneasy.

The high mountain was capped with snow, and below that were dark rocks, and further down, a lush forest.The only thing that stood out even from this distance was one spot, as if red flowers had bloomed.

It was because something was gathered there in abundance.

And that place was one they must avoid in the Kunlun Mountains.

“They’re called Blood Moths. We need to collect those blood-sucking moths.”

Cheok-yo’s words were exactly what Pahan hoped not to hear.