Ling Xi nodded as she listened to Madam Fus story, though a part of her remained eager to know more.

And then? The people at the temple… didnt they explain anything to you?

Madam Fu shook her head. The temple gave them no answersonly took generous donations of incense and offerings.

They told us nothing at all, yet still collected a hefty sum of incense money. After that, I decided the temple was useless and never went back. But strangely, within a year of that visit, the temple suddenly fell into ruin. I dont know why… but Ive always felt the temples decline was somehow tied to the YaoGuai.

Ling Xi nodded again. If she followed Madam Fus logic, then the YaoGuai might truly have been involved. It was even possible the temple had been constructed by the YaoGuai as a trap for Madam Fu in the first place.

But thenwhy hadnt it simply killed her too?

Surely it knew that as long as Madam Fu remained alive, someone would continue tracking it down. Killing her wouldve tied up all loose endsno one wouldve ever known.

Why did it let you live? Ling Xi asked. If it had just killed you, then no one wouldve been left to expose it. And no one would ever seek revenge.

At her words, Madam Fu lowered her gaze.

Thats because… before my father died, he went to that temple to ask for a protective talisman for me. Ive carried it with me ever since I was little, and it has never let harm come to me. I think it must have been because of that talisman.

Ling Xi nodded, but curiosity now gleamed in her eyes.

Would you mind if I took a look at it?

Madam Fu nodded. If Ling Xi wanted to see it, she had no reason to refuse.

Of course you can. Ive always kept it close and in good condition.

As she spoke, Madam Fu reached into her clothing and took out the talisman, preparing to hand it to Ling Xi.

But the moment she did!

The talisman suddenly flared with an overwhelming, blinding light, and in the blink of an eye, it blasted Ling Xi backwards.

She hadnt even had time to defend herself. Caught completely off guard, Ling Xi was sent flying, crashing to the ground in a daze, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Madam Fu stood frozen, staring at her in shock. That talisman only reacted to YaoGuai. It was a spiritual ward meant to repel evil beings.

If it had activated against Ling Xi…

Y-youre… a YaoGuai?

Ling Xi, wracked with pain, was left speechless. She couldnt respond.

She was a YaoGuaibut she was a good one. She had never hurt anyone, never done anything to defy the heavens or reason. Madam Fu had no reason to be afraid of her. Besides, hadnt they just spent time together peacefully? R

Madam Fu, please dont be afraid. I never wanted to hurt you

But Madam Fu was already panicking, terrified, and fled without another word.

Ling Xi was left barely clinging to consciousness. The talismans strike had drained nearly all her strength. She could no longer maintain her human form.

And in the next instantpoofshe reverted back into her original body: a fox.

Though her body trembled with pain, she understood one thing clearlyshe couldnt stay here.

If she lingered, Madam Fu might return with others, and things could get much worse.

Mustering what little energy she had left, Ling Xi fled in desperation to find Zhang Mu and the others.

To her surprise, the first person she ran intowas Lin Xiao. But the moment she saw him, her tension melted. Her legs gave out.

Lin Xiao caught her instinctively.

A little fox? You you wouldnt happen to be Ling Xi would you?

At his words, Ling Xi weakly nodded, confirming her identity.

Lin Xiao stared in disbelief. Ling Xi had turned into a fox?

What happened to you? Why are you like this? Werent you just going to speak to Madam Fu? How did you end up back in your original form?

But Ling Xi could no longer answer. She passed out in his arms.

Seeing her lose consciousness, Lin Xiaos heart clenched.

Ling Xi she was one of the few people in this world he truly cared about. And now, she lay limp and unconscious in his arms. How could he not fear the worst?

His gaze darkened.

Darker.

And darker still.

Until there was murder written in his eyes, like a man ready to make someone pay with their life.