Chapter 8: The Mysterious Snow Kingdom

Unconsciously, the little fox had fallen asleep again. When she awoke, she found herself in a resplendent palace adorned everywhere with dragons. The palace was grand and solemn, and atop a throne carved with dragons sat a man. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe, and faint ripples of dragon aura shimmered around him. Nuoxue guessed at once—this was the legendary emperor! But why was she in the imperial palace?

As Nuoxue pondered this perplexing question, a hand gently patted her small head. She was quite displeased and swatted it away with her tiny paws. It was that bold, playful man interrupting her solemn thoughts!

“Finally awake. I just realized this little fox of yours is quite a sleepyhead and has quite a temper,” Xuanyuan Yu teased.

Hearing Xuanyuan Yu’s jest, Nuoxue suddenly realized he was her master. She then began to chirp sweetly, “Squeak, squeak, squeak.” But no, this was not her true form. Thinking of this, Nuoxue couldn’t help but want to curse the heavens.

“You near-sighted fool! I haven’t done anything heinous—at most, I once stole my master’s wine to feed Little Yellow and buried squirrels’ acorns in the soil. Do you think it’s easy for a noble, bloodline nine-tailed snow fox to cultivate? A millennium of cultivation wiped out just like that! And you blasted me to this sweltering, miserable place. At least it should have been some snowy mountain!”

The man and the fox shared a profound soul exchange, while everyone else was lost in the dazzling songs and dances, paying them no mind.

Xuanyuan Yu laughed as he stroked the little fox’s paw pads. Though he didn’t understand her words, he sensed her displeasure and anger.

The dance ended, but the audience was still reluctant to let go.

“Light Dance, please forgive me for my poor performance,” said an absolutely stunning beauty emerging from among the dancers. Her delicate features, enchanting phoenix eyes, and rosy lips were exquisite, though a hint of arrogance lingered between her brows.

The emperor on the dragon throne gestured for her to approach, modestly praising, “This is my most treasured Princess Qingwu.” It was clear from his proud expression that these words were heartfelt.

Indeed, Princess Qingwu was the pride of the Eastern Flame Emperor. Though young, she had already attained the Blue Profound rank and was exceptionally beautiful. She was a versatile talent, skilled in poetry, painting, and dance. That was why she was allowed to perform tonight.

Xuanyuan Yu, sovereign of the Xuanxue Kingdom, ruled the strongest nation on the Frost-Defying Continent. His extraordinary power was said to surpass the Purple Profound, though his true strength remained a mystery. His harem was still empty, no consorts or empresses crowned. Thus, the purpose of this evening was clear—he intended to marry his daughter to Xuanyuan Yu.

The Eastern Flame Emperor smiled and asked, “Snow Emperor, what do you think of my little daughter?”

Nuoxue bristled, restless in Xuanyuan Yu’s arms, unwilling to accept this woman as another owner. Xuanyuan Yu stroked the little fox’s fur, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, his eyes coldly fixed on the high-ranking Eastern Flame Emperor. Anyone who dared covet him would have to pay the price.

“She’s so-so,” he replied, sparing the Eastern Flame Emperor’s pride; otherwise, he might have said something far harsher.

Princess Qingwu blushed slightly, shyly approaching Xuanyuan Yu. He was so handsome—if only he could be her prince consort.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak,” Nuoxue covered her rosy nose with both paws. “Go away, you smell awful.”

Seeing the little fox squirming desperately into his embrace as if fleeing a natural enemy, Xuanyuan Yu knew it was simply because the princess’s heavy perfume displeased her.

Only then did the onlookers notice the little fox nestled in Xuanyuan Yu’s arms, and they were instantly astonished.