The Fox Fairy Village and the Elder’s Summoning

The Fox Fairy Village is a secluded settlement surrounded by lush green mountains and crystal waters. For years, thick mists have gathered around it, making it impossible for outsiders to find its exact location. Only the kin of the fox tribe can see through the protective white veil to reach the village.

The village consists of elegant wooden Japanese-style buildings, while golden rice fields serve as both a food source and a provider of construction materials. Under Hu Ji’s guidance, Leshi learned how to live in this magical world inhabited only by beastmen. By gathering materials, recovering lost items or missing villagers, delivering mail, and learning how to fight threatening monsters (pest eradication, village defense, and specific bounties), he contributed to the community. Through repairing facilities to increase prosperity and mediating disputes or preparing for festivals to earn the villagers' trust, Leshi soon became an inseparable part of the village.

An Unexpected Invitation

Leshi stopped in his tracks and handed over a strawberry cake he had been protecting carefully in his arms. He didn't dare look into Hu Ji’s eyes, staring instead at her elegant straw sandals. His voice carried a slight nasal tone: "Hu Ji... thank you for being willing to take in someone like me, who had nowhere else to go."

"You have worked very hard to help the village. I only taught you combat and magic techniques, and you learned quickly, becoming accustomed to village life," Hu Ji said with a gratified smile, patting Leshi on the head. Leshi wagged his tail vigorously in shy delight.

"Hu Ji, Leshi! There you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!" The Village Chief panted heavily, looking urgent. "The... the Nine-Tailed Elder says he wants to see you! You must go at once and show the utmost respect. Hu Ji, you know what this means, right?" The Chief’s expression was ten times more serious than when Leshi was first brought to the village.

"The... Nine-Tailed Elder?" Hu Ji’s face turned pale, her voice trembling. "Hasn't he been in seclusion for centuries, no longer meddling in worldly affairs? Why would he suddenly ask for us by name?"

"I don't know, and we have no right to ask. Just go and don't waste time. If you dare anger the Elder, the whole village will turn against you!" The Chief warned anxiously.

"Leshi, be careful when we get there," Hu Ji whispered, her usual composure replaced by dread. "The Elder is a celestial fox who has lived for thousands of years. His cultivation is so vast that even if the whole village combined their power, we wouldn't even graze his toes. I haven't even seen him since I was born."

"I understand. I’ll stay quiet and won't be disrespectful," Leshi replied, gripping Hu Ji’s hand firmly. The two quickened their pace toward the Elder’s residence.

The Shrine of Red Maples

A cool dampness brushed against their faces as a thick white fog acted like a heavy curtain, concealing the mountains behind them. Only by following Hu Ji's lead on the moss-covered stone steps did the mist seem to part intelligently, revealing a wooden roof in the distance.

Their footsteps made a soft "shasha" sound on the carpet of fiery red maple leaves. Ahead stood a Japanese-style wooden shrine, looking exceptionally solemn under the setting sun. The bronze bells on the eaves did not sway with the wind; it felt as if the very air had grown heavy and silent.

Hu Ji took a deep breath and, with trembling hands, pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Instead of a crushing pressure or suffocating magical waves, the room was incredibly quiet. There was no majestic throne, only a faint scent of sandalwood. By a window reflecting the red maples sat an old man in a plain kimono.

He was small, somewhat stout, and looked like a harmless neighborhood grandfather. He wore a simple cream-white kimono with no complex embroidery, only a golden flame emblem on the collar. His small fox paws were folded peacefully on his knees, holding a string of dark brown wooden prayer beads.

Leshi was stunned. When he closed his eyes, he realized that in his perception, the "breath" of a person didn't exist—the old man's presence was as thin as air, yet as grand as the entire mountain.

"Oh? You've arrived?" The old man was focused on his tea set. His voice was raspy but calm, like wind blowing through dry bamboo. He turned slowly, his wrinkled face wearing a gentle smile. The slit of his squinted eyes revealed not a threat, but a peace found after witnessing the cycle of all things.

"Come, sit, children. That strawberry cake outside... you wouldn't mind sharing a bite with this old soul, would you?"

"E-Elder... we don't know why you summoned us," Hu Ji said, carefully handing him the cake. She was shaking; she could sense no aura from him, as if he had completely merged with nature. The gap in their cultivation was in a different dimension. She looked at Leshi worriedly, fearing the Elder might oppose his stay.

"Relax, Hu Ji. I stopped caring about village affairs long ago. The Chief informed me about Leshi, and I trust your judgment. Let us not talk of such things yet—it would be a waste not to enjoy these rare sweets together," the Elder said leisurely, handing tea to them.

"Truly incredible... what is that will hovering around you? I can feel a powerful desire to protect," the Nine-Tailed Elder said, looking at Leshi with kindness.

"Elder, do you know about him?" Hu Ji asked urgently. "When I found him, he had no memories. I cannot see through his soul, and the crystal shows his magic is 'Non-Attribute.' It’s completely illogical!"

"Leshi? It is a fine name. This child’s eyes are free of impurity or confusion. Even I cannot see the full scope of that power. I only know the will surrounding him is intense—a will born only from those who would give their life to protect what they cherish." The Elder's tone was filled with respect for life.

"Perhaps you will find answers in the Corridor of Memories, a labyrinth blooming with forget-me-nots outside the village. Once you reach its depths, you will find the Water Mirror of Remembrance, which reflects one's hidden abilities and true information."

The Elder then hugged Leshi gently, patting his back. "Child, you must feel anxious. But losing your past doesn't mean you cannot have a future. Even in the dark, do not forget the light in your heart. As long as you love those around you, you will find a place that accepts you."

"Thank you, Elder. I will work hard to help everyone so they will accept me," Leshi wagged his tail, leaning into the Elder’s embrace.

"Leshi, would you mind waiting outside for a moment? I wish to speak with Hu Ji alone. It won't be long," the Elder said. Leshi nodded, his eyes bright with trust, and went outside to wait.

The Weight of Destiny

Inside the silent shrine, the atmosphere shifted from warmth to a wordless heaviness the moment the door closed. The Elder set down his teacup with a soft but sharp clack. His squinted eyes opened slightly, and for a moment, Hu Ji felt a gaze so ancient it pierced through to her soul.

"Hu Ji," the Elder’s voice was now commanded with an undeniable majesty. "Your Heavenly Tribulation is approaching. I cannot interfere with your trial, but I feel you share a destiny with that child. Whether for good or ill, I do not know, but his future will intersect with your tribulation."

"You know? About my hidden power?" Hu Ji confessed. "As my cultivation grows, I can feel disaster closing in. Just as I was lost, I met that child."

"That child’s fate is as turbulent as yours. It is best not to let him know yet. Let him enjoy as much happiness as he can before destiny arrives. When that time comes, you both must make your choice."

"I understand. Thank you for your concern, Elder. It is time I take Leshi to the Corridor of Memories." Hu Ji bowed and took her leave.

"May your future be peaceful and smooth," the Elder whispered, clutching his prayer beads in constant prayer.

狐妖村是個周圍群山繚繞青山綠水與世隔絕的村落，長年雲霧聚集使得一般人無法察覺村子確切位置，只有族人能識破保護周圍白霧抵達村子。

村子建築為優雅木製日式建築，金黃色的稻田既是村子糧食來源也提供建築材料。

隨著狐姬教導下雷希學會了如何在這個只有獸人的魔法世界生活，透過採集素材、遺失物或失蹤村民尋回、遞送郵件、學會如何戰鬥討伐威脅的魔物(害獸驅除、守護村莊、特定懸賞），修復設施增加繁榮度、調解糾紛與祭典籌備增加村民好感與信任，很快村民把雷希當作村里一分子不希望他離開。

雷希停下腳步，把懷裡護得好好的草莓蛋糕遞了過去。他沒敢抬頭看狐姬的眼睛，只是盯著對方那雙優雅的草鞋，語氣帶著一絲鼻音：「狐姬……謝謝妳，願意收留像我這樣沒地方去的人。

你一直都很努力幫助村子完成委託，我只是把如何和魔物戰鬥與魔法技巧交給你，而且你學得很快在完成委託時也開始習慣村子的生活，狐姬欣慰的摸著雷希的頭，讓雷希高興害羞的猛搖尾巴。

狐姬、雷希你們在這啊，找你們很久了！村長急得不停喘氣，似乎有什麼緊急的事。

九......九尾長老他竟然說要見你們，你得趕快過去不得無理，狐姬你知道這意謂著什麼吧！村長這次嚴肅的表情比上次雷希被帶進村子還恐怖幾十倍。

九……九尾長老？狐姬臉色蒼白，聲音微微顫抖，他老人家不是早已退隱數百年，不再過問村中世俗了嗎？怎麼會突然指名要見我們？

不知道，我們也沒資格過問，長老說想要見你們只管過去就行別拖時間，如果你敢惹怒長老全村的人都會與你為敵，你自己看著辦吧！村長焦慮的叮嚀狐姬小心點。

雷希待會過去時小心點，長老是活了數千年的妖狐，其修為就算全村的人加上去連他腳趾也沾不到邊，即使是我從出生到現在也沒有見過他。即使平時狐姬多麼冷靜沉著，在聽到九尾長老也感到強烈畏懼而不安。

我知道了，我會在旁邊靜靜待著，不做出失禮的事。雷希緊握狐姬的手眼神堅定的回應狐姬，兩人加快腳步前往九尾長老家。

涼的濕氣撲面而來，白茫茫的濃霧像厚重的門簾，將身後的群山遮得嚴嚴實實。唯有跟著狐姬的腳步，踩在濕潤的青苔石階上，眼前的迷霧才像是有靈性般緩緩向兩側撥開，露出後方隱約的木造屋頂。

兩人的腳步踏在火紅的楓葉毯上，發出細微的『沙沙』聲。前方那座日式木造祠堂在夕陽下顯得格外莊重，簷角掛著的銅鈴並未隨風擺動，彷彿連空氣來到這方境地都變得凝重而安靜。

狐姬深吸一口氣，顫抖著手推開了祠堂厚重的木門。本以為會迎來排山倒海的壓力，或是令人窒息的魔力波動，但門後卻安靜得不可思議。 裡面沒有想像中的威嚴寶座，只有一縷若有似無的檀香。在火紅楓葉映照的窗邊，坐著一位身穿素色和服的老人。

他的身材有些矮小，甚至有些圓潤，像個無害的鄰家老爺爺。身上穿著一件素淨的米白色和服，沒有繁複的刺繡，只有領口一個簡單的金色火焰紋章，顯得低調而莊重。他那雙小小的狐狸爪子，此時正安穩地交疊在膝上，手裡握著一串深褐色的木質念珠，似乎在默默誦念著什麼。

雷希愣住了。他屏住呼吸感受，卻驚訝地發現，如果閉上眼睛，他的感知裡完全不存在「人」的氣息——老人的存在感薄弱得就像空氣，又宏大得像是整座後山。

「喔呀，來啦？」老人正專心地擺弄著手裡的茶具，聲音沙啞卻平緩，像風吹過乾枯的竹林。 他緩緩轉過頭，布滿皺紋的臉上掛著溫和的微笑，瞇起的眼睛縫隙中，透出的不是威脅，而是一種看盡萬物輪回後的平靜。他看著雷希，那眼神不像是看著一個闖入者，倒像是看著一個許久未見的遠方小孫子。 「過來坐吧，孩子。外頭的草莓蛋糕……不介意分給老朽一口吧？」

長....長老不曉得您找我們有什麼事？狐姬將草莓蛋糕小心遞給長老，全身發抖的從長老身上感覺不到一絲氣息，如同跟自然同化般完全無法識破，兩人的修為差異根本不再同一次元。她擔心的看著雷希深怕長老反對雷希留下。

放輕鬆狐姬，老夫早就不管村子的事，村長早已把雷希雷希的事與我知會，我相信長老和你的判斷。先別說這些難得的點心不一起品嚐太可惜了，長老悠閒的將茶遞給雷希與狐姬一同享用。

真是不可思議！徘徊在你身邊那股意念是什麼？我能感受到強烈的守護慾望。九尾長老慈祥的看著雷希，散發感到溫柔的氣息。

長老你知道這雷希事嗎？當我發現時他完全沒有過去的記憶，我完全看不透他的靈魂，水晶側出來他魔力屬性竟然是無屬性，實在太不符合常理了！狐姬著急的希望能從長老口中得到確切情報。

雷希嗎？真是個好名字，這孩子的眼神中沒有一絲污濁與迷惘。即使是我也無法窺視那股力量的全貌，只知道圍繞他身邊的意念相當強烈，那是以生命作為代價只為守護珍視的人才會擁有的意念。長老的語氣伴隨對生命的敬意。

或許前往村子外開滿勿忘我的迷宮思念迴廊能得知什麼，只要抵達深處你會看到憶之水鏡，那能映照出一個人隱藏的能力與情報。

孩子，來到這裡你肯定感到不安吧！即使失去了過去並不意味著我們不能擁有未來，就算身處黑暗之中也不要忘記心中的光芒，只要你還深愛身邊的人，總會找到願意接納你的人。長老溫柔的抱著雷希，輕輕安撫他的背。

謝謝你長老，我會努力幫助大家，讓大家願意接納我，雷希搖搖尾巴在長老懷中撒嬌。

雷希不好意思能請你稍微在外面等嗎？我有話想單獨和狐姬聊聊，放心不會太久的。長老安撫著雷希。

我知道了，我會在外面乖乖等狐姬的，雷希眼神充滿光相信長老與狐姬變耐心在外面等。

祠堂外的風聲似乎安靜了下來，紅楓在夕陽的餘暉中閃爍著如火般的光芒。雷希乖巧地關上木門，蹲在石階上，看著遠方翻騰的雲海，心中滿溢著長老帶來的溫暖。 而在沉靜的祠堂內，氣氛在門關上的那一刻，從溫和慈祥悄然轉向了一種無言的沉重。 九尾長老緩緩放下手中的茶杯，茶杯底座與木地板接觸，發出極輕卻清脆的聲響。他那雙原本瞇著的眼睛微微睜開了一道縫隙，那一瞬間，狐姬感覺到一股古老而深邃的目光，彷彿能穿透她的皮囊，直視靈魂的深處。

狐姬，長老的聲音依舊沙啞，卻多了一種不容置疑的威嚴，你的天劫已經在迫近了。我無法干預屬於你的考驗，但我能感覺到你與那孩子有緣，是好是壞無從得知，他的未來會與你的劫產生交集。長老表達對狐姬的擔憂。

長老你都知道了嗎？我隱藏能力的事。隨著自己修為越來越高，我能感覺到圍繞自己身邊的災難正在接近，正當我不知該如何是好時，偏偏讓我遇上那孩子。狐姬表達對雷希的依賴。

那孩子跟你一樣注定命運多喘，還是別讓他知道會比較好，在那之前他能享受多少快樂是多少，等命運到來就是你和他下定決心之時。長老叮嚀狐姬守住秘密。

我知道了，謝謝長老您的關心，是時候我該帶雷希前往思念迴廊。狐姬向長老鞠躬後道別。

願你們的未來能平安順遂，長老緊握手中佛珠不停祈禱.......

Nine-Tailed Elder九尾長老