Cold Moon Gorge — TUSHAN CLAN
From above, the territory of the Tushan Clan revealed itself in three distinct layers — the outer area, the inner area, and the core domain.
The outer area was nothing like the austere stillness of Qingyu Palace.
Here, fox cultivators moved freely along winding paths and suspended bridges, their laughter echoing through stone corridors.
Markets shimmered with spirit goods, and foxfire lanterns drifted lazily through the air, bathing the gorge in warm amber light.
Deeper within lay the inner area, where the atmosphere shifted into serenity. Seclusion caves lined the mountain walls in orderly tiers, their entrances veiled by mist and ancient formations.
At the heart of the Tushan Clan rested the core domain.
Wind sang through narrow passes like distant bells, carrying the scent of pine, snow, and something ancient. Waterfalls plunged from hidden heights into crystal pools that never froze, their surfaces reflecting pale moonlight even beneath the midday sun.
A seclusion cave lay embedded within a cliff of pale jade, perpetually veiled by drifting mist and moonlight. A woman dressed in pale green robes stood outside and called softly.
"My lady."
The mist parted, and she entered.
Spirit veins glowed faintly beneath translucent floors. Frost-laced lotus blooms floated in crystal pools, purifying qi with every breath.
At the center of the cave, a woman dressed in regal white robes embroidered with moon sigils on the cuffs sat cross-legged upon a velvet futon.
The woman in green bowed respectfully. "Matriarch."
The matriarch's white eyelashes fluttered open. Her eyes — deep and cool as moonlit pools, shifted toward her servant.
"A'shan," she said softly. "Did they encounter anything else?"
A'shan shook her head. "No. They arrived safely at Qingyu Palace."
The matriarch nodded faintly. Her long white hair, pinned into a simple bun, swayed with the motion.
Silence filled the cave.
After a moment, A'shan ventured, "My lady… what are we going to do about the Wolf Clan?"
The matriarch's fox eyes narrowed slightly. The temperature in the cave dropped several degrees — then instantly returned to normal, as though nothing had happened.
"Nothing for now."
She turned calmly. "What of Shuo'er?"
"The princess's injuries have healed completely, just as you predicted," A'shan replied. She hesitated. "But… she remains in her cub form."
The matriarch's expression did not change, as though she had already expected this.
"Has the letter been delivered to the Ancestral Fox Prince?"
"Yes." A'shan hesitated, then asked carefully, "My lady… do you think he will agree?"
"Perhaps."
A'shan grew anxious. "Then what are we to do? Prince Shao performed well in Qingyu Palace, and the elders have begun voicing opinions about the princess…"
"Why?" the matriarch interrupted calmly. "Are they saying my Shuo'er does not deserve him?"
A'shan bowed her head in silent acquiescence.
Unexpectedly, the matriarch merely waved her hand. "You may go."
"Yes, my lady."
A'shan turned — then paused as if remembering something. "My lady, the Red Fox Matriarch still requests your reply."
"Tushan Yue remains as impulsive as ever," the matriarch said lightly. "My answer stays the same."
A'shan bowed and withdrew.
Tushan Clan — Red Fox Matriarch's Cave.
In stark contrast to the White Fox Matriarch's domain, the Red Fox Matriarch's cave burned warm within veins of crimson rock.
Ember-gems illuminated the cavern in molten hues, and foxfire flames danced across the walls like living spirits.
A beautiful woman dressed in regal red robes embroidered with golden fox tails sat cross-legged upon a jade couch, flanked by two attendants.
They busied themselves serving tea — until one whispered something into her ear.
Bang.
Her slender hand slammed onto the table.
"Hmph. Even those ugly birds dare speak ill of my Tushan Clan now."
The woman in blue robes said angrily, "My lady, it seems the middle-tier clans no longer take us seriously. Even the Wolf Clan dares to attack us."
The Red Fox Matriarch's expression turned icy. Her voice dripped with fury.
"What did Tushan Hong say about my proposal?"
The woman in yellow robes replied calmly, "The White Fox Matriarch said… to wait."
"To wait?" the blue-robed woman gasped.
"Heh." The Red Fox Matriarch's vivid red lips curled into a sneer. "Tushan Hong remains as cowardly as ever."
The blue-robed woman nodded vigorously, but the yellow-robed woman frowned.
"I think she is merely being cautious, my lady."
"Hmph." The Red Fox Matriarch harrumphed coldly. "Cautious? Her daughter was nearly killed by the Wolf Clan, yet she still hesitates to strike back?"
"My lady is the wisest," the blue-robed woman flattered. "We should attack one of the Wolf Clan's territories to warn the other clans harboring ulterior motives."
The yellow-robed woman shot her a glare, then turned urgently to the matriarch. "My lady, this is not the right time. We are still facing pressure from the Ancestral Fox Prince and—"
"So what?" the Red Fox Matriarch cut in sharply. "Do you think the Tushan Clan fears him?"
Both women dropped to their knees at once. "We dare not."
Her voice, heavy with hatred, continued. "In fact, I'm waiting for him to attack — so I can avenge my sons."
"My lady, please calm yourself!" the two cried in unison.
The blue-robed woman added anxiously, "Our clan is still recovering. The White Fox faction may not support us this time."
"Hmph. Whether they wish to or not, the Tushan Clan is one — bound by oath. They will fight alongside us."
The yellow-robed woman's lips twitched before she said carefully, "My lady… you must consider the remaining Highnesses."
The Red Fox Matriarch froze. Slowly, she turned. Her gaze sharpened. The air thickened instantly, crushing downward with terrifying pressure.
The yellow-robed woman's face drained of color, yet she stubbornly continued. "The fifth, sixth, and seventh princes are still in seclusion recovering. The princesses were unharmed. You must think of them."
The pressure mounted, until suddenly, it vanished.
The Red Fox Matriarch lifted her teacup and took a slow, elegant sip.
Silence fell.
The blue-robed woman glanced at her companion in admiration. The yellow-robed woman ignored her and finally broke the stillness.
"My lady… Elder Su said that the tenth prince represented our clan well."
The Red Fox Matriarch raised an eyebrow — then relaxed entirely. The oppressive atmosphere dissolved like smoke.
Both women silently released their breath and rose.
The blue-robed woman said quickly, "Prince Shao has become sensible thanks entirely to your teaching, my lady."
The matriarch smiled faintly. "So-so."
Then her gaze sharpened again. "Send my orders. I want to know which middle-tier clans remain willing to ally with us in Cold Moon Gorge."
"Yes, my lady." The blue-robed woman bowed and left, leaving only the woman in yellow behind.
The matriarch's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Tell me," she said slowly. "Don't you find it strange that Tushan Hong sent her Foundation Establishment daughter to Qingyu Palace?"
The yellow-robed woman frowned. "It is definitely suspicious."
The Red Fox Matriarch's lips pressed thin.
"What is that cunning old fox planning?"