In the Tiger Demonic Clan, a furious roar echoed across the crimson palace.
"What did you say!?" the sect leader growled, eyes blazing. "Hei Mo killed my men—and the fox sisters are still alive!?"
He crushed a jade teacup in his hand, shards falling like snowflakes.
"Enough. We will declare war."
He stood, towering and beast-like.
"Fifteen days from now… we march on Shadow Mountain. Wipe them clean."
All elders present bowed, bloodlust rising in their eyes.
Two days later…
In the tranquil Medical Hall nestled beside the Spiritual River, a soft, childlike voice broke the silence.
"S-Sister…? Where… where are you…?"
Yue Mei, the youngest survivor of the Fox Clan, opened her eyes slowly. Confused, she sat up, trembling. Tears welled in her eyes.
"Mom… dad… brothers… where are they…?"
Before the panic could rise, the door burst open.
"Sister!!" Yue Li cried.
She rushed to the bedside, falling to her knees and hugging Yue Mei tightly. Both burst into sobs, the silence of loss finally shattered.
"They're gone… they're all gone…" Yue Mei whispered.
"Yes… but I'm here. I'll protect you now. We're safe."
Later, the two walked into the Great Hall of the Mountain.
Xuan Long sat upon his shadow throne, calm as an ocean before the storm. On his lap, Xiao Xue giggled softly, arms wrapped around his chest like a doll.
Over 100 members stood behind him—subordinates, generals, and puppet soldiers.
The two fox girls bowed low.
"Lord Xuan Long…" Yue Li spoke, her voice humble but firm. "Thank you. You saved us. We owe you everything."
Yue Mei, still timid, hid behind her sister, eyes wide with fear. She tugged at her sister's robes, whispering—
"Sister… these people look scary…"
Though it was a whisper, Xuan Long heard it and couldn't help but smirk softly in amusement.
Xiao Xue looked at her brother with wide eyes.
"Brother… please don't send them away. They'll get hurt again…"
Xuan Long kissed her forehead, his voice warm.
"You're kind, my little moon. But their choice must be theirs."
He stood, addressing Yue Li directly.
"You have two options," he said calmly. "First, you may leave freely. I will not chase you, and you owe us nothing. Or—"
His eyes sharpened.
"Second, you stay. I will grant cultivation, safety, and resources. But you must take an oath of loyalty to me and our mountain. You're a formation master. You'll secure our home."
Yue Li's fists clenched.
She looked at her little sister—fragile, soft, sleeping like a wounded cub. Then at Xuan Long, unmoving, his aura commanding but never forceful.
"I… I choose the second."
She bowed low.
"Let me serve your army. But please… protect my sister. She's all I have left."
Xuan Long nodded slowly.
"Then welcome… to Shadow Army."
A soldier stepped forward and handed her a token. Her eyes glimmered—not with fear, but with the promise of a future.
"You may now access the treasure room for your formations. Begin sealing the mountain in layers. I trust your talent."
She bowed again.
"I will not disappoint you."
"Also," he added, "your sister will be treated like family. I've already sent someone to bring her toys, dresses, and sweets."
That evening, Yue Mei's stomach growled.
"Sister… I'm hungry…"
Yue Li smiled gently.
"I'll make something."
But when they arrived at their quarters, their eyes widened.
A full dining table was prepared—fresh dishes, warm soups, sweet buns, and honey-glazed fruits. The five soldier chefs of the Shadow Army had already anticipated their needs.
"Eat, little one."
Yue Mei sat like a fox pup at a feast, eyes shining.
"Mmm… sister… this is so good…"
Yue Li watched her eat, tears silently rolling down her cheeks.
"Xuan Long… you could've taken advantage. You didn't. You gave us safety, food, and dignity…"
She looked at the stars outside.
"I swear… I'll never betray you."
After the meal, Yue Mei struggled to walk. Yue Li lifted her gently, tucked her into bed, and stroked her silver hair until her breath slowed into sleep.
Meanwhile…
In the central courtyard, Xiao Xue tugged her brother's sleeve.
"Brother, can I play with the fox girl?"
Xuan Long shook his head.
"Not yet. She just arrived. If you're too friendly too fast, she might be afraid."
Xiao Xue pouted.
"Then… can we play?"
Xuan Long smiled and poked her cheek.
"Of course, my little princess."
She dragged him to the toy room. There, she picked a stuffed rabbit, tossed it into his lap, and declared—
"This is Mr. Bunny. He's now our captain."
"Captain of what?"
"Captain of hugs!"
Xuan Long burst into laughter.
"Then what am I?"
"You're his assistant!"
He clutched his chest in mock pain.
"So I'm demoted by a bunny!?"
Xiao Xue giggled and hugged him tight.
"No… you're my brother. My favorite in the world."
Xuan Long held her close, heart softening.
"Then I'll protect this world… for you."
In the shadows of the Tiger Clan, war drums were being prepared.
But in the mountains…
A family was being reborn.