Chapter 82: The Azure Robe

“Awoo!” Lu Jiu cried out in pain, his handsome face marred by two long scratches.

“Courting death!” The fox had utterly enraged Lu Jiu now. He drew a talisman from his sleeve, his movements swift as the wind, and flung it at the fox.

The fox was remarkably agile, dodging the talisman with ease. The charm struck the floor, erupting instantly into a burst of sparks.

Baring its teeth, the fox snarled at Lu Jiu and bolted toward the door.

“Beast, where do you think you’re going?” Seeing his talisman miss, Lu Jiu quickly formed a spell with his fingers, and with a thunderous bang, the door slammed shut. The fox crashed headlong into it, rolling on the ground in pain.

Lu Jiu rushed forward, untied the rope from his ankle, and deftly bound the fox, then tossed it at my feet.

His display left me thoroughly impressed; throughout the entire episode, Lu Jiu hadn’t even drawn the peach wood sword on his back.

I looked down at the struggling fox, lifted it high, and said, “For the sake of the meals you brought Pilin’er, tell me why you did this. Otherwise, I won’t be so gentle.”

The fox stared at me in terror. “Master, spare me! Spare me! I cannot tell you who Pilin’er truly is. If you find out, you won’t live till tomorrow.”

“Hmph, even facing death you spout nonsense.” Lu Jiu glared with wide eyes, stepped beside the fox, and somehow produced a long iron nail, pressing it to the fox’s throat. “How dare you threaten my brother Pi? I’ll make sure you never see tomorrow’s sun.”

I quickly pushed Lu Jiu away. “This little one meant no harm. Don’t hurt him.”

Lu Jiu pointed to the bridge of his nose, where the fox’s deep claw marks still lingered. He said, “It’s ruined my face, and you say it has no ill intent? I won’t forgive it today.”

“I can heal your face. Let the little fox go.” Suddenly, a cold voice sounded at the doorway.

Lu Jiu and I turned in unison. At some point, a woman enveloped in a cloak had appeared, standing silently at the entrance. She wore azure robes and a veil over her face, her posture straight and proud. At her waist hung a woven bamboo cage.

Lu Jiu examined her from head to toe. “Who are you? You think you can order me around? Do you take a disciple of the Pure Bright Path for a pushover?”

The woman said nothing. She slowly opened the bamboo cage at her waist, and dozens of cobras slithered out, rustling across the floor toward our feet. The snakes raised their heads high, flicking their blood-red tongues at us in open challenge.

“Uh… Brother Pi, let’s release the little fox. It’s just a face, nothing to fuss over.” Lu Jiu was so frightened he barely dared to move, slowly turning to look at me.

Truth be told, I didn’t dare move either. If we were bitten by a demon, we still had ways to save ourselves. But a few bites from these venomous snakes, and our lives would truly be forfeit.

Obediently, I untied the cloth strips binding the fox. It darted forward and leapt onto the woman in blue. She tucked it into her arms, then drew a porcelain bottle from her pocket, no larger than a pinky finger.

She tossed the bottle to Lu Jiu. “Inside is serpent medicine. It cures all poisons and ailments. Apply it to your wound, and it will heal swiftly.” Then, she turned her gaze to me. “Little Huang was right. Not just you—anyone who learns Pilin’er’s true identity will not live past tomorrow.” With that, she turned to leave.

As she departed, the cobras on the floor turned and followed her out.

“Wait! Tell me, who are you? Why are you bringing us food?” I called after her, demanding answers.