Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 238: Zhēnzhū

The journey to fox spirit territory had taken nearly two weeks of travel through increasingly remote regions of the Empire.

As Grim’s carriage approached what appeared to be an ordinary stretch of ancient forest, he noticed subtle changes in the landscape that suggested they were nearing something significant.

The trees grew taller and more uniform, their branches forming intricate patterns. The air carried scents of flowers he couldn’t identify, and the quality of light filtering through the canopy had an ethereal quality that made everything appear slightly more vivid than normal.

"We’re close now," Ruxi said. "The entrance to our realm lies just ahead."

Grim studied her, noting that her usual composed demeanor was different. She showed signs of excitement mixed with something that might have been nervousness.

"Are you concerned about my reception?" he asked directly.

"Not concerned," Ruxi replied carefully. "Though I admit that introducing a human to our homeland is unprecedented. My father and the council will be watching our interactions very closely."

"To determine what, exactly?"

"Whether you’re genuinely committed to understanding our people," she explained, "or simply seeking an advantage through marriage."

"And if they conclude it’s the latter?"

"Then negotiations will become significantly more complicated," Ruxi said.

The carriage rounded a bend in the forest path, revealing what appeared to be a dead end—nothing but dense trees, two guards, and an undergrowth blocking further progress.

However, Ruxi showed no signs of concern as she stepped down from the carriage and approached what seemed to be empty air.

"Grim," she said, turning back to face him with excitement, "welcome to the threshold of the Húli jīng realm."

As she spoke, her eyes began to glow with brilliant orange light. The transformation was both beautiful and slightly unnerving.

The air in front of her began to shimmer and distort, like heat waves rising from summer pavement. The distortion grew more pronounced, forming a roughly circular area that seemed to bend light and space.

Within moments, the shimmering had resolved into a portal—a perfect circle of orange light that revealed glimpses of a landscape that bore no resemblance to the forest they were standing in.

"The portal will remain stable for several minutes," Ruxi explained, her eyes still glowing with intensely. "But we should pass through quickly to avoid drawing unwanted attention from any human travelers who might happen upon this location."

Grim approached the portal with obvious fascination, noting that the light emanating from it carried the same orange hue as Ruxi’s eyes.

The magic involved was clearly sophisticated beyond anything he had previously encountered.

"Is this transportation method common among your people?" he asked.

"Portal creation requires significant power and training," Ruxi replied. "Most of our people use more conventional travel methods. However, creating gateways between our realm and the human world is considered a necessary skill."

"And the energy requirements?"

"Substantial," she admitted. "I’ll need several hours to recover fully after we arrive. Portal magic draws heavily on our life force and spiritual power."

Grim stepped through the portal and immediately felt the difference in magical energy that permeated this new environment. freewёbnoνel-com

The air itself seemed alive with power that resonated in his bones.

His own mana hearts pulsed in response.

The landscape that greeted him was breathtaking.

Rolling hills covered in silver grass stretched toward mountains that appeared to be carved from crystalline stone.

The sky held two suns—one golden and familiar, another smaller and decidedly blue—that cast everything in light that shifted between warm amber and cool azure.

"Welcome to the Húli jīng realm," Ruxi said, her voice carrying pride and obvious affection for her homeland. "This is the Valley of First Light, where our people first emerged into this world according to our texts."

Buildings in the distance showed architectural styles unlike anything in human lands—curved lines that flowed like water, structures that seemed to grow from the landscape rather than being imposed upon it, and towers that twisted upward in spirals that defied conventional engineering.

"The settlement ahead is Zhēnzhū—Pearl City," Ruxi continued, pointing toward the largest concentration of buildings. "Our capital and the seat of my father’s court."

As they walked toward the city, Grim began to notice other travelers on the paths—and immediately understood why Ruxi’s appearance had been so carefully controlled during their time in human territory.

Every individual they encountered possessed fox ears and tails, with the number of tails varying dramatically between different people. Some had single tails, others had two or three, and a few possessed four or five.

"The tails," Grim observed quietly. "They indicate rank or power?"

"Both," Ruxi confirmed, and as she spoke, her own concealment magic faded away, revealing six magnificent tails in deep black with vibrant orange markings that flowed behind her like living shadows touched by flame.

Fox ears appeared atop her head—black with orange-tipped edges—twitching with obvious sensitivity to sounds he couldn’t detect.

"Six tails," he said with obvious admiration. "What does that represent?"

"Significant power and noble birth," she replied with slight embarrassment. "Though still considerably less than my father’s eight tails or the nine-tailed elders who serve on our high council."

"And those with fewer tails?"

"Are not less valuable as people," Ruxi said firmly, "but do possess less innate magical ability and typically hold different roles in our society. Tail count reflects power, not worth."

As they entered Pearl City properly, Grim was struck by the seamless integration of natural and constructed elements.

Walls curved like river stones and roofs that looked like patterns of tree branches. Gardens and dnall rivers were everywhere, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty that felt more like a work of art than a functioning city.

The inhabitants they passed showed obvious interest in Grim’s presence, though their reactions were carefully controlled.

Fox spirits with tails in various colors—pure white, silver-gray, deep red, or solid black—moved through the streets with fluid grace. Some offered respectful nods, others studied him with unconcealed curiosity, and a few seemed concerned about his presence in their realm.

"They’re wondering what a human is doing here," Ruxi explained quietly. "Especially one being escorted by a princess."

"Should I be concerned about their reactions?"

"Not concerned, but aware," she replied. "Our people value courtesy and respect above almost everything else. As long as you demonstrate genuine interest in understanding our ways, you’ll be received with appropriate hospitality."

"And if I fail to demonstrate such interest?"

"Then you’ll discover that fox spirits can be quite persuasive about encouraging proper behavior," Ruxi said with a slight smile that revealed more teeth than seemed entirely reassuring.

The Fox King’s palace stood at the heart of Pearl City like a crystalline mountain that had been carved by wind and water into the mountain.

Its towers spiraled upward. The walls caught and reflected the light of both suns in ways that created rainbow cascades across the surrounding gardens.

"My father will receive us in his throne room," Ruxi explained as they approached the palace’s main entrance.

"Should I be flattered or concerned by the formal treatment?" Grim asked.

"Both," Ruxi replied honestly. "The formality indicates respect for your position and the seriousness of our discussions. However, it also means that every word and gesture will be observed and evaluated by the court."

This chapt𝙚r is updated by fr(e)ew𝒆bnov(e)l.com