Han climbed the massive ancient tree, meticulously searching every nook and cranny.


    The vines here numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands, most of them a vibrant green.


    “Young Master Zhou, only the black Mysterious Vines are mature and truly useful. The green ones are still growing—harvesting them would be pointless,” a woman beside him advised, her Day-Wandering Realm cultivation evident.


    This was Xiao Yun’s mother.


    As she spoke, she deftly sliced through mature black vines with a stone-crafted longsword. Naturally grown Mysterious Vines were remarkably resilient, but the demon clans of Black Mountain, having lived here for generations, had mastered the art of harvesting them.


    Han nodded. While his primary goal was to find the Sky-Mending Vine, he didn’t pass up the chance to collect some Mysterious Vines as well. Why leave a treasure trove empty-handed?


    According to Hu Tutu, high-quality Mysterious Vine armor could provide solid defense in Marrow-Washing Realm battles, earning it the title of a Marrow-Washing treasure. Long ago, one demon clan had even crafted a Mysterious Vine Divine Armor usable by True Blood Realm warriors—an exceptionally sturdy piece that offered significant support. Yet the method to forge such divine armor remained a closely guarded secret, known only to that single clan. Neither the techniques nor the required materials had ever leaked out.


    The Light Fox Clan possessed only the knowledge to craft standard Mysterious Vine armor, and Hu Tutu had promised to share that recipe with Han afterward. So, these vines were undeniably valuable.


    But to Han’s dismay, the one thing he sought most eluded him.


    Among the countless vines draping the ancient tree—green and black alike—none matched the Sky-Mending Vine’s traits.


    Fearing his spiritual senses might miss something, he even inspected hidden spots with his own eyes. Still, nothing.


    “Why does this tree produce so many Mysterious Vines?” Han wondered aloud.


    A male Light Fox nearby offered an answer. “This isn’t an ordinary tree—it’s a rare treasure tree, a unique species. The area itself is extraordinary, rich with spiritual essence, making it a prime spot for treasures like the Mysterious Vines to grow.”


    “So, doesn’t that mean the tree itself is even more precious than the vines?” Han asked.


    “Not quite,” the fox replied with a nod. “The vines are the tree’s essence. The tree is just the host—too massive to transplant, and it wouldn’t survive elsewhere anyway.”


    The trunk’s widest point didn’t even resemble a tree; it was more like a towering wall. In a place like Black Mountain, moving it would be impossible without the Mountain God’s intervention. The land here played a crucial role in its growth too. As the saying went, “People thrive when moved; trees die.”


    The tree was colossal, and Han climbed to a height where the other foxes couldn’t see him.


    A theory brewed in his mind.


    If traces of the Sky-Mending Vine had once appeared here, this tree had to be special. Yet after a thorough inspection, it seemed unremarkable aside from its vine-bearing nature—unlike other trees that bore fruit.


    Focused on finding any sign of the Sky-Mending Vine, Han soon noticed something odd.


    High up, obscured by a cluster of vines, was a circular hole roughly the size of a single vine. Holes in trees weren’t unusual, but the blackened edges on either side of this one caught his attention.


    Those marks… they felt familiar.


    Could the Sky-Mending Vine have grown here once?


    Did that mean this spot held some unique significance?


    Neither his eyes nor his spiritual senses detected anything unusual—it seemed no different from the rest of the trunk. But Han’s fixation on the Sky-Mending Vine, coupled with having seen similar marks elsewhere, made him pause. Anyone else might’ve dismissed the hole as trivial.


    After a moment’s thought, he sliced into the spot and dug deeper.


    A black-green bead emerged, its aura reminiscent of the Mysterious Vines.


    What kind of treasure was this?


    Han studied it for a breath or two before swiftly pocketing it, keeping quiet.


    Still, no Sky-Mending Vine.


    Soon after, a Light Fox called out, urging them to leave—Hu Tutu was about to shake off the Heaven-and-Earth Twin Tigers.


    Han had no objections. He’d scoured the area thoroughly, securing a decent haul of Mysterious Vines in the process.


    The group departed the vine-laden tree and, after a short wait, reunited with Hu Tutu.


    No mishaps had occurred on either end, and a smile spread across Hu Tutu’s face.


    “Young Master Zhou, shall we head to the wolf pack’s territory next?”


    Han nodded. When they arrived, they repeated the strategy—Hu Tutu provoked the wolves, but this time, the accompanying Light Fox demons joined in.


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    The wolf pack was numerous, and Hu Tutu alone might not draw them all away. A group effort was the safest bet. With his strength, he could easily protect his kin from harm.


    Han slipped into the dense forest alone, guided by Hu Tutu’s intel to the spot where those miraculous stones formed.


    Known as Guardian Stones among Black Mountain’s demon clans, their origins remained a mystery. Hu Tutu had mentioned that powerful clans once traced their source, concluding only that the area was uniquely suited to their creation—a natural treasure birthed by the land.


    Han scoured every inch and found just eight Guardian Stones. Their scarcity was no surprise.


    As for their source? He came up empty-handed. If Black Mountain’s demon clans hadn’t unraveled that secret after countless attempts, expecting to crack it in one go was wishful thinking.


    When he left the area, his expression was grim.


    Still no Sky-Mending Vine.


    Huff.


    Exhaling softly, Han headed to the rendezvous point to wait for Hu Tutu and the others.


    Of the seven locations the Mountain God had provided, he’d explored six. The gains were substantial, but not what he’d come for.


    “Wolf Valley…”


    The situation was clear now. If the Mountain God’s guidance held true, the Sky-Mending Vine had to be there.


    He’d have to face the Moon-Chasing Wolves after all.


    Han shook his head. If only he’d teamed up with Fox Valley the moment he’d spotted Wolf Valley, he could’ve skipped these last three detours. But hindsight was useless. Without checking those spots, he couldn’t have ruled them out.


    When Hu Tutu and the others arrived, Han spoke before the old fox could. “Elder Hu, let’s head back to Fox Valley first.”


    Hu Tutu’s heart sank—he’d already guessed the outcome.


    With a Sanctified Great Demon like Hu Tutu leading the way, their return was swift. They’d set out under cover of night and returned before dawn broke.


    Once the other Light Foxes dispersed, Han cut to the chase. “I didn’t find what I needed at those two places.”


    “Then what’s your plan, Young Master Zhou?”


    “We have to go to Moon-Chasing Wolf Valley,” Han said without hesitation. The Sky-Mending Vine was within reach—he wouldn’t give up now.


    Hu Tutu fell silent for a moment before replying, “I gave you my word, Young Master, and I won’t go back on it. If you’re set on going, I’ll rally the entire clan to assist you.”


    Han studied the old fox, then asked, “Elder Hu, have you ever practiced the Spirit Fusion Method?”


    “Yes,” Hu Tutu nodded. “Back when I was young, before the Light Fox Clan fell into ruin, we were still at our peak.”


    “Then you must remember its contents, right?”


    Han’s implication was clear: if Hu Tutu knew the method, why not just write it down himself? Why the desperate pursuit of that jade slip?


    Hu Tutu’s desire to reclaim the Spirit Fusion Method made sense, but his fervor—luring away the Twin Tigers was one thing, low-risk as it was—went as far as risking his entire clan against Wolf Valley. Something felt off.


    Han’s cautious nature made him wary of hidden motives.


    “You’ve seen the Spirit Fusion Method yourself, Young Master,” Hu Tutu explained with a bitter smile. “It requires manifesting the True Will of our ancestors and merging one’s soul with their spirit, drawing out the ancestral power in our bloodline. But that step is excruciatingly hard. The young ones have barely begun their cultivation—they can’t even speak human tongues, let alone summon ancestral intent. Even with the technique, they couldn’t succeed.”


    He continued, “That jade slip isn’t just a record—it was crafted from our ancestor’s bones using a special method, imbued with their power. It’s one of a kind. Only with it as a medium can the Spirit Fusion Method be mastered. Beyond that, it’s vital for our clan’s later cultivation stages, especially the leap from Day-Wandering to Sanctification. It lets us tap into that ancestral power and transform it into something real.”


    Han’s mind clicked—everything fell into place.


    The technique mattered, but the jade slip itself was the true prize.


    Now he understood why Hu Tutu was so invested in helping him—and why he could trust the old fox’s intentions.


    “How long can you hold off the Moon-Chasing Wolf King and Queen, Elder Hu?”


    “It’s hard to say,” Hu Tutu admitted. “The Wolf King’s strength rivals mine. If those two beasts fight decisively, it might end up with him pinning me down.”


    For most cultivators, facing two opponents at once was a tall order. Holding them off? More like getting held back.


    Han mulled it over before saying, “I have a stealth technique. When the time comes, please do your best to stall them, Elder Hu, but prioritize your own safety. If my stealth fails…” His gaze turned icy. “We’ll storm Wolf Valley head-on. Even a Sanctified Great Demon isn’t unbeatable.”


    Hu Tutu’s heart jolted. This human outsider could take on a Sanctified Great Demon?


    “By the way, attacking Wolf Valley—won’t that provoke retaliation against Fox Valley later? I’d hate for a mutually beneficial deal to backfire on you.”


    Hu Tutu chuckled. “Our clans would love nothing more than to wipe each other out. One attack won’t change much—just deepen the hatred a bit more, and it’s already irreconcilable.”


    That was part of why he’d agreed so readily. If it were a neutral clan, he’d have hesitated—making new enemies wasn’t wise. But the Moon-Chasing Wolves? Fair game.


    Han nodded, his mind racing with plans.


    The Moon-Chasing Wolves didn’t revere the Mountain God. According to Yun Yuannan, the Mountain God hadn’t eradicated them for a reason—some greater purpose. Knowing that, Han understood how to approach them.


    The Mountain God’s design…


    “Elder Hu, you know the Moon-Chasing Wolves well. When’s the best time to strike?”


    Hu Tutu glanced at the sky. “When the moon fades—that’s our moment.”


    With that, he left to prepare for the showdown with the wolves.


    “Young Master, should I step in?” An Lang’s voice echoed from the Ghost Dwelling.


    “No need. I’ll entrust the Diamond Bracelet and a few other treasures to you. While I infiltrate Wolf Valley, guard my body. No one—no fox—gets near it.”


    The Diamond Bracelet, Lu Qingmo’s protective artifact, boasted unquestionable defensive power. In Fox Valley, aside from Hu Tutu, no one could breach it until its energy naturally faded. With An Lang and this treasure safeguarding his physical form, Han felt secure.


    A gust of eerie wind brushed past, and Han glanced at the doorway. A little girl with braids peeked in, ducking back when he spotted her, only to pop out again moments later.


    Han smiled. “Xiao Yun?”


    “How’d you know it was me?” her childish voice chirped.


    “Because I know you’re the sharpest little fox around—only you could take human form.”


    This was Xiao Yun’s soul.


    She puffed up proudly. “You’re right—I am the best!”


    “What brings you here? Your grandpa’s not around.”


    Her eyes darted slyly. “Then I’ll wait for him.”


    Han grinned, seeing through her excuse.


    Xiao Yun had grown up in Fox Valley, rarely encountering other demon clans, let alone a total stranger like him. Her curiosity was natural. From the moment he’d caught her spying at the valley’s entrance, her lively, restless nature had been obvious.


    Their chat flowed casually until she suddenly asked, “What’s the world outside Black Mountain like?”


    “It’s not exactly a fairy tale,” Han replied. “Lots of bad people out there, greed running wild. Everyone’s chasing endless desires. For many, just surviving is a struggle. Compared to that, Fox Valley’s like a paradise—peaceful and perfect.”


    Xiao Yun’s face fell, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.


    Han didn’t mind. Better she be disillusioned than starry-eyed.


    He wasn’t about to spin tales of a wondrous outside world—that’d be a scam. If she got curious enough to sneak out and ran into trouble, who’d take the blame? He wasn’t about to risk a little fox’s safety over careless words.


    As they talked, Xiao Yun gradually edged from the doorway to his side.


    By dawn, Hu Tutu returned.


    Han locked eyes with the old fox and gave a slight nod.


    It was time.


    I’ll strike from the shadows!