The story begins with the bride marrying off her daughter, and the woman, at the age of one hundred,

Triangle Mountain, in front of the Fox Temple.

The foxes trembled with excitement.

Old Li was extremely grateful.

Chang Shou stroked his beard and smiled, showing no humility.

The fellow Daoist he mentioned was Zhen Li.

While waiting for fellow Daoist Ruchang, they talked a lot, and fellow Daoist Zhenli learned about Changshou's experience last night.

He was deeply moved by Xuanli's fate, as if recalling past events, but he was unwilling to talk about it further, and Changshou did not press him for details.

Never forget the importance of boundaries.

Chang Shou was surprised but pleased that Zhen Li was willing to help Xuan Li.

It was just a promise from a ghost or god.

Although this promise doesn't require much personal favor.

The fox spirit is equivalent to an ordinary underworld official, just a mere hairy god. Without incense offerings, its lifespan will cease and its magical power will dissipate. It is not officially employed, like a contract worker in the previous life or a minor official in the current life, and it has a hundred-year probationary period.

A rank-based ghost immortal in the netherworld can possess at least several if they wish.

But ultimately, they have different meanings.

It's much better than being a wandering ghost.

Once the old fox calmed down a bit, he immediately realized what was happening and invited the two immortals and the monkey into the temple.

"This humble demon has momentarily lost his composure and has been somewhat negligent in his manners. I earnestly hope that you esteemed immortals will not take offense..."

Old Li bowed deeply, both with affection and trepidation.

The father and daughter share a deep bond, and their momentary sadness is understandable.

Changshou, Ruchang, and Sun Wukong did not blame them.

The temple is small, occupying only half an acre.

Aside from the large and small raccoon dens covered with animal skins, there wasn't much decoration. The most eye-catching thing was a stone platform that served as an offering table, behind which was a clay sculpture. The craftsmanship was rather rough, and only the shape of a raccoon could be discerned.

Chang Shou took the wood carving from the old fox, placed it on the clay statue, and began to sketch, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and snakes.

He used talismans to connect the incense offerings with the spirit of the Xuanli fox, thus reshaping the Xuanli fox's spiritual energy.

Only after confirming that the incense had begun to flow into the wood carving, nourishing the soul of the Xuanli fox, did Changshou stop.

---

After completing this task.

The old fox stared longingly at him.

Changshou took the initiative and asked, "Does the layman wish to inquire about the two little foxes?"

The old fox nodded vigorously, and couldn't help but say:

"To be honest, Immortal Master, this humble demon does indeed wish to know how my two grandsons are doing."

Seemingly afraid of causing Changshou to misunderstand, the old fox quickly explained:

"With the immortal master taking care of them, I am not worried about the safety of my two grandsons. However, since we are related by blood, I hope to find out more information about them and how the immortal master will arrange their affairs. When my daughter wakes up, I will have something to say to her."

They wouldn't be completely ignorant when asked.

Chang Shou was a grandfather and also had a great-grandson.

Knowing Old Fox's feelings, one can somewhat guess what he's thinking.

If he were in his shoes, he too would be tempted to inquire about the situation of his bloodline descendants, after all, it is the nature of bloodline and the natural instinct of the spirit.

Seeing the anxious old fox, Changshou gently comforted him:

"No need to be nervous. I also have descendants. I will not punish you for this. After all, no matter how well I take care of you, I am still an outsider. As your maternal grandfather, I can't help but care more."

Old Fox visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Changshou continued:

"The two cubs are currently being cared for by a spirit deer that has just given birth. If you wish to return them, I will personally deliver them to you tomorrow."

Even though the two cubs were destined to be with him.

Longevity is not something that can be forced.

By returning it, he wouldn't owe Linglu too many favors.

If he stays, he can have the company of adorable pets.

No matter which you choose, you won't lose out.

The old fox quickly waved its paws and hurriedly said:

"My two grandsons are destined to meet you, Immortal Master. If you like them, please let them stay. I just hope they can come back to visit more often in the future and not forget their ancestral home and relatives. I hope that you and my daughter can meet occasionally to ease your longing."

Despite his reluctance, the old fox knew clearly—

There's no future in staying in Triangle Mountain.

Only by following enlightened immortals can grandchildren have a promising future and a bright future, as evidenced by the fact that daughters have the potential to become formal ghosts and gods.

I can't let my grandchildren's future be ruined.

Perhaps the hope for the rise of the Triangle Tanuki Clan lies in them.

Chang Shou nodded in agreement, promising to send the two cubs back to reunite with their families once they were a little stronger.

---

This matter is settled.

Chang Shou originally intended to leave.

But Old Fox called out to him.

"Please wait, three immortals."

Chang Shou was surprised to see that the old fox seemed to want to say something but hesitated. He didn't speak and waited for the old fox to tell the story himself.

The old fox bowed deeply once more and said:

"This humble demon has a request, and I humbly request that the three immortal masters grant it."

Other raccoons also gathered around, their faces pleading.

"Tell me about it."

Changshou spoke.

He has a special connection with the Tanuki clan.

I plan to give them a chance.

If the request is reasonable, it will naturally be granted.

If you force someone to do something against their will, you will naturally refuse.

The foxes were overjoyed, and the old fox said:

"Last night, the rat tribe launched a surprise attack. We fought a great battle with them and suffered many casualties. If possible, I humbly request that the immortals perform a ritual to help them pass on to the afterlife, so that their souls, now in the underworld, may find peace as soon as possible."

Although the matter was not difficult, Changshou did not agree immediately. He looked at Ruchang Renxian, wanting to get his opinion.

He nodded as usual.

Chang Shou looked at the old fox and said gently:

"This is not difficult; it will bring good karma. We agree. You may go and make preparations. Come and call us when everything is in order."

I just arrived on the wind.

He looked down from his high vantage point, surveying the mountains and forests.

I saw many tanuki collecting the corpses of their kind.

It's estimated that we can't act immediately; we'll have to wait for a while.

Old Fox was overjoyed.

Yes, yes, yes!

The little demon urged them on.

Please wait a moment, esteemed immortals.

He quickly went out, urging his fellow clansmen to speed up, and ordered several clever fox spirits to bring him spring water and gathered fruit.

Chang Shou and Ru Chang sat in the temple, tasting the mountain spring water, waiting patiently, and occasionally exchanging a few words, discussing how to arrange the aftermath of Huang Fengling.

The monkey seemed to have ADHD; it was always restless.

Sun Wukong left the temple and busied himself with the raccoon dogs, sometimes climbing and leaping about, without any semblance of order.

The round-faced, chubby chicken flew out and joined the monkey in causing mischief.

One hour later.

Everything is ready.

Chang Shou and Ru Chang were asked to leave.

Numerous raccoon carcasses were piled on the woodpile, clearly indicating that they were to be burned.

There is a deep pit next to it, used to bury their cremated ashes, and a sapling next to it will be planted in the pit.

The old fox had already explained this when he came to invite me.

Their clan practices cremation.

It was partly to prevent those cunning and treacherous rats from stealing and eating the corpses, and partly to return to nature and give back to the world.

Cremated remains are the best fertilizer for nourishing trees.

They only need to leave a mark under the tree to remember the dead.

The pile of firewood was quickly set ablaze.

Gradually devouring the corpses of the fallen raccoon dogs.

Flames roared and thick smoke billowed.

Chang Shou and Ru Chang recited the "Scripture of Salvation" together to help the many deceased raccoon dogs find peace.

After the flames died down, the ashes were swept into a deep pit, and saplings were planted. Changshou even gathered mountain moisture to personally water the saplings.

I thought I could leave.

Unexpectedly, Old Fox stopped me again.

"Three immortals, please wait!"