Becoming a Fox Spirit from Under One Person

"None of my business?"

"You think I can't even yell when I see injustice?" Qin Fu raised his arm to block Li Muxuan's way, blocking the path in and out of the teahouse.

It's not uncommon for江湖人士 (jianghu figures) to vandalize teahouses and taverns. When the manager saw this, he forgot all about his calculations and rushed to break up the fight.

"Gentlemen, let's keep the peace and make money!"

Qin Fu hurriedly explained, "These two conspired to embezzle your tea and snack money."

"what?"

The shopkeeper scratched his head, just about to go outside to call the police officers at the patrol post, when Yuan Jingui, who was sitting by the window, slammed a few copper coins onto the table.

"Shopkeeper, the bill is ready."

"You monkey trainer, judging from your accent, you're from Shandong? I've heard that the people from your area are honest and kind. How could you do something like slandering good people?"

With his hands in his sleeves, Yuan Jingui bumped into Qin Fu and swaggered out of the teahouse with Li Muxuan.

Qin Fu stood there dumbfounded. When he saw the money left on the table, a surge of shame and anger welled up inside him, making his face turn red.

He sat back down at the table, stuffed a few peanuts into the little monkey's mouth, and said in a low voice, "Little Saint, we're not meddling in other people's business. Maybe this little disturbance will thwart the two bad guys' evil scheme. Don't get angry."

"Eat more, make sure you're full, we'll need your help later."

The little monkey sat upright on Qin Fu's shoulder, its tiny paws gripping peanuts as it peeled them quickly, sometimes even offering the kernels to Qin Fu's mouth.

After they finished eating, Qin Fu took the little monkey and headed towards the arched bridge on East Street.

As he approached the bridge arch, he saw a bustling scene surrounded by people. Pushing through the crowd, he peeked inside and saw a fellow he had met in the teahouse earlier performing acrobatics.

"Why is it you? You have such good skills and could easily earn a living, but you insist on trying to freeload."

After Qin Fu finished speaking, he shook his head slightly, said no more to the man, turned around and found a quiet spot next to the arena, put the small copper gong on the stone platform, and picked up the drumsticks to start striking it.

···

Chen Ruoan wanted to find out about the old stories of Shiniu Village, so he deliberately went to crowded places. The teahouses and theaters in Suzhou were the perfect places for gossip to gather.

The ancient cobblestone street was slightly cool from the morning dew. The shop signs on both sides swayed gently in the wind. The shouts of tea vendors, the sound of copper bells for collecting debts, and the singing of opera troupes mingled together, filling the streets with the lively atmosphere of everyday life.

Holding up an oil-paper umbrella and gently weaving through the crowd, one can find a touch of the serene charm unique to fox spirits amidst the hustle and bustle of this ancient street from the Republican era.

Before long, the fox saw a vermilion gatehouse in front of it, with a gilded plaque that read "Spring Breeze Pavilion" hanging in front of it. The people coming and going were all well-dressed tea drinkers and opera fans.

"Spring Breeze Delight Pavilion" is one of the top teahouses in the city, and it also serves as a stage for opera performances.

When Chen Ruoan entered the building, it was already bustling with activity. The eight-immortal table on the first floor was full, the private seats on the second floor were also full, and even the aisle was crowded with people. The tea drinkers' eyes were all on the stage, and they were discussing the play that was about to start. The place was noisy, but it was not chaotic.

With nowhere to sit, the fox lightly touched the pillar with its toes and leaped to a seat on the wide railing on the outside of the second floor. An oil-paper umbrella was held at an angle to shield its head from the sparse sunlight that was getting in.

Nothing much to do today, so I'm going to a brothel to listen to music and arrange flowers...

There are no flowers to arrange, but there are things to do.

The fox pricked up its ears, listening to the tea drinkers' private conversations, and gradually, some strange sounds also entered its ears.

"...A few years ago, he was a newcomer to the world, and soon after he took over as the acting leader of the sect. His reputation soared afterward. With his innate 'divine spiritual' abilities, which prestigious sect wouldn't be confused when they saw him?"

"What acting sect leader? Several big shots in the sect recognized him a long time ago; he is the sect leader."

"Alright, I'd like to see what our sect leader is all about now."

···

Chen Ruoan lowered his eyes and gazed at the commotion inside the building, noticing that there were quite a few strange people in the shadows. He heard that most of them were from the "Quanxing" sect.

"I thought the 'Quanxing' group was also trying to avoid trouble and make a living, but it turns out they are Wugensheng living nearby."

The number of "Quanxing" members present at this teahouse—that's quite an attraction!

If we say that fox spirits are Chinese succubi, then they are not authoritative enough compared to the "Quanxing" succubi.

Wugensheng is burdened with karma, and the little fox is unlucky and short-lived, so you should avoid him.

Chen Ruoan wanted to ask someone about Shiniu Village, but the play was about to start, and he didn't want to spoil the fun, so he secretly went to the courtyard behind the teahouse.

In addition to local repertoire, "Chunfeng Deyilou" also provides a stage for opera troupes from other places. Besides local Pingtan and Kunqu opera, troupes that have traveled all over the country can also bring Qinqiang and Peking opera.

In the empty courtyard behind the teahouse, a visiting opera troupe was currently resting, rehearsing "The Heavenly Meeting," a story about Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace and his eventual subjugation.

Two martial arts actors are having a dialogue.

"After killing for half a day, you have no match for me. Now, state your name and come forward."

"Listen, you demon monkey! I am Erlang Shen of the Pure Source, whose magical power is known throughout heaven and earth. I am a renowned general in the Jade Palace, and today I will capture you, you wicked monkey!"

"Your words are only good for fooling others. Do you think you can show off in front of Grandpa Sun? Stand still and listen to me: Heaven and earth gave birth to me, I studied the Dao and worshipped Kunlun. My supernatural powers are vast and surpass the Three Realms, I will ascend to the Heavenly Palace to become the Emperor."

···

"Xia Liuqing! You're daydreaming again, I'll kick you!" The old troupe leader raised his hand to stop him and kicked the stubborn "monkey grandson" who refused to leave the stage.

"I don't want to play a fairy or a monkey, I want to play Erlang Shen!"

"How old are you this year? Are you even fully grown yet? I haven't even settled the score with you for injuring my fellow disciples a few days ago."

"They laughed at me, saying I was stiff, short, and would never become a star!"

···

Chen Ruoan sat on a high place, looking down at everything in the backyard.

The fox world is truly small and wondrous. Could this little kid playing the "monkey grandson" be the future "Quanxing" leader of the most affectionate group?

To love one person for decades without engaging in sexual intercourse is a rare and precious thing, as it signifies that one's yang body remains unbroken.

The fox was quietly watching the backyard when suddenly the old troupe leader turned his gaze and sent the actors who were rehearsing away, leaving only Xia Liuqing alone, standing with him in the empty backyard.

"I wonder who this expert is here? Since you're interested in the play, why not watch it openly and honestly?"

Chen Ruoan opened the umbrella and jumped, the umbrella catching the wind, and landed safely in the courtyard.

When it revealed itself, the fox deliberately hid its tail.

In the eyes of some older members of the supernatural community, the fox cultivator had reached adulthood after a hundred years. Upon seeing this, the old troupe leader simply cupped his hands and said, "Should I address you as a senior?"

"It's just a wild fox; there's no need for that."

Chen Ruoan introduced himself and exchanged a few polite words. The old troupe leader, seeing his apprentice's dazed and confused state, became furious again: "You don't know any manners at all! Why don't you bow to your senior? Have you been fooled by someone you don't respect?"

"What are you looking at? Who likes this kind of thing? I'm not the kind of person who talks about men and women..." Xia Liuqing muttered.

A painful incident that had occurred within the troupe touched a nerve with the old troupe leader, and he raised his hand to strike again.

Chen Ruoan closed her umbrella and blocked the falling slap: "Children speak without thinking, there's no need to hit so hard."

The fox noticed several tangled black lines between the old troupe leader and Xia Liuqing, and thought to itself:

The violent nature of the "villain" who would later cause the deaths of 91 innocent people was somewhat related to his upbringing and education.

"Senior An, you can't teach a boy to be successful without a beating. This kid is stubborn as a mule."

Chen Ruoan glanced at the "monkey" covered in powder, and Xia Liuqing put her hands on her hips and said, "I want to play Erlang Shen!"

Yes, she's quite stubborn.