Golden rays of sunlight spilled over the majestic mountain peaks, coaxing awake the flock of mystical birds nesting among the ancient trees. Their melodious chirping gradually pulled Yetao from the depths of his dreamless slumber.
Yetao stretched languidly, his limbs pleasantly heavy after what felt like the first truly restful sleep he'd had in ages. The silken sheets whispered against his skin as he stirred.
"It's been so long since I had such a careless sleep," he murmured, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand. "Lu always wakes me earlier for training sessions." A pout formed on his lips before melting into a wistful expression as memories of his friend flooded his mind.
His gaze drifted to the intricately carved ceiling of the cave dwelling. The events of yesterday replayed in his mind, and with them came the startling realization that he was not alone in this bizarre world.
"Well, I can't dwell on unnecessary thoughts," Yetao said firmly, throwing off the covers. "I need to get out of here soon, and then I can meet Lu and wail as much as I want."
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and padded across the cool stone floor toward the cave entrance. The mystical barrier shimmered faintly, rippling like water when he approached.
"Now, my first step is to get out of this cave," Yetao muttered, pressing his fingers against the barrier only to be met with gentle resistance. "Then I need to gather more info from the people here."
His brows furrowed in concentration. "Should I start working my brain?" He tapped his temple, and suddenly, his eyes lit up with inspiration.
"I can't fake an illness since my aunt has a keen eye. I must create a real injury!"
Without giving himself time to reconsider, Yetao charged headlong into the rough stone wall. The jagged rocks scraped cruelly against his skin, drawing blood. A sharp cry of pain escaped his lips, but determination burned brighter than the pain in his eyes.
"Anyone there?" he called out, his voice deliberately strained. "I think my hand is fractured since I rolled around and fell down from my bed. Can you help me?"
Outside, the servants exchanged worried glances, their expressions a mixture of concern and suspicion.
"Young master, can I really believe you?" The familiar voice of the servant girl floated through the barrier. "What if you escape like last time?"
"I'm really injured," Yetao insisted, injecting genuine pain into his voice—not difficult considering the throbbing of his self-inflicted wound. "If you don't believe me, come inside and check."
"No, young master," the girl replied firmly. "You said the same thing last time and hit us on our acupoints, making us unconscious. I'm not going to believe you. If you really are injured, I'll inform your aunt first. Just wait until then."
The sound of retreating footsteps told Yetao that the servant had gone to fetch Yang Mi.
"Huh? I hit her to sleep?" Yetao mused, examining his hands with newfound interest. "This body knows such skills? Whatever, I'm not going to learn such complicated skills." He shrugged, settling down near the entrance to wait.
Half an hour later
The magical barrier rippled and dissolved as Yang Mi strode through, her nine silver-white tails swaying gracefully behind her. Concern etched deep lines on her otherwise flawless face.
"Taotao?" She rushed to his side, carefully taking his injured hand in hers. Despite her gentle touch, Yetao couldn't suppress a groan of genuine pain.
Yang Mi's piercing eyes studied him closely. "Taotao, you don't have any bad sleeping habits as far as I know. How did this happen?" Her gaze sharpened. "Did you cause this intentionally since I locked you up?"
She hit the nail right on the head! Yetao thought, amazed. Seems like this guy is also a troublemaker like me.
Schooling his features into an expression of innocent distress, Yetao shook his head. "No, aunt. I really fell down, and I'm so scared." He forced tears to well up in his eyes, adding a slight tremble to his lower lip for good measure.
To his surprise, his performance seemed to genuinely alarm Yang Mi. Her expression shifted from suspicion to deep concern.
"Taotao? What's wrong, my boy? You don't cry so easily." She cupped his face gently. "Is your hand in so much pain? Wait, I'll immediately summon the physician."
As she began to rise, Yetao seized the opportunity. He grabbed the frills of her elegant robe, holding her in place.
"Aunt..." he began, voice quavering. "This injury is not a problem at all. There is something else."
Yang Mi sank back down beside him, her tails curling protectively around them both. She cupped his cheeks, eyes searching his. "What's making you anxious, Taotao?"
Now for the performance of a lifetime, Yetao thought.
"Aunt, I... really don't remember anything," he whispered, mixing truth with fabrication. "All I know is that you're my aunt and I'm a young master from yesterday's conversation."
As he continued to speak, genuine tears welled up in his eyes. The reality of his situation—lost in a strange world, trapped in another's body, far from everyone he knew—overwhelmed him.
"I'm so scared, aunt," he sobbed, no longer needing to fake his distress. "You look like a kind person. Can you please believe me? This world, you, me, the people here—everything is new to me. I'm not lying, aunt."
Yang Mi's expression softened as she listened. To Yetao's surprise, she nodded, seemingly believing his tale. More surprising still was how unsurprised she appeared.
"Taotao, it seems you've lost your memories," she said calmly. "Worry not. It happens sometimes if you trained intensely. I guess I made you train too much considering your weak constitution."
Wait, what? This is a normal occurrence? Yetao thought, bewildered.
"Worry not, my boy," Yang Mi continued, smiling reassuringly. "Aunt will do a quick ritual and get your memories back to you."
Yetao blinked. "Ritual? How?"
"For generations, the fox clan's master can read and rewrite memories," Yang Mi explained, her voice dropping to a confidential whisper. "But Taotao, remember that this is a secret only known to our allies and our lord. You can't say this anywhere. Those who know already know. Okay?"
"I'll get the physicians to wrap you up quickly. Sit tight until then, okay? We can get your memories back together after you get treated." With a tender gesture that surprised Yetao, Yang Mi leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead before rising to summon the physician.
"Wow, Yang Mi jiejie gave me a peck," Yetao murmured dreamily once she had gone. "I'm not going to wash my face forever."
Reality crashed back in an instant later. "Wait... read and rewrite? Get my memories TOGETHER? Is she going to read my mind?"
Panic seized him. He began to pace, his footsteps echoing in the spacious cave. "If she reads my memories, then she'll know I'm not from this world. What should I do now?"
Before he could formulate a plan, Yang Mi returned with a wizened old fox in tow. The physician's hands glowed with a soft green light as he tended to Yetao's wounds. The broken bone sent sharp pangs of pain through Yetao's arm, but he bit his lip, enduring the treatment stoically.
After the physician departed, Yang Mi guided Yetao up a winding path to the mountain's summit. There, bathed in the golden light of midday, stood an ancient podium surrounded by floating scriptures that glowed with inner light. Awe momentarily displaced Yetao's fear as he gazed upon what he had previously only seen in fantasy dramas.
"Taotao, go stand in the center of the podium," Yang Mi instructed.
Yetao hesitated, his feet suddenly leaden.
"This will not be painful. I promise," Yang Mi assured him, gently but firmly guiding him onto the platform.
But what if she discovers I'm an impostor? Cold fear gripped Yetao's heart, making him tremble visibly.
What will she do if she finds out that I'm not her nephew? Will she crush my soul with black magic? Will they burn me alive thinking I'm a witch? His imagination conjured increasingly terrifying scenarios.
Yang Mi took his hand, oblivious to his inner turmoil. She began to recite ancient scriptures, words flowing like water, melodic yet otherworldly. An orange aura enveloped them both, pulsing with mystical energy.
As Yang Mi attempted to access Yetao's memories, something extraordinary happened. A blinding flash of light erupted between them, and a force like a thunderclap hurled Yang Mi backward. She landed several yards away, crumpling to the ground, blood spilling from her lips.
Simultaneously, Yetao collapsed in agony, clutching his head. Fragmented images—memories that weren't his own—flooded his consciousness.
A snow-capped mountain... Two figures facing each other... A brilliant light... A desperate struggle...
"What is this memory? Who's with me?" Yetao gasped, trying to focus on the blurry images. Pain lanced through his skull, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Through the haze of pain, he registered a familiar presence.
"Bambam?" he rasped, vision swimming. "How are you arriving whenever I'm in pain?"
His voice faded as consciousness slipped away. The last sensation he felt was his body shrinking, fur sprouting across his skin as he transformed involuntarily into his fox form.
Yetao's aunt struggled to her feet, her elegant robes now stained with blood. Her eyes widened in shock at the sight before her: Bambam cradling the unconscious nine-tailed fox in his arms.
"I pay my respect, White Snake Lord," Yang Mi said, bowing deeply despite her injuries.
Bambam inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her deference. He gently placed Yetao's fox form on a nearby stone bench, his movements surprisingly tender.
"But may I ask to what occasion do we expect you to be here?" Yang Mi inquired, her tone carefully neutral.
"I'm here to fulfill our lord's orders," Bambam replied, his gaze never leaving Yetao's small form. "Did you try to read his memory and it backfired?"
Yang Mi's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How did you know?"
"I don't know the reason too," Bambam admitted. "But I believe this boy has been affected by the aftermath of the stolen artifact."
Fear flashed across Yang Mi's face. "You mean..."
"Exactly what you're thinking," Bambam confirmed grimly. "Yesterday, I found traces of 'Parallel Eye' in him."
"But... how...?" Yang Mi's voice trembled, her concern for Yetao evident in every syllable.
"I'll take care of it since this is a matter of my turf," Bambam stated authoritatively. "I came here to get Yetao due to this fact."
Yang Mi's nine tails bristled. "I'm afraid I can't do that even if you're our lord's messenger. Taotao is our successor. Whatever you do, you can do it here."
Bambam's expression darkened. "So, you're saying he has to stay here even if he dies?"
The color drained from Yang Mi's face. "What do you mean?"
"I can't give you the full details on this matter," Bambam said. "But since he's your nephew, I'll tell you this: Taotao is currently like an empty vessel. If he fails to fill it sooner, his body will vanish."
The revelation struck Yang Mi like a physical blow. Her legs gave way, and she sank to the ground, eyes wide with horror.
"This... how could this happen?" she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "He... he was just a playful kid who caused trouble sometimes but was always kind and lovely to everyone. How could something like this happen to him?"
"This is a crisis, yes," Bambam acknowledged. "But every crisis has a solution. You can just prepare for his grand succession, hoping for his return confidently. I'll return him to you as he is."
Three days later
Consciousness returned to Yetao slowly, like a reluctant tide washing over a distant shore. He became aware of the softness beneath him, the hushed voices around him, and finally, the strange sensation of his body.
"Huh? Why is everything so big again?" he whimpered, the sound emerging as a soft yip rather than human speech.
Looking down at himself, he found not hands but small, delicate paws covered in silver-white fur. "Wait, this sound... Did I go to my fox form again?"
Frustration welled up inside him. He rolled around on the bed, pawing at the sheets in agitation.
Now I can't even communicate! I need to know what happened after I lost consciousness. I saw Bambam's face. Did he really come there? Then, did aunt lock him up somewhere since he trespassed our territory? But aunt was injured too. What happened to her? How do I find out?
His frantic thoughts were interrupted as Yang Mi rushed into the room, her face lighting up with relief at the sight of him awake.
"Aunt?" Yetao tried to speak, but only a small yip emerged.
Yang Mi scooped him up gently, examining him with careful hands. "Finally, you woke up, Taotao. You made me worry so much, you know?" She hugged him to her chest, his small fox form engulfed in her embrace.
Flustered but determined to communicate, Yetao began gesturing wildly with his paws, trying to ask about Bambam.
"You're asking about the Snake Lord?" Yang Mi seemed to understand his pantomime perfectly. "Seems like you really met him before. He's on his way here." She stroked his head gently. "But why are you moving around so much? I can understand if you speak in your head, Taotao. I'm the fox clan's master. I could do that much, okay?"
"Snake Lord?" Yetao projected the thought, startled when Yang Mi responded as if he'd spoken aloud.
"You didn't know that? Well, you even lost your memories; it could happen," she sighed. "He is the White Snake Lord. He's one of our close allies along with the Black and White Dragon Lords. But the White Snake Lord is a direct messenger of our ultimate lord. So he is quite an important member in our circle."
Her expression grew more serious. "He knows why you lost your memories, Yetao. And he seems to have a way, but don't worry. You'll be fine."
Yetao noticed her hands trembling slightly as she held his paws. Instinctively, he placed his other paw over her hand in a gesture of comfort. A faint smile curved Yang Mi's lips.
"Yetao, no matter what happens in the future, try to control your temper with him, okay?" she advised. "But if he bullies you, don't hesitate to send me the information."
From within her robes, she produced a small, iridescent shell. "I have one of the pair to this shell, Yetao. If you face any problem, write the letter and keep it in this shell. It'll arrive to me. This was actually an extra pair your uncle gave me. But we'll meet again next month. So, don't hesitate to use it, Taotao."
"Where is uncle then?" Yetao wondered, curiosity piqued.
"You really don't remember, huh? Your uncle travels around to collect the disciples of our fox clan this time of year. He'll be here by next month to start this year's new batch."
Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. "You really slept for so long, Taotao. You alright now?"
Bambam stood in the doorway, his tall figure silhouetted against the light from outside. He wore robes of pristine white, embroidered with silver snakes that seemed to move with every breath he took.
"You're here?" In his excitement, Yetao instinctively wagged all nine of his tails, a gesture that drew a soft smile from Bambam.
The sight of that smile sent an inexplicable warmth coursing through Yetao. "Why are you shining? Go away!" he protested, covering his eyes dramatically with his paws.
Yang Mi tugged gently on his ears. "Stop acting up," she chided.
"Seems like you're alright by how you're reacting to my looks," Bambam remarked with a knowing smirk that sent heat rushing to Yetao's face.
No, they will know what I'm thinking if I'm in my fox form! Yetao panicked. I should not think about anything. Don't think about his looks. No... don't think about anything. There's just black space before me. Ah... why is he even there?
In his flustered state, Yetao began chasing his own tail in circles, much to the amusement of the onlookers.
"Taotao, stop it. You'll injure yourself again," Yang Mi scolded.
The mention of injury made Yetao pause. "Wait, I was injured, right? How am I fine now?" He examined his previously wounded arm, now completely healed.
"The Snake Lord gave you a grade-2 elixir. It made your healing progress fast," Yang Mi explained.
"Cool, this man can do anything, huh?" Yetao marveled, impressed despite himself.
"Hmm... maybe not everything," Bambam replied with a hint of playfulness in his voice. "But I'll try anything you want. After all, we're going to be comrades, right?"
The suggestive undertone in Bambam's voice sent Yetao into another flurry of activity. He dashed around the cave, desperate to hide his embarrassment and runaway thoughts.
Later that night
After Yetao had exhausted himself and fallen into a deep slumber, Yang Mi and Bambam spoke in hushed tones outside the cave.
"Taotao seems to be fine right now. But can you let him stay for a few more days until he completely recovers?" Yang Mi asked, concern evident in her voice.
"No can do," Bambam replied firmly. "We need to get to work sooner so he can be cured sooner. I'll take extra care of him, and so, we're leaving tomorrow."
After much deliberation, Yang Mi reluctantly agreed. "But Yetao is a playful kid. I recommend that some of my servants come with you. Please bear with me as I'm just a worried aunt."
Bambam accepted with a nod, though a question seemed to trouble him. "He has nine tails, and you say he's playful?" The confusion in his voice was evident; in their world, nine-tailed foxes typically had cultivated for at least a millennium.
"I can't give you the details," Yang Mi said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "but Yetao is only 100 years old. Please don't ask me how it happened. And considering how he doesn't remember anything, he's practically a baby. Just remember that he's weak."
After Yang Mi left, a sly grin spread across Bambam's face. "Seems like that boy has so many mysteries surrounding him. Let's uncover them little by little. I won't be bored for a while then."
The next morning
Dawn broke over the mountain, bathing everything in a rosy glow. Yetao, now back in his human form, stood at the mountain's base, ready for departure.
Yang Mi enveloped him in a tight embrace, tears welling in her eyes. "Taotao, remember what I said? If he bullies you, send me the signal. Your aunt can do so much as punishing him. I have a few methods up my sleeve. Okay?"
Yetao nodded confidently, assuring her not to worry. With final farewells exchanged, he set off alongside Bambam, a small entourage of servants following dutifully behind.
As they descended the mountain path, Yetao couldn't help but cast one last glance over his shoulder at the only familiar place in this strange world. Ahead lay uncertainty, danger, and perhaps the key to his return home.
Little did he know that with each step away from the mountain, he was walking deeper into a web of ancient secrets, powerful artifacts, and the mysterious agenda of the enigmatic White Snake Lord at his side.