The air in the Crimson Hollows had turned thick with tension.
Tian Shen and Lan Yueru traversed the winding trail, the scorched ridges on either side shimmering from lingering flame Qi. Between them walked—or rather, strutted—a tiny fox with crimson fur fluffed out like royalty.
Little Mei's steps were deliberate. Her tail swayed with exaggerated poise, each flick a declaration of superiority.
Her ears twitched haughtily at every distant rustle, as if daring the world to challenge her dominance.
Lan Yueru walked silently beside Tian Shen, eyeing the little creature on his shoulder with wary suspicion.
"She's… different now."
Lan Yueru muttered.
"You think that?"
Tian Shen winced as he adjusted the strap on his bag. His back still throbbed from the earlier beating.
"She was already smug before. Now she thinks she's Empress of the whole world."
"Not thinks," Yueru said dryly. "She believes. And that's worse."
