Chapter 45: Wild Fox's Homesickness

The tranquility of life remained undisturbed by the injured fox. Resting within the serene confines of Ju’an Pavilion, the red fox recovered quickly.

Ji Yuan’s only inconvenience was brewing the medicinal concoctions, especially since, once its injuries vastly improved, the fox required a chicken or a live duck daily. Initially, Ji Yuan cooked its meals, but realizing the fox would eventually be returned to the wild and shouldn’t lose its natural instincts, he later bought live chickens and ducks, releasing them in the backyard for the fox to hunt. Every afternoon, Ju’an Pavilion’s backyard became a lively scene of chickens scattering and the fox pouncing. During school breaks, young Yin Qing would often join in the fun with great delight.

However, as the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end." Ji Yuan had never intended to keep the red fox as a pet. It was, after all, a spirit fox, not a common dog. Day and night, Ji Yuan had often observed the red fox gazing longingly towards the dimly visible Niu Kui Mountain. A fox accustomed to the boundless freedom of the mountains, no matter how comfortable Ju’an Pavilion was or how many rules Ji Yuan imposed, would surely long more for the expansive Niu Kui Mountain.

***

On the night of April 23rd, as stillness settled, the red fox emerged from the side room into the small courtyard. The night sky was bright. The fox approached the jujube tree, then, with a swift dash, used its momentum to scramble up the trunk onto a branch. It then scurried along the branch before leaping effortlessly onto the roof of the annex. It settled quietly on the rooftop, its tail swaying gently behind it, as it gazed at the distant silhouette of the mountains to the northwest. It remained there, motionless, for over half an hour.

“Do you want to go back?”

A soft voice broke the silence, startling the red fox, which sprang to its feet. Only then did it realize that Ji Yuan had, at some point, also appeared on the rooftop.

“The moon is bright, the stars are sparse, and magpies fly south! You are a creature of the mountains; you don’t belong confined within city walls. I shall take you home tomorrow!”

The fox let out a soft whimper. The red fox seemed reluctant to leave, not only because of its bond with Ji Yuan but also due to the excellent cultivation environment at Ju’an Pavilion. After all, whenever Ji Yuan performed his "Creation of Heaven and Earth" technique, spiritual energy would temporarily converge, far surpassing anything found in the mountains.

Observing the fox huddle its body, Ji Yuan seemed to grasp its thoughts and chuckled.

“Humans should not be overly greedy, and the same applies to foxes and demons. My idea of freedom, Ji Yuan’s freedom, is vastly different from yours, little fox. Compared to staying here, I believe you still yearn more for the boundless liberty of the wilderness.” Ji Yuan had long understood that, unlike a seasoned demon like Lu Shanjun, this red fox had only recently awakened its spiritual intelligence. Its wild instincts far outweighed any demonic or human traits, meaning a small courtyard could never truly contain it. “There is gain in letting go. Even I cannot always have things go my way, much less you.”

Having said this, Ji Yuan floated down from the rooftop with the lightness of a willow leaf and entered his room to sleep.

***

The following day, as noon approached, the sun shone brightly. Ji Yuan ambled through the town, arriving at Ning’an Academy, located not far from the county government office. The academy grounds spanned approximately an acre, enclosed by a wall. Within the courtyard stood a two-story pavilion with white walls and dark tiles, adorned with bamboo and scenic elements, creating a very pleasant environment. This clearly reflected the importance the Ning’an County government and local gentry placed on education.

Ji Yuan’s purpose in coming was simply to pick up young Yin Qing. The boy was quite fond of the red fox, even though the fox often seemed to disdain him. Ji Yuan believed that releasing the fox back into the mountains should involve Yin Qing, and if Yin Zhaoxian agreed, it would be a nice outing for the boy.

“Filial piety comes first, followed by diligence and trustworthiness. When parents call, do not be slow or lazy. When parents instruct or reprimand, listen respectfully and obey…”

Even from a distance, the collective recitation of the students reached Ji Yuan’s ears, rising above the general hubbub. This place was not the ancient China Ji Yuan had known in his previous life, yet the cultural background was strikingly similar. Even if some literary works differed, the core educational philosophy remained rooted in Chinese thought, making the content feel largely familiar despite minor variations. Many people were already waiting outside the academy, mostly servants from affluent families, poised to collect their young masters during the midday break for lunch at home. Other students either walked home or carried packed lunches. While the children attending this academy generally came from comfortable backgrounds, there were still discernible differences in their family circumstances.

Ji Yuan timed his arrival perfectly. As he drew near, the resonant sounds of recitation from within the academy had ceased. Students were emerging one by one, brushing past Ji Yuan as he walked towards the entrance. Some whispered about Ji Yuan’s unusual eyes.

“Mr. Ji!”

Yin Qing, emerging alongside Yin Zhaoxian, exclaimed upon seeing Ji Yuan. Yin Zhaoxian also exchanged a respectful cupped-hand salute with Ji Yuan.

“Master Yin, I intend to release the recovered red fox back into the mountains and would like to ask young Yin Qing to accompany me. We will return within half a day. What are your thoughts, Master Yin?”

Release?

Yin Zhaoxian had also seen the fox; its spiritual nature was remarkable, at times truly seeming like a spirit. He wasn’t concerned about his son accompanying Ji Yuan, as after nearly three months of acquaintance, Ji Yuan’s character and unfathomable abilities were beyond doubt. However, he himself felt a pang of curiosity. However, as the academy’s master, Yin Zhaoxian could not simply abandon his students to go out.

“Since Mr. Ji has spoken, it’s naturally no problem!”

“Wonderful!”

Upon hearing Yin Zhaoxian’s consent, Yin Qing was so overjoyed he nearly leaped for joy. Though initially thrilled by Ji Yuan’s suggestion, Yin Qing had carefully restrained himself, feigning obedience and suppressing his usual boisterousness, fearing his father might utter a “no” and ruin everything. Watching his son, Yin Zhaoxian smiled and shook his head. He used to find Yin Qing too unrestrained and not serious enough, but ever since Ji Yuan repeatedly remarked on the boy’s exceptional spiritual nature, he had grown far more indulgent of his son’s innocent and carefree disposition.

***

Outside the county government office, adjacent to the academy, the Ning’an County Assistant Magistrate was exiting a side gate with three other individuals. A carriage stood waiting at the entrance. The Assistant Magistrate was a lean, middle-aged man with a short beard, dressed not in official robes but in a long gown and a scholar’s cap. Behind him, two men wore silk martial outfits, while a slightly stout man was clad in a wide robe.

“I have instructed my men to prepare refreshments at Miaowailou. Please, board the carriage!”

“Excellent, thank you, Assistant Magistrate!”

“Not at all, not at all!”

As the Assistant Magistrate and the stout man exchanged polite pleasantries, they happened to spot Ji Yuan in the distance, exchanging cupped-hand salutes with Yin Zhaoxian. As the central figure of the county’s recent peculiar happenings, Ji Yuan was certainly recognized by the Assistant Magistrate. Given that Ji Yuan had resided at Ju’an Pavilion for quite some time, the impression was even stronger, and he found himself glancing at him a second time.

“What is the Assistant Magistrate looking at? Who are these two?”

The stout man in the wide robe followed the Assistant Magistrate’s gaze, observing the scene unfolding outside the academy nearby.

“Oh, nothing really. The gentleman in the white robe and scholar’s cap is Master Yin, the esteemed teacher of our county’s academy. The one in the blue robe is a remarkable scholar from our county.”

The stout man turned his head towards the Assistant Magistrate. “A remarkable man?”

The Assistant Magistrate nodded and said, “Extraordinary!”

The Assistant Magistrate then smiled, stroking his beard, and briefly recounted the tale of the red fox bowing to Ji Yuan. The three listeners found the story quite captivating.

“A red fox bowing to a human for aid, and vicious dogs retreating at its mere sound? Can such a thing be true!”

“Hahaha, those are merely marketplace rumors, a blend of truth and exaggeration. However, even the county magistrate himself once remarked that Ji Yuan is certainly no ordinary person.”

As the two conversed, they suddenly noticed Ji Yuan at the academy entrance nearby. Ji Yuan turned his head and met their gaze, but only for a fleeting moment before looking away and leading Yin Qing off. The Assistant Magistrate paused for a moment, as if holding his breath, before remembering the important business at hand.

“Patriarch Wei, please, let us proceed to Miaowailou!”

“Ah, yes, please, Assistant Magistrate, after you!”