Chapter 6: The Ghost Mask Chooses Its Master (Part I)

The Celestial Fox clan has recently been preoccupied with a momentous event. The reigning Fox Emperor has reached the age of impending abdication. Unlike other nations, the Celestial Fox clan’s laws regarding succession mandate that a new heir must be selected once the ruler reaches a certain age, and that time has arrived for the current Emperor.

The clan possesses an ancestral artifact known as the Ghost Mask. Foxes are inherently seductive, masters of charms that bewitch the soul, and the Ghost Mask serves to amplify this innate ability to its peak. It also functions as a tool for disguise, with all its properties specifically tailored to benefit the Celestial Fox people.

For every member of the clan, the Ghost Mask is a coveted treasure, yet to the common folk, it is little more than a legend. It had never been seen in living memory, and over time, the desire to find it had faded.

Now, however, the Ghost Mask has reappeared. Opinions vary wildly: some call it a divine omen for the clan, others claim it heralds a future of limitless potential, and many insist that only the person capable of wearing the mask is fit to be the true heir.

In truth, the reappearance of the Ghost Mask is merely because the Royal Family, who guard it, noticed a purple light flickering upon its surface. Believing it signaled that the destined bearer had arrived, they placed the mask in public view to carefully identify that individual.

The royal guardians are aware of an obscure legend: the mask was crafted for the Celestial Fox ancestors by an old acquaintance, who cast a divination upon it. The legend states that the mask can only be worn by the one fated to bear it; any others consumed by greed who attempt to wear it will suffer a gruesome death as their faces rot away. Because of this, those in the know within the Royal Family have never dared to covet it.

The Ghost Mask is the clan’s most sacred treasure, as the original creator imbued it with three protective formations capable of saving the Celestial Fox clan in times of dire crisis. The creator also left a prophecy: once the mask is shrouded in purple light, the destined one is near. If that person is of the Celestial Fox bloodline, it signifies an era of prosperity and glory for the entire clan.

By a stroke of incredible coincidence, the appearance of the purple-shrouded mask has aligned perfectly with the scheduled rites for selecting the new heir. Consequently, this selection process is unlike any before. The only requirement for the candidates is the ability to wear the mask. To prevent any accidental harm to the royal candidates, they are required to apply a special medicinal solution to their hands and faces; the rules are simple—whosoever can wear the mask and receive its recognition shall be the successor.

As the clansfolk busied themselves with preparations, time slipped away, and the day of the selection ceremony arrived. Within the Celestial Fox palace, young Prince Bai Lian remained in his slumber, seemingly forgotten by all. Only a few guards had been ordered to remain behind to watch over the young prince, while all others had been dispatched to the site of the grand ceremony.

For the Celestial Fox clan, this event was a matter of life and death, and no one dared to be negligent. Even the Fox Emperor and Empress, despite their concern for Bai Lian’s injuries, could only assign others to watch over him, as their presence at the ceremony was non-negotiable.

The altar where the ceremony was held stood atop a high mountain in the opposite direction of the palace. The crowds surrounding the stage were as tumultuous as ever, filled with an endless chorus of shouts and cheers. The environment of the Celestial Fox clan was somewhat reminiscent of the Moon Elder’s Pavilion in the Celestial Realm, for the clan grounds featured a colossal peach tree that seemed to share the same roots as those in the Pavilion. Indeed, almost every household in the clan planted peach trees.

The members of the Royal Family bore a distinctive peach blossom mark between their brows, an innate connection that tied them—and the clan at large—to these trees and the mysterious origins they shared with the Pavilion.

When Bai Lian finally awoke, he found that those who were supposed to stay and care for him had all slipped away to the ceremony. At first, he was dazed, but soon the recent events flooded back to him, including his capture and his return to the clan. He assumed his benefactor must have saved him again. Frustrated that he had only caused more trouble instead of being of help, he sighed. He could not remain so despondent; his wounds were healed, and he was determined to cultivate his strength to eventually assist his benefactor.

Bai Lian rose and tidied himself, intending to venture out. Seeing the empty palace, he guessed the occasion—the selection of the heir. He was the least accomplished of all the princes, so he wondered what point there was in going. His solitary figure appeared all the more forlorn under the bright sun. He had expected the palace to be entirely deserted, but a voice suddenly called out to him.

"Where is the young prince heading in such a rush? You’ve kept me waiting quite a while."

Bai Lian looked up to see a figure in ink-green robes, whose gentle, jade-like presence was truly captivating. It was Bai Wu, who had been left behind to wait for his recovery. Bai Wu stretched, smiled faintly, and walked toward the stunned prince. "Let’s go. If we don’t leave now, we’ll be too late."

Bai Lian lowered his eyes, his expression clouded with disappointment, his fingers subconsciously twisting his sleeves. Seeing this, Bai Wu sighed helplessly. With a hand that was larger and calloused, he firmly took hold of Bai Lian’s hand. His voice, soothing and steady, calmed the prince’s anxious heart. "Remember, no matter what, you are of the Celestial Fox royalty. A royal should possess the pride of their station. You must attend this ceremony."

Just as Bai Wu set off with Bai Lian, the situation at the ceremony had reached a stalemate. The current Fox Emperor and Empress had seven children—four sons and three daughters—with Bai Lian being the youngest. Once the Emperor and Empress had completed their ritual duties, they could only watch from below. Every prince and princess was present, save for the recovering Bai Lian.

It was a solemn and sacred occasion. As the ceremony commenced, the chaotic crowd below the altar fell into an instant, absolute silence. Every member of the clan watched with bated breath, witnessing the birth of their next leader.

On the altar, the natural-born mask rested at the very center. Upon its milky-white surface, the peach blossom patterns shimmered faintly. Even without anyone wearing it, a mere glance into the eye sockets of the mask was enough to feel one’s soul being drawn in by its power.