Becoming a Fox Spirit from Under One Person

Chapter 109 Similar Types of Supernatural Powers

The Gao family is the least prominent and most mysterious of the four major families.

Because their influence was concentrated in Northeast China, they suffered prolonged persecution from war and the Japanese invaders, leading to their decline. In later generations, they could only maintain their influence by relying on "Na Du Tong". Gao Lian, a descendant of the Gao family, became the head of the Northeast region, preventing the Gao family's reputation from completely falling apart. From another perspective, the Gao family could be said to have benefited from the government's policies.

"What's the current situation with the Gao family? Where is the patriarch?" Chen Ruoan inquired about the situation.

"The situation is not optimistic. The Gao family suffered heavy casualties in the battle of Black Wind Pass." Gao Chengqing adjusted his breathing and sat up. "As for the patriarch, he should return to the Immortal Clan. That's who I am."

The fox glanced at the corpses of the Gao family members, then looked at the man with a sorrowful expression.

The head of a prestigious family with a thousand-year-old lineage was forced to personally lead his men in a battle against the enemy. His team was reduced to a single survivor. Now, given the current situation... Chen Ruoan helped collect the bodies and led Gao Chengqing to a safe area. Along the way, he heard the head of the Gao family talk about the movements of the supernatural world.

The four major families are closely connected. When the Gao family is in trouble, the other three families are not idle either.

The Lü and Lu families sent reinforcements, and even the young master of the Lü family intended to go to the Northeast. The "Yin-Yang Paper" in the Wang family's "Divine Paint" secret technique played a significant role in communication.

Almost all the extraordinary sects in Northeast China, including Liaodong Tiangang, Huaxingmen, Maigutang, and Guandong Yingshou, participated in the war. Even those small sects that had been hidden away for a long time were driven to the forefront by national and personal vendettas.

Speaking of the situation, Gao Chengqing found it difficult to remain optimistic, especially after the battle at Heifengkou, which completely disrupted the stalemate.

The art of summoning spirits requires generations of family worship to establish a contract with the "spirit" in a specific way, and then borrow the spirit's supernatural powers or summon a spirit to possess the body in battle. Once the spirit turns against the spirit, the spirit's combat power will be greatly reduced.

"So, why?" Chen Ruoan asked.

Gao Chengqing boldly replied, "Immortals are also foxes. If you put yourself in their shoes, what kind of conditions would make you switch sides at the last minute?"

Normally, a fox might consider weaknesses like "greed" or "beauty," but with national humiliation looming, Chen Ruoan has no weaknesses at all.

The foxes of Changbai Mountain should be the same. Even if they don't have sympathy for "humans" or a desire to punish evil, isn't the territory of Changbai Mountain their homeland?

Foxes are typically territorial animals.

"Could it be that Onmyoji and Shrine Maidens have methods to forcibly control spirits?" Chen Ruoan suggested, following the line of thought of "binding spirits and commanding generals".

"I can't even imagine such a method," Gao Chengqing sighed.

If such a poisonous technique truly existed, wouldn't the long-standing trust between shamans and spirits become a joke?

"Don't worry, immortals. The ones with problems are all juniors, and Master Biao is already investigating. I believe the truth will come out soon."

Chen Ruoan and Gao Chengqing moved to their mountain camp, arriving at a remote spot in the mountains where several simple wooden houses and thatched huts were built, but no one was left to guard them.

"Nobody's here." Chen Ruoan looked at the empty house.

"They've all gone out."

Amid the war, all of Gaojiacheng's properties were seized by the Japanese invaders, and the ancestral residence was reduced to ashes.

At the age of seventy, the old patriarch of the Gao family refused to be subservient to anyone, so he carried a gun and a knife and resolutely went to the front line.

Out of concern for the survival of the clan, Gao Chengqing secretly entrusted one of his bloodlines to an outsider. All the remaining clan members, regardless of age, who were capable of wielding weapons and running, were sent to various places.

"Immortals, we have nothing to offer you." Gao Chengqing searched for a while, but at this time, there was no food to offer to guests, not even in front of the ancestral tablets of the immortals of Changbai Mountain.

"No need for that."

Chen Ruoan glanced at the simple hall and said, "Find a piece of wood and carve my name on it. If any members of the Gao family want to borrow my help in the future, I will provide it."

"This..." Gao Chengqing was stunned.

"What's wrong? Is it because the contract was too easy to form, without the cost of generations of time or lives, that you feel uncomfortable?" Chen Ruoan withdrew her gaze and looked back at the man.

"It's a little strange," Gao Chengqing said with an awkward smile.

Even setting up a temple isn't that simple.

"Go do it," Chen Ruoan instructed.

"Hey!" Gao Chengqing, disregarding his exhaustion, hurriedly went out to find a sturdy piece of dry wood, carefully whittled and polished it with a knife, and made it into a simple memorial tablet.

Then, stroke by stroke, Chen Ruoan's name was carved into the wood. After finishing, he held the wooden plaque with both hands and solemnly placed it on the altar in the hall.

"From now on, I'll have to call you Grandpa An."

"No need to be so polite, I haven't been practicing for many years." Considering his mental age, Chen Ruoan is more than ten years younger than Gao Chengqing, so being called "Grandpa" by an elder always feels a bit strange.

It's even stranger than a group of Qing Dynasty loyalists calling someone "Master".

"No, that won't do. Master An stepped forward when the country was in peril and saved me when I was in mortal danger. I, Gao Chengqing, will never forget such kindness. You deserve this title!"

Among shamans, some people have a deep-seated reverence for spirits. Gao Chengqing's attitude was sincere and resolute, and Chen Ruoan reluctantly accepted the title of "Master".

"Master An, may I ask about your innate supernatural abilities in advance?"

Invoking a spirit to possess one's body and using the spirit's power to enhance physical strength and energy is the most basic method of spirit possession. If a sorcerer has a deeper level of cultivation, he can use a weakened version of his innate supernatural powers while using the spirit's power.

Chen Ruoan thought for a moment and realized that he had studied a rather eclectic range of subjects over the past few years.

"What kind of demonic wind, foxfire, cloud-and-rain formation, green poison, Gu poison, soul control, trance, sword energy, wood escape, illusory light realm..." The fox listed them all, and Gao Chengqing fell into deep thought.

Foxes are known for their allure and illusions, as well as their expertise in healing. However, most fox spirits are proficient in only one skill, and I've never heard of anyone possessing so many innate supernatural abilities.

Chen Ruoan stared at the words drawn by the fox's claws, also somewhat puzzled.

In fact, the Wishing Tree is the main trunk of his skill tree, and the rest of his supernatural powers are branches that have grown out. So, can his disciples borrow its power and obtain the power of wishes?

Never mind, I'll just have to try it and see.

"Mr. Gao, why don't we test this supernatural power on the spot?"

"it is good."

Gao Chengqing worshipped devoutly and, following the special method of the shaman, drew a wisp of pure Yin Qi from Chen Ruoan's side and slowly channeled it into his body's meridians.

"This is the power of Master An..."

Old Gao felt his strength surge, and immediately gripped the broadsword at his waist, swinging his arm with a mighty swing.

Three sharp, crescent-shaped sword energies slashed through the air, their cold light chilling and their imposing aura overwhelming.

Aside from the Sword Immortal Sect's specialty, Gao Chengqing didn't borrow any other abilities, but he wasn't disappointed and nodded happily.

This fierce and ruthless approach perfectly suited his brave and fearless nature.

Chen Ruoan observed quietly and figured out one thing: when a shaman borrows his power, he does not inherit it entirely, but rather chooses the most suitable supernatural power to use based on his own personality, aptitude, and talent.

After lending its power, the fox was not tired and had more than enough to lend to a few more people.

This would alleviate a lot of pressure on the surviving members of the Gao family.

Snap, snap!

The lingering power of Gao Chengqing's sword aura had not yet dissipated when two staggering figures hurriedly ran back from the mountain path.

The two Gao family members were covered in wounds, their clothes soaked in blood, and their skin torn in many places, but their faces were filled with uncontrollable smiles.

"Master!" the two shouted in unison.

Gao Chengqing turned slightly to the side, raised his hand to the fox beside him, and introduced, "This is Master An."

The two young men immediately composed themselves, bowed respectfully, and then eagerly shared the good news.

In the Nangang Mountain area, a branch of Changbai Mountain, the Gao family and the disciples of Liaodong Tiangang were locked in a fierce battle with the ninja. Both sides suffered heavy casualties. Just as the battle was at a stalemate, a group of peasant volunteers who happened to be passing by seized the opportunity and wiped out the ninja.

"Great!" Gao Chengqing clapped his hands.

The two disciples then took out several neatly arranged stacks of papers from their pockets. The papers were stained with blood and dust, clearly brought back from the scene of the fierce battle.

"That team had previously defeated an enemy unit and seized these items from the Japanese soldiers, but most of the soldiers in the team were illiterate. They couldn't even read many Chinese characters, let alone Japanese, so they entrusted some of them to us."

Hey?

Chen Ruoan was taken aback upon hearing this.

Is this something that can be transferred around at will?

If there are secrets hidden there, wouldn't such negligence mean missing out on many opportunities in the war?

Of course, this was also a shortcoming of some peasant teams that formed spontaneously on the battlefield. They lacked strict leadership and acted solely out of goodwill towards their compatriots, without much comprehensive consideration.

Chen Ruoan wanted to crack the code as soon as possible and return it to avoid missing the opportunity in the battle.

"Uncle An, you are fluent in Japanese, could you please take a look?" Gao Chengqing tactfully handed over the papers.

The fox took it, its gaze sweeping coldly over the opening Japanese text.

Those words were full of flattery and praise, filled with false words that glorified the invasion, whitewashing the Japanese army's burning, killing and looting as a "holy war" and describing their trampling on Chinese land as "civilization." Every word made the fox feel extremely nauseous.

Chen Ruoan patiently turned to the second half of the page, where several simple cartoon drawings came into view.

The painting has rough brushstrokes but a clear intention; the signature faintly reveals the mark of a medium-sized Japanese domestic enterprise.

Okayama, Takeda... On the drawing paper, a child wearing a white cloth on his head and a red sun mark on his forehead walks in front, his posture arrogant. Behind him is a monkey carrying a sun flag, along with chattering chickens and a dog wagging its tail. The group marches forward with their heads held high, their expressions full of arrogance.

"Uncle An, what is this?" Gao Chengqing asked.

"A Japanese folktale, the legend of Momotaro."

"What are you talking about?"

Chen Ruoan explained, "An elderly couple pulled a large peach from the river, and a boy was born from the peach, named Momotaro. When Momotaro grew up, he learned that there were evil spirits on Oni Island threatening the villagers, so he set off with millet dumplings to fight them. Along the way, he recruited a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant as companions, and together they defeated the evil spirits and brought back treasure."

Gao Chengqing stared at the illustration on the paper, his brows furrowed tightly. He clearly sensed something strange was amiss, but he couldn't pinpoint the reason. All that remained was a heavy, oppressive feeling stuck in his chest.

Chen Ruoan glanced at him and continued, "If you use Ryunosuke Akutagawa's version, you'll understand it more easily. An invader who plunders others' wealth gathers accomplices, invades Oni Island without cause, disturbs the normal lives of completely innocent Oni, and steals their treasures."

"Then what is this!?"

"The propaganda tools used in the planning were used to whitewash the war and spread false good news to the Japanese public, while simultaneously inciting the people's war fever and consolidating the popular support for the invasion."

Gao Chengqing cursed, "Turning black into white, glorifying acts of aggression, you beasts!"

"Don't insult animals."

Chen Ruoan stared at the company's name and began to recall.

The fox's limited historical knowledge told it that during the First Sino-Japanese War, the food produced by this company was transported to the Hiroshima headquarters for soldiers to carry as wartime rations.

"Is secretly providing basic logistical support not enough? Do you have to come to the front lines to make another killing? Do you want to achieve some great feat for your family?"

Chen Ruoan stared at the boy in the painting, Momotaro, whose waist was full of dumplings.

"Is it a coincidence?"

"no."

The fox spat out the eggs from its belly and held them up to compare with the painting.

A supernatural ability similar to that of a mother hen?

If the enemy's methods can affect the spirit, then the practicality will be much higher.

Chen Ruoan pondered, but since the little phoenix's egg could function under the protection of the demon core, it was difficult to judge which was superior.

Each egg, brimming with the essence of Mount Dongyue, is perfectly round and lustrous, and will not be inferior to the dumplings in the hands of the invaders.

"Mr. Gao, contact Hu Tianbiao and ask him to send the younger fox clan members hiding in the mountains over. Also, inform the remaining immortals that the Hu family has been unlucky and has suffered a calamity, and the younger generations of the other families are also at risk of being affected."

"Alright, alright!" Gao Chengqing replied, "But what do you need all these little immortals for?"

"I want eggs."

"egg?"

"Um."

Using more spirits to lure the other side out, and in order to prevent the risk of defection, the little phoenix's supernatural powers were activated in advance, and a group of little foxes were brought under his command and treated as... sons.

First, I paid respects to the mountain and recognized three older sisters. Then, I used eggs to capture a group of little foxes. In the eyes of the outer spirits, am I really not just trying to seize territory?

"I'll go contact them right away." Gao Chengqing wanted to leave, but was stopped by the fox.

"No rush, you two come over here together, and I'll give you some more things." Chen Ruoan transformed into human form, raised his hand and reached forward, pressing his palm down on the heads of the three of them.

A wisp of pure Qi flowed into them from the top of their heads, and the three of them clearly felt comfortable all over. Any stagnation in their circulation and blockages in their Qi and blood were completely cleared.

"Gentlemen, you must have a good time in a few days!"

"Hehe." The three members of the Gao family stared at their palms, clenched their fists, and then angrily charged out.

As night fell, Chen Ruoan tried to absorb the moonlight to replenish his losses, but the wartime sky was shrouded in smoke and dust, with dark clouds obscuring the sky and a hazy gray expanse. Not to mention moonlight, even a single star was hard to find.

Left with no other option, the fox lit the incense in front of the memorial tablet, hoping to nourish itself with the power of the wishes contained in the wisps of smoke.

As the incense smoke wafted, faith flowed into the memorial tablets of the Trinity Sect at just the right moment. Chen Ruoan took a moment to glance at it—on a futon, an old man was meditating peacefully.

Zuo Ruotong slowly raised her eyes, her gaze piercing through the swirling green smoke and landing on the manifested fox head: "Long time no see."

..

"have not seen you for a long time."

"I heard you went to Northeast China?"

"How did the Left Sect Leader know?" the fox asked in surprise.

"The four families have a special method of communication; I only heard about it from Xiao Jin. He's throwing a tantrum at home right now," Zuo Ruotong said with a smile. "How's the situation over there?"

The fox replied, "The outlook is extremely pessimistic."

"Do you need any help?"

Chen Ruoan was silent for a moment, then asked, "Does Sect Leader Zuo want to help me, or the people of the Northeast?"

The Great Immortal smiled upon hearing this.

"It's still the same fox as before..." Zuo Ruotong stood up and offered a few more sticks of incense: "Hmm, I understand."

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