The Little Fox's Immortal Cultivation Encyclopedia

The fox leaped onto the wicker bed and tried to stretch its body a few times, causing the bed to sway gently with its movements. As it swayed back and forth with curiosity, its thoughts raced.

This time, when it brought Pu Shunnian over, it had several plans in mind.

According to the rules of the underworld, only those who perform good deeds, protect the people, and accumulate merit can be appointed as a mountain god. The fox wanted to use the contact between humans and monkeys to first gauge the monkeys' attitude towards the visitors.

According to the fox's observations, everything about the monkeys—from their clothing and the clay pots they used to their ability to understand human speech—showed signs of a connection with humans. However, there's always a chance of something going on. Perhaps this was all ancient history, and the monkeys of today have changed their temperament, becoming hostile towards humans. This is a crucial point that must be guarded against; the fox needs to investigate further first.

Sending someone to test the waters is certainly a clever plan, but the choice of that person is a matter of great importance. The fox was unwilling to personally test the waters, after all, if the monkey really became the mountain god, there would be many opportunities to come into contact with him in the future, and it would be very embarrassing if he were exposed later.

If the fox were to simply lead someone in randomly, and the monkeys were willing to accept them, and that person was kind-hearted, then everyone would be happy. But what if that person was petty and the monkeys didn't treat them well? Before long, it might bring trouble to the monkeys in the valley. The fox didn't want that to happen.

Therefore, the fox needs to find someone who is familiar with the mountain environment and knows the inside story to handle this matter.

In that case, Pu Shunnian, a woodcutter who spends most of his time in the mountains, should be a good candidate.

However, the fox's ambitions didn't stop there.

To choose a new mountain god, the original mountain god cannot be avoided. The fox still knows nothing about the former Peach Blossom Slope mountain god.

The records at Qingling Temple are incomplete, and many records have been damaged or lost, making it impossible to find any clues. Master Yun's master might know some inside information, but he has long since passed away, leaving behind this unreliable and unworthy disciple, Master Yun.

As for the underworld, they only remembered the name and nothing else.

In the end, we still have to rely on the fox's intelligence to find clues.

According to the little monkey, the monkey troop has lived here for over a hundred years, so they might have some connection with the mountain god. The mountain god mysteriously disappeared more than forty years ago, and no one remembers him. The temple has also fallen into disrepair, but the Pu family has managed to keep it for generations.

If these two groups, both of whom have had dealings with the mountain god, come together, can they piece together even a fragment of the mountain god's story?

Holding onto this thought, the fox gradually drifted off to sleep as the rattan bed swayed gently.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the little monkey rushed into the room and shook the rattan bed incessantly: "Fox, get up quickly, let's go find the old wine master. He's been a light sleeper lately, he'll surely be awake by now."

The rattan bed shook violently, making the fox even sleepier. Fortunately, the fox overcame the obstacle with great perseverance and went out with the little monkey.

Shuai Shuai kept nagging along the way: "The old man has quite a temper, but he's been good to me. You'd better be respectful when you go, or you'll definitely get scolded."

"Does it work for everyone?"

The little monkey seemed to have been waiting for the fox to ask this question, and puffed out its chest: "Of course, it's only nice to me, it's very mean to everyone else."

"Is it your grandfather?" the fox asked, drawing inferences from one instance to another.

"Yes, but it doesn't like being called that." The little monkey noticed the fox's gaze and belatedly realized, "The old winemaker has many children and grandchildren. It only likes me because I'm smart and learn quickly. It only passed on its winemaking skills to me; other little monkeys can't learn them even if they want to."

Without stopping, they arrived at the entrance of the Wine Master's Cave. Without even knocking, they barged straight in. This was the largest and most comfortable cave in the valley, but it was crammed full of bottles, jars, baskets, and other containers.

The little monkey carefully lifted its feet, navigating around the small jars and wicker baskets, and the fox followed suit.

Deep inside the cave, an old monkey, its gray fur mostly turned white, squatted in front of a pottery jar, rubbing the fruit pulp with its hands.

Its right hand seemed a little clumsy, trembling slightly. Yet the fruit held it obediently in its hand, and the pit was removed in a few breaths.

The old man didn't even look up: "Shuai, go to that five-hundred-year-old pine tree hole later and scoop out a spoonful of the leftover fruit pulp from last time."

The little monkey nodded repeatedly in agreement, then pushed the fox in front of him: "Old man, old man, it wants to talk to you about something, maybe it wants to learn how to drink wine."

"No time, you can teach me." The old man casually raised his eyes, but paused the moment he saw the fox clearly. He scanned the fox up and down, casually threw the fruit in his hand into the jar, and walked over shakily with his cane, reaching out to touch the fox.

The fox, on guard, leaped backward to avoid the old monkey: "What are you doing?"

"Open your mouth and bare your teeth," the old man instructed again.

The fox was completely baffled. Seeing that the old monkey was desperately trying to signal to him with his eyes, and that he looked like he had one foot in the ground, the fox was worried that something bad might happen to him in his panic. So, the fox reluctantly bared his teeth.

"You must be the little fox who came yesterday. Why did you have to be so foolish as to hang out with Shuai Shuai?" The old man sighed. "Look at your teeth and fur, you've probably only lived for a few years, yet you've already grown two tails. With your talent, you can't let this good-for-nothing waste your potential."

Shuai Shuai's eyes widened: "Old man, you used to say I was exceptionally intelligent..."

"Go away, go away." The old man pushed the little monkey aside, casually smeared the remaining fruit residue on its body, and then turned to the fox, "Young friend, you should go out into the human world, get some exposure to the worldly affairs, learn about human ethics and morality, and wash away your animalistic nature."

"Do more good deeds and strive to become a local deity in the future. That's the right path. Why bother learning to brew wine? What's so great about that rubbish?"

"Old man, you were saying yesterday that you were resentful that no one would inherit your skills!"

"Get out of here." The old man pushed away the little monkey that was coming closer and said to the fox earnestly, "But young friend, you must remember not to go astray. Your fox clan is the most clever, but it is also the easiest to go down the evil path of devouring human essence. You must be careful."

"Old man, why do you say I deserve it when I make a mistake..."

The fox walked around Shuai Shuai and asked, "Have you ever seen an enlightened fox?"

The old man shook his head: "I've never seen it. It's just that I've lived a long time and seen many people, so I know a little bit about it."

"Have you met many people?"

"Although the valley is secluded, some destined people will always find their way here." The old man answered every question. "Although you might not see one for several years, over the years, the number will naturally increase."

"Grandpa, why do you ignore me when I ask you questions and tell me to figure it out myself!" The little monkey persisted, even calling him "Grandpa" in an attempt to evoke familial affection, "I'm your grandson!"

"If you interrupt me and my friend again, you can go play with your ferocious eagle grandpa."