Becoming a Fox Spirit from Under One Person.

When Chen Ruoan entered the building, it was already bustling with activity. The eight-immortal table on the first floor was full, the private seats on the second floor were also full, and even the aisle was crowded with people. The tea drinkers' eyes were all on the stage, and they were discussing the play that was about to start. The place was noisy, but it was not chaotic.

With nowhere to sit, the fox lightly touched the pillar with its toes and leaped to a seat on the wide railing on the outside of the second floor. An oil-paper umbrella was held at an angle to shield its head from the sparse sunlight that was getting in.

Nothing much to do today, so I'm going to a brothel to listen to music and arrange flowers...

There are no flowers to arrange, but there are things to do.

The fox pricked up its ears, listening to the tea drinkers' private conversations, and gradually, some strange sounds also entered its ears.

"...A few years ago, he was a newcomer to the world, and soon after he took over as the acting leader of the sect. His reputation soared afterward. With his innate 'divine spiritual' abilities, which prestigious sect wouldn't be confused when he saw him?"

"What acting sect leader? Several big shots in the sect recognized him a long time ago; he is the sect leader."

"Alright, I'd like to see what our sect leader is all about right now."

···

Chen Ruoan lowered his eyes and gazed at the commotion inside the building, noticing that there were quite a few strange people in the shadows. He heard that most of them were from the "Quanxing" sect.

"I thought the 'Quanxing' group was also trying to avoid trouble and make a living, but I didn't expect it to be Wugensheng who was nearby."

The sheer number of "Quanxing" members present at this teahouse—that's the attraction!

If we say that fox spirits are Chinese succubi, then they are not authoritative enough compared to the "Quanxing" succubi.

Wugensheng is burdened with karma, and the little fox is unlucky and short-lived, so you should avoid him.

Chen Ruoan wanted to ask someone about Shiniu Village, but the play was about to start, and he didn't want to spoil the fun, so he secretly went to the courtyard behind the teahouse.

In addition to local repertoire, "Chunfeng Deyilou" also provides a stage for opera troupes from other places. Besides local Pingtan and Kunqu Opera, troupes that have traveled all over the country can also bring Qinqiang Opera and Peking Opera.

In the empty courtyard behind the teahouse, a visiting opera troupe was currently resting, rehearsing "The Heavenly Meeting," a story about Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace and his eventual subjugation.

Two martial arts actors are having a dialogue.

"After killing for half a day, you have no match. Now, state your name."

"Listen, you demon monkey! I am Erlang Shen of the Pure Source, whose magical power is known throughout heaven and earth. I am a renowned general in the Jade Palace, and today I will capture you, you wicked monkey!"

"Your words are only good for fooling others. Do you think you can show off in front of Grandpa Sun? Stand still and listen to me: Heaven and earth gave birth to me, I studied the Dao and worshipped Kunlun. My supernatural powers are vast and surpass the Three Realms, I want to ascend to the Heavenly Palace and become the Emperor."

···

"Xia Liuqing! You're daydreaming again, I'll kick you!" The old troupe leader raised his hand to stop him and kicked the stubborn "monkey grandson" who refused to leave the stage.

"I don't want to play a fairy or a monkey, I want to play Erlang Shen!"

"How old are you this year? Are you even fully grown yet? I haven't even settled the score with you for injuring my fellow disciples a few days ago."

"They laughed at me for being stiff and short, saying I'd never become a star!"

···

Chen Ruoan sat on a high place, looking down at everything in the backyard.

The fox world is truly small and wondrous. Could this little kid playing the "monkey grandson" be the future "Quanxing" leader of the most affectionate group?

To love one person for decades without engaging in sexual intercourse is a rare and precious thing, as it signifies that one's yang body remains unbroken.

The fox was quietly watching the backyard when suddenly the old troupe leader turned his gaze and sent the actors who were rehearsing away, leaving only Xia Liuqing alone, standing with him in the empty backyard.

"I wonder which expert is here? Since you're interested in the play, why not watch it openly and honestly?"

Chen Ruoan opened the umbrella and jumped, the umbrella catching the wind, and landed safely in the courtyard.

When it revealed itself, the fox deliberately hid its tail.

In the eyes of some older members of the supernatural community, the fox cultivator had reached adulthood after a hundred years. Upon seeing this, the old troupe leader simply cupped his hands and said, "Should I address you as a senior?"

"It's just a wild fox; there's no need for that."

Chen Ruoan introduced himself and exchanged a few polite words. The old troupe leader, seeing his apprentice standing beside him looking dazed and confused, became furious again: "You don't know any manners at all! Why don't you bow to your senior? Have you been fooled by your appearance?"

"What are you looking at? Who likes this kind of thing? I'm not the kind of person who talks about men and women..." Xia Liuqing muttered.

A painful incident that had occurred within the troupe touched a nerve with the old troupe leader, and he raised his hand to strike again.

Chen Ruoan closed her umbrella and blocked the falling slap: "Children speak without thinking, there's no need to hit so hard."

The fox noticed several tangled black lines between the old troupe leader and Xia Liuqing, and thought to itself:

The violent nature of the "villain" who would later cause the deaths of 91 innocent people was somewhat related to his upbringing and education.

“Senior An, you can’t teach a boy to be successful without a beating. This kid is stubborn as a mule.”

Chen Ruoan glanced at the "monkey" covered in powder, and Xia Liuqing put her hands on her hips and said, "I want to play Erlang Shen!"

Yes, she's quite stubborn.

Chapter 41 A Strange Fate

"I want to play Erlang Shen!" Xia Liuqing repeated a few more times. Throwing a tantrum in front of outsiders is a common trick children use to coerce their elders.

The fox wasn't buying it and said calmly, "Erlang Shen isn't the violent, unruly rogue he seems. He's actually upright, honest, and principled."

"Since you're going to play him, honing your basic skills is your duty. Shouldn't you learn from Erlang Shen to have a righteous heart and act with propriety?"

"I heard you injured a fellow disciple. You're so young and impulsive and easily angered. You're nothing like Erlang Shen."

Children have their tricks, and adults have their methods.

Throughout history, the methods for dealing with naughty children have been largely similar; what parents cannot control, certain childhood idols can.

For example, some people idolize Sun Wukong, some want to become light, and some want to wear a transformation device on their waist and shout "Transform!"...

When a child makes a mistake, saying "Sun Wukong, Ultraman Tiga, and Armor Heroes would never do that" is more effective than scolding or beating.

Xia Liuqing buried her head in thought, unusually deep in thought.

His master taught him the "mask of divinity," but he was still far from being able to complete the look. Wasn't it because he didn't have a true god in his heart?

Once the facial makeup is applied, the actor and the role become one. Naturally, one must think what Erlang Shen thinks and do what Erlang Shen does. By merging one's own personality with artistic characteristics, one becomes a deity.

"I understand! From now on, I will be Erlang Shen, the Erlang Manifestation True Lord who is proficient in seventy-three transformations, upright and incorruptible, and loyal and righteous."

Xia Liuqing puffed out her chest, looking quite arrogant.

The old troupe leader, upon seeing this, was both angry and amused.

So you're the kind of guy who only responds to gentle persuasion, huh? If I'd known that, all those feather dusters and mop handles in the crew would have been wasted!

"Senior An, this kid has good aptitude and lots of ideas. Sometimes I really can't help but lose my temper."

"Thanks to you for pointing out the key point."

As expected of a fox that's been around for a hundred years, its eyes are indeed sharp and discerning.

Chen Ruoan replied, "That's all I have to say. When it comes to acting and performing, you are the senior."

"Is the old troupe leader an actor?"

"Yes."

In this world, entertainers are also called "shamans," a type of shaman. Shamans can communicate with "gods" through song and dance, using their own lives to portray the gods.

If you act until you believe that you can transform yourself into a god, you can borrow the power of the gods.

Shamans can also steal people's faith power through unknown methods, thereby generating a kind of power originating from faith. The divine consciousness that arises on this basis is "divinity".

Chen Ruoan was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked with a smile, "I wonder if there are any great performers of the role of the Goddess of Mount Tai in the old troupe leader's circle?"

The fox's thoughts were simple: it wanted to grab a shaman and ask him what the so-called belief in gods and immortals was like, and whether it was more advanced than the incense the fox ate.

It would be even better if Wu You, who plays the role of Lady Taishan, were present.

Foxes lick their fur, and they also lick the queen.

The old troupe leader was a famous opera master, possessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. He immediately began to explain: "There is a Hebei Bangzi opera called 'Bixia Niangniang,' which tells the story of Bixia Yuanjun's background, cultivation, and deeds of saving people from suffering."

"In Shandong Lüju opera, there is a play called 'Yuanjun Blessing,' which tells the story of protecting the people and bestowing blessings and children. Henan has 'The Old Mother of Mount Tai,' and Fujian has the puppet show 'Mount Tai'..."

"There are no great masters of performance."

The last sentence almost choked Chen Ruoan to death.

If you don't have it, just say so. Why go through all that explanation?

What's the difference between this and going to an antique appraisal shop where the expert talks at length about their knowledge, only to conclude with "new, brand new"?

Chen Ruoan stopped dwelling on the matter of the goddess of Mount Tai and asked about the old stories of Shiniu Village. The old troupe leader had traveled all over the country and there were indeed people in the troupe who were familiar with the local area.

The man said that in 1924, an army passed through Suzhou. The soldiers conscripted laborers, seized civilian houses, and set fire to them during their retreat. Many villages became battlefields, including Shiniu Village.

The villagers were either forced to do odd jobs like pulling firecrackers or fled to other places.

Upon hearing the statement, Chen Ruoan tapped his abdomen.

Jiang Gui's voice came from inside: "I know. If that child is like me, he's clever enough. He'll be fine."

Should we look again?

"As you said, if we are destined to meet again, we will surely meet again. Let's think about the rest of our brothers."

"Well."

Chen Ruoan thanked her and, before leaving, pressed Xia Liuqing's head, saying, "Don't pay attention to other people's gossip. You have excellent talent and will become a star sooner or later."

According to the original storyline, Xia Liuqing was indeed very popular, but she gave up her promising career for Jin Feng.

Jin Feng was obsessed with Wu Gensheng her whole life, and Xia Liuqing never won the heart of the man she loved, even in her old age.

To this, Chen Ruoan only wants to say—

Should!

A simp will end up with nothing.

But it's different for a fox licker.

Xia Liuqing nodded, clenched her fists, and gave the fox a guarantee: "Thanks to Senior An's few words today, once I become a famous performer, I'll sing a few shows for you for free!"

"Okay, it's a deal."

The fox didn't mind wasting its breath, but considering Xia Liuqing's violent temper and the ninety-one innocent lives that had been lost, a thought began to form in its mind—

If we can stop him here and teach him to curb his violent temper, it would be a good way to build up some positive karma.