“If you could defeat the old marsh Dragon Lord, then single-handedly take down three marsh dragons and claim victory, and even possess the power of the fox ancestor’s severed tail, why didn’t you exact your revenge as a nine-tailed fox earlier?” Song You asked.0

“First,” the woman replied calmly, her tone steady, “I pushed my limits as a fox demon to defeat the old marsh Dragon Lord. To then fight and overcome three marsh dragons in succession cost me a hundred years of my lifespan.1

“Second, the power of the ancestor’s severed tail is tyrannical and not something any fox can use lightly. When I left Yuezhou years ago, I hadn’t yet gained the ability to wield it. Even now that I can, using it still burns a hundred years of my lifespan.0

“Third, while the marsh dragons remained in Yuezhou, even with the power of the ancestor’s severed tail granting me the strength of an ancient great being, I had to be wary of the thousand-year willow tree in Yuezhou.”0

She spoke with clarity and reason, “Fourth, the ancestor’s severed tail is singular—there has only ever been one in existence. It has been passed down through the ages for thousands of years. Its significance lies in preserving our lineage amidst a world evolving into one dominated by Divine Dao. 0

“If I were...0