3 Chapter 3: The Extinct Phoenix Cloud Mink of a Hundred Years

Xi Xizhi ignored the big hand that kept smoothing her fur, quietly lying in An Honghan's embrace.

Time swiftly went by.

After yawning several times impatiently, her eyelids were about to close when suddenly, she was picked up, and found herself surrounded by kneeling ministers in the hall, all chanting in unison, "Long live Your Majesty, long, long live..."

The ministers' loud voices echoed in the hall, making Xi Xizhi's head dizzy.

So this is the so-called morning court? It's quite impressive, no wonder everyone in the world wanted to be an emperor.

"What're you looking at? If it weren't for the Jiu Kingdom envoy arriving today, I would have ended the court session early." An Honghan held the little mink still in his embrace, and left Jinluan Palace with Lin En, the Chief Steward, from the side of the dragon throne.

An Honghan's palm was large, almost able to wrap around her body with one hand. Xi Xizhi struggled a few times but couldn't break free, so she adjusted her position and lay comfortably in his embrace.

"You sure know how to enjoy yourself, little guy," An Honghan teased in his unique icy tone while pinching the mink's ear.

Xi Xizhi turned her head away, not bothering to look at An Honghan. She thought, I'm going to be stewed by you tonight anyway, it's no use resisting. It's better to save some energy and try to make a last effort instead.

After the court session, An Honghan went to his imperial study. Xi Xizhi was left by his side, and luckily, there were a few plates of pastries on the table. She sneaked some into her mouth while observing her new master. Watching his frown every now and then, Xi Xizhi sighed... It turns out being an emperor isn't easy either.

Between guarding against treasonous ministers and managing the country's affairs, ensuring the basic well-being of the nation—it was difficult being a human, let alone an emperor.

After having a full meal, Xi Xizhi rested on the writing desk, conserving her energy. Her watery eyes glanced at the memorials An Honghan was drafting, the characters twisted and curled. After a few glances, she realized she couldn't recognize the text of this kingdom and decided to meditate and regulate her spiritual power instead. Just as she moved her hind legs and was about to sit cross-legged, she stumbled and fell off the writing desk.

Although An Honghan was reviewing the memorials, he glanced at the little mink every once in a while. Thanks to his quick reflexes, he caught the little mink by the neck, preventing it from falling and getting hurt.

After pinching the mink's chubby leg, An Honghan said, "What are you trying to do, being restless like this?"

Xi Xizhi kicked away the hand that was squeezing her and was about to shout, 'I have to meditate!', but the words were stuck in her throat. Looking at her furry limbs, she couldn't help but face the fact that she was no longer human. How could she possibly sit cross-legged like a human? She didn't have legs, only animal limbs.

A wave of sadness washed over her, she thought, why did she have to turn into a little mink cub of all things? Going from a cultivator to a pet, was there anything more pathetic in this world?

What kind of karma did she create in her past life for the heavens to play such a joke on her?

How did demons cultivate their powers? They absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, steadied their foundation, passed the heavenly tribulation, and became immortal.

Xi Xizhi pondered her future cultivation path... it would be very difficult.

An Honghan thought the little mink was scared, so he stroked its head to comfort it.

Lin En had been waiting in the imperial study all along and watched the scene unfold, his eyes widening in disbelief. His Majesty was always cold and ruthless, even when killing his own brothers, he didn't change his expression. And now...comforting a cub? The sudden change surprised Lin En, who'd grown accustomed to His Majesty's cold demeanor, and made him regard the little mink with newfound respect.

It really was a spiritual item, no wonder His Majesty loved it so much.

Xi Xizhi didn't like being touched by others, and moved her furry head aside, dodging the big hand with ease.

Grabbing the little mink that was trying to escape, An Honghan's face darkened, "Being liked by me is a blessing you've cultivated through three lifetimes. Do I need to teach you a lesson so you can learn to behave and stay by my side obediently? If necessary, I'll break your legs, and see how you try to escape then."

Lin En's face stiffened. This was the His Majesty he knew! The earlier scene must have been an illusion! How could His Majesty have pity for a little pet?

It must have been a trick of the eyes, Lin En thought to himself repeatedly in his heart.

For her cultivation, Xi Xizhi had been living in seclusion in the mountains, rarely interacting with the outside world. Seeing the sudden sinister look on the person's face, she was frightened and her round body shrank back.

It's true, you can't judge a book by its cover. Her Master's words were right; just a moment ago, he had a handsome face that's now turned terrifying and sinister.

Indeed, humans were the most difficult beings to understand in the world.

"Now you're scared?" Seeing the little mink shivering, An Honghan calmed down and gently stroked its soft fur, "As long as you behave, I won't break your legs."

He held the little mink's paw, poking its rosy paw pads with his fingers. The touch was much better than he had imagined, and he couldn't help pinching it a few more times.

Xi Xizhi wanted to retract her paw. Her body was still fragile, having been born not too long ago. And the man was not gentle at all, pinching her paw hard enough to cause pain.

Chirping...

Xi Xizhi couldn't help but make a sound, attempting to stop the man's rough treatment.

However, he showed no reaction, continuing to manhandle her paw pads as if he hadn't heard her cries.

Xi Xizhi was mistreated, but had to bear with it because she was weak. Now she placed her furry head against the big hand and gently licked it, trying to awaken his conscience and leave her paw alone.

Feeling the wet touch on the back of his hand, An Honghan finally came to his senses.

The little mink stared at him with watery eyes, chirping softly, gently pulling her paw from his grasp.

As soon as the paw pad touched the ground, Xi Xizhi quickly retracted it. Damn that man; he didn't understand gentleness, and her paw was numb from the pain.