Chapter 3: The Weasel's Trick

As the first streaks of dawn peeked through the curtains, Yun stirred from his slumber, feeling an unprecedented surge of energy coursing through him. The Fox Fairy's gift from the night before had him itching for the adventure ahead.

Deciding to check out the mysterious stone in the bamboo thicket, Yun slipped out of his home and navigated the quiet streets to the forest. But when he reached the clearing, he found the stone was nowhere to be seen.

"Weird. Where'd the stone vanish to?" Yun muttered, his brow furrowed with uncertainty.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence, drawing his attention. Yun peered into the shadows and spotted a weasel skulking about, its eyes gleaming with mischief.

"What're you after, kid?" the weasel piped up, its voice sharp as a whistle.

Yun took a step back, caught off guard by a talking weasel. "I'm looking for a glowing green stone," he explained cautiously.

The weasel's grin turned sly. "Ah, that old rock? I know where it is. But first, you gotta do me a favor."

Yun's heart skipped a beat. He remembered the Fox Fairy's warning about facing tests on the path to Immortal Cultivation. "What kind of favor?" he asked warily.

The weasel nodded toward a nearby field. "There's an old hen over there with some golden eggs. Fetch 'em for me, and I'll spill the beans on the stone."

Yun hesitated. Stealing felt wrong, but the stone meant everything to him. Before he could respond, he caught a glint of cunning in the weasel's eyes, setting off alarm bells in his head.

"Nah, can't do it," Yun said firmly.

The weasel's grin faded, replaced by a scowl. "Stubborn brat. You'll regret this," it sneered before slinking off into the forest.

Yun realized he'd dodged a bullet. This weasel had ulterior motives, and he wasn't about to play into its hand. With newfound insight into the trials ahead, Yun turned on his heel and headed home, resolved to stay true to his principles.

Sharing the day's events with his parents, Yun's father offered sage advice. "You did right, Yun. Immortal Cultivation isn't just about power—it's about integrity. No matter what tests come your way, stay true to yourself."

Yun nodded, inspired by his father's words. He understood now that strength of character was just as crucial as strength of body on the path to Immortal Cultivation. With determination burning bright, he vowed to become a cultivator of both power and righteousness.

Meanwhile, in a shadowy corner of the town, the weasel whispered conspiratorially with its cronies, plotting its next scheme. Yun's journey had only just begun, and it was bound to be anything but ordinary.