Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 256: Húxiān

Chapter 256: Húxiān

The footsteps beyond the tree line grew closer, accompanied by the soft rustle of fabric against leaves.

Grim tensed, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword while the dark mana responded to his heightened alertness.

"Peace," a melodious voice called from the shadows. "I mean no harm to either of you."

A figure emerged from the forest, and both Grim and Ruxi froze in recognition—though for different reasons.

The woman who stepped into the clearing was breathtakingly beautiful in ways that defied normal description.

Her hair flowed down to her knees. Her eyes looked just like Ruxi’s.

She wore robes that seemed to be woven from moonlight itself, the fabric shifting between silver and pale blue as she moved. Nine magnificent tails swayed behind her, each one more luxurious than any Grim had seen among anyone in this realm.

Grim found himself staring, unable to look away from the most beautiful woman he had ever encountered. Even Ruxi, who had always seemed perfection incarnate, paled in comparison to this ethereal figure.

Ruxi’s reaction was immediate and dramatic. She dropped to her knees, pressing her forehead to the ground in a gesture of complete prostration.

"Honored Húxiān," she whispered, her voice filled with reverence and barely controlled awe. "This humble servant greets you."

"Ruxi," Grim said, confused by her sudden submission. "What are you—"

"Rise, child," the woman—Húxiān—said with gentle amusement. "Such formality is unnecessary between us."

Ruxi slowly lifted her head but remained kneeling. "I would not dare presume, Divine One."

Divine One? Grim’s mind raced as he tried to understand what was happening. The woman’s presence felt different from any fox spirit he had encountered—something more powerful, and more ancient.

"And you must be Lord Ambrose," Húxiān said, turning her attention to Grim. Her voice carried musical qualities that made every word seem like a melody. "I have been most interested in observing your progress."

"You’re the one who has been watching us," Grim realized, though he remained sitting despite the obvious expectation that he should kneel.

"Among others, yes," she confirmed with a smile that could have melted stone. "Your cultivation methods are... fascinating. As is your struggle with the corruption you carry."

The casual mention of his dark mana sent a chill through Grim. If this being could perceive his condition so easily, she was far more powerful than anyone at the fox spirit court.

"Who are you?" he asked directly, ignoring Ruxi’s sharp intake of breath at his bluntness.

Húxiān laughed, the sound like silver bells dancing on a spring breeze. "Direct as always. I appreciate that quality in mortals. I am Húxiān, patron deity of the fox spirit realm."

Not a god, but something close—a divine being with power that transcended mortal understanding.

No wonder Ruxi had prostrated herself.

"You don’t know who she is," Ruxi said urgently, her voice carrying both awe and concern. "Húxiān is the goddess of wealth, health, love, and fertility. She guides our realm’s fortune and protects our people’s welfare."

"Among other things," Húxiān added with mysterious amusement. "I also have associations with seduction, transformation, and wisdom. Rather fitting for our current situation, wouldn’t you say?"

Grim found himself caught between the urge to bow and the instinct to remain alert. Divine beings were dangerous by nature, regardless of their apparent benevolence.

"What do you want?" he asked, keeping his voice respectful but firm.

"To offer assistance," Húxiān replied, moving closer with steps that seemed to barely touch the ground. "I have observed your struggle with the dark mana corruption. It grows stronger with each manifestation, threatening to consume your mind."

"I’m managing it," Grim said, though the words sounded hollow even to him.

"Are you?" she asked with gentle skepticism. "Today’s incident at the training ground suggests otherwise. How long before you lose control completely and harm someone you care about?"

The question struck at his deepest fears. The corruption was growing stronger, and his control was becoming increasingly tenuous.

"I can help you," Húxiān continued, her voice carrying promises of relief from the burning chaos in his veins. "I can teach you to seal the dark mana in one of your mana hearts, containing its influence while allowing you to access its power when needed."

"At what cost?" Grim asked immediately. Divine assistance always came with a price.

"Smart question," she acknowledged with approval. "I would require your commitment to intensive training under my guidance. The process will be challenging."

"That’s all?" Grim asked suspiciously.

"Not quite," Húxiān admitted with a smile that showed she had expected his wariness. "I would also provide you with something else you need—a contract."

Grim was shocked that a diety was very willing to help him so casually.

"Humans cannot learn sword daos without a contract," he said, understanding the magnitude of what she was offering.

"Indeed," she confirmed. "Power that could help you protect those you care about."

Grim felt the dark mana stirring in response to his emotional state. The offer was tempting beyond measure, but divine gifts were notorious for their hidden complications.

"And in exchange for this training and contract?" he pressed.

"Your success in integrating with fox spirit society," Húxiān replied. "I have grown fond of Princess Ruxi, and I believe your union would benefit both our peoples. If you accept my offer, I will ensure the council approves your marriage petition."

The promise sent shock waves through both Grim and Ruxi. Divine intervention in council politics would guarantee success, but it would also mean owing a debt to a being whose power was almost incomprehensible.

"You’re offering to manipulate the council?" Grim asked.

"I’m offering to provide guidance that helps them see the wisdom of the decision," Húxiān corrected diplomatically. "The council respects my judgment on matters affecting our realm’s welfare."

Grim looked at Ruxi, who was watching him with obvious hope and concern. The offer could solve his immediate problems while providing long-term benefits that would secure their future together.

"It’s dangerous," he said finally. "Accepting help from beings of your power usually comes with consequences that aren’t immediately apparent."

"All power comes with consequences," Húxiān acknowledged. "The question is whether you’re willing to accept them in exchange for the benefits."

"What exactly would this training involve?" Grim asked.

"Learning to harmonize the dark mana with your natural mana rather than fighting it," she explained. "The corruption isn’t inherently evil—it’s simply power without proper structure. With the right techniques, it can be contained and directed."

"And the sword dao contract?"

"It would be unique to you, and how strong it is and how many is solely based on your own power."

Grim weighed the offer carefully. The benefits were enormous, but the potential risks were equally significant. Accepting would mean placing himself under the authority of a divine being whose ultimate agenda remained unclear.

"I need time to consider—" he began.

"Grim," Ruxi interrupted urgently. "You don’t understand who you’re speaking to. This is an opportunity that will never come again. Húxiān’s offers are not made lightly, and refusing them would be unwise."

"You believe I should accept?" he asked her directly.

"I believe you should trust her," Ruxi replied firmly. "She has protected our realm for centuries. If she offers to help you, it’s because she believes your success serves a greater purpose."

Húxiān watched their exchange with obvious amusement. "The princess speaks wisely. My interests and yours align more closely than you might expect."

"In what way?" Grim asked.

"The corruption you carry represents a threat not just to you, but to the stability of multiple realms," she explained. "Left unchecked, it could spread and cause damage that goes far beyond personal suffering. Helping you control it serves everyone’s interests."

The explanation made sense, but it also revealed the scope of the problem he was facing. If divine beings were concerned about the corruption’s potential impact, his situation was more serious than he had realized.

"If I accept," he said slowly, "what guarantees do I have that the training won’t change me in ways I don’t want?"

"None," Húxiān replied with refreshing honesty. "Power always changes those who wield it. The question is whether you want to control that change or allow it to happen randomly."

"And the council?"

"Will approve your petition unanimously," she confirmed. "Though they will believe they reached the decision through their own deliberations."

Grim looked at Ruxi again, seeing the hope and trust in her eyes. The offer represented everything he needed to secure their future together, but accepting would mean placing his fate in the hands of a being whose true motivations remained mysterious.

"I need your word that the training won’t compromise my core identity," he said finally.

"You have it," Húxiān replied solemnly. "I have no interest in creating a puppet. What I offer will enhance your abilities while preserving your essential nature."

The promise felt genuine, though Grim knew that divine beings could interpret such oaths in unexpected ways.

"Very well," he said, making the decision that would change everything. "I accept your offer."

Húxiān’s smile could have lit up the entire forest. "Excellent. We begin tomorrow evening. Meet me at the sacred grove beyond the palace grounds when the moon reaches its zenith."

As quickly as she had appeared, Húxiān began to fade back into the forest shadows. "Until tomorrow, Lord Ambrose. Princess Ruxi."

"Wait," Grim called out. "How do I know this isn’t some elaborate test or trap?"

Húxiān paused, her expression becoming more serious. "Because, young lord, I have already invested too much in your success to allow you to fail now. Your future and the future of this realm are more intertwined than you realize."

With that cryptic statement, she vanished completely, leaving only the sound of the waterfall and the lingering scent of cherry blossoms in the air.