As the words fell, a clear, ethereal Spirit Light descended from the void and landed before Daji.
When the light faded, it revealed a daoist with an ape's head, clad in a pale yellow robe. He was Yuan Hong, leader of the Seven Fiends of Mount Mei.
His spirit eyes were sharp as blazing torches as he carefully examined Daji's aura from head to toe. A hint of surprise and scrutiny filled his gaze as he slowly spoke. "So it is the Nine-Tailed Fox of Xuanyuan Tomb. I never expected that, after several years apart, you would take human form and enter the palace, becoming the queen of Yin Shang. Speak. Why have you come to Mount Mei today?"
Suppressing the pain throughout her body, Daji curtsied respectfully. Her tone was earnest, without the slightest trace of insincerity. "Big Brother Yuan, we have known each other for some time. I came to call upon you today because circumstances are dire. Yin Shang is on the verge of collapse, Western Qi's troops are pressing at its borders, and Morning Song is in grave danger. I ask only that you and the righteous warriors of Mount Mei descend the mountain and lend Yin Shang your aid, turning the tide."
Yuan Hong's gaze flickered at her words. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before finally shaking it slowly. His tone was calm, but his stance resolute. "Nine-Tailed Fox, we are old acquaintances, so I will speak plainly. Though I have secluded myself on Mount Mei and paid no heed to worldly affairs, I have long seen through the situation in the Nine Provinces. The Shang Dynasty's fate has run its course, and the Great Trends of the Heavenly Dao now favor Western Qi. This is an unalterable conclusion. The Seven