Moonseeking

Chu Shihan moved like lightning. Before the Flame Fox could recover from its panic, he had already flashed to its side, seized the fur at the back of its neck with unerring precision, and mercilessly lifted the entire little ball of fiery-red fur into the air.

"Squeak—! You damned brat, let me go!" The Flame Fox yelped sharply in pain, its four paws clawing wildly and uselessly through the air, yet it could not so much as touch the hem of Chu Shihan's robes.

"Speak. Where is my junior brother?"

"Why should I tell you?" After struggling for a moment, the Flame Fox suddenly stopped thrashing. It turned its head away indignantly, squeezed its eyes shut, and pressed its pointed muzzle tight. No matter how Chu Shihan questioned it, it merely stiffened its neck and put on an unyielding, rather-die-than-submit posture, certain that he would not truly harm it.

Chu Shihan expressionlessly examined its silent resistance. The fingers gripping the fur at its neck tightened slightly, the force seeping through its coat and making the Flame Fox shudder.

His other hand leisurely settled over his sword hilt. His distinct knuckles tapped lightly against the cold scabbard, every soft sound striking against the Flame Fox's taut nerves.

Shing—!

A clear sword cry tore through the silence. The snow-bright blade slid three inches from its sheath, and its biting chill, as tangible as a physical thing, instantly stung the Flame Fox's tightly shut eyelids and sensitive lashes.

"Squeak—!"

"I'll lead you! I'll take you there!"

The Flame Fox's fur exploded outward at once. It no longer dared pretend to be tough, its limbs flailing frantically in midair as its voice took on a sobbing note. "You madman! Put that sword away!"

Only then did Chu Shihan sheathe his sword. His fingers swiftly