Gungun could not help sighing. Then he waved a hand and told Hou Yi, "Great Shaman, sorry for the trouble, but take my decree down to the mortal realm. Say that Yao Ji willingly surrendered herself to death for her children, and that I was deeply moved by her maternal love. As a special favor to the Yang siblings, I shall show leniency. Every being who took part in splitting Peach Mountain shall receive eighty strokes of the rod, then be released. From then on, let them roam freely to the ends of the earth."
The corner of Hou Yi's eye twitched. He grumbled inwardly, You, merciful? You had no small hand in pushing Yao Ji toward her death. Still... she brought it on herself. As Haotian's younger sister, she received the title of the Heavenly Court's eldest princess for nothing. Then she had to bear every consequence that came with that title!
Then Hou Yi answered Gungun, "All right. I'll see to it now."
With that, Hou Yi turned and walked out of the palace.
After he left, Gungun looked at the fox in the cage before him and said, "You're very sad. You miss that male fox called Fifth Brother, don't you? There's really no need. A severed red thread doesn't always mean regret. Perhaps it's a new beginning. Love wounds the body, and parting hurts the heart. For beings like us, with limitless lifespans, a beginning but no end, taking everything in stride is the best way to live."
As he spoke, a warm smile appeared on Gungun's great, chubby face. He said softly, "Ah, another beautiful day!"
Hearing Gungun's words, Fox Sister, who was grieving deeply over her lover's death, could not help sobbing. "This lowly demon cannot sever all affection and abandon all love as