Chapter 6: The Ghost Mask Selects Its Master (Part II)

Every face among those attending the grand sacrificial ceremony was solemn and serious beyond measure. The heavenly fox royal family members participating in the selection had, for once, donned the ceremonial robes reserved for the rite. The pristine white, high-quality Cloud Mourning satin bore faint pink peach blossom patterns that shimmered subtly beneath the surface. If one were to describe it with a single word, it would be “beautiful”—beautiful garments complementing beautiful people, and beautiful people set against a beautiful scene.

The elders conducting the ritual gathered around the ghostly mask at the center of the altar, singing and dancing while softly chanting words nearly impossible for most to decipher. As the dance ended and the singing ceased, the faint, hazy purple light that had lingered on the mask suddenly surged upward, shooting straight into the clouds. As the purple light ascended, it gradually expanded its reach, and the altar below became a canvas for a spreading array of magical patterns—among them, the same peach blossom motifs.

Everyone held their breath in awe at this moment. As the purple light dimmed slightly, the elders gestured for the princes and princesses to approach the altar one by one. The heirs of the heavenly fox tribe stepped forward, each attempting to wear the ghostly mask. Some could not even lift the mask, others were pushed away before they could get close, and none were able to fit it upon their faces. The once hopeful hearts of the heavenly fox clan grew anxious and restless—how could this be? Every prince and princess had tried, yet none succeeded. Could it be that the line of the heavenly fox clan was truly doomed to end here?

Just as despair settled over the crowd, the Fox Emperor calmly spoke, “Wait. Don’t we still have one child left?”

The Fox Empress, biting her handkerchief with a hint of melancholy, blinked and responded, “You mean Lian?”

The Fox Emperor smiled meaningfully. “Exactly.”

The Empress and those beside her fell into deep thought. It was not that she distrusted Lian, but he had shown no talent whatsoever for the clan’s sacred arts—indeed, he was even less gifted than the ordinary foxes. Moreover, Lian was currently recovering from injuries and unable to participate in the sacrificial ceremony.

The Fox Emperor gently patted the Empress’s hand resting on her lap and pointed toward a distant direction. “Don’t worry. Look, isn’t Lian approaching?”

The Empress looked up in surprise. Indeed, a small, dark figure was steadily making its way toward them. The crowd followed her gaze, and someone shouted loudly, “Look! It’s the young prince, Bai Lian!”

That shout ignited the previously silent crowd into a frenzy.

“Yes! We still have a young prince! The heavenly fox clan still has an heir!”

“Don’t mention it! Can he really manage? He couldn’t even pass the basic trials—how can he bear the heavy responsibility of leading the entire clan?”

“Exactly. If it’s just him, is there any hope left for our clan?”

Amid the rising doubts, a shocking scene unfolded. The purple light on the ghostly mask flared up again, trembling as if a newborn child had just learned to walk. Staggering and wavering, it suddenly took flight.

With a sharp whoosh, the purple light shot toward Bai Lian’s direction. The white mist that carried him was caught off guard and faltered, causing him to fall beside the altar. As he prepared to stand, cries erupted around him. Focusing, he saw Bai Lian wearing the ghostly mask, encircled by the purple light, landing steadily atop the altar. The light dispersed suddenly, and the crowd below snapped back to reality, all kneeling simultaneously and proclaiming in unison, “Long live the Crown Prince!”

Bai Lian’s eyes were clouded with confusion. He had no idea what had just happened. Standing frozen at the altar’s center wearing the coveted ghostly mask, he accepted the bowing of the masses.

The Empress, stunned, tugged at the Fox Emperor’s sleeve. “What are we to do now?”

The Fox Emperor smiled calmly. “Heaven’s will cannot be defied.” With that, he ascended the altar and stood beside Bai Lian. “Hereby, I declare that the Crown Prince of the heavenly fox clan is none other than young prince Bai Lian. The heir has been chosen; the sacrificial ceremony is concluded.”

Finally regaining some composure, Bai Lian’s voice trembled as he asked, “Father, could there be some mistake?”

The Fox Emperor placed a steady hand on Bai Lian’s shoulder. “Don’t panic, Lian. I went through the same path. You’ll get used to it. Now, with the ghostly mask aiding you, everything will be twice as effective with half the effort. There is no need to worry—just do your best.”

Bai Lian nodded, feeling the warmth of the people’s support. By the time night fell, he had returned to the palace with his father, mother, and older siblings.

Once assured of his safety, his brothers and sisters dispersed, leaving him alone with his father in the courtyard.

In Bai Lian’s memory, his father always wore a smile—composed and unshaken by honor or disgrace. Bai Lian longed to be like him. Yet now, standing so close, he felt nervous and uncertain, still dazed from the events surrounding his coronation. With nowhere to put his hands or feet, he fidgeted awkwardly.

Seeing this, the Fox Emperor took Bai Lian’s hand and led him to a wooden chair in the courtyard. “Now that you are the Crown Prince of the heavenly fox clan, there are some things you can no longer take lightly.”

Hearing this, Bai Lian looked up, and strangely, the word “take lightly” reminded him of the many times he had been rescued by benefactors only to cause them trouble.

The Fox Emperor raised his hand, stroking the mark between Bai Lian’s brows. Normally, this mark only appeared when a heavenly fox revealed its true form, but ever since Bai Lian donned the ghostly mask—and even after it disappeared—the mark remained. This peach blossom emblem was distinct from those of their kin, suggesting the mask had forged a unique bond with Lian.

With the ghostly mask, Lian’s life was secure. Yet such powerful artifacts were notorious among the elders: if one lacked the ability to match the mask’s power, the blessing could turn into a curse.

An innocent man bears no guilt, yet precious jewels invite peril.

Before the Fox Emperor could speak further, Bai Lian, his eyes firm and resolute, declared, “Father, I will enter seclusion to cultivate.”

The Fox Emperor was momentarily taken aback, then his eyes shone with pride. “If my son can say that, the heavenly fox clan’s future will surely flourish.”

He pondered a moment. “In that case, delay not. I shall immediately send forth those tasked with preparing for your cultivation. When you return, we shall celebrate together with the heavens and hold your formal investiture.”

Bai Lian smiled gently, obediently replying, “I will follow your instructions.”

***

In the Celestial Realm, within the Pavilion of Longing,

Freed from the old ghost’s torment, the Matchmaker God was now utterly carefree. Yet since Lan Li’s arrival, something felt different—this was the first time he had ever been so openly fond of anyone, or rather, any spirit.