Chapter Twenty-One: The Division of Powers

Since the day before, when Yuan Wuji appointed ten centurions, the fox soldiers of the Fiery Cloud Cavern had become noticeably more enthusiastic than before. After the Fox Strategist arranged accommodations for a thousand fox soldiers, however, his influence over them was no longer what it once was.

The moment the Fox Strategist finished assigning duties, he instantly understood Yuan Wuji’s intention—this was a clear sign of distrust. Now, the fox soldiers were obviously allied with their respective centurions and obeyed Yuan Wuji’s every command.

Who had appointed these centurions? It was the King before them. As long as one performed well in the King’s presence, there was a chance to become the next centurion. And what did the Fox Strategist have to offer? Nothing at all. Why should they bother listening to him? This was the prevailing thought among all the demon soldiers of the Fiery Cloud Cavern.

But the Fox Strategist was not one to sit idly by. He too began to implement his own methods among the demon soldiers.

Among those handpicked by Yuan Wuji that day, Fox Three’s status among the soldiers rose above that of the other nine centurions. For the first time, Fox Three tasted the thrill that power could bring. Though his cultivation was not on par with some of the Ox Soldiers under the True Immortal of Fulfillment, he was still a leading figure among the foxes. Yet, he’d been relegated to serving tea to the Fox Strategist—a situation no one would find fair.

Naturally suspicious by nature, the Fox Strategist had previously avoided rewarding his subordinates for fear of a power grab. He had even placed the strongest Fox Three at his side to keep a close watch on him.

“Centurion, the Fox Strategist requests an audience,” a fox soldier under Fox Three announced, entering the newly assigned cavern residence Yuan Wuji had granted him.

Fox Three, still relishing the newfound authority, was surprised that the old fox had come to see him so soon.

“Let that old fellow in,” he replied. The fox soldier was not at all surprised to hear Fox Three refer to the Fox Strategist so dismissively. Their loyalties now lay with Fox Three, and above him, with the King; the Strategist no longer seemed relevant, and no one cared for his orders anymore.

“At once,” the soldier answered, going out to inform the Fox Strategist.

Waiting outside, the Fox Strategist had not expected to be blocked by the guards when seeking out Fox Three—a situation that had never happened before. It was a clear sign he needed to act quickly.

“You may enter now.”

“Hmph!” Now even the guards under Fox Three dared to show him attitude. The Fox Strategist swept into the room with a flick of his sleeves.

“So it’s you, Fox Xiao. What brings you here today?” Fox Three feigned surprise at the Strategist’s arrival.

“You—” The Fox Strategist was taken aback that Fox Three would dare address him by name, but remembering his purpose, he suppressed his irritation.

“Fox Three, now that you’ve been appointed Centurion by the King, you even have your own cavern,” Fox Xiao remarked, his smile not reaching his eyes.

“It’s only a matter of managing a hundred fox soldiers—unlike the Strategist, who still holds his title,” Fox Three replied, deliberately emphasizing the word “Strategist.”

“You… The King’s ambitions lie elsewhere. Are you sure you’ll remain Centurion for long?” Fox Xiao had come to win Fox Three over, determined to make his case even if it meant swallowing his pride, for otherwise, he might lose his chance to follow Yuan Wuji.

With Yuan Wuji’s trust, Fox Three now commanded half the strongest demon soldiers in the Fiery Cloud Cavern. Winning him would mean half the battle was won; from there, Fox Xiao could regain control, and, even if Yuan Wuji lost interest in the place, as its master, Fox Xiao would still retain a voice.

“Fox Xiao, you’re getting old. My affairs are not your concern, and the King’s business is even less so,” Fox Three retorted. Ambitious and sharp, he saw through Fox Xiao’s schemes at once. Younger and more driven, Fox Three viewed Fox Xiao’s ambitions as only the beginning of his own.

So when Fox Xiao tried to recruit him, Fox Three refused without hesitation. Having just tasted power, why would he stoop to serve under Fox Xiao again?

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Fox Xiao snapped, his fake smile vanishing as he stormed out.

Fox Xiao had thought the worst outcome would be that Fox Three would at least take some time to consider. After all, Fox Three had once served him tea and seemed close; that’s why he’d approached him first. He hadn’t expected Fox Three to reject him outright and even use Yuan Wuji as a threat.

After Fox Xiao left, Fox Three wore a thoughtful expression.

“The old fellow does have a point—he’s given me a warning. A mere centurion is hardly enough for me. He’s clever, but his biggest mistake was telling me so.”

Lately, both Fox Three and Fox Xiao had been visiting the residences of the other centurions, a fact not lost on Yuan Wuji. This was exactly the outcome he desired. He had no time to manage the trivialities of the Fiery Cloud Cavern. Though Fox Xiao no longer held direct authority, his reputation still swayed the centurions, and Fox Three’s troops were the strongest, giving him considerable influence as well.

After Yuan Wuji’s departure, the cavern had become polarized rather than dominated by a single power—a clear outcome of his deliberate decision.

“Great King, Fox Three and Fox Xiao have been frequenting my quarters lately. I suspect—” a centurion reported to Yuan Wuji.

“Let them stir up trouble if they wish. If you want to join them, I won’t interfere,” Yuan Wuji replied impassively, leaving the centurion uncertain of his true intentions.

“Then I’ll take my leave,” the centurion said, unable to read Yuan Wuji, and returned to his own cavern to ponder his situation.

Truly, these foxes are cunning—each with their own agenda. It seems that even if I’m away, the Fiery Cloud Cavern won’t fall under the sole control of Fox Three or Fox Xiao. I’ve underestimated this band of fox spirits.

Sure enough, after that day, the powers within the Fiery Cloud Cavern became more entangled than ever. But as far as Yuan Wuji was concerned, the more chaotic, the better. Once his cultivation advanced, he would suppress any and all factions.

He wondered whether his earlier words had served as a warning to these fox spirits—not to be a pack of infighters. Otherwise, he wouldn’t need them to destroy each other; he’d simply cut them down himself. Perhaps, in the end, he would slay every last fox spirit in the cavern, keeping only those he could truly trust by his side, rather than a pack of ungrateful wolves.