Chapter 28 - Third Sister, How Foolish You Are!

Chapter 28: Third Sister, How Foolish You Are!

“You want me to save your elder brother? Where is he?”

At the mention of the three-tailed white fox’s elder brother, an image of a six-tailed fox demon emerged in Xiao Yu’s mind.

The six-tailed fox demon had once risked his life to rescue their mother, storming the foremost immortal sect of the Southern Frontier alone. In the end, he was gravely wounded by a Nascent Soul cultivator, leaving him with a chronic condition. Despite his failure, his filial devotion was commendable.

“He’s in the Lava Cavern, Immortal Master. Please allow me to lead you there,” the three-tailed white fox said eagerly.

Noticing a glimmer of willingness in Xiao Yu’s expression, she grasped at the hope it offered, desperate to guide him.

The nine-tailed fox clan’s cultivation was reflected in the number of their tails. With her three tails, this fox had cultivated for barely a century—equivalent to a human child in terms of maturity. Her thoughts were simple: she believed Xiao Yu to be a good person and trusted him enough to bring him to her brother.

“Very well, lead the way.”

Xiao Yu had been moved by the sibling bond when he first read about them in the original tale. Besides, he was curious to visit the Lava Cavern and claim the system reward associated with it.

“This way, Immortal Master.”

The three-tailed fox transformed into a gust of demonic wind and glided into the depths of the Black Forest.

Xiao Yu followed at a leisurely pace on his

Lightweight Immortal Sword

. They soon left the forest behind, arriving at the desolate remnants of an abandoned mine.

Descending into the mine, they flew deeper and deeper along the tunnels. The temperature began to rise, the air growing thick with heat.

After the time it takes for a single incense stick to burn, the scene ahead turned a fiery red. A vast underground lava lake came into view.

Checkpoint!

Upon reaching the lava lake, Xiao Yu immediately activated the system.

Ding!

“Host has successfully checked in at the Lava Lake. Reward: one bottle of Nine Suns Explosive Flame Pill!”

The Nine Suns Explosive Flame Pill was a pill refined from the essence of subterranean lava, containing the purest fire-elemental spiritual energy. It is the nemesis of all cold-attribute techniques. For those afflicted with cold-related ailments, this pill eradicates the affliction instantly. For healthy individuals, it enhances cultivation, strengthens the body, eliminates disease, and eradicates chronic conditions.

“Enhances cultivation, does it?”

Xiao Yu retrieved the bottle from his system inventory, popped the cap, and poured a pill into his palm. Without hesitation, he tossed it into his mouth, chewing and swallowing it.

“Hmm, it did enhance my strength, though only slightly.”

Although he felt a surge of power after consuming the pill, the improvement was marginal—nowhere near enough to push him to the next breakthrough.

“Immortal Master, my elder brother is just ahead. Please, follow me.”

The three-tailed fox smiled politely at Xiao Yu before stepping onto the molten path leading to the lake’s centre.

Xiao Yu followed, his steps steady despite the searing heat beneath him. Together, they traversed the path to the heart of the lava lake, where a rocky platform stood.

At the centre of the platform, a depression had been carved into the stone, resembling a bed. Curled within it was a strikingly handsome man, seemingly in a deep slumber.

The man’s lashes were extraordinarily long, and he appeared unaware that his younger sister had returned—let alone that she had brought a Golden Core cultivator with her.

Even in sleep, the man’s face betrayed signs of suffering, as though his chronic condition plagued him relentlessly. Like his sister, he had tails—six of them swaying faintly behind him.

“Elder Brother, wake up. It’s me, your Third Sister. Wake up,” the three-tailed fox called gently, crouching by his side. Her voice brimmed with tenderness, as though soothing a child, soft and full of care.

“Third Sister…”

The six-tailed fox stirred, turning over and slowly rising to his feet.

Xiao Yu noted the frost coating the spot where the fox had lain—a startling sight amidst the scorching heat of the lava lake. Just how cold was his body?

“Elder Brother, this is an Immortal Master I invited from outside. He’s a kind person willing to help you detoxify the poison and heal your injuries,” the three-tailed fox explained softly.

“You brought someone here?”

The six-tailed fox’s eyes widened in alarm, his expression instantly turning wary.

He quickly noticed the human cultivator standing behind his sister. The man’s powerful aura marked him as a Golden Core cultivator.

“I am Xiao Yu, a disciple of Tianyong City,” Xiao Yu introduced himself calmly. “I have learned detoxification techniques from my sect. While passing through Blackrock Town, I had the fortune of meeting your sister. Upon hearing of your ailment, I came to see if I might help. Even if I cannot cure your condition entirely, I may be able to alleviate your pain.”

Aware of the fox’s animosity toward humans, Xiao Yu kept his tone as gentle as possible.

However, the six-tailed fox snapped, “Humans are all vile! I don’t need your hypocritical charity. Leave! You’re not welcome here!”

His hatred was not unfounded. His mother had been sealed away by humans, and the injuries that plagued him were inflicted by them as well. His bitterness ran deep.

“Elder Brother!”

The three-tailed fox hurried to plead with him. “This Immortal Master is a good man. Let him try. Perhaps he can ease your pain, if not cure you. Even the slightest relief would be worthwhile.”

It had taken her great effort to find someone willing to help. If her brother drove Xiao Yu away now, who knew when—or if—another opportunity would arise?

“Third Sister, how foolish you are!”