boyutpedia Chapter 233 9 The Return of the Tanuki
Chapter 233 9 The Return of the Tanuki
Bathed in the gentle sunlight, the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom shimmered with a golden glow. In the imperial garden, flowers bloomed in profusion, their vibrant colors bursting forth. A light breeze stirred, and petals drifted down like a dreamlike rain of blossoms. Gu Liuli, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with delicate orchid patterns, a pale pink ribbon cinching her waist, perfectly accentuating her slender figure, strolled along a garden path. She gently toyed with a freshly picked rose, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.
"Your Highness, look how beautifully these peonies are blooming! They're blooming even better this year than in previous years," said Xiao Tao, a palace maid beside her, her eyes filled with joy.
Gu Liuli nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips: "Indeed, the peonies are blooming exceptionally beautifully this year." However, her smile did not reach her eyes, as her heart was still preoccupied with Jiuli Cat and the mission it bore.
Just then, a white figure streaked across the sky like lightning and landed on Gu Liuli's shoulder. It was the Nine-Tails, its fur as pure as snow, its nine tails swaying gently, each one seemingly brimming with vibrant life. Its little head nuzzled Gu Liuli's cheek, chirping incessantly, its voice clear and cheerful, as if it were telling her something.
"Little Nine, you're back!" Gu Liuli exclaimed with delight, her worry instantly vanishing and replaced by pure joy. She gently cradled the nine-tailed fox in her hands, examining it carefully, as if afraid it might have suffered even the slightest grievance. "How was it? Did the mission go smoothly?"
The small, exquisitely colored nine-tailed fox nodded with all its might, then let out a crisp, short "squeak," the sound echoing in the air like a cheerful melody. Then, like a bolt of lightning, it leaped swiftly from Gu Liuli's warm palm and landed steadily on the ground.
The Nine-Tails was exceptionally excited after landing. It ran and jumped freely on the ground, sometimes spinning rapidly, sometimes leaping high into the air, its agile figure like a joyful little elf. Its big, round eyes were shining brightly, like brilliant stars in the night sky, sparkling with pride and satisfaction, as if it were proudly showing Gu Liuli its fruitful achievements.
Standing to the side, Gu Liuli watched this lively and adorable scene unfold before her, a joyful smile spreading across her face. Her beautiful eyes were filled with contentment, as gentle and warm as the spring sun. She slowly crouched down, extending her slender, long fingers to gently stroke the nine-tailed cat's fluffy head. Her fingertips darted nimbly through the cat's soft, smooth fur, her movements as gentle as a breeze across a lake, as if afraid to disturb the little creature's happy time.
"It seems everything is going very smoothly," Gu Liuli said with a smile, her tone full of praise and affirmation for Jiuli Cat. Hearing its owner's praise, Jiuli Cat seemed to understand immediately. It stopped its playful antics, quickly ran to Gu Liuli's side, and affectionately rubbed against her palm. At the same time, a soft, melodious purr came from deep within its throat—its unique way of expressing joy and contentment.
Immediately afterward, the Nine-Tails nimbly leaped onto the exquisitely carved stone bench beside it and sat down properly. It tidied its slightly disheveled fur, then raised its head, its gaze fixed intently on Gu Liuli.
It began by describing the scene of finding the wolf king, the wolf king's hateful eyes and angry roar seeming to be right before her eyes. Gu Liuli listened quietly, a hint of worry in her eyes. When Jiu Li Mao recounted how it revealed the truth to the wolf king, a flicker of tension crossed Gu Liuli's eyes; she knew this would be a difficult persuasion.
"Xiao Jiu, how did you get the Wolf King to believe you?" Gu Liuli asked curiously.
Nine-Tanuki blinked, then gestured in the air with its paws, followed by a series of squeaks. It recounted how it displayed the images, how it patiently persuaded the Wolf King, and how it ultimately convinced the Wolf King to let go of his hatred and choose to help General Li escort the congratulatory gifts.
Gu Liuli listened, her face showing surprise and admiration: "Xiao Jiu, you did a fantastic job! If it weren't for you, this mission would probably not have gone so smoothly." Her voice was full of praise and gratitude, and she was extremely proud of Jiu Li Mao's abilities.
The nine-tailed cat, flattered by the praise, wagged its tail even more enthusiastically. It jumped back onto Gu Liuli's shoulder and nuzzled her ear with its head. Gu Liuli smiled, stood up, and continued her stroll in the garden.
"Xiao Jiu, when General Li returns, we must thank him properly," Gu Liuli said.
Nine-Tanuki nodded, squeaking as if in agreement. Its eyes gazed into the distance, as if it could already see General Li's triumphant return.
Before they knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and a magnificent sunset was spreading across the sky. The Imperial Garden was bathed in a breathtaking orange-red hue. Gu Liuli and Jiu Li Mao enjoyed this peaceful and beautiful time in the garden.
"Your Majesty, it's time for dinner," Xiao Tao gently reminded her.
Gu Liuli then came to her senses and nodded, "Okay, let's go back. Xiao Jiu, let's go eat something delicious."
Nine-Tails squeaked excitedly, jumping around on Gu Liuli's shoulder. Back in the palace, Gu Liuli had someone prepare Nine-Tails' favorite spiritual fruits and snacks. Nine-Tails ate with relish, occasionally glancing up at Gu Liuli, its eyes filled with happiness.
After dinner, Gu Liuli sat by the window, gazing at the night view outside, her heart filled with emotion. "Xiao Jiu, thanks to you this time, not only did you resolve a feud, but you also ensured the safe delivery of the congratulatory gift," she said softly.
Nine-Tanuki jumped onto Gu Liuli's lap, curled up into a ball, and purred softly. Exhausted, it gradually drifted off to sleep in Gu Liuli's warm embrace. Gu Liuli gently stroked Nine-Tanuki's fur, a tender smile on her face.
In the palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting warm, golden dapples that brightened and enlivened the palace. Little Nan Yi and Little Nan Yao, like two playful deer, chased and frolicked in the palace corridors, their clear laughter echoing in the air.
"Brother, wait for me!" Little Nan Yao strode along with her short legs, trying her best to catch up with Little Nan Yi in front of her. Her rosy face was filled with an innocent smile, and her eyes smiled into crescent moons, sparkling with lively light.
Xiao Nanyi stopped and turned to look at Xiao Nanyao, a doting smile on his face: "Yao'er, hurry up, let's go to the Imperial Garden to play with the little rabbits." His voice was clear and loud, full of vitality, like the cheerful chirping of birds in spring.
Just then, a snow-white figure flew over their heads like lightning and landed steadily on Xiao Nanyi's shoulder. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao were startled by the sudden movement. Upon closer inspection, they realized that it was Jiu Li Mao who had returned.
"Oh, it's Xiao Jiu!" Xiao Nanyao exclaimed in surprise, her eyes instantly brightening like twinkling stars in the night sky. She quickly ran over and reached out her little hand to pet the Nine-Tails. "Xiao Jiu, where have you been? We all missed you so much." Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of coquetry.
The nine-tailed cat affectionately rubbed against Xiao Nanyao's palm, squeaking as if responding to her longing. Its nine tails swayed gently, each one seemingly telling of its joy.
Xiao Nanyi smiled happily, gently stroking Jiu Li Mao's head, and said, "Xiao Jiu, you're finally back! We were so worried these past few days." His eyes were full of joy and concern, as if he were seeing a long-lost friend.
Nine-Tails jumped to the ground and circled happily around Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, squeaking incessantly as if recounting its adventures. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao crouched down, watching Nine-Tails intently, listening with great interest.
"Xiao Jiu, tell us quickly, where did you go? Did you encounter any fun things?" Xiao Nanyi asked curiously, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Nine-Tanuki tilted its head, thought for a moment, and then began to describe its adventure to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao with its agile body and rich expressions. When it talked about encountering the wolf king, it imitated the wolf king's fierce appearance, baring its teeth and claws, which frightened Xiao Nanyao so much that she screamed and clung tightly to Xiao Nanyi's arm.
"Brother, I'm so scared," Xiao Nanyao whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Xiao Nanyi patted Xiao Nanyao on the shoulder and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Yao'er, Xiao Jiu has already persuaded the Wolf King. Look how amazing Xiao Jiu is." His voice was calm and firm, giving Xiao Nanyao a great sense of security.
Nine-Tanuki then recounted its experience of escorting General Li with the Wolf King. It vividly described the battle scenes, sometimes leaping and sometimes waving its claws. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao listened with rapt attention, as if they were there themselves.
"Wow, Xiao Jiu, you're amazing!" Xiao Nanyi couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes full of admiration.
Xiao Nanyao clapped her hands and said excitedly, "Xiao Jiu, you are my great hero!" Her face was filled with admiration, and her love for Jiu Li Mao grew even stronger.
After telling the story, Nine-Tails jumped into Xiao Nanyao's arms and nuzzled her face affectionately. Xiao Nanyao happily hugged Nine-Tails and spun around a few times, her laughter echoing throughout the palace.
"Brother, let's go play in the Imperial Garden with Xiao Jiu," Xiao Nanyao suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Xiao Nanyi nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's go to the Imperial Garden and let Xiao Jiu see our new little rabbit." His face was also full of expectant smiles, eager to share their joy with Jiu Li Mao.
So, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao brought the Nine-Tails to the Imperial Garden. The Imperial Garden was a riot of color, with vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze and releasing a captivating fragrance. In the small pond, lotus leaves stretched out, and lotus flowers bloomed in profusion, creating a beautiful picture.
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao placed the Nine-Tails on the grass, and they chased butterflies together, their laughter echoing among the flowers. The Nine-Tails was not to be outdone; it ran happily across the grass, sometimes pouncing on butterflies, sometimes weaving through the flowers, having a wonderful time.
"Little Nine, come over here!" Xiao Nanyao called out, waving a small flower at Nine-Tails.
Hearing Xiao Nanyao's call, the Nine-Tails immediately ran over. It jumped up, trying to snatch the flower from Xiao Nanyao's hand. Xiao Nanyao laughed and raised her hand high, playing hide-and-seek with the Nine-Tails.
Xiao Nanyi watched them from the side, a happy smile on his face. He felt that this was the happiest moment of his life, with his sister and Jiuli Mao by his side, everything was so wonderful.
Tired from playing, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao sat on the grass, with Jiuli Mao quietly lying beside them. They looked at the white clouds in the sky together, sharing their little secrets.
"Brother, do you think Xiao Jiu will still go on adventures in the future?" Xiao Nanyao suddenly asked, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Xiao Nanyi thought for a moment and said, "Maybe, but Xiao Jiu is so powerful, it'll definitely be fine. Besides, we'll stay here and wait for it to come back." His voice was full of confidence, which reassured Xiao Nanyao a lot.
Nine-Tanuki seemed to understand their words. It raised its head, looked at Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, and squeaked twice, as if to say, "I will come back. I will not leave you."
As the sun set, a magnificent sunset painted the sky, bathing the Imperial Garden in a vibrant orange-red hue. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, accompanied by the Nine-Tails, reluctantly departed the Imperial Garden. Their laughter and the Nine-Tails' squeaks echoed through the palace, becoming a cherished memory.