Chapter 16
“…I may not know much about human appearances, but even I can tell that face is wrong.”
“What—what?! I spent so much effort crafting this face to charm every human alive! San-gun, you don’t know anything!!”
“That’s exactly why it’s wrong. Tsk, tsk… how can a mighty spirit beast wear such a slick, pretty-boy face?”
“You seriously don’t get it. Experience the human world a bit first, okay? You’ll see just how well this slick pretty face works on humans.”
The fox looked smug—way too smug—so much so I wanted to reach out and pull those cheeks.
Still irritated, I transformed back into the small human child form.
Feeling my stare, the fox hurriedly put the mask back on and stood up before I could tug his face.
That only made my tiny body feel even more useless—and annoyed.
“I’m still stuck with this tiny brat form…”
“It’s impossible to take on an adult human form with your current strength.”
“Well, I’m not going into battle anyway. Staying in this kid form and saving strength for emergencies is better.”
“Not a bad idea. There’s a saying in the martial world, too.”
“A saying? What are you saying?”
“If a child, a woman, or an elderly person walks alone in the martial world, be cautious—because if someone who looks weak is wandering alone, they must have the skill to protect themselves.”
“Mmm. Humans are weak, but their young, females, and old must be even weaker.”
“…San-gun. Humans won’t react well if you use words like ‘female’ or ‘young’ in that way. Don’t say that in front of people.”
“The meaning is the same! Humans just make everything complicated. Fine, I’ll mimic their speech.”
“Anyway, all done here? Come on, San-gun.”
“…Short legs are annoying. Haa… when will I recover?”
“You could hunt another spirit beast for a core. That’s one way to recover qi quickly.”
“That’s the absolute last resort. Only if there’s no other choice.”
“Right, right. You’ve never taken another spirit beast’s core. Sorry, I misspoke.”
He apologized honestly as he lifted me into his arms. I grabbed his collar so I could lean comfortably against him.
“I guess I’ll have to keep playing the ‘Cheonwolru Mascot Tiger’ for a while.”
“That’s fine, but also walk around in human form more. You need to get used to a human body.”
“Even though I’m not an adult?”
“Kids benefit too. Humans are generally more forgiving toward children. And since you learned shapeshifting from me, you’re probably one of the cutest, most loveable kids in all of the Central Plains.”
“…Is that supposed to be praise or bragging?”
“Both.”
I snorted, but… well, I couldn’t deny it. Among spirit beasts, only foxes mastered shapeshifting so skillfully.
“Fine. I came to the human world with a purpose, so I’ll listen.”
“I’ve got your back. Oh, but go easy on the gate-guarding. I’m proud that our Cheonwolru has a ferocious baby tiger guarding the entrance, but as your fox, I’m also worried.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll hit weaker.”
“…No, no. Just knock them out completely so they don’t even remember being hit.”
“That’s even easier. But with this body, what level of human can I actually beat?”
The fox thought seriously.
“In terms of internal power? Somewhere between second-rate and first-rate martial artists. Stronger than most second-rates, but you can’t match a true first-rate.”
“…You’re going to have to explain that.”
“If someone trains for a few years in a proper sect, they can reach second-rate. Being first-rate is much harder. Only the talented reach that.”
My mood dropped visibly.
“… So you’re saying I’m weak.”
“Well…”
“No, I agree. This tiny body is pathetic. But then how are those guys getting knocked out with a single slap?”
“…Because they aren’t actual martial artists. They’re beginners drunk on ego. Calling them martial artists is an insult to dogs.”
“Hm. So they’re novices. Then what about you? In human form, what level can you reach?”
The fox grinned slyly.
“In human form? Officially—I’m a top-class master.”
“And if you use your full power?”
“Transcendent. But I won’t reveal it.”
“Why?”
“The Hao Clan isn’t known for producing strong fighters. We’re an intelligence network. Even if I ‘died,’ nobody would seek revenge. It’s part of our design.”
“…That wasn’t the case in my previous life.”
“That’s what makes it fun. People think we’re bats who cling to whoever benefits us, so hiding my power lets me keep playing around longer.”
“Well, you did come to the human world just to play.”
But the fox had been captured by the Blood Cult even when he wasn’t involved with humans.
They invaded his territory, slaughtered foxes, and captured him—turning him into a mindless tool.
When I was captured, he was treated as disposable and killed.
I still remembered vividly:
the humans butchering him in front of me, taking his core.
A small finger poked my cheek.
“Hey. Don’t make such a scary face in that form.”
“…Your finger.”
“That expression doesn’t suit a kid.”
I gently pushed his hand away, and he withdrew it obediently.
“I’ll be careful.”
“There it is again—talking like an adult.”
“Why must kids act like kids? I’m not actually a child.”
“Just tone it down. In Cheonwolru, talk however you want.”
“Hmph. A fox lecturing a tiger.”
“And don’t worry too much.”
That surprised me. I looked at him, and he sighed.
“You think I’m only helping because of the promise I made?”
“Well… I thought you’d assist a little and then leave.”
“I still owe you lives. How could I stop halfway?”
He pinched my cheek lightly. I smacked his hand sharply.
“Ow—ow! Even as a child you hit hard… Good, good. Still strong.”
“Don’t pinch my cheek!”
“It’s round and fluffy; resistance is futile. Anyway, you owe me time to repay debts. A lot of debts.”
He rubbed the back of his hand—pretending he wasn’t actually hurt.
“So, San-gun, be cautious. Humans can be far more cruel toward those unlike themselves.”
***
Meanwhile…
Cheonwolru was always bustling, but recently it had become downright overcrowded.
All because of the baby tiger guarding the entrance.
A fierce little creature who knocked out would-be challengers with one slap, yet behaved gently toward Cheonwolru’s staff—earning a reputation as a “safe” tiger to admire.
People gathered constantly, hoping to see the legendary cub in action.
It became a favorite drinking story—
watching arrogant fighters get slapped unconscious by a creature half their size.
Today was no different.
“Ugh—!”
Another martial artist tumbled across the ground, face burning red from humiliation.
If he’d lost to Cheonwolru’s elite guards, there’d be no shame. Those men were hand-picked by the fox himself.
But losing to a tiger cub barely half the size of a full-grown man?
Humiliating.
“Ha! The tiger wins again.”
“How can something so tiny be that strong?”
“A tiger is still a tiger, no matter how small.”
Feeling everyone’s attention on the proud cub eating treats from the guards, the defeated martial artist clenched his teeth.
Being beaten by a child-sized animal was devastating to a martial artist’s pride.
And so, anger flickered dangerously in his eyes.
But all he could do was leave quietly.
As he sheathed his half-drawn sword and turned away in shame, someone approached him.
“So, you also lost to that damned cub.”
“You too…?”
“As a fellow victim, I have something to discuss. Do you have time? Don’t you want to get rid of that cursed tiger?”
The martial artist looked at the stranger—
at the man’s blazing hatred toward the cub—
and nodded.
He wanted the tiger gone just as badly.
“No need to explain further.”
“In that case, I know a place. You’d be surprised how many have suffered the same humiliation. As comrades… we might find a solution.”
“…I’d like to hear that story.”
“Excellent. This way.”
He was being lured somewhere by a suspicious stranger—
But the martial artist no longer cared.
His pride had already been crushed under the paw of a baby tiger.
