Fox Demon Cultivation Manual [ BL ]

Chapter 1

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The sunset glow stretched on into the distance. Within a few miles of this place, there was only one inn in sight.

Carrying a book with a yellowish cover in his arms, Song Ci stood in front of the inn for a moment. Figuring that he had not found the wrong place, he then raised his foot to enter the inn.
　　
There were three people chatting in a circle in front of the counter as they cracked melon seeds between their teeth. They cast a glance at the handsome gentleman with rosy lips and white teeth who had just walked in; his ash grey Daoist robe was embroidered with cloud patterns, his long hair was tied up, and his sleeves swayed as he walked.

One of them, an old fellow who was as skinny as a monkey, reacted quickly. He immediately put the melon seed aside and bent his waist in a welcome, “Is this little Daozhang staying for the night?”

Song Ci did not answer but raised his head to give the inn a look-over. The hall was painted dark vermilion. Now that it was dusk, the unlit hall gave off an eerie vibe.

The old fellow was very discerning. He turned his head back to the two young ones and signaled to them with his hand; the two of them hurriedly took down a lantern and lit the candle in it. The entire hall was then washed in light. 
　　
This put Song Ci more at ease. He cleared his throat and asked, “Is there any room available?”

“Yes, yes, yes, there are still many!” The old fellow smiled and said. He turned around to move behind the counter and opened a thick book, “Little Daozhang must have been tired after traveling for the whole day. I will find a quiet room for you so that your rest will not be disturbed by others.”
　　
After hearing that, Song Ci hurriedly replied, “That’s not necessary. I like to be around people.”

The old fellow was distracted for a moment, “Then, little Daozhang, you have come at the right time. A group of young masters and scholars who are taking the imperial examination has just arrived today and they are all staying at the Southern Courtyard. There is only one vacant room left.”

Delighted, he opened his mouth and said, “I’ll take this room.”

“How many days will Daozhang stay?”
　
Song Ci calculated mentally and said, “Three days.”

The young waiter beside him took out an abacus and counted, “Forty coins for one day, twenty coins for one night, from tonight until the afternoon three days later……”

“One tael and sixty coins”

Upon hearing this, Song Ci touched the tael of silver in his sleeve and thought with a stricken heart, Why is it so expensive? I’d be totally penniless.

“Our inn includes three meals a day.” The old fellow seemed to notice that Song Ci was in a tight spot and so he added on with a smile. 
　　
Welp, at least he would not starve to death. 
　　
He thought about his purpose here, then gritted his teeth and placed the remaining money he had left on the counter, “I’ll have to trouble you then.”
　　
“Little Daozhang is too kind.” The old fellow did not even count the silver and just swiped it all into a wooden box. He then informed the waiter, “Hurry up and lead Daozhang to his room.”
　　
“Daozhang, please follow me.” The waiter called out to him, lifted the fabric screen and led Song Ci to the backyard of the inn.
　　
The backyard was extremely wide and planted with unidentified trees. At the beginning of spring, the buds had sprouted with bright yellow color and grass tips had also appeared on the unpaved stone path, giving the sense that spring was in the air.