"Greetings, Clan Leader." Shen Li respectfully saluted, "I’m honored to hear of your mighty reputation. Congratulations on returning from your seclusion."
The Clan Leader raised his hand, "No need for formalities, have a seat."
Shen Li took a seat beside him as instructed.
The Clan Leader’s gaze fell upon the red-haired youth before him.
With handsome features and extraordinary presence, even though he restrained his aura, the unfathomable atmosphere still left the Clan Leader somewhat astonished.
His eyes held a complexity, "I’ve heard about your matters; I never imagined an outsider fox beast could defeat so many of our clan’s prodigies..."
"Even more astonishing is that you’ve awakened the power of the Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox. Truly, the younger generation is to be admired... cough, cough!"
The Clan Leader began to cough gently while speaking.
Shen Li rose, intending to do something, but the Clan Leader waved him off, "It’s nothing, an old injury from years past; I’m used to it."
Shen Li retrieved a vial of medicine from space, "This is a remedy for internal injuries, perhaps it might help the Clan Leader’s wound."
"You are thoughtful, but there’s no need; I’m aware of my own condition." the Clan Leader said.
He had made an emergency exit from seclusion; the old injury hadn’t improved much, probably only a matter of a few years left.
The Clan Leader spoke, his gaze comforting as he looked at Shen Li, "Compared to the illness of my body, my heart is troubled even deeper."
"All these years I’ve held this position as Clan Leader without finding a satisfactory successor. I’m afraid if I were to leave, there would be no one capable of carrying this burden.... I never expected to meet you now."
"Even less expected was to see a Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox in my lifetime, it seems I can indeed rest easy in the future."
"You worry too much, Clan Leader. The blessed ones always have celestial guidance; I believe your health will improve."
Shen Li gently shook his head, his tone humble, "Besides, I’ve only manifested the apparition of the ten tails; I’m not yet a true Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox."
The Clan Leader laughed, "Haha, no need for humility! To manifest the ten tails at such a young age, with your talent, you’ll certainly become a true Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox one day."
"Thank you, Clan Leader. I will strive hard."
"Thank me? It’s your own effort, your good fortune, and indeed a great blessing for our Divine Fox Clan."
"Of course, I wish to do so. This is my long-held desire." Shen Li smiled, "When I was abandoned outside all those years ago, being able to recognize my ancestors and return to the clan is my greatest wish."
Little Shen Tang listened and couldn’t help muttering in his heart: This cunning fox really knows how to act!
"Good." The old Family Head showed a satisfied expression, seemingly somewhat excited, coughing again twice.
Once he calmed down, he looked at Shen Li with a deepened gaze and his voice became solemn,
"Then tell me, who exactly are you? Where do you truly come from?"
Upon hearing these words, even Shen Tang was taken aback, and his heart suddenly tightened.
Shen Li’s narrow fox eyes slightly narrowed, meeting the old Clan Leader’s profound and scrutinizing gaze, his complexion unchanged, still composed and calm, with a smile on his lips,
"What does Clan Leader mean by this? Everyone knows I was born in the Wasteland Zone as a mixed-blooded fox beast, gradually making my way to Royal City, returning to the clan."
The Clan Leader said, "The clan has investigated your identity and found many doubts."
"With your strength, you could not possibly be the so-called red fox mixed-blood."

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