BXBX NOVEL Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Eternal Spring Lake
Razel\'s voice dropped, his eyes darkening with frustration. "They\'ve been trying to capture our Eternal Spring Lake."
Aric\'s curiosity piqued further. "Eternal Spring Lake? And what exactly is that?"
Razel glanced at the other foxes, then looked back at Aric. "It\'s a lake said to have the effect of boosting one\'s cultivation realm. After consuming its water, one is filled with potent energy, making it easier to break through cultivation barriers."
"Interesting," Aric thought, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But if it\'s that powerful, why are you all so weak?" He smirked slightly, his words harsh but direct.
Razel sighed, his voice resigned. "The lake can only be consumed once in a lifetime. After that, its effects no longer work, and we must rely on our own abilities to grow stronger."
Aric nodded, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "So that\'s the catch. One-time use, and then you\'re on your own. No wonder these demonic forces want to claim it." His thoughts shifted, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Where is this lake and the cave where your Matriarch hides?"
Razel lowered his head slightly, his tone respectful. "We can take you to the Matriarch, who is hiding in the cave. As for the lake\'s location... it\'s still unknown to us. The Matriarch gives us the water directly, but we are not allowed to know where the lake is."
Aric frowned, his mind calculating. "So, the lake\'s location remains a mystery, even to you? Interesting." He tapped his fingers against his sword hilt thoughtfully. "No wonder the other forces are so desperate to take control of the fox clans. If they find that lake, they could boost their cultivation exponentially."
His eyes gleamed with opportunity. "Eternal Spring Lake... a hidden treasure waiting to be claimed. If I can find it first, it would give me a major advantage." He turned his gaze back to the foxes. "Alright, let\'s not waste any more time. Take me to your Matriarch.
I want to see what she has to say."
Razel and the group of Nine-Tailed Foxes bowed their heads respectfully. "Yes, Lord Aric." Without hesitation, they began leading him through the forest, their movements swift but cautious. They knew the dangers that lurked in the Demonic Lands, especially with the recent attacks from the alliance.
After some time, they reached what seemed to be a dead end, but Razel stepped forward and created a sound, a secret code known only to the clan. The dense foliage shimmered slightly as the array protecting the cave began to shift and fade, revealing the entrance that had been hidden from view.
Aric\'s eyes gleamed as he watched the cave come into sight. "Now, let\'s get in," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
As they entered the cave, the male Nine-Tailed Foxes formed a circle around Aric, silently escorting him deeper inside. The air within the cave was cool, and a soft glow from spiritual stones embedded in the walls illuminated the path ahead.
The interior of the cave was far more elaborate than expected. Despite its rugged exterior, the inside was lined with intricately carved walls and cushioned platforms where the foxes could rest.
Streams of water trickled along the walls, giving the cave an ethereal atmosphere.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Clan lived in small groups, and everywhere Aric looked, he could see female Nine-Tailed Foxes in their human forms, their beauty breathtaking. Each one was more stunning than the last, their long, silken hair flowing like rivers of gold and silver, their eyes gleaming with intelligence and allure.
Their flawless skin seemed to glow in the soft light of the cave, and their elegant, graceful movements captivated him.
Aric couldn\'t help but drool slightly as he passed by them. His eyes roved over their figures, his mind already filled with possibilities. "If these are just the lower ranks of the clan, how beautiful must the Matriarch be?" he thought, his smirk widening.
But as his thoughts began to wander, a sense of caution crept in. "I need to be careful. What if the Matriarch is stronger than me? And what if she uses her charm? I\'m always horny... her charm might actually kill me."
He quickly summoned the system. "System, show me some skills to counter charm attacks."
[Ding! Host, here are some available skills:]
[Absolute Impotency: While using this skill, you become completely impotent. Any sexual attempts or charm attacks by the opposite gender are nullified.
Cost: 100,000 Villain Points]
[Mirror Charm: This skill allows you to reflect charm attacks back onto the attacker, doubling the strength of the charm. However, the effectiveness weakens if the opponent\'s strength is significantly higher than yours.
Cost: 200,000 Villain Points]
[Soul Shield: This skill fortifies your soul and mind, creating a mental barrier that blocks all forms of manipulation, including charm and illusion.
Cost: 150,000 Villain Points]
[Celestial Purge: Instantly dispels all charm and illusion-based attacks and temporarily grants immunity to charm effects.
Cost: 180,000 Villain Points]
Aric\'s eyes flicked over the options, quickly analyzing their benefits. He didn\'t hesitate for long. "I\'ll take Mirror Charm," he decided. "Best to turn the tables if she tries anything funny."
[Ding! Mirror Charm purchased. 200,000 Villain Points deducted.]
"Finally, I feel more secure now," Aric smirked, his confidence rising. "Let\'s continue."
As they delved deeper into the cave, the group passed more female foxes, their eyes watching Aric with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. His presence in the heart of their sanctuary was unusual, and their wariness was clear.
One of the females, Sylphie, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Razel. Who is this human? And why have you brought him here?" Her voice carried a tone of caution, her gaze never leaving Aric.
Razel bowed slightly in response. "This human saved us from the Demonic Tigers. If it wasn\'t for him, we would have all perished. He wishes to meet the Matriarch."
Sylphie crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "But what if he\'s an enemy? What if bringing him here puts us in danger? Would you take responsibility for that, Razel?"
Before Razel could answer, the group of male foxes under his leadership replied in unison. "Yes, we would. He is our benefactor. It is the least we can do."
Sylphie blinked in surprise, taken aback by the unified response. The other females murmured among themselves, equally shocked by the trust the males had placed in this human.
Aric smiled, amused by the situation. "Seems I\'ve made quite an impression," he thought.
Meanwhile, deep within the cave, the news of a human\'s presence reached the ears of the Matriarch, Ava Nightshade. Her sharp eyes flickered with interest as she leaned back on her throne made of ancient wood, her tails swaying gracefully behind her.
Here\'s an expanded version of your scene:
"A human, you say?" Ava Nightshade\'s voice was soft, like silk drifting in the wind, but there was a distinct edge of curiosity in it. "Bring him to me." Her nine tails swayed gently behind her, their movement hypnotic as she reclined gracefully on her throne.
A few moments later, one of Ava\'s servants, a young and beautiful fox maiden named Polly, approached Aric. Her steps were light and her eyes sharp as she gave a respectful bow.
"The Matriarch wishes to meet you," Polly said, her voice polite but firm. Her beauty did not escape Aric\'s sharp gaze. He glanced at her from head to toe, his eyes lingering a bit longer than necessary on her slender figure. "Another stunner," he thought, a wicked smirk playing on his lips.
"I can\'t wait anymore," Aric murmured inwardly, his excitement rising at the prospect of meeting the famed Matriarch. "Sure," he said aloud, his tone smooth and casual. "Let\'s go."
Polly led Aric through the winding corridors of the cave, which now seemed to grow even more elaborate with each step.
After a short walk, they arrived at a grand hall. At the center of the hall, surrounded by a faint shimmering light, sat a woman--Ava Nightshade, the Matriarch of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. She was seated elegantly, her figure draped in flowing silks, and her face hidden behind a delicate veil. Despite the veil, Aric could easily sense her stunning beauty.
Her presence was overwhelming, and the aura she exuded demanded respect.
Around her sat many other female foxes, each one of them seated gracefully forming a semicircle, their faces also covered with veils. Their clothing was ornate, their posture greaceful, as they observed Aric from behind the veils, their expressions hidden from view.
The room was filled with an air of mystery, and Aric found himself at the center of this gathering, surrounded by the most beautiful fox women he had ever seen, though their faces were hidden.
Ava\'s voice cut through the air, soft but commanding. "You are the one who saved my clan from the Demonic Tigers?" Her question was simple, but there was a challenge hidden beneath the words, as if she was testing his answer.