Chapter 1

On the eve of summer vacation, most children looked forward to days filled with joy and freedom. However, for Shangguan Xueying, the start of this summer was unbearably heavy and sorrowful.

Half a month earlier, a sudden plane crash had taken the lives of her parents. That aircraft, after losing balance high above the clouds, plunged into the endless abyss. When Shangguan Xueying received the devastating news, her entire world seemed to collapse in an instant. Her tears nearly ran dry, and her heart was filled with an indescribable pain and emptiness.

Though the loss of her parents left her grief-stricken, life still had to go on. They had left behind a considerable inheritance and numerous properties. While this provided her with financial security, it could never fill the gaping void in her heart.

Yesterday, school had finally let out for summer break. Returning to a home that once brimmed with warmth and laughter, she now found only silence and loneliness. Resolute, Shangguan Xueying decided to sort through her parents’ belongings, hoping to find some comfort in those familiar items.

In an old wooden chest, she discovered photographs from her parents’ youth, her father’s medals of honor, and handcrafted jewelry made by her mother. Each object carried treasured memories, and once again her tears overflowed.

When she opened a small box, she accidentally knocked over a sharp pair of scissors nearby. The blade cut across her finger, leaving a deep gash that bled freely. Wincing, she instinctively pressed the wound with her other hand.

At that moment, the ancestral jade pendant around her neck came into contact with her blood. Once dull and lifeless, it suddenly glowed with a strange, radiant light. Shangguan Xueying was stunned, forgetting even the pain in her finger.

The light grew stronger until it enveloped her entire body. Then she felt her consciousness being pulled by an immense force into an unfamiliar space.

As her vision cleared, she realized she was standing in a place that looked like paradise. Verdant mountains surrounded her, streams flowed with crystalline clarity, and the air carried the fragrance of flowers and fresh earth. Not far away stood a small wooden cabin, beside which ran a sparkling brook.

In front of her stood a fiery red fox. Its sleek body glowed like living flame, and in its bright eyes flickered an intelligent gleam.

“Master, welcome to the Spirit Spring Space,” the red fox’s voice echoed directly in her mind.

Shangguan Xueying gasped in shock, struggling to comprehend what was happening.

“Don’t be surprised—this is your destiny,” the red fox continued. “But I must tell you a terrible truth: in two months, the apocalypse will arrive.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “The apocalypse? That’s impossible!”

The red fox sighed. “It is fate. Disasters will sweep across the globe—famine, plague, war. Humanity will face unprecedented trials. Yet this Spirit Spring Space may become your refuge.”

A heavy weight settled in Shangguan Xueying’s heart. “Then… what should I do?”

“First, you must make full use of this space,” the red fox explained. “The spring water here has miraculous properties. It can heal wounds and illnesses, and accelerate the growth of plants. You can cultivate crops and medicinal herbs, storing supplies for survival. In the cabin, you will find books filled with ancient skills and knowledge. Study them well—they will strengthen your ability to endure.”

She nodded, her eyes gradually firming with resolve. “I understand. I will do everything I can to prepare.”

The red fox smiled with satisfaction. “Good. Remember, in the apocalypse, strength and wisdom will be your keys to survival.”

Determined to aid her, the divine beast resolved to help Shangguan Xueying awaken her potential.

“Master,” the fox said solemnly, “I will awaken your psychic ability. It will be an essential power for your survival.”

Nervous but expectant, Shangguan Xueying nodded. She sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and tried to calm her mind as the fox instructed. The fox circled her slowly, chanting in a low voice. A mysterious energy radiated from its body, gradually enveloping her.

She felt a warm current flow into her mind. It was as if a thick fog clouded her thoughts. She tried to push it aside, but couldn’t. Just as frustration began to rise, the fox’s voice echoed in her ear: “Calm yourself. Don’t resist. Feel it—guide it.”

Taking a deep breath, she steadied her heart. Bit by bit, the fog thinned, until at last she glimpsed a faint light.

Seeing this, the red fox poured more power into her. The energy surged, pressing against her mind, and her head throbbed with searing pain. She cried out, but clenched her teeth, refusing to give up.

Finally, the fog dissipated completely. Her thoughts became sharp and clear, the world around her vivid as never before. Opening her eyes, she exclaimed in wonder, “I… I can sense something different!”

The red fox nodded approvingly. “Excellent. You have awakened your psychic ability. Now, I will give you something to strengthen your body as well.” From the depths of the space, it produced a delicate jade box.

When opened, a glowing pill rested inside. “This is the Bone-Washing Pill, left by the previous master. Once you take it, your body will be reborn.”

Without hesitation, Shangguan Xueying swallowed the pill. At once, a blazing torrent of energy rampaged through her body. She collapsed, writhing in agony, sweat pouring down her face.

“Endure it,” the fox urged. “This pain is the path to transformation.”

Clenching her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, Shangguan Xueying bore the torment. It felt as if blades were cutting her flesh, as if flames consumed her from within.

Gradually, however, the pain ebbed. In its place came a refreshing lightness, her body brimming with strength. Her bones hardened, her muscles firmed, her meridians expanded and toughened.

At last, she stood, her senses sharper, her body filled with vigor.

“From now on, you can defend yourself to some degree,” the fox said gravely. “But it is not enough. The apocalypse holds countless dangers. You must keep growing stronger.”

Her gaze burned with determination. “I understand. I will do everything I can to become stronger!”

As her words fell, light flared once again—and in the blink of an eye, Shangguan Xueying was back in her parents’ room. She clutched the jade pendant tightly, silently vowing to use the next two months to prepare herself fully for the end of the world.