“This one is real, you know…”0

A snow mouse stood on the ground, its tiny paws hanging down naturally, making it look both cute and obedient. It tilted its head up, staring at Song You.0

Its voice was high-pitched and faint, almost inaudible if one didn’t listen carefully.0

Before him lay a fissure, shallower and narrower than the one before, but still deep enough to be fatal.0

“…” Song You merely glanced at it before stepping forward. Once again, he crossed the chasm as if walking on solid ground.0

On the other side of the Snowy Plains, a fox lay sprawled out.0

It was a red fox, with a pointed snout. Its fur resembled the persimmons clinging to branches in winter. Lying lazily on the snow, it yawned, looking like a flicker of flame against the white snow, speckled with a dusting of snowflakes on its fur.0

As Song You approached, the red fox turned its head to look at him, its eyes lively and bright. It asked curiously, “You’re skilled in illusions as well?”0

The voice sounded like a child’s.0

“I know a bit.”0

“But even if you see through the flaws, is there truly not the slightest doubt in your heart?”0

“Why doesn’t Your Excellency meet me in your true form?”0

“My true form is still far away.”0

“And where might it be?”0

The red fox didn’t answer him. Seeing that Song You’s steps didn’t falter as he walked past, the fox could only yawn lazily...0