An experienced old cat had enlightened a series of philosophical warnings on how to become the top cat in the feline society. Through its planning and teaching, many cats became outstanding and accomplished.
A black cat approached the old cat, wanting to surpass all the cats that the old cat had mentored. The old cat thought for a moment and said, "To surpass them, you must transform into a Cat King draped in phoenix feathers. Only then can you unify the cat world and reign supreme alone." Excited, the black cat hurriedly asked, "How can I be draped in phoenix feathers and become the Cat King?" The old cat told it that as long as it offered a modest gift to the Phoenix Fairy of the Southern Mountain, the fairy would naturally bestow upon it a magnificent set of phoenix feathers.
Fearing that the old cat would pass on this method of becoming the top cat to other cats, the black cat killed the old cat with two punches. As the old cat was dying, it said, "You will regret this. Knowing the direction of success is far from enough."
The black cat prepared 999 mice and delivered them to the Southern Mountain. The Phoenix Fairy, who only consumed grains cultivated by hand and never took life, became furious: "I only accept grains harvested by one's own hands!" She immediately granted the black cat a set of eagle feathers symbolizing cunning and malice, leaving it with just a cat’s head. At this point, the black cat deeply regretted not keeping the old cat alive to provide more detailed guidance on becoming the Cat King.
The Phoenix Fairy saw through the black cat's psychology and said, "Destroying the ladder that helps you ascend dooms you to fall during your climb."
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