One day, a tiger was hunting in a dense forest. A fox scurried by, and the tiger pounced, catching it.
To escape, the fox had a clever idea. It bravely asked the tiger, "Do you dare eat me?"
Surprised, the tiger replied, "Why not?"
"Heaven sent me to rule all animals," the fox declared. "Eating me defies Heaven's will. How dare you!"
Hoodwinked, the tiger loosened its grip.
The fox wagged its tail proudly. "I'll show you my power. Follow me to meet the other animals."
They walked into the forest—the fox in front, cocky and swaggering; the tiger behind, dubious and looking around.
The forest animals saw the fox strutting, acting entirely unlike itself. They were puzzled until they spotted the tiger behind it. "Oh, a tiger!" they cried, and all fled in terror.
Delighted, the fox turned to the tiger. "See? Everyone fears me!"