Chapter 111: The Sacrifice

The next morning, as Yaofeng slept soundly, Su Yun woke him. Yaofeng pushed open the door and gazed at the sun in the sky, standing still for a long moment without moving.

Curious, Su Yun followed his gaze. "Young master, what are you looking at? There's nothing in the sky but clouds!"

"Long-lost sunlight… I never thought I'd be fortunate enough to see it again," Yaofeng said, his face filled with rapture. Slowly, he closed his eyes. Seeing his expression, Su Yun rolled her eyes disdainfully.

"Young master, you'll see it every day from now on. And you have me to watch it with you," she said shyly, lowering her head and nervously intertwining her fingers. Yaofeng seemed not to hear, murmuring to himself.

"Only after losing it do you learn to cherish it. Simplicity is the truth. Cherish it as you go."

Though his eyes were closed, Yaoye, hidden within the jade token’s space, clearly heard every word.

"Let's go."

Yaofeng led the way toward the Great Hall of the Demon Clan. Su Yun stood still, deep in thought, but then looked up and hurried after the departing Yaofeng.

Within the hall, the booming laughter of Xiong Batian greeted them before he even appeared.

"Yaoye! Did you rest well last night?"

"Greetings, Demon Emperor. Thank you for your concern; I am well," Yaoye replied.

Xiong Batian approached Yaofeng, gently lifting Yaoye, who then stood upright.

"Yaoye, I apologize for the harsh punishment earlier. Please bear with me."

"The Demon Emperor is too serious. It is I, Yaoye, who was stubborn and unyielding. No blame on Your Majesty," Yaoye replied humbly.

Xiong Batian laughed heartily. "Ha ha ha! Yaoye, I’m glad you think that way. But I wonder, when will you accept me as your master?"

"After the ancestral ritual, I will surely recognize the Demon Emperor as my master."

"Good, splendid! I've prepared the offerings for the ritual already. Best to proceed soon."

Yaofeng nodded silently. The three of them headed toward the old site of the Celestial Demon Wolf. Upon arrival, Yaofeng noticed that the offerings for the ancestral ritual were already in place.

"It seems Xiong Batian still doesn’t trust me. I must find a way to get him away."

With this thought, Yaofeng approached the altar and began the solemn rites. The ceremony lasted until noon before it concluded.

Yaofeng knelt before the ancestral tablets in the ancestral hall, pressing his hands together and closing his eyes tightly.

"What on earth is Yaoye up to?" Xiong Batian asked Su Yun impatiently. Seeing Yaofeng with his eyes closed, Su Yun responded softly.

"Demon Emperor Xiong, it’s been so long already. Can’t you wait just a little longer?"

"In this blazing heat, standing under the sun like a fool."

"Heh heh, I have an idea! Demon Emperor Xiong, why don’t you return first? I’ll stay here and watch Yaoye. Once the ritual is over, I’ll bring him to you."

Xiong Batian pondered briefly, then nodded and whispered instructions to a subordinate before smiling at Su Yun.

"Thank you, fair lady. I’ll leave this guard here to follow your orders."

After Xiong Batian and his men flew off, Yaofeng sensed something and opened his eyes briefly before closing them again.

"I need to find a way to get those two away."

Frowning deeply, Yaofeng remained like this for a quarter of an hour before a smile appeared on his lips and his eyes opened fully. He stood and left the ancestral hall.

"Hmph! Finally done."

Su Yun’s face brightened as she ran forward, taking Yaofeng’s arm and feigning happiness.

"Young master, is it really over?"

"Yun’er, I’m a bit hungry. Could you prepare something for me? Our clan’s rules require the ritual to last a full day and night."

"Of course, young master. I’ll prepare the food right away."

Turning, Su Yun left. Passing by the guard, she whispered sharply.

"Keep an eye on him. If anything happens, you’ll answer to me."

"How dare you order me around like a servant while I’m preparing food for you! Hmph! Yaoye, just you wait!"

After Su Yun left, Yaofeng approached the guard, feigning urgency.

"Could you please tell Miss Su that no meat is allowed during the ritual? I forgot to warn her."

The guard glanced at Yaofeng but said nothing. Seeing this, Yaofeng pressed on.

"Forget the food. Could you bring me some clean water? I want to wipe the tablets. If you refuse, I’ll have the Demon Emperor deal with you. I don’t think he’d offend me over you."

The guard hesitated. Yaofeng quickly added, "What are you afraid of? I’m useless now. Why would I run? You can monitor me with your spiritual power."

After considering, the guard looked at Yaofeng and said, "Wait here. Don’t try anything."

Yaofeng nodded and returned to the ancestral hall, kneeling once more. The guard flew off.

Yaofeng took out a token from his space and quickly replaced one of the tablets in the corner before kneeling again, closing his eyes but remaining anxious.

"Yaoye, the Celestial Demon Wolf Clan depends on you. I hope you can survive this calamity. Yaoye, farewell forever."