Chapter 134: The Rescue

Seeing Peng Yu rush in, flustered, Yao Ye opened his eyes. Peng Yu sat down and said, "Big brother, I’ve gathered some information, and it’s quite explosive."

Yao Ye stepped off the bed and sat down in front of him. "What kind of news? Let’s hear it."

"Big brother, just now downstairs, I found out about the power distribution in Xiaoyao City and some recent developments. Want to hear?"

Seeing Peng Yu’s smug expression, Yao Ye calmly sipped his tea, staring straight at him.

"Alright, alright, I’ll tell you. There are over a dozen small gangs and several major families in Xiaoyao City. They all serve the three great families, to whom they must pay heavy tributes every year. The three families are the Wan family, the Shangguan family, and the Tie family."

"And what is the relationship between these three?"

"They aren't on good terms; there’s constant friction. Recently, a mineral deposit was discovered in the mountains behind Xiaoyao City, and the Wan and Shangguan families have been at each other's throats. The Wan family has even been rounding up innocent residents, seemingly to mine it in secret."

"Heh, very good. If there’s friction, things become easy. We’ll fish in troubled waters, develop our own power in the shadows, and by the time they realize it, they won't be able to do anything about us."

"Oh, right, big brother, I forgot to mention: the Wan family captured a group of demon beasts in the primeval forest. They’re rumored to be from the ancient Heavenly Demon Wolf tribe. I don't know if it’s true, but should we go check it out?"

Yao Ye stood up abruptly. A massive wave of killing intent swept through the entire inn, causing Peng Yu to stumble and fall to the ground, cold sweat pouring down his face.

Yao Ye closed his eyes and slowly exhaled; the suffocating aura vanished as quickly as a receding flood. Peng Yu couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Peng Yu, forgive me. I lost my composure. Do you know where the captured Heavenly Demon Wolves are being held?"

Peng Yu stood up, still shaken, and looked at Yao Ye. "Big brother, the Wan family will be passing by a canyon outside the city this evening."

"Peng Yu, wait for me here. I am going to save the Heavenly Demon Wolves."

"Big brother, let me go with you. I know more about the situation and can lead the way."

"You may come, but you must not interfere. Just watch quietly. Do you understand?"

"Understood!"

The two left the inn, and as soon as they cleared the city gates, they soared into the sky. They quickly reached the canyon and waited in silence.

Yao Ye stood in a concealed spot, saying nothing, his hand gently stroking his Heaven-Scar Great Sword. His eyes were cold and devoid of emotion. Peng Yu asked cautiously, "Big brother, are these Heavenly Demon Wolves important to you?"

"You will know soon enough. For now, stay quiet, and remember: hide right here."

Hearing Yao Ye’s frigid reply, Peng Yu shrank back and silently began to pray for all living things. As time passed, Yao Ye kept his eyes closed, continuously projecting his spiritual sense. Suddenly, a voice shouting in anger drifted over.

"You bastards! Let me go! I am the eldest lady of the Heavenly Demon Wolf tribe! If you dare treat me like this, I will surely kill you all!"

"Third Master, this beast has been shrieking the entire way. Could she really have some standing? What if the Demon Race actually attacks? Won't we be in danger?"

The leader, the Third Master, laughed heartily. "Even if she is some lady, it doesn't matter now. If the Demon Race dares to riot, hmph! They’ll be asking for trouble. Don't forget, we have backing!"

A group of men escorting several Heavenly Demon Wolves approached. At that moment, Yao Ye wrapped a cloth around his face, tipped his toes, and flew out.

Seeing the figure descending from the sky, the men drew their weapons and surrounded Yao Ye. The Third Master pushed through the crowd, looking at the giant sword in Yao Ye's hand. Sensing he couldn't gauge the stranger's depth, he chose not to provoke a conflict immediately. "Who are you? Why do you block our path?"

Yao Ye drove his sword into the ground and said coldly, "Consider yourselves lucky. Release the Heavenly Demon Wolves, and I will let you leave."

The Third Master looked up and laughed. "Hey, did you hear that joke? These days, there are still people who don't fear death, daring to rob the Wan family. Hahaha!"

The men joined in with laughter. Yao Ye pulled his sword from the ground and pointed it directly at the Third Master. "I gave you a chance, and you didn't cherish it. Die!"

"Hmph, I, Wan Qing, am not easily frightened. Men, kill him!"

At Wan Qing’s command, the group swarmed toward Yao Ye. With a cold sneer, Yao Ye cut down a lackey with one swing and lunged at Wan Qing.

Yao Ye dashed forward in a flash. Wan Qing panicked and raised his ghost-head saber, but when Yao Ye’s sword struck it, Wan Qing felt a crushing weight and was sent flying.

Yao Ye caught up to him in mid-air and pinned him to the ground with a foot on his chest. Wan Qing looked at him in disbelief. "Who exactly are you?"

"Hmph, a dead man has no need to know."

"Don't kill me! I am the Third Master of the Wan family. If you kill me, you will face endless trouble! I..."

Yao Ye brought his sword down on Wan Qing’s head, shattering his skull like a watermelon.

"The Third Master is dead! Run!"

The tree fell and the monkeys scattered. Seeing Wan Qing dead, the subordinates fled in all directions. Yao Ye snorted, sheathed his sword, and walked toward the prisoner wagons.

Seeing the danger had passed, Peng Yu emerged and helped Yao Ye break the cages, releasing the Heavenly Demon Wolves.

As soon as the young girl escaped, she circled Yao Ye, sizing him up. "How do you cultivate? That Wan Qing had the strength of the middle Spirit-Channeling stage, yet he couldn't withstand a single blow from you. You’re amazing!"

The other freed Heavenly Demon Wolves also ran over, thanking him profusely. "Thank you, young master, for your righteous rescue! We will never forget this kindness!"

Yao Ye waved his hand. "This is no place for conversation. We should leave quickly."

The girl grabbed Yao Ye’s arm. "Big brother, thank you for saving Ah Li. Why don't you come back to the Heavenly Demon Wolf tribe with us? It’s hidden and no one will be able to find you there!"

"Young lady, this is unwise. The Patriarch ordered that we must not reveal our location to outsiders. What if they are bad people?"

"You're the bad person! Didn't you see the big brother save us? Besides, there’s a sense of familiarity in his aura. I guarantee he’s not a bad person."

"One can know a person's face but not their heart. Young lady, humans are the most cunning. Do not be impulsive!"

Peng Yu grew annoyed. "Hey! How can you say that? We saved you, and you call us bad people? We should have just let you die!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. What I meant was..."

"Fine, fine, it’s decided. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility."

Yao Ye looked at Ah Li and the others, smiled faintly, and followed them as they flew toward the primeval forest.