Chapter Fifty-Five: Preparing for Battle

Tang Ze arrived at the inn where everyone was staying. Without disturbing anyone, he scanned the surroundings with his spiritual power, then sat cross-legged to meditate.

A ray of morning sunlight streamed through the window into the room as Xiao Xiao knocked on Liu Xin's door.

"Sister Xin, are you there? Come downstairs for some breakfast. We should get going!"

Liu Xin, still drowsy, opened the door. Seeing her senior looking listless, with two large dark circles under her eyes, Xiao Xiao hurried over.

"Sister, you didn't sleep well last night, did you? Are you worried about Demon Night?"

Liu Xin nodded silently.

"Sister, you don't have to worry! We'll be back at the academy today. Let's go downstairs and eat something before we leave!"

Liu Xin smiled at Xiao Xiao. "Xiao Xiao, you go ahead. I don't have an appetite."

Xiao Xiao opened her mouth a few times, unsure how to comfort Liu Xin. "Alright, Sister, when it's time to leave, I'll call you. Get some rest for now."

Before long, everyone gathered in Tang Ze's room. Tang Ze looked at them intently.

"Everyone, something major is about to happen. Unless necessary, avoid leaving the academy. For now, let's hurry back with all our strength."

Seeing Tang Ze's solemn expression, everyone understood the gravity of the situation and nodded in response. A tense atmosphere filled the room.

Having packed their belongings, they followed Tang Ze as he soared into the sky. As they left, a figure watched them from afar.

Once Tang Ze and the others were gone, the figure quickly ran into a tavern, pushed open the door to a private room, and entered.

A dignified man appeared before him. "They've left?"

The one surveilling Tang Ze nodded.

"Did you see any sign of Demon Night?"

The watcher knelt on one knee. "Reporting to you, my lord, Demon Night was not seen."

The dignified man waved his hand, and the watcher hurriedly withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Gazing at the mural on the wall, the dignified man murmured, "Demon Night… the Creation Cauldron… hmm!"

Upon returning to the academy, Liu Xin couldn't wait to rush to Demon Night's quarters. Tang Ze looked at her departing figure and smiled.

"Peng Lei, in half an hour, inform everyone to gather in the conference room. Don't bother Liu Xin—let her take care of Demon Night."

Peng Lei and the others nodded and dispersed.

Tang Ze found Hong Tao. "Hong Tao, notify the academy's leadership to assemble in the conference room." Hong Tao nodded and left.

Everyone gathered in the conference room. Old Fu sat in the dean's seat, dozing. Tang Ze glanced around, raised his hand to signal everyone to be seated.

"Hong Tao, you've contacted Dean Liu, right? What did he say? When will he return?"

Hong Tao stood up. "Dean Tang, Dean Liu said the demon clan has shown significant activity lately. A new round of purges may begin soon. He cannot leave at the moment, and he asked me to tell you: no matter what, Demon Night's safety must be ensured. Affairs of the academy are yours to handle fully."

"Alright." Tang Ze nodded, stood up, and paced in the conference room, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Colleagues, these are extraordinary times. I can tell you plainly: Fire Dance Academy is showing signs of disturbance, possibly due to spies. I hope we can unite and defend the academy together."

Tang Ze stopped, turned to face everyone. "There's no need to worry too much. We have our own contingencies. Hmph! If Fire Dance Academy does not act, fine. But if they do… hmph!"

Tang Ze returned to his seat. "Hong Tao, attend to the teachers and students in the outer academy. Ling Yun, you handle the inner academy. Report any issues to me promptly."

Hong Tao and Ling Yun stood, cupped their hands, and accepted the task. Tang Ze nodded at them.

"Teacher Sophie, you have always managed academy discipline and handled various student matters. I have a task for you."

Sophie quickly stood. "Dean Tang, please instruct me. I will do my utmost."

"Good. I order you to secretly monitor all teachers, including those in the inner academy. I want to know who harbors false intentions, but remember, do not alarm anyone."

"Rest assured, Dean. I know what to do."

Tang Ze stood up. "Alright, you may all go now. Peng Lei, you and the others stay; I have matters to discuss with you."

Hong Tao rose, closed the conference room door, and returned.

"What's the matter, Hong Tao? Is there something else?"

Hong Tao cupped his hands to Tang Ze. "Dean Tang, Dean Liu said that once Demon Night has recovered, you should arrange for him and Senior Peng Lei to travel via teleportation array to the Demon Clan Alliance to find him. Also, you are to create a false impression that Demon Night remains at the academy."

Tang Ze looked at Hong Tao, puzzled. "What exactly is Dean Liu planning? Alright, I understand. You may go."

"Oh, Dean Liu also asked me to remind you to pay special attention to Teacher Chen in the inner academy," Hong Tao added as he turned.

"What? Could it be…?"

"I don't know. I'm just passing on Dean Liu's instructions. If there's nothing else, I'll get to work."

Tang Ze waved his hand and sat deep in thought.