Chapter 77: The Storm Approaches

When Yao Ye stepped out of the spatial gate, Liu Xin, as excited as a child, leaped forward and threw her arms around him. Tang Ze and Elder Fu exchanged a smile and walked over as well. "You really are something else! Wherever you go, trouble follows!" Tang Ze joked.

Yao Ye gently released Liu Xin from the embrace and quickly bowed respectfully toward Elder Fu and the others. "I, Yao Ye, thank all the esteemed elders for your invaluable help!"

Tang Lin laughed heartily. "Good lad, if even the Demon Clan fears you so much, your future will be limitless! I look forward to seeing what you'll become!"

Yao Ye scratched his head sheepishly at the compliment. Wei Bo also looked at him approvingly. "Elder Fu, we've still got business to attend to. We'll take our leave."

Elder Fu nodded. "Wei Bo, Tang Lin, thank you both for going out of your way this time. If you ever need anything, let Shinfeng know. We'll do everything in our power to help!"

Wei Bo laughed. "You're too polite, Elder Fu! Until we meet again!" With that, Wei Bo and Tang Lin clasped hands to everyone in farewell, then soared off into the sky.

"Let's go, everyone. We'd best return to the academy. After all, this is demon territory—it's not safe here." With that, Elder Fu and the others departed in succession. Hand in hand, Yao Ye and Liu Xin made their way back, laughter and joy accompanying them all the while. What Yao Ye did not know was that a far greater conspiracy awaited him.

The moment Xuan Tiangang received the message, he hurried to the Demon Clan's domain. Following Xiong Batian, he entered the grand hall, where three elders sat in their places. Xuan Tiangang bowed deeply to each of them. "Xuan Tiangang, at your service, elders."

Chi Lian kept his eyes closed, never glancing at Xuan Tiangang. "Xuan Tiangang, let me ask you—did you plant a spy in Shinfeng Academy?"

"I did," Xuan Tiangang replied, bowing even lower in deference, his attitude humble to the point of servility. This pleased Chi Lian and the other elders greatly.

"Then tell me everything about her," Chi Lian demanded.

Despite being the Grand Elder of the Xuan Clan, Xuan Tiangang now seemed like nothing more than a servant.

"Elders, you may not be aware: Liu Xin was planted in Shinfeng Academy by me when she was only five. Unfortunately, she fell in love with Yao Ye, the one who possesses the Creator's Cauldron—and betrayed the Demon Clan."

Chi Lian opened his eyes and glared furiously at Xuan Tiangang. "Why didn't you report this earlier? Can you bear the consequences? Were you planning to keep the Creator's Cauldron for yourself, is that it?"

Xuan Tiangang's heart skipped a beat. "Did Chi Lian see through me? No—if they really knew my intentions, they'd have killed me already!"

"Elder Chi, you've misunderstood me! I only learned the truth during the last joint operation with the Demon Clan. And I've already executed Liu Xin's parents!"

At these words, Chi Lian could no longer remain seated. "What? You—!"

Mang Huang, eyes flickering with cunning, stood and looked at the anxious Xuan Tiangang, a plan forming in his mind. "Come now, Chi Lian, Xuan Tiangang has always done his utmost for us. If you treat him like this, how can anyone trust us?"

Xuan Tiangang quickly bowed toward Mang Huang. "Elder Mang, you see clearly!"

Mang Huang stepped forward. "Xiong Batian, you may go. The rest of us have things to discuss."

Xiong Batian bowed and withdrew. As he left, Chi Lian fixed his gaze on Mang Huang. "You have another idea, don't you?"

Mang Huang burst out laughing. "Ah, Elder Chi, you know me too well!"

"Xuan Tiangang, I order you to return and find a way to leak the information that Yao Ye possesses the Creator's Cauldron."

"Mang Huang, are you mad?"

"Patience, Elder Chi!"

Chi Lian eyed Mang Huang suspiciously, a sly smile spreading across his face as he pondered the proposal. Mang Yuan hurried over as well. "Big brother, you're always saying I'm slow, but today you're being even slower than me. If the humans know Yao Ye has the Cauldron, won't they just protect him all the more?"

"Enough, Mang Yuan. Leave the thinking to us," Mang Huang replied impatiently.

Mang Yuan, disgruntled, slumped into a chair. Chi Lian lifted his head, surprised at Mang Huang's confidence. "You mean—?"

"Hahaha! Elder Chi, you really do understand me!"

Mang Yuan, seeing Mang Huang's air of mystery and Chi Lian's sly smile, stood up. "What are you two plotting?"

Chi Lian chuckled. "Let me explain. We can exploit human greed and sow discord. Once the world knows Yao Ye holds the Creator's Cauldron, he will become a target for all. Not even Shinfeng Academy will be able to protect him. And Yao Ye, being loyal and sentimental, will surely distance himself from them. Then—"

"Then, we'll use Liu Xin's special feelings for Yao Ye to capture them both in one stroke. And afterwards, we can use Yao Ye to manipulate Liu Xin as well," Mang Huang finished.

Mang Yuan looked at the two schemers and laughed. "You two are real foxes. Anyone who crosses you won't even know how they died!"

The three exchanged glances and burst into satisfied laughter. Chi Lian helped Xuan Tiangang up and patted his shoulder lightly. "Tiangang, we leave this matter in your hands. Hahaha! Yao Ye, let’s see how you handle this next!"

Xuan Tiangang, frowning, quickly cupped his fists in salute. "Thank you for your trust, elders. I would give my life a thousand times if needed!"

Mang Huang waved him off, and Xuan Tiangang bowed again before leaving the grand hall.