Chapter 84: The Situation Grows Dire

Sophie, who was observing from the shadows, watched helplessly as a great throng of people entered the primeval forest, launching an unprecedented hunt. Rising to her feet, she swiftly flew toward the academy.

In a hurry, Sophie pushed open the door to the headmaster’s office.

Tang Ze looked up, seeing Sophie’s flustered expression. He sprang from his seat, gripping her shoulders tightly.

“Judging by your look, did Yao Ye fail to escape? Has he been captured? Speak, what happened?”

Sophie, uncomfortable, tried gently to free herself but could not break his grasp. Seeing Tang Ze’s anxious face, she decided not to press the matter.

“Headmaster Tang, please don’t panic. Listen to me. Yao Ye managed to escape into the primeval forest. However—”

At this point, Sophie lowered her head, unable to meet Tang Ze’s eyes.

“Haha! I knew that rascal would find a way. Good! Now that he’s in the primeval forest, catching up to him will be much more difficult. Go on, what’s the ‘however’?”

Seeing Tang Ze’s joy at Yao Ye’s escape, Sophie was unsure how to continue. Meeting his expectant gaze, she forced a somewhat awkward smile.

“Come now, Sophie, just tell me. This dithering isn’t your usual style.”

Sophie managed a smile. “Once Yao Ye entered the forest, the Demon Clan intervened, repelling all those stronger than the Spirit Level. Only those below the Spirit Level are allowed in. I sense a plot, and tens of thousands of humans are entering—numbers still rising. Yao Ye is in grave danger.”

Her voice grew weaker as she spoke, while Tang Ze’s aura became ever more forceful. With a loud crack, the furniture in the room splintered.

“Demons! Monster Clan! And greedy men! This is outrageous—simply outrageous!”

At that moment, Liu Xin, who had just reached the doorway, paused. She’d learned that Teacher Sophie had returned and wanted to ask about Yao Ye. Hearing the conversation, Liu Xin was stunned.

“My junior is in danger? No, I must save him! He’s like a rat chased through the streets, beset by thousands. I have to help!”

Liu Xin, as if possessed, stumbled, her hands slapping hard against the wall.

“Who’s there?”

Tang Ze rushed out quickly. Liu Xin, hearing his voice, forced herself to respond calmly.

“Headmaster, it’s me. I heard Teacher Sophie had returned and wanted to ask about Yao Ye.”

Seeing that it was Liu Xin, Tang Ze’s heart tightened.

“Liu Xin, when did you arrive? Did you overhear anything?”

“Headmaster Tang, I had just arrived when you noticed me.”

“Oh, is that so? Haha, very well. Teacher Sophie is inside; you may ask her.”

As he spoke, Tang Ze turned around, subtly signaling to Sophie with his eyes.

Sophie nodded, making efforts to cover any trace. Liu Xin entered the office, smiling sweetly at Sophie.

“Hello, Teacher Sophie! How is Yao Ye now?”

“Haha, so it’s little Xin. Yao Ye has safely escaped into the primeval forest, and those pursuing him have lost track.”

Liu Xin feigned delight. “Really? That’s wonderful! I knew Yao Ye’s luck and fate would keep him safe. Isn’t that right, Headmaster?”

Tang Ze replied awkwardly, “Uh, yes, yes! Haha, that rascal is blessed, he’ll surely be fine. All right, Xin, you may go. We have matters to discuss.”

“Very well, Headmaster. I’ll leave now. Please inform me of any news!”

“Mm, I will.”

Seeing the headmaster’s assuring nod, Liu Xin smiled radiantly and went off toward her quarters.

Watching Liu Xin’s retreating figure, Tang Ze couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Turning to Sophie, he said,

“Teacher Sophie, under no circumstances must you tell Liu Xin about Yao Ye. Also, keep monitoring outside, and report any developments promptly.”

“Headmaster, I understand.”

As she walked, Liu Xin pondered the conversation she had overheard.

“What’s really going on? Why would the Demon Clan help Yao Ye? No one at his level is his match—he’ll be all right, won’t he?”

The farther Liu Xin walked, the more uneasy she felt. Halfway to her quarters, she stopped, frowning deeply, then turned toward Zhao Mu’s residence.

Meanwhile, deep in the mountains, Yao Ye was fleeing in panic, with a group quickly catching up behind him.

“Yao Ye, you won’t escape! Heh heh, give us your life. Surrender, and we’ll make your end swift.”

Yao Ye snorted coldly, glancing at his pursuers and shaking his head.

“You think yourselves hunters, and me the prey? Want to kill me? Then you’ll pay the price for your greed.”

The crowd behind him grew larger.

“Yao Ye, you’re shameless! Fine, let’s see exactly how you’ll make us pay!”

Yao Ye said no more, quietly awaiting the coming of night.