Chapter Ninety-Seven: Deliberation

Liu Qing rushed back with the Demon Exorcism Alliance’s special pardon, but unfortunately, things had already reached the point of no return. Upon learning that Demon Night and Liu Xin had been captured, his fury soared, ready to act at the slightest provocation.

“Tang Ze! You tell me what happened! I want to know who’s plotting against us!”

Tang Ze pondered seriously, his expression exceedingly unnatural. He had known Liu Qing for decades, yet this was the first time he had seen him so enraged.

He dared not conceal anything, recounting the events in meticulous detail—from the Demon Cavern to the capture of Demon Night. When he spoke of Demon Night ruthlessly slaughtering villagers to escape into the forest, Liu Qing slammed his hand hard onto the table and stood abruptly.

“Nonsense! Let me tell you, if Demon Night had such a character, the Creation Cauldron would never have chosen him as its master!”

Tang Ze nodded, “Yes. I’ve always felt this wasn’t targeted at Demon Night, but rather at our Divine Wind Academy.”

Hearing Tang Ze’s account, Liu Qing raised his head in confusion, looking at Tang Ze with a questioning gaze.

“Dean, look—Demon Night was captured for possessing the Creation Cauldron, that much is understandable. But what about Liu Xin? Peng Lei and the others are the core of the academy. I believe someone aims to destroy us completely.”

Liu Qing nodded in agreement as he listened. “Indeed! It’s clear that someone is orchestrating all this from behind the scenes!”

“Is it the Demon Clan or someone else? Using greed and hatred to frame Demon Night. If it’s the Demon Clan, at least that’s within expectation. But if it’s not…”

Tang Ze seemed to remember something, interrupting Liu Qing’s contemplation, his emotions stirred.

“Dean! I suspect Fire Dance Academy greatly. Perhaps they masterminded this entire affair!”

“Fire Dance Academy? Explain.”

“Dean, during our last trip to the Demon Cavern, someone secretly targeted Peng Lei and his group. Martial Arts students were attacked, but only Fire Dance Academy members were unaffected. Moreover, the attackers were intimately familiar with our plans! Li Chun doesn’t have the brains for this!”

Liu Qing rested his chin on his hand, falling into deep thought. Tang Ze stepped forward and continued.

“In recent years, our students have had frequent conflicts with those from Martial Arts, constant friction. Last time, I had someone follow our students on a mission and discovered something odd.”

“Odd? Tell me in detail.”

“Yes! I sent someone to trail our students on a task, and they found the assailants wearing Martial Arts uniforms. When one tried to escape, our man caught him.”

Tang Ze straightened, “He hid his identity well, but even in death—having poisoned himself—he never revealed who he was. Hmph! But he overlooked one thing.”

At this, Tang Ze presented a jade pendant to Liu Qing.

“Dean, look—this is what we found on his corpse! He died of poison.”

Liu Qing took the jade pendant, gripping it tightly. “Fire Dance! You truly are something. We must keep silent for now. Keep a close watch on Fire Dance’s movements. I’ll go to the Demon Clan to investigate further.”

Tang Ze nodded, “I’ve already briefed everyone who’s aware of this matter. As for visiting the Demon Clan, Dean Liu, let me accompany you.”

Liu Qing waved him off, “You can’t go. The academy needs you here. Besides, I’ll attract less attention alone. Remember—from now on, Peng Lei, Xiao Xiao, and Zhao Mu are forbidden from leaving the academy. Also, assign people to protect them covertly.”

Liu Qing took a few steps, then stopped. “Lock down the academy. No one goes out until further notice. Send extra teachers to patrol with the students.”

Tang Ze bowed deeply. “Dean, rest assured. I know what must be done.”

“Good.”

Without looking back, Liu Qing flew toward the Demon Clan’s gathering grounds. No sooner had he left than Peng Lei and his companions arrived.

“Dean Tang! Has Master returned yet?”

Xiao Xiao and Zhao Mu also looked at Tang Ze with anticipation. Tang Ze’s expression was grave as he led the way into the house.

“The three of you—come inside, we need to talk.”

The trio exchanged glances and followed him in. Tang Ze gestured for them to sit, pacing back and forth.

“Let me be clear. There’s more to this matter—someone intends to destroy Divine Wind. You must not act rashly. For now, you are forbidden from leaving the academy.”

“That’s impossible! Demon Night and the others are counting on us to rescue them!”

“Xiao Xiao, now is not the time for impulsiveness. Your grandfather has gone to the Demon Clan to investigate. Wait patiently.”

Xiao Xiao opened her mouth to protest, but Peng Lei grabbed her arm.

“That’s enough! Let’s wait for Master to return before we do anything.”

Xiao Xiao turned her head away in anger.