Wu Tian and Wu Xiang hurried back toward Devil Forest, unease gnawing at their hearts as the memory of the red-eyed creature—the Demon Beast—still lingered in their minds. The forest loomed ahead, its canopy thick and oppressive, swallowing the last traces of daylight. The air was damp, heavy with the scent of moss and decaying leaves, while the distant cries of unseen animals echoed like warnings in the gloom. “Do you think Tian Zhi is safe?” Wu Tian asked, his voice low, carrying a tremor of worry. “She was fine when I left her earlier,” Wu Xiang replied, though his tone betrayed uncertainty. “But I can’t say for sure now.” “Did the Demon Beast appear while you were with her?” Wu Tian pressed, his eyes scanning the shadows between the trees. “No,” Wu Xiang shook his head firmly. “It was Tian Zhi who asked me to follow you. Even if she hadn’t, I would have come anyway.” Wu Tian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You truly are a loyal friend, Wu Xiang. May our bond remain et

The headquarters of the White Tiger Sect dominated the heart of the village, a sprawling complex of stone and timber that gleamed with wealth and power. Its towering gates rose like fangs, carved with intricate patterns of tigers leaping through clouds, while banners of white silk fluttered in the breeze. The air around the compound carried the faint scent of incense and burning oil, mingling with the earthy aroma of the village streets. It was impossible to miss—the sect’s fortress stood as both a symbol of authority and a warning to all who dared approach. Wu Tian, accompanied by Wu Xiang and Tian Zhi, gazed at the imposing structure. The morning sun reflected off its polished walls, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The sound of clanging weapons and disciplined footsteps echoed faintly from within, a reminder of the sect’s vigilance. “This place is extravagant, Wu Tian!” Wu Xiang exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe and suspicion. “Could they be the ones who capture

“So it’s true—the missing villagers of Lao Han were brought here to White Tiger Village! My hunch was right all along!” Wu Tian’s voice rang with conviction, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets, its golden light glinting off the tiled roofs and the banners of the sect that fluttered in the breeze. The air smelled of roasted seafood and burning oil from the market stalls, but beneath it lingered a tension, sharp and metallic, like the scent of blood hidden beneath perfume. Wu Xiang frowned, his voice uncertain. “Wait… you were only guessing when you said you’d heard of Lao Han villagers being here?” His tone carried both doubt and frustration, his hands tightening into fists as if trying to grasp clarity. “Yes,” Wu Tian admitted calmly. “But we must believe it. The villagers of Lao Han were indeed brought here.” His words carried a weight of certainty, though his eyes flickered with the quiet fire of strategy. Wu Xi

“WU XIANG!!!” The cry pierced the silence of the vast chamber, echoing against the cold stone walls. Wu Xiang froze, his heart pounding as the familiar voice reached his ears. The air inside the building was heavy, thick with the scent of damp earth and stale air, while faint torchlight flickered along the corridors, casting long shadows that danced like restless spirits. “Wu Ling! Are you alright?” Wu Xiang’s voice trembled with both relief and fear as he rushed forward. “I’m fine, Brother!” Wu Ling replied, her eyes wide with urgency. “But what about Uncle Wang? Have you found him yet?” Her voice carried a note of desperation, echoing through the cavernous hall. Wu Xiang’s expression darkened. “Uncle Wang isn’t with you?” “No,” Wu Ling shook her head firmly. “But I’m certain all the villagers of Lao Han are here somewhere.” Her words hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint crackle of torches. Wu Tian stepped forward, his eyes sharp. “We must find your uncle quickl

Wu Tian stood torn, his mind clouded with doubt as Red Phoenix’s words pressed against him like a relentless tide. She promised him knowledge of the Darkness Cultivators, the whereabouts of Xiuying, even reunion with Yueyin, and a way back to the Han Dynasty. The chamber’s air was heavy, thick with the scent of burning embers from her aura, and the flickering torchlight painted shadows across Wu Tian’s conflicted face. “You cruel-hearted demon!” Tian Zhi’s voice rang with fury, her eyes blazing. “You know what the demonic cultivator intends for Wu Xiang!” Wu Xiang’s voice cut through, sharp and bitter. “Don’t defend me! You’re both the same—you lied to me from the start!” His words dripped with venom, his gaze fixed on Tian Zhi. “I don’t need your pity, demon woman!” His anger was no longer directed at Red Phoenix, but at Wu Tian and Tian Zhi. Wu Tian’s voice trembled with urgency. “We never lied to you, Wu Xiang! Your power is too unstable—it’s not yet time for it to be unlea