The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 46

Fang Zhiluo frowned, her voice cold as she demanded, “Does the Demon Clan intend to immediately break its agreement with the Human Clan?”

“Here we go again,” the Bear Demon grumbled, picking at his ear impatiently. “Talking to you humans is so tedious. You always blow things out of proportion over the slightest disagreement.”

He tilted his chin, his brow furrowed. “If the Demon Clan does break the agreement, it’ll be because you humans forced our hand.”

Fang Zhiluo’s frown deepened. Anxious to prevent further deterioration in relations between the two clans, she softened her tone. “Send another message to your Clan Leader. Tell him Fang Zhiluo of the Azure Cloud Sect has come to meet him.”

The Bear Demon had heard of Fang Zhiluo’s reputation. After a moment’s hesitation, he sent a message back to his clan.

Fang Zhiluo stepped closer to Yun Xiao and transmitted a private message: “You shouldn’t be here with the Demon Clan. If word of this reaches the Four Great Sects, then—”

Yun Xiao cut her off, her voice icy. “When did I ever say I stood with the Human Clan? Whether I come to the Demon Clan or what I discuss with them has nothing to do with you or the Four Great Sects.”

Staring at Fang Zhiluo’s gradually paling face, she said, each word deliberate, “Don’t flatter yourself.”

She indeed resented the Demon Clan’s attempts to use her to provoke war with the Human Clan. As for the humans, if she hadn’t severed ties with the Demon Clan early on, she feared the Heavenly Evolution Sect would have exploited her as well.

When Yun Xiao single-handedly stormed the Heavenly Evolution Sect, why didn’t the other three sects send their Tribulation Transcendence cultivators to intervene? If not for their fear of her power, they would have undoubtedly joined forces with the Heavenly Evolution Sect long ago.

Her magnanimity in not pursuing the matter didn’t erase the fact that it had occurred.

The color drained from Fang Zhiluo’s face as she staggered back half a step in shock.

Ah, yes, she had been blinded by her own assumptions. She had assumed that by informing the Four Great Sects about the Heavenly Origin Realm’s stolen Luck and the broken Heavenly Ladder, Yun Xiao had chosen to stand with the Human Clan. But she had forgotten that Yun Xiao had never explicitly stated such an allegiance.

Yun Xiao’s final words carried a double meaning. Beyond criticizing Fang Zhiluo’s preconceived notions about her loyalties, they also rebuked her for overstepping her boundaries.

Given their current relationship, Fang Zhiluo had no right to question Yun Xiao’s decisions.

“Rest assured, I keep my word. I’ll notify you before we depart.” With that, Yun Xiao turned and strode into the Demon Clan territory without waiting for a response.

Out of sight, out of mind. How liberating to be alone.

Seeing Yun Xiao enter the Demon Clan territory, the Bear Demon grabbed a companion, shoved a Communication Talisman into his arms, and hurried after Yun Xiao.

This is the Clan Leader’s esteemed guest! We can’t afford to neglect her.

As Yun Xiao’s figure receded into the distance, Fang Zhiluo’s nose stung with emotion, and her lips pressed into a tight line.

Yun Xiao must be tired of me by now, Fang Zhiluo thought.

And rightly so. I loathe myself at this moment. I should have trusted Yun Xiao, whether regarding Hong Gu Yun’s escape or Yun Xiao’s presence among the Demon Clan. I should have believed in her judgment.

If Yun Xiao truly sided with the Demon Clan, she wouldn’t have stormed the Heavenly Evolution Sect alone, nor would she have publicly torn open her own wound, all to declare that this was a personal feud between her and Xie Yunfan.

As for Hong Gu Yun’s escape, all the evidence points to Master. If Ruan Yurong’s words hold true, Master remains the prime suspect.

But if Master were truly responsible, why would he leave behind so much incriminating evidence?

The Bear Demon’s companion spoke timidly, “The Clan Leader requests that you visit another day. He must first entertain his esteemed guests.”

Fang Zhiluo withdrew her gaze, abandoning her attempt to enter the Demon Clan. She turned and returned to Afterglow Island.

Having found no useful clues near the site of Ruan Yurong’s ambush, she had no choice but to visit the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Upon announcing her identity, the Shopkeeper immediately rushed forward.

“Immortal Fang Jie graces our humble establishment with his presence! This is truly an honor—”

Fang Zhiluo cut him off, unwilling to listen to his flattery. “I need to know the recent whereabouts of my master, Daoist Yuhui.”

The Shopkeeper glanced furtively at Fang Zhiluo before adopting a serious tone. “We will have the results for you in three days.”

Fang Zhiluo left behind sufficient Spirit Stones and rose to depart.

Meanwhile, guided by a Bear Demon, Yun Xiao had arrived at the Demon Clan’s Council Hall.

Unlike the Human Clan’s grand architecture, the few buildings here were simple yet imposing.

Seeing traces of the Demon Clan from the Small World, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging.

Ignoring the gazes fixed upon her, she found a nearby chair and sat down, cutting straight to the point. “I’ve come today to share two matters of grave importance to the entire Heavenly Origin Realm.”

Ji Ruxue made no attempt to conceal the skepticism in her eyes and was about to challenge Yun Xiao when Clan Leader Hu Kun silenced her with a stern look.

Hu Kun’s face split into a wide smile as he gestured for Yun Xiao to continue.

“First: Three Primordial Spirits capable of stealing Luck are lurking within the Heavenly Origin Realm. I’ve already captured two, but the third escaped.” Undeterred by the demons’ astonished expressions, Yun Xiao continued, “Second: The Heavenly Origin Realm’s Ascension Ladder has been severed. In other words, until the ladder is repaired, no one can achieve Ascension.”

Ji Ruxue leaped to her feet, her voice trembling with agitation. “How is that possible? How could the Heavenly Ladder be broken? And where did you get this information?”

Hu Kun’s voice boomed, “Ruxue, show some respect!”

Seeing Ji Ruxue settle back into her seat, Hu Kun shifted his gaze to Yun Xiao. “Why did you come here specifically to tell us this? Didn’t you choose to side with the Human Clan?”

Yun Xiao shook her head slightly, correcting him. “I haven’t sided with the Human Clan.” Not missing the shrewdness in Hu Kun’s eyes, she quickly added, “Nor will I support the Demon Clan in waging war against the Human Clan.”

“My purpose in coming here is simply to inform you that now is not the right time for war. As long as the Heavenly Ladder remains broken, any territory you seize through your schemes will be worthless. Of course, if none of you here aspire to Ascension, then disregard what I’ve said.” Having delivered her message, she nonchalantly took out a Spirit Fruit and began eating it.

Ji Ruxue crossed her arms, turned her head away, and scoffed. “Who knows if what you’re saying is true?”

Yun Xiao shrugged, spreading one hand indifferently. “Believe it or not, it’s up to you. I’ve said what I needed to say.”

The Tiger Demon slammed his fist on the table, rising angrily. “The Human Clan has been hiding such a crucial matter from us! They clearly don’t take the Demon Clan seriously!”

Yun Xiao swallowed the Spirit Fruit in her mouth and spoke calmly. “I understand your anger, but don’t let it consume you. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. The Human Clan rejects the Demon Clan, but hasn’t the Demon Clan also ostracized the Human Clan?”

“If you ask me, it’s simply that your fists aren’t hard enough. If the Demon Clan had more Tribulation Transcendence cultivators than the Human Clan, do you think they’d dare look down on them?”

As her words fell, the entire Council Hall fell into silence. No one could find a compelling argument to refute Yun Xiao’s point.

As Yun Xiao had said, the Human Clan looked down on the Demon Clan solely because they perceived the demons as weaker.

After a moment of contemplation, Hu Kun asked, “What do you think we should do?”

Yun Xiao placed the finished spirit core on the tea table beside her and calmly asked, “In terms of numbers, do the Demon Clan have more Tribulation Transcendence cultivators than the Human Clan?”

Hu Kun, wary of Yun Xiao’s intentions, still answered truthfully, “One fewer.”

Yun Xiao blinked. No wonder the Demon Clan wanted to drag her into their schemes.

Suppressing her thoughts, she slowly shared her insights: “Conserve your strength and observe the situation. The Demon Clan’s sudden silence will undoubtedly arouse suspicion among the Four Great Sects. They might even send scouts to probe our defenses. At this critical moment, we must avoid any conflict with them.”

“You signed the agreement. The first party to break it without sufficient justification will inevitably face public condemnation,” Yun Xiao said, preempting Ji Ruxue’s intended argument. “The Heavenly Origin Realm is vast. Could the Demon Clan possibly slaughter every human? Can you bear such immense karmic debt?”

Ji Ruxue seemed choked, unable to utter a word for a long moment.

Hu Kun, quick to grasp the situation, grew even more determined to recruit Yun Xiao to the Demon Clan’s cause.

Ascension was far more crucial than territorial gains.

After years of arduous cultivation, their sole ambition was to achieve Ascension.

He had previously discussed their inability to ascend with other Tribulation Transcendence Demon Cultivators in the clan, but their deliberations had yielded no solution. Now, they discovered the Heavenly Ladder to Ascension had been severed.

His gaze swept across the others present, and their expressions confirmed his suspicions. “How can the Heavenly Ladder be repaired?” he asked.

As befitting the Clan Leader of the Demon Clan, Hu Kun possessed exceptional intellect and temperament, far surpassing those of ordinary demons.

Yun Xiao glanced sideways at Ji Ruxue, thinking, Demons are like demons—some are just trash.

Ji Ruxue didn’t understand Yun Xiao’s look, but she knew she was being scorned. Fury surged within her. “What’s with that look? If you’re so capable, lower your cultivation and fight me!”

Yun Xiao wagged her index finger back and forth. “I don’t bully children.”

The fury in Ji Ruxue’s eyes burned even brighter. If Yun Xiao’s cultivation hadn’t been higher, she would have pinned her to the ground and beaten her senseless.

That peacock is infuriating!

Yun Xiao knew when to quit while she was ahead. Under the intense gazes of everyone present, she declared with utmost seriousness, “Repairing the Heavenly Ladder is both simple and complex.” She held up three fingers. “All it takes is three pieces of Breathing Earth.”

Hu Kun, who was drinking water, choked. Breathing Earth? And three pieces?

After confirming Yun Xiao wasn’t joking, he forced a smile and asked, “Where can we find this Breathing Earth?”

Will I ever gather three pieces of Breathing Earth in my lifetime? Maybe we should focus on seizing territory first, so our descendants will have a better foundation.

Seeing through Hu Kun’s thoughts, Yun Xiao curled her lip. “How do you think I learned about the Heavenly Ladder’s collapse? Naturally, it was through Zhi’s guidance.”

Hu Kun’s anxiety eased, and he seized the opportunity to make a request. “The Four Great Sects must have arranged companions for you. Would it be convenient to add one member of the Demon Clan to your group?”

Yun Xiao nodded. “Agreed.”

Why turn down free labor?

She rose to her feet. “I’ve said all I need to say. How you proceed is up to you. I’m leaving.”

Hu Kun also stood, trying to persuade her to stay. “The Demon Clan’s domain may not be as vast as the Human Clan’s, but it has its own unique charm. Why not stay a few more days and explore?”

Yun Xiao waved her hand dismissively. “No need. There’s still a Primordial Spirit at large. I won’t be able to sleep until he’s captured.”

Suddenly remembering something, she stopped and turned back to Hu Kun. “I have some Enlightenment Tea here. If you have any treasures that target Divine Souls or Primordial Spirits, I’d be willing to trade.”

The Tiger Demon’s ears perked up. “Would other treasures be acceptable?” he ventured.

“Of course,” Yun Xiao emphasized. “If you have a treasure I want, I’ll offer even more Enlightenment Tea as a token of gratitude.”

If the Demon Clan truly possessed such a treasure, she wouldn’t have to wait for the Myriad Treasures Pavilion any longer.

Naturally, she wouldn’t abandon her agreement with the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Treasures of this kind were always welcome.

Hu Kun had been hesitant, but Yun Xiao’s words immediately swayed him. “Our clan’s treasure vault does indeed contain such an artifact. Follow me.”

With Enlightenment Tea, the Demon Clan might be able to produce several more Tribulation Transcendence Demon Cultivators within a century, and their existing Tribulation Transcendence cultivators could advance even further.

Seeing an opportunity, Yun Xiao immediately followed Hu Kun.

Gazing at the dazzling array of Heavenly Treasures on the shelves, then glancing at her own meager possessions, she suddenly felt her treasures had lost their luster.

Hu Kun noticed Yun Xiao’s expression and waved his hand magnanimously. “If you see anything you like, you’re welcome to trade for it with treasures of equal value from the Demon Clan.”

Yun Xiao’s interest was piqued. Using three top-grade spirit herbs and twenty top-grade spirit fruits, she exchanged for ten Heavenly Treasures she didn’t possess.

It wasn’t foolishness on her part, but rather the true worth of these ten treasures.

Take Nethergrass, for example. Consuming it could dramatically enhance Mental Power, greatly benefiting her Divine Sense cultivation.

Demon Cultivators, drawn by the news, eagerly brought out their family heirlooms, hoping to trade for more Enlightenment Tea.

Yun Xiao was delighted by the treasures the Demon Cultivators offered. With a grand gesture, she exchanged six catties of Enlightenment Tea and a branch from the Enlightenment Tea Tree.

Once again refusing the Demon Clan’s pleas to stay, she teleported away, her pockets brimming with countless treasures.

Instead of seeking out Fang Zhiluo, she received a message from him the moment she arrived at Afterglow Island.

“The Demon Clan massacred an entire town. News of your visit to the Demon Clan has leaked. The Four Great Sects have already dispatched their forces.”