Chapter 40: Demonic Turmoil and the Shadows of Doubt within the Immortal Sect

The roar emanating from the border of the Immortal Sect grew increasingly distinct, causing the very ground beneath their feet to hum with vibration.

Yun Yao and Jun Mohan exchanged a look, the meaning of which was understood without a word.

"Yao'er, this journey to the Demon Realm is fraught with extreme peril. You must be careful." Jun Mohan’s voice was low and resolute, tinged with a trace of imperceptible worry.

He reached out to gently stroke her hair, his fingertips lingering amidst her soft locks as if to etch this moment of tenderness deep into his heart.

Yun Yao replied with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with firm resolve.

"Don't worry, I’m not exactly a pushover!" She winked playfully, her tone light, though it could not mask the deep-seated apprehension in her heart.

After accepting the mission to investigate the chaos in the Demon Realm, Yun Yao set off toward its border.

The gazes of the surrounding Immortal Sect disciples were complex and difficult to decipher; there was worry, suspicion, and, more predominantly, an indescribable sense of oppression. Feeling these stares, Yun Yao could not help but feel a sense of helplessness.

At the edge of the Demon Realm, the air was heavy with a pungent, nauseating scent of blood. The barren land was devoid of life, save for jagged, monstrous rocks that appeared even more menacing under the gloomy sky. The wind whistled past, whipping up clouds of dust that blurred her vision.

"Yun Yao! You’ve finally arrived!" Accompanied by a roar filled with hostility, the Night Wolf Demon appeared before her, flanked by a pack of lesser demons.

He was burly and hideous, his blood-red eyes fixed intently on Yun Yao, as if he intended to tear her limb from limb.

"Night Wolf Demon, what do you want this time?" Yun Yao snorted, staring back at him without a hint of fear. Her long sword hummed in her hand, as if responding to its master’s fighting spirit.

"Hmph! Stop playing dumb! This chaos in the Demon Realm is definitely the work of you human women!" The Night Wolf Demon roared, his voice as raspy as a beast’s.

"If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext!" Yun Yao sneered, though she remained inwardly vigilant.

Feiyu, who had traveled with her, stood to the side, his eyes filled with such suspicion that it made her feel profoundly aggrieved.

"There is solid evidence of your collusion with the demon race!" Feiyu said coldly, his tone laced with accusation.

"I..." Yun Yao began to explain, but was interrupted by the Night Wolf Demon’s attack.

With a thunderous growl, the demon swung his spiked club, smashing it toward her. A fierce wind howled, carrying a suffocating, thick demonic aura.

"Go to hell, human!"

"Hmph!" Yun Yao let out a cold laugh and dodged the attack in a flash. "Is that all you’ve got? You think you can hurt me with such meager skills?"

No sooner had she spoken than the Night Wolf Demon launched another assault, faster and more forceful than the last. The surrounding lesser demons swarmed in, surrounding her completely.

"Overestimating yourselves," Yun Yao muttered, a cold smirk curling her lips.

In that moment, her Mind-Reading ability proved invaluable. She could discern every one of the Night Wolf Demon’s intentions, predicting his movements with clarity. As the whistling spiked club swung past, she drifted like a wisp of smoke, nimbly sliding past its trajectory and narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. Her movements were fluid and seamless, showing no sign of strain.

The Night Wolf Demon roared again and lunged, but Yun Yao was prepared. With a flick of her sword, she tapped the tip against his club, skillfully neutralizing his momentum.

"Is that all you’ve got?" Her voice was cold and steady. Her blade traced streams of light in the air, resembling a magnificent painting.

The Night Wolf Demon felt his vision blur as she struck his arm with precision. The club flew from his grip, and he stumbled back, utterly disheveled. The surrounding lesser demons, seeing this, were struck with terror and ceased their attack.

Yun Yao’s gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s as she scanned the perimeter, taking in the fear etched on every demon’s face. She knew that in this moment, she had planted the seeds of dread in their hearts.

"How dare you humans insult the dignity of the demon race!" The Night Wolf Demon was shamed and enraged, yet his tone lacked its initial confidence. Yun Yao’s imposing presence had struck fear into him.

Just then, a slight ripple occurred in the void, and Yun Yao felt a surge of warm energy. Jun Mohan, watching her progress from the Immortal Sect, was sending his trust and support; it arrived like a warm current, piercing through the barriers of space to reach her heart. A firm resolve welled up within her—she knew she was not alone.

*Yao'er, you will surely return safely.* Jun Mohan’s voice echoed in her heart; though she could not hear it, she could feel his unwavering faith. Influenced by his steadfastness, the attitude of the other disciples in the sect began to soften, and a warm atmosphere of trust began to permeate the halls.

Yun Yao’s sword flashed once more, the blade light swirling like a tornado, forcing the surrounding demons back. Her eyes burned with determination. The Night Wolf Demon retreated, his spirit broken.

"Do you really believe I am a traitor colluding with the demons?" Her voice rang out, filled with unshakable confidence.

The faces of the Night Wolf Demon and his pack showed hesitation and doubt; her performance in battle had forced them to question their own judgment.

With a final flourish, Yun Yao sheathed her sword. "This battle is not yet over." Her final words cut through the silent night like lightning, foreshadowing the events to come.

The Night Wolf Demon fled in defeat, and the pack scattered like birds and beasts. Yun Yao turned toward Feiyu, only to see his gaze flickering, his expression complex.

Upon returning to the Immortal Sect, Yun Yao reported the encounter at the border truthfully. To her surprise, Elder Cangsong flew into a rage, pointing a finger at her and shouting, "Spreading demonic lies! You colluded with the demons and intentionally let the Night Wolf escape—your crimes deserve death!"

Yun Yao’s heart sank, a chill running from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. The surrounding disciples whispered, their suspicious glares pricking at her like needles.

She took a deep breath, forcing down her anger, and spoke aloud, "Elder Cangsong, I have no collusion with the demon race. The Night Wolf Demon is cunning; though I drove him back, I failed to capture him. I beg the Elder to investigate thoroughly!"

Elder Cangsong snorted, ignoring her plea entirely. "The evidence is conclusive; I will not tolerate your sophistry!" He turned to the disciples and commanded, "This woman has conspired with the demons—her sin is unforgivable! Do not be deceived by her silver tongue!"

Yun Yao felt an invisible pressure closing in on her. The gazes of her peers grew more suspicious and hostile. Deeply aggrieved but powerless to argue, she could only endure it in silence.

Ling Yue, who had always harbored resentment toward her, seized the opportunity presented by the Elder’s outburst. She stepped forward, pointing at Yun Yao. "What else do you have to say? Confess your crimes at once!" With that, she drew her sword, the tip aimed directly at Yun Yao.

Yun Yao’s heart tightened; she had not expected Ling Yue to strike. With a weary sigh, she drew her own blade to defend herself.

Ling Yue’s moves were ruthless, her blade filled with sharp, killing intent, aiming for Yun Yao’s vitals. Yun Yao dared not be careless, parrying and neutralizing every strike. The disciples debated amongst themselves; some supported Ling Yue, believing she was upholding the sect's justice, while others pondered the truth, feeling sympathy for Yun Yao’s plight.

A tense atmosphere hung over the entire sect, as if on the verge of erupting.

Just then, a flash of white light appeared, and a woman in white robes stood before them. She was ethereal and refined—it was the Snow Fox Fairy of the Demon Realm.

Her arrival brought a momentary silence; everyone stood stunned, their gazes fixed upon her. The Snow Fox Fairy looked around, her eyes finally settling on Yun Yao. She spoke slowly, "I know the truth behind the chaos in the Demon Realm..." She paused, hesitating, her eyes filled with complex emotions.