Chapter 41: The Truth of the Demonic Chaos Shrouded in Mist

The Snow Fox Fairy swept her gaze across the crowd, finally resting it upon Yun Yao. She spoke slowly, "I know the truth behind the chaos in the Demon Realm..." She paused, hesitating as if there were more to say, her expression complex.

The crowd held their breath; one could have heard a pin drop. A tense atmosphere spread like a spiderweb, entangling everyone present. The air was thick with both anticipation and unease—everyone longed to know the truth, yet feared it might be too cruel.

Yun Yao watched the Snow Fox Fairy, her heart filled with expectation.

"But this matter is of great significance. I can only discuss it with Yun Yao in private," the Fairy’s cool, clear voice broke the silence, yet it acted like a stone cast into a lake, stirring up even greater waves.

The moment these words were spoken, an uproar erupted. People exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, suspicion and dissatisfaction rippling through the crowd.

Elder Cangsong was particularly incensed. He stepped forward, pointing a trembling finger at the Snow Fox Fairy and roaring, "You monster! Don't think you can play any tricks here! If you have something to say, say it clearly in front of everyone!" His aged voice was filled with such fury and distrust that it was as if the Fairy were a vicious beast.

"Elder Cangsong, please calm down," Yun Yao stepped forward, her tone peaceful yet firm. "I believe the Snow Fox Fairy means no harm. Allowing her to speak with me alone might lead us to the truth more quickly."

"Yun Yao, you..." The Elder was so angry his beard bristled. He pointed at her, unable to utter a coherent sentence.

Ignoring him, Yun Yao turned to the Snow Fox Fairy and offered a slight smile. "Fairy, please."

The Snow Fox Fairy returned a faint smile, then turned and walked toward a secluded corner. Yun Yao followed close behind, leaving the clamor and questioning behind her.

Reaching the secluded spot, the Fairy stopped and turned to face Yun Yao, her expression grave. "Yun Yao, there are some things I can only tell you..." She paused, her gaze deep, as if piercing through layers of mist. "The truth has been sealed by a powerful force..."

The Fairy’s pale eyelashes trembled slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "This power... I cannot contend with it. To speak the truth would bring catastrophe upon me and my people." A flicker of fear crossed her eyes—a shivering that originated from the depths of her soul.

Yun Yao felt the air around them thicken; an invisible pressure descended, making it difficult to breathe. She reached out, wanting to grasp something, but found only empty air. The situation was far more complex than she had imagined; behind this chessboard, a greater secret seemed to lie hidden.

"I understand," Yun Yao took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. "Thank you for telling me this, Fairy." Although she had not received the answers she sought, she at least knew the truth existed and why it had been concealed. That was far better than knowing nothing at all.

***

Yun Yao turned and left with firm steps. The Snow Fox Fairy watched her retreating back.

Instead of returning to the Immortal Sect, Yun Yao headed alone to the edge of the Demon Realm. A heavy miasma of demonic energy assailed her, carrying a pungent scent of blood that turned her stomach. Beneath her feet, the ground was wet and muddy, emitting a squelching sound with every step. All around her, the chilling roars of strange, misshapen demonic beasts echoed through the air.

She activated her mind-reading ability, attempting to glean clues from the surrounding beasts and the residual demonic energy.

"Damn it, where on earth did those guys run off to?" a lizard-like beast flicked its scarlet tongue, its mind full of agitation.

"The boss told us to be careful; the winds have been blowing hard lately," another beast with wings whispered in agreement, its tone laced with dread.

Yun Yao captured these fragmented thoughts, her heart stirring. The winds were blowing hard? It seemed something had changed within the Demon Realm itself.

She ventured deeper, finally stopping before a ruined formation. Among the residual energy fluctuations of the array, she detected a faint, trace element that did not belong to the Demon Realm. Yun Yao knelt, carefully examining the remnants of the formation. She brushed her fingers lightly over the ground, sensing the lingering energy.

This energy... it was familiar!

Feiyu, watching from the shadows, saw Yun Yao acting alone and discovering the hidden traces of the formation. His previously taut expression relaxed slightly. Perhaps she truly was not colluding with the demons? Among the disciples of the Immortal Sect, some began to waver in their certainty of Yun Yao's guilt.

Yun Yao stood up abruptly. "I see..." she murmured to herself. She turned and began walking in a specific direction, a confident smile touching the corners of her lips.

"Where are you going?" A cold voice sounded behind her.

Yun Yao whirled around to see Jun Mohan standing nearby. Dressed in white as pure as snow, he was strikingly conspicuous in the dim light.

***

"To uncover the truth." Yun Yao met Jun Mohan’s gaze with a steady look. She offered no further explanation; some things were pointless to explain, as only facts could prove the truth.

Jun Mohan did not ask again. He simply followed her silently, like a guardian deity, shielding her from the wind and rain.

Meanwhile, back at the Immortal Sect, Elder Cangsong was fanning the flames, portraying Yun Yao as a traitor colluding with demons. "She went to the Demon Realm all alone; is that not evidence enough? Everyone, we must not let such scum remain in the Immortal Sect!" The Elder spoke with righteous indignation, his voice harsh and severe. Many disciples were swayed by his words, their suspicions toward Yun Yao deepening.

Ling Yue stood in the crowd, watching the accusations leveled against Yun Yao, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She recalled the time she spent training with Yun Yao and the sound of her bright laughter. Deep down, she felt the situation could not be so simple, yet she dared not step forward to speak on Yun Yao's behalf.

When Yun Yao returned to the Immortal Sect, she was met with countless looks of suspicion and scrutiny, sharp as daggers piercing her. She pressed her lips together, remaining silent, though anger and grievance churned within her. For days, she had disregarded her own safety to investigate the truth, rushing about tirelessly, only to be met with this. How could she not feel chilled to the bone?

Just then, a warm, large hand gripped hers firmly. Yun Yao looked up to see Jun Mohan standing beside her, his gaze resolute, providing her with the strength of a bedrock.

"I believe in you." The three brief words held more power than a thousand others, instantly shattering all of Yun Yao’s defenses. Her eyes reddened, and she gripped Jun Mohan’s hand in return, their fingers interlocking. A surge of warmth spread from her fingertips through her entire body.

Seeing this, the surrounding disciples whispered among themselves. Some looked on with envy, but most remained filled with confusion and doubt.

Just as Yun Yao prepared to set off for the Demon Realm again, a black crow landed on her shoulder, bearing a shocking message: the Night Wolf Demon knew the identity of the mastermind behind the scenes, but demanded that Yun Yao come alone.

Yun Yao stared at the note, her brow furrowed in a dilemma. On one side lay the elusive truth; on the other, a trap fraught with peril. What was she to choose?

"I..."