Chapter Twelve: The Public Trial (Part Two)

The elk gave a bitter smile. “Sang, you’re too naive! Just because you think that way, does it mean others don’t? Even if you find it, so what? You might end up with even more troubles! We might not even be fortunate enough to enjoy it, let alone—”

“Enough!” the squirrel interrupted unhappily. “Don’t you want to rise to a higher level? I’m not willing to stay stuck in that snow valley forever, suffering! If I uncover Nisu’s treasure, I definitely won’t miss this chance!”

Shi Jun watched coldly. Upon hearing Letu’s words, aside from a few calm demonic gods, most of the demons were overwhelmingly excited, barely able to contain themselves. It was puzzling—what kind of treasure could make these beings, who had cultivated for so many years, so obsessed? What had happened to Nisu? Why did everyone want to seize his primordial spirit?

***

Letu noticed that the demons’ excitement was barely concealed, yet oddly, no one seemed worried about the impending catastrophe. Instead, everyone was focused on the treasure. A faint cold smile crossed his lips as he pressed his hands down, commanding silence—

“Please, everyone, calm down. The matter of the treasure can be set aside for now. I have a second matter to announce—this is truly urgent. We have already exchanged views with the four elders, and they unanimously agree that this matter must be made public. We must unite all forces of the realm as quickly as possible to resolve this issue!”

What could be so serious? Even the chief of the Lion Tribe was so nervous? The demons quieted down and listened as Letu continued—

“A spy from the Underworld has infiltrated our tribe’s Blood Blue Clan! She is none other than Fu Yao, the granddaughter of the former clan leader!”

This second revelation was equally shocking. The demons, unprepared for such news, were stunned.

“A spy?”

“How could Fu Yao be a spy? She’s the most beautiful woman in the demon realm!”

“But Letu said so, and the four elders have confirmed it. Could they be wrong?”

Debate broke out. Some were doubtful, some saddened, some angry. Most had a good impression of Fu Yao and refused to believe she could be a spy for the Underworld.

At this moment, a commotion arose not far ahead of Shi Jun. Many flying demons rushed into the air to watch. Shi Jun, unwilling to be left out, flapped his wings and soared up to see what was happening.

A robust young man with tattoos etched across his face stepped forward, shouting, “You have no right to slander Fu Yao! She is not a spy!” His face was full of anger.

A giant lizard beside him bit his clothing, trying to pull him back, but the young man ignored it and waved his hand. The lizard was thrown backward like a rolling gourd. The young man pointed at Letu and the alluring woman beside him. “Don’t think I don’t know what’s really going on! You two are conspiring to frame Fu Yao!”

Many onlookers showed surprise and a hint of regret. They recognized the young man as Black Panther of the Blood Blue Clan, Fu Yao’s childhood friend, standing up for her. But everyone knew Letu was a smiling tiger—kind on the surface but ruthless inside. Disrespecting him publicly like this would surely bring trouble for Black Panther.

***

Fu Yao was widely recognized as the most beautiful woman in the demon realm. The Blood Blue Clan was one of the largest and most powerful clans, controlling the Blood Blue Trees, which were the most numerous and widespread in the demon world. Many demons had grown up watching Fu Yao, so it was hard to believe the clan leader’s granddaughter could be a spy. But hearing it from the Lion Tribe’s chief gave the claim an undeniable weight.

The demons were divided, many having close relationships with the former clan leader, Elder Tian Mu, who was highly respected and wielded great influence—sometimes even overshadowing Letu. Though Letu disliked him, he dared not challenge Tian Mu openly. Whether there was more to this matter was unclear, and everyone was rife with speculation.

***

Letu ignored the growing murmurs and Black Panther’s defiance, smiling as he bit his lip thoughtfully. A dark aura thickened around him. Those familiar with Letu’s temperament knew that beneath his amiable facade lay a vengeful and narrow heart—he was surely seething inside.

The enchanting red-eyed woman exchanged a glance with Letu, then gracefully stepped forward like a willow swaying in the breeze. She approached the raised wooden platform and scanned the crowd, then smiled gently and raised her voice.

“May I have your attention for a moment?” Her voice was husky, low, and seductive, carrying an irresistible charm. Although not loud, it drowned out Black Panther’s curses and the murmurs of the crowd.

“This is Chun Niang, the newly appointed clan leader of the Blood Blue Clan. Today, she formally informs everyone here,” Letu added calmly. “Recently, many significant events have occurred within the Blood Blue Clan. Chun Niang will now clarify the situation.”

Chun Niang bowed slightly to Letu, then turned to face the demons.

“As you know, Elder Tian Mu was our clan leader, a man of great virtue and a leader in the demon realm. Under his guidance, the Blood Blue Clan flourished…”

She praised the former clan leader profusely, showing deep respect. The demons listened quietly, unsure of what the young new leader’s true intentions were.

“...A month ago, Elder Tian Mu gathered us and announced he had reached a bottleneck in his cultivation and was going to undergo a tribulation. With his deep cultivation, if successful, he would ascend to the spirit realm. We were all happy for him. But sadly, the Blood Blue Clan would temporarily be like an orphan without a father. Our leader was leaving us with these numerous matters—what could we do?”

“We discussed and told Elder Tian Mu that since he would return after the tribulation, no matter how long it took, we would manage clan affairs together and wait for him to resume leadership. But Elder Tian Mu shook his head, saying he would not continue as leader even if he succeeded. He declared his resolve was firm and asked us to choose a new leader.”

Chun Niang spoke calmly and earnestly, but Shi Jun sensed something was off.

“...As you know, Fu Yao, as Elder Tian Mu’s granddaughter, was well-trained by him from a young age. Her talent, knowledge, and cultivation made her a top candidate. We initially thought she would be the uncontested choice. But when she was nominated, the fiercest opposition came from Elder Tian Mu himself!”

She paused deliberately, drawing everyone’s attention, then said slowly, “The reason soon became clear. Elder Tian Mu inadvertently revealed that Fu Yao was actually his daughter, born of the Underworld’s spy!”

“You lie!” Black Panther shouted, his tattooed face twisted with rage. He leapt into the air, pointing at Chun Niang. “Everyone in the clan knows you are cunning and sycophantic. Fu Yao is your lifelong close sister, yet you betray her like this—your intentions are foul!”

Chun Niang showed surprise. “Black Panther, I know you grew up with Fu Yao and care deeply for her, but you cannot distort the truth. As her sister, I am more heartbroken than anyone. But this was unavoidable. As members of the demon realm, can we protect a known traitor?”

“Lies!” Black Panther roared. “It’s you, you vile woman, who’s plotting against her!”

“Silence!” Letu’s face darkened as he shouted. Black Panther’s vision blurred; he suddenly fell heavily from the air, tangled in thick vines and branches that appeared from nowhere, immobilizing him.

With a howl, the giant lizard leapt forward to guard Black Panther, clawing fiercely at the bindings. But the vines were as strong as steel cables, and the lizard’s sharp claws were powerless against them.

“Is this a place to cause trouble?” Letu said coldly, not sparing Black Panther a glance. “Swiftly take him away!”

The lizard glanced helplessly at Black Panther, shook its head, then bit him gently and skillfully lifted him onto its back before turning to leave.

***

“Letu, why go so hard on my little brother?” A long laugh echoed as a green light barrier flickered. Suddenly, a white figure drifted in like a ghost beside Black Panther.

With a slender finger, he brushed the vines binding Black Panther, which snapped instantly, falling limply to the ground like tofu.

“Lord Zisheng!” The demons whispered respectfully. Those near Black Panther stepped back, making space and focusing all attention on this sudden arrival. Only Shi Jun and Huang Sha, unaware of the situation, continued flapping their wings midair, eager to watch.

The newcomer appeared about twenty-five or twenty-six, tall and upright. His long hair, like twisted silver, draped casually over his shoulders, shimmering with a faint blue glow. His refined features, emerald-green eyes sparkling with wisdom, and natural graceful smile gave him the aura of an extraordinary beauty. Though radiant and joyful, Shi Jun sensed a hidden coldness and desolation behind those eyes.

Zisheng’s gaze was clear and calm. He scanned the demons slowly, then bent down to help the flushed Black Panther up, brushing dust from his clothes. Without looking at Letu or those on the platform, he took Black Panther’s arm and strode away nonchalantly.

He wore a snow-white robe with a faint silver glow. Wherever he stepped, ice formed beneath his feet. Though he made no move, his natural elegance and aura of a master impressed all present.

On the raised platform, the few remaining looked angry, embarrassed, confused, and helpless. Letu stood like a statue, biting his sharp teeth and tilting his head, seemingly oblivious to what was happening below. Chun Niang’s delicate face had turned pale, appearing distracted by the sudden interruption.

“Oh, he’s so handsome! Absolutely captivating!” Huang Sha murmured.

Even in the human realm, Shi Jun had never seen such a striking man. He nodded in agreement. “Indeed.” He glanced at Huang Sha, who was staring dreamily at Zisheng, and shivered.

“...It’s stuffy here. I want to go out and get some air,” Huang Sha said.

Shi Jun understood his little companion’s thoughts perfectly but didn’t want to miss the unfolding drama. “Go if you want, but I’m not leaving. By the way, who was that handsome guy?”

“Hehe, I’m off to find out for you right now! I’ll be back soon!” Huang Sha’s eyes gleamed green as he flapped his wings happily and flew away.

Shi Jun shook his head and continued to watch the spectacle unfold.