Chapter Thirteen: The Flute Demon Zisheng (Part One)

After quite some time, Chun Niang noticed everyone gradually quieting down and continued, “When the clan first heard the truth about Fuyao’s origins, including myself, no one believed it was true. But soon, suspicious investigations at Fuyao’s home revealed that a messenger from the Underworld was hiding there! Naturally, we confronted Fuyao to find out the truth, but she refused to explain. Alongside that Underworld woman, she struck out, injuring dozens of clan members before fleeing.”

An Underworld messenger? Could that be Chiyang? Shijun suddenly recalled the mischief back home that day: “...Hurry and save her! Otherwise, both she and Sister Fuyao are doomed!” This must be Fuyao! No wonder the name felt so familiar before!

With this thought, Shijun sharpened his focus and listened intently.

“Such a grave incident occurred, and Elder Tianmu happened to leave for the Underworld to undergo his tribulation just before Fuyao’s deception was uncovered. We had no choice but to report this matter to Lord Letu, who then dispatched forces to search for Fuyao and the Underworld traitor… Eventually, they found them hiding in Zhilanshan and rushed there, only to discover Fuyao, disregarding clan bonds, ruthlessly slaughtered all five hundred clan members sent to capture them, together with the Underworld spy!”

At this point, tears glistened and slipped down Chun Niang’s pale cheeks. “Faced with such circumstances, even though we grew up as close sisters, how could I show her any mercy? Moreover, the clan has entrusted me with great responsibility as their leader. When our clan faces such upheaval and peril, how could I possibly retreat?”

At this, Shijun’s mind raced, struggling to absorb everything. Last time, Chiyang mentioned disturbances in the Demon Realm and was sent on a “mission” by the Underworld Emperor—could this be about Fuyao? Yet if the Underworld Emperor personally assigned this task, why does it seem he ignores her now that she’s in danger?

Chiyang, clever and alert, well aware of the Demon Realm’s hostility to outsiders, would surely be careful to conceal her identity. How could she be so easily discovered?

Elder Tianmu, Fuyao’s maternal grandfather, had kept her origins secret for years. Why reveal them now, just as he was about to undergo his tribulation? That would be like sending his granddaughter to her doom. Chun Niang said he revealed it unintentionally, but under what circumstances was this “unintentional” slip made?

It seemed that neither Chiyang nor Fuyao had been captured yet, or else this assembly to “issue a warrant” wouldn’t be taking place. Thinking this, Shijun felt a slight relief.

But what exactly happened to them now? Where are they hiding? How can they be found?

***

At some unknown moment, the speaker on the high platform changed to Letu.

“…After analyzing with the four Elders, we unanimously believe that the Underworld spy is acting with a special agenda. It appears Fuyao secretly informed the Underworld about the imminent opening of Nisu’s treasure. Seizing this opportunity, they infiltrated here to seize the treasure and the primordial spirits, aiming to dominate the Demon Realm.”

Letu sighed deeply, seemingly sincere. “None of us wished to believe Fuyao was an Underworld spy, but the evidence is undeniable. If Fuyao were innocent, why has she not explained herself? Why consort with the Underworld traitor? Why betray her own clan, slaughtering her brothers and sisters? One bloody fact after another stands before us. Regardless of her origins, which Elder Tianmu confessed, her later ruthless and despicable actions prove Chun Niang’s words true—Fuyao’s sole purpose is to help the Underworld steal our Demon Realm’s treasure!”

“Nisu’s treasure belongs to our realm. Whoever among us claims it would be accepted without dispute. But if it falls into Underworld hands, it spells doom for us! I believe our urgent task is not merely to find Nisu’s treasure but to thwart the Underworld’s scheme before they succeed!”

The crowd of demons erupted in uproar. Upon hearing about Nisu’s treasure, those who had harbored some sympathy for Fuyao turned fierce with anger. They clenched their fists and spat curses, branding Fuyao as a thorn in their side and utterly despicable. Even those low-ranking followers once infatuated with her beauty jumped out to vehemently condemn Fuyao as “wicked,” “vile,” and “shameless.” The mood surged with collective hatred and unity against her.

Letu coldly watched the crowd whirl under his words. Hearing the growing clamor below, he nodded with satisfaction, a faint smile playing on his lips as he exchanged glances and whispered with those beside him.

At that moment, the ground beneath the demons suddenly trembled. The green light of the barrier flared fiercely, blinding all who looked, accompanied by a distant rumbling.

The chattering crowd fell silent, a deathly stillness enveloping the barrier.

***

The rumbling grew louder and closer, escalating to a deafening roar.

With a whoosh, the green light pulsed rhythmically as the once stable barrier quivered. The earth beneath shook violently, and the deafening roar seemed to emanate from underground itself!

A thunderous explosion burst overhead. The green light vanished instantly, and the barrier disappeared without a trace. The previously clear blue sky had darkened mysteriously, heavy with storm clouds and fierce winds—an impending downpour seemed inevitable.

The demon leaders, startled at first, quickly regained composure. Those capable of flight soared into the air, scanning and whispering among themselves, seeking the source of this abrupt change.

***

Hovering above, Shijun struggled to rise higher, avoiding others obstructing his view. His eyes caught sight of the “Weeping Trees” outside the barrier, each shedding tears in torrents, grieving deeply. The ground beneath was soaked thoroughly.

Far off on the horizon, countless golden beams shot skyward, piercing the gloomy canopy. The dark clouds were crowned by a myriad of golden rays, each accompanied by thunderous explosions that drowned out even the heavens’ own thunder.

“Everyone, remain calm!” Letu shouted loudly, but his voice was drowned out. All eyes were fixed on the golden lights; no one glanced back at the platform or continued their conversations. Except for the howling wind, tens of thousands of demons fell into an eerie silence, staring unblinkingly at the brilliant beams.

“The treasure! It’s the Nisu treasure appearing!” someone screamed hysterically.

Like a fuse ignited, this outcry snapped the demons out of their stupor. Without hesitation, they surged toward the forest’s edge, all eager to be the first to claim the treasure.

At that moment, the earth beneath them shook violently again. A fierce hurricane swept over the clearing where the demons gathered.

***

The weather in the Demon Realm was indeed unpredictable. Despite his large wings, Shijun was battered by the fierce winds, barely able to keep aloft. He intended to land but saw the demons below swaying and stumbling from the trembling earth. Some large ones barely managed to stay upright; smaller or flightless ones tumbled about like rolling gourds, crowding in disarray, shouting in panic.

These were supposed to be minor leaders of the Demon Realm? Such a small crisis and they were already in chaos? Gritting his teeth, Shijun flew toward the Weeping Woods, scanning for Huang Sha’s figure. The vast sea of demons made finding her impossible. Cursing silently, he had no choice but to keep going.

In a blink, a gust slammed him heavily against a tree trunk, and he slid down limply, landing on the ground. His belly grew cold as he collapsed into the tear-soaked pool beneath the Weeping Trees.