Chapter One: Betrayal

The waning moon hung in the curve of the bow, cold winds swept fiercely through the night, and dark clouds drifted by from time to time. The remaining sliver of moonlight flickered, alternately bright and dim. The entire forest lay in utter silence, not even the hum of insects dared disturb the stillness. From a distance, the woods resembled a vast cemetery, devoid of any trace of its former vitality.

At that moment, two figures sped forward, one leading and one following, swift and silent. Where they passed, not a sound was made. Upon reaching the edge of a precipitous cliff, both came to a halt, clad in black garb that made them appear especially menacing in the darkness.

The figure in front lowered his head to peer into the abyss below, letting out a sinister chuckle. “Bear Batian, how goes the plan? This time, success is mandatory—failure is not permitted.”

“Elder Scarlet, rest assured, everything is firmly under control.” Bear Batian fixed his gaze on Elder Scarlet, his fists clenched tight, head bowed, his thoughts heavy and obscure.

Sensing something amiss, Elder Scarlet turned to look at Bear Batian, who still kept his head down, and snorted coldly. “Hmph! What’s the matter? Are you regretting this?”

At that, Bear Batian raised his head, his face twisted with rage, and stepped forward to the cliff’s edge, staring into the distance. “Don’t forget, there’s no turning back for you now. Your two sons are highly valued by the Chief. Even if not for your sons, you should think of your clansmen. The great purge of our Demon Clan is close at hand. You’d best consider your position.”

Bear Batian stamped viciously on a stone, shattering it beneath his foot.

“Please, Elder Scarlet, be at ease. My resolve to betray has not wavered—I was merely thinking of other matters.” As he spoke, Bear Batian gritted his teeth, his fists trembling with fury. “Once, my Bear Clan ruled the entire primeval forest. Everywhere we went, the other beasts submitted, bowing in respect. That accursed Demon Ink led the Heavenly Wolf lineage and stole everything from me. In desperation, I forged brotherhood with him. Every day I see his vile smile, it feels like a merciless mockery. I wish him dead with every fiber of my being.”

Elder Scarlet regarded Bear Batian with a murderous glint in his eye, nodding as he narrowed his gaze. “Such a man is not to be trusted.” Yet, knowing he still needed Bear Batian’s help, Elder Scarlet let the matter rest.

“Enough, Batian. I believe in you—it’s only that the stakes are so high I felt compelled to ask. Take no offense.”

Bear Batian clasped his hands and bowed deeply. “I dare not, Elder. But I alone am no match for Demon Ink. Might you lend your support?”

“Rest assured. Demon Ink and the elders of the Heavenly Wolf Clan will be dealt with by us. You need not worry.” To strengthen Bear Batian’s resolve, Elder Scarlet hesitated briefly, then spoke slowly, “For this operation, I’ve invited several elders whose power matches my own. Focus on your other tasks. Remember, you must obtain the Creation Cauldron—it is of great importance to our Demon Clan.”

He coldly snorted, his tone darkening. “I’ve invested heavily for your sake. If you fail to acquire the Creation Cauldron, consider well the consequences.”

Bear Batian gave Elder Scarlet, whose back was turned, a contemptuous glance, thinking, “You old fool, what can you do to me? Don’t you still have to put on a smiling face before my sons?”

Still, Bear Batian had no wish to stir up trouble at this moment, so he responded softly, “Elder Scarlet, you may rest assured—I would never gamble with the fate of my clan.”

Elder Scarlet knew these words were true. Though Bear Batian’s two sons held exceptional status within the Demon Clan, not everyone could simply join as they wished. Securing the allegiance of the entire tribe required accomplishments of great merit.

“That’s enough. I’ll say no more. Tomorrow at dawn, I’ll support you from the shadows. But unless the final battle is at hand, I won’t reveal myself to avoid unnecessary complications.”

Bear Batian nodded, and the two figures sped off in opposite directions. At that moment, Demon Ink had no inkling that a conspiracy targeting the Heavenly Wolf Clan was unfolding.

At dawn the next day, Bear Batian, leading his clansmen and those beast tribes who had been swayed to his side, swept through the forest with lightning speed, ruthlessly eliminating all beast tribes closely allied with the Heavenly Wolf Clan—nothing was left in their wake.

Immediately, Bear Batian led his army toward the Heavenly Wolf Clan, shadowy figures in the darkness nodded and followed. The Heavenly Wolf Clan was destined for disaster, for the Demon Clan’s purge was imminent. Demon Ink sought to gather all the beast tribes to attempt to bond with the Creation Cauldron, hoping it might turn the tide.