Chapter Two: The Annihilation of the Clan

The bear clan’s Xiong Batian, in collusion with the demon clan, had rallied the various beast tribes to lay siege to Yao Moran’s residence. Xiong Batian waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to hold their attack, and brandished his enormous spiked club as he called out to the middle-aged man standing on the terrace above, “Yao Moran! If you submit to me today and present the Divine Artifact—the Cauldron of Creation—I will spare your life and the lives of your clan. Do not be so blind as to refuse!”

At the sound of Xiong Batian’s words, an elder rebuked him sternly. “Hmph! Xiong Batian, you despicable wretch! My master once called you a sworn brother, but now you reveal yourself as nothing more than a contemptible traitor! You think we’ll bow to you? Keep dreaming!”

The elder then turned to Yao Moran and bowed deeply. “Chief! Pay no heed to Xiong Batian’s deceitful words. The Cauldron of Creation has been guarded with the lives of our former chiefs—it must never fall into the hands of the demon clan!”

Xiong Batian scratched his ear, speaking with careless arrogance. “Yao Moran, do you want your Sky Demon Wolf clan wiped out? I’ll give you some time to consider—one hour. If you do not surrender by then, do not blame me for showing no mercy!”

Stopping the elder from replying further, Yao Moran surveyed the surrounding enemies, furrowing his brow. He led the elder deep into the palace.

Once inside the great hall, Yao Moran took a seat. A beautiful middle-aged woman entered, leading a boy just past his tenth year.

“Moran! How is the situation?” she asked.

Yao Moran rose, embraced the woman, and gently stroked the boy’s head. “Yun’er, things are grim. I fear this calamity cannot be avoided.”

“My husband, I have long suspected this day would come. It’s just…” Yun’er’s gaze lingered on the boy at her side, her face full of sorrow.

“Mother, Father! I am the young master of the Sky Demon Wolf clan, I am not afraid!” the boy declared, gripping his sword with fierce determination.

Yao Moran smiled at his son. “Anyone in the Sky Demon Wolf clan may perish—except for you. I have a task for you, one you must fulfill.”

The boy looked at his father in confusion. Yao Moran drew a small cauldron from his robes and handed it to him. “This is the Divine Artifact, the Cauldron of Creation. It is the hope of this world, born in answer to its need. You must protect it at all costs, even if it means sacrificing your life. It must not be seized by the demon clan, and no one must ever know you possess it.”

“Yes, Father! I understand,” the boy answered solemnly, placing the cauldron safely within his clothing.

Yao Moran looked at the boy with relief. “Yun’er, I will arrange for your escape. Take Yao Ye and slip away through the side gate during the battle—he is still too young to be left alone.”

Yun’er wept softly, embracing her son. Yao Moran gazed longingly at his wife and son. Just then, Xiong Batian’s voice echoed from outside. With resolve, Yao Moran headed out.

He stepped onto the palace terrace, facing Xiong Batian below. “Xiong Batian, today I will kill you myself! My clan, follow me to meet the enemy!”

Seeing Yao Moran and the great elder of the Sky Demon Wolf clan charging at him, Xiong Batian, knowing he was no match, called out loudly, “Elder Chi, help me!” Three black-robed figures appeared and attacked Yao Moran and his companion.

A chaotic battle erupted. Meanwhile, several figures slipped out the side gate.

“Where do you think you’re going, Demon Queen? My chief long suspected Yao Moran would try to help you escape with the Cauldron of Creation. As expected! Now, prepare to die!” shouted an enemy as they blocked the escape.

Sensing Yun’er and the others were in danger, Yao Moran grew anxious. “Great Elder, hold them off for me—I must rescue them!” He rushed toward his family.

“Where do you think you’re going, Yao Moran!” Xiong Batian shouted, brandishing his spiked club as he, along with two demon clan experts, pursued him. Yao Moran reached his family, drove back their attackers, and shouted, “Go! Now!”

He leapt into the air, engaging the three pursuers in a desperate fight. Without his help, Yun’er and the others were again beset by enemies.

Despite grave wounds, Yao Moran pressed on and managed to reach Yun’er’s side again. Blood streamed from his back, and it trickled from the corner of his mouth.

“Father!” Yao Ye cried, clutching his father’s sleeve.

Yao Moran looked back and smiled at his son. “Yao Ye, you are already fourteen. You’re a man now. From now on, you must learn to look after yourself, understand?”

Xiong Batian regarded him coldly. “Yao Moran, it’s not too late to surrender.”

Yao Moran laughed heartily, then pushed Yao Ye aside. His body began to swell with a terrifying energy.

Seeing this, Xiong Batian cried out in alarm, “No! He’s going to self-destruct—fall back!”

Yun’er wept bitterly, turning to flee with Yao Ye. Yao Moran glanced in their direction, his eyes full of reluctant love.

Once more, Yun’er and Yao Ye were overtaken by their pursuers. Knowing she could not defeat them, Yun’er turned, stroking her son’s head.

“My child, remember your father’s words. Never let the Cauldron of Creation fall into enemy hands. From now on, you must be strong, even alone.”

“No, Mother! Father is gone—I can’t lose you too. Let’s not run anymore! Let’s fight them to the end!” Yao Ye gripped his sword, baring his wolfish, fierce gaze at their enemies.

“How amusing! Still thinking of escape? You think you can get away?” their pursuers mocked, laughing raucously.

Yun’er gazed at her son with deep affection. “My child, you must never act so rashly again. Until you have the strength, do not seek to show off your courage. Remember what your mother says.”

She pushed Yao Ye away, her body beginning to surge with the power of self-destruction.

Their enemies retreated in terror. Yao Ye knelt, bowing his head to his mother, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Mother, I swear! For this annihilation of our clan, I will make the bear clan pay tenfold!”

Fighting back the urge to turn and die in battle, Yao Ye fled in desperation, not daring to look back.