Chapter Thirty-Nine: Awakening

Yaoye opened his eyes, looked down at his filthy state, shook his head, and stepped out of the tent. Outside, everyone was standing around. Scratching his head with a sheepish grin, he asked, “Why is everyone here? Did something happen?”

Xiaoxiao, seeing Yaoye’s innocent expression, couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. “Oh? Why are we here? Wasn’t it all your doing? Must you always make such a scene every time?”

When she caught sight of Yaoye’s tattered clothes and the grime covering him, Xiaoxiao burst out laughing without any regard for her image. “Hahaha! Yaoye, have you turned into a beggar now? Just look at yourself! Hahaha! I can’t take it!” The others, seeing his ragged clothes and the dirt all over, couldn’t help but join in the laughter.

“All right, everyone go get some rest! Yaoye, wash up first, then come find me,” Tang Ze said with a smile before turning away.

Without another word, Yaoye dashed toward the nearest pond, followed by a chorus of laughter. “Sister Xin, you should rest a bit too! You didn’t sleep at all last night; you look terrible,” Xiaoxiao said with concern, looking at Liu Xin. Feeling the warmth of everyone’s care, Liu Xin’s heart was a jumble of emotions, and guilt crept onto her face. Peng Lei chimed in, “Go on, Xin’er! Get some rest!” Liu Xin fought back tears, nodded hard, and hurried off.

After bathing, Yaoye made his way to Tang Ze’s tent. “Come in, Yaoye,” Tang Ze called out as soon as he approached. Entering the tent, Yaoye gave Tang Ze a respectful bow. Tang Ze stroked his beard with kindly satisfaction.

“Yaoye, I’m very pleased with your performance this time. This is exactly what I like about you! But tell me, how did you manage to take on six or seven people at your own level—and suppress them, no less?”

Yaoye grinned foolishly. “Headmaster, I’m not really sure myself. Maybe it has something to do with my cultivation technique.”

Tang Ze’s interest was piqued. “Come, tell me about this technique. I’ve never encountered anything so strange.”

“It’s nothing much, really. I’m from the demon clan, and when I created my own cultivation method, it mutated my demon core. The mutated core contains a power that naturally suppresses the demon race.”

After hearing this, Tang Ze nodded, a little disappointed. “I’d hoped your technique could be widely spread. Then, in future battles against the demon race, we’d have a natural advantage. But alas!” Yaoye knew all of this was thanks to the Creation Cauldron. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Tang Ze, but the matter was too important to reveal.

Tang Ze gazed at him seriously. “There truly is a treasure about to emerge. Deep beneath this land lies the Earth-Heart Lotus. Whoever obtains it will find their cultivation progress doubled with half the effort. The demon clan has been kidnapping civilians precisely for this lotus. Your sudden intervention ruined their plans. Unfortunately, they have greater numbers, and we’re no match for them at the moment. That’s why I fought to win you a chance in the coming contest for the Earth-Heart Lotus. Only the younger generation will participate; we elders will not intervene. Whoever wins the lotus, keeps it. Your only mission is to prevent the demon clan and the demon race from obtaining the lotus. Do you understand?”

Yaoye nodded firmly. “Headmaster, rest assured! As long as I live, I won’t let the demon clan succeed. Even if it costs me my life, I won’t let them lay a finger on the lotus!”

Tang Ze nodded, patting Yaoye on the shoulder. “Yaoye, I truly admire your hatred of evil! But if things become impossible, let it go—you must protect yourself. You give me hope that we might one day defeat the demon clan. You must grow strong as quickly as possible! In the contest for the lotus, beware not only of the demon clan, but the other two academies as well. I have a feeling that what happened to you all wasn’t by accident—someone may be behind it. That’s all for now—go and prepare. Remember: never underestimate anyone, or you will suffer dearly.”

“Yes, Headmaster! I won’t act recklessly again, nor will I let you down. I’ll take my leave now.” When Tang Ze nodded, Yaoye turned and walked out of the tent. Watching Yaoye’s departing figure, Tang Ze smiled contentedly. “A promising seedling—well worth nurturing.”