Chapter Fifty-Nine: Regaining Confidence

Yaoye, his mood weighed down, answered the house in silence, leaving a letter on the table before reluctantly departing from the courtyard. Gazing at the familiar surroundings, he could not help but sigh. Standing in the martial practice grounds, memories of the past flooded his mind—the darkness of night could not mask the loneliness and desolation in his heart. With a bleak silhouette, Yaoye made his way toward the academy gates.

“Where are you going? The entire academy is under lockdown—no one is allowed to come and go at will! Ah, I forgot to tell you: if you leave now, you lose your protection. There are many out there just waiting to take your life!”

“Who’s there? Who’s speaking? Will you show yourself?”

Startled, Yaoye looked around, but the world was silent and still, not a soul in sight. His heart pounded with anxiety.

Suddenly, an old man appeared before him.

“So, you intend to leave without a word? Abandon your responsibilities? Tang Ze claims you are the pillar upon which our resistance against the Demon Clan must rely. From what I see, you’re not living up to that.”

Faced with the elder’s scornful gaze, Yaoye tried several times to defend himself but could only bow his head in helpless silence.

“I’m sorry. I’ve let everyone down. I’ve lost all my power—I’m nothing but a cripple now.”

Seeing the despondent youth, the old man fell into thoughtful silence.

“Very well. Come with me. Let me examine you thoroughly and see if there’s any way I can help.”

Hearing this, Yaoye’s eyes brightened.

“Truly? Elder, how should I address you? Why would you help me?”

The old man gazed at Yaoye and seemed lost in memories.

“Sigh. There are deep ties between your clan and myself. But this is not the time to speak of such things. You may call me Elder Fu. Come—the least I can do is try my utmost to assist you.”

Yaoye looked at the old man in puzzlement, finding nothing familiar about him. But with no other hope, he decided to follow Elder Fu, treating a desperate remedy as his last chance. They walked together to a secluded courtyard.

Upon entering, Yaoye saw Elder Fu sitting there, lost in thought, so he sensibly kept silent by his side. Elder Fu turned, took Yaoye’s arm, and began to examine him with inner force.

Elder Fu’s brows knotted tightly, his expression shifting again and again, as he occasionally glanced up at Yaoye.

“Yaoye, tell me honestly—which technique did you practice? And why is your demon core so dim and lifeless?”

Yaoye bowed deeply to the elder. “To speak frankly, Elder Fu, I created my own cultivation technique. The demon core is its center; all energy revolves around it. My body is like a universe, and the demon core is its core.”

After careful thought, Elder Fu used his own energy to try to stimulate Yaoye’s demon core. Unfortunately, it only flashed brightly for an instant before its energy faded again.

“This is a difficult situation. I’ll need time to ponder this further.”

Hearing these words, Yaoye’s spirits sank once more.

Elder Fu, noticing his expression, scolded him sternly.

“Yaoye! Pull yourself together! You are the last surviving member of the Celestial Demon Wolf Clan—the only one whose innate power can suppress the Demon Clan’s arts. If you can’t muster your resolve, then I truly have no respect for you!”

Yaoye jerked his head up, carefully considering Elder Fu’s words. Though harsh, they were not without reason. He remembered his father, his mother, and the countless clansfolk who had sacrificed everything so that he might survive. This was a debt of blood that could not go unpaid. He thought, too, of the Myriad Demon Den, of Senior Yang’s fearless spirit, and of the promise he himself had made. He must be strong.

“Elder Fu, thank you. I will do my utmost.”

Regaining his confidence, Yaoye’s entire bearing became vigorous and full of hope.

Seeing this, Elder Fu smiled and said, “Don’t lose heart, Yaoye. You’re still young—there will be many more chances.”

Yaoye lifted his gaze to the star-strewn sky. “Yes. I believe all will be well in the end.”

Elder Fu nodded. “Enough for tonight—it’s getting late. Go and rest. Come see me tomorrow. This evening, I’ll search through some ancient texts—perhaps I’ll find something that can help.”

Yaoye bowed deeply. “Thank you for your kindness, Elder. I will never forget it.”

With a wave, Elder Fu interrupted him. “Enough, boy. It’s only right that I help you—it is a debt I owe your lineage.”

As Yaoye started to ask more, Elder Fu hurriedly stopped him.

“If you want to know more, come again tomorrow—then we’ll speak. Off with you now.”

After bowing, Yaoye returned to his lodgings. Elder Fu remained behind, gazing at a jade pendant in his hand, lost in emotion.

“To think it’s come to this… I once promised that if the Celestial Demon Wolf Clan was ever in peril, I would go through fire and water without hesitation. I have failed in my duty. So be it. Let me repay this debt to Yaoye…”