Chapter 79: A Leak in the Wind

Yaoye stepped out of the house and looked up at the lingering glow of the setting sun. In the courtyard, birds were chirping noisily, and a gentle breeze brushed his cheeks. Enjoying the caress of the wind, the gloom in his heart faded considerably.

“No matter what the future holds, I will lay down my life to protect you.”

With his head bowed, Yaoye focused inwardly on the Creation Cauldron, encouraging himself. Then he made his way toward Principal Tang Ze’s office.

Upon arriving, he saw that both Elder Fu and Tang Ze were present. Hearing his approach, the two men stood and gestured for him to join them.

“Come, Yaoye! Let’s sit and talk.”

Yaoye nodded and took a seat. Elder Fu scrutinized him carefully, nodding in satisfaction.

“Yaoye, your skin is radiant, your hair lustrous and black. It seems you have succeeded this time?”

Yaoye quickly stood, bowing deeply to both men.

“I owe my thanks to you, esteemed elders! My depleted demon core has been revitalized, and I am deeply grateful!”

Both men nodded approvingly. “Neither arrogant nor servile, calm and composed—very good! Hahaha!”

Tang Ze stood and walked over to Yaoye, giving him a gentle pat.

“Yaoye, it’s late today. I’ve decided that tomorrow morning, you, Liu Xin, and Zhao Mu will head to the front lines together.”

Elder Fu also rose and took up the thread. “Yaoye, now that both the demon and fiend clans know you possess the Creation Cauldron, they are desperate to be rid of you. You can’t stay here any longer. At the front, there are many powerful humans who can protect you, and you’ll have the chance to hone yourself through constant battle. What do you think?”

Yaoye clasped his fists in salute. “I am willing to heed Elder Fu’s advice!”

“Hahaha! Good, Yaoye, go prepare yourself. At dawn, I will see you off.”

The next morning, Liu Xin came to Yaoye’s residence. Just as Yaoye stepped out the door, he hurried over and took her hand.

“Senior Sister, we’ll finally see Senior Brother and the others today!”

“Yes! And Little Junior Sister, too. I wonder how she’s doing.”

Thinking of Xiao Xiao, Liu Xin’s cheeks flushed. Looking up at Yaoye, her face grew even hotter.

“When we meet again, I wonder how she’ll tease me…”

Yaoye looked at her in confusion. “Senior Sister, what are you muttering about? Is something wrong?”

Liu Xin waved her hands in a fluster. “No, nothing at all! I was just wondering how Zhao Mu is doing now!”

Yaoye gave her a suspicious look. “There’s no need to worry, Senior Sister. We’ll see him very soon.”

Hand in hand, Yaoye and Liu Xin made their way to Tang Ze’s residence. Tang Ze beamed at the pair.

“I say, you two—if you’re all lovey-dovey elsewhere, that’s fine, but remember you’re at the academy. Mind your manners!”

With her face flushed, Liu Xin lowered her head and tried to pull her hand free, but Yaoye only gripped her delicate fingers more tightly.

“Let them say what they will. I’ll never let go in this lifetime!”

Liu Xin gazed at his resolute profile, her eyes filled with affection, and leaned gently against his arm.

Tang Ze shook his head helplessly. “Ah, there’s just no dealing with you youngsters! Come, let’s get ready to leave.”

As the three of them stepped outside, Sophie suddenly descended from the sky, racing over to them.

Tang Ze’s expression turned stern as he addressed her. “Miss Su, what’s the matter? You look flustered—there are young ones here, after all.”

Sophie bowed to Tang Ze. “Vice Principal, something’s wrong! Ever since you returned yesterday, all sorts of suspicious people have been gathering near the academy. I investigated in secret and discovered crucial information!”

At this, Sophie glanced at Yaoye, who looked back at her in puzzlement.

Tang Ze also looked at Yaoye, confused. “All right, Sophie, out with it. I still need to see these two off.”

“Principal! Yaoye may not be able to leave for the time being. The crowd outside the academy— they’re here for the Creation Cauldron!”

“What? What’s going on?” Tang Ze’s face darkened.

Sophie was startled by his reaction; she had never seen the Vice Principal look like this before. Nervously, she continued, “I’m not sure of the details, but those outside are convinced that the Creation Cauldron is in Yaoye’s possession. Since yesterday, their numbers have only grown, including people from various families and members of the Fire Dance Martial Sect. What should we do, Principal?”

Tang Ze’s expression was as dark as a stormy sky as he turned his back to Yaoye. “Yaoye, I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave just yet.”

Liu Xin anxiously interjected, “But why? Now that Yaoye’s secret is out, it’s even more reason for him to leave!”

Tang Ze looked at her and explained, “If he stays, outsiders have no excuse to come here. If he heads to the front lines, it’ll be even more dangerous. Greed is human nature—the Creation Cauldron is a divine artifact, and Yaoye cannot yet protect it. Disaster would surely follow.”

“Then what should we do?”

Liu Xin looked to Yaoye in distress. After a moment’s thought, Tang Ze turned around.

“Miss Su, continue monitoring those outside and report any changes at once. Yaoye, notify Elder Fu to come to the meeting room. Liu Xin, inform the other teachers to gather for a meeting. I’ll contact Dean Liu. There’s no time to lose—everyone, move!”

The three nodded and hurried off, while Tang Ze also ran quickly toward the Principal’s office.