THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Chapter Seventy-One — The Xue Clan Patriarch

Using the same cautious method as before, Zhuo Fan’s group crawled their way back through the mountain range inch by inch.

Another month passed before they finally crossed back into the second region.

Then—

The first.

The moment they stepped once more into comparatively “safe” territory, all three unconsciously released long breaths of relief.

After surviving the third region—

Even the outer mountain ranges suddenly felt peaceful.

The three Lightning Spirit Rings upon their fingers flickered softly with azure electricity, tiny arcs of lightning occasionally connecting between them.

Like invisible threads tying their hearts together.

“Once we leave Qingming City completely…”

“…we’re safe.”

Zhuo Fan gazed toward the distant horizon calmly.

Truthfully—

Although he failed taming the Thundercloud Sparrow directly, this trip had still exceeded expectations.

He gained the egg.

He uncovered terrifying secrets.

And somehow—

He gained two companions willing to risk their lives beside him.

Not bad at all.

Meanwhile, Xue Ningxiang lowered her eyes worriedly.

“But…”

“…what if Ghost Seven set traps waiting for us?”

Zhuo Fan shook his head.

“Probably not.”

“If he truly intended hunting us…”

“…he would’ve finished us off personally back then.”

“Instead, he fled immediately.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Something terrified him.”

“And whatever frightened a Heaven Profound expert like Ghost Seven…”

“…probably convinced him we already died.”

Xie Tianyang frowned immediately.

“What exactly happened that day anyway?”

Zhuo Fan laughed softly.

“How would I know?”

“I was unconscious.”

After awakening, all he saw was scorched ruin stretching endlessly across the forest.

Something terrifying had definitely passed through there.

As for why the three of them survived…

Only heaven knew.

“Regardless…”

Zhuo Fan shrugged lightly.

“Secretly slipping out of Qingming City shouldn’t be difficult.”

Then suddenly—

He turned toward Xue Ningxiang.

“Ning’er.”

“After leaving the city…”

“…where will you go?”

Xue Ningxiang froze briefly.

Then slowly shook her head.

“…I don’t know.”

But after a moment’s hesitation—

She quietly looked toward Zhuo Fan.

“Wherever Big Brother Zhuo goes…”

“…I’ll go too.”

Zhuo Fan blinked slightly.

Meanwhile—

Xie Tianyang instantly panicked.

“Ning’er!”

“Come back with me to Sword Marquis Manor instead.”

He straightened proudly.

“As long as you’re there…”

“…even Nether Valley won’t dare touch you openly.”

Xue Ningxiang’s eyes brightened immediately.

Then excitedly turned toward Zhuo Fan again.

“Big Brother Zhuo…”

“…come with us too.”

“I’ve never seen one of the Seven Houses before.”

Tension instantly appeared on Xie Tianyang’s face.

Still—

After several awkward seconds—

He reluctantly coughed dryly.

“…You can come too.”

“Since Ning’er wants it.”

Zhuo Fan stared at both of them quietly.

Then finally smiled faintly and shook his head.

“No.”

“I still have things to do.”

“If fate allows it…”

“…we’ll meet again someday.”

The atmosphere instantly turned heavy.

Even Xie Tianyang’s expression darkened slightly.

Though he and Zhuo Fan fought constantly—

They had survived life and death together.

That kind of bond could not be erased so casually.

“Hey.”

Xie Tianyang forced a grin.

“If we’re brothers…”

“…then give me some face and visit sometime.”

Zhuo Fan immediately rolled his eyes.

“I told you already.”

“We’re not brothers.”

Xie Tianyang’s face twitched violently.

Just as he prepared exploding angrily—

WHOOSH!

A powerful pressure suddenly descended from the sky.

All three expressions changed instantly.

“None of you are leaving.”

BOOM!

A black-robed figure landed directly before them.

White-and-black hair fluttered in the wind.

A long goat beard swayed beneath cold murderous eyes.

The terrifying pressure surrounding him instantly confirmed one thing.

Heaven Profound expert.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang immediately moved before Xue Ningxiang protectively.

Both silently exchanged grim looks.

“Nether Valley?” Zhuo Fan transmitted quietly.

Xie Tianyang frowned.

“I’ve never seen him before.”

But one thing remained obvious—

The old man’s gaze looked ready to devour them alive.

Then suddenly—

Xue Ningxiang gently pushed both men aside before carefully stepping forward.

“…Grandfather?”

Both men froze instantly.

Grandfather?

Zhuo Fan’s pupils contracted.

“Xue Clan Patriarch…”

“…Xue Dingtian?”

The old man ignored both boys entirely.

Instead, he immediately grabbed Xue Ningxiang beside him and inspected her anxiously.

“Ning’er!”

“Where have you been these past months?”

“This old man nearly searched the entire mountain range for you!”

Xue Ningxiang lowered her head guiltily.

“I’m sorry…”

“…I worried Grandfather.”

Xue Dingtian sighed deeply before rubbing her head affectionately.

Then suddenly—

His expression darkened.

“These two little bastards…”

“…did they bully you?”

Xue Ningxiang’s face instantly turned scarlet.

“Grandfather!”

She stomped her foot angrily.

“What nonsense are you talking about?!”

“Hmph.”

“Good.”

Xue Dingtian snorted before finally turning toward Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang.

His eyes became sharp instantly.

“Which one of you injured my grandson…”

“…Xue Gang?”

Without hesitation—

Xie Tianyang immediately pointed at Zhuo Fan.

“Him.”

“I only met Ning’er later.”

“I never even saw your grandson.”

Zhuo Fan closed his eyes helplessly.

What an excellent companion.

Selling allies instantly without hesitation.

Finally, he stepped forward calmly.

“At the time…”

“…I didn’t know he was Ning’er’s brother.”

“So I ask Senior’s forgiveness.”

Xue Dingtian narrowed his eyes further.

“And you…”

“…are the one who abducted my granddaughter?”

“WHAT?!”

Xie Tianyang exploded instantly.

Before anyone could react—

He grabbed Zhuo Fan by the collar violently.

“You explain this clearly right now!”

“When did you and Ning’er become that kind of relationship?!”

Even Xue Dingtian froze awkwardly.

Then slowly turned toward his granddaughter.

Xue Ningxiang’s entire face turned crimson immediately.

“Grandfather!”

She lowered her head completely in embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan nearly coughed blood.

“Stop misunderstanding things!”

“She was only guiding me through the mountain range!”

“Nothing happened!”

Xie Tianyang instantly relaxed afterward.

“Oh.”

“Then fine.”

Xue Dingtian carefully observed Zhuo Fan’s expression.

After confirming he was not lying—

He finally nodded slightly.

“In that case…”

“…I won’t pursue your earlier offenses.”

“You protected my granddaughter for several months.”

“So we’re even.”

Then he immediately turned toward Xue Ningxiang again.

“Come.”

“We’re going home.”

Xue Ningxiang hesitated visibly while looking back toward Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Xie Tianyang looked ready chasing after them immediately.

Then suddenly—

“Wait.”

Zhuo Fan’s voice echoed sharply behind them.

Xue Dingtian slowly turned back.

“What now?”

“You cannot return to the Xue Clan.”

Zhuo Fan’s eyes narrowed seriously.

“In fact…”

“…you shouldn’t return to Qingming City at all.”

Xue Dingtian frowned deeply.

“What are you talking about?”

Zhuo Fan answered directly.

“Ghost Seven saw Ning’er clearly.”

“And we severely offended him.”

“Right now…”

“…Nether Valley may already be exterminating the Xue Clan.”

Silence.

Xue Dingtian slowly turned toward Xue Ningxiang.

The girl trembled weakly.

Then finally nodded.

BOOM!

It felt as though thunder exploded inside Xue Dingtian’s mind.

His body staggered backward several steps before collapsing heavily onto the ground.

A Heaven Profound expert—

Actually falling from shock.

That alone revealed how devastating this truth truly was.

“Grandfather!”

Xue Ningxiang immediately rushed over crying.

“I’m sorry…”

“…I’m so sorry…”

Xue Dingtian stared blankly ahead.

His fists slowly clenched tighter and tighter.

Rage.

Despair.

Helplessness.

All twisted together violently inside his eyes.

Then slowly—

His gaze lifted toward Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang.

And killing intent exploded outward instantly.

“This disaster…”

“…came from you.”

“As long as I hand both of you over…”

“…Nether Valley may still spare the Xue Clan.”

Before anyone could react—

BOOM!

Xue Dingtian instantly appeared before Zhuo Fan and struck downward with one palm.

Zhuo Fan’s pupils contracted violently.

Phantom steps activated instantly beneath his feet.

Three afterimages scattered in different directions simultaneously.

But Xue Dingtian merely snorted coldly and swept his sleeve outward casually.

All three afterimages shattered instantly.

Yet Zhuo Fan’s real body had already appeared behind him.

Blood-red light condensed violently within his palm.

Bloodshadow Palm!

Even Xue Dingtian looked slightly shocked.

The moment that sinister bloody aura approached—

The blood inside his body actually began boiling uncontrollably.

Only now did he fully understand how his grandson lost earlier.

This boy’s techniques were unbelievably strange.

But unfortunately—

There remained an insurmountable gap between Bone Tempering and Heaven Profound.

WHOOSH!

Xue Dingtian vanished instantly.

Zhuo Fan’s eyes widened.

Too fast.

Before he could react—

BOOM!

A terrifying force smashed directly into his back.

Blood exploded from Zhuo Fan’s mouth instantly as he flew backward dozens of meters.

Yet before Xue Dingtian could continue pursuing—

SHING!!!

An earth-shaking sword cry erupted behind him.

Xie Tianyang attacked.

The fourth-grade spiritual weapon Brightstar Sword erupted with dazzling light as terrifying sword intent pierced directly toward Xue Dingtian’s chest.

Even the surrounding air seemed split apart beneath the sword pressure.

Profound-rank martial skill.

Xue Dingtian’s eyes narrowed immediately.

Without hesitation—

He vanished again.

Then instantly appeared before Xie Tianyang.

BOOM!

One palm strike.

Blood sprayed violently from Xie Tianyang’s mouth as he crashed backward through several giant trees.

Thankfully, his spirit armor absorbed most of the impact.

Otherwise—

That strike alone would’ve crippled him permanently.

Zhuo Fan slowly climbed back to his feet while wiping blood from his lips.

Xie Tianyang staggered upright nearby as well.

Both exchanged grim looks silently.

Now they truly understood the meaning of Heaven Profound power.

Against Ghost Seven earlier—

They at least possessed formations and preparation.

But now—

Facing a Heaven Profound expert directly—

The difference felt absolute.

Terrifying.

Hopeless.

Like insects challenging a mountain itself.

[End of Chapter Seventy-One]

Chapter Seventy-Two — The Furnace

“STOP!”

A heart-wrenching scream suddenly echoed through the forest.

Xue Dingtian froze mid-step and turned around instantly.

Only to see Xue Ningxiang standing several meters away with tears streaming down her face.

A dagger pressed tightly against her own throat.

“NING’ER!”

Xue Dingtian panicked immediately.

“What are you doing?!”

Xue Ningxiang bit her lip hard while trembling violently.

“Grandfather…”

“…please let them go.”

“They’re my friends.”

Xue Dingtian clenched his fists tightly.

“If I let them go…”

“…our Xue Clan is finished.”

Then slowly—

He turned back toward Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang again.

Murderous intent exploded within his eyes once more.

“But if I hand them over…”

“…Nether Valley might still spare us.”

Step by step—

He continued walking forward.

Even while speaking those cruel words—

Tears already glistened faintly within his old eyes.

He simply refused letting anyone notice.

“Grandfather!”

Xue Ningxiang cried desperately.

“If you take one more step…”

“…I’ll kill myself right here!”

The dagger pressed deeper instantly.

Blood trickled slowly down her neck.

Xie Tianyang’s face changed violently.

“Ning’er, stop!”

But Xue Dingtian only trembled once before continuing forward anyway.

Like a man walking willingly toward hell.

Yet Zhuo Fan noticed it clearly—

The old man’s eyes were already wet.

He simply had no choice left.

Suddenly—

Zhuo Fan burst into laughter.

Cold laughter.

“Xue Dingtian…”

“You really are an old fool.”

The old man stopped instantly.

His sharp eyes locked onto Zhuo Fan.

“What did you say?”

Zhuo Fan smirked.

“You think capturing us saves the Xue Clan?”

“No.”

“It only guarantees your destruction faster.”

His gaze slowly shifted toward Xie Tianyang.

“Do you even know who he is?”

Xue Dingtian frowned deeply.

“Who?”

Zhuo Fan’s smile widened.

“He’s from Sword Marquis Manor.”

Silence.

Then instantly—

Xue Dingtian’s expression collapsed completely.

Impossible.

He slowly turned toward Xie Tianyang again, carefully examining the Brightstar Sword, the spirit armor, and the sword aura still lingering around him.

Everything suddenly clicked together.

Fourth-grade spirit weapon.

Profound-rank martial skill.

Ridiculous talent.

The signs had been obvious all along.

Only members of the Seven Houses possessed resources like this.

“No…”

Xue Dingtian shook his head instinctively.

“If Sword Marquis Manor entered Qingming City…”

“…how could this old man not know?”

Zhuo Fan laughed mockingly.

“Since when do Seven House heirs need informing a second-rate clan before traveling?”

Each word struck harder than a hammer.

Xue Dingtian’s face turned increasingly pale.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan continued calmly:

“You hand us over to Nether Valley…”

“…and what happens afterward?”

“Once Sword Marquis Manor investigates…”

“…who becomes the scapegoat?”

BOOM!

That final sentence completely crushed the old man psychologically.

His legs gave out instantly.

THUD!

Xue Dingtian collapsed heavily onto the ground.

Cold sweat poured endlessly down his face.

Because Zhuo Fan was absolutely right.

If the Seven Houses clashed openly—

A clan like the Xue Clan would merely become disposable cannon fodder.

Nether Valley would abandon them instantly without hesitation.

At that moment—

A deep sense of despair consumed the old man completely.

The Xue Clan truly stood trapped between impossible choices.

Eventually—

Xue Dingtian slowly crawled forward.

Then—

To everyone’s shock—

The Heaven Profound expert knelt directly before Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Three heavy kowtows echoed across the forest floor.

“This old man…”

“…was blind.”

“Please forgive my offense, Young Masters.”

Xie Tianyang froze completely.

Even he had never expected a Heaven Profound expert to kneel before him personally.

Especially someone this old.

He instinctively moved forward to help the old man up immediately.

But suddenly—

Zhuo Fan silently stopped him with one arm.

“If you want saving Ning’er…”

“…then act like a true noble heir for once.”

The voice transmission stunned Xie Tianyang briefly.

Then slowly—

Understanding flashed through his eyes.

So he remained still.

Meanwhile, Xue Ningxiang already rushed toward her grandfather crying.

“Grandfather, get up…”

“…please get up…”

But Zhuo Fan suddenly spoke coldly:

“Who allowed you to stand?”

Xue Dingtian trembled violently.

Then lowered himself fully onto the ground again.

Humiliation burned across his aged face completely.

Yet he endured it silently.

Xue Ningxiang stared at Zhuo Fan in disbelief.

Anger filled her eyes instantly.

But before she could speak—

Zhuo Fan slowly walked toward Xue Dingtian calmly.

“You injured Sword Marquis Manor’s heir today.”

“Do you understand the consequences?”

Cold sweat flooded down Xue Dingtian’s back instantly.

“This old man truly didn’t know…”

“…please forgive me…”

“Hmph.”

Zhuo Fan sneered.

“Perhaps we should simply take Ning’er away instead.”

“If Nether Valley wants her…”

“…they can negotiate directly with Sword Marquis Manor.”

The moment those words fell—

Xue Dingtian suddenly grabbed Zhuo Fan’s ankle tightly.

“No!”

For the first time—

True panic exploded across his face.

“Anything except that!”

“If Ning’er leaves…”

“…the Xue Clan truly dies.”

Zhuo Fan’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Something felt wrong.

Very wrong.

This reaction exceeded simple fear of Nether Valley punishment.

It felt deeper.

More desperate.

As though losing Xue Ningxiang specifically meant absolute catastrophe.

A terrible suspicion slowly rose within Zhuo Fan’s mind.

Then instantly—

Killing intent flashed across his eyes.

Without warning—

SHING!

He snatched the Brightstar Sword directly from Xie Tianyang’s hand and stabbed downward toward Xue Dingtian’s back viciously.

“NO!”

Xue Ningxiang screamed and threw herself directly over her grandfather’s body.

The sword stopped inches before piercing through both of them.

Xie Tianyang nearly jumped out of his skin.

“ARE YOU INSANE?!”

He immediately grabbed the Brightstar Sword back furiously.

“I thought you were only intimidating him!”

“You actually meant killing him?!”

Zhuo Fan ignored him completely.

Instead, he stared coldly at Xue Dingtian.

“If either you or Ning’er must die…”

“…which one do you choose?”

Silence.

Xie Tianyang froze instantly.

Even Xue Ningxiang looked confused.

Only Xue Dingtian slowly lowered his head in despair.

At that moment—

Zhuo Fan already knew.

He guessed correctly.

Finally—

He spoke quietly:

“What exactly do you need Ning’er for?”

Xue Dingtian closed his eyes painfully.

After a long silence—

He finally sighed.

“…The Nether Valley marriage alliance…”

“…was never real.”

Everyone froze instantly.

Xie Tianyang frowned sharply.

“What do you mean?”

Xue Dingtian’s voice sounded unbearably exhausted now.

“Nether Valley demands a sixteen-year-old maiden from affiliated clans every generation.”

“Officially…”

“…it’s called marriage alliance.”

“But truthfully…”

His fists trembled violently.

“…they’re furnace sacrifices.”

The forest fell completely silent.

Xie Tianyang’s eyes widened slowly.

Even Xue Ningxiang looked blank.

Only Zhuo Fan remained calm.

Because he already suspected this possibility earlier.

“The women sent there…”

“…never return alive, correct?”

Xue Dingtian nodded weakly.

“But we never dared question anything.”

“How could second-rate clans investigate the Seven Houses?”

Then suddenly—

He looked desperately toward Zhuo Fan.

“Tell me…”

“…is it really true?”

“Are they truly using the girls for cultivation?”

Zhuo Fan slowly exhaled.

Then answered calmly:

“Yes.”

A chilling silence followed.

“Certain Demon Path techniques require extremely pure spiritual vessels.”

“Sixteen-year-old maidens…”

“…are among the best materials possible.”

His eyes darkened slightly.

“Especially for ghost-path cultivation arts.”

“Too much resentment and yin energy eventually causes spiritual backlash.”

“So cultivators use pure souls as balancing furnaces.”

Xie Tianyang inhaled sharply.

“You mean…”

“…Nether Valley’s feeding on them?”

Zhuo Fan nodded.

“Most likely.”

Then his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

“Ghost Seven’s technique earlier…”

“…was incomplete.”

“Meaning he probably hasn’t received enough furnace sacrifices yet.”

Xue Ningxiang’s face turned deathly pale.

“So…”

“…if I returned…”

“…they would kill me?”

Zhuo Fan looked directly at her.

“No.”

“They’d use you first.”

“And afterward…”

“…death would probably feel merciful.”

The dagger slipped from Xue Ningxiang’s fingers instantly.

Xie Tianyang exploded with rage immediately.

“Those bastards…”

“They dare do this openly?!”

Zhuo Fan merely shrugged.

“That’s the Demon Path.”

“Power matters.”

“Morality doesn’t.”

Then after a brief pause—

He added calmly:

“Truthfully, compared to certain Sacred Domain madmen…”

“…Ghost Seven’s methods are still relatively restrained.”

Xie Tianyang stared at him like he was insane.

How exactly did this bastard casually compare mass human sacrifice techniques like discussing the weather?

Meanwhile—

Xue Dingtian collapsed completely onto the ground.

His entire body trembled uncontrollably.

All these years—

He had nearly delivered his own granddaughter into hell personally.

And worse—

He truly believed it was an honor.

At that moment—

The old Heaven Profound expert suddenly looked unbelievably old.

Broken.

Helpless.

Like a man realizing his entire life had been built upon a lie.

[End of Chapter Seventy-Two]