THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Chapter Eighty-One — A Name That Shook the Empire

Above the clouds—

Zhuo Fan hovered silently beneath the night sky.

Thundercloud wings stretched behind him like the wings of an ancient demon god. Lightning crawled endlessly across the feathers while violent winds roared around his body.

In his hand—

He held a bloody heart.

It still twitched weakly.

But its owner had already become a corpse.

Ghost Seven’s lifeless body lay shattered below, his eyes frozen wide open in absolute terror.

Not a single person on the battlefield dared breathe too loudly.

Everyone stared upward at Zhuo Fan in complete shock.

One move.

Only one move.

And Nether Valley’s infamous Seven Apertures Ghost Mind—

Ghost Seven himself—

Had been killed publicly.

The terrifying strategist feared by countless clans throughout the Tianyu Empire…

…died in one punch.

How was that even possible?

Xie Tianyang stood frozen, unable to recover his senses.

Even Jian Suifeng—

One of Sword Marquis Manor’s Seven Sword Elders—

Couldn’t suppress the fear in his eyes anymore.

“What a terrifying monster…”

He clenched his jaw tightly.

Meanwhile—

Zhuo Fan simply released his grip.

The bloody heart dropped slowly from the sky.

SPLAT.

The wet sound echoed heavily across the battlefield.

Everyone’s hearts tightened violently.

The heart still twitched faintly on the ground.

Nobody dared move.

Nobody dared speak.

Then—

Zhuo Fan’s cold gaze swept slowly across the battlefield.

Wherever his eyes passed—

The Nether Valley guards lowered their heads instinctively.

Their bodies trembled uncontrollably.

They were terrified the monster might choose them next.

But after scanning the crowd once—

Zhuo Fan merely shook his head helplessly.

“That little bastard really is good at running.”

“He escaped again.”

The moment the words fell—

BOOM!

Zhuo Fan suddenly shot downward from the sky.

The surviving guards screamed in panic and scattered immediately.

But Zhuo Fan ignored them completely.

Instead—

He appeared instantly beside Xue Ningxiang and lifted her into his arms.

The girl let out a startled cry.

Then lightning exploded around them.

And both figures vanished into the distance instantly.

Moments later—

Outside Qingming City.

Deep within a quiet mountain forest.

A streak of lightning descended from the sky.

Zhuo Fan landed gently and placed Xue Ningxiang back onto the ground.

The girl blinked in confusion.

Then Zhuo Fan smiled faintly.

“We had an agreement.”

“You guided me into the city.”

“I promised I’d take you outside.”

“Now…”

“…I’ve fulfilled my promise.”

Xue Ningxiang froze slightly.

Then she slowly looked around herself.

The mountains.

The trees.

The endless open sky.

She inhaled deeply.

And for the first time in her life—

She smiled freely.

A genuine smile.

“I actually left the city…”

Her voice trembled with excitement.

“I finally got out…”

Then she turned toward Zhuo Fan, blushing slightly.

“Thank you…”

“…Big Brother Zhuo.”

Zhuo Fan smiled calmly.

“There’s nothing to thank me for.”

“That was our deal from the beginning.”

Then his eyes softened slightly.

“Ning’er…”

“…it’s probably time for us to say goodbye.”

The girl froze instantly.

“You’re leaving?”

Her eyes widened in panic.

“Where are you going?”

Zhuo Fan shook his head slowly.

“I don’t know.”

“There are still many things I need to do.”

The Thunder Gorge.

The Heavenly Emperor’s ruins.

Powerful allies for the Luo Clan.

He didn’t know where any of those paths would lead.

But he had no choice except continuing forward.

Xue Ningxiang stared at the determination in his eyes silently.

Then she lowered her head weakly.

“…Can you take me with you?”

“No.”

Zhuo Fan answered immediately.

“It’s too dangerous.”

The girl’s expression dimmed instantly.

She understood.

Her strength was too weak.

Following him would only become a burden.

Zhuo Fan noticed the disappointment in her eyes.

Then he gently patted her head.

“Besides…”

“You still have family to protect.”

“Right now, the Xue Clan desperately needs support.”

“Sword Marquis Manor is a good choice.”

“That brat Xie Tianyang clearly has status there.”

“If he speaks on your behalf…”

“…your family should survive safely.”

Only then did Xue Ningxiang finally realize it.

Her family still needed her.

How could she selfishly abandon them just to follow Zhuo Fan across the world?

A trace of shame appeared on her face.

But when she looked at Zhuo Fan again—

Her eyes still carried deep reluctance.

Zhuo Fan laughed softly.

“Well then…”

“…goodbye, little sister.”

He turned and walked away slowly.

Xue Ningxiang stared at his back as it disappeared farther and farther into the forest.

Tears rolled down her face uncontrollably.

Finally—

She shouted desperately:

“Big Brother Zhuo!”

“When will we meet again?”

Zhuo Fan raised one hand casually without turning around.

“When the Lightning Spirit Ring shines again…”

“…that will be the day we meet.”

The ring on his hand suddenly released brilliant lightning.

At the same time—

The ring on Xue Ningxiang’s hand glowed as well.

The two flashes of lightning illuminated the dark forest briefly.

Then Zhuo Fan disappeared into the night completely.

Meanwhile—

Back in Qingming City.

Jian Suifeng stood beside Ghost Seven’s corpse silently.

The old enemy who had cost him three fingers…

…had died so miserably.

He felt satisfaction.

But also sorrow.

“Ghost Seven…”

“You were still a famous figure within the Tianyu Empire.”

“To die like this…”

“…what a tragedy.”

He sighed softly.

Around them, the remaining Nether Valley guards had already fled completely in terror.

Nobody even dared retrieve Ghost Seven’s corpse.

The old strategist lay alone among the ruins beneath the cold wind.

His white hair scattered across the ground.

His eyes remained open.

But the intelligence once hidden within them—

Was gone forever.

Only emptiness remained.

Nearby—

Xie Tianyang still stared toward the direction Zhuo Fan had vanished.

After a long silence, he finally muttered bitterly:

“That bastard…”

“Fine, kill Ghost Seven if he wants…”

“But why’d he have to take Ning’er with him too?”

Jian Suifeng snorted coldly.

“Stop whining.”

Then he pointed toward the crucified Xue Clan members nearby.

“Save them immediately.”

“We’ll bring them back to Sword Marquis Manor for treatment.”

“From now on…”

“…the Xue Clan belongs under Sword Marquis Manor’s protection.”

Xie Tianyang blinked.

Then his face lit up instantly.

“That’s exactly what I wanted too!”

“Ning’er’s family is naturally my responsibility now!”

“Hmph.”

Jian Suifeng rolled his eyes.

“Who said I’m doing this for your sake?”

His expression turned serious again.

“You saw that little monster’s strength today.”

“Who knows how terrifying he’ll become in the future?”

“Since he came to save these people…”

“…we might as well help them too.”

“If we become allies with him someday, this favor will matter.”

“And if we become enemies…”

“…these people might still become useful leverage.”

Xie Tianyang’s mouth twitched helplessly.

So in the end—

Sword Marquis Manor still cared more about Zhuo Fan than him.

What kind of nonsense was this?

Still—

He quickly followed the order and began rescuing the Xue Clan members.

Because regardless of Sword Marquis Manor’s motives—

He genuinely wanted to help Xue Ningxiang.

But nobody noticed—

Less than five hundred meters away—

Inside a dark corner hidden among the ruins—

You Ming crouched on the ground trembling violently.

His face was deathly pale.

His fear of Zhuo Fan had not weakened.

It had deepened completely.

At this point—

That fear had become permanent.

A heart demon he would never escape for the rest of his life.

“Damn monster…”

His lips shook uncontrollably.

“What grudge do you have against me?”

“Everywhere you go…”

“…people around me die.”

“First two elders.”

“Now even my master…”

His body trembled harder.

Then slowly—

He buried his head between his knees completely.

Terrified beyond reason.

One month later.

Imperial Capital.

Royal Garden.

The Emperor of Tianyu sat calmly inside a pavilion, playing chess with an elderly man.

The emperor wore a golden dragon robe.

Though old, his cloudy eyes occasionally flashed with frightening sharpness.

Across from him sat an elderly scholar with white hair and a calm expression.

He appeared ordinary.

But every palace guard looked at him with deep reverence.

The quiet sound of chess pieces landing echoed gently through the garden.

Then suddenly—

“FATHER! SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED!”

A panicked scream shattered the atmosphere completely.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

A massive figure weighing well over four hundred pounds charged into the garden like a rolling mountain of flesh.

The ground shook with every step.

Even the chessboard bounced violently.

The emperor rubbed his forehead helplessly.

The old scholar merely smiled calmly.

“Tong’er,” the emperor sighed, “how many times have I told you to remain calm in all matters?”

“And can’t you see I’m playing chess with Sir Sima?”

The newcomer immediately bowed.

It was the Third Prince—

Yuwen Cong.

“Yes, Father…”

“I was too reckless.”

After wiping the sweat from his face, the prince inhaled deeply and forced himself calm.

Then he spoke carefully.

“Father…”

“Something major happened.”

“One month ago…”

“Nether Valley’s Seventh Elder was killed.”

The emperor’s hand froze instantly.

A chess piece slipped from his fingers.

Even Sir Sima’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Who did it?”

The emperor’s voice turned grave.

Yuwen Cong glanced around carefully before answering quietly.

“The Luo Clan steward…”

“Zhuo Fan.”

“He killed Ghost Seven publicly inside Qingming City.”

“And there’s more.”

“The two Nether Valley elders who died earlier in Wind Forest City…”

“…were apparently killed by him as well.”

“The Hidden Dragon Pavilion was taking the blame the entire time.”

Silence.

Then even Sir Sima inhaled sharply.

“A young junior killed three Nether Valley elders?”

“One of them being Ghost Seven himself?”

The emperor slowly smiled.

“If this were conflict between the Seven Houses…”

“…I’d have a headache dealing with it.”

“But Nether Valley hasn’t come to complain officially.”

“So let them settle it themselves.”

Then his eyes sharpened slightly.

“However…”

“Ensure the Luo Clan receives proper protection.”

“That child…”

“…is a pearl about to shine.”

The emperor placed another chess piece down firmly.

A smile slowly spread across his face.

At the same time—

Within the Prime Minister’s estate—

Zhuge Changfeng slowly opened his eyes after hearing the report from a shadowed messenger.

The old strategist remained silent for a long moment.

Then he sighed deeply.

“The balance between the Seven Houses…”

“…is finally beginning to break.”

Meanwhile—

Inside the Hidden Dragon Pavilion headquarters—

Long Yifei and the pavilion elders sat together discussing clan affairs.

Long Kui and Long Jie stood nearby as junior observers.

Suddenly—

An urgent report arrived.

The moment the letter was opened—

The Third Elder’s expression froze completely.

Long Jiu quickly grabbed the report next.

Then his single eye instantly filled with emotion.

“Good brother…”

“…I owe you another favor.”

Long Yifei took the report next.

After reading it—

Even he stood up in shock.

“Ghost Seven…”

“…was killed by Zhuo Fan?”

The entire hall erupted immediately.

Even Long Kui and Long Jie were left speechless.

To them—

Ghost Seven was a terrifying legend.

Someone even Hidden Dragon Pavilion elders feared deeply.

Yet now—

That same monster had died by Zhuo Fan’s hand.

The gap between them suddenly felt endless.

Then Long Yifei burst into loud laughter.

“Excellent!”

“I knew I judged him correctly!”

“That boy truly is a dragon among men!”

Then he looked toward the elders sharply.

“Increase support for the Luo Clan immediately.”

“And send additional protection as well.”

“This time…”

“…nobody objects anymore, correct?”

The elders exchanged glances.

Then slowly nodded together.

No one disagreed now.

Because Zhuo Fan had done something none of them could accomplish.

He had taken Ghost Seven’s head.

And from that day onward—

Zhuo Fan’s name spread across the entire Tianyu Empire.

The world finally began to remember him.

[End of Chapter Eighty-One]

 

Chapter Eighty-Two — The Nether Valley Kill Order

Deep within a silent mountain valley—

Three sides were sealed by towering cliffs.

Only a single narrow entrance connected the valley to the outside world, so cramped and shadowed that sunlight barely reached it year-round.

Cold mist drifted endlessly through the air.

The ground remained damp and rotten.

Poisonous insects and venomous rats crawled everywhere beneath the darkness.

Yet because of this strange terrain—

Rare herbs, spiritual flowers, and precious treasures flourished abundantly throughout the valley.

Countless treasure hunters had entered over the centuries searching for fortune.

Most never returned.

Their resentful spirits lingered within the valley long after death, making the place even colder and more sinister.

Thus—

People called it:

Nether Valley.

But a thousand years ago—

A group of terrifying cultivators discovered this cursed land and transformed it into their stronghold.

They established powerful fifth-grade formations throughout the valley, turning the naturally dangerous terrain into an almost impenetrable fortress.

And from that day forward—

The You Clan took the valley’s name as their own.

One of the Seven Great Houses of the Tianyu Empire.

Nether Valley.

A name feared across the entire empire.

Yet at this moment—

Inside Nether Valley’s massive conference hall—

Valley Master You Wanshan sat at the head seat with fury boiling in his eyes.

Twelve elder seats surrounded the chamber.

Only nine were occupied.

Three remained empty.

Completely empty.

The moment his eyes drifted toward those vacant chairs—

Killing intent exploded from You Wanshan uncontrollably.

“You Ming.”

His voice sounded like a furious beast growling deep within its throat.

“You’re telling me…”

“…three Nether Valley elders died to that brat?”

You Ming trembled violently.

His forehead pressed tightly against the floor.

“This disciple wouldn’t dare lie to Valley Master.”

“Elder Jian…”

“Elder Yun…”

“And my master, Seventh Elder…”

“…all died by Zhuo Fan’s hand.”

BOOM!

You Wanshan slammed the table violently.

“Then why wasn’t this reported earlier?!”

“If you already knew those two elders died to him, why hide it?”

You Ming shivered harder.

“It wasn’t this disciple’s decision!”

“Master forbade me from reporting it!”

“He said the situation was too unbelievable…”

“…nobody would believe us anyway.”

“He planned to eliminate Zhuo Fan personally later…”

“But before Master could move…”

“…Zhuo Fan attacked first…”

By the end—

You Ming’s voice collapsed completely.

He began sobbing uncontrollably.

The surrounding elders merely sneered coldly.

Demonic cultivators didn’t believe in sentiment.

To them—

You Ming’s tears were nothing more than a performance to reduce his punishment.

Still—

None of them exposed him.

Because honestly…

They understood.

If they’d encountered the same situation away from home territory—

They likely would’ve hidden it too.

After all—

Without countless eyewitnesses confirming Ghost Seven’s death personally—

Who would believe a newly advanced Bone Tempering cultivator could kill a Heaven Profound elder?

At that moment—

An elderly man seated at the highest position on the right side slowly stood.

His white hair draped over his shoulders while sharp intelligence gleamed within his eyes.

The Grand Elder.

“Valley Master,” he said calmly, “the child bears responsibility…”

“…but he isn’t entirely at fault.”

“Right now, the more important matter…”

“…is deciding how Nether Valley responds.”

His gaze swept across the hall.

“The entire empire is watching us.”

“If we allow this boy to continue living freely after killing three of our elders…”

“…Nether Valley becomes the greatest joke in Tianyu.”

“Our subordinate clans will lose faith.”

“Our authority will collapse.”

You Wanshan inhaled deeply.

Murderous intent flashed across his eyes.

“Fine.”

“Then we settle the score directly.”

“That brat is Luo Clan’s steward, correct?”

“We’ll destroy the Luo Clan.”

“Valley Master, no!”

Another elder suddenly interrupted loudly.

The speaker sat opposite the Grand Elder—

Second Elder.

A black-haired old man with calm eyes.

You Wanshan frowned immediately.

“What?”

“Someone killed our people publicly.”

“And you’re telling me not to retaliate?”

“Should Nether Valley simply swallow the humiliation?”

Second Elder shook his head slowly.

“That’s not what I mean.”

“But has Valley Master forgotten?”

“Last year, the Emperor explicitly forbade the Seven Houses from entering Wind Forest City.”

“If we openly violate the imperial decree now…”

“…we hand the royal family an excuse to move against us.”

The Grand Elder nodded immediately.

“Second Elder speaks reasonably.”

“Intelligence reports also suggest royal experts and Hidden Dragon Pavilion forces are already lurking near Wind Forest City.”

“If we march there directly…”

“…we may walk into a trap.”

You Wanshan paced angrily for a long moment.

Then finally roared:

“Then what the hell are we supposed to do?!”

Silence filled the hall.

Nobody answered immediately.

Then You Wanshan clenched his fists tightly.

“If Ghost Seven were still alive…”

“…this problem wouldn’t exist.”

“That damned brat…”

“…he killed the one strategist I relied on most.”

“When I catch him…”

“…I’ll skin him alive.”

At that moment—

You Ming’s eyes suddenly shifted slightly.

Then carefully—

He spoke.

“Valley Master…”

“This disciple has an idea.”

“Hmph.”

You Wanshan immediately frowned.

“This is an elder meeting.”

“When did you gain the right to speak?”

But the Grand Elder raised a hand calmly.

“Let him speak.”

“He was Ghost Seven’s disciple.”

“Perhaps he truly has a useful suggestion.”

You Wanshan hesitated briefly.

Then nodded impatiently.

“Talk.”

You Ming’s heart surged with excitement instantly.

“According to this disciple…”

“…there’s no need touching the Luo Clan at all.”

“Everything the Luo Clan possesses depends entirely on Zhuo Fan.”

“As long as Zhuo Fan lives…”

“…destroying the Luo Clan changes nothing.”

“But if Zhuo Fan dies…”

“…the remaining Luo Clan members are insignificant.”

“They can’t threaten Nether Valley.”

The hall grew quiet.

Even You Wanshan’s eyes sharpened slightly.

“Continue.”

You Ming’s lips slowly curled upward.

“We may not approach Wind Forest City…”

“…but Zhuo Fan currently isn’t there.”

“So instead of wasting effort targeting the Luo Clan…”

“…we focus solely on him.”

“And how exactly do we find him?” You Wanshan asked coldly.

You Ming’s smile widened completely.

“We issue a Nether Valley Kill Order.”

“Let the entire empire hunt him.”

The room fell silent instantly.

Then You Ming continued softly:

“Once his location is exposed…”

“…we intercept and kill him before he can return to Wind Forest City.”

You Wanshan’s eyes exploded with light.

Then suddenly—

He burst into loud laughter.

“Excellent!”

“Good!”

“We’ll do exactly that!”

He slammed both palms against the armrests.

“Men!”

His roar echoed throughout the entire valley.

“By Nether Valley’s authority…”

“…issue a Kill Order across the entire Tianyu Empire!”

“Anyone providing Zhuo Fan’s location…”

“…will become a subordinate clan of Nether Valley!”

“Anyone who brings back his head…”

“…will become our number one affiliated family!”

“One family beneath Nether Valley…”

“…above ten thousand others!”

The command thundered throughout the valley endlessly.

Meanwhile—

You Ming lowered his head.

And smiled.

A twisted smile.

Zhuo Fan…

Maybe he lacked the courage to face that monster personally anymore.

But now—

The entire empire would hunt him instead.

The Grand Elder watched You Ming silently.

He could naturally see the revenge hidden beneath the boy’s proposal.

But he didn’t care.

Because Zhuo Fan truly had become Nether Valley’s greatest enemy.

Still—

He slowly turned toward You Wanshan again.

“Valley Master…”

“Even if the Kill Order spreads…”

“…ordinary clans likely cannot handle him.”

“Anyone capable of killing Ghost Seven…”

“…isn’t someone weak families can defeat.”

You Wanshan nodded slowly.

“Then we send the elders personally.”

But the Grand Elder shook his head again.

“Not all of them.”

“If the boy truly killed Ghost Seven easily…”

“…then only the top five elders possess qualifications to face him.”

Then his gaze shifted toward a red-haired old man nearby.

“Especially Fifth Elder.”

“You refined your body using Crimson Flame Demon Fire.”

“Diamond-like flesh.”

“Among us…”

“…you’re most suited to fighting him.”

The red-haired elder immediately waved both hands.

“Forget it.”

“I’m attending Blossom Rain Tower’s Hundred Pill Gathering soon.”

“I don’t have time chasing some brat.”

You Wanshan snorted furiously.

“A bunch of women holding an alchemy conference…”

“What’s so important about that?”

“Is it more important than avenging Nether Valley?”

The Grand Elder merely laughed softly.

“Valley Master shouldn’t underestimate Blossom Rain Tower.”

“They remain one of the Seven Houses after all.”

“Maintaining relations is beneficial.”

“Besides…”

“They likely invited Fifth Elder because of his flame cultivation.”

“Perhaps they intend developing new pills.”

You Wanshan sneered coldly.

“One day…”

“I’ll seize all those women’s territory personally.”

The Grand Elder only smiled.

Then suddenly—

He turned back toward You Ming.

“Valley Master.”

“I wish to take this child as my disciple.”

“And allow him to participate in elder meetings.”

“He’ll inherit Ghost Seven’s seat.”

You Wanshan stared at You Ming silently for a long moment.

Then finally nodded.

“Very well.”

“Train him properly.”

“Perhaps Nether Valley will produce another Seven Apertures Ghost Mind.”

You Ming’s eyes lit up instantly.

He immediately bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Valley Master!”

At the same time—

Back at Black Wind Mountain.

Behind the Luo Clan estate.

Commander Pang sat cross-legged atop thirty-six steel blades arranged in a circle.

Dark energy flowed around his body continuously.

Each time the black aura returned into him—

Fresh bloody wounds split open across his skin.

His brows twitched from pain.

Then suddenly—

A shadow appeared before him silently.

Lei Yuting.

Commander Pang slowly opened his eyes.

Then grinned.

“Miss Lei’s Shadow Concealment Art grows more terrifying every year.”

“You reached my side without me noticing.”

Lei Yuting snorted softly.

“And your Demon Slaughter Art is any less ridiculous?”

“You broke into Bone Tempering in barely a year.”

“That would make countless noble clan geniuses cough blood from envy.”

Commander Pang burst into laughter.

“That’s because Brother Zhuo’s techniques are monstrous.”

Then he glanced nearby.

A fifteen-year-old boy sat atop another pile of blades, gritting his teeth desperately while blood poured from countless wounds across his body.

Beside him—

Several corpses lay scattered.

Their flesh had been shredded apart completely.

As though diced by thousands of blades.

Lei Yuting’s face twitched.

“What kind of demonic cultivation are you people practicing?”

Commander Pang remained calm.

“The twenty children you delivered…”

“…only one survived.”

“Help me find more.”

Lei Yuting stared at him in disbelief.

“Twenty trained.”

“One survived.”

“And you still want more?”

Commander Pang smiled coldly.

“That survival rate is already considered high.”

“In the beginning…”

“…all fifty trainees died regularly.”

“But for the Luo Clan…”

“…it’s worth it.”

Lei Yuting snorted again.

“You people train enthusiastically enough.”

“Meanwhile…”

“…look at what your precious Zhuo Fan is doing.”

She tossed a small information slip toward him.

Commander Pang read it.

Then his eyes widened instantly.

“Zhuo Fan killed Ghost Seven?”

“Nether Valley issued a Kill Order?”

But only a moment later—

He burst into loud laughter.

“Hahaha!”

“As expected of Brother Zhuo!”

“Wherever he goes…”

“…the heavens shake.”

Then he patted Lei Yuting’s shoulder casually.

“Don’t worry.”

“With Brother Zhuo’s abilities…”

“…a Nether Valley Kill Order means nothing.”

Lei Yuting froze briefly.

Then her face turned slightly red.

“Who said I was worried about him?”

She bit her lip irritably.

“That bastard picked a fight with Nether Valley because of some girl.”

“Since when was he so righteous?”

Commander Pang blinked.

Then suddenly understood.

“Oh…”

“So that’s what this is about.”

He laughed awkwardly.

“Actually…”

“Brother Zhuo occasionally does enjoy protecting the weak.”

“Bullshit.”

Lei Yuting snorted.

“You think I don’t understand him?”

Her figure dissolved into shadow instantly and vanished.

Commander Pang watched her disappear silently.

Then sighed deeply.

“Women…”

[End of Chapter Eighty-Two]