THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Chapter Fifty-One — Departure

“Miss, come with me for a moment.”

Zhuo Fan found Luo Yunchang and gestured for her to follow him.

Though confused, she obediently walked behind him anyway.

Over the past few months, watching endless resources pour into the Luo Clan had filled her heart with joy.

Spirit stones.

Medicinal pills.

Weapons.

Experts.

Especially after seeing the two new elders stationed within the clan, she could finally feel the Luo Clan growing stronger day by day.

So even though Zhuo Fan had vanished constantly during those three months, she never once questioned him.

“Steward Zhuo, what is it?”

Luo Yunchang smiled as she followed him into a quiet side room.

Without answering, Zhuo Fan calmly closed every door and window.

The moment she saw that—

Her cheeks instantly turned red.

Her mind immediately wandered somewhere extremely inappropriate.

“Z-Zhuo Fan…”

She lowered her head shyly.

“What exactly are you doing?”

Zhuo Fan inhaled deeply.

Then he said calmly:

“I’m leaving.”

Luo Yunchang froze completely.

At first, it almost seemed as though she had not heard him properly.

Or perhaps—

She simply refused to believe it.

Only after Zhuo Fan repeated himself did her expression finally change.

“Why?”

Tears instantly welled in her eyes.

“The Luo Clan’s growing stronger every day. We’ve already become the strongest family in Windforest City.”

She stared at him desperately.

“So why are you leaving?”

“To make the Luo Clan safer.”

Zhuo Fan’s expression remained serious.

“The Luo Clan may be secure for now.”

“No family nearby can threaten us anymore.”

“But don’t forget what we traded in exchange for that peace.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“We accepted the imperial family’s Pearl Decree.”

“And we offended Nether Valley completely.”

“As for Hidden Dragon Pavilion…”

“…if we fail to rise into a true power equal to the Seven Houses…”

“…they won’t continue protecting us forever either.”

Luo Yunchang bit her lip tightly.

“Then we need you even more.”

Her voice trembled.

“If you leave…”

“…what are we supposed to do?”

Tears finally slid down her face.

Zhuo Fan gently wiped them away.

“The fat man once said something correct.”

“The true foundation of a family…”

“…is powerful experts.”

He looked directly into her eyes.

“This trip isn’t only for myself.”

“I’m going to recruit powerful people for the Luo Clan.”

“People strong enough to protect the family in the future.”

Then he removed a jade slip and handed it to her carefully.

“These are the control methods for the four great formations surrounding Blackwind Mountain.”

“Study them personally.”

“Do not let anyone else know.”

“If trouble occurs while I’m gone, activate the formations immediately.”

“The four fifth-grade arrays combined with the Yin Killing Array inside the fog forest should protect the Luo Clan for quite some time.”

Luo Yunchang accepted the jade slip silently.

Her eyes remained red.

“How long will you be gone?”

Zhuo Fan sighed softly.

“I don’t know.”

“If things go smoothly…”

“…I’ll return quickly.”

But in truth, this journey carried multiple purposes.

Recruiting experts for the Luo Clan was only one part.

The other—

Was the place Long Jiu once mentioned.

The Thunder Gorge.

A rumored Emperor’s Ruin.

No matter what happened—

Improving his own strength remained Zhuo Fan’s highest priority.

Only absolute power guaranteed survival.

Luo Yunchang nodded silently.

Then suddenly—

She stepped forward.

And lightly kissed Zhuo Fan’s lips.

Zhuo Fan froze instantly.

Luo Yunchang’s face turned completely scarlet.

Without daring to raise her head again, she whispered softly:

“Come back soon.”

Then she fled the room almost like she was escaping.

Zhuo Fan touched his lips blankly.

For the first time in a long while—

Even he looked slightly stunned.

A short time later, Commander Pang arrived alongside Luo Yunhai.

The moment they learned Zhuo Fan intended to leave, both were shocked.

Their eyes immediately filled with reluctance.

“You little brat…”

Zhuo Fan placed a hand on Luo Yunhai’s shoulder.

“You’re the only man left in the Luo Clan now.”

“Take care of your sister properly.”

“And from this day onward…”

“…start acting like a true clan head.”

Luo Yunhai bit his lip hard and nodded while wiping away tears.

Then Zhuo Fan turned toward Commander Pang.

With a flash of light, another jade slip appeared in his hand.

But as Commander Pang reached for it—

Zhuo Fan suddenly tightened his grip.

The two locked eyes.

“Pang Yu.”

Zhuo Fan spoke coldly.

“Do you remember what Long Kui once said?”

“She said that with your talent…”

“…Qi Gathering would already be your limit.”

Commander Pang’s expression darkened instantly.

His outstretched hand slowly withdrew slightly.

But then—

Zhuo Fan’s voice changed.

“There are no absolutes in this world.”

“I have a method that can completely remake your body and grant you tremendous power.”

Commander Pang’s eyes widened instantly.

“But…”

Zhuo Fan’s gaze sharpened dangerously.

“The process will make you wish for death.”

“You’ll suffer pain beyond imagination.”

“Your entire life may become endless torment.”

“Do you still want it?”

Commander Pang froze briefly.

Then excitement exploded across his face.

“You’re serious?”

Zhuo Fan raised the jade slip slowly.

“This is a mid-grade Profound-tier demonic cultivation art.”

“Demonic Slaughter Art.”

“Unlike normal cultivation methods, this is a body-tempering technique.”

“It places almost no demands on talent, constitution, or cultivation.”

“There is only one requirement.”

He stared directly into Commander Pang’s eyes.

“You must survive hell itself.”

“Once cultivation begins, it cannot stop.”

“If you fail midway…”

“…your soul will collapse completely.”

Commander Pang licked his dry lips.

But no fear appeared in his eyes.

Only excitement.

“As long as I can become stronger…”

“…I can endure anything.”

He snatched the jade slip immediately.

Zhuo Fan still warned him again.

“The suffering won’t be something you can imagine.”

“Even many ruthless Demon Path cultivators refuse to touch this technique.”

“Some go insane from pain during cultivation.”

“Others die halfway through.”

“Though it’s only a mid-grade Profound-tier cultivation art…”

“…its final power rivals high-grade Profound-tier techniques.”

“But the process is true torture.”

“You should think carefully.”

Commander Pang suddenly laughed bitterly.

“Steward Zhuo…”

“The greatest pain I ever experienced…”

“…was watching the clan head die while I stood there powerless.”

His eyes gradually turned red.

“My only wish now…”

“…is to protect the young miss and young master properly.”

He looked toward Zhuo Fan gratefully.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you for giving Old Pang this chance.”

For a brief moment—

Even Zhuo Fan felt slightly shaken.

Then he nodded seriously.

“I hope when I return…”

“…I see a terrifyingly strong Old Pang.”

“Not your corpse.”

“Hahaha!”

Commander Pang laughed loudly and pulled Zhuo Fan into a crushing bear hug.

“Don’t worry!”

“Old Pang’s life is tough as iron!”

“I won’t die so easily.”

His eyes, however, were already wet.

“Brother…”

“Come back soon.”

“The Luo Clan can’t survive without you.”

Soon afterward, Lei Yuting arrived as well.

The moment she entered, Zhuo Fan immediately asked:

“How’s the task I gave you?”

Lei Yuting nodded confidently.

“The six hundred children are almost gathered.”

“Most are around ten years old.”

“And all possess excellent talent.”

“They’re waiting for your instruction.”

Zhuo Fan glanced at her thoughtfully.

“You guessed why I wanted them?”

Lei Yuting smiled proudly.

“Based on what I know about you…”

“You’re definitely not gathering orphans out of kindness.”

“So I assumed…”

“…you planned to train them into future Luo Clan guards.”

Hearing those words, Zhuo Fan’s expression suddenly darkened slightly.

Kindness.

Once—

Long ago—

He also rescued an orphan out of kindness.

And in the end…

That orphan betrayed him personally.

Thinking about that memory, cold killing intent flashed through Zhuo Fan’s eyes briefly.

Lei Yuting shivered unconsciously.

Then Zhuo Fan handed her another jade slip.

“This is a mid-grade Spirit-tier cultivation art.”

“Shadow Submergence Art.”

“Cultivate it personally.”

“Then select trustworthy people to form a Shadow Division responsible for covert operations and protection.”

“As for the six hundred children…”

“You will train them according to the methods I teach you.”

“The lowest-grade talents become ordinary guards.”

“The middle-grade talents enter the Shadow Division.”

“And the strongest…”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“The ones with the most terrifying willpower…”

“…deliver them to Commander Pang secretly.”

“He’ll understand what to do.”

Lei Yuting stared at the jade slip silently.

Then she finally asked quietly:

“Why aren’t you doing this yourself?”

“I’m leaving.”

Lei Yuting froze.

“Why?”

Zhuo Fan patiently explained everything once more.

After hearing it, Lei Yuting nodded slowly.

Then, just before leaving—

She suddenly leaned forward and kissed Zhuo Fan lightly on the cheek.

Zhuo Fan blinked several times blankly.

Watching Lei Yuting flee the room in embarrassment, he touched his face helplessly.

Why did women always like doing that?

A short while later, Lei Yuntian entered the room.

After Zhuo Fan finished explaining future arrangements, the old man listened carefully to every word with complete seriousness.

Though he technically held the position of First Elder—

Everyone understood the Luo Clan’s true ruler remained Zhuo Fan.

And honestly—

Lei Yuntian believed Zhuo Fan deserved that authority completely.

“Elder Lei.”

Zhuo Fan removed yet another jade slip.

“This contains the fused martial art created from the three clan techniques.”

“A low-grade Profound-tier martial art.”

“Thunderous Returning Dragon Art.”

“Since the imperial family considers this part of the Pearl Decree…”

“…this will become the Luo Clan’s strongest public martial art moving forward.”

He emphasized the word public carefully.

Lei Yuntian immediately understood.

If this was only their public technique—

Then Zhuo Fan naturally possessed even stronger hidden methods.

Secret weapons.

Insurance against the imperial family itself.

A trace of admiration flashed through the old man’s eyes.

He finally understood why Zhuo Fan survived so long.

This young man never trusted anyone completely.

Not even the emperor.

“Don’t worry, Steward Zhuo.”

Lei Yuntian laughed loudly.

“I’ll perform my duties properly.”

Then his expression suddenly turned serious again.

“What about the Tai father and son?”

“They still don’t seem fully loyal.”

“The guards around Blackwind Mountain are mostly former Tai Clan members now.”

“I’m worried they may—”

“Let them.”

Zhuo Fan interrupted calmly.

“The Tai Clan remains part of the Pearl Decree.”

“If we move against them openly, the imperial family may grow suspicious.”

His lips slowly curved upward.

“But…”

“If they betray us first…”

“…then everything becomes much simpler.”

Lei Yuntian’s eyes lit up instantly.

“As expected of Steward Zhuo.”

“So you already prepared for this.”

Cold killing intent flashed briefly through Zhuo Fan’s eyes.

Of course he prepared.

At dawn the next morning—

Zhuo Fan quietly left Blackwind Mountain alone.

At the summit, Luo Yunchang, Lei Yuting, Lei Yuntian, Commander Pang, and the other core members of the Luo Clan silently watched his figure disappear into the distance.

Only the Tai father and son were absent.

Because halfway down the mountain—

Hidden within the forest—

Tai Rong and Tai Xiaoting stood there silently watching Zhuo Fan leave.

Their eyes were cold.

Filled with sinister delight.

“Hmph.”

Tai Xiaoting sneered.

“Without Zhuo Fan, the Luo Clan has no right to control Blackwind Mountain.”

“That bitch Luo Yunchang spent every day flirting with him while treating me like air.”

His smile became increasingly vicious.

“Now that Zhuo Fan’s gone…”

“…this mountain finally belongs to the Tai Clan.”

Tai Rong narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

“Still…”

“That Zhuo Fan truly was extraordinary.”

“He manipulated Hidden Dragon Pavilion.”

“Won over the Third Prince.”

“And personally suppressed all three families by himself.”

He sighed heavily.

“In truth…”

“He was the real clan head all along.”

Then slowly—

Tai Rong’s expression darkened.

“But now that he’s gone…”

“…it’s time to reclaim what belongs to us.”

Tai Xiaoting’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Father…”

“What should we do?”

Tai Rong smiled coldly.

“Not yet.”

“The Luo Clan alone isn’t the problem.”

“The Lei Clan is.”

His eyes narrowed dangerously.

“We need stronger allies first.”

Much farther away—

Walking alone down the mountain road—

Zhuo Fan suddenly smiled faintly to himself.

The fish…

…had finally begun biting the hook.

[End of Chapter Fifty-One]

Chapter Fifty-Two — The Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range

Night swallowed the mountains whole.

At the peak of a dark ridge, a black-robed figure stood silently beneath the moonlight, staring toward the distant city ahead.

Three enormous golden characters gleamed above the gates.

Qingming City.

A cold, crooked smile slowly spread across the figure’s lips.

Then he turned and walked down the mountain calmly.

Behind him—

Two piles of black ash scattered into the wind.

One minute later, the black-robed man arrived beneath the city gates.

“Stop right there.”

Two guards crossed their steel spears instantly, blocking his path.

“Where’s your travel permit?”

Both men radiated sixth-layer Qi Gathering pressure without restraint.

The black-robed figure slowly reached into his sleeve and produced a metal token engraved with a single character:

Nether.

The two guards inspected it carefully before nodding.

“Go in.”

The black-robed man gave a slight nod and walked directly through the gates.

But after traveling nearly a hundred meters—

He glanced backward once.

Mockery flashed in his eyes.

“A bunch of empty-headed idiots.”

The black hood tilted upward slightly.

Revealing Zhuo Fan’s face beneath.

He had already left the Luo Clan for over a month.

And the first destination he chose—

Was Qingming City.

Nether Valley territory.

Just as Hidden Dragon Pavilion controlled Windforest City, Qingming City was directly overseen by Nether Valley.

That was precisely why Zhuo Fan concealed himself beneath black robes.

The reason he willingly stepped onto enemy territory was simple:

He had no choice.

Because directly beyond Qingming City…

…lay the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range.

The greatest gathering place of spirit beasts in the entire Heavenly Yu Empire.

Naturally, security around the city was extraordinarily strict.

After all—

Whether righteous cultivators or Demon Path cultivators—

Everyone understood one truth clearly.

Cultivation alone was never enough.

Spirit weapons.

Demonic treasures.

Spirit beasts.

Demonic creatures.

External power often decided whether someone survived or died.

A single powerful treasure could overturn an entire battle.

Just like Elder Jian Fan’s devouring ghost crows.

Thanks to their Purple Lightning Golden Eyes, even Hidden Dragon Pavilion’s three elders working together struggled to suppress them.

Or Long Jiu’s third-grade spirit weapon—

The Proud Dragon Sword.

One strike alone once forced back two Nether Valley elders simultaneously.

The importance of external strength was obvious.

As for demonic creatures and spirit companions—

Aside from rare heaven-born entities like Zhuo Fan’s Blood Infant—

Most originated from spirit beasts.

Righteous cultivators raised them as spirit pets.

Demon Path cultivators refined them into demonic beasts.

And the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range possessed more spirit beasts than anywhere else in the empire.

Unfortunately—

Qingming City belonged entirely to Nether Valley.

Since the empire’s founding, control over the mountain range had remained in their hands.

Which meant anyone wishing to enter the region and capture spirit beasts first required Nether Valley’s permission.

Naturally—

Nether Valley exploited that authority shamelessly.

Checkpoints stretched for miles outside the city.

Only cultivators whose identities passed inspection received travel permits allowing entry.

Without one—

Nobody stepped foot inside Qingming City.

Of course, Zhuo Fan could never reveal his real identity.

So outside the city earlier tonight—

He casually killed two permit holders and took theirs instead.

Simple.

Efficient.

And now—

He walked into the city openly.

“Hmph.”

Zhuo Fan sneered internally.

“This entire system only intimidates weaklings afraid of trouble.”

“Any truly bold cultivator—or Heaven Profound expert—would ignore Nether Valley entirely.”

He continued deeper into the city without slowing down.

The reason he came to the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range this time—

Was to find a specific spirit beast.

A sixth-grade spirit beast.

Thundercloud Sparrow.

According to Long Jiu, reaching the Thunder Gorge required passing through terrifying heavenly lightning fields.

Based on Long Jiu’s descriptions, Zhuo Fan could already estimate the lightning’s power.

At minimum—

Sixth Heaven Lightning.

Far stronger than the Third Heaven Lightning Long Jiu cultivated.

Even Heaven Profound experts would hesitate before touching that kind of destructive force directly.

So before entering the Thunder Gorge—

Zhuo Fan needed something capable of resisting lightning for him.

And among spirit beasts—

The Thundercloud Sparrow was nearly perfect.

It survived by devouring lightning itself.

If refined into a demonic beast using the Heavenly Demon Great Transformation Art—

It might allow him to enter the Thunder Gorge safely.

At least…

Assuming the lightning truly stopped at Sixth Heaven intensity.

If the lightning exceeded that level—

Then even the Thundercloud Sparrow would disintegrate instantly.

And Zhuo Fan would die alongside it.

Thinking this far, Zhuo Fan unconsciously quickened his pace.

If not for the temptation of an Emperor’s Ruin—

Even he would hesitate before risking something this dangerous.

Suddenly—

Thud.

Something slammed directly into his chest.

Zhuo Fan frowned and looked downward.

A filthy little beggar clung desperately to the front of his robes.

The child looked around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Clothes torn.

Face covered in dirt.

Completely miserable.

Zhuo Fan’s expression darkened immediately.

But before he could speak—

The beggar whispered urgently:

“Please don’t make a sound!”

Zhuo Fan narrowed his eyes slightly.

Then—

Dozens of figures suddenly rushed around the nearby corner.

More than thirty people.

Every one of them at the Qi Gathering Stage.

Because the beggar hid behind Zhuo Fan’s loose black robes, none of them noticed him at all.

“Did you find him?”

“No!”

“Then what are you idiots standing around for?”

A middle-aged steward-looking man shouted furiously.

“If the young master’s property isn’t recovered tonight, the master will skin every one of you alive!”

The others immediately scattered in panic to continue searching.

Only after everyone disappeared did the beggar finally peek out carefully and exhale in relief.

“Scared me to death…”

“I thought I was finished for sure.”

Zhuo Fan ignored him completely and stepped around him to continue walking.

“Wait!”

The little beggar hurried after him immediately.

“Big brother, thank you earlier. Otherwise I definitely would’ve—”

Zhuo Fan kept walking without even glancing at him.

The beggar blinked awkwardly before rushing ahead again to block his path.

“Big brother…”

He grinned sheepishly.

“You’re from outside the city, right?”

“Could you take me out with you?”

“Please?”

“You don’t need a permit to leave the city,” Zhuo Fan answered flatly while continuing forward.

The beggar bit his lip nervously.

Then suddenly tears welled up in his eyes.

“To be honest…”

“I stole something from them.”

“If they catch me…”

“…they’ll definitely kill me.”

“Please help me leave.”

Zhuo Fan chuckled softly.

Then finally looked at him properly for the first time.

“Fifteen or sixteen years old.”

“Fourth-layer Qi Gathering.”

“At your age, that’s already impressive.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Ordinary beggars don’t reach that cultivation level.”

“So…”

“…are you really a beggar?”

The child froze instantly.

His eyes darted around rapidly, clearly trying to think of an explanation.

Zhuo Fan simply smiled faintly.

“Even if your story’s true…”

“…what benefit do I gain from helping you?”

“All I’d accomplish is offending local forces.”

“So tell me…”

“Why should I help?”

After saying that, Zhuo Fan calmly walked away again.

The beggar stood there speechless.

Completely stunned.

He truly never expected Zhuo Fan to be this brutally practical.

At first, after Zhuo Fan hid him earlier, he assumed this black-robed man was some kind-hearted fool.

Clearly—

He guessed wrong.

“You’re heading to the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range, right?”

The beggar suddenly shouted from behind him.

Zhuo Fan’s footsteps paused slightly.

“Everyone entering Qingming City is heading there.”

“Otherwise what?”

“Did they come here to pay respects at Nether Valley gravesites?”

The beggar nearly choked.

This man’s mouth was unbelievably vicious.

Did he genuinely fear nothing?

But strangely—

The more reckless Zhuo Fan sounded, the brighter the beggar’s eyes became.

“If you’re trying to enter the mountain range…”

“…you’ll be waiting at least three more months.”

This time, Zhuo Fan finally stopped completely.

“Why?”

The beggar immediately perked up proudly and walked in front of him.

“Because the mountain range is about to produce Diamond Quicksand.”

“Nether Valley sealed the entire region.”

“No outsiders are allowed in for the next three months.”

Diamond Quicksand?

Zhuo Fan’s pupils contracted instantly.

Then joy exploded through his mind.

Diamond Quicksand was an incredibly rare material known as the Blood Vein of the Earth.

A fifth-grade spirit-weapon material.

Extremely valuable.

But for Zhuo Fan—

Its greatest value lay elsewhere.

It perfectly matched his Blood Infant.

The Blood Infant was already nearing the Bone Tempering Stage and required a physical vessel.

Once refined successfully—

It would become both illusion and reality.

Invisible when needed.

But physically indestructible when manifested.

If Zhuo Fan used Diamond Quicksand to forge its body—

The Blood Infant’s durability would rise to terrifying levels.

At that point—

Even direct clashes against Heaven Profound experts might become possible.

Thinking this far, excitement flashed through Zhuo Fan’s eyes immediately.

The beggar clearly noticed.

Then he coughed twice proudly and raised his chin.

“How about a deal?”

“If you help me leave the city…”

“…I’ll guide you into the mountain range through hidden paths.”

“When the Diamond Quicksand appears…”

“…we can steal some before Nether Valley notices.”

Zhuo Fan almost laughed internally.

Something that important would obviously be guarded like a fortress.

Stealing it wouldn’t be easy.

Still—

Having someone familiar with secret mountain routes would indeed help considerably.

“Deal.”

Zhuo Fan nodded calmly.

The beggar instantly stretched out his hand with a grin.

Clearly asking for a formal agreement.

Zhuo Fan shook his head helplessly.

Then slapped palms with him lightly.

“Hahaha!”

The beggar nearly jumped with excitement.

“Finally!”

“Someone’s taking me out of this damned place.”

Then he grinned brightly.

“By the way, big brother…”

“What’s your name?”

“Zhuo Fan.”

Zhuo Fan answered without concern.

Nether Valley likely knew about the Luo Clan by now—

But they probably still didn’t know the steward’s name specifically.

As for Elder Jian Fan’s death—

Only Yangming survived that battle.

And even if he reported the truth, who would believe a Qi Gathering cultivator killed a Nether Valley elder?

More importantly—

Would Nether Valley really advertise such humiliation publicly?

Impossible.

The little beggar’s eyes rolled mischievously.

“Then big brother Zhuo…”

“You can call me…”

“…Xiao Ning.”

Zhuo Fan glanced at him once.

“That’s not your real name.”

The beggar froze immediately.

But Zhuo Fan only smiled faintly.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Temporary names are enough.”

The little beggar pouted slightly.

Then he looked at Zhuo Fan again with growing curiosity.

This man felt completely different from everyone he had ever met before.

Mysterious.

Dangerous.

And impossible to predict.

For some reason—

That only made him more interested.

[End of Chapter Fifty-Two]