Chapter 9: The Demon Sect

Han Yang gently stroked Ye Lingyin’s hair and whispered in her ear, "Lingyin, you are truly my lucky star."

Ye Lingyin looked at Han Yang, her eyes misty and filled with tenderness. She had discovered that after their dual cultivation, her cultivation level had soared directly to the peak of the Qi Refining stage! Another session, and she might well break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Han Yang..." Ye Lingyin gazed at him with an expression bordering on worship.

Watching her dazed eyes, Han Yang chuckled inwardly: *Little thing, did you really think I couldn't handle you?*

"Lingyin, how are you feeling?" Han Yang asked, feigning concern.

"I... I feel wonderful..." Ye Lingyin replied shyly, two blushes blooming on her cheeks.

Han Yang sneered in his heart, though his expression remained calm. "In that case, shall we go again?"

At these words, a flicker of hesitation crossed Ye Lingyin’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by desire. She nodded gently.

Han Yang felt triumphant and was just preparing to "cultivate" once more when a hurried knocking sounded at the door.

"Protector Han! The Sect Master has an urgent matter for you!"

Han Yang frowned, annoyed at having his "fun" interrupted. However, he still had to maintain appearances within the sect. Not daring to be negligent, he let go of Ye Lingyin, straightened his clothes, and asked impatiently, "What is it? Can’t it wait a while?"

He yanked the door open with an air of deep dissatisfaction. Standing outside was Lu Yuan, a trusted disciple of Li Xueqing who usually acted like a sycophant; Han Yang held him in total contempt.

Lu Yuan was startled by Han Yang’s tone but bit the bullet and said, "Protector Han, the Sect Master has summoned you urgently. The Demon Sect... the Demon Sect shows signs of invading!"

"The Demon Sect?" Upon hearing this, alarm bells rang in Han Yang’s head. The Demon Sect and all demon-clan factions were mortal enemies, constantly locked in struggle. If the Demon Sect were truly invading, it would mean a bloodbath. With this thought, his lust vanished instantly.

"Understood. I’m going." Han Yang waved his hand, signaling for Lu Yuan to leave.

Closing the door, Han Yang glanced back at Ye Lingyin, who lay limp on the bed. *This woman is a top-tier cauldron; just once and my cultivation surged. If I could have a few more times...*

"Next time, little vixen."

Han Yang licked his lips and turned away from the pavilion. On his way to the main hall, he calculated how he could reap the greatest benefits from this crisis. Fishing in troubled waters to boost his cultivation was the true path. It would be ideal to seize some rare treasures or find other suitable cauldrons amid the chaos—wouldn't that be exquisite?

Upon reaching the hall, Han Yang found the atmosphere heavy; the elders wore expressions as grave as if they had just lost their parents. Li Xueqing sat on the Sect Master’s throne, her face chillingly dark.

"Everyone," Li Xueqing’s voice was icy. "According to reliable intelligence, the Demon Sect has been massing troops at the border recently. They are restless, and it seems a great war is inevitable."

The elders nodded in agreement.

"The Demon Sect is coming with malicious intent; we must make thorough preparations," an elderly, white-haired elder said. "I suggest we immediately reinforce the sect's defenses and dispatch scouts to probe the enemy’s movements."

"Scouting the enemy is necessary," another elder echoed. "But who should we send? The Demon Sect’s territory is filled with peril; a single misstep could cost a life."

The elders debated back and forth, heated but without reaching a conclusion. Han Yang, listening from the side, grew impatient. These old fogies only knew how to spout nonsense without taking any real action.

"Sect Master." Han Yang spoke up suddenly, his tone arrogant. "Since no one has a suitable candidate, why not let me go?"

The hall went silent, and all eyes turned to Han Yang. Li Xueqing narrowed her eyes, studying him as if weighing his motives.

"Protector Han, are you certain?" she asked, her voice carrying a warning. "The Demon Sect’s territory is extremely dangerous. You should think carefully."

"I have already thought it through," Han Yang said, his lips curling upward. "For the safety of the sect, I will not refuse even if it means death!"

In reality, Han Yang was thinking: *Though dangerous, the Demon Sect’s territory is full of opportunities. Maybe I'll find some rare treasures or encounter a lone female disciple of the Demon Sect... hehehe.*

Li Xueqing gave him a deep look and sneered inwardly. She knew exactly what game he was playing. Still, she did need someone to scout, and while Han Yang was lecherous and greedy, his strength was undeniable. He was a suitable choice.

"Very well. Since Protector Han is so loyal, you shall go. Remember, be cautious and uncover the Demon Sect’s intentions."

"As you command!" Han Yang bowed.

Just as he was about to leave, Li Xueqing spoke again: "Protector Han, this journey is perilous. I bestow upon you this treasure to ensure your safe return." She took a jade pendant from her storage ring and handed it to him.

Han Yang felt its warmth and the surging spiritual energy within. He was delighted and thanked the Sect Master profusely.

"This is the 'Heart-Protecting Jade.' It can withstand one fatal blow from a Nascent Soul stage expert," Li Xueqing explained. "I hope you put it to good use."

Han Yang tucked the pendant close to his body, thanked her again, and left the hall. Once outside, a sinister smile appeared on his face. *Heart-Protecting Jade? Hmph, could that old hag really be so kind? Regardless, this thing is useless to me. Why not... sell it and trade for cultivation resources?*

With his own strength, he could walk freely through the Demon Sect’s territory even without it. Thinking this, he quickened his pace toward the market outside the sect.

The market was bustling with noise. Han Yang strolled through it with a cynical smile. His "Eye of Insight" swept over the dazzling array of goods, but nothing caught his interest. After all, he wasn't here to treasure-hunt.

Soon, he arrived at a large shop called the "Treasure Pavilion." The shop was opulent, with two lifelike Pixiu statues at the entrance, signaling immense wealth. Han Yang swaggered in, and a clerk immediately rushed over, bowing and scraping. "Esteemed Demon, what is it that you require?"

"Bring your manager here," Han Yang said, his tone arrogant without even lifting his eyelids.

The clerk dared not delay and hurried off. Moments later, a portly manager with a round belly waddled out, his face full of fawning smiles. "I wonder what business the esteemed guest has?"