Chapter 62: A Fragile Alliance

The tension in the air was thick as Tang Xiu followed Yan Ruoxue through the canyon. Lei Xian trailed behind, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. The Shadow Devourer, battered and subdued, limped along, its eyes filled with caution as it glanced at Tang Xiu every now and then.

Yan Ruoxue led them to a secluded cave hidden by vines and boulders. Inside, the air was cooler, the faint scent of herbs wafting through the space. Several glowing stones embedded in the walls provided dim light, casting long shadows that flickered with each step they took.

Yan Ruoxue gestured toward a stone bench. "Sit. Let's talk."

Tang Xiu didn't move immediately. His sharp gaze swept over the cave, noting the subtle array markings etched into the walls and floor. A protective formation, though a crude one by his standards. He ignored the bench and leaned casually against the wall instead, crossing his arms.

"You promised information," he said. "Start talking."

Yan Ruoxue raised an eyebrow, clearly irritated by his casual attitude, but she didn't argue. She sat down herself, smoothing her crimson robe as she began.

"You're not an ordinary martial artist," she said, her tone steady. "That much is obvious. Your techniques, your strength… they don't belong to this world."

Tang Xiu's expression didn't change, but he was listening carefully.

"This world," she continued, "isn't as simple as it seems. The surface might look like an ordinary modern society, but beneath it lies a hidden power structure. Ancient clans, martial sects, and families with roots in forgotten eras. They guard secrets that the average person could never imagine."

"Spare me the introductions," Tang Xiu said coldly. "Get to the point."

Yan Ruoxue's lips tightened, but she nodded. "Fine. The Shadow Devourer you fought belongs to my Yan Clan. It was brought here as part of a project—an attempt to awaken the dormant spiritual energy on this land."

Tang Xiu frowned slightly. "Awaken the spiritual energy? Explain."

"This world wasn't always like this," she said, her voice dropping lower. "There was a time when cultivators roamed freely, when spiritual energy was abundant. But something happened—a great catastrophe that drained the land of its essence. Now, only remnants of that power remain, hidden in ancient ruins or artifacts. Our clan believes there's a way to reverse it."

Tang Xiu's gaze sharpened. "And you think using beasts like the Shadow Devourer is the key?"

"It's part of the process," she admitted. "But clearly, we've miscalculated. It's grown too strong and too wild to control. That's why your interference might actually be helpful."

Tang Xiu smirked. "So, you need me."

Yan Ruoxue's expression didn't falter. "Perhaps. But don't mistake this for charity. If you intend to walk this path, you'll make enemies—powerful ones. Without allies, you'll be crushed before you can take the first step."

Tang Xiu laughed softly, his tone filled with disdain. "Allies? I've walked alone for ten thousand years. Do you really think I fear a few clans or sects?"

Yan Ruoxue stared at him, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "Who… are you?"

He didn't answer, instead pushing himself off the wall and stepping closer. "I've heard enough. If your clan is truly working to restore this world's spiritual energy, I won't stand in your way—for now. But if you try to use me, you'll regret it."

The cold menace in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. For the first time, Yan Ruoxue realized that the man standing before her was far more dangerous than the Shadow Devourer.

She nodded slowly. "Understood. But let me warn you—this isn't just about power. There are secrets buried in this land that even the strongest might not survive uncovering."

Tang Xiu turned away, his eyes glinting with confidence. "Secrets are meant to be uncovered. Let's see if they can survive me."

As he headed for the cave's entrance, Lei Xian hurried to catch up, his face pale. "Boss, are you sure about this? That woman… she's hiding something."

"She's hiding a lot," Tang Xiu said casually. "But that doesn't matter. Let's go."

Yan Ruoxue watched them leave, her fists clenched tightly. "Who are you really, Tang Xiu? And what are you after?"

For now, the cave fell silent, but the winds outside carried whispers of greater conflicts to come. Tang Xiu's journey was only beginning, and the path ahead was shrouded in shadow.