Chapter 63: The Storm Within

The night sky was clear, stars dotting the heavens like tiny flames. Tang Xiu and Lei Xian walked along the mountain trail, the Shadow Devourer trailing behind them. The beast's massive body cast an imposing shadow under the moonlight, but it seemed more subdued now, as if it understood its place.

Lei Xian finally broke the silence, his voice low but trembling with curiosity. "Boss, do you really think we can trust that woman? She didn't tell us everything."

Tang Xiu smirked. "Of course not. She's playing her own game, just like everyone else in this world. But for now, she's useful."

"Useful?" Lei Xian repeated. "But what if she turns on us? Her clan sounds powerful. What if they're after you?"

Tang Xiu glanced at him, his gaze calm yet cold. "Let her try. I've faced gods, demons, and immortals. A mortal clan is nothing to me."

Lei Xian sighed, scratching the back of his head. "You're scary sometimes, Boss. But I'll follow you no matter what."

They continued down the trail until they reached a small clearing. Tang Xiu stopped and turned to the Shadow Devourer. Its glowing eyes stared at him, filled with both fear and a strange sense of loyalty.

"You're bound to me now," Tang Xiu said, his voice steady. "But don't think for a moment that I'll tolerate disobedience. Prove your worth, and you'll survive. Fail me, and I'll end you."

The beast lowered its head in submission, its massive form crouching low as if to pledge its allegiance.

Lei Xian gulped, his eyes wide. "Boss, how did you do that? It's like the beast understands you."

Tang Xiu chuckled softly. "It's not just about words. Beasts like this respect power above all else. Show them you're stronger, and they'll follow you. Show them weakness, and they'll devour you."

Lei Xian nodded slowly, though his expression still held traces of awe.

Suddenly, a sharp rustling sound came from the trees. Tang Xiu's head snapped toward the noise, his senses heightened. He raised a hand, signaling for silence.

Lei Xian froze, his body tense. The Shadow Devourer growled low, its glowing eyes scanning the darkness.

A moment later, three figures emerged from the shadows. They were dressed in black, their faces obscured by masks. Each carried a weapon—a sword, a spear, and a pair of daggers. Their presence radiated hostility.

"So, you're the one who interfered with the Yan Clan's project," the man with the sword said, his voice sharp and mocking. "You've caused quite a stir."

Tang Xiu's expression didn't change. He stood calmly, his arms crossed. "And you are?"

"We're not here for introductions," the man with the spear growled. "We're here to make sure you don't meddle again."

The man with the daggers laughed coldly. "Hand over the beast, and maybe we'll let you walk away."

Tang Xiu's lips curved into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in it. "You want the beast? Come and take it."

The air grew heavy with tension. The three assassins exchanged glances, clearly underestimating him.

"Your funeral," the man with the sword sneered. He dashed forward, his blade gleaming under the moonlight.

Tang Xiu didn't move. His eyes flickered with disdain as he raised a single hand.

"Futile."

With a casual flick of his wrist, a wave of energy burst forth. The swordsman was thrown back as if struck by an invisible hammer, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud.

The other two hesitated, their confidence faltering.

"W-What was that?" the man with the spear stammered.

Tang Xiu stepped forward, his presence overwhelming. "I don't waste my time with weaklings. Leave now, or join him."

The Shadow Devourer growled, its massive form rising behind Tang Xiu like a dark shadow.

The two remaining assassins backed away, fear evident in their eyes. "This isn't over," the man with the daggers hissed before they disappeared into the forest, retreating into the night.

Tang Xiu watched them go, his expression indifferent.

Lei Xian exhaled loudly, clutching his chest. "Boss, you didn't even break a sweat! Those guys looked strong, but you… you made it look easy."

Tang Xiu shrugged. "They were nothing. But this attack confirms one thing—Yan Ruoxue isn't telling us everything. Those assassins weren't just random thugs. They were trained, organized. Someone wants me out of the picture."

Lei Xian's face darkened. "What do we do now?"

Tang Xiu turned his gaze toward the distant horizon, where the faint glow of a city could be seen.

"We press on. If they want a fight, I'll give them one. But first, we need answers."

The night grew quiet once more as they resumed their journey. Tang Xiu's mind was already racing, piecing together the web of schemes that surrounded him.

One thing was clear—this was just the beginning.