Chapter 927: Self‑Proving Innocence

At dawn the next day, the rising sun spread its brilliance over the plaza, filling people with a bright, fresh feeling.

The Inspection Envoy stood in the center of the plaza, his figure tall and upright, standing out from the crowd.

He gazed sharply like a hawk, scanning the Immortal Alliance members and Elders gathered here, his expression solemn.

"Everyone!"

The Inspection Envoy's voice rang like a great bell, echoing across the plaza, "Because of Director Lin's negligence yesterday, the previous self‑verifications of each sect were unproblematic, yet the situation at Ten Thousand Beasts Villa remains unclear. Therefore, I have decided to lead you all to the villa for a thorough investigation."

He paused briefly, then continued, "If Ten Thousand Beasts Villa truly colludes with the Demon Tribe, it must be punished! Yet if there is no collusion, then Director Lin's negligence, which nearly harmed the loyal, would also be a grave crime!"

His words seemed fair and impartial, but everyone knew that Lin Qingli had personally promoted this Inspection Envoy.

In the past, Lin Qingli returned from the West Sand River Basin with crucial intelligence, just as several war zones prepared for battle were attacked by the Demon Tribe, suffering heavy casualties. Afterwards, the Elders of various sects who were at odds with the Inspection Envoy inexplicably turned into demon puppets.

This series of events made people unable not to doubt the Inspection Envoy.

After all, if we claim none of this bears his hand, who can be trusted?

However, the troubling fact is that they could never find any concrete evidence to prove Lin Qingli's innocence.

Moreover, judging from the Inspection Envoy's attitude, he clearly intended to shift all blame onto Lin Qingli!

Although the Elders of each sect were dissatisfied, according to normal procedures it was hard to find any obvious fault on the part of the Inspection Envoy.

It is not certain that anyone harbors a deep hatred toward the Inspection Envoy.

The reason is that this Inspection Envoy is not a local cultivator; he was transferred from another great province of the Immortal Alliance. Upon taking office, he was like a raging flame, quickly igniting several fires and firmly seizing the most profitable channels within the Alliance, which undoubtedly left every sect deeply displeased.

Yet, under the severe threat of the Demon Tribe's invasion, they dared not act against the Inspection Envoy.

Especially without evidence, rash action would only put them at a disadvantage. In the end, all this is simply driven by profit.

"Since no one has any objections, let's set out!"

At that point, the Inspection Envoy without hesitation led the group, racing toward Ten Thousand Beasts Villa like a sudden storm. Although the villa lay at some distance from Celestial City, the journey was not extremely far; the party urged their horses, traveling day and night, and after roughly two to three days of arduous trekking, they finally arrived at the villa.

This Ten Thousand Beasts Villa indeed has unique features compared with other forces. Ordinary noble families usually have power within the manor controlled solely by members of the main clan, leaving little chance for outsiders. Yet the villa is different; it welcomes external talent, allowing capable individuals to reside there and share authority with the clan members.

The villa's master is named Hu Kai, and the Hu family's cultivators within the manor wield the hereditary Beast‑Taming Art. This skill is renowned throughout the cultivation world, and the Hu family, thanks to it, firmly occupies the leading position in the villa, becoming its core strength.

Unexpectedly, the technique of breeding spirit beasts is not handled by the Hu family but by another group of non‑clan Elders within the villa. Though these Elders rank slightly lower in the manor, they possess unique insights and superb skills in spirit‑beast breeding. It is this distinctive division of labor that makes the villa's organizational structure vastly different from other sects or noble families.

As the group arrived at Ten Thousand Beasts Villa, a loud shout rang through the clouds: "Elder Bao Xun!" The voice thundered across the mountains, drawing everyone's attention.

Everyone followed the sound and saw a figure darting toward them like a swift bird, moving as fast as lightning.

In an instant, the figure reached the group—it was Hu Kai, who seemed to have fallen behind because his escape technique was too slow.

His face flushed, and he kept shouting, "Elder Bao Xun!"

Moments later, a person briskly walked out from the manor perched atop the mountain.

The individual was tall and distinguished in bearing—it was Elder Bao Xun.

He saw the Immortal Alliance members had arrived, hurried forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Master, greetings, fellow members of the Immortal Alliance!"

Elder Bao Xun's voice was deep and powerful, showing his hearty enthusiasm.

After greeting each person, he continued, "We are honored by your distant arrival at Ten Thousand Beasts Villa. Master, would you first entertain our guests, extending a modest host's courtesy?"

Hu Kai hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "No need; the Demon Tribe's invasion has now reached a fever pitch, and instability within the Immortal Alliance also poses hidden risks."

Since Ten Thousand Beasts Villa is part of the Immortal Alliance, we should jointly prove our innocence. Therefore, please first enter the manor to investigate; this will also put everyone at ease."

Hu Kai's words displayed both his decisiveness and sense of responsibility, as well as his loyalty to the Immortal Alliance.

The Inspection Envoy nodded after hearing this, expressing agreement: "It should indeed be so."

"Then I will lead you all into the manor first."

Bao Xun said in a deep voice, simultaneously sending a mental message to Hu Kai: "Master! The young master seems out of order!"

"Hmm?"

Hu Kai frowned slightly, his face showing doubt, and stared at Bao Xun, asking, "What do you mean?"

Bao Xun's expression grew solemn, his voice worried as he said, "You should go yourself to investigate; the situation may be unfavorable."

Hu Kai felt a surge of unease and pressed, "What exactly is it? Speak quickly!"

Bao Xun inhaled deeply, as if trying to calm his inner agitation, then said, "His condition is abnormal now… he does not allow us to see him; I fear he has fallen ill."

"Impossible!" Hu Kai retorted instinctively, but as the words left his mouth, a hint of worry also rose within him.

At that moment it was not the right time; could it be his son… Hu Kai's mind was instantly flooded with ominous thoughts, and the more he pondered, the more the matter seemed suspicious.

Hu Kai steadied himself, gave Bao Xun a glance, signaling him to first lead the Immortal Alliance members into the manor to check the situation, while he himself resolved to go straight to his son's quarters to investigate.

Unexpectedly, just as Hu Kai reached the courtyard entrance, a chilling scream rang out.

He felt a jolt, quickened his steps, and rushed into the courtyard, where a maid with a terrified face screamed and fled outward, while behind her came his son's angry roar:

"Get out!"

Hu Kai muttered a low "This is bad," and hurried into the courtyard.

When he finally saw the scene before him, he was shocked pale. His son was suddenly undergoing a demonic transformation!

His skin gradually grew rough, sprouting a layer of fine fur; his original features began to warp and deform, exuding a feral aura.

What shocked Hu Kai even more was that this demonic change was not the rare Beast‑Taming secret of merging with a demon to boost power, but a complete conversion toward the Demon Tribe!

Damn it!