Chapter 72: Ye Fan's Mission To The Stone Mountain Sect

Xia Bingling descended from the hilltop, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Well done, both of you," she acknowledged, her voice tinged with a touch of unexpected pride. "You played your roles perfectly – Qingwu, with your initial assault, and you, Wang Li, with your decisive intervention."

Wang Li bowed playfully. "Always happy to help, Matriarch," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Qingwu couldn't help but puff out her chest a little upon hearing her mother's words.

Qingwu then spoke, "This battle has shown me that I still have much to learn. While my flames may be flashy, they clearly lack the necessary strength to penetrate a well-armored opponent. But still I think I did quite well. My initial barrage of attacks was instrumental in grabbing the demon's attack so that Li could launch that powerful sneak attack. "

Xia Bingling chuckled, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Indeed you were, Qingwu. Consider it a valuable lesson in teamwork, darling. Sometimes, victory lies in a well-coordinated dance, not just individual strength."

The tension eased, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie between the three.

They watched as the remaining Xia Family forces secured the Shadow Fang Clan stronghold. Several high-ranking members, including the treasurer whose greed was legendary, were captured and bound.

"What now?" Liu Xue asked, her voice breaking the silence. "Do we eradicate the entire clan?"

Xia Bingling shook her head. "No. We need to be strategic. Public executions will be messy and potentially spark resentment from demon sympathizers. Instead, we'll offer them a choice – exile or servitude."

Wang Li raised an eyebrow. "Servitude? How do you propose we make demons serve the Xia Family?"

A sly smile played on Xia Bingling's lips. "We utilize their skills, of course. The Shadow Fang Clan is known for their expertise in crafting powerful poisons and shadow-forged weapons. These skills could be invaluable if properly harnessed."

"A brilliant idea, Mother," Qingwu chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Their knowledge would enhance our arsenal and weaken their position at the same time."

Liu Xue pondered this for a moment. "While I see the tactical advantage, forcing servitude onto any being is a delicate matter. The Jade Lotus Palace might not approve of you making use of these individuals to craft poisons or develop the shadow-forged weapons."

Xia Bingling understood her concerns. "Of course," she said, her voice conciliatory. "We can offer them a choice within servitude. They can choose to work in non-combat roles, such as mining or construction, or they can utilize their skills in crafting under the watchful eyes of our alchemists and blacksmiths. Ultimately, the choice is theirs."

As they discussed the finer details, it became clear that the aftermath of the battle would be just as crucial as the battle itself. The Xia Family had successfully eradicated a dangerous demonic organization, but now they had to contend with the spoils of war and the ever-shifting political landscape.

The discussion was interrupted by the arrival of the Xia Family commanders, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.

"Matriarch," one of them began, his voice low with reverence, "who was the masked figure? His power was... incredible."

Xia Bingling offered a cryptic smile. "Let's just say," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mystery, "that the Xia Family has a few hidden surprises up its sleeve."

The commanders exchanged glances, satisfied with the enigmatic response. It was clear the Matriarch wished to keep the masked figure's identity a secret, and they were wise enough not to pry.

Later that day, back at the Xia Family estate, preparations were underway to celebrate their resounding victory.

News of the raid had reached the nearby towns and villages.

"Very well," the Elder conceded with a sigh. "I shall inform Sect Leader Huang of your arrival. Please, wait here."

Ye Fan settled himself impatiently, his gaze darting around the hall.

His eyes lit up as a group of female disciples entered, vibrant robes and bright smiles a stark contrast to his own dark mood.

Among them were three women who particularly caught his eye.

Shi Feiyan, with her cascading black hair and piercing emerald eyes, exuded an aura of elegance.

Zeng Liuli, with her playful smile and mischievous glint in her eyes, radiated a youthful charm.

And lastly, Mao Caiwei, with her flowing white robes and serene demeanor, possessed a beauty that seemed otherworldly.

Ye Fan decided to introduce himself to each group separately.

He puffed out his chest, boasting about being an inner disciple of the Azure Peak Sect and his fabricated mission to eradicate a demonic presence.

Shi Feiyan, a woman of few words, barely gave him a glance. His interaction with her group – a mix of boys and girls – was mostly one-sided.

Ye Fa, who is used to having fawning admirers, found this unsettling.

His next target was Zeng Liuli's group. Here, he found a more enthusiastic audience.

Zeng Liuli, brimming with curiosity, bombarded him with questions about the Azure Peak Sect – cultivation techniques, average disciple strength, anything she could glean.

Ye Fan, for once, enjoyed the attention.

Finally, he approached Mao Caiwei's group.

With practiced charm, he launched into his spiel. However, Mao Caiwei, unlike the others, wasn't easily swayed.

She directly challenged him, demanding proof of this supposed demonic presence.

Her barrage of questions left Ye Fan tongue-tied, his fabricated story unraveling under her scrutiny. The group, sensing his fluster, burst into laughter, leaving Ye Fan red-faced and humiliated.

News of Ye Fan's humiliating encounter spread like wildfire throughout the Stone Mountain Sect. Disciples mocked his arrogance, calling him "The Idiotic Demon Hunter ".

His inflated ego, which had been so carefully cultivated, now lay in tatters.

Furious and humiliated, Ye Fan retreated to his assigned quarters. He slammed the door shut, the sound echoing through the silent halls. His fists clenched, resentment burning in his eyes. "Damn them all," he muttered through gritted teeth.