Chapter 67: Carelessness

As soon as Redcloud agreed, the snow ape raised its hand and formed a seal. The snow on the ground swiftly coalesced, and in the blink of an eye, an ice-drawn carriage formed from snow and frost. The snow ape invited Redcloud and his companion to board, placed its palm upon the frosted vehicle, and together they vanished into the snowy landscape.

Though Redcloud could not see the scenery outside, he could sense the flow of snow around them. In a short while, he felt the carriage come to a steady halt. As he stood, the surrounding ice and snow melted away and rejoined the thick layer covering the ground.

After tidying away all traces of ice and snow from the ground, the snow ape offered Redcloud a courteous bow. “We have arrived, honored guests.”

“So quickly?” Redcloud feigned surprise, then gauged the distance they had traveled by snowcraft. It was indeed considerable. Nodding in admiration, he said, “Such mastery over snow is rare indeed. By mere acquired techniques alone, it would be nearly impossible to wield snow and ice to such a degree at your level.”

“But of course,” the snow ape replied, pleased by the praise. “Among all the half-demon tribes, my kind ranks within the top thirty for controlling snow.”

Buoyed by Redcloud’s compliment—especially since he could not see through Redcloud’s cultivation—the snow ape’s spirits soared. Suddenly remembering something, he gave a small, regretful slap to his own head. “I nearly forgot to tell you: my clan’s deputy commander is holding this banquet to celebrate his recovery from injury. If you bring no gift, that is well enough, but if you do, please refrain from presenting any healing elixirs.”

“In that case, many thanks for the reminder,” Redcloud replied, sensing the auras emanating from the distant side hall—mostly at the late or peak Treasure Body stage, with a faint undercurrent of Nirvana-rank power lurking in the shadows. He thus gauged the stature of this secluded hall.

With that, he raised his hand, and the snow on the ground swiftly gathered, solidifying in his palm into a palm-sized token, which he handed over. “You are the first half-demon I have found agreeable since entering this land. Take this token. Should you ever face mortal danger, wield it, and it should spare your life.”

As they drew closer to the secluded hall, the lively ambiance grew ever more apparent. Amid music and laughter, half-demons carried wine and dishes in a steady stream, entering with laden trays and leaving with empty ones.

When Redcloud came nearer, he halted, watching as the wind and snow before him swirled and condensed, taking the shape of an ancient snow ape. This elder was visibly surprised by Redcloud’s arrival and, after repeatedly confirming that he could not discern Redcloud’s cultivation, offered a wry smile and an apologetic bow.

“This banquet to celebrate my young son’s recovery has unexpectedly attracted a master such as yourself. Such an occurrence is exceedingly rare.”

“It is best that someone capable of making decisions is here, then,” Redcloud replied, reading the other’s attitude and discerning no intent to oppose him. He swept his sleeve, knocking the two dozing demons from Chai Xiaoyue’s shoulder to the ground. With a menacing aura swirling about him, he escorted the snow ape to a distant, secluded pavilion.

“You two, mind yourselves today—no hurting anyone. Go and eat your fill; I have matters to discuss.”

The two demons, startled by their abrupt fall, landed in a heap. Regaining their senses and hearing his words, they cackled, transforming back into their true forms. To them, since falling into Redcloud’s grasp, there had been little chance for indulgence—always spying or tending to their young mistress. Now, presented with this opportunity, how could they not seize it?

The old snow ape, realizing he had been transported such a distance in an instant without noticing, felt a heavy unease. “My snow ape clan has not offended you. What is your intent?”

Redcloud regarded the elder’s grave expression and chuckled softly. “There’s no need for such tension. I’ve already questioned an old demon from the Snow Hound clan; now, I merely wish to confirm a few things.”

Seeing the elder’s nerves instantly tauten, Redcloud was quietly pleased with his own words. “Within the half-demon domain, which factions possess great demons at the peak of Nirvana? And which have those rivaling the strength of a demon king?”

Such cunning, thought the elder snow ape. He had hoped to offer vague answers, but realized that would not suffice. With a sigh, he explained, “Our half-demon kingdom is divided thus: the Three Imperial Clans, the Nine Noble Clans, the Upper Thirty-Six, the Middle Seventy-Two, and the Lower One Hundred and Eight.

The Three Imperials are the Celestial Lotus Snow Demons, the Arctic Nether Kun, and the Eight-Armed Golden Apes—each led by a demon king.

The Nine Nobles have, in the past, produced demon kings as well, though none rule among them now; but they wield powers comparable to demon kings. The Upper Thirty-Six have all produced great demons at the peak of Nirvana, while the Middle and Lower Clans have, at best, produced great demons of Nirvana or its middle stages...”

“You’ve said enough. I only wish to know about the Three Imperials and the Nine Nobles.”

Redcloud calculated the strength within these ranks and realized their numbers rivaled those of the Moon-Flood Sect, and perhaps even the Sunset Sect.

He continued, “Among these twelve factions I mentioned, are any friendly to the human race?”

“There are, to be sure...”

But before the old snow ape could finish, seeing Redcloud listening intently, he suddenly leapt back, conjuring a cage of snow and ice. “But before I answer your questions, I would know your true identity!”

Interesting. He dares risk his junior’s safety—either he has reinforcements coming, or he is stalling for time.

As the walls of snow thickened around him, Redcloud took Chai Xiaoyue’s hand and strode forward. With a simple gesture, he pressed his palm to the icy barricade and unleashed a surge of force, blasting open a gaping hole a dozen feet wide. Through it, he could see the barrier was now several layers thick. Shrouded in his own menacing aura, he calmly stepped through.

At that moment, drawn by the commotion, Crow One and Crow Two flitted back. Redcloud said nothing, simply sending Chai Xiaoyue to them.

The elder snow ape, witnessing this, grew anxious. With such power, it was no wonder Redcloud only inquired after the top twelve clans—if the Upper Thirty-Six joined forces, they might only defeat him, but never subdue him.

“I am a man of strict principle—and I abhor those who break the rules,” Redcloud called, his cold gaze fixed upon the snow ape striving in vain to bind him with ice and snow. “If you cannot give me a reason to withdraw today, there will be no peaceful end to this.”

The old snow ape’s expression did not change. Seeing he was powerless to stop Redcloud, he simply withdrew his efforts and offered a regretful apology. “My young master has arrived. He wishes to witness your strength firsthand. Please do not take offense.”

Young master?

It seems I have been careless, thought Redcloud. At that very moment, he heard a rush of wind above and glanced up—only to see a staff descending straight toward his head.