Chapter Twenty-Five: The Declaration of Eternal War

All eyes turned to Gong Kui. From the start of this tribunal until now, aside from Xia Yan and the demons, the other races had remained silent; Gong Kui was the first to speak. The significance of her stepping forward was clear to all: she was here to protect Xia Yan. Everyone understood that Xia Yan had not revealed his true race, but it was almost certain he was human.

“This matter has likely reached the ears of all the major races. On behalf of humanity, I will speak,” Gong Kui enunciated every word. “The demon race accuses Xia Yan of premeditated murder without evidence—this is simply too far-fetched. Xia Yan is a human, and as such, we humans have a duty to protect him and prevent him from being framed.”

A heavy silence settled over the crowd.

“I would like to know, what is the stance of the four great races, aside from the demons? Are you merely observing?” Gong Kui smiled, looking around at everyone present.

“Of course…” one of the instructors began.

“I see little point in interfering—these are the orders from above.”

“Indeed, the feud between the demons and Xia Yan has nothing to do with us werewolves.”

“If it doesn’t concern us, we’re happy to watch the show!”

The representatives of the great races all voiced their opinions.

“Member Gong Kui, you’re certain he’s human?” Director Ai You’s tone was indifferent, laced with a hint of mockery.

“Or is he a demon?” Gong Kui retorted fearlessly, meeting Ai You’s gaze.

“If he were a demon, all the better—then the matter would be handled internally,” Ai You sneered. “The humans are overstepping, letting a young girl deal with this and sheltering someone whose identity is still unclear.”

“Director Ai You, your sophistry is impressive, but no matter how eloquent you are, it won’t change our stance,” Gong Kui replied firmly. “Xia Yan is human and under our protection. Without evidence, don’t even think of passing judgment on him.”

Ai You’s argument was so forced that she seemed intent on declaring Xia Yan guilty even without proof. This frustrated many present, for most were neither human nor demon, and had no bias either way.

“The demons are indeed going too far. Forcing a trial without evidence might spark inter-racial conflict…” a werewolf said. “Then again, a conflict escalating into war is not unheard of—perhaps this could even serve as a trigger.”

Many looked on with odd expressions.

Truthfully, few here could represent their entire race—their positions were not that high. Even Director Ai You, despite her well-developed mind, held only an average standing within the demon race.

She could never speak for her whole race. In the presence of pure-blooded demons, she was as insignificant as an ant.

“This all hinges on Xia Yan truly being human,” Ai You said coldly. “If he’s not, what right do you have to protect him?”

“If he turns out to be a werewolf, we’ll protect him,” the previous werewolf said with a sneer, clearly someone of some status and deeply dissatisfied with the demons’ approach.

“If he’s an angel, we can report to our superiors and shelter him as well,” said an angel, joining in.

“Of course, if Xia Yan is being falsely accused, we bloodkin will also stand up for him. Our elders would never allow one of our own to be bullied in this manner.”

“We winged folk share the same view.”

Many turned their gaze to Xia Yan. In truth, they did not care what Xia Yan’s lineage was; as long as he was not a demon, everything could be negotiated.

“Xia Yan, if you’re not human or a demon, it doesn’t matter. Whatever your race, one of us will offer protection,” the werewolf said to Xia Yan.

Some faces shifted subtly—could this werewolf be someone remarkable?

“I am human,” Xia Yan declared to all. “At least, for now… I have never hidden that fact.”

No one objected to this—the overwhelming likelihood was that Xia Yan was indeed human.

“Well then, Director, can you claim to represent all of demonkind? Will you kill a human and risk war, or will you handle this with evidence?” Gong Kui stared directly at Ai You.

Ai You’s face was unpleasant. Could she represent all demons? What a joke. In the vast demon race, her status was utterly insignificant. Even a pure-blooded demon would not dare claim to speak for the entire race.

As things stood, she was clearly in the wrong. Without evidence, she could not force a trial onto Xia Yan, and dragging this out would only incite public anger. Even if Gong Kui’s words were mostly bluff, there was nothing she could do.

She had to endure. Any reckless action would not only anger the humans, but also her own superiors.

“Xia Yan, this tribunal… finds you not guilty,” Ai You spat out, nearly biting her tongue bloody from the effort.

Her nephew was dead, and Xia Yan had spun an unbreakable lie, making the demons seem unreasonable. Even though they had suffered the loss, and Xia Yan had lied from start to finish, without evidence there was nothing to be done—Darren had used the “Crimson Eye” to deceive everyone’s senses.

They had not lost for lack of evidence, but because of Darren. He had died at Xia Yan’s hands, not the other way around.

And so, the most galling result occurred.

Endure. For now, she could only endure; there would be opportunities for revenge in the future.

Yes, in this world, who could say whether humanity would even survive—let alone a mere Xia Yan.

“All right, everyone, you may disperse,” a few instructors began to dismiss the crowd, signaling the official end of the tribunal.

People rose and readied themselves to leave.

“Wait…”

Xia Yan’s voice rang out, halting everyone in confusion.

“Director Ai You, Demon Levin, there is one more matter between us that remains unresolved,” Xia Yan’s tone was openly provocative.

“Boy, don’t push your luck…” several demons glared at Xia Yan, wishing they could tear him apart.

Everyone waited for his next words.

“Everyone, my friend Gu Yue’er disappeared on the day of the institution ranking finals—this was the work of Director Ai You behind the scenes.”

“Gu Yue’er is missing…”

“I’ve heard that as well.”

“Could it be… Director Ai You’s doing…”

“You can’t say such things lightly…”

Some people eyed Xia Yan and asked, “Where’s your evidence?”

“I killed Darren, and they tried to threaten Gu Yue’er to force me to submit, or even to kill me. Isn’t that evidence enough?” Xia Yan said solemnly. Though this was not proof per se, the truth was not in question; saying it this way only made it more convincing, and he had no qualms.

Instantly, countless strange looks were cast at Levin and Ai You. Could they really resort to such despicable means?

Some were dubious—these two were part of the institution’s management, with strength far beyond Xia Yan. Why would they need to stoop to such disgraceful tactics?

For Xia Yan, though his claim was half-truth, Gu Yue’er was indeed in their hands. By speaking out, he could justify himself before all.

People speculated about Gu Yue’er’s disappearance, but dared not openly accuse the director, lest they face the wrath of the demons.

“Don’t speak nonsense without evidence…” Ai You forced herself to remain calm. “Xia Yan, earlier you demanded evidence from us. Fine, we had none. But in the case of Gu Yue’er, can you provide any?”

“I’ll pry the truth from Levin’s lips myself. If he won’t talk, I’ll make him—one way or another,” Xia Yan said grimly.

The demons’ faces darkened—this was brazen provocation, almost madness.

Others were eager for more drama. Xia Yan had challenged Levin before, and now the enmity was clear—no one had expected it to be so deadly.

After all, Xia Yan had once served under Levin. That made his challenge all the more remarkable.

“Levin, as the eleventh-ranked member of the institution, I challenge you. Will you accept or refuse?” Xia Yan locked eyes with Levin. “You have no grounds to decline, but I’ll let you pick the time—anytime within three days, in the arena, before the whole institution.”

Levin’s eyes flashed with murderous intent. “Tomorrow, nine in the morning, in the arena.”

He could not afford to back down. Any sign of hesitation would be seen as fear, as cowardice. As a member of the management, facing a mere transfer student, to shrink away would disgrace not only himself but the entire demon race.

Refusal was out of the question—it would be worse than death.

“Furthermore, I demand a duel to the death. Once both parties agree, the institution will not interfere,” Xia Yan added coldly. “Levin, answer me now—do you dare, or not?”

All watched, breath held.

Reckless—he was truly audacious. A mere rank-and-file member openly challenging the management.

Never mind the gap in strength—this was a duel to the death. One of them would not survive, perhaps neither.

Yet few looked down on Xia Yan. Instead, there was admiration for his resolve and courage—it proved he had a powerful spirit, unafraid of hardship.

Many, especially the human members, were filled with hope—hoping Xia Yan would perform a miracle.

Even many women viewed Xia Yan differently. His arrogance was dazzling, impossible to ignore—there was a certain handsomeness to it.

After all, how many in the management could match Xia Yan’s boldness?

Levin’s expression was glacial.

Dare, or not?

If he shook his head, he would not last another day in the institution. As a member of management, to cower before a mere transfer student would bring shame not only to himself, but to all demons.

He could not refuse—death would be preferable.

“Xia Yan, if you want to die, I have no objections. Tomorrow at nine, in the institution arena—a duel to the death!” Levin gritted his teeth and spat out the words.

Thus, the tribunal ended with Xia Yan’s acquittal and his challenge to Levin, and Xia Yan’s fame soared. For a long time to come, he would be the talk of the institution.