Chapter 172: Looming Danger

Tang San's mind stirred slightly.

Could it be that the danger was not with them, and their Redemption Society team was fine, but the problem lay with Mei Gongzi, whom he had been concerned about all this time?

Is Mei Gongzi in danger? Does the Golden Lion Dog have designs on her?

This was the only explanation that made sense for why Tang San felt a sense of crisis while Du Bai did not. Du Bai didn’t know Mei Gongzi and her safety had nothing to do with the Redemption team. It was normal for him to feel nothing, while Tang San's feelings resulted from his concerned mind.

Cheng Zicheng had been keeping an eye on the situation on the other side and hadn't reported back any encounters with powerful demons or the like.

The power of the demons was at most of the ninth order, and a ninth-order Demonic Beast King would not normally appear on the outskirts of the Kali Mountain Range.

And even if there was one, with the Golden Lion Dog’s eighth-order strength and his golden bloodline, plus the entire team, even if they were facing a ninth-order Demonic Beast King, they should be able to retreat at least, right?

This was also the reason why they didn't have a teacher accompanying them—such a level of challenge didn’t require one!

If it wasn't the threat of demonic beasts, then it had to be a man-made disaster...or rather a demon-made one. The greatest likelihood was that a problem would arise within their team. There had been no disturbances during the day, so the problem might occur at night—and it would probably be this very night!

With this thought, Tang San subconsciously clenched his fists. No matter what, he had to ensure Mei Gongzi's safety. He would not hesitate even to use that bit of divine consciousness at a critical moment.

Meanwhile, Tang San gained a deeper understanding of his Celestial Fox Vision. Just a premonition of danger allowed him to deduce so much. Although it might not all be correct, the general scope should be fairly accurate.

What slightly reassured him was that, despite the continuous feeling of unease, the sense of crisis was not too intense. This meant that the danger was not so great.

Evening came quickly, and they continued to rest in sync with the Beauty and the Beasts team on the other side, maintaining a distance of five to six kilometers.

After dinner, Tang San left the team quietly, using the pretext of scouting the other team, and approached the Beauty and the Beasts team once more.

With the observations from the previous day, he became even more cautious today, paying special attention to whether the aura of the opposing team's scout was present in the darkness. He stopped at an even farther distance this time, watching from afar.

The Beauty and the Beasts team had chosen a campsite on higher ground tonight. Tents were already set up, and a blazing bonfire brought light and warmth to the night.

A grill was set up over the fire, and demonic beast meat was roasting over it, with occasional drips of fat sizzling on the flames.

The Golden Lion Dog, Mei Gongzi, and other demon students were all around the bonfire, waiting for their dinner.

Seeing Mei Gongzi with his own eyes, Tang San could breathe a little easier. It was good that she was fine. However, his inner unease grew stronger as he neared the Beauty and the Beasts team.

Where exactly does the danger originate from, internally or externally?

Based on Tang San's assessment of the overall situation and evaluation of the team's strengths, the likelihood of an internal threat was definitely higher.

While observing from the shadows, Tang San also adjusted his condition. He silently took out a black-gold mask that could cover the upper half of his face and put it on, then checked the hidden weapons he had attached to his limbs. He concealed his aura and tuned his spirit, energy, and mind to their optimal state.

The aroma of the demonic beast's meat gradually became tempting, and Tang San could smell it. Their Redemption Academy team, sadly, did not dare to roast meat so openly as it was too revealing. One reason was their fear of being discovered by the demon race, due to their identity as members of the Redemption Society, and another reason was that they were not really confident in facing all demonic beasts that might come their way. If they brazenly roasted meat, their teacher would probably come and reprimand them immediately.

Tang San didn’t know where Zhang Haoxuan was, but it was likely that his master was keeping an appropriate distance and probably observing him from behind at this very moment. This was one reason for Tang San's confidence—having a ninth-order powerhouse behind him. Should he encounter a danger he couldn't face, the mayor would be there to back him up. He wouldn't easily reveal that bit of his divine consciousness unless there was no other option.

The demonic beast’s meat was roasted, and a demon student from the Beauty and the Beasts team took out some seasoning to sprinkle on it, then used a small knife to cut and share the meat.

Tang San naturally disapproved of their way of barbecuing. Some parts were even burnt. It might have become too tough to chew if not for the rich fat in the demonic beast meat.

Such good ingredients, wasted!

In Tang San's eyes, this world lacked the concept of gourmet food. Of course, he could cook delicacies, but he hadn't had the opportunity to showcase this skill yet, and he was looking forward to it.

Mei Gongzi only ate a small piece of meat and not much else. She was still drinking her beverage, milk tea, perhaps. But it seemed she had no intention of sharing it with others.

The other demon students ate heartily, devouring an entire demon beast. Obviously, they had enormous appetites.

Still no change!

Everything seemed normal. Yet, that unease lingered in Tang San's mind.

What’s about to happen?

"The aroma of demonic beast meat, so strong even from afar. You seem to be living quite comfortably in these days of your training!" A somewhat sinister voice suddenly echoed. The cold voice seemed to emanate from all directions, resounding through the mountains and woods, sending chills down the listener’s spine.

It wasn't one of the team members, so it appeared that Tang San had been mistaken and it was indeed an external threat. But whose voice was this?

Even with Tang San's spiritual power and the observing ability of his Discerning Eye of Heaven, he hadn't noticed anything before this voice appeared.

The next instant, he saw several figures descending from the sky. As they approached the Beauty and the Beast team's bonfire, their bodies were illuminated in a myriad of colors. It was very strange.

As it turned out, fanning out behind them were tails of peacock plumes. Instantly spread out, they were exceptionally dazzling under the reflection of the bonfire light.

Peacock's Display! The Peacock Demons!

There were five figures descending from the sky, four of which had peacock plumes. The one in the center, however, did not, and he actually appeared to be a normal human.

He was tall and ramrod straight, with a very handsome appearance, looking to be in his twenties. However, his complexion was pale, and his lips were slightly thin.

Hearing this voice and seeing this person's appearance, the Golden Lion Dog and other students from Kali Academy were all taken aback. They had all stood up by now, and Mei Gongzi's brow was furrowed.

The young man in his twenties smiled slightly and said, “My dear sister, I heard you were out for training, so I have come to see you. Aren’t you moved by your brother’s love?”

Mei Gongzi replied indifferently, "I don't have a brother."

The young man scoffed, "Of course you don't. What right does a mixed-blood like you have to possess the noble bloodline of the Great Peacock Demon Emperor? Come with me, and don’t make things difficult for yourself."

"Wang Yan, what do you mean?" The Golden Lion Dog stepped forward, moving in front of Mei Gongzi.

"Little lion, don't meddle. This is an internal matter of our clan and none of your business. You're not qualified enough to play the hero." Others might fear the Golden Family, but the Peacock Demons, with their Demon Emperor heritage, certainly did not.

Song Junhou coldly said, "Do you know what you're doing? Although you are the city lord's son, Kali Academy is protected by the Ancestral Court. If you dare to lay a hand on us, a complaint to the Ancestral Court will have serious consequences for you."