As Shu Yue watched a disciple hand Lu Baiyu a sword, a warm breeze blew through the forest, bringing with it a very familiar scent. An ominous smile crept across her face as she envisioned a man with long silver-white hair, fox ears, and a tail.

You're finally here, my dear fox.

"Ye Fan, bring her here!" Lu Baiyu ordered.

Leaves crunched as Ye Fan hurried over to her, his sword now strapped to his back. His face was as kind as usual.

"Hey, come on," Ye Fan murmured as he rested his hand on her lower back. Unlike the two disciples who tied Shu Yue's hand, Ye Fan was careful and gentle as he guided her towards the other.

Shu Yue fought the urge to smile as they walked.

Not only strong but also kind. Just like a real hero. Too bad you're a traitor.

They stopped in front of Lu Baiyu, who ordered Ye Fan to release her. Ye Fan obeyed him without hesitation and gently untied Shu Yue. His dark brows knitted as he lifted her hand and inspected it. The rope left red marks around her wrist.

Those damn bastards! No wonder they hurt.

Shu Yue fixed her gaze on the two disciples who had left those unsightly marks. They shivered when they met her piercing eyes. Seeing their pathetic reactions, Shu Yue smiled.

"Guard her!" As soon as the command left Lu Baiyu's mouth, the same two disciples hurried forward and positioned themselves on either side of her, their swords at the ready.

"I'm sorry about this," Ye Fan said, and Shu Yue turned her attention back to him. "We really didn't mean to hurt you." His thumb grazed the red mark on her wrist before releasing her hand. Then he gave her a sheepish smile.

"I know it's shocking and upsetting, but master only wants what's best for you. For us. You want to become stronger, right? Think about this: not only will you be accepted into the military, but you'll also be part of the strongest clan. Have you realized how good this opportunity is?"

Ye Fan was surprisingly good with words. His pleasant demeanor actually came in handy with that skill. If Shu Yue had been any other disciple, he would have talked her into joining without hesitation. Unfortunately, he used his silver tongue on someone who was no stranger to the art of manipulation.

Shu Yue lowered her head and suppressed a smile. After a few seconds, she raised her head and looked at Lu Baiyu.

"I guess I really don't have a choice, do I?" Shu Yue said with the look of someone admitting defeat. She sighed.

A victorious grin stretched Lu Baiyu's mouth.

Glancing at Ye Fan, Shu Yue said, "After thinking it through, I realized you're right. The Scorpio Clan possessed better and more powerful martial arts, so becoming their member has great benefits; I just hope it's not a scam."

Ye Fan blinked. Then he chuckled. "Oh, that's what you're worried about? Don't worry, it's not a scam, but I don't blame you for having doubts; I did, too, at first."

Trying to sympathize to gain someone's trust? Not a bad tactic.

Shu Yue gave him a forced smile before turning to look at Lu Baiyu. "Elder Lu, I apologize for my previous behavior, but I hope you understand why I'm upset and suspicious. You see, it involves the Scorpio Clan. The Scorpio Clan and the Ophiuchus Clan had never been on good terms, and the tension between them only grew after what our former clan leader did, so I couldn't help but doubt their intentions. So, Elder Lu, how can you make sure that we're not being scammed?"

Lu Baiyu let out a heavy sigh. "I understand your concern, Chen Hui. But don't worry, this is not a scam." He took something from his robe and showed it to her. It was a book with the title Claw of the Eternal Beast written on the front cover.

But it was the three characters under the title that drew Shu Yue's attention.

The Complete Version.

"See?" Lu Baiyu said as he put the book back into his robe. "They already gave me this copy to ensure that we're not being scammed. You've read the abridged version and seen how good this martial art is. By possessing such powerful techniques, it's very likely to pass the test in the recruitment event. That's why I know they do not really intend to scam us. But if they try to trick us, I could use this book against them, exposing their game plan to the public."

Shu Yue wasn't really worried about being tricked. She was just acting and playing along. In fact, she also believed it wasn't a scam. The Scorpio Clan truly intended to recruit them. But there was more to it than meets the eye. They were one of the clans that wanted to take control of the Ophiuchus Clan, so perhaps that was what they were attempting to accomplish by gaining the trust of the fallen clan's disciples.

If they were successful in stealing the loyalty of the disciples, that would inflict a huge loss on the leader of the Ophiuchus Clan. Losing the members' loyalty and trust was the same as losing control of the clan. The Scorpio Clan was aiming to take control of the Ophiuchus Clan by gradually gaining control of its members.

Such underhanded tactics!

"I understand, Elder Lu," Shu Yue said softly. "So, how do I become a member of the Scorpio Clan? Simply learning their martial art is not enough proof of being their member, right? Is there anything else I have to do?"

Lu Baiyu smiled. "Actually, there is; see this sword?"

In his hand was a longsword, identical to those wielded by the disciples. Its hilt was made of pure gold, and it was adorned with a black tassel knot. Like Ye Fan's sword, the blade bore the Scorpio Clan's symbol.

"This is a sword forged by a blacksmith from the Scorpio Clan," Lu Baiyu declared. "Accept this to pledge your allegiance to the clan and become an official servant of the Celestial Spirit Scorpio. Are you ready to serve the Scorpion?"

Shu Yue chuckled softly. "I guess so; I don't really have a choice, do I? But before I accept this grand offer, I'd like to invite someone to witness this very important event in my life."

Lu Baiyu frowned, as well as the others.

"Xiao Ran!" Shu Yue called before anyone could oppose her. Her voice was soft but loud enough to carry throughout the forest.

A heavy silence followed. A few seconds later, there was a rustle of leaves, and then Xiao Ran emerged from the bamboo bushes. His face was still and expressionless as he ambled toward them. A sword was strapped to his back, wrapped in white cloth. He halted next to Shu Yue and spoke in that gentle voice of his that was only reserved for her.

"Young Mistress." He then cast a cold glance at the man in front of him, whose sword was pointing at his master, but he didn't say anything.

"What are you looking at, you animal?" the man snapped as he glared at Xiao Ran. "I'm a warrior, so show me some respect."

Xiao Ran's expression didn't change as he stared at the disciple. He was a couple of inches taller than him, so Shu Yue found the sight quite amusing. After giving the man one last look, Xiao Ran turned his back on him.

The disciple ground his teeth, and said to Shu Yue, "I think you should teach that animal some manners."

"Fa Xiang!" Ye Fan hissed at his martial brother.

Shu Yue regarded Fa Xiang with an unreadable expression. "That's the second time you've called him an animal."

Fa Xiang furrowed his brow in confusion. "Yeah? Isn't that what he is? Look at those nasty ears and tail. How disgraceful. I'm really ashamed of those humans who hook up with beasts. Even if beasts can take on human forms, it's still unpleasant."

Some disciples nodded in agreement, some chuckled. Ye Fan, however, heaved an exasperated sigh and shook his head.

Shu Yue's face darkened, but she said nothing. She returned her attention to Lu Baiyu and bowed politely before taking the sword from him.

Lu Baiyu's eyes swept past Xiao Ran and back to her. "Since you'll be bringing this demihuman with you, he must pledge to adhere to the Scorpio Clan's rules."

Shu Yue didn't pay attention to a single word he said. She was staring at the sword, her fingers running over the blade. A glint flashed across her eyes, followed by a smile. There was something enigmatic about it, something dangerous.

Turning to face Xiao Ran, she stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear as he bent over. "I'll teach them a lesson and make sure they never insult you again."

"Oh? You're bringing that animal?" Fa Xiang said with distaste. "But, for a slave, he is lacking in manners. I believe you should either educate him or replace him with someone much better. Someone who knows his place."

"That's the third time," Shu Yue said quietly. She took a step closer to Fa Xiang and, with a devilish smile, thrust the sword into his chest. "I won't let it happen a fourth time."