As they understood the potential threat posed by a traitor from the Hun Clan within their ranks, the gravity of the situation dawned on them.
"Does Young Master have a way to uncover these traitors?" Huo Zhi asked anxiously.
"Don't worry," Gu Fei replied casually. "Let me take a look around your territory first."
The scorching sunlight bathed the crimson land, filling the air with the faint scent of sulfur. In the distance, towering volcanoes spewed lava intermittently.
"Despite the high temperatures, our realm contains plenty of resources," she said, pointing to a lush valley ahead.
She indeed took him on a tour of the Yan Realm, and he nodded, surveying the valley. It was filled with a vibrant array of flowers, which indicated that many herbs had adapted to the extreme conditions of the realm.
"Amazing," he commented nonchalantly, though he wasn't really focused on the scenery. His true intention was to sense the emotional fluctuations of any Hun Clan members present.
Huo Zhi, pleased with Gu Fei's interest in the Valley of Flowers, smiled. "Since you're here, let me show you around more," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
He smiled and nodded in agreement as they walked together along a small mountain path, encountering many members of the Yan Clan along the way. These clan members looked at them with surprise, their eyes lingering on them.
Ding! Yan Clan member… felt envy, emotion value +5
Ding! Yan Clan member… felt admiration, emotion value +3
Ding! Yan Clan member… felt jealousy, emotion value +2
He quietly noted the reactions, unsurprised that people were responding to him this way, given his reputation as a prodigy known across the continent.
At that moment, a middle-aged man approached. Dressed in a fiery red robe, with a stern face and eyes sharp as lightning, the man radiated a powerful aura.
"Miss Huo Zhi," the man bowed slightly, but his gaze was fixed on Gu Fei. "Is this the famous Young Master I've heard so much about?"
She nodded and introduced him, "This is one of our clan elders."
"It's an honor to meet you," the elder said with a polite gesture, his face displaying a faint smile. "Your accomplishments at such a young age are truly admirable."
Gu Fei smiled calmly, not paying much attention to the elder's flattery, but rather observing him carefully. However, the elder's expression remained as calm as still water, with no noticeable emotional fluctuation.
Ding! Felt curiosity, emotion value +1
He inwardly noted that this elder seemed trustworthy.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the elder took his leave, and Huo Zhi continued showing him the magnificent sights of the Yan Realm.
"Up ahead is where I train," she said, pointing to a towering volcano in the distance with a hint of pride in her voice.
Gu Fei looked up and saw the towering volcano, deep crimson in color, with magma constantly erupting from its peak, forming a massive fire cloud in the sky. It was a breathtaking sight.
"Impressive," he said sincerely.
Her eyes sparkled with delight at his praise. "If you're interested, we could explore the inside of the volcano," she suggested shyly.
He nodded, intrigued. They flew through the air and quickly arrived at the base of the Divine Flame Volcano. However, just as they were about to enter, a stern voice rang out.
"Stop! This mountain is forbidden. No unauthorized individuals are allowed inside!"
An elderly man, his hair and beard white, emerged from within the volcano. His sharp gaze locked onto him, and the powerful aura of a Dou Saint emanated from him.
"Elder, this is Young Master Gu Fei. He is a guest of our clan, and the clan leader has specifically instructed us to treat him with the utmost respect," Huo Zhi quickly explained.
Upon hearing this, the elder's expression softened, and he appraised him with a look of surprise. "Ah, I see. My apologies, Young Master. However, this mountain is a restricted area, and I must ask for your understanding."
He smiled gently, showing no offense.
Ding! Felt caution, emotion value +2
Gu Fei silently approved. The elder's reaction was normal, simply displaying caution, with no signs of deceit. He had no particular interest in exploring the volcano further.
However, in the original events, the traitor had stolen the Yan Clan's ancient god jade from the clan's sacred hall while the clan leader was absent. He speculated that the traitor must be someone in a high position who rarely showed themselves.
Gu Fei decided it was time to inspect the clan's ancestral hall.
At that moment, Fairy Huo Ling appeared before them. "Since the clan leader is absent, I have the highest authority. I give you permission to visit the ancestral hall."
He was slightly surprised by how easily she agreed. The ancestral hall was an extremely important location, usually inaccessible to outsiders.
"Thank you for your trust," Gu Fei nodded.
"You're welcome. The clan leader instructed us to assist you in uncovering the traitor, so of course, you may enter the ancestral hall," she said with a smile, leading the way.
Soon, they arrived before a towering palace built entirely from crimson stones, exuding an ancient and solemn aura. Flames carved into the stone appeared vivid and lifelike.
"This is our ancestral hall, guarded by a few of our most esteemed elders," Huo Ling explained.
Gu Fei nodded and scanned the surroundings. Suddenly, his pupils contracted slightly.
Ding! Felt anger and killing intent, emotion value +2
Following the system's prompt, his eyes landed on a burly elder standing at the entrance of the ancestral hall. When the elder noticed his gaze, his expression faltered, and a trace of panic flickered in his eyes.
"He's the Hun Clan spy." He declared, pointing at the elder.
The atmosphere froze instantly.
"Elder Huo Xiong, what… what is going on?" Huo Ling asked in disbelief.
At that moment, the elder's face turned pale, and cold sweat appeared on his forehead. "There must be some misunderstanding… How could I be a spy?" he stammered, trying to maintain composure. However, his trembling voice betrayed him.