C21 Master Hao

Upon hearing Yu Hu's claims, Zhang Hao remained skeptical. He was about to confront Yu Hu when a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Zhang Hao, it's possible that the one who decimated Hillfar Village isn't him."

The voice of the Black Hou Beast echoed in his mind, causing Zhang Hao to pause and reflect on Kong Peng's earlier words. Kong Peng had mentioned rumors pointing to the Red Maple Stronghold, which was not far from Hillfar Village...

Despite his attempt to regain composure, Zhang Hao's gaze was icy as he confronted Yu Hu.

"You have three minutes to convince me why I shouldn't end your life."

Yu Hu, seeing Zhang Hao's resolve, wasted no time in responding with due respect.

"Sir, I have been in deep cultivation within the Red Maple Stronghold for two full days, without once stepping outside."

"All members of the Red Maple Stronghold can vouch for me."

"If you doubt my word, ask them. They'll confirm that I've been in seclusion here for the past two days."

Yu Hu's urgency was palpable as he turned to his fellow stronghold members for support.

Snapped out of their initial astonishment, the others quickly came to his defense.

"Sir, Master Hu has been truthful with you. He has remained in seclusion since your departure."

"We stake our lives on the fact that Master Hu has never left the Red Maple Stronghold."

"Master Hu wouldn't waste his time killing those villagers; they're beneath him..."

One member's statement was cut short by Yu Hu's fierce glare, prompting a hasty correction.

"Master Hu is exceedingly compassionate and would never commit an atrocity."

As the members of the Red Maple Stronghold scrambled to provide their assurances, the Black Hou Beast's voice resonated in Zhang Hao's mind once more.

"With his rate of energy absorption, a beast core from the late Blessed period would indeed take two days to fully assimilate."

"Zhang Hao, his words hold truth. Without absorbing the beast core, he couldn't have advanced to the late Blessed period."

Zhang Hao trusted the Black Hou Beast's judgment, knowing that it wouldn't offer its aid without cause.

Additionally, Zhang Hao had noted that Yu Hu's cultivation had indeed advanced to the late Blessed period. As Zhang Hao's brow furrowed slightly, Yu Hu suddenly recalled something and burst out angrily, "Was it you who took advantage of my retreat to go loot on your own?"

Given that the black-haired youth had accused the Red Maple Stronghold of slaughtering everyone in Hillfar, it was highly probable that other members of the stronghold were responsible. The several dozen members of the Red Maple Stronghold, standing nearby, heard Master Hu's furious shout and, terrified, dropped to their knees.

"Master Hu, we have followed your commands, rebuilding the Red Maple Stronghold without ever stepping foot outside," they pleaded.

"If Master Hu doubts us, he can question the others. Not a single soul from the Red Maple Stronghold has left," they insisted.

Relieved by their kneeling confessions, Yu Hu breathed easier, knowing that if the Red Maple Stronghold wasn't involved, there was still a chance to make amends. However, if they were responsible, likely everyone present would meet their end.

Yu Hu, noticing the undiminished murderous look in Zhang Hao's eyes, knelt down solemnly and said, "Sir, if you spare Yu Hu's life, I will undoubtedly uncover the reckless individual who annihilated Hillfar Village."

Zhang Hao's intent to kill had been palpable, and if not for Yu Hu's desperate plea, he might have acted on it already. The intent to kill faded from Zhang Hao's face as he spoke with calm authority, "Yu Hu, are you aware of the bandit groups and outlaw forces in this region?"

Yu Hu, quick-witted as ever, seized upon the question, realizing his opportunity to survive had arrived. "Sir, Yu Hu is well-acquainted with all the bandits, brigands, and any outlaw forces in this territory!"

"I am ready and willing to assist you in identifying the true perpetrator behind the devastation of Hillfar Village!"

Yu Hu was determined to find the real villain, Zhang Hao's orders notwithstanding. Driven by a personal vendetta to discover who had left him so brutally battered, Yu Hu vowed to personally exact vengeance on the one responsible for destroying Hillfar Village.

In that moment, Yu Hu knelt on the ground, his demeanor one of utmost respect and unwavering loyalty.

The justification Yu Hu provided was indeed enough to stay Zhang Hao's hand. Right now, what he needed was someone who knew the way.

To uncover the true villain behind the destruction of Hillfar Village, Yu Hu's survival was essential; he still had his uses.

"I'll let you off the hook today. Now lead me to the rest of the bandits and their stronghold!"

Upon hearing Zhang Hao's declaration, Yu Hu responded with a solemn tone.

"Sir, the mercy of sparing a life is a profound grace, and for such a grace, no thanks are needed."

"Yu Hu is ready to serve as your devoted follower. Whatever your command, I will face it undaunted, even if it means climbing a mountain of swords or plunging into a sea of flames!"

Yu Hu's pledge made Zhang Hao furrow his brow, realizing something important.

No matter how formidable one's personal cultivation might be, having the backing of a powerful force makes gathering intelligence and accomplishing tasks far easier.

Yu Hu's decision wasn't made in haste; he was acutely aware of what he was committing to.

As a Blessed individual in the late period, Yu Hu was a top contender in this region, yet he stood no chance against the young man with black hair.

Most crucially, this black-haired youth was merely ten years old, and his potential was boundless.

To follow such a powerhouse was an incredible stroke of fortune, and Yu Hu wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.

Zhang Hao regarded Yu Hu with a steady voice.

"I am Zhang Hao."

As soon as Zhang Hao introduced himself, every member of the Red Maple Stronghold knelt down, overcome with fervor, and cried out together.

"All of us at the Red Maple Stronghold pledge our undying loyalty to Master Hao!"