Meanwhile, in Bashan City.
Having secured General Hound's support, Hu Lao immediately returned to Bashan City amid the chaos, seeking a way to rescue Zi Lian.
As a Demon King of the Heavenly Fox Race, he had his own channels for gathering intelligence through lesser demons. There were plenty of fellow fox demons scattered among the populace, as well as sympathizers and supporters such as the Hound Race. He soon learned that Zi Lian was being held in a valley over a hundred li east of Bashan City, personally guarded by Yu Kai, a descendant of Lord Bashan.
Learning this left Hu Lao with mixed feelings. "To think it's Yu Kai..."
General Hound said, "He was once your master, wasn't he? Are you confident you can defeat him?"
Hu Lao said, "No matter how I look at it, I can't possibly beat him head-on. With my strength, I can only outwit him, not overpower him."
General Hound said, "Zi Lian is quite formidable herself. She might be able to hold her own against Yu Kai. If you get a chance to release her and lift her restraints, that would improve your odds somewhat. But aside from Yu Kai, other Tiger Race experts may be lurking there. That place was a trap to begin with."
Hu Lao thought for a moment, then said, "The Leopard Race is in the open, while I'm in the shadows. I could certainly catch them by surprise... but first, I need to know what the Leopard Race is doing."
General Hound said, "Speaking of the Leopard Race's movements, that reminds me of a rumor I just heard. I don't know whether it's true."
Hu Lao said, "What rumor?"
General Hound said, "Some demons are spreading word that Yinwu isn't actually dead. He merely lost one life,