As the sun rose over Shadow Mountain, its golden rays painted the peaks with warm light. In the cozy wooden room filled with gentle spirit energy, Xuan Long stirred awake. Beside him, Yue Li opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his instantly.
A soft smile curled her lips. "Young Lord, I'll prepare something for you..."
Xuan Long caught her hand gently, his voice teasing yet deep. "Young Lord? From now on, call me husband."
Yue Li blinked rapidly, her cheeks flushing a soft crimson. "H-Hus...husband?"
"Yes. And if you don't, you'll get punished," Xuan Long smirked, brushing a finger under her chin.
She turned even redder, clearly imagining the punishment.
Suddenly, a tiny huff came from the side.
"Punishment? Brother, are you bullying my sister again?" Yue Mei stormed into the room with puffed cheeks and crossed arms, looking adorably fierce.
Xuan Long couldn't hold back his laughter. Her expression was more tomato than fox.
"Brother, now you're laughing at me too?!" she cried, rubbing her eyes.
Xuan Long leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "Can't I tease you just a little, my little princess?"
She pouted. "No! Teasing is not allowed!"
Xiou Xue peeked into the room and giggled. "Brother, you're becoming naughtier day by day."
---
Later that morning, in the main hall, Xuan Long gathered everyone.
He turned toward the two silent demi-humans who had long served faithfully in battle and defense.
"Do you two know why I haven't given you names until now?"
The two looked puzzled.
Xuan Long's voice was calm but carried power. "Because you thought too lowly of yourselves. But do you know? A thousand years ago, demi-humans were more powerful than cultivators. Their bodies were naturally forged for cultivation."
The two kneeled instantly.
"You two, in my heart, are no less than Hei Mo or Mu Chen. From this day forth, I shall name you."
He raised a hand. "Your name shall be Lei Yuan." He turned to the other. "And you – Shui Yue."
Both looked overwhelmed, eyes trembling with emotion. "Thank you, Master! We will honor this name for eternity!"
Just then, Yue Mei skipped into the hall.
She rushed to Lei Yuan and pointed to his tail. "Brother, look! His tail is so long and fuzzy—like mine but bigger and fluffier!"
Xiou Xue joined in. "Let's ride them like horses!"
Before the poor demi-humans could react, the two girls jumped on their backs with delighted squeals.
Xuan Long covered his face with his palm, speechless. "These girls are turning my mighty warriors into playmates..."
All the shadow guards nearby burst out laughing, their hearts warm with joy.
---
In the nearby city, within the luxurious estate of the Lu Family's main branch, a messenger knelt before a circle of elders.
"Reporting: The Lu family's side branch has been completely destroyed by a rogue cultivator in the Shadow Mountain."
The hall remained silent for a moment before erupting into laughter.
"Hah! That trash branch? Let them burn. But..." One elder narrowed his eyes. "That rogue cultivator must have taken resources. Send a team. Threaten him. Demand compensation. If he resists, we'll take everything by force."
Ten Core Formation experts were dispatched toward the mountain, believing their presence alone would bring the mysterious cultivator to his knees.
---
Back at Shadow Mountain, Yue Mei and Xiou Xue had finally collapsed into peaceful slumber after hours of chaotic play. Lei Yuan and Shui Yue, though a bit ruffled, watched over them with fondness.
Meanwhile, Xuan Long walked into the meditation courtyard, where Yue Li sat under a blossom tree, reading a cultivation scroll.
Without warning, he scooped her into his arms.
"Ah! What are you doing?!" she cried, her cheeks aflame.
"What? I can't show a little love to my wife?" he teased.
"You're such a bully," she muttered.
He laughed. "Did you think I was a good person? I'm a very bad man."
She lowered her eyes and smiled shyly. "But you took revenge for my family... and cared for Yue Mei like a true father."
He walked to a high cliff above the waterfall, the sky stretching wide around them. Sitting on a stone ledge, he pulled her into his lap.
His kiss was long and soft, their breaths mingling in the morning breeze.
"You're like a flower with thorns," he whispered. "And I... I'm the water to help you bloom."
Yue Li's eyes trembled. "Then... I'll never let you dry out."
They sat in silence for a moment, hearts syncing.
Then, suddenly, Xuan Long chuckled. "Why don't you give birth to a child for me?"
She gasped. "W-What are you saying?!"
He raised an eyebrow. "What? You don't want to?"
Blushing furiously, she punched him in the chest and buried her face against him. "You're incorrigible!"
---
Back in the mountain path, a spatial distortion flickered.
Ten Lu Family cultivators approached the Shadow Gate, arrogant and overconfident.
"Heh, let's see how this rogue acts when he sees our family's elite..."
But little did they know – the shadow of death already loomed above them.