Nearly half a month had passed.
Ren Zu's days had become surprisingly predictable. He had settled into a routine that, though simple, carried with it a strangely comfortable tranquility.
Every morning, even before the sun had fully risen, he could already be found either in the medical pavilion or crossing the entire Illusory Demon Realm to put his medical skills into practice. Ordinary patients, the elderly, the young, injured cultivators, members of great families… it didn't matter who they were; he treated everyone without hesitation.
Each successful healing further solidified the image the people had come to attribute to him: that of an "immortal." His otherworldly appearance, combined with his silent benevolence, perfectly shaped this almost divine figure walking among them.
His reputation, already enormous, simply exploded during these days.
Though he had accumulated countless titles over time, the ones that stood out most were these:
Among the common people, he was known as the "Benevolent Immortal Saint."
Among the nobility, he was called the "Demon Consort Emperor" or "Young Patriarch Yun."
But everyone—absolutely everyone—trusted him.
And that was exactly what he wanted.
In the afternoons, he vanished completely, refusing to treat anyone who came seeking help. He knew that if he healed everyone at any hour, people would begin to see his kindness as an obligation. Gratitude would turn into expectation. Expectation would become demand. And demand would inevitably become abuse…
In the Illusory Demon Realm, excessive kindness could be mistaken for weakness, and he was not weak.
The afternoons were reserved solely for himself. He needed to cultivate, train his deepest arts, and refine resources into pills he would use in the future, for he was already preparing for the journey to the Profound Sky Continent. Moreover, he was on the verge of completing the "Path of Darkness" in his cultivation method, the [Ten Extreme Daos], and he needed that time to advance quickly and fully master that Elemental Law.
And when he was not cultivating, he was in the libraries.
Not only the Yun Family's, but also those of the Guardian Families, which had opened their doors to him without hesitation. It was almost amusing to see how the elders tried to appear casual while granting him access to rooms that had previously been practically forbidden to outsiders. Of course, secret areas still existed—each family guarded its own secrets—but even so, Ren Zu had access to far more knowledge than most, and he absorbed it rapidly.
He studied everything that caught-his interest. Over the past few months, he had read countless books, becoming knowledgeable in nearly every subject one could imagine. His perfect memory proved extremely useful in these moments: a single glance was enough for him to remember every detail, no matter how minute.
At night, however…
At night, his routine changed completely.
Ren Zu almost always went to the palace.
Sometimes he entered through the main gate, greeting the guards politely with a discreet nod. Other times, he appeared through the side corridors, walking calmly as if it were the most natural thing—and, in a way, it already was.
At first, the servants would tense up, pausing in their tasks when they saw him.
Now, they merely lowered their heads in respect… and then exchanged knowing glances.
After all… no marriage announcement had been made, but in practice, for the entire Illusory Demon Realm… they were already husband and wife.
He had grown accustomed to the spacious halls, the silent corridors, and the curious glances. He had learned the names of some servants, their routines, the way they cared for the Little Demon Empress. It was a small world within the world, and Ren Zu had become part of it without even noticing.
And at the end of each day, the Little Demon Empress was always waiting for him. Sometimes she sat on the veranda, gazing at the moon; other times she read reports with a furrowed brow or stood still, arms crossed, projecting an air of irritation even when she wasn't truly angry. But regardless of how she appeared, she was always there. Always waiting for him.
After so many days following this routine, the day had finally arrived.
The long-awaited moment of the marriage announcement!
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Great Demon Imperial Hall.
It was already noon. The Patriarchs of the Twelve Guardian Families and the dukes of the Duke Palaces were all present; no one dared be absent. Accompanying them were other leading figures. After all, the Little Demon Empress had personally ordered them all to attend and said she had a "great matter" to announce.
The Great Demon Imperial Hall glowed beneath the golden midday light filtering through tall stained-glass windows that cast colorful mosaics across the polished black marble floor. Columns carved with motifs of golden crows rose to the vaulted ceiling, and ancestral tapestries hung from the walls, recounting in threads of gold the history of the Illusory Demon Realm. Long tables arranged in a semicircle were laden with exotic delicacies: grilled meats from profound beasts, luminescent fruits harvested from sacred mountains, wines aged in spiritual jade barrels.
The aroma was a symphony of spices and gentle smoke, mingled with the clinking of goblets and the murmur of conversations oscillating between courtesy and speculation.
The Yun Family had quickly become the center of attention at the banquet, as patriarchs and dukes took every initiative to approach and toast with them. However, after drinking the wine, they would immediately use profound energy to dissolve its effects, lest the rapid intoxication cause them to forget their manners before the Little Demon Empress.
At the center of the hall, the Yun Family occupied a table. Yun Qinghong, with his serene posture and shrewd eyes, raised a wine goblet, exchanging toasts with the Patriarchs of the Xiao and Su Families, who laughed at some political anecdote. Beside him, Mu Yurou displayed a maternal smile that softened her elegant features as she conversed with Patriarch Su's wife about the palace gardens.
But the true focus of attention—though no one dared admit it openly—was the young man beside them: Yun Ren Zu. The Number One Physician of the Illusory Demon Realm, a cultivator who had reached the legendary Divine Profound Realm, and the Consort of the Little Demon Empress…
Knowing that today would be the announcement of his marriage and having been practically dragged by his mother to "dress decently for the first time in his life," Ren Zu looked particularly breathtaking. So breathtaking that even those with the firmest wills avoided gazing at him for too long, fearing it might be disrespectful… or simply too overwhelming.
He sat with an almost supernatural calm, his back straight without any stiffness, his posture naturally imposing. His relaxed shoulders gracefully bore an immaculate white hanfu that seemed woven from threads of moonlight. Pure spiritual silk cascaded over his body like freshly fallen snow, molding perfectly to the contours of his slender yet unmistakably powerful frame. The wide sleeves opened elegantly, ending in soft purple cloud embroidery, as though brushed by a divine artist. A white sash, tied with millimeter precision at his waist, accentuated the elegant line of his silhouette—not overly muscular, but firm, refined, carrying the strength of someone who could crush mountains if he wished.
His long black hair fell straight down to the small of his back, smooth as freshly spilled ink. A few loose strands framed his face in an almost provocative manner, dancing lightly in the hall's breeze. Each strand seemed to drink in the surrounding light, returning it with a deep luster like polished obsidian.
His skin was the pure white of fresh snow, so flawless and uniform it appeared carved from divine jade, without the slightest imperfection. His face was a celestial masterpiece, simply perfect: arched eyebrows like swords about to be unsheathed, a straight and aristocratic nose, naturally full lips tinted with a subtle redness that contrasted against his pale complexion.
But it was his eyes that stole the breath of anyone who dared meet them for too long. Black, profound, unfathomable—true bottomless wells that seemed to contain both the emptiness of the cosmos and the beauty of the most exquisite mortal jewel. A single glance was enough to make hearts falter, minds stumble, and souls question their own resolve.
In the hall, men and women—regardless of status, age, or cultivation—shared only one thought: he was worthy of the title of the most beautiful man in the Illusory Demon Realm. Battle-hardened patriarchs who had lived centuries looked away, suddenly insecure, as if their very sexuality had been silently tested and judged. Women, even the proudest, most influential, or most accustomed to power, felt an unexpected heat rise to their cheeks, fingers gripping goblets too tightly as a dangerous, almost forbidden thought flickered in their minds: to abandon everything—husbands, titles, duties—for just one moment, simply to lose themselves in that face which seemed to belong to an immortal who had chosen to walk among mortals.
Unfortunately, the unbridgeable distance created by his untouchable demeanor, combined with the absolute power he wielded and the fact that he was the future husband of the Little Demon Empress, rendered any "fantasy" they might harbor utterly impossible.
All the more so because the Little Demon Empress herself watched everything with ruthless attention, casting a death-god glare at anyone who dared stare at her future husband for too long.
Unwittingly, half the banquet had already passed, yet the Little Demon Empress remained seated upright on the emperor's throne the entire time, barely speaking. Nor did anyone dare inquire about the "great matter" to be announced.
At a certain point, while the guests murmured among themselves, Yun Qinghong—now once again recognized as the leader of the Twelve Guardian Families—set down his wine goblet, stood, and made a respectful bow. Taking the initiative, he raised his voice to break the silence hanging over the hall:
"Little Demon Empress, the disturbance involving Duke Huai has been resolved, and I still wish to express words I had no opportunity to say before. As your subordinate, I was of little use and relied entirely on the Little Demon Empress's power to survive. For this, I carry deep shame. Today, for gathering us all here, there must be a matter of great importance… Whatever the order, nothing will stop us from fulfilling it."
Within the great hall, there was truly no one more suitable than Yun Qinghong to stand and speak. The moment he spoke, all others promptly moderated their voices and expressions. Setting down their wine goblets, they saluted together:
"Nothing will stop us from carrying out the Little Demon Empress's orders!"
The Little Demon Empress's gaze swept across the entire crowd before finally settling in Ren Zu's direction…
Everyone was bowing, yet only Ren Zu remained seated in his place, calmly sipping his tea. Not the slightest ripple showed on her face as she slowly rose and replied curtly:
"This empress indeed has a great matter to announce today. This matter concerns the future of our Illusory Demon Realm! It also concerns the continuation of our Demon Emperor lineage!"
Continuation of the Demon Emperor lineage? Those words left everyone stunned. Could it be that the day had finally come…?
"Under the evil ambition and conspiracy of Duke Huai's forces, this empress's real father and brother were killed one after another. Though this empress is a woman, this empress is still the last successor of the Demon Emperor lineage. If the Demon Emperor lineage were to end with this empress, chaos would surely follow in the Illusory Demon Realm. Now that Duke Huai's forces have been completely eradicated, this empress has no choice but to consider the great matter of how to continue the Demon Emperor lineage."
The Little Demon Empress's words caused the crowd to exchange startled glances. Since only the Little Demon Empress remained of the Demon Emperor lineage, a true continuation was fundamentally impossible. If one were to speak of continuing the lineage… it could only mean children born from the Little Demon Empress herself.
An elderly duke could no longer hold back and carefully asked, "Little Demon Empress, do you mean… perhaps you intend… to accept a consort?"
The Little Demon Empress's eyes flashed with cold radiance before returning to their previous calm. She said coldly, "The Little Demon Emperor was unable to leave an heir to continue our Demon Emperor lineage, so this can naturally only be done by this empress! This empress wore mourning gray for a hundred years to grieve for my real father and brother. Now it is time for this empress to choose another husband."
The moment the words "choose another husband" left her mouth, they left all the Guardian Families and Duke Palaces utterly stunned.
They unconsciously looked toward Ren Zu, who sat calmly.
The Little Demon Empress remained standing, her deep crimson robe rippling slightly as silence enveloped the Great Demon Hall. No sound dared echo beyond the restrained beating of hearts; everyone awaited the inevitable confirmation they had been whispering about for months.
Her eyes, sharp as blades of ice, swept the entire hall before finally resting on Ren Zu's tranquil figure. He lifted his gaze for a brief moment—unhurried, unpressured—as though he were in a place far quieter than that stifled tumult of expectations.
When she spoke again, her voice was clear and authoritative, carrying the weight of a hundred generations of sovereigns:
"In addition to continuing the Demon Emperor lineage… this empress must also ensure it remains pure. The lineage that carries the blood of the Divine Golden Crow God cannot be tainted by inferior bloodlines."
Several patriarchs swallowed hard; it was impossible to disagree.
"Among all those present," she continued calmly, "there is only one man who possesses blood equal to ours. The Young Patriarch of the Yun Family, Yun Ren Zu… bearer of the Golden Crow bloodline, as all of you know. His lineage is compatible with mine. And his strength, character, and reputation are acknowledged throughout the entire Illusory Demon Realm…"
Some elders murmured in approval. Others were visibly relieved, for the Little Demon Empress had merely summoned them to announce her long-rumored and long-discussed marriage.
The Little Demon Empress paused. Her perpetually stern expression softened for a fleeting instant—so brief that many believed they had imagined it.
"Furthermore…" she said, and her voice carried an almost imperceptible note of possessiveness, "everyone here already knows that this empress and Yun Ren Zu have been living closely together for months. He is already, in fact… my husband."
No shock. No surprise. Only the official confirmation of something everyone had watched unfold before their eyes.
Patriarchs nodded slightly. Dukes raised their eyebrows, almost smiling. And the servants at the back of the hall exchanged knowing glances—it was exactly what they had expected to hear.
"This banquet was convened solely to formalize what is already reality. Today, before all the leaders of this realm, this empress officially announces… our marriage."
The Little Demon Empress continued, then suddenly paused before proclaiming, "Duke Lang Xu, hear me!"
A duke clad in blue stepped forward at once and bowed humbly. "This humble duke is here."
"Before night falls, announce to the entire Demon Imperial City—send sound transmissions to every major city lord and regional lord—that in seven days, Young Patriarch Yun of the Yun Family shall join the Demon Emperor lineage and wed this empress in this Demon Imperial Hall…"
The instant the Little Demon Empress's words echoed through the Great Demon Hall, sealing the royal wedding for seven days hence, the entire atmosphere seemed to hold its breath. All eyes were fixed on her, awaiting… something. A contrary reaction. A discreet objection. A gasp of shock. Or at least a whisper of hesitation.
But nothing came.
No gaze shifted in doubt.
No patriarch exchanged uneasy expressions.
No duke raised his voice in protest.
Indeed, the hall remained so silent that even the distant crackle of torch flames seemed too loud.
The utter absence of resistance fell over the room like a declaration even more powerful than the announcement itself.
"Since no one has any objection, then it is decided. Duke Lang Xun, you must remember to carry out what this empress has commanded."
The Little Demon Empress turned to Duke Lang Xun…
"This humble duke has remembered everything, but…" Duke Lang Xun swallowed hard, gathered his courage, and said, "But to set the wedding in seven days is simply too sudden. The honorable Little Demon Empress is the monarch of the Illusory Demon Realm and even the will of the Divine Golden Crow's soul… This kind of wedding should be celebrated throughout the world, should shake the heavens! Even if we used seven days to prepare, it would not be enou—"
"This empress said seven days, then it is seven days!"
"Yes!" Duke Lang Xun nodded quickly, his head drenched in cold sweat, no longer daring to speak. After taking two steps back, he hurried out. As he ran, he groaned inwardly: My god… only seven days… even if the entire city used every effort to prepare, seven days would barely be enough. And those big shots in the Southern Border and Northern Domains… after receiving the sound transmission, they'll probably shit themselves in fear and run here choking back tears… they might not even arrive in time.
The Little Demon Empress faced her subordinates. "All of you may set aside whatever plans you have for the next seven days to prepare for this empress's and Ren Zu's grand wedding ceremony! Even with only seven days, you are not permitted to be careless or make any mistakes! It need not shake the world, but it must be grand enough. You must not work half-heartedly… It cannot be less grand than the one a hundred years ago!"
"Begin preparations immediately! You may all withdraw!"
This event was undoubtedly greater than the heavens, so having the various Guardian Families and duke palaces work together to prepare was not the least bit exaggerated. A seven-day deadline was simply far too rushed. Their retreating footsteps were all hurried, and once they left the Demon Imperial Hall, they all flew away swiftly, terrified that their own preparations would fall short compared to others…
The only person who did not leave the great hall… was one of the two parties involved, a figure unmatched in the entire history of the Illusory Demon Realm—Ren Zu.
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