The wedding ceremony had come to an end, yet the fervor of the Illusory Demon Imperial City continued unabated for seven full days. Following the marriage between Ren Zu and the Little Demon Empress, an unprecedented "Demon Lord" seemed to have risen within the Illusory Demon Realm. At first, when the news spread, many inhabitants believed the union existed solely to secure the continuation of the Golden Crow bloodline…
However, everyone who witnessed the ceremony quickly realized that the truth went far beyond that. Over the following seven days, the entire realm could see with their own eyes that it was not merely politics, lineage, or duty.
Ever since becoming Ren Zu's wife, the Little Demon Empress never wore gray again; her radiance was so dazzling that few dared to look directly at her. Yet the most striking change was not her outward appearance, but the transformation in her aura and temperament. She remained as dignified, majestic, and cold as ever… yet that colossal, oppressive, and icy presence which had made everyone tremble before her for a full century had vanished. Especially when she stood beside Ren Zu. A gentle, surprisingly warm splendor now shone in her eyes—eyes that had not wavered once in a hundred years. It was as though, thanks to Ren Zu's existence, the world that had been completely gray to her had finally regained its colors.
Later, people heard that on the wedding day itself, the Little Demon Empress had followed Ren Zu to the Yun Family household and performed the full kowtow of a daughter-in-law before Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou. She had even addressed them as "Father" and "Mother," leaving the couple so stunned they were at a loss for words… Afterward, she accompanied Ren Zu to pay respects to Yun Canghai and the Yun Family ancestors… and then to the ancestors of the Demon Emperor lineage.
Perhaps it was not merely for the sake of continuing the bloodline, but genuine affection.
That was the thought of everyone who had never had much contact with either the Little Demon Empress or Ren Zu. It was not, however, the opinion of the Guardian Families or the patriarchs who, long before the wedding, had already seen the two of them behaving exactly like husband and wife…
In any case, Ren Zu and the Little Demon Empress cared not one bit about what others thought.
Moreover, although it was Ren Zu who had married into the Demon Emperor Clan and any child they had would bear the surname Huan, in terms of bloodline… that child would still be a direct descendant of the Yun Family. This meant that, from this moment onward, even though the Little Demon Empress remained the sovereign of the Illusory Demon Realm by imperial lineage, the realm itself had invisibly yet undeniably become essentially the domain of the Yun Clan.
After all, even though the Yun Family was still officially only one of the Twelve Guardian Families tasked with protecting the Demon Emperor Clan, its standing in everyone's eyes was no longer the same…
After seven days of celebration, the ceremony finally concluded in a dignified and majestic fashion. The following morning dawned serene—one of those rare moments when the entire Illusory Demon Realm seemed to breathe in unison.
Soft light filtered through the clouds, not in fierce gusts, but in a warm, almost festive glow. It was as though even the sky itself, exhausted after a century of tension and oppression, had decided to rest for a while.
The Imperial City was finally quiet.
Not silent—merely tranquil, content, like someone exhausted after laughing for days on end. Golden banners still hung from balconies, petals continued to adorn streets and terraces, and the sweet trace of incense and spices from the festivities lingered in the air. Yet the bustle was no longer frantic; it was harmonious, almost light.
Far from all the euphoria, in another corner of the vast realm, a different quiet reigned.
The Yun Family residence.
The main pavilion, spacious, refined, and filled with the fragrance of medicinal herbs, was the heart of the residence.
There, Ren Zu sat.
The low black-wood table softly reflected the morning light. Upon it rested a small white porcelain teapot, hand-painted with golden strokes resembling the flight of a phoenix. Steam rose in delicate spirals, perfuming the air with a fresh, natural, almost ethereal scent.
Ren Zu held the cup between his fingers, unhurried, posture impeccable, tranquil as though he were part of the pavilion itself. His calm seemed to reorder the very air around him, making everything more stable, as if the entire place had been bathed in his immortal aura…
The near-absolute serenity of the moment was interrupted by the timely arrival of yet another Elder, tasked with bringing him the complete list of wedding gifts offered to the couple. That was why he was there—handling ceremonial duties instead of simply enjoying his wife's company after everything they had been through so much.
After a brief bow, the Elder began his summary:
"Young Patriarch, as a result of the Young Patriarch's marriage, we have received many valuable items. Most are medicinal herb 'seeds' or rare medicinal herbs… In total, there are more than ten thousand different sets. In addition, many guests presented swords—approximately five hundred in all. Among them are two hundred and twenty Profound Emperor swords and seven hundred and thirty-seven top-grade Profound Sky swords. There are also some swords which, although lacking in profound rank, were forged from rare crystals and possess value equivalent to that of several cities. Furthermore…"
The Elder paused for a second, nervously clearing his throat before continuing with difficulty:
"Furthermore… there are seven Tyrant Profound swords!"
"…Seven swords?" Ren Zu slightly raised his brows, unable to conceal the surprise that flashed through his chest. So he had received things like these?
Even though he had little personal interest in them—after all, he possessed the [Boundless Sword Sheath], which contained blades far more powerful than any other—those were still gifts of inestimable value.
Seven swords… If they were ordinary, they would be nothing more than elegant curiosities.
But seven Tyrant Profound swords were enough to make even the strongest experts of the Illusory Demon Realm turn pale. Emperor Profound artifacts were already exceedingly rare; Tyrant Profound artifacts, then… were legendary treasures. On average, only one new artifact of that level appeared in the entire realm every hundred years. If one gathered all existing Tyrant Profound swords, there would probably be little more than a dozen.
And now, astonishingly, seven of them had been sent as wedding gifts to the Yun Family.
The shock did not end there. There was also an absurd quantity of Emperor Profound swords. For most cultivators, obtaining even a single sword of that level would be an extravagant lifelong dream.
And yet here he was…
Receiving seven Tyrant Profound and more than two hundred Emperor Profound swords as if they were mere trinkets.
This was the benefit of power and prestige!
Had he not married the Little Demon Empress, he would still be merely be the young patriarch of the Yun Family. Even so, thanks to his medical skills, obtaining one or another Emperor Profound sword would not have been impossible—difficult, yes, but achievable, as he had already proven by acquiring a few over the past months.
But if he desired a Tyrant Profound sword… that was an entirely different matter. It would require constant effort, time, luck, and extremely rare opportunities. Possible? Yes. But it would take years, perhaps many, especially since few would be willing to part with such a treasure. To persuade someone, he would have to offer something more valuable than opening ten profound entrances ten times over in their body—a price so absurd that any cultivator would be moved enough to hand over even their own wife for a night… let alone a mere Tyrant Profound artifact.
Thinking Ren Zu showed little interest in the blades, the Elder began taking them out one by one from his spatial ring and displaying them:
"This Tyrant Profound sword is named 'Starbreaker'; it is the personal gift of the Su Family Patriarch, sent to congratulate the Young Patriarch on his marriage and to express gratitude for saving the life of the old Patriarch Su."
"This sword is named 'Nineteen Rakshasa Beheadings'. It comes from the Tremor Sect of the Rakshasa Sect. The entire blade weighs ninety-five thousand kilograms and is regarded as the most domineering sword in the entire Illusory Demon Realm. Rumor has it that in the last nine hundred years, not a single person has managed to fully control it… Sigh… They hope the Young Patriarch will whisper sweet words into the Little Demon Empress's ear tonight so that their crime of defecting to the Duke Palace may be forgiven."
"This sword is named 'Scarlet Cloud Piercer'. In the year it appeared, countless profound practitioners fought over it, triggering a true storm of blood."
Each of these Tyrant Profound artifacts was exceptionally famous throughout the Illusory Demon Realm, and these seven swords were naturally no exception. Since no Sovereign Profound artifact had ever appeared in the realm, Tyrant Profound swords reigned supreme—true rulers among blades, the ultimate dream of any sword practitioner.
Now all seven lay before Ren Zu, and the combined aura of the blades was so majestic and oppressive that any ordinary profound practitioner would feel their legs weaken and their breath catch in their chest. Yet he remained unbothered; he merely raised a hand and stopped the Elder from continuing to draw the swords.
The Elder sighed emotionally and said:
"These swords are anything but ordinary, especially the seven Tyrant Profound blades. Every former master of such swords possesses a reputation that pierces the heavens. It would be impossible, even in one's wildest dreams, to imagine a time when all these swords could be seen together. Young Patriarch… do you truly wish to carry all of them with you?"
He had never seen Ren Zu practice the sword and was utterly baffled as to why Ren Zu would carry so many blades on his person instead of storing them in the sword pavilion…
"Yes, give them all to me," Ren Zu replied with a nod.
The Elder bowed his head in respect, though his eyes still held a trace of disbelief.
Kneeling partially—not out of obligation, but instinct—he presented the ring on his open palm, extending it toward Ren Zu with the reverence one would offer an imperial crown.
"Young Patriarch," he said in a low, careful voice still slightly hoarse with excitement, "I have already organized every gift received over these seven days. All the Emperor Profound swords, the top-grade Profound Sky swords, the medicinal herbs, the rare seeds, the various artifacts, and of course… the seven Tyrant Profound swords."
Ren Zu lifted his gaze slightly, a calm glint passing through his eyes.
The Elder hurried on, as though afraid of not being clear enough:
"I also took the liberty of separating everything into different compartments within the spatial ring. Each section is organized by the nature of the items: swords grouped by rank and origin; herbs catalogued by age and rarity; and the unique artifacts stored with utmost care to prevent any energy interference."
There was pride in his tone—timid but genuine. Organizing a treasure trove that alone was worth more than the accumulated wealth of half the realm was something he would probably boast about to the next three generations.
Ren Zu accepted the ring calmly, without excessive ceremony. His fingers brushed the dark metal, and a faint ripple of profound energy coursed through the ring before vanishing, acknowledging its new master.
"Well done," he said simply.
To the Elder, those two words were worth more than any sword, seal, or title. His previously tense face relaxed instantly; his shoulders lightened; he almost looked younger.
"It… it is an honor to serve, Young Patriarch," he replied, bowing once more.
He hesitated for a moment as if he still had something to add, but Ren Zu had already returned his gaze to his teacup—a silent, polite gesture indicating the Elder's duties were concluded.
With discretion, the Elder rose, took a few steps back, and left the pavilion…
Left alone, Ren Zu let out a soft sigh and vanished like a ghost.
Since he had married into the Demon Emperor Clan, he naturally had to begin living in the Demon Imperial Palace. Nevertheless, he returned to the Yun Family residence every day to see his parents or refine pills that interested him—he felt more at ease doing so in his old hut—but he never stayed long. That was because he had to hurry back to the Little Demon Empress "to make a child."
Yes, during this period he spent two hours refining pills, four hours sleeping, four hours cultivating, and the rest of his time was simply spent with the Little Demon Empress in bed… and in some rather unusual other places.
Though they were newlyweds and ought to show a little more restraint, Ren Zu simply could not help himself… He wanted to fuck his wife practically all the time.
Ren Zu reappeared in the Demon Imperial Palace without so much as stirring a breeze. His figure materialized in the inner courtyard, where silence reigned deep and the air carried the gentle fragrance of spiritual flowers that bloomed only there—silver petals light as snow that sighed faint light when touched by the wind.
He walked slowly, footsteps silent on the flawless polished floorboards. He passed beneath a row of suspended spherical lanterns whose inner flames burned golden, like miniature suns trapped in glass. Then, unhurried, he crossed one of the open passages leading to the private garden he had built over the past months.
The place was an ocean of calm.
No sound of soldiers, no echo of hurried servants—only the subtle murmur of water running along a crystal stream that wound around smooth garden stones. The sky above was a deep, clear blue, and the sun rested upon it with gentle warmth. The spiritual grass glowed pure emerald, cool to the touch, perpetually dewed even at noon.
Ren Zu climbed the three light-wood steps and sat on the veranda overlooking the garden.
The veranda lay beneath a high eave decorated with golden patterns of crows and crescent moons, though the designs now seemed almost ornamental beside his presence. Soft shadow fell across his face, highlighting the flawless serenity of his features.
He crossed his legs naturally, one arm resting lazily on his knee. The breeze played with a few strands of his hair, making them slide in dark waves over his shoulders. Light filtering through the leaves of the spiritual trees struck him in delicate bands, alternating brightness and shade, as though the world were painting Ren Zu slowly, with infinite patience.
The contrast between the silent garden and his beauty felt almost unreal.
It resembled an ancient painting—a young immortal resting after having scattered mountains and bent the heavens. Everything about the moment possessed a natural perfection so harmonious that the very space around him seemed to slow…
Ren Zu tilted his head back slightly, inhaling deeply, savoring the fresh scent of the flowers, the tranquil calm of the garden, and the cool smoothness of the wood beneath his fingers.
It did not take long for the Little Demon Empress to appear in his garden.
Her figure emerged softly into his line of sight. She wore a pale spring-green dress that seemed woven from morning mist; being so petite, the hem trailed lightly behind her, floating like a cloud in the wind. Her long jade-black hair was no longer loose over her shoulders; it was tied in a simple fairy bun adorned only with a few smooth round jade pearls that glimmering with cool light. Finally, when those dark eyes met Ren Zu's, they overflowed with a brilliance so beautiful it could steal one's soul.
A beauty capable of toppling nations, an appearance that made the world tremble… combined with an almost unconscious natural charm, all of it enough to melt any man's defenses in an instant. In the past, during imperial audiences, everyone lowered their heads beneath the overwhelming pressure she exuded, not daring to raise their eyes.
Today, they lowered them even further—now out of fear that, should they look up, their hearts would be irretrievably lost.
"Caiyi…" Ren Zu called with a gentle smile.
The Little Demon Empress gave a small hop and landed in front of him. She frowned slightly, a shadow of worry clouding her face, and spoke slowly:
"Husband, do you really have to go to the Profound Sky Continent? You said you would only stay a few more days…"
"Mn." Ren Zu nodded. "…We've already talked about this, Caiyi. There are things I must take care of there…"
"No matter what happens… do you truly have to go?" The Little Demon Empress turned her gaze away, her voice so soft it nearly dissolved into the wind as she struggled to conceal the storm of emotions churning in her chest.
Ren Zu sighed. He lifted his eyes to her, and for a moment the unchanging serenity that always cloaked him seemed to ripple faintly, revealing a deep sincerity hidden beneath layers of absolute calm.
"…Caiyi," he said, his tone both gentle and firm, "I really do have to go."
His dark, ancient-well-like pupils reflected her small silhouette, and in that reflection there was something warm, almost indulgent, yet also an inevitable thread of determination.
"There are two reasons."
He reached out, letting his fingers glide along her snow-white cheek—a gesture so natural it felt like the instinctive motion of someone who had touched her since before he was born. The Little Demon Empress closed her eyes for a second, breathing deeply, as though that touch were the only thing keeping her heart steady.
"The first," Ren Zu continued, "is that I want to seek some fortuitous encounters on the Profound Sky Continent. I want to become stronger… and you know that has always been my pursuit."
The Little Demon Empress bit her lip lightly, the light in her eyes shifting, her fingers tightening slightly on the hem of her dress.
"And the second reason…" Ren Zu smiled sideways—a soft, almost teasing smile, as though he were fully aware of the mischief hidden in the words before he even spoke them.
"…is that I want to learn more about my blood family over there."
She blinked, startled.
He tilted his head, the smile growing lazier yet still beautiful enough to warm the garden air.
"Who knows…" he murmured in a tone far too casual to be anything but deliberate, "maybe I have a fiancée… or something like that… waiting for me on the Profound Sky Continent?"
Silence fell.
The Little Demon Empress stared at him with an expression so icy, so deadly calm, that anyone else would have been terrified.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Ren Zu."
The way she pronounced his name was not human. It was thin, sharp, soft as falling snow yet dangerous as an unsheathed blade.
Ren Zu raised his brows with discreet amusement, clearly enjoying her reaction.
"Yes?"
"Repeat," she said slowly, her voice so controlled it seemed to crack inside, "what you just said."
Ren Zu leaned forward, his hand still on her face, thumb tracing the soft line of her jaw.
"I only said," he whispered, drawing close until their noses nearly touched, "that maybe I have a fiancée there."
Her gaze trembled.
It was a tiny tremor, but within it blazed the sudden eruption of an entire volcano.
After a few moments of silence, the Little Demon Empress said coldly, "If you love women so much, I already told you I will never restrict you! The maids of the Demon Imperial Palace, regardless of beauty or talent, are one in a million. Take whichever you like. The noble ladies of the duke palaces and aristocratic families—whomever you set your eyes on, including Su Zhixi of the Su Family or Lan Zhi of Duke Qing Palace—I can personally give them to you as concubines…"
"Sigh…" Ren Zu grasped the Little Demon Empress's small hand and laughed softly. "Caiyi, my wife… Do you hate being apart from me so much that you would set aside your jealousy and do something like that?…"
The Little Demon Empress fell silent for a moment, lips parted as if to retort, yet no sound came.
Those black eyes, which normally carried the weight of a thousand years of ice, now trembled with something that was not anger… it was fear disguised as fury.
Ren Zu gently squeezed the cold little hand he held, intertwining their fingers as though catching a butterfly he refused to let fly away.
"Caiyi…" he called again, voice low, almost a whisper against her forehead. "Look at me."
She slowly raised her face. There was a moist gleam at the corner of her eyes that she stubbornly refused to let fall.
"Do you really think that after having you, I would want any other woman?"
The sentence was spoken with such naturalness, such absolute certainty, that the Little Demon Empress's heart lurched violently in her chest.
Ren Zu brought his free hand to the nape of her neck and calmly undid the simple bun. Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall of silk, falling over her small shoulders and enveloping her like a cloak of night.
"I was only teasing you," he confessed, a crooked, lazy smile returning to his lips. "You're beautiful when you're jealous."
"…Shameless," she murmured, but the icy edge was gone from her voice.
Ren Zu chuckled softly, the sound resonating in his chest like distant, warm thunder. He pulled her gently until she sat straddling his lap, her legs on either side of his waist, the pale-green dress opening around them like petals.
"I don't want any concubines. No woman in the entire Illusory Demon Realm interests me except you…" he said, his lips brushing her ear. "I don't want Su Zhixi, nor Lan Zhi, nor the thousand palace beauties. I only want you. Every day. Every hour. Even when you're angry with me… especially when you're angry with me."
The Little Demon Empress buried her face in his shoulder, arms wrapping around his neck with an almost desperate strength.
"…Then don't go…" she whispered against his skin, voice muffled and trembling. "Stay. I… I can wait longer for an heir. I can wait however long it takes. Just don't leave now."
Ren Zu closed his eyes and held her tighter. He could feel her heart pounding rapidly against him, could smell the sweet fragrance of her hair, could feel the small, fragile warmth of the body that was now entirely his.
"Caiyi… I'll be back in three months at most," he promised, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "And when I return, we'll have plenty of time together again."
She lifted her face, eyes still damp but now burning with fierce determination.
"Three months," she repeated, as though branding it into her very soul. "If even one extra day passes… I will personally go to the Profound Sky Continent and drag you back by the hair."
Ren Zu laughed again—the lightest sound the garden had ever heard.
"Deal."
Then, without another word, he kissed her.
It was not a gentle farewell kiss. It was hungry, possessive, the kind that wanted to brand his taste onto her so that not a single second of the coming three months would let her forget whom she belonged to.
The Little Demon Empress responded with the same urgency, nails digging into his back, their bodies pressed together as if trying to fuse forever.
When they finally parted, breathless, she rested her forehead against his and whispered, almost inaudibly:
"Come back soon, husband… because I already miss you… and you haven't even left yet."
Ren Zu smiled against her lips.
"I'll return before you can truly miss me."
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