Chapter 643: Shocking Event (Part 2)

The Demon Emperor Hall.

It was already noon. The patriarchs of the twelve Guardian Families and the princes of the various princely estates were all present; no one dared to be absent. Those accompanying them were also leading figures, as the Little Demon Empress had personally ordered everyone to attend for an important announcement.

The luncheon began. As cups clinked, the initial tension in the atmosphere quickly gave way to lively chatter. The Yun Family, without a doubt, became the center of the banquet, with patriarchs and princes constantly approaching to offer toasts. However, after drinking, everyone immediately used their profound energy to dispel the alcohol's effects, ensuring they wouldn't lose composure in front of the Little Demon Empress.

"Big Brother, what important matter is this luncheon for?" Xiao Yun quietly asked Yun Che.

"I don't know," Yun Che replied, "but I have a feeling it might concern me?"

"Huh? It concerns Big Brother?" Xiao Yun's eyes widened. "Father said what's being announced today is a major event concerning the future of the Illusory Demon Realm... Why would Big Brother think that?"

"Two reasons," Yun Che said, glancing at the Little Demon Empress. "First, when Father called me this morning, he mentioned the Little Demon Empress specifically requested my presence. I had a premonition then, but that's just a secondary reason."

"Then what's the main reason?" Xiao Yun pressed immediately; he always had great faith in Yun Che's words.

Yun Che tapped his chin. "The more important reason is that ever since the luncheon started, the Little Demon Empress hasn't looked me in the eye even once."

"Uh?" Xiao Yun was taken aback. "Just... just that reason?"

"Exactly!" Yun Che nodded with utmost seriousness. "I'm not joking. From my understanding of women... she's definitely about to do something directed at me."

"But the Little Demon Empress isn't an ordinary woman. Besides... she hasn't looked me in the eye either," Xiao Yun said weakly.

Yun Che silently glanced at him and said, "No matter how extraordinary, she's still a woman. Her not looking at you and her not looking at me are entirely different concepts. It's like... your Seventh Sister never looking at me is completely normal. But if she never looked at you throughout the entire banquet... then a 'major event' would be about to happen."

"Huh?" Xiao Yun's mouth fell open, his face blank... clearly, he didn't understand what Yun Che was saying at all.

Unconsciously, more than half of the luncheon had passed. The Little Demon Empress remained seated on the imperial throne, barely speaking throughout the entire event, and no one dared to ask about the "important matter" to be announced today. At this moment, Yun Qinghong put down his wine cup, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Little Demon Empress, the rebellion of Prince Huai has now been quelled. Although Prince Ming has escaped, with a full search, we believe he will soon confess and be executed. As your subjects, we contributed very little to Prince Huai's rebellion; it was solely by the Little Demon Empress's power that the tide was turned. We are deeply ashamed. The Little Demon Empress has summoned us here today, surely for an important matter... Whatever the command, we will obey without hesitation, even if it means death!" Indeed, there was no one more suitable to step forward in the great hall than Yun Qinghong. As soon as he spoke, everyone else quickly hushed their voices, composed their expressions, put down their wine cups, and bowed in unison, saying, "Your Majesty's command, we will obey without hesitation, even if it means death."

The Little Demon Empress swept her gaze across the hall, finally glancing in Yun Che's direction... Everyone was bowing in deference, except for Yun Che, who was leisurely sipping tea. Her face remained placid as she slowly rose, stating calmly, "Indeed, I have a major announcement to make today. This matter concerns the future of my Illusory Demon Realm! And more importantly, it concerns the continuation of my Demon Emperor lineage!" "Continuation of the Demon Emperor lineage?" The Little Demon Empress's words stunned everyone. Yun Che also furrowed his brow... Hmm?

"Under the ambition and venomous hands of Prince Huai's faction, my Imperial Father and Imperial Brother successively met their demise. As a woman, I am the last heir of the Demon Emperor's bloodline. If, after me, the Demon Emperor bloodline ceases, the Illusory Demon Realm will surely fall into chaos. Now that Prince Huai's faction has been eradicated, how to continue the Demon Emperor bloodline is an important matter I must consider." The Little Demon Empress's words made everyone exchange glances. With only the Little Demon Empress remaining in the Demon Emperor clan, a true continuation of the bloodline seemed utterly impossible. If one were to force the idea of continuation... it would naturally only mean children born to the Little Demon Empress. An elderly prince couldn't help but carefully ask, "Little Demon Empress, do you mean... are you preparing to... widely accept male consorts?"

The Little Demon Empress's gaze turned cold, then returned to its calm state, as she stated icily, "The Young Demon Emperor left no heirs, so the continuation of my Demon Emperor lineage can naturally only be accomplished by me! I have worn grey for a century, mourning my Imperial Father and Imperial Brother for a hundred years. Now, it is time for me to choose another husband." The four words "choose another husband" left the Guardian Family patriarchs and princes dumbfounded. They never imagined that the Little Demon Empress would announce such a matter today. Subconsciously, they had never even considered such a possibility, not because the Little Demon Empress was the Young Demon Emperor's widow, but because of her temperament... How could there be any man in this world who could catch her eye! With her beauty, her status, her profound power, her bloodline... who in this Illusory Demon Realm was worthy to be her husband? Everyone heard it crystal clear: she said "husband," not "male consort"... These were two fundamentally different concepts, worlds apart.

"Little Demon Empress, could it be... you already have someone in mind?" Though equally astonished, Yun Qinghong vaguely guessed something from observing her expression. "I wonder which heavenly figure is fortunate enough to earn the Little Demon Empress's favor." The Little Demon Empress did not answer him. Instead, she suddenly spoke loudly, "Prince Langxun, heed my command!" A prince dressed entirely in green quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your humble prince is here." "Before dusk, announce to the entire Demon Imperial City and send voice transmissions to all major city lords and domain lords: seven days from now, Yun Che, the Young Master of the Yun Family, will join my Demon Emperor clan and marry me in this Demon Emperor Hall..."

Pfft... Yun Che violently spat out the mouthful of tea he had been holding, directly spraying Xiao Yun's face... The latter, already stunned speechless, was so startled by Yun Che's spray that he promptly sat down on the floor. Even Yun Qinghong, standing beside him, trembled all over... Had his willpower not been strong enough, he would likely have been so shocked he'd fall onto Xiao Yun's head. The Demon Emperor Hall fell into a long silence, followed by an uproar as if boiling. The exaggerated sounds and expressions were as if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight... No one could have imagined that this was what the Little Demon Empress would announce today, and even in their wildest dreams, they couldn't have conceived that the person she chose would be... "Silence, all of you!" Facing the sudden surge of noise, the Little Demon Empress's eyebrows slanted, and she gave a cold rebuke. Instantly, everyone felt a chill throughout their bodies, and all sounds vanished. The Little Demon Empress's gaze turned cold. "What? Do any of you have objections?" Everyone's faces twitched, and their eyes flickered, but facing the Little Demon Empress's sudden outburst of power, no one dared to speak carelessly again. At this moment, an elderly prince stepped forward, his face full of agitation. "Little Demon Empress, this... this... logically, there's nothing wrong, after all, the Young Demon Emperor has passed, and to inherit the Demon Emperor bloodline, this is the only way, however unconventional. But the Young Master of the Yun Family... this... ceremonially, it is absolutely unsuitable!"

"What's unsuitable about it!" No sooner had the old prince's voice fallen than Jiufang Kui was the first to jump out, pointing at his nose and unleashing a torrent of abuse: "What the Little Demon Empress says, goes! You old geezer with one foot in the grave, are you going to question the Little Demon Empress's decision now?!" Compared to his behavior at the previous Demon Empress's enthronement ceremony, Jiufang Kui's performance was undoubtedly worlds apart. Having been branded with a slave seal by the Little Demon Empress, Jiufang Kui was now completely loyal to her, like a loyal dog. If anyone dared to offend the Little Demon Empress, he would certainly risk his life to bite them to death. Another prince stepped forward and said, "Little Demon Empress, please reconsider this matter! Although Yun Che is extraordinarily talented and unparalleled in every aspect throughout the Illusory Demon Realm, and his future achievements are immeasurable... But... he is only twenty-two years old, after all, and he is the Young Master of the Yun Family, Yun Qinghong's son, and Yun Canghai's grandson! The Late Demon Emperor and Demon King Yun Canghai used to address each other as brothers... Yun Che and you... this seniority... it's absolutely unacceptable! Otherwise, wouldn't it cause a disturbance..."

"Silence!" The Little Demon Empress's furious roar made the speaking prince tremble all over and instantly fall to his knees. The Little Demon Empress's gaze became completely grim, and the entire Demon Emperor Hall suddenly grew cold and sinister. "Good... This is truly excellent. Back when Prince Huai's ambition was clear, you all cowered and had no courage to fight him to the death for me! Some even betrayed and rebelled to save yourselves! Prince Huai's rebellion was quelled by my own hands! The vengeance for the Late Demon Emperor and Young Demon Emperor was carried out by my own hands! That you can now reside safely in Demon Imperial City is also my gift! I have been worthy of Heaven and the Illusory Demon, and worthy of all of you! Now, I have been on the throne for a century, and today is the very first thing I've truly done for myself, yet you all jump out to criticize and denounce me!" "What use do I have for you vulgar wastes!!" "Your humble prince... Your humble prince dares not... Your humble prince dares not!" The two princes who had just spoken in opposition immediately trembled all over in fear, kowtowing like pounding garlic, because that bone-chilling coldness was not merely the Little Demon Empress's rage, but clearly carried cold killing intent: "It is this humble prince's ignorance and foolishness; I beg the Little Demon Empress for forgiveness... The Little Demon Empress and Young Master Yun are... are... a golden boy and jade girl, a match... a match made in heaven... Little Demon Empress, forgive me... Little Demon Empress, forgive me..." "Little Demon Empress, please calm your anger." Everyone else also hastily bowed down, no one daring to utter another word of opposition.

"Hmph!" The Little Demon Empress's killing intent remained undiminished, her voice chilling to the bone. "What I just told Prince Langxun was an immediate order to be announced to the world, not a matter for discussion with you! Yet, some insist on jumping out like flies before my eyes. It seems I haven't killed enough people, and disobedient ones are still abundant!" "Little Demon Empress, spare my life... This humble prince... is dull-witted and spoke inadvertently... Little Demon Empress, spare my life!" The two princes kneeling on the ground immediately trembled like sieves. Those in the hall stood motionless, many sweating profusely, secretly congratulating themselves for not having spoken out earlier. Yun Qinghong quickly stepped in front of the two princes and said urgently, "Little Demon Empress, please calm your anger. Princes Shanshan and Ziying were also concerned that your reputation and that of the Demon Emperor clan might be sullied, which is why they spoke up to advise. They certainly meant no disrespect. I implore the Little Demon Empress to forgive their inadvertent words." Princes Shanshan and Ziying both subtly raised their heads, their faces filled with gratitude. Among the various princes and Guardian Family patriarchs, Yun Qinghong, the Yun Family's patriarch, undoubtedly held the highest authority. His intervention to protect them should be enough to ensure their safety.

"Hmph!" The Little Demon Empress turned her back to everyone and said in a deep voice, "Do any of you still have objections?" The Demon Emperor Hall fell silent; not a sound could be heard. Now, let alone "objections," no one dared to even breathe too loudly. They now understood clearly that the Little Demon Empress took this matter very seriously; it was by no means a simple "acceptance of consorts." They should have realized this when she mentioned "husband" rather than "consort"... Yet, two individuals, in their agitation, hadn't thought much and had walked right into the line of fire.

After a long silence, the Little Demon Empress continued, "I know what you are all thinking. You must believe that my marriage to Yun Che breaks the natural order and disrupts ethics? Hmph, have you all forgotten what kind of bloodline my Demon Emperor clan possesses!? Besides me, isn't there one other person in this world with this bloodline?!" The Little Demon Empress's words instantly made many awaken as if from a dream. Su Xiangnan blurted out, "That's right! The Golden Crow Flame Yun Che used to injure Prince Huai that day... he possesses the Golden Crow divine bloodline personally bestowed by the Golden Crow God!" "Ah... I had completely forgotten such an important matter. Young Master Yun also possesses the Golden Crow bloodline." "If Young Master Yun and the Little Demon Empress were to unite... their descendants would also carry the pure Golden Crow bloodline... which is to say, the Demon Emperor bloodline!" "Is this why the Little Demon Empress wants Young Master Yun to join the Demon Emperor clan?" Immediately, murmurs arose. The previous extreme shock now seemed somewhat logical and reasonable under this "reason."

Xiao Yun had been in a daze when suddenly, Yun Che's voice sounded in his ear: "Xiao Yun, immediately say what I tell you, listen carefully!" "Huh... huh?" "What 'huh'? Don't worry about anything else; just listen clearly to my words and say what I tell you! Listen very carefully..." "Ah!!" A very loud exclamation suddenly rang out, forcibly drawing everyone's attention. Xiao Yun's expression was greatly exaggerated... but it wasn't feigned; he was genuinely flustered. He stammered, "So, this is actually true... Uh, Big Brother told me a few days ago that the Golden Crow God bestowed the Golden Crow bloodline upon him because it couldn't bear to see the Demon Emperor bloodline die out, allowing the Little Demon Empress to continue the Demon Emperor bloodline with Big Brother... I didn't believe it then... So it's true... Ah! This... this... it's the Golden Crow God's will!" The Little Demon Empress: "..."

"The Golden Crow God's will"... that was undoubtedly the will of a god, and also a divine blessing! What were worldly customs or seniority, even moral principles, before the will of a god? Nothing! With this divine halo, absolutely no one in the entire Illusory Demon Realm would object. If there genuinely were dissenters or doubters, they would instead face condemnation and hostility... because that would be defying a god!

"This is actually the will of the Divine Golden Crow!" "No wonder the Divine Golden Crow bestowed the Golden Crow bloodline upon Yun Che... So that's it, so that's it!" "It seems the Sacred Golden Crow God never abandoned the Demon Emperor clan, never abandoned the Illusory Demon Realm! Although the Demon Emperor clan dwindled, a new bloodline was born in another person... The Little Demon Empress and Young Master Yun, this is the will of a god, a truly heaven-made match." "In this way, the Demon Emperor bloodline will be perfectly continued, and there will be no more worries about its extinction. The Demon Emperor clan will be whole again, and the Illusory Demon Realm will prosper forever..." The atmosphere in the Demon Emperor Hall completely changed, shifting from previous shock and unspoken resistance and doubt to overwhelming praise and excitement. Under the halo of "divine will," if anyone were to object at this point, there would be no need for the Little Demon Empress to intervene; others would rush forward, righteously pointing at their nose and cursing them. The Demon Emperor clan with only the Little Demon Empress remaining... Yun Che... Golden Crow bloodline... personally bestowed by the Golden Crow God... connecting these thoughts, all previous astonishment was swept away. Everything became so logical, even flawless.

Yun Che remained seated in his spot, his backside not having moved an inch. The voices in his ears were incredibly noisy, and deep within his soul, he had roared countless times: Although women are very fickle creatures... this woman's change is too exaggerated!! The main point is... Why didn't she mention such a huge matter to me beforehand?! I was clearly right here... why did no one ask for my opinion from beginning to end?! I'm the one involved, after all!! Am I invisible?! At least someone could ask if I agree... or how I feel right now!

"Since none of you have any objections at this moment, it is settled. Prince Langxun, have you clearly heard what I commanded you to do?" The Little Demon Empress turned to Prince Langxun... still not looking at Yun Che. "Your humble prince has noted everything, but..." Prince Langxun swallowed hard and bravely said, "But, setting the wedding date for seven days from now is truly too rushed. The Little Demon Empress is the Emperor of the Illusory Demon Realm, and this is the will of the Golden Crow God... This wedding should be a cause for universal celebration, shaking the heavens and earth. Even preparing for seven months would not be excessive..." "When I say seven days, it means seven days!" "Yes!" Prince Langxun quickly agreed, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. He dared not utter another word, then took two steps back and hastily left, muttering to himself as he rushed away: My heavens... only seven days... If we prepare frantically throughout the city, seven days might barely be enough, but those bigwigs in the Southern and Northern Regions... after receiving the voice transmission, they'll probably be scrambling, crying, and desperately rushing here... and might not even make it in time.

The Little Demon Empress faced her ministers: "For the next seven days, you are to put aside all other matters and fully prepare for my and Yun Che's grand wedding ceremony! Although there are only seven days, there must not be the slightest oversight or carelessness! It doesn't have to shake the heavens, but it must be grand enough, absolutely no perfunctory work... at least, it must not be even half as simple as a hundred years ago!" "Yes!" "Begin preparations immediately! All of you, withdraw!" "Yes!"

This matter was undoubtedly paramount; it was not at all excessive or an exaggeration for all the Guardian Families and princely estates to unite in its preparation. And seven days was far too tight a deadline. Their steps were hurried as they withdrew, and upon exiting the Demon Emperor Hall, they flew away swiftly, fearing they might contribute less than others to the preparations... This was not just the Little Demon Empress's grand wedding; it was the "will of the Sacred Golden Crow God"!

The only one who hadn't left the hall... was Yun Che, the unprecedented protagonist of the Illusory Demon Realm, who seemed to have been completely forgotten.