Chapter 1358: Best Fortune

Not only the Little Demon Empress noticed their eye contact, Yun Jianyue’s voice also rang out: “Brat, didn’t you say you were innocent with that elf princess?”

Yan Xuehen and Yu Yanluo, who were beside them, also looked over upon hearing this.

“We are indeed innocent,” Zu An felt a bit guilty, secretly thinking to himself that since he and Xue’er were deeply in love, whatever they did was naturally innocent.

“Like hell I’d believe you.” Yun Jianyue sneered repeatedly, Yan Xuehen remained expressionless, while Yu Yanluo had an amused look.

Seeing the continuous trickles of anger points accumulating in the background, Zu An felt a headache coming on. Having too many female confidantes easily leads to trouble.

At this moment, Peacock King Ming approached Qiao Xueying to speak. Concerned about exposing Zu An’s identity, she withdrew her gaze.

Zu An seized the opportunity to change the subject, asking, “Is that middle-aged man in front of Shi Min and the others the Lion King?”

Shi Min and several other princes stood respectfully behind a middle-aged man. The man had golden hair and an extremely thick beard. His build was a full circle more muscular than Shi Min and the others, and his inexplicable aura of power could be felt from a distance.

Yu Yanluo replied, “That’s right, he is Shi Zhentian, the Lion Clan Chief. His cultivation is unfathomable.”

“Shi Zhentian?” Zu An’s expression was strange. “Why isn’t he called Optimus Prime?”

Yun Jianyue, however, sneered, “At best, he’s just a Grandmaster. There’s nothing unfathomable about that.”

Yu Yanluo: “...”

As she herself was a Grandmaster, it was indeed difficult to refute her words.

Zu An then noticed another tall man not far from Shi Zhentian. He had an extremely broad back, was incredibly muscular, and wore a short-sleeved shirt that revealed two large, heavily tattooed arms adorned with various ferocious patterns. He looked exactly like a gang leader.

Seeing Hu Yong and others, who used to be unruly, now standing meekly behind him like kittens, Zu An mused, “This must be Hu Qianxiao.”

Thinking of the rumors between him and Tu Shan Yu, Zu An wondered if Hu Qianxiao would be so enraged as to unite with the Lion Clan if he knew that Zu An had been in Tu Shan Yu’s bed first.

Speaking of which, Tu Shan Yu hadn’t arrived at the Royal Court even today. He wondered if something had happened to her or if she had been delayed.

While worried, he noticed Princess Sauron following closely behind a senior figure like a small bird clinging to a person. It seemed this was an elder from her Demon Clan.

Their positions, along with Shang Liuyu’s, were even above Shi Zhentian and Hu Qianxiao. This showed how powerful the Sea Clan and Demon Clan were among the demon races. Only if Shi Zhentian and Hu Qianxiao were to one day contend for and decide the Beast King would it be possible for them to stand on equal footing with the two clans.

At this point, Blacktooth Fei began to preside over the ceremony. The various novel and bizarre procedures left Zu An wide-eyed, making him realize the vast differences between the demon and human races.

Then came the Demon Emperor’s speech, generally expressing gratitude to representatives from various clans for traveling great distances to attend the assembly despite the hardships. Zu An secretly sneered, thinking, “Isn’t this clearly a summons to gather all clan representatives in the Royal Court to test their loyalty? Who would dare not come?”

However, there were indeed exceptions. For instance, the Dragon King of the Sea Clan and the Demon King of the Demon Clan did not attend personally, only sending representatives. This demonstrated the immense power of these two clans, as they did not fear the Demon Emperor.

Furthermore, for clans like the Lion and Tiger Clans, although their chiefs had arrived, the rising young talents such as the West Lion and North Tiger did not attend. Evidently, they were concerned about unforeseen incidents at the Royal Court this time, so they kept their most capable successors within their respective clans to avoid being wiped out in one go.

Next, the Demon Emperor announced his choice of Crown Prince Golden Crow as his successor. After the representatives from various clans determined their allocated spots, the succession ceremony would commence. He expressed his hope that all clans would continue to support Crown Prince Golden Crow as always.

Crown Prince Golden Crow proudly surveyed the entire venue, accepting congratulations and reverence from all clans.

Below the high platform, the Second Prince's face was filled with indignation. He immediately lowered his head, his expression gloomy, lost in thought.

The Third, Fourth, and Youngest Princes beside him, however, had normal expressions. This was because, regardless of their age, qualifications, or abilities, they had no right to contend for the throne.

“It sounds nice, but it’s just forcing the clans to pledge loyalty to the new Emperor,” Yun Jianyue scoffed. “That Golden Crow bastard has been making a mess of things lately, and it didn’t affect his decision at all?”

Yu Yanluo said, “From my recent interactions with people from various clans, it seems the Demon Emperor was very fond of the late Great Demon Empress. Naturally, his love for Crown Prince Golden Crow, her own son, stems from that affection.”

Yun Jianyue was somewhat surprised. “I didn’t expect this Demon Emperor to be a devoted person. Compared to some people, he’s noble beyond compare.”

As she spoke, she cast a sidelong glance at Zu An.

Zu An broke into a cold sweat. “His devotion is just talk. After the Great Demon Empress passed away, didn’t he still take many concubines, including a beauty like the Little Demon Empress?”

Yun Jianyue snorted, “Men are indeed all no good.”

Zu An: “...”

This woman clearly had no romantic experience herself; what man in this world would dare to wrong her?

Yet, she appeared so cynical.

Yan Xuehen spoke up, “Actually, Crown Prince Golden Crow is quite exceptional. To have such cultivation and combat power at his age is remarkable. He just had bad luck, losing to Ah Zu twice in a row.”

Zu An looked embarrassed. “Ah, it’s rare for Sister Yan to praise me like this.”

“Who’s praising you?” Yan Xuehen retorted, spitting lightly. “You only beat him because your cultivation technique happened to counter his. Against other masters, your combat power might not surpass Crown Prince Golden Crow’s.” Her face flushed, and she turned her head away, no longer paying attention to him.

Yun Jianyue, who was beside them, looked puzzled. She had a feeling that the Ice Stone Maiden had been different lately, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint how.

Seeming to sense the suspicious atmosphere in the air, Zu An’s heart skipped a beat. Worried that Yan Xuehen might turn against him if things were exposed, he quickly changed the subject. “The Demon Emperor is transferring the throne to the Crown Prince so quickly. Is he on his last legs, about to die?”

Although the Demon Emperor appeared old and frail, it seemed unlikely that he would die within a day or two.

Yun Jianyue’s attention was indeed captured. She explained, “Not necessarily. After his abdication, he should be able to focus on recuperation, which might even prolong his life.”

Zu An was somewhat puzzled. “But wasn’t it said that during the succession ceremony, the old Demon Emperor would transfer all his cultivation to the new Demon Emperor? Could he still live afterward? Even if his life is spared, it’s another question whether the new Demon Emperor would tolerate him.”

Among the demon races, strength is paramount, and there is not much emphasis on loyalty, filial piety, or integrity. It is common for sons to assassinate their fathers and usurp the throne in various clans. Many even incorporate all of their fathers' concubines into their own harems, which everyone has grown accustomed to.

“That’s unclear,” Yun Jianyue said, her phoenix eyes slightly furrowed. “The Demon Emperor’s succession ritual is only rumored; no one has personally witnessed it, so we don’t know the specifics.”

At this moment, the Demon Emperor on the high platform began to offer sacrifices to his ancestors and to heaven. After completing all these rites, he departed with the Little Demon Empress.

The assembly was then presided over by the Crown Prince and Blacktooth Fei.

Soon, it was time for the highly anticipated drawing of lots for the representatives’ matchups. Those eager to secure more spots prayed for a favorable draw. After all, over the years, various scenarios had occurred: some powerful clan representatives were eliminated early due to encountering stronger opponents too soon, while conversely, some representatives from weaker clans had encountered only weak opponents along the way and, by coincidence, successfully won their spots.

Zu An accompanied Yu Yanluo onto the stage for the drawing. As they arrived, Blacktooth Fei greeted them outwardly but quietly asked, “Queen Medusa, have you met Blacktooth Gu from my clan?”

Yu Yanluo nodded, her expression unchanged, and replied, “We met once. We gambled for stones together the night before last in Bi Garden.”

“Oh, and did you see him again after leaving Bi Garden?” Blacktooth Fei stared at her quietly.

Yu Yanluo was no ordinary person, so naturally, she showed no hint of a flaw. “No, I haven’t. Why do you ask, Grand Minister?”

“Nothing, just draw your lots,” Blacktooth Fei said indifferently.

Yu Yanluo gestured for Zu An to proceed. Zu An said with a grin, “My luck has always been good; I’m sure I’ll draw a favorable lot.”

With that, he casually drew three lots. Upon seeing them, those around him immediately cast sympathetic glances his way:

“Meeting someone from the Lion Clan so soon! It looks like the Serpent Clan will only get one spot again this time.”

“And he said he had good luck? His luck couldn’t be worse!”

Listening to the murmuring crowd, Blacktooth Fei revealed a faint, unreadable smile.

Only Zu An sneered inwardly. These fools had no idea that for him, drawing the Lion Clan was the best possible outcome.