At the foot of Hollow Ridge stood a group of demon cultivators. Upon closer inspection, they were all prominent demon cultivators from the Spiritual Immortal Realm, usually fierce and formidable figures. However, at this moment, they stood here smiling warmly to welcome guests.

At the forefront was the Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley. As a trusted confidant of Wu Yimei, the important task of welcoming guests was entrusted to him. He had an extremely ugly appearance, but today he wasn't wearing his usual ominous black robe; instead, he wore a colorful robe that, combined with his ugly face, appeared somewhat comical.

Seeing someone approaching, the Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley grinned sinisterly and said, "Little Qi, you're here."

The newcomer was the Sect Master of the White Mist Sect. However, the White Mist Sect was considered a small demon sect in the Spiritual Immortal Realm. Before the Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley, Sect Master Qi trembled and stammered, "I-I've come to congratulate the Demon Lord. These are gifts, just small tokens of respect."

Although the Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley didn't hold Sect Master Qi in high regard, he had received orders. Today, no matter who came, they had to be properly greeted, ensuring nothing spoiled the Lord's happiness. Therefore, he put on a polite smile and said casually, "Alright, you can go up! Leave your gifts here; someone will take care of them."

Sect Master Qi felt that the smile was extremely terrifying. He wiped his sweat and instructed his subordinates to place the gifts down before ascending the mountain.

The demon cultivators beside the Valley Master held a small red-covered notebook, recording all of Sect Master Qi's gifts. Later, these gifts would be sent to the demon palace treasury.

After nearly half a day, the densely written list of gifts almost filled in the notebook.

The Demon Lord was currently at the peak of his influence in the Spiritual Immortal Realm. Moreover, marrying the number one individual in the world, the Gentleman of Jade, naturally attracted congratulations from all demon sects.

As long as one wanted to thrive in the demon path of the Spiritual Immortal Realm, who would dare not to come?

The muscles on the face of the Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley twitched as he laughed heartily. Suddenly, his expression changed drastically as a group of white-robed sword cultivators approached on their flying swords. When they reached a certain distance from Hollow Ridge, they descended and walked to the foot of the mountain.

The Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley's expression turned grave as he glanced over with a murderous intent. Which insignificant righteous sect dared to cause trouble on the Lord's wedding day? They must be tired of living!

The other demon cultivators beside him were also on high alert, radiating killing intent!

The Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley swiftly gripped his weapon, preparing to take action. However, upon seeing the visitors clearly, his expression froze, caught in a dilemma.

The visitors were from the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion.

At the forefront was the white-bearded Senior Ming Yin, followed by a group of disciples in white clothes carrying jade swords on their backs. These disciples were also carrying several boxes, looking no different from those who came to deliver gifts.

Most importantly, these were Xie Huai’s relatives!

As long as the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion didn't make a move, he wouldn't dare to attack first. Even if they did, they wouldn't dare to retaliate...!

What were the people from the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion here for?

Could it be they came to attend the wedding?

The muscles on the Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley's face twitched, bitterness evident. After a while, he coughed lightly and nervously stepped forward to intercept Senior Ming Yin, asking in a low voice, "Why has Senior come today?"

The other demon cultivators also stood ready.

Senior Ming Yin remained calm and amiable, saying, "Xie Huai is my disciple. Today, he is getting married. As his master, I have come to offer my congratulations. Please inform the Valley Master."

What? They came to offer congratulations for real?

The expressions of the demon cultivators turned strange.

Confused.

When Xie Huai left the sect for the Demon Lord, it was well-known to the world. Now that Yu Yijun was marrying the Demon Lord, it was equivalent to marrying into their demon sect. Naturally, there was no longer any connection with the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion. Generally, when righteous sects encountered such matters, they would clean house. Even if they didn't, there was no reason for them to come to offer congratulations...?

They felt something was amiss and feared there might be a trap.

However, they dared not make decisions privately; they still needed to uphold the authority of the Lord and Yu Yijun.

The Valley Master of the Scarlet Flame Valley said in a deep voice, "Senior, please wait here. Let me inform the others."

With that, he gestured, and a demon cultivator swiftly ran up the mountain.

*

Wu Yimei left with his entourage.

Only Fang Li and Xie Huai remained in the bridal chamber.

Xie Huai embraced Fang Li's waist, his voice hoarse as he whispered in Fang Li's ear, "The wedding is imminent."

Fang Li felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

Xie Huai's warm breath fell on Fang Li's ear, causing his cheeks to blush slightly. He felt as though Xie Huai was hinting at something.

These days, he had been teased quite a bit...

Thinking that today was his wedding day after all, he had to uphold the dignity of the Demon Lord, right? So, he pushed Xie Huai, making him sit by the edge of the bed. Kneeling beside him, Fang Li lifted Xie Huai's chin playfully and said in a teasing tone, "Today, this Lord will pamper the number one beauty in the world..."

Xie Huai gazed at the youth's jade-like face. The faint smile on his pale lips carried a hint of allure, and his eyes darkened slightly. His voice low and husky, he asked, "Oh? How does the Lord plan to pamper me?"

Fang Li gazed into Xie Huai's cool and restrained exquisite face, meeting his deep black eyes, feeling somewhat nervous. He cleared his throat and said, "Let this Lord think about it..."

Suddenly, Xie Huai grabbed Fang Li's hand.

Fang Li fell down accidentally, and the man's cold face approached, firmly holding Fang Li in his arms. With a smile in his black eyes, he asked, "Like this?"

Fang Li's face suddenly turned red.

In his impulsive moment of verbal playfulness, when he didn't know what to do, Xie Huai tilted his head and kissed Fang Li's lips.

The neatly arranged red silk on the bed was messed up again, full of wrinkles.

Fang Li's eyes were misty with a layer of water, slightly unfocused. It was only after Wu Yimei had tidied up here that if he saw the mess again, he would be angry...

But who cared about that now?

Xie Huai intertwined his fingers with Fang Li's.

Just as the two were deeply engrossed in their kiss —

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, Wu Yimei's voice coming from outside: "Your Majesty, Senior Ming Yin requests an audience."

Fang Li's movements abruptly stopped.

Xie Huai's face also changed slightly.

The two looked at each other.

Fang Li quickly left Xie Huai's embrace, swiftly tidied up his clothes, and then said in a deep voice, "Where is Senior now?"

Wu Yimei replied, "Waiting at the foot of the mountain."

This was Xie Huai's master. Regardless of the reason for his visit, he couldn't be neglected. Fang Li didn't hesitate and said, "Quickly, please ask Senior to come up."

Wu Yimei acknowledged, "Yes."

After instructing Wu Yimei, Fang Li turned to Xie Huai with some guilt and worry.

Originally, on such an important occasion, Xie Huai's master should have been present. However, because Xie Huai had left his sect for him, unable to invite the people from the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion over, there wasn't a single person from Xie Huai's sect by his side... Fang Li had been feeling guilty about this, and for Xie Huai, it must have been a regrettable situation.

Fang Li truly hoped that Senior Ming Yin would come, but now that he was here, Fang Li felt somewhat apprehensive. Could it be that Mingyin Senior couldn't bear it and came to stop Xie Huai from marrying him?

He believed in Xie Huai's feelings for him.

But if on such an important day, Xie Huai had to make such a difficult choice and face his master's reproach, how guilty and painful Xie Huai must be?

Fang Li felt a pang in his heart.

He almost wanted to say he didn't want to see him anymore...

Xie Huai's face also looked serious. He stood quietly there, then turned to see Fang Li's worried expression, showing a slight smile and comforting him, "It's all right. Master is not an unreasonable person."

Fang Li sighed softly.

Clearly, Xie Huai was the one in a difficult position, yet he still had to comfort Fang Li.

*

Not long after, Wu Yimei brought Senior Ming Yin.

Fang Li and Xie Huai stood at the door to welcome him.

Although he was nervous inside, Fang Li tried his best to maintain his composure on the surface and politely said, "Senior has come from afar, and I apologize for not welcoming you properly. Please don't blame us."

Senior Ming Yin glanced at Fang Li.

The young man in front of him was humble and respectful, without the airs of a Demon Lord, and even seemed a bit nervous and apprehensive, like a child facing an elder and afraid of being scolded... Senior Ming Yin’s expression was complex.

In fact, he didn't come here today to stop the wedding.

That day, when the Holy Venerable led the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance to attack Hollow Ridge, he didn't hesitate to use evil methods to kill thousands of people. Among those killed by the Holy Venerable were many unsuspecting members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. At that moment, Senior Ming Yin no longer doubted Xie Huai's words.

Xie Huai was telling the truth. The Holy Venerable was the mastermind behind the scenes. Initially, he could ruthlessly sacrifice thousands of innocent people to obtain treasures, and now he could sacrifice so many righteous cultivators to defeat Fang Li. They were all being used by the Supreme Saint.

Senior Ming Yin didn't know why the Holy Venerable had died, but he knew that his actions were doomed to be unacceptable to the heavens.

The Demon Lord was indeed not at fault in this matter... But considering the sins the Demon Lord had committed in the past and the grievances between him and the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, Senior Ming Yin still couldn't accept it.

Until he received Xie Huai's letter.

 

Xie Huai told him in the letter that Fang Li was not a despised Demon Lord, but rather a visitor from beyond the heavens. Everything he did was to comply with the will of heaven.

After becoming the Demon Lord, Fang Li not only did not commit any atrocities, but also did his best to save many people. He also had the heart to protect living beings... He and Fang Li shared the same intentions, had pledged a lifelong commitment, and would never be separated in life and death. In this life, Xie Huai could no longer return to the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, but he didn't want his master to misunderstand him. Whether his master believed him or not, the truth should be told.

Senior Ming Yin chose to believe Xie Huai.

When Xie Huai pointed out that the Holy Venerable was the mastermind behind the scenes, no one believed it because it sounded too absurd. But the truth proved that what Xie Huai said was true. Now that the Holy Venerable was dead, no one in the world could threaten the Demon Lord anymore. Xie Huai chose to tell him the truth, which was a sign of trust, and he also trusted this disciple he had taught himself not to disappoint him.

Moreover, when he recalled the Demon Lord who despised them during the siege of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, he was cruel and ruthless, unlike the person in front of him... If this Demon Lord was truly different from the previous one and had no blood on his hands and saved living beings from fire and water, then what reason did he have to stop Xie Huai from being with him?

Regardless of how others viewed it, cultivators needed to adhere to their original intentions.

What mattered was the right and the wrong, not positions.

Moreover, if Fang Li truly had the intention of pacifying and reconciling, it would be a fortunate event for the Spirit Immortal Realm.

Since Xie Huai had made a decision, Senior Ming Yin, as his master, didn't want his beloved disciple to feel cold-hearted and finally decided to come to attend the wedding.

"Your Majesty, there's no need to be polite. It's just that I came uninvited and disturbed Your Majesty..." Senior Ming Yin faced Fang Li and spoke slowly, "After all, Xie Huai is my disciple. How could I not come on his wedding day?"

Fang Li widened his eyes slowly.

Senior Ming Yin had come to attend the wedding? Not to stop Xie Huai from being with him?

He felt a little at a loss and looked at Xie Huai.

Xie Huai was also surprised, then showed a touch of emotion, and his lips trembled slightly.

After the battle that day, he didn't want his master to misunderstand, so he wrote a letter to him, hiding the origin of this world and Fang Li's identity as a transmigrator, but telling him everything else.

This reason seemed too absurd and even more unbelievable than the Holy Venerable being the mastermind behind the scenes. He wasn't sure if his master would believe it, but it was the only thing he could do. Even if his master didn't believe it, he wanted to tell his master that the person he loved was not an enemy of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion.

He didn't expect his master to come in person.

Actually, as long as his master said he believed it, Xie Huai would be satisfied. After all, Senior Ming Yin was the head of the Immortal Sect, and everything he did represented the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion. How could he attend the Demon Lord's wedding? Such behaviour would be courting disaster.

But he didn't expect his master to really come.

Senior Ming Yin looked at Xie Huai with tenderness. This child had grown up under his care, with a firm heart and extraordinary will. Although he was young, he didn't show his emotions easily. At this moment, he also showed a touch of emotion, showing that he had the heart of the sect.

How could he bear to let this child be disappointed?

Senior Ming Yin gently patted Xie Huai's hand and said in a hoarse voice, "You've suffered."

Xie Huai replied, "I'm fine."

He didn't care how the world viewed him. As long as the person he cared about believed in him, it was enough.

Senior Ming Yin shook his head, then turned to Fang Li and said, "Your Majesty, you are not willing to harm others even when faced with misunderstandings, showing true compassion. As cultivators, we should not be unable to distinguish right from wrong. If we continue to antagonize each other and cause turmoil in the Spirit Immortal Realm, then we would be the sinners of the Spirit Immortal Realm... The Cloudbank Keep Pavilion is willing to lay down past grievances and come to reconciliation with you, Your Majesty, to bring peace to the Spirit Immortal Realm."

Fang Li's expression became serious, and he said word by word, "Your intentions are appreciated, Senior."

He understood Senior Ming Yin’s intention now.

Truly worthy of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, with a broad mind.

While other sects were watching in fear and hesitation, the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion was willing to come and congratulate him, seemingly just for Xie Huai, but the deeper meaning was to change the current situation of the Spirit Immortal Realm, to set aside deep-rooted prejudices, and to reconcile with him, the Demon Lord.

Truly compassionate towards living beings.

Who would want to fight each other when they could live in peace? Fang Li didn't intend to exterminate them all, but he was worried that those sects might be stubborn and unwilling to let go of their pride, insisting on making trouble for him. He wouldn't sit idly by and would inevitably encounter some trouble then.

The fact that the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion was willing to set aside past grievances and come to negotiate was exactly what Fang Li had hoped for.

The beginning of everything was difficult, but with the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion taking the lead, although those sects might not change immediately, perhaps over time, things would change a bit?

This was a good start!

Fang Li naturally agreed fully.

Senior Ming Yin saw Fang Li's sincerity and was very pleased. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "As for Huai'er, I'll leave him to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will treat him kindly."

Xie Huai had always been single-minded. Once he decided on something, he wouldn't turn back, and even if he was injured, he wouldn't complain... Now, trapped by love, willing to enter the demon's den alone, Senior Ming Yin was worried, afraid that this child would suffer grievances.

Fang Li's expression froze, almost choking. He gave Xie Huai a complicated look and immediately said solemnly, "I cherish the Gentleman of Jade deeply and will treat him well. Please rest assured, Senior!"

Xie Huai pursed his lips and smiled at his master, saying, "You can rest assured about this."

Senior Ming Yin, seeing the loving relationship between the two, and that the Demon Lord did not look down on Xie Huai despite his love, but instead respected and cared for him, felt relieved and smiled, "That's good then."

*

In the spacious and magnificent main hall of the Demon Palace, numerous red silk curtains hung down, swaying in the wind, and the red candles reflected off the pearls, making the place shine brightly.

Several chairs were placed on both sides in front of the main hall.

On the left side sat Fang Mingyuan and Xin Ruiyan, while on the right side sat Senior Ming Yin.

After much hesitation, Fang Mingyuan and his wife finally decided to come here.

But they were just ordinary people after all, surrounded by demons, and couldn't help feeling nervous and uneasy. However, they didn't expect Senior Ming Yin to come too, and suddenly, much of their unease dissipated.

Senior Ming Yin was the master of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, a prestigious figure in the orthodox cultivator world, highly respected in the Spirit Immortal Realm. The fact that he was willing to attend the Demon Lord and the Gentleman of Jade’s wedding showed that their feelings were not wrong.

The Demon Lord was definitely not a bad person!

Wuyimei and Dou Mong stood on either side separately.

Many other demon cultivators crowded on both sides. They first looked at Fang Mingyuan and his wife, then were surprised to see Senior Ming Yin. They really didn't expect a righteous sect to come to congratulate! Although the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion was Xie Huai's former sect... but after all, immortals and demons were different paths...

Was the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion's magnanimity a bit too much?

The sword cultivators of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion, who were usually full of hatred for them, were now standing together to attend the wedding, making them feel as if they were in a dream... But since the disciples of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion didn't make a move, they naturally wouldn't either.

The bride's family had come, so they should be courteous, right?

Thinking about it this way, wasn't it like being related by marriage?

Although the thoughts of the two groups were different, they surprisingly got along peacefully, forming a strange yet peaceful scene.

Outside, a loud bell rang.

Under the expectant gaze of everyone, Fang Li and Xie Huai, dressed in red robes, entered the hall together.

Ceremonial demon cultivators respectfully presented a jade plate, on which lay a golden paper talisman and a small knife, and said respectfully, "The auspicious time has come. Please, Your Majesty and Gentleman of Jade, complete the contract."

Fang Li smiled at Xie Huai, took the small knife, and cut his fingertip, squeezing out a drop of his life essence blood, which dripped onto the golden paper talisman.

Xie Huai also squeezed out his life essence blood and dripped it onto the paper talisman.

The golden paper talisman absorbed the life essence blood of the two and instantly emitted a dazzling light, displaying two golden characters, which swiftly entered Fang Li's and Xie Huai's eyebrows.

In that instant, Fang Li could feel the intimate connection between himself and Xie Huai, their hearts and minds intertwined.

The ceremonial demon cultivator said respectfully, "The contract is complete. Congratulations, Your Majesty, and congratulations, Gentleman of Jade."

The hall resounded with waves of congratulations, creating a joyous atmosphere.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Gentleman of Jade!"

Soon, many demon servants brought delicious food and fine wine for everyone to enjoy.

At first, the disciples of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion were a bit reserved and couldn't relax, standing there in a dilemma. Soon, someone came over to offer them wine.

The demon cultivator, with a flushed face clearly affected by the alcohol, draped his arm around the neck of a disciple of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion and said, "Brother, you are Xie Huai's family, which means you are His Majesty's family too, and that makes you my family too. Tonight, we won't go home until we're drunk!"

The disciple of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion: "..."

Seeing that the wine cups were almost being thrust into their faces, and considering it was a festive occasion, they didn't want to dampen their senior brother's spirits. Eventually, they picked up their wine cups and drank.

This set the tone.

Soon, the disciples of the Cloudbank Keep Pavilion were surrounded by a group of demon cultivators, each offering them a cup of wine, and before long, they were drunk.

Senior Ming Yin shook his head helplessly.

Fang Li watched this scene of joy and harmony, feeling very pleased in his heart.

The demon cultivators came one after another to offer toasts. Fang Li was in a good mood and drank a few more cups, his face showing a slight blush.

Seeing someone else coming over, Xie Huai suddenly raised his hand and said lightly, "Your Majesty can't drink anymore."

The demon cultivator thought to himself that Y Xie Huai was really lenient; he even had to control His Majesty's drinking. How would the days be in the future? However, since His Majesty obeyed Xie Huai, he quickly smiled awkwardly and slipped away.

Fang Li grumbled, "I can still drink."

Xie Huai glanced deeply at him, his eyes slightly dark, and whispered in Fang Li's ear, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that there's something more important today?"

Fang Li turned his head in a daze, "What's that?"

Xie Huai smiled.

Then he led Fang Li away from the main hall and back to their bridal chamber. With one hand, he pressed Fang Li onto the edge of the bed, leaned over, and whispered in his ear, "Tonight is our wedding night."

Fang Li suddenly sobered up, his ears turning slightly red. Although he and Xie Huai had practiced together many times, at this moment, it felt different. With the person in front of him, their hearts and minds connected, and the other getting closer, he became more sensitive...

Just a light laugh, just a breath, made his heart tremble.

As Xie Huai leaned closer...

Fang Li suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, shouldn't we destroy the Yin-Yang Jade? It's a menace to keep it, shouldn't we get rid of it?"

Xie Huai paused and said, "This was made by the Holy Lord. We tried before, but couldn't destroy it. However..."

Fang Li looked at him.

Xie Huai raised his lips slightly and said, "...when we become True Immortals of the Joint Path, we should be able to destroy it."

Fang Li suddenly realized and nodded in agreement.

Xie Huai lowered his head, his lips brushing Fang Li's ear, his voice low and hoarse, with a profound meaning, "To be able to destroy that menace sooner, we should strive to cultivate. We're not far from becoming True Immortals of the Joint Path."

Fang Li took a deep breath, his eyes twinkling, and smiled, "Madam is right."

Xie Huai's eyes suddenly changed, a hint of danger in his gaze. Then he lifted his lips, waved his hand, and a red veil dropped down...

He leaned down and kissed Fang Li's eyelashes, saying slowly, "It seems that tonight, I need to serve Your Majesty well."

 

Translator : DarNan