New characters in this chapter:
Ruo Yin
A fierce and enigmatic figure, Ruo Yin is the Demon Princess and adopted daughter of the Demon Lord, You Xie. Orphaned at a young age, she was taken in by You Xie, due to unknown reasons. Known for her lethal combat skills and sharp intellect, Ruo Yin is a master tactician despite her youth, often earning the grudging respect of even the most seasoned warriors. Her beauty is cold and haunting. However, beneath her ruthless exterior, Ruo Yin hides a vulnerability—a longing for true belonging and loyalty that she has never fully experienced. Torn between her adoptive father's manipulative grip and her own desires for freedom, she is at a crossroads, struggling to define her path in the Demon Realm.
You Xie
The Demon Lord, You Xie, is a charismatic and ambitious leader. But behind his alluring smile and golden words lies a cruel and calculating mind, ever scheming to expand his power and influence. You Xie's demeanor is calm, almost regal, and he wields authority with an iron fist disguised beneath a velvet glove. His ruthlessness is legendary, and his secret agenda involves more than just ruling the Demon Realm.
Sky Emperor
The ruler of the Sky Clan, Sky Emperor is a leader of great skill and wisdom, but his volatile temper often overshadows his ability to rule with clarity. A ruler who demands perfection from all those around him, he has earned the respect of the clans of the Immortal Realm, though at times his erratic moods and impatience make his allies wary. His rule is marked by both brilliance and unpredictability, and his desire to protect his clan sometimes leads him to make difficult, morally ambiguous choices. He walks a fine line between justice and control.
Sky Empress
The quiet yet powerful Sky Empress, hails from the Bird Clan, a group of graceful immortals known for their connection to the skies. Soft-spoken and benevolent, she carries an aura of gentle strength, beloved by those who know her. In contrast to her husband, the Sky Emperor, she is a woman of deep empathy, tending to the needs of her people with unwavering kindness. However, her calm exterior hides a sharp intellect and a deep understanding of the political webs that surround her. Her love for the Sky Emperor is unwavering, but she often struggles with his temperamental nature. Despite her quiet presence, the Empress wields influence in the court through her wisdom and emotional intelligence, often mediating between her husband and their subjects.
Zhan Luo
Zhan Luo, the War Deity, is a figure of legend in the Sky Clan, known for his unmatched prowess in battle. He resides in the remote Kunlun Mountain, where he trains relentlessly, honing his martial skills to perfection. Unlike other deities who often engage in court politics, Zhan Luo remains a solitary figure, detached from the intrigues of the Immortal Realm. His heart is bound by a personal code of honor and duty, which has led him to live apart from others. His reputation as a warrior is unrivaled.
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Five Thousand Years Ago
"Keep calm and breathe, Ruo Yin," she thought, her palms damp as she followed Demon Lord You Xie toward the towering gates of the Sky Clan's palace.
This was her first time in the Immortal Realm's most sacred territory—and her first time attending an event uninvited. Well, dragged here, to be precise. The Demon Lord had insisted she accompany him to the annual reunion of the Immortal Realm's leaders, despite not receiving an invitation from the Sky Emperor himself.
Ruo Yin's stomach churned. This can't end well. She tried to focus on anything but the bile rising in her throat. What's worse? Vomiting in front of the Demon Lord or doing it in front of all the clan leaders?
Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted when You Xie stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His crimson robes seemed to smolder in the sunlight, an extension of his commanding presence.
"Ruo Yin," he said, his tone calm but cutting, "do not disgrace the Demon Clan. Any misstep from you will be seen as a failure for all of us. And failure is not an option."
Ruo Yin's chest tightened. Great. Choice one: embarrass myself. Choice two: disgrace my entire clan. Wonderful options. She forced a nod, her throat too dry to speak. You Xie smirked faintly, satisfied, and resumed his confident stride toward the grand hall.
As they walked, memories surfaced unbidden. Five thousand years had passed since the revolt that claimed her parents' lives. They had died protecting You Xie from a coalition of immortals who sought his head. She had been just a child, too young to fight, too small to save them.
In the aftermath, You Xie had taken her in, declaring her a princess of the Demon Clan. His decision had been met with resentment from his consorts, who whispered that she was nothing but a charity case, a pawn in his schemes. But Ruo Yin refused to let herself be seen that way. Her parents had been renowned warriors, and she vowed to honor their legacy. She threw herself into training, earning her place among the Demon Clan's generals.
Still, the court whispers persisted. Some claimed she was too beautiful and would inevitably be used as a political tool. When the Demon Lord summoned her to join him at the reunion, she realized those whispers had been prophetic.
Goodbye, freedom, she thought bitterly as they stepped inside the Sky Clan's palace.
The reunion hall was grand, its walls lined with murals of celestial battles and victories. The air was heavy with unspoken tensions. Every clan leader was present, their gazes sharp as they turned toward the unexpected arrivals.
"You Xie pays homage to the Sky Emperor and Empress," the Demon Lord declared, bowing with a fluid grace that belied his cruel reputation.
Ruo Yin followed his lead, bowing low.
But the Sky Emperor's face darkened. "What insolence is this, Demon Lord?" he thundered, pointing an accusing finger at Ruo Yin. "Do you think this is a party where you can bring whoever you please?"
Ruo Yin flinched, lowering her head further. The Sky Emperor's booming voice rattled her nerves. Are all immortals this terrifying?
She dared a glance around the room and noticed that most of the attendees had lowered their heads, unwilling to meet the emperor's gaze. Most, but not all. From the corner of her eye, she caught an intense stare. Someone—tall, clad in dark grey and black robes, exuding quiet authority—was watching her.
The War Deity? she thought, her heart skipping a beat. Why was he staring?
"My Emperor," You Xie said smoothly, his voice cutting through the tension, "she is not just anyone. This is Princess Ruo Yin of the Demon Clan."
"I don't recall any of your consorts giving you a child," the Sky Emperor replied, his tone icy.
"I adopted her," You Xie said, unfazed. "Her parents perished in the revolt five thousand years ago. They were among my most loyal soldiers. I honored their sacrifice by taking her in as my own flesh and blood."
The Sky Emperor's expression grew stormier. "And what is your purpose in bringing her here? Surely, you don't expect anyone to believe you'd pass your throne to a girl."
"Of course not," You Xie replied with a diplomatic smile. "But as everyone knows, rumors persist of discord between our clans. I brought her to propose a union—a way to dispel those rumors once and for all."
Ruo Yin's stomach dropped. He's using me to negotiate a marriage. That is why I am dressed like one of them.
The Sky Emperor's face reddened further. "Do you take this reunion for a matchmaking festival, Demon Lord?" he snapped.
The room fell into a tense silence. Then, unexpectedly, the War Deity stepped forward.
"Sky Emperor," Zhan Luo said, his voice calm but commanding, "may I speak?"
The Sky Emperor gestured for him to continue.
"The traditions of the Sky Clan are strict, and an outsider would face significant challenges. However, as the War Deity, I spend most of my time at Kunlun Mountain, away from court politics. I propose a solution: let me take Princess Ruo Yin as my bride. She will live with me in seclusion, where she can adapt to our ways without disrupting the clan. This would satisfy both sides and demonstrate unity between our clans."
The Sky Emperor's glare softened into contemplation. "If the Demon Lord agrees, I have no objections."
You Xie smiled faintly, clearly recalculating his plans. "I find this arrangement acceptable," he said.
Before Ruo Yin could object or even open her mouth, she felt a strong hand grabbing her arm and dragging her out the reunion hall.
The War Deity led Ruo Yin to a quiet pavilion overlooking a lotus pond. The serene setting contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions swirling within her.
"What was that?" she burst out, unable to contain herself. "You ran out of the hall without giving me a chance to speak!"
Zhan Luo turned, his gaze sharp. "And what would you have said? Do you have some brilliant strategy to outwit the Demon Lord and the Sky Emperor in the same breath?"
"I'm not some helpless damsel," she shot back, her voice rising. "I'm the best strategist in the Demon Clan!"
"Then you should have seen this coming," he replied, stepping closer. "Do you think that dressing as one of us would actually make you one of us?" His presence was overwhelming, but Ruo Yin refused to back down.
"I could've handled it," she muttered, though even she wasn't sure how. The red tattoo around her neck that marked her as a member of the Demon Clan suddenly felt hot. She felt like a sore thumb sticking out with her white and gold robes.
Zhan Luo smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You may be smart, but you had no plan. Consider this arrangement a favor. Your freedom, in exchange for a name-only marriage. At Kunlun Mountain, you'll be far from the Demon Lord's control."
Ruo Yin blinked, his words sinking in. "Why would you do that?" she asked cautiously.
"You seem like a smart girl with no choice, I thought about giving you one," he said simply. "This is your chance to step off the board."
For a moment, Ruo Yin didn't know what to say. She had expected manipulation or cruelty—not this.
"Fine," she said at last, her voice firm. "But don't think for a second that I trust you."
Zhan Luo chuckled. "Trust is earned, Princess. Let's see if you're as clever as you look."
He walked away, leaving Ruo Yin alone by the pond. Her mind raced as she stared at her reflection in the still water. Am I rewriting my destiny—or just stepping into another trap?