New characters in this chapter:
Ruo Yin's Father:
A member of the Demon Clan of quiet strength, Ruo Yin's father was not born into nobility but rose through the ranks by sheer determination and skill. As a young soldier, he served under Fei Yan's father's command, proving his mettle in countless battles. His loyalty and quick thinking in the heat of battle earned him the respect of his superiors, and eventually, he was promoted to one of the esteemed generals of the Demon Lord, You Xie.
Although he was not a towering figure, Ruo Yin's father possessed a sharp mind and a steady hand, always thinking several steps ahead on the battlefield. He was known for his practicality and a deep sense of duty, which sometimes made him appear detached from the political scheming of the higher ranks. His ability to command respect without resorting to fear was a testament to his character. While he rarely showed his emotions, those close to him knew him to be a man of deep compassion, particularly toward his family. His death, fighting for the Demon Clan, would leave an indelible mark on Ruo Yin, shaping the person she would become.
Fei Yan:
Fei Yan was a member of the Demon Clan of exceptional intellect and skill, molded by a legacy of warriors who had served the Demon Lords for generations. Raised in the heart of the Demon Clan's military, she was well-versed in the art of combat and the intricacies of strategy from a young age. Her father, a respected general under the previous Demon Lord, taught her the importance of discipline, while her mother, equally adept in military tactics, instilled in her the value of foresight and cunning.
Fei Yan was a formidable presence on the battlefield. Tall and lean, her movements were precise and calculated, like a predator stalking its prey. Though she was known for her strength and combat prowess, it was her strategic brilliance that truly set her apart. She could read the flow of battle as easily as one reads a book, always knowing where to strike and when to pull back. To those who underestimated her because of her calm demeanor, she was a force to be reckoned with.
While she often appeared stoic and focused on her duties, her love for her family ran deep. She cared fiercely for her husband and daughter, though her devotion was often masked by the responsibilities she carried as a military leader. In her final moments, she showed a mother's heart, fiercely protecting Ruo Yin and ensuring her safety, even if it meant laying down her own life.
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The night before the wedding, Ruo Yin found herself unable to sleep, her mind restless after the Demon Lord's revelation. She tossed and turned in her bed, unable to shake the feeling that something about You Xie's story didn't sit right with her. It wasn't just doubt—it was as if some hidden part of her was whispering that he had lied. But why would he lie to her? She was a member of the Demon Clan, someone he could easily ask for help, unless... unless he was plotting something far more destructive. Was he trying to bring down the entire Immortal Realm?
"Then why did I promise Zhan Luo?" Ruo Yin's thoughts spiraled.
She began to analyze her actions over the past few months, and it struck her how often she had contradicted herself. She had no idea whether she was losing her mind or just caught in a web of confusion.
"Stupid Ruo Yin. Stop overthinking!" she muttered to herself, clutching her pillow and muffling a frustrated scream. "Just believe You Xie and follow through with the plan. Marry that bastard and make the Sky Clan pay!"
Lying back on her bed, staring at the ceiling, Ruo Yin tried to steady her thoughts. No matter how hard she concentrated, the memories of five thousand years ago remained out of reach. The last clear recollection she had of her parents was the day before the incident—when they had visited General Zhang, an old friend of her late grandfather. Then… nothing. The next memory was the decree naming her as the new princess of the Demon Clan, alongside the news that her parents were dead. But she couldn't remember who had brought her the news.
"Did You Xie really come that day and tell me about my parents' death, or did I imagine it? Why can't I remember anything about that day? It's as if someone wiped my memories clean… but who? And why?"
The more Ruo Yin thought about it, the more questions flooded her mind. Had everyone been hiding something from her all along? She wasn't sure if You Xie had lied to her, but he had seemed so sincere when he spoke. Or at least, that was the impression he had given. But Ruo Yin knew better than to trust him completely. He was a manipulator, a deceiver. What if he had used her feelings for her parents to control her? And what of Zhan Luo? Why had he insisted she promise loyalty to him? Was it to make the deal seem more balanced, or did he have his own hidden motives?
"Ugh!" she groaned, rolling over onto her side, her eyelids growing heavy. Sleep was creeping in, but the weight of her thoughts still clung to her. "I'll find my answers…" she whispered to herself, just before drifting into slumber.
That night, Ruo Yin's dreams carried her back to a simpler time. She was sparring with her father, the sunlight filtering through the trees as their mother watched from the sidelines. As always, her father won the match.
"Father, you always win! It's not fair!" Ruo Yin pouted, hands on her hips in mock indignation.
Her father laughed, his voice warm and teasing. "My dear Xiao Yin, your swordsmanship is as straightforward as you are. That's why it's so easy for me to win."
"Mother! Come help me! Father is bullying me again!" Ruo Yin ran to her mother, hugging her tightly, her pout still in place.
Her mother chuckled softly, patting Ruo Yin's back. "Now, now… my Xiao Yin. Don't be discouraged. You're a good fighter."
"And you, my dear husband," Fei Yan shot back playfully, "please go easy on our daughter. She's already very skilled for a girl."
Her father raised an eyebrow, his tone growing serious. "The enemy won't care if she's a girl or a boy. She needs to be trained well. That's the only legacy we can leave her."
Ruo Yin's father then turned to her, his voice calm but firm. "Xiao Yin, the winner of a fight may be the one who strikes hardest or fastest. But the winner of a war is the one who sees the bigger picture, the one who can predict the opponent's next move. You need to learn to think like that."
And Ruo Yin half awake hoped to just stay in her dream reminiscing the good memories of her parents.
Ruo Yin was jolted awake the next morning by the soft voice of one of the maids.
"Miss! Miss, wake up!"
"Good morning, Xiao Le," Ruo Yin murmured, her thoughts still heavy with the dream.
"Miss, it's time! Today is your big day! His Majesty, the Demon Lord, will be waiting to take you to the Sky Clan for the wedding ceremony. I'll prepare a bath for you right away! Congratulations on your marriage!" Xiao Le squealed with excitement as she rushed to prepare Ruo Yin.
Ruo Yin couldn't help but smile weakly, though it felt more like a grimace. "Good thing at least someone is happy," she thought, the dream now seemed more like a warning. Who was her true opponent, and what kind of future awaited her? The path ahead seemed uncertain, but one thing was for sure—she was no longer the naive girl she once was.