Shenzhi and Shenlong woke up at the same time. They both sat up. Shenlong asked:
"How long have I been in slumber?"
"204 years."
Shenlong let out a breath. When he woke up he felt like he had been asleep just for a few hours, but it's been a bicentennial. He knows that he had it easy while his family has been the ones who suffered. He can't even begin to imagine how hard it must have been on Shenzhi.
They would spend every minute of the day together, and they were each other's best and only friends. They never felt the need to open up to someone else they've always been fine alone. But then Xaekar took over his body and Shenzhi looked for him everywhere. He had no control over it and he plagued the earth. They managed to lure him and Xaekar let him speak to his family thinking that he would be able to convince goddess Chuicya not to put him under slumber. He had no idea that Shenlong will gladly go to slumber if it meant he wouldn't hurt any more people.
He put a hand on Shenzhi's shoulder.
"I'm sorry I won't leave you again."
Shenzhi put a hand in his, and he threatened:
"You better not, or you're dead."
Shenlong chuckled, he pulled back his hand, and he gently caressed Eden's head.
"When I woke up I thought it was because I could feel the Holy Drasan's presence but when Xaekar left my body I realized that it was because I felt Eden. I feel drawn to him as if we have this bond linking us. Does that make sense?"
Shenzhi nodded:
"It does that's how I feel too."
Shenlong looked at his brother with a smile, of course, he knew he felt the same they always do. He and Shenzhi are just one person with two bodies. It's always been like that, and it'll always be. Shenzhi said determinedly:
"We shall make him ours."
Shenlong smiled brighter.
"We shall."
Eden felt like smiling at those two. He woke up the second they did, he felt cold without them hugging him.
When Eden first touched Shenzhi he knew that there was something different about him. He could feel that his soul was incomplete. That paired with the gap regarding the universe's data he guessed that the person with whom he shared a soul was most likely to be responsible. He knows that Shenlong was controlled by Xaekar and that he would never do something like that. So when he entered the Imperial Palace and felt a presence he knew it was him. When he touched his temple he felt that he had half a soul too.
Since the moment Shenzhi pulled Eden into his arms he felt safe just like he did with Gege. He feels that they are a lot of similarities between them like how they both have a laid-back attitude while they are ruthless inside. When Yanyan made that remark Shenzhi was furious and his aura was destructive like he was ready to tear the world apart. Gege was the same if Eden was upset in any way he would turn into a beast, it's like he couldn't bear the thought of him suffering the smallest grievance. He understands because this is how he felt as well, and he feels it with Shenzhi and Shenlong.
Despite his calm and collected attitude yesterday when Shenlong fell to the floor unconscious he felt scared. His heart was beating as fast as the day when he couldn't find Chen and thought he died. He knows that his Gege followed him, but he just doesn't understand a few things. First, how could he follow him to another universe? Second, did he follow him or his Gege someone who is around him in every single one of his life? Third, why did his soul split? No matter what it is Gege respected his promise, and he counts on making them promise in this universe too. He believes in him, he knows that he will always find him, he's his soulmate.
Eden opened his eyes and looked at Shenlong who was still caressing his head. Shenlong met his eyes and he smiled. Eden felt his heart beat faster and he smiled. He looked at Shenzhi, and they smiled at each other while his heartbeat was even faster. Despite the twins looking 99% alike, he can recognize them. He can feel that Shenlong is calmer while Shenzhi is wilder. To be fair Shenzhi isn't just a vampire he is also an Alpha, so, understandably, his emotions sometimes take a hold of him. Eden went to take a shower and the twins did the same.
Duyun, Yanyan, and Zhaoyi looked at the interior of the palace in awe. Everything looked so beautiful and expensive. Because of the successful company, he runs they live very well but compared to the way Emperor Supreme does it's nothing. The butler led them to the first floor. He informed them:
"This will be Yanyan's room and this is yours. You'll have a maid and a butler at your disposal if you need anything. Breakfast will be served in thirty minutes do not be late."
Before the butler could leave Duyun asked:
"Where is my son's room?"
The butler answered:
"The Holy Drasan's room is on the fourth floor with Emperor Supreme. On the third floor are the king and queen. You'll need a pass to access them."
Duyun ordered:
"Make me a pass I don't want to have to ask every time I want to see my son."
The best way for Yanyan to hypnotize Emperor Supreme is at night while everyone is asleep. He didn't think you would need a pass to reach the fourth floor, plus the weird thing is that the stairs stop on the second floor.
"The floors above yours can't be accessed unless you are authorized."
Duyun's eyes flashed with anger and he asked:
"Are you saying that I need the authorization to go see my son?"
"He isn't your son he is the Holy Drasan and he is not to be disturbed. If you want to talk to him we'll make a phone call to his butler to see if he is willing to see you."
Yanyan yelled:
"This is ridiculous he is just Eden why are..."
Before she finished her sentence Duyun looked at her furiously and she shut her mouth. That idiot is going to be the death of him. He made it clear that she is to behave until she marries Emperor Supreme then she can do whatever she wants.
Duyun took a breath to calm himself and asked:
"Will he be there for breakfast?"
"Yes, breakfast and dinner are always eaten together."
Duyun nodded. He'll use that opportunity to have Eden make him a pass. The head butler asked:
"All your belongings are already in your rooms. Will that be all?"
Zhaoyi asked:
"Why are you putting us on the first floor when the second floor is empty?"
"It's reserved for visiting Supremes."
Duyun asked:
"When was the last time they visited?"
"20 years ago."
Zhaoyi ordered:
"Then put us on the second floor, we're the Holy Drasan's family."
The butler was losing patience but he still spoke evenly.
"The palace is divided based on everyone's title. On the fourth floor are the Holly Drasan and Emperor Supreme. On the third floor are the Supreme King and Queen. The second floor is for visiting Supremes and you're at the bottom."
Duyun looked at him in anger.
"Don't speak to my wife that way do you think we are garbage to be at the bottom?"
"I don't make the rules if you have a problem with them I suggest you take it up with Emperor Supreme."
Duyun asked:
"You said that the Holy Drasan is at the top right?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll speak to my son and he'll put us on the fourth floor with him.
The butler rolled his eyes and turned to leave but Duyun held his wrist.
He asked his eyes flashing:
"What's your name?"
"Xinze."
Duyun smiled maliciously.
"I'll make sure he fires you Xinze."
Xinze rolled his eyes again and left.
Duyun looked at his retreating back furiously. The Holy Charter says that the Drasan's family must be honored and this is how they are treated? Do they have to live on the first floor like peasants? They should be at the top! They left for their room to get ready for breakfast. Once he is there he'll order Eden to fix this mess.
When the maids finished dressing him Eden walked out of his chambers. He had white robes on again with red embroidery and a red belt. The holy Drasan is the only person who can dress in white. He smiled when he saw Shenzhi and Shenlong waiting for him. They got into the elevator for the dining room. The guards opened the doors. Around the vast table was the king at the end of it, the queen on the right, and in front of her were Duyun, Zhaoyi, and Yanyan. Shenzhi took a seat at the head of the table, Eden sat on his right and Shenlong sat next to him.
Eden smiled.
"Hello."
Duyun smiled.
"How are you, son?"
"I'm well thank you."
Duyun felt reassured that Eden is still the same as before. If he would've become haughty he would've taken him a few pegs.
The queen looked at Eden.
"Did you sleep, okay sweetie?"
Eden smiled.
"I did thank you."
Shenlong looked at his mother with narrowed eyes and asked:
"Why don't you ask me how I slept?"
"Because you're the one who joined him when you could've slept somewhere else."
Shenlong and Shenzhi smiled. Eden looked at them his eyes shining in amusement. When the food was served Duyun said with a smile:
"I didn't know Emperor Supreme had a twin brother."
Shenlong said:
"I was away for a while I came back yesterday night."
Yanyan leaned in showing her cleavage and she asked with a seductive smile:
"How long are you staying?"
Eden looked at her with narrowed eyes. Shenlong answered:
"Forever, I don't want to be away from the people I care about anymore."
Yanyan smiled, it might be good to have the twins to have fun with.
Eden stayed silent as the king and queen got to know his family. If he was them he wouldn't since they won't be here long. When there was a silence Eden looked at Shenlong and he asked:
"Will you go riding with me today?"
Shenlong smiled.
"Of course let's go in an hour."
Eden nodded with a smile. He felt Shenzhi turn his head.
He asked Eden with a pout:
"Why wouldn't you invite me too?"
Eden looked at his cute face with a smile.
"You're working this is why I didn't."
"My father will take care of it for the day."
The king said:
"No, he won't."
Shenlong and the queen chuckled.
Shenzhi looked at his father pleadingly but he ignored him. Eden looked at the king and he asked:
"Your highness, can you please replace him for today?"
The king looked at Eden and sighed. He liked Eden before he found out he was the Holy Drasan and when he did he liked him even more but now that he reunited his family he loves him and with the way he gets along with his son and wife he feels like he is part of the family. He can't bear to tell him no.
"Okay, I will for you."
Eden smiled while Shenzhi looked at his father offended.
"Thank you, your highness."
"You don't have to call me that you're part of the family you can call me father if you want or uncle."
Eden said:
"I don't mind calling you father."
The king felt happy and he smiled brightly. He wants Eden to feel at home and see them as a family since they live together.
The queen looked at her husband discontentedly as if to say what about me? She looked at Eden.
"You can call me mother unless you prefer auntie."
"I'll call you mother."
The queen was so happy that Eden felt touched. Two people he met just a few days ago care more about him than his family and it's genuine. Since he's been transmigrating he never had a mother or a father who cared for him. The one who did would always be dead before he entered the universe. He felt a lump in his throat and he looked down.
The twins reached out caressing his head like they felt the shift in his emotions. They have such a strong connection it's like the three of them are in sync. He smiled at them reassuringly. The queen looked at their sons with a smile and she felt no doubt in her heart that they have feelings for Eden. She doesn't know how they could care for him so quickly but she could tell that Eden cared for them too.
Duyun frowned. He smiled and ordered:
"Eden you'll take your baby sister riding with you."
"She doesn't know how to ride so she shouldn't come."
"You can't ride either so you'll learn at the same time."
Eden asked:
"Who told you I can't ride?"
Duyun narrowed his eyes. Does he think he is stupid? Does he think he'll let him go alone with the twins? Even if Yanyan won't use the necklace today it's best if people can attest that they spent time together so it would make sense if he decided to marry her after falling in love.
Duyun said:
"I've never paid for you to take riding lessons."
"My grandfather taught me. He was an equestrian and he won multiple championships. But why would you know that when it concerns my mother's side of the family."
Duyun felt like slapping Eden but he needs him and right now he has the upper hand.
"I knew I just forgot. Well, then you can take your baby sister and teach what her grandfather taught you."
Eden laughed.
"Yanyan and I don't have the same mother so don't call him her grandfather ever again. I'm in no mood to babysit so she'll stay here period."
Everyone could feel that Eden had been ticked off. Duyun took a breath to calm down, he should've known he would take advantage of his new position. It's fine he can manipulate him until he gives him a pass to the fourth floor. He smiled.
"It's okay you'll go together another time."
Eden smiled nicely.
Yanyan's hands were tightened into fists. That son of a bitch! Because he is the Holy Drasan he acts like he is better than anyone. She can tell that Eden likes Shenzhi so she'll make sure he dies by his hands.
Eden, Shenzhi, and Shenlong spent the day riding until late. After taking a shower Eden got into bed. A few minutes later Shenzhi and Shenlong joined him. He fell asleep in their arms again. When he woke up the two of them were still asleep. He smiled and went to take a shower. When he came out they were gone and the maids helped him dress up. He walked out of the room and walked to the elevator. The twins were waiting for him there.
When the elevators door closed Shenlong said:
"We're leaving this afternoon."
Eden wasn't surprised but he still asked:
"Why?"
"We want to make sure that Xaekar hasn't left anything in this world that could have bad repercussions."
Before he was lured Xaekar left objects that could be used against the Supremes including the necklace Duyun found. Eden said while handing him a paper:
"I already wrote down all the places he left an artifact. There's one missing but I'll get it myself."
Duyun is the only person who found one because he was obsessed with wanting his daughter to be Empress. The funny thing is that Yanyan believes that her father thinks that she deserves to be Empress while Duyun is only using her to rule over the empire. Shenlong looked at the list, it should take them about a week to get it all back.
He put the paper in his chest and when the doors opened he closed them again. Eden looked at him inquisitively. Shenlong held his chin kissing him gently. Eden felt his tongue invade his mouth but the kiss was pure sweetness and he felt his heart beating faster. Shenlong pulled back and looked at Eden whose cheeks were flushed. He turned Eden's head toward Shenzhi. Shenzhi leaned in kissing him as well, the kiss was just as sweet as Shenlong's. Eden felt that stir in his soul he would feel every time he would kiss Chen. He pulled back looking at the twins. Shenzhi caressed his red cheek with a smile.
"Will you miss us?"
Eden nodded.
Shenlong kissed his forehead.
"We'll be back soon."
He's not okay with them leaving but he understands. He isn't scared like he was when he was with Chen because he made him more secure. That fear he had that every person who cares about him will die isn't soul-crushing anymore. He knows that they'll be okay and back. He has faith in Gege and he knows that he won't leave him, he proved it, and he respected his promise to follow him anywhere he'll go.
Eden wrapped his arms around Shenzhi and kissed him. It wasn't a sweet kiss like before it was wild and full of heat. He let go of him and he kissed Shenlong just as wildly. He pulled back looking at the twins with a mischievous smile.
"Don't miss me too much."
He walked out of the elevator for the dining hall. The twins stood in place their brains still foggy. They shook their heads to focus and they ran after Eden. Eden peeked at them before entering the dining room with a smile. The twins looked at their vixen, how could he start something he had no plan on finishing? Does he want to kill them? They definitely won't stop themselves once they're back.
They took a seat around the table after saying hello. Eden ate in silence. The queen asked:
"Did the boys tell you they're leaving?"
Eden looked at the queen.
"They did."
Shenlong said:
"Eden gave us a list of all the places so it won't take long."
The queen felt happy and grateful after hearing that. Their family is finally complete so to have the twins leave for gods knows how long worried her. But thankfully Eden is here. She smiled.
"Will you be there on time for Eden's banquet?"
She wants Eden to meet all the supreme before the holy ceremony. Shenzhi answered looking at Eden:
"We will."
Eden smiled.
Duyun frowned, he needs to make sure he gets the pass before the twins come back. He coughed.
"Eden?"
Eden looked at him.
"Can we talk after breakfast? We haven't talked since I've been here."
Eden nodded.
"Sure."
Zhaoyi said:
"Eden you need to fire Xinze!"
Everyone looked at her surprised. Duyun couldn't understand why she would say that when Eden just agreed to talk to him privately, he could've handled it and have Xinze fired for disrespecting her.
Eden asked:
"Why?"
Zhaoyi said with disdain:
"He talked down to me while he is nothing more than a butler."
Eden looked at Xinze who was standing at the side. Xinze smiled as if he understood that he had to choose to side with his family and fire him.
Eden smiled back at him and he met Zhaoyi's eyes.
"You ordered him to put you on the second floor when he told you it's reserved for visiting Supremes. How is that talking down to you? If anything you did and you did it again by saying that he's nothing more than a butler. At least he works for a living while you seduce rich married men so you don't have to."
Zhaoyi gasped in shock. She looked at her husband teary-eyed. Duyun felt heartbreak seeing her like that.
"Eden, how could you side with a stranger? Why would you speak to your stepmother like that?"
Eden burst out laughing.
"She's not my stepmother she's a whore."
Zhaoyi and Yanyan gasped in shock. Duyun looked at Eden wide-eyed, they all felt like they were looking at a stranger. Hearing Zhaoyi cry in humiliation Duyun yelled:
"Eden apologize right now!"
Eden raised an eyebrow.
"Are you out of your mind?"
Duyun looked at his son stupefied. Where is the scared Eden who would do everything he ordered him to?
Eden said:
"Duyun do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't know that the only reason you married my mother was for her wealth and to run her company? The second my grandparents passed away you threw us in the courtyard and you brought your mistress into our home as the lady of the house. And you wonder why my mother lost her mind? Zhaoyi is not my stepmother even if she's married to you now. The fact is that she's a golddigger and a whore. Do you really think that before you married her she wasn't fuckin the most powerful man in the city including your rival Yizhou? Where do you think she got the necklace she's wearing?
Eden's last sentence was said with a mocking smile.
Duyun looked at the necklace his wife was wearing and he met her eyes. She looked visibly panicked. Zhaoyi took a breath, Duyun will never believe Eden he hates him. She doesn't understand how that bastard knows all of that. She wasn't married so she could sleep with whoever she wanted. Duyun looked at his wife incredulously.
"He's telling the truth isn't he?"
Zhaoyi panicked more and she said:
"N-no of course not you know I only ever loved you."
"You swear you never betrayed me?"
Zhaoyi held his hands and she said teary-eyed:
"Of course not, you know how angry Eden is about his mother he just wants to break us up."
Hearing that Duyun felt that it made sense. He looked at Eden disappointedly.
"I can't believe you would make up lies like that."
Eden looked into Zhaoyi's mocking eyes. He grabbed his cell phone and after typing, he said to his father:
"Check your cell phone."
At the same time, Duyun received a notification.
He looked at the files sent to him by Eden and he froze in shock. There were pictures of Zhaoyi with every man she slept with and the date was written on them. Even after she gave birth to their child she kept sleeping around. He clicked on the video and his heart broke in half. It was Zhaoyi and Yizhou in bed together. In the end, they were laughing at how utterly oblivious Duyun was. Eden said mockingly:
"Told you she was a whore."
Duyun looked at Eden in rage. Not only did he tell him all of this in front of Emperor Supreme and the Supreme king and queen but he taunts him.
Zhaoyi looked at Duyun panicked. She can't understand how Eden managed to get so much evidence. He never leaves his courtyard how is that possible? Duyun can't throw her away her daughter is so close to becoming Empress. She called tentatively:
"Sweetie?"
Duyun turned around and slapped her. She put a hand on her red cheek shocked. Duyun stood up and he left angrier than he's ever been. Zhaoyi ran after him.
Yanyan looked at Eden furiously with tears in her eyes. Not only did Eden ruin their plan but now he's destroying their family.
"Eden you're a terrible person. How can you smile while destroying your family?"
Eden smiled viciously.
"You killed my mother did you really think I was ever going to consider you my family? You're nothing more than strangers to me."
Yanyan looked at Eden outraged, how did she never see how nasty he is? She feels even more determined to have him killed, she won't rest until he dies. She stood and left after saying:
"You'll pay for this."
She felt like slapping him when Eden rolled his eyes.
Xinze took a step forward and knelt.
"I'm sorry Holy Drasan this is all my fault."
Eden could see that he felt guilty. He smiled.
"Stand."
Xinze stood up his head bowed.
"It isn't your fault and you weren't in the wrong Zhaoyi was. Plus I'm the one who decided to say those words, not you. Think of this no more."
Xinze looked into Eden's eyes and when he saw that he truly didn't blame him he felt relieved. He genuinely likes Eden and he can tell he is a good person he just doesn't understand how he could be related to such terrible people.
The queen looked at Eden with worry.
"Are you okay?"
"I am I'm sorry I ruined breakfast."
The king said:
"You haven't if anything you've been more than patient with them. If it was me they would be dead a long time ago."
The queen rebuked:
"Husband!"
She looked at Eden worried but he was laughing at what the king said. She relaxed. Hearing what he went through she feels a stronger maternal instinct than she did before.
Shenzhi said looking at Eden:
"Let me deal with them once and for all."
He'll make sure Eden never has to see them again. Eden looked around and they all seemed to agree with what Shenzhi said. He smiled and said:
"I'll deal with them once they assist my holy ceremony."
He wants them to see him being crowned in front of the whole Empire then he'll kill them.
He just destroyed Zhaoyi's reputation first because he didn't like the way she talked to Xinze. Plus he knew it would devastate his father so he might as well suffer before he kills him. Shenzhi and Shenlong smiled. They were worried Eden might want to keep them around no matter how terrible they are. Your end is near dear father you'll pay for what you did to mother.