The Southern Realm.
In the Southern Realm, over ten thousand demon kingdoms coexist, large and small.
Some demon kingdoms are no bigger than a single city of the human race, while others rival the size of the ten great human dynasties.
In this chaotic land, wars between kingdoms are a daily occurrence. Some demon kingdoms are destroyed, others are annexed, and some are fractured into smaller states.
Amid this turbulence, only ten demon kingdoms remain standing firm, resembling the great dynasties of the human race. Among these is a kingdom called Wanxiang.
This day, Wanxiang was shaken to its core.
The eldest princess, who had disappeared ten years ago—the sole bloodline of Wanxiang's former emperor, Princess Bai Li Bing—had returned.
There was no need for blood tests or verification of her identity. The White Phoenix-Honghu bloodline flowing through Bai Li Bing's veins was the ultimate proof.
When Bai Li Bing, escorted by a Black Dog and a Bi Fang, approached the demon capital of Wanxiang, the civil and military officials were already lined up outside the city to welcome her.
As she walked forward, her gaze swept over the officials—some familiar, some strangers. Bai Li Bing showed no trace of fear or hesitation, striding confidently onward.
Upon returning to the palace, she bathed under the service of palace maids and changed into the royal attire of the Wanxiang imperial family.
When Bai Li Bing stepped into the imperial study, her expression wavered slightly.
Ten years ago, in this very room, her father had been sitting here reviewing memorials, while her mother stood by his side, attending to him. When she had free time, she would often come into the palace to visit.
But now, her father had perished in the rebellion, all her brothers were dead, and her mother's fate remained unknown—either deceased or missing.
In this vast palace, she was the only one left.
During her journey back to Wanxiang, Bai Li Bing had learned some of the truth.
Her bloodline had been sealed by her mother, who then sent her away from Wanxiang. After that, her mother disappeared without a trace. Beyond that, she knew little of what had transpired.
The prime minister of Wanxiang and the grand protector had led forces loyal to the imperial family in a struggle against the rebels.
After three years, the court succeeded in quelling the rebellion. All the rebel princes and dukes were executed, and peace was restored to Wanxiang.
But now, the so-called peace was merely a façade.
With all the imperial princes dead and the eldest princess presumed dead by many, there were calls to have a collateral branch of the royal family take the throne.
However, the prime minister and the grand protector refused, declaring it too early to pass the throne to a collateral line as the princess might still be found.
Despite opposition from many, the officials could not reach a consensus. Each faction had its own candidate for the throne, unable to agree on a single successor. Thus, the throne was left vacant under the pretext of "searching for the princess."
In the meantime, national affairs were handled jointly by the prime minister and the cabinet.
The rebellion had been suppressed with the support of several dukes and generals, but not out of sheer loyalty to the imperial family. Some were indeed loyal, but many were merely choosing sides, seeking to maximize their gains.
After the rebellion, the lands of the defeated rebel dukes were divided and distributed as rewards.
As a result, the power of the remaining dukes and lords not only remained intact but grew stronger.
Though Wanxiang appeared to be a vast and unified kingdom, it was on the brink of fracturing.
If not for the countless demon clans eyeing Wanxiang hungrily, and the proximity of the human Wu Kingdom, which demanded a semblance of unity, the kingdom might have already splintered.
Moreover, the Bai royal family's centuries-old practice of cultivating loyalists served as another stabilizing factor.
Otherwise, the dukes and generals might have declared independence long ago.
Bai Li Bing sat in her father's chair, lost in thought. Her heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions, a turmoil she could not easily put into words.
She thought of her mother, her father, and that person who often called her "Big Silly Goose."
Bai Li Bing knew full well that the wisest choice would have been not to return.
Even if she came back, what could she truly achieve? Could she command the court officials? Could she make the powerful dukes submit to her authority?
In the eyes of most, she was nothing more than a puppet, a tool for maintaining the balance of their power.
But Bai Li Bing also knew she had no choice but to return.
She had come back for those who could never return.
For her deceased father, for her fallen brothers, and for her mother, whose fate remained unknown. She had to protect this kingdom, to ensure it didn't fall into the hands of others.
And could she truly stay away? If she didn't return, it would bring endless trouble to Xu Ming.
"Your Highness, it is time to meet the court officials," said Bifang Miao Huo, who had already changed into palace attire and now stood by Bai Li Bing's side as her personal guard.
"Let's go," Bai Li Bing nodded.
In the history of Wanxiang, female rulers were not unheard of. Even though Bai Li Bing was a woman, she could still ascend the throne. However, there was a formal process to follow.
"Her Highness, the Princess, has arrived!"
In the grand Fengming Hall, Bifang's voice echoed continuously.
The officials, who had been waiting, immediately knelt in greeting. "Greetings to Your Highness!"
Bai Li Bing walked up to the throne on the high platform but, in the end, sat on a chair next to it instead.
"Your Highness's return is a blessing for Wanxiang!" proclaimed one official loudly. "Now, more than ever, the kingdom needs Your Highness to preside over its affairs!"
"Your Highness must safeguard Wanxiang!"
"Your Highness must safeguard Wanxiang!"
One after another, the officials knelt and bowed, imploring Bai Li Bing to take charge.
On the surface, it appeared as though they were eager for her to ascend the throne. In reality, Bai Li Bing knew they had no choice. Her ascension wasn't just because she was the princess of Wanxiang—it was the result of a carefully calculated balance of power among the factions.
Her gaze swept across the room—Prime Minister Qi Shan, Grand Protector Lin Wu, National Preceptor Guang Chen, the Minister of Personnel, and many others.
Feeling the weight of her gaze, some officials grew uneasy. They couldn't tell what she was thinking, and a few even felt quietly frustrated.
Hurry up and decline the throne a few times! they thought. We'll implore you again, you'll refuse two or three times, and then it'll be done. Everyone saves face, and you obediently become the figurehead we need.
But.
The princess said nothing.
Bai Li Bing stood, walked to the throne, and sat upon it without hesitation. She extended her hand and said:
"Rise, my loyal subjects."
Xu Ming, you always spoke of the filth of court politics.
Now, I'll see it for myself.