Chapter 99

Before weddings, the demon clans held grand banquets—especially in the three days leading up to the ceremony. Every day, the feast ran from morning to night. The prince’s manor became a sea of carriages and laughter, packed with music and revelry. It was almost impossible to find a quiet moment.
Luo Han had been curious before attending. On the first day, she showed up out of interest. But after that one experience, all her enthusiasm evaporated.
It wasn’t exactly a den of debauchery...but it was definitely heading in that direction. Where the fox tribe used subtle allure, demons were far more straightforward. Halfway through the night, the hall would fill with moans and gasps. Having spent most of her life in the Immortal Realm, Luo Han found herself rather unprepared for it.
Not that she ever stayed long enough to witness the worst of it. As soon as the atmosphere began to turn, Ling Qingxiao would promptly escort her out.
Tomorrow was the wedding day of Ye Zhongyu and Yun Menghan, and tonight marked the final—and liveliest—of the banquets. Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao arrived early, planning to do what they’d done the past few nights: show their faces, fulfill their duty, and quietly slip away.
But this night’s guest list was much more extensive. In addition to guests from the Thunder King’s manor, representatives from other cities had also arrived. With just one glance across the grand hall, Luo Han spotted several attendees in formal robes.
Youchi, Darknight City...All the major demon strongholds had sent envoys, save for the notoriously aloof Wuyou and the imperial capital Hao Cang, whose pride was sky-high.
Word had already spread throughout the Demon Realm that immortals were attending the wedding. Naturally, many were curious about Ling Qingxiao. The moment he entered the hall, he drew countless eyes.
Seeing this, he leaned over and whispered, “It’s rare for me to be in the Demon Realm. I should greet the other demon kings. Will you be all right on your own?”
Luo Han nodded. “No problem. Go ahead—I’ll wait for you right here.”
Ling Qingxiao gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be back soon.”
As they spoke, several guests were already glancing their way. Ling Qingxiao quickly settled her in a quiet corner before heading off to make his rounds.
Luo Han stood at the edge of the hall, watching the scene unfold under the glow of countless lanterns. Crimson wine glimmered in luminous goblets, casting a blood-like sheen in the candlelight. Curvy, scantily clad demon maids wove between tables. Every so often, a burly guest would pull one onto his lap, where they’d proceed to flirt and tease with practiced ease.
It was a feast of excess, a playground of indulgence.
Luo Han took a cup of mild fruit wine and retreated further into her corner. As she sipped, she watched the swirling chaos with a detached eye. A trace of the red wine clung to her lips, giving them a lustrous, cherry-like glow—vivid and inviting.
She was just about to move to a different spot when she heard a soft voice behind her: “Miss Luo.”
Luo Han froze for a moment. Turning around, she nodded politely at the woman behind her. “Miss Yun. It’s been a while.”
Technically speaking, it hadn’t been long since their last meeting. But something about Yun Menghan now made it feel like a lifetime had passed.
Luo Han looked the same as always, but Yun Menghan...seemed like an entirely different person.
She stood under the dim light, her figure thinner than ever. Her chin had become pointed, her skin pale—almost ghostly. The Demon Realm’s attire emphasized curves and boldness. Most demonesses looked radiant and seductive in their dresses. But on Yun Menghan, the outfit hung loose and ill-fitting, like a child playing dress-up with adult clothes.
She had always been the fragile, delicate type—vulnerable and sweet. Back on Zhongshan, she’d carried a certain naive glow that, combined with her appearance, easily drew sympathy. Even when she got into trouble, few could bear to scold her. But now...that glow had vanished completely. All that remained was a lingering, sorrowful gloom.
She hardly looked like someone about to be married.
That kind of image—soft, broken, needing protection—was bound to tug at a man’s instincts. Even Luo Han, watching, couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity.
She asked gently, “Miss Yun...Have you been well here in the Demon Realm?”
Yun Menghan lowered her gaze. After a long silence, she said, “I’m getting married soon. Of course everything is fine. Miss Luo...you and the Second Young Master…”
Luo Han waited. When no question followed, she had to prompt, “Is there something you’d like to ask?”
Yun Menghan paused, as if gathering courage before finally voicing the rest of her question: “I heard...the two of you are getting married soon. Is that true?”
Luo Han felt a headache coming on the moment she heard it. When did this rumor even start? She and Ling Qingxiao were still fumbling through their relationship—how had it suddenly turned into an impending wedding?
She could only offer a tactful clarification: “No. We’re both still young and not considering marriage at the moment.”
Yun Menghan’s eyes lit up briefly—only to dim again for good. “So...you’re really together now?”
Luo Han didn’t deny it.
That tiny shred of hope Yun Menghan had clung to finally shattered. She lowered her eyes, and after a long silence, she whispered, “Congratulations.”
Her heart felt numb. So the Second Young Master is capable of love after all. He’s not cold by nature—he simply hadn’t met the right person before.
Seeing Yun Menghan’s dejection, Luo Han assumed she was hesitating about tomorrow’s wedding. She couldn’t help offering one last piece of advice: “If you’re having second thoughts, it’s not too late to back out.”
Yun Menghan blinked, stunned. Once she processed what Luo Han meant, she looked genuinely shocked. “The wedding is tomorrow! How could I possibly walk away now?”
There were still many demons around, and Yun Menghan had just blurted it out like that. Luo Han was at a loss. All she could do was pray no one nearby had caught it. We’re leaving tomorrow, she thought, but she’s staying here alone. With that level of awareness, there’s no way she can hold her own against these demon women.
Since everything was already out in the open, Luo Han didn’t bother being subtle anymore. “If you truly don’t want this, you still have a chance to leave.”
But Yun Menghan didn’t seem happy in the Demon Realm. She didn’t fit in. It was supposed to be her wedding banquet, yet she looked more like an outsider—like a guest in her own story.
After a long silence, she slowly shook her head. “I can’t. He loves me.”
Luo Han nearly wanted to pry open Yun Menghan’s skull and shake all the water out of her brain. She said bluntly, “That’s not love. He doesn’t love you—he only loves himself. He hurt you for his own gain. And to soothe your own guilt, you convinced yourself that this is love. So tell me—are you lying to him, or to yourself?”
Yun Menghan and Su Yinyue were polar opposites. Luo Han would never say this to Su Yinyue. Su Yinyue knew exactly what kind of man Ye Zhongyu was, and she knew who she herself was. Her goals were crystal clear—everything she did, she did with her eyes open. If she ended up suffering, it was her own choice.
But Yun Menghan? She was soft, indecisive, with nothing in her mind but romance—as if her tiny little love and hate were the only important things in the world.
Luo Han’s words hit a nerve. Yun Menghan’s gentle mask cracked, and her voice rose, sharp with emotion. “What are you talking about? Who says he doesn’t love me? He does love me! We just had a misunderstanding—that’s all! You don’t even know him—how could you possibly understand what we have?”
“Fine,” Luo Han nodded calmly. She didn’t press the point. “I sincerely wish you get what you want. Take care of yourself.”
And with that, she was done.
People only believe what they want to believe. Clearly, Yun Menghan still thought her love was sacred, untouchable—she refused to see the harsh reality of the man she’d chosen.
If that’s the case, then all Luo Han could do was wish her well.
The air between them turned stiff. Yun Menghan’s eyes began to shimmer with tears, though even she didn’t know exactly why. It had always been like this. Since she was young, women just...didn’t like her. They always seemed to be against her.
As she was quietly weeping, a flamboyant voice suddenly rang out from behind her. “Beauty, why are you crying? Who dared to bully you?”
It was the Red Lotus Demon King.
His voice was loud and dramatic, and his appearance even more so. He was dressed in bright, showy colors and immediately drew attention. At that moment, Ye Zhongyu happened to be speaking with the Thunder King. Hearing the commotion from Yun Menghan’s direction, his face darkened. After excusing himself, he strode over.
As he approached, he saw Luo Han standing there with a calm expression while Yun Menghan looked on the verge of tears.
His face turned cold. “What’s going on here?”
Yun Menghan quickly wiped her eyes and said softly, “It’s nothing. Just...something got into my eyes. It has nothing to do with Miss Luo.”
But though she said it wasn’t related, her words made everyone look at Luo Han.
Ye Zhongyu waited for her to explain—but Luo Han looked completely unfazed, as if she didn’t feel guilty in the slightest.
Ye Zhongyu’s voice chilled. “Miss Luo, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
“What is there to explain?” Luo Han replied evenly. “She said there’s sand in her eye. What does that have to do with me?”
Ye Zhongyu’s face darkened further. “Sand? Inside the hall?”
“Then why don’t you ask her?” Luo Han raised a brow. “Why ask me?”
Ye Zhongyu was nearly speechless from anger. The Red Lotus Demon King, who was never one for subtlety, jumped in: “When I got here, there were only the two of you in this corner. Whatever you said to her clearly made her cry. Who else could it be?”
Luo Han gave a light laugh. Her lips curved as she looked at the Red Lotus Demon King and asked softly, “Do you have proof?”
He was briefly stumped. But after a moment, he smiled lazily and said, “You’re a beauty too, no doubt—but beauties should be gentle. Too sharp, and you stop being beautiful.”
A voice cut in coldly: “She can be whoever she wants. What does it have to do with you? And she doesn’t need your approval.”
Everyone turned in surprise—Ling Qingxiao was walking over, bringing with him a wave of icy air. As he drew near, the temperature in the hall noticeably dropped.
He took Luo Han’s hand and pulled her to his side. The gesture was subtle, but it sent a clear message: She is mine.
He had only stepped away for a short while. Who would’ve thought that as soon as he returned, things would’ve devolved into this?
Ling Qingxiao’s expression was calm—he didn’t even scowl—but when he spoke, his voice carried a force that couldn’t be ignored. “Quite the show of righteousness. No proof, no witness—and yet you stand here accusing someone with nothing but baseless assumptions?”
His gaze swept across the crowd. The sharpness in his eyes made it impossible for anyone to meet his stare.
“You dare question her?” His voice turned to steel. “Do you even deserve to?”
The disturbance had attracted more and more attention. The Thunder King came over with a group of people, frowning. “What’s all this? It’s a joyous occasion—why the shouting?”
From the moment Ling Qingxiao walked over, Yun Menghan’s face had visibly changed. With every word he spoke, her complexion paled another shade. And now, even the Thunder King had been drawn into the commotion.
Yun Menghan stood there, her face ashen as she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I just...got something in my eye. It has nothing to do with anyone.”
As she spoke, she turned to Ye Zhongyu, pleading softly, “Let it go.”
Luo Han, watching all of this, couldn’t resist the urge to add fuel to the fire. Her inner contrarian flared up again. “Let it go? Excuse me, but aren’t I the supposed ‘offender’ here? If anyone’s letting it go, it should be me. What right do you have to speak on my behalf?”
The Red Lotus Demon King clicked his tongue. “I used to think you were a beauty, but I take it back. No matter how good you look, a woman like you—I don’t like.”
Ling Qingxiao shot him a frosty glance. “Red Lotus Demon King, watch your tongue.”
But Luo Han wasn’t bothered in the slightest. She had never based her sense of self-worth on how men saw her. Their likes or dislikes? Irrelevant. She tilted her chin at the demon king, smiling with disdain. “Thanks for the compliment. But whether or not you like me is absolutely useless to me.”
The Red Lotus Demon King, used to doing as he pleased for years, had never been spoken to like this. On his turf, he was king—morality and laws meant nothing. Being openly defied like this made him bristle with fury.
Sensing the situation going south fast, the Thunder King quickly interjected, “Alright, alright. This is a joyous occasion. No need for such unpleasant words. I recently acquired a new batch of fine wine—if you’re all willing, how about joining me to taste it?”
The Red Lotus Demon King was reckless and unruly. Ling Qingxiao wasn’t someone easy to cross either. If they kept talking, fists might soon follow. The Thunder King didn’t want his carefully orchestrated celebration to unravel in their hands.
“No need,” Ling Qingxiao said coldly. “We have more pressing matters. Forgive us for not staying.”
With that, he took Luo Han’s hand and turned to leave, not sparing Yun Menghan so much as a glance. As he brushed past her, Yun Menghan felt her heart turn to ice.
She didn’t even know what possessed her to do it—but suddenly, she blurted out, “Second Young Master!”
The title was outdated and inappropriate, but everyone present knew exactly who she meant.
Ling Qingxiao stopped and turned slightly, his tone detached. “Yes?”
Luo Han narrowed her eyes. Ye Zhongyu’s expression also darkened. Even the Thunder King, caught off guard by the turn of events, paused mid-step. The rest of the crowd, pretending not to stare, all pricked up their ears.
Drama? In the middle of the wedding banquet? Yes, please.
Yun Menghan knew she was overstepping. Tomorrow was her wedding—she shouldn’t be doing this. But she couldn’t help herself.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she asked cautiously, “Are you...mad at me?”
“No,” Ling Qingxiao replied, his gaze calm and utterly indifferent. “From the day you left Zhongshan, you ceased to have any connection with the Celestial Realm.”
His tone turned colder still. “Madam Ye, I suggest you conduct yourself with dignity. Please refrain from saying such inappropriate things again.”
Without waiting for a response, Ling Qingxiao turned and walked away, pulling Luo Han along.
Yun Menghan stood frozen on the threshold, watching Ling Qingxiao leave, hand-in-hand with Luo Han. Not a single moment of hesitation. Not a backward glance.
She couldn’t hold it in any longer. A single tear slid silently down her cheek.
The Thunder King raised his brow subtly, then forced a smile and clapped his hands. “Alright everyone, it’s getting late. Let’s wrap things up for tonight.”
It was less an invitation, more an order to disperse.
No one really cared about Ye Zhongyu’s affairs, but they had to give the Thunder King face. Gradually, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind only Yun Menghan and Ye Zhongyu.
After wallowing in self-pity for a while, Yun Menghan finally remembered Ye Zhongyu’s presence. She looked up, wanting to say something—but Ye Zhongyu only shot her a frosty glare before turning and walking away without a word.
—
Outside the hall, Luo Han and Ling Qingxiao walked beneath the moonlight. Once they were far from prying eyes, Luo Han finally asked, “Did you really say that to her? About self-respect?”
Publicly telling a woman—especially a bride-to-be—to “conduct herself with dignity”...that was ice-cold.
Ling Qingxiao’s expression was still dark, his tone clipped. “She was out of line. Are those the words a woman about to marry someone else should be saying? If I hadn’t drawn a line, who knows what kind of rumors would have started?”
He didn’t care what entanglements Yun Menghan and Ye Zhongyu had. But whatever happened, it had nothing to do with him. Ling Qingxiao had no interest in being a footnote in her tragic romance.
Luo Han sighed. Personality shapes fate. A person’s circumstances...often stem from who they are.
She recalled the events of the original novel. Yun Menghan had been like this from the beginning—tangled up with Ye Zhongyu, never truly breaking free, never fully committing. She just kept bouncing between men, never making things clear. Sometimes Luo Han genuinely wondered: Who did she even like?
Did Yun Menghan even understand her own heart?
Even now, she was the same. One moment, preparing for her wedding with Ye Zhongyu. The next, reaching out to Ling Qingxiao. And if the story continued the way Luo Han remembered, soon she’d end up entangled with the Red Lotus Demon King too.
With all this time wasted crying and obsessing over love, how did she even find time to cultivate?
The truth was, the relationship between Ye Zhongyu and Yun Menghan had always been a mutual choice. If Yun Menghan had been even a little stronger—if she had put her foot down when Ye Zhongyu first crossed the line—things would never have reached the point of heartbreak and betrayal.
But Yun Menghan had never drawn boundaries. She always gave in. And so Ye Zhongyu’s behavior only escalated.
Seeing Luo Han deep in thought, Ling Qingxiao asked, “What are you thinking about?”
“Yun Menghan,” Luo Han replied, then asked, “With her temperament, staying alone in the Demon Realm won’t end well for her. She is your junior...do you really not worry?”
“She chose this path,” Ling Qingxiao said flatly. “She’s an adult now. She must be responsible for her choices.”
“She and Su Yinyue both had a head start far above the average celestial woman. Yet look at them—everyone else strives to grow stronger, and they’re still lost in their delusions. If they suffer because of it later, it’s no one’s fault but their own.”
“But you protected her for seven hundred years. Now you’re just leaving her here—what if something happens? Will you really be able to live with it?”
“I protected her out of gratitude. It was not my obligation,” Ling Qingxiao said. “Whatever debt there was, it ended the day I fell into the Abyss of Absolute Spirits.”
He turned to look at Luo Han, gaze steady and sure. “Now...are you at ease?”
Luo Han smiled and wrapped her arms around his. “I’m not doubting you—I was just asking.”
Quietly, the stone in her heart was set down. Truthfully, by now, many things had already strayed far from the original storyline. Ling Qingxiao had never been trapped in the Abyss of Absolute Spirits; instead, he reemerged just in time for the battle at the Western Sea. That drew the attention of the Heavenly Palace and—through a twist of fate—he returned to the Middle Era. His cultivation advanced far faster than it had in the original plot, and events like the throne seizure arc accelerated as well.
In the original storyline, Ling Xianhong was still the Patriarch of Zhongshan at this point. Ling Qingxiao had to endure years of torment and countless humiliations before he could finally reclaim his justice. But now, that entire timeline had been overturned.
With Ling Qingxiao's accelerated path, even the main plot between the protagonists had shifted dramatically. In the original script, Ye Zhongyu had made a name for himself with a spectacular victory at the Western Sea. But this time—with Ling Qingxiao present—Ye Zhongyu didn't even make a splash. Upon returning to Zhongshan, he didn’t even have time to gather allies or increase his cultivation before Ling Qingxiao took back the Dragon Core.
Disgraced and defeated, Ye Zhongyu fell to the Demon Realm far earlier than expected. According to the original development, he would have had a series of fateful encounters in the Celestial Realm, gaining loyal allies who later became key pieces in his battle against Ling Qingxiao.
But now? All gone.
News of Ye Zhongyu's defection had spread like wildfire. Anyone in the Celestial Realm with even a shred of reputation distanced themselves from him. Only Yun Menghan and Su Yinyue had continued to follow him—but even they were now viewed quite differently.
In the original plot, the six realms had admired the two women for forsaking everything for love. They were praised as bold and devoted, their passion touching countless hearts. The blame fell on the Celestial Realm, deemed cold and unfeeling.
And Ling Qingxiao? He had been cast as the ruthless villain, the heartless executioner who crushed star-crossed lovers underfoot in his pursuit of power.
But now...even the Demon and Beast Realms regarded Yun Menghan and Su Yinyue as little more than a scandalous joke. There was no admiration, only amusement.
In truth, Ling Qingxiao had gone to great lengths to avoid suspicion. On several public occasions, he’d clearly stated that he and Yun Menghan had nothing to do with each other. Even in private, he maintained his distance—never crossing the line. Luo Han’s earlier probing had, in hindsight, been unfounded.
Fortunately, Ling Qingxiao was someone easily pacified. The moment Luo Han leaned in and clung to his arm, he forgave her without hesitation. He even added gently, “Once the wedding concludes tomorrow, we’ll return to the Celestial Realm. After that, we likely won’t see them again. You don’t need to worry about them.”
“I know,” Luo Han quickly said. “I believe you. You’d never get yourself tangled in something messy. Compared to outsiders, of course I trust you more.”
Her words were sweet as spring water. A smile crept onto Ling Qingxiao’s face, washing away the last trace of tension. “Alright.”
And with that, the topic was closed. The moon hung high in the sky, casting soft silver light—too beautiful a night to waste on the bitter love affairs of other protagonists. They returned to their residence, and Ling Qingxiao walked her to her room.
Standing at the door, he said, “Sleep early tonight. Once the wedding ends tomorrow...we leave.”
Both of them understood the unspoken meaning behind those words. Tomorrow’s wedding banquet would not be a peaceful one. They were waiting. So was the Thunder King. The difference was—they knew exactly what the Demon Realm was planning, while the Thunder King had no idea that the Celestial Realm had already uncovered the plot surrounding the Execution Stone. Nor did he know that Ling Qingxiao now held evidence taken directly from the underground palace.
Luo Han didn’t say anything. She simply nodded. “Alright. And you too—whatever happens, put yourself first.”
Ling Qingxiao had heard countless teachings throughout his life. But almost all of them said the same thing: one must shoulder the fate of the six realms, sacrifice oneself for the Dao, die for righteousness. This was the first time someone had ever told him to put himself first.
His gaze softened. He reached out and patted Luo Han gently on the head, staring into her eyes. “You too. Now go. It’s late. You should rest.”
“Mm.” Luo Han answered, but lingered by the door. Suddenly, she reached out and hugged him tightly. Ling Qingxiao froze for a moment before instinctively wrapping his arms around her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She tilted her head against him and smiled. “It just passed midnight. A new day. I hadn’t given you today’s hug yet.”
Young people really do come up with the oddest reasons, Ling Qingxiao thought. But no matter what he told himself, he still tightened his embrace.
“Alright, go on now.”
Luo Han returned to her room with a satisfied grin and waved at him. “See you tomorrow!”