by Mars Gravity
“Ah? This…” The Little Demon Empress’ sudden declaration to temporarily stop the ceremony caught everyone off guard, but it still seemed to be within reason. It seemed quite reasonable and fair that the Little Demon Empress immediately wanted to hold a memorial service to inform the late Demon Emperor and the Little Demon Emperor that such an important item like the Demon Emperor’s Seal had returned. Moreover, the Little Demon Empress also needed time to digest and think about how to respond to everything that had happened today.
“For the time being, the Demon King’s remains shall be with the Yun Family. Once we’ve selected an auspicious date, we will hold a burial ceremony using the highest standard of the royal family. Furthermore, when the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley will open again in fifteen days. At that time, the Yun Family will also be permitted to choose thirty people to enter. I’d assume the other families and duke palaces have already made preparations; the Yun Family must also make their preparations as soon as possible within these fifteen days. During these three days, this empress needs to meditate to pay homage to my royal father. No one is allowed to disturb me, even if it is the greatest of all matters!”
“Everyone may disperse. We’ll discuss these matters in three days!”
After the Little Demon Empress finished, she didn’t wait for anyone to respond before she enveloped her entire body in flames with a wave of her long, dark grey sleeve. When the flames totally scattered, her silhouette had already disappeared in place.
The Little Demon Empress’ clean, abrupt departure left everyone staring at one another, not knowing what to do. Yun Che was also stunned… He had already set up the prelude perfectly. The Demon Emperor’s Seal would thereby give the Little Demon Empress power when in her hands. She could now easily suppress the public disruption Duke Huai’s faction caused, and at least not allow them to blindly act with gusto for the time being. However, once she obtained the Demon Emperor’s Seal, she had actually chosen to suspend the Demon Empress Reign Ceremony, and even left so bluntly… just to pay homage to the late Demon Emperor.
With the Little Demon Empress’ disposition, this kind of action shouldn’t have been plausible.
Once the Little Demon Empress left, the great hall immediately broke into discussion. Yun Qinghong stood up and looked at his father’s body at the center of the hall with a sorrowful heart, “Everyone, let’s go… we should bring my father back home.”
Yun Qinghong’s soft sentence caused every elder to lose all control. As if they had gone mad, they charged to the heart of the great hall and fell down in front of Yun Canghai’s body one after the other.
“Patriarch!!”
“Oh, Patriarch!!”
Considering their endless emotions, how could they even bother to take care of their appearances and prestige? They shouted in sorrow and wailed… no longer able to control their bawling. It could be said that they had experienced the fiercest joy and sadness of their entire lives today. Thinking back to when they received the news of his death a hundred years ago and everything the Yun Family had suffered since then, even if they possessed the strongest willpower, they were unable to keep their emotions from rioting.
“Yun Duanshui… pays respect to the Young Patriarch!” Second Elder Yun Duanshui bowed deeply at Yun Che, his face revealing agitation and respect which he only revealed when facing Yun Qinghong and Yun Canghai, “Previously, we did not know that the Young Patriarch had returned and showed negligence and disrespect. Our actions were truly punishable by death.”
“What is Second Elder saying…”
Just as Yun Che was about to go forward to support Yun Duanshui up; he had already been surrounded by the Yun family elders and disciples who paid their respects in unison, “We pay our respects to Young Patriarch!”
Today, Yun Che had reversed the ominous fate that was originally destined for the Yun Family and also helped eradicate an incoming storm. Everyone among the people that were in the Demon Imperial Hall today was so shocked that they thought he was a deity, especially the Yun Family members. Although he was only in his twenties and had only returned to the Yun Family for three short months, everyone was paying their respects willingly and were completely convinced. A few elders and disciples who had treated him with disrespect usually were now filled with fright.
“You’re indeed the Demon King’s grandson, the son of the Yun Family Patriarch. Although this old one has lived for a thousand years, he has finally seen what a truly outstanding human is like today,” exclaimed Qin Zheng thoughtfully, standing by Yun Che’s side.
“Region Lord Qin is too kind.” Yun Qinghong bowed respectfully, “This junior thanks Region Lord Qin for your righteous speech. Region Lord Qin does not need to worry. If the seven families dare to take revenge on you, I will not sit back idly.”
“Hoho, this old one is only trying to repay his sins. If Patriarch Yun does not blame me, I’ll be of utmost gratitude already. I definitely do not deserve your thanks.” Qin Zheng waved it off as he replied with a smile, “As for Patriarch Yun’s concerns, there’s no need. This old one will probably enter his grave in a few more decades. There’s no need for them to do anything against this old one.”
“Congratulations to Patriarch Yun for reuniting with your beloved child… With such an heir, the Yun Family’s return to former glory is only a matter of time.” A region lord came forward to congratulate Yun Qinghong.
“I disagree with Region Lord Yue’s words. Young Patriarch Yun is only twenty-two and he filled us all with admiration. With Patriarch Yun and Yun Che in the Yun Family, and given the Little Demon Empress’ high regard and promise, the Yun family would definitely grow beyond its former glory, hahahaha!”
“Brother Lin’s words are true! Patriarch Yun, congratulations!”
The various heroes all congratulated Yun Qinghong in succession because all of them had realized that the Yun Family was now abruptly making a meteoric rise. Yun Xiao had been bestowed kingship; the Yun Family received Little Demon Empress’ promise; Yun Qinghong’s severely injured body miraculously recovered. Their lost glory was about to be restored and it would greatly increase as well… More importantly, the Yun Family had gained a Young Patriarch which had caused all of them to be in awe.
It would be difficult even if the Yun Family did not want to be back on the rise.
Even though the Yun Family’s strength was currently the weakest among the Twelve Families, at this point in time, no one dared to imagine how much the Yun Family would grow in the near future.
The Yun Family was being swarmed by all the heroes of the land, and behind them, many people were pushing frantically just to have a few words with Yun Qinghong and Yun Che. Duke Huai looked on coldly with a sullen look that seemed to have been permanently plastered on his face, causing him never be able to relax.
“Yun… Che…” Despite the grinding sound produced by his teeth, he had managed to utter out two words that were filled with hatred and coldness with much difficulty.
He had prepared and tolerated for so many years just for this one day!
But in an instant, it had all gone to waste.
He had only executed the first part of his plan… and yet with just this step, he had stumbled. Not only had he allowed Yun Che to gain all the limelight, but he had been disgraced shamefully and even had to pay a large amount of Purple Veined Divine Crystal.
“Duke Huai, what shall we… do now?” Duke Zhong walked over and asked softly. Looking at Yun Che, he was similarly grinding his teeth. They all knew fully well that today’s failure had only been because of Yun Che… just him alone.
“Tch…” Duke Huai gritted his teeth. As his chest rose, a breath of cool air seeped through his teeth, “Let’s go!”
Duke Huai turned his sullen face around. Ignoring everyone, he walked towards the exit of the hall rigidly. Seeing his actions, the seven Patriarchs who were initially distracted rose with the Duke Palaces and walked to the exit depressingly.
“I bid Duk
e Huai Palace and the seven Patriarchs farewell!”
Duke Huai had only taken a couple of steps when Yun Che’s loud voice had rang behind him. Yun Che stared at the back of Duke Huai’s figure, glanced at the seven Patriarchs, and laughed, “However, there is one matter of which I, Yun Che, need to remind you. Regarding the Purple Veined Divine Crystal you lost to my Yun Family, please deliver it to our Yun Family residence on time. The entire Illusory Demon Realm would probably know about this matter soon, so I think that the prestigious Duke Palaces and Guardian Families would not throw away their most basic trust and face in front of everyone just over a few kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystal, right?”
Duke Huai’s footsteps paused and his body remained frozen for three breaths of time before he forcefully suppressed his urge to immediately kill Yun Che without any regards for anything else, and continued to silently walk out of the Demon Imperial Hall.
“Hmph!” Looking coldly at the figure of Duke Huai leaving, Yun Che snorted coldly. The killing intent Duke Huai had emanated previously was something that he had felt clearly.
“In just one day, you have offended so many people! Furthermore, they are the top powerhouses of Illusory Demon Realm.” Jasmine laughed coldly, “It sure suits your personality that seeks death no matter where you go.”
“This matter concerns my Grandfather’s honor and will. Even if I have to dig my own grave, it not something that can be avoided.” Yun Che sighed before continuing, relaxed, “However, compared to the danger I faced two years ago within the Primordial Profound Ark, this is nothing.”
When he finished speaking, Yun Che frowned and muttered to himself, “Just why did the Little Demon Empress halt the ceremony immediately after she received the Demon Emperor’s Seal…”
Chapter 584: Yun Che’s Suspicions
As the Yun Family strode out of the Demon Imperial Hall, four elders personally carried Yun Canghai’s body with slow and careful steps. The rest of the Yun Family crowded around them as they escorted the body out of the hall, with every one of their expressions respectful and solemn. When they had entered the Demon Imperial Hall, they had drawn the attention of everyone in the hall, and now that they strode out of the hall, even though all eyes were still fixed on them, those gazes carried something different from before.
“Brother Yun, tomorrow evening, this Su will come along with Patriarch Yan to pay you a visit,” Su Xiangnan sent a sound transmission to Yun Qinghong.
Yun Qinghong gave a faint nod of acknowledgement in the direction of Su Xiangnan and Yan Zijing; he was well aware of what they wanted to discuss.
“Che’er, what are you thinking about?” Yun Qinghong slanted his head and looked at Yun Che while asking. After they had left the Demon Imperial Hall, Yun Che’s brows had been faintly furrowed and it was clear that he was pondering something.
Yun Che briefly raised his head and replied, “I am thinking about why the Little Demon Empress suddenly stopped the ceremony and why she left right after. If it were only for the reason that she wanted to use the Demon Emperor’s Seal to pay homage to the previous Demon Emperor… it simply does not make much sense.”
Yun Qinghong blandly laughed, “Even I feel a little astonished, but the Little Demon Empress is definitely someone who does not deal with things frivolously. If she does something, there is definitely a reason for it. But since she does not want to let other people know, we do not need to think too deeply.”
Yun Che slowly nodded his head, but after that he suddenly asked, “Father, I heard from Xiao Yun that it is a rule that the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley will only be opened once every five years. But is this opening decided by the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley itself, or is it decided by the Demon Emperor’s clan?
“Of course it is the former,” Yun Qinghong said, “There is an enormous flame seal at the entrance of the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley. This flame seal was not set up by the Illusory Demon Royal Family, but by the Golden Crow Divine Spirit after the original Demon Emperor had obtained the legacy of the Golden Crow. No one can forcibly break this seal and this seal disappears by itself for twenty-four hours at a fixed time every five years. This is also the time when the Illusory Demon Royal Family and the Guardian Families enter to grow stronger. Twenty-four hours later, the seal would reappear once more, and at the same time, all of the people within the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley would be expelled from within… unless of course someone had died within it.
“Ah, so that is the case.” Yun Che nodded his head, but a thought flitted through his mind so he continued to ask, “So that is to say that, until the seal dissolves by itself at that set time and date, there is no other way to enter the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley? Including those who possess the bloodline of the Demon Emperor?”
Yun Qinghong nodded his head once more, “Yes, the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley is home to fire spirits, lightning spirits, and mysterious treasures of heaven and earth. Anyone who enters the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley will receive relatively enormous rewards, but if one tried to unrestrainedly gather resources, that person would be harmed by the origin energy of fire and lightning. The reason behind the five years of sealing of the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley after opening is to allow the fire spirits, lightning spirits, and mysterious treasures to regenerate. No matter who it is, they will not be allowed to enter during the period that it is sealed. At least in these hundred plus years that I have been alive, I have never heard of anyone being able to enter the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley when it has been sealed.”
“Ah…” Yun Che rubbed his jaw with one hand for a while and the suspicion that was nestled in his brain grew even heavier. Before, in the Demon Imperial Hall, all the people had witnessed his unyielding posture and also witnessed his power which had swept through all of the young heroes. He had even uninhibitedly lambasted Duke Huai’s faction in front of them. But only he knew the truth; from the moment he had entered Demon Imperial City, he had been cautious and on his toes every step of the way. Especially now, since he had thoroughly offended many of the great powers and individuals of high status and ability today, he had to be even more cautious from here on out. He would not dare to leave even a single blind spot or suspicion uncovered.
Despite pondering on this matter for a long period of time, he still could not make any headway, so he decided to give it a rest. He patted Xiao Yun on the shoulder and laughed heartily, “Xiao Yun, from today onwards you will be the impressive and awe-inspiring King Xiao! In the history of the entire Illusory Demon Realm, after our grandfather, you are only the second person to have ever been made king. How does that feel?”
Ever since Xiao Yun had stepped out of the Imperial Demon Hall, his footsteps had become light and erratic and until now, he still felt like he was in some kind of dream. After hearing Yun Che’s words, his feet came to a halt and he replied in a rather lost voice, “This, this… this is actually all due to Big Brother’s efforts, I… I’m kind of at a loss for what to do right now.”
“Haha,” Yun Che laughed and replied, “You don’t need to worry about this, once you have completed the ceremony of bestowing kingship, you will naturally know what you will need to do.” After that he lowered his voice to a whisper and whispered merrily, “And after you have been made a king, your status will be even higher than that of Seventh Sister’s father, so the matter between you and her should no longer encounter any obstacles.”
“Hehe,” Xiao Yun gave an awkward laugh but his expression immediately clammed up after, and he continued in a worried voice, “Big Brother, Duke Huai is an extremely terrifying person, and after today, he definitely hates you from the bottom of his heart. Furthermore, I am afraid that the Helian Family and the rest of the seven families will look for an opportunity to harm you…”
“Brother Yun!”
At this moment, the clear and light voice of a young girl rang out from behind. With a ‘whoosh’, Xiao Yun spun around and he immediately sa
w Number Seven Under Heaven, who was scampering over to his side. Behind her was the heroes of the Under Heaven Family gathered together, all of whom had differing expressions on their faces, along with the six brothers of the Under Heaven Family.
“Seventh Sister!” Xiao Yun called out while he excitedly and nervously stood in place. Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou also halted their steps, and they wore faint smiles on their faces as they looked at them.
“Brother Yun, you’ve become King Xiao now! You’re simply too awesome… Congratulations!” Number Seven Under Heaven practically skipped all the way over to Xiao Yun’s side with a face filled with elation and joy. If it was like before, with her father present, she wouldn’t even dare to give her salutations to Xiao Yun —— and before the opening of the grand ceremony, every time the Under Heaven Family had strode past the Yun Family seats, she was not even able to exchange a word with Xiao Yun. But now, with the reputation and the fate of the Yun Family undergoing a complete reversal, coupled with the fact that Xiao Yun’s origins had been exposed and he had been made King Xiao, the situation had naturally become completely different.
“Cough, cough!” Greatest Ambition Under Heaven’s face stiffened like a board. He shot Xiao Yun a ferocious glare and decided to directly ignore him, but he did not drag Number Seven Under Heaven away from him. Instead, he let his eyes linger on Yun Che for a long while, and then he declared in a deep, lamenting voice, “Brother Yun, this son of yours is simply incredible… he is stronger than all six of my sons put together.”
