Heilong-kou (Black Dragon-Mouth/Pass)
Heilong-cheng (Black Dragon-City)
Heilong-yuan(Black Dragon Wall)
Heilong Bay (Black Dragon Bay)
Heilong Ridge (Black Dragon Ridge)
Censorate (Supervisory Court)
Yuling City (Jade City)
Jingui Town (Golden Turtle Town)
Xuanwu City (Black tortoise City)
Qinglong (Azure Dragron)
——
Yin Jixue followed Yin Ao to the palace where their parents were staying.
At her request, Lou Zhao had changed his appearance too—transforming into someone plain and unremarkable. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was just a palace guard.
This was exactly how Yin Jixue liked it. It wasn't that she wanted her husband to look unattractive—she just didn't want him being harassed by a bunch of fluttering butterflies.
"Greetings, Father, Mother."
The Empress was taken aback. Who is this bold young lady, calling us Father and Mother without hesitation?
The Retired Emperor, however, nodded with satisfaction. The emperor had found a woman of exceptional beauty—like a fairy straight out of a painting.
Even though the Empress had seen countless noble ladies in her life, she couldn't tell if this girl's ethereal temperament was genuine or carefully crafted.
She had encountered far too many women from prestigious families claiming to be above worldly matters, only to claw their way into the palace with scheming minds and bloodied hands—fairies who made even real immortals shake their heads in pity.
"Emperor," she said, narrowing her eyes. "This young lady is…?"
"Mother, this is—"
Before Yin Ao could finish, the Retired Emperor gestured for everyone else to leave. "Come in and talk."
Inside, Yin Jixue took the initiative to reveal her identity.
"Mother, it's me. I'm back."
The Empress stared in disbelief. "Xue'er? Why do you look like this? When did you return? Why didn't you tell us? And the Demon King?"
Faced with five rapid-fire questions, Yin Jixue simply took Lou Zhao's hand—still in his modest disguise.
"This is my husband. We used illusion spells to avoid trouble. We just came back to visit home—and maybe tour the world a bit."
The Empress nodded repeatedly. "Good, good. Just earlier today your father and I were talking about you—didn't expect the good news to come so soon. You two returning together, is a double blessing."
The group chatted warmly for a while, and laughter soon filled the room.
But not all the maids outside the room were loyal to the Retired Emperor and Empress. Some slipped away to deliver messages beyond the palace walls.
—
At one minister's residence:
"What? His Majesty is accompanied by a woman of unparalleled beauty, and you can't even find out who she is?!"
Just a moment ago, they'd been pressuring the emperor to take a wife. And now, he was already bringing someone into the palace? Who had meddled in their plans?!
The servant knelt low, trembling. "They said the Retired Emperor was very cautious. Just as His Majesty was about to introduce the lady, he was cut off and everyone was dismissed."
The minister slammed his hand on the table. "Useless fools! Why did I bother raising you if you can't do the one thing I ask? Find out who stole a march on us! Weren't we supposed to send our daughters in together?!"
It wasn't just this minister coveting the Demonfolk's secrets of agelessness. None of them knew who would ultimately succeed in planting a daughter in the imperial harem, so they had formed a secret alliance—training every eligible girl in their households to the highest standards.
Whoever's daughter ended up becoming Empress would be responsible for prying out the Demonfolk's secrets of eternal youth—for the benefit of them all.
—
At another minister's estate:
"Milord! Terrible news! His Majesty is dining in the Retired Emperor's palace with a woman of legendary beauty. Word is that both the Retired Emperor and Empress are quite fond of her. Our plans have changed!"
The minister's breath quickened with fury.
"Quick! Send assassins and eliminate her. She cannot be allowed to live!"
"Milord, that's the Retired Emperor's inner palace. We can't get in!"
"Are you imbeciles?! You don't need to strike inside the palace—just wait until she's alone! Must I teach you how to kill someone?"
"But given His Majesty's nature, he'll surely assign heavy guards. We'll never get close."
"Enough! Someone drag him out and deal with him—utterly useless!"
Similar scenes played out in several ministerial households. The reaction was the same across the board—shock, rage, and panic.
Who broke the agreement and sent their daughter in first?!
They had to find out. They would find out.
That woman had to go. Only a daughter chosen and trained by them could wear the crown of Empress.