Empress Xue Tong and the demonic dragon forefather stared at each other soundlessly, as though they were partaking in a conversation that neither Li Mo nor Yun Ruoyan could make out or participate in.

After quite some time, the empress called for Yun Ruoyan and Li Mo to leave so that she could have a private conversation with the demonic dragon forefather. Following Su Bei, Yun Ruoyan and Li Mo left the underground chamber.

“Your Highness, why hasn’t Feng’er returned with you? Did something happen to him?” Su Bei couldn’t help asking. 

After finding out that Li Mo and Yun Ruoyan had returned safely, he was hopeful that he would be able to see Zhuo Yifeng once more. A few days ago, he had gone to the cliffside of Kongming Academy to wait for him. Two days passed without any contact from Zhuo Yifeng, so he snuck into the central college, where he learnt that Zhuo Yifeng hadn’t returned from the otherworld.

He intended to ask Li Mo about the matter, but the demonic dragon forefather’s appearance had prompted the first elder to greatly augment security around the southern tower. It was only now that Su Bei was able to meet and talk to Li Mo.

“An incident did occur,” Li Mo said.

When Su Bei heard these words, his resolute face almost seemed to crumble. Although he hadn’t formally recognized his son, Zhuo Yifeng and Zhuo Lin’er were his only descendants. To Su Bei, Zhuo Yifeng’s life was more important than his own.

“Zhuo Yifeng did experience an incident, but we can promise you that his life’s not in any danger,” Yun Ruoyan quickly added, seeing his face. Then, she turned to Li Mo and gave him a disapproving glance.

“You mean…?” Su Bei’s expression turned hopeful.

Yun Ruoyan explained how Zhuo Yifeng had been possessed by a demonic spirit.

“Although Feng’er might not be in mortal peril, this sort of thing never ends well,” Su Bei sighed. Before Zhuo Yifeng left for the Mingyuan continent, he had promised him that he would reveal his identity to him if he were able to return safe and sound, but it seemed as though that opportunity wouldn’t present itself now.

“The demonic spirit will surely head to the Jiyuan continent in search of holy water to reforge its original body. Once Yan’er gives birth, we’ll also proceed to the Jiyuan continent and bring Zhuo Yifeng back,” Li Mo replied resolutely.

Li Mo had lost his father at a young age, so he was particularly understanding of Su Bei’s feelings toward Zhuo Yifeng, especially now that he was about to become a father himself.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I entrust my son’s life to you,” Su Bei replied.

Back in the underground chamber, Empress Xue Tong and the demonic dragon forefather were negotiating with each other.

“Elder, my son and daughter-in-law will do their best to help revitalize the demonic dragon clan, so it wouldn’t be inappropriate for me to add a few terms, would it?”

“That depends on your terms. The silver dragons and demonic dragons have never gotten along, as you know. Even if you and your son have separated from the main clan, you must understand my instinctive distrust and dislike for your kind.”

“Naturally. That’s why I’d like to settle the terms of our agreement before we start cooperating with each other—”

“I’ll hear you out,” the demonic dragon forefather interrupted.

“My terms are simple. After defeating the silver dragon clan, you can’t exterminate the silver dragons to the last.”

The demonic dragon forefather mulled it over for a moment. “None of the clan elders will be spared, but I care not for the rest.”

“The demonic dragon clan will help me find my body and support my son to be the next clan head of the silver dragons, and the silver dragons and demonic dragons will coexist in peace henceforth.”

If the two clans were to start warring with each other again, both their power would be greatly diminished. Peace was undoubtedly the best choice, so the demonic dragon forefather also agreed to this clause.

“Empress, you may not know this, but Yun Ruoyan’s already the clan head of the demonic dragons. She’s participating in this plan in that capacity, not as your daughter-in-law.”

“Ruoyan’s become the clan head of the demonic dragon clan?” Empress Xue Tong was shocked. Because Yun Ruoyan had so adamantly refused the demonic dragon forefather’s offer, the first elder had not informed Empress Xue Tong about this.

“Absolutely,” the demonic dragon forefather replied. “If your son were to become the head of the silver dragon clan, then the two clans will surely be able to coexist in peace.

Empress Xue Tong’s original intention had been to let the demonic dragons join the silver dragon clan, with Li Mo as the leader of both factions. However, she knew that the demonic dragon forefather would never accept this condition, so she hadn’t proposed it as a condition.

But if Yun Ruoyan were the clan head of the demonic dragons, as well as Li Mo’s wife, then Li Mo would surely also have authority over the demonic dragons.

If Empress Xue Tong weren’t a marble statue, she would surely be unable to hide her mirth. She controlled her voice to make it sound even colder and more indifferent than before.

“Since we’ve finished our negotiations, let’s inform the two children of our plans,” she suggested.

Because the Feilai Blade couldn’t be too far apart from Yun Ruoyan, she and Li Mo had remained by the entrance to the underground chamber, awaiting Empress Xue Tong’s summons. As they entered, Empress Xue Tong told them about the results of her negotiations with the demonic dragon forefather.

“Ruoyan, why didn’t you tell me that you became the clan head of the demonic dragons?” Empress Xue Tong asked, without any hint of blame.

Yun Ruoyan glanced at the demonic dragon forefather, who was contentedly stroking his beard. “Mother, I didn’t agree to become the clan head.”

“Ruoyan, why not? In my opinion, this is clearly a good thing. Only when you’re the clan head will you be able to help Li Mo deal with the silver dragon clan elders and solidify Li Mo’s control of the silver dragons.”

Yun Ruoyan had never wanted to control or dominate others, and her concerns were solely in regards to her own fate. She had never heard Li Mo bringing up any sort of plan to lead the silver dragons, so she wasn’t particularly enthused by Empress Xue Tong’s words.

Yun Ruoyan’s attitude greatly displeased Empress Xue Tong, and she was about to rebuke her when Li Mo said, “Mother, can we talk about this later? Ruoyan’s pregnant, and we can discuss this after she’s given birth.”

As soon as Yun Ruoyan’s baby was brought up, everyone looked a little more gentle. A child that had inherited the bloodlines of both the silver and demonic dragon was precious to everyone involved.

In the end, Yun Ruoyan promised to carefully consider the demonic dragon forefather’s appointment. Li Mo and Yun Ruoyan bade Empress Xue Tong farewell, then left the Beast King’s palace. They headed straight to the capital, arriving right before dark. 

After spending so much time travelling back and forth, Yun Ruoyan was exhausted. Li Luo had long since received news of her master’s arrival, and she had prepared everything in the manor for them. Li Mo supported Yun Ruoyan as she landed and smiled at the gathered servants.

“Your Highnesses, you’re finally back!” Li Luo stepped forward to welcome Li Mo and Yun Ruoyan, her eyes a little reddened.

Yun Ruoyan tugged on Li Luo’s hands. “Sister Li Luo, we’ve returned safely. You should be smiling, noy crying!”

“Yes, yes.” Li Luo’s gaze then landed on Yun Ruoyan’s abdomen. “And you’ve even brought back a little baby!”

“Sister Li Luo, I’m tired and hungry. Have you made me anything tasty to eat?” Yun Ruoyan asked.

“Yes, but you can’t have food that’s too oily at night. I’ve prepared your favorite lotus-seed soup and a few snacks, Consort Yun, and I’ve drawn a hot bath for you.”

“Thank you, Sister Li Luo!” Yun Ruoyan smiled happily. “Could you address me by my name? Hearing ‘Consort Yun’ is really quite disorienting.”

Although it had been three years since they had last seen each other, Yun Ruoyan and Li Luo still seemed to be on the best of terms. They walked hand-in-hand in the front, leaving Li Mo alone behind them. He smiled at their backs, then headed to his own rooms.

Although Yun Ruoyan was able to sustain herself on spiritual energy alone, after her pregnancy, she began to consume a fixed quantity of food daily to nourish her child. Because she no longer had a good appetite, she was far more picky about the quality of food.

Luckily, Li Luo was familiar with Yun Ruoyan’s tastes, and Yun Ruoyan enjoyed one of the tastiest dinners she had had ever since not needing to eat any longer. Afterwards, she was so tired that she draped herself over her futon, as if she would go to sleep just like that.

“Yan’er, the bathwater’s almost ready. Didn’t you want to take a hot bath?” Li Mo whispered into her ear.

Yun Ruoyan scratched her ear, mumbling, “I’m tired…”

“In that case, do you want to just sleep?” Li Mo smoothed out the hair by her temples, then cupped her cheeks, unwilling to stop touching her.

“No, I feel dirty…”

“In that case, would you like my help?” Li Mo asked. After her pregnancy, she had forbidden Li Mo from touching her, saying that she was afraid they would hurt the child. Li Mo naturally understood her concerns, but it was frustrating to not be able to touch his beloved wife no matter how close she was.

However, before Yun Ruoyan could reply, she had already fallen asleep.

“In that case, I’ll help you out,” Li Mo whispered. Yun Ruoyan didn’t reply, so Li Mo stood up and carried her toward the bathroom.

Yun Ruoyan woke up in Li Mo’s embrace. She smelled a familiar fragrance, laid on familiar bedsheets, and was caressed by a familiar pair of arms, making her incomparably warm and at ease.

“It’s still early. Sleep a little while more, and I’ll accompany you to the Lin family when you’re ready,” Li Mo whispered.

Yun Ruoyan nodded, then closed her eyes once more.