I had always assumed that restoring the little fellow to its former strength would be an incredibly complicated matter, but surprisingly, it turned out to be unexpectedly simple!
By the shore of the Cleansing Heart Lake!
Holding the iron box in my hand, I hesitated slightly. "Are you certain that simply placing it back in the lake is all that's required?"
"Indeed," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang and the Spirit Medium stated solemnly.
"Hurry up and send me back," the little fellow in my mind urged impatiently.
"Yes! Alright then!" Without further hesitation, I opened the iron box, took out the little creature, and dropped it into the lake!
"."
No reaction!
It was just like dropping a common stone!
"This," I was rather taken aback, and the Lunar Luminosity and the others couldn't discern what was happening either.
"The bottom of the Cleansing Heart Lake is the center point of the Dragon Vein. The Divine Beast will absorb sufficient energy there to transform back to its original appearance," the Spirit Medium explained seriously. "However, this process might take some time; perhaps we should leave for now."
"How long is 'some time'? Will ten days be enough?" Lunar Luminosity worried.
"That should be about right," the Spirit Medium replied.
"Are you absolutely sure there won't be any issues?" I was concerned. "The little fellow is so tiny; what if some other fish swallows it whole?"
Honestly, I was quite worried about tossing the diminutive creature into the lake.
"Rest assured," the Spirit Medium managed to suppress a smile. "It will be fine."
"What 'little fellow'? I told you, that is the Divine Beast Lord," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang snapped back irritably. "The status of the Divine Beast Lord is extraordinary; even the monarchs of the successive Dragon Empires must treat it with utmost respect. Remember this clearly from now on: never, under any circumstances, provoke the Divine Beast Lord, understood?"
The Divine Beast Lord deserves utmost respect. I...
Good heavens, what is all this nonsense! I felt the whole situation was profoundly bizarre! Yet, meeting Ninth Luminosity Chongyang’s piercing gaze, I decided it was better not to argue.
"Your subject understands," I conceded reluctantly.
Damn it, they want me to be respectful towards that little brat; won't that just make him even more insufferably smug!
The comical image of a tiny crab brandishing its claws involuntarily flashed through my mind!
Looking back at the calm lake surface, there was no immediate change, so everyone decided to depart, though Lunar Luminosity stayed behind as a precaution, taking on the grave responsibility of guarding the lake.
In the blink of an eye, five more days passed!
During this time, I returned to Falling Sunset Palace to stay with my mother!
Although we now had the gall bladder of the Scarlet Moon Demon for treatment, Mother’s poisoning was too deep-seated for the toxins in her body to be completely purged quickly. However, Chen Feng said that at most, Mother would be able to speak within another six months—undoubtedly heartening news!
Of course, I knew that what lay ahead was inevitably a bitter fight! As for the outcome, I had absolutely no certainty! I could only make arrangements in advance!
During this period, I organized all the insights I had gained from comprehending the Nine Dragons Body Protection Technique and translated them into the script of the Mafa Continent. Combining these with the experiences I had accumulated in my cultivation over the past few years, I authored several volumes of Star Secret Manuals!
I gave these manuals to Mo Hui, Chen Feng, Shen Yin, Shen Xu, Yin Shuang, and Red Dragon! To the Spirit Medium, Yan Luo, and others!
These manuals, aside from the Dragon Shadow Sword Technique, the Thunder Dou Qi, and the royal family’s secret Blazing Lion Dou Qi, contained every skill and insight I could possibly record!
Yes, my intention was simple: if I were unfortunately killed in this upcoming battle, these manuals and insights would become the optimal blueprint for the future cultivation of Chen Feng, Mo Hui, and the others!
I trust that in the near future, they will undoubtedly become the next pillars supporting the Demon Dragon Empire!
Ninth Luminosity Chongyang greatly approved of my actions. To my surprise, he and the Spirit Medium had been planning for over a month to use the spatial magic technology they acquired previously to establish a spatial tunnel leading to the King's Forbidden Ground!
And they had succeeded! If we were unfortunately defeated in this battle, all remaining disciples of the Demon Dragon Royal Family would be teleported into the King's Forbidden Ground to preserve the lineage!
Although the King's Forbidden Ground possesses a special gravitational environment, the Snow Wolf Tribe had also achieved a major breakthrough in the in-depth study of spatial magic, mastering the technique to alter gravity using spatial magic!
This meant that the King's Forbidden Ground would henceforth become our secondary base!
Even if Demon Dragon City were destroyed, we would still have a chance to counterattack one day!
Of course, this was a measure to be taken only in dire circumstances!
But what I never expected was that the Spirit Medium and Ninth Luminosity Chongyang had set their sights on me!
"What, marriage?" I nearly jumped up. "You're telling me to get married at this critical juncture?"
If the Spirit Medium and Ninth Luminosity Chongyang before me hadn't looked so serious, I would have thought these two were intentionally trying to amuse me.
"Correct," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang affirmed. "It is precisely at this critical juncture that you must marry."
"Father Emperor, what exactly is going on?" I truly couldn't fathom it.
"Has Your Highness ever considered that if you were to perish in battle?" The Spirit Medium hesitated but finally braced herself. "Your Demon-Devouring Body, which has merged with the bloodline of the Demon Dragon Royal Family's Divine Protection, would be severed."
"Do you know what that implies?" Ninth Luminosity Chongyang said earnestly. "The next battle is absolutely fraught with danger; even the Spirit Medium cannot guarantee the final victor."
"We must consider the next generation," the Spirit Medium continued. "As long as Your Highness can leave behind an heir, our Demon Dragon Royal Family can truly have no lingering worries and fight with full commitment."
"Even if we are unfortunately defeated and you die this time, as long as we possess the bloodline of the strongest warrior, we will inevitably rise again," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang stated firmly. "You must understand, this concerns the eternal foundation of the Demon Dragon Royal Family."
"." I was completely speechless. Undeniably, what the Spirit Medium and Ninth Luminosity Chongyang said held great reason, but it was far too sudden; I wasn't prepared in the slightest!
"We actually planned your marriage over a month ago, but since you insisted on going to the Scarlet Moon Demon Lair, it was delayed," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang explained. "Now that you have returned, this matter cannot be postponed any longer."
"." Seeing the situation, it seemed impossible for me to refuse. Although I felt awkward and strange about it, I still had to ask, "Have Father Emperor and Yan Luo discussed this matter?"
"Of course," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang replied awkwardly. "However, Yan Luo is currently not in the Demon Dragon Empire. Something seems to have happened at the Moon Sect the day before yesterday, and she has already returned to the Bichen Continent."
"Not Yan Luo, then..." I was momentarily stunned!
"Stop pretending," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang said irritably. "Besides Yan Luo, have you not considered anyone else?"
"That young lady has done so much for you; it’s time to compensate her," the Spirit Medium said with a strange smile.
"Ah!!" What in the world is going on! I felt like I was being treated like a stud animal, and to be married off under such circumstances was just too...
"If not Yan Luo, is it Yin Shuang?" Only then did I realize. Even with my delayed understanding, I should have grasped it by now. "But this doesn't seem right." Subconsciously, I was still influenced by the modern concept of monogamy.
Furthermore, I always believed the one who would eventually become my wife was Yan Luo!
Even now, I clearly remember that moment on the Lingfeng Bridge, facing death, Yan Luo's image was the only thing in my final thoughts. So why would Yin Shuang become my wife?
"Actually, both Yan Luo and Yin Shuang have agreed. They will both marry Your Highness; it's just that Yan Luo left in haste due to matters with the Moon Sect, but that's fine—we can complete the ceremony when she returns!" the Spirit Medium chirped with a laugh.
"Ha, complete it when she returns," I was beside myself with amusement!
"Originally, Princess Shen Yin was also supposed to be included," the Spirit Medium observed me strangely. "Has Your Highness considered Princess Shen Yin? In terms of character and beauty, Princess Shen Yin is in no way inferior."
"." On the side, Ninth Luminosity Chongyang also looked at me with expectation.
"." For a moment, I only felt sweat pouring down like rain. "Uh, let's forget that."
Facing the True God Shen Yin, who looked exactly like me, gave me an innate sense of fondness and familiarity, naturally leading me to regard her as an older sister.
But the thought of such a person becoming my wife was absolutely unimaginable! The moment this idea surfaced, my skin involuntarily broke out in goosebumps!
It wasn't just me; I suspected Shen Yin felt the same way!
"." Ninth Luminosity Chongyang looked defeated; it seemed he understood our reservations perfectly! He shook his head helplessly!
"Can I not just marry Yan Luo alone?" I felt a bit uncomfortable.
"This matter doesn't allow for your recklessness," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang stated firmly. "Yin Shuang is a crucial figure in the Black Flag Army. The Three Great Tribes are essentially alien races. If handled improperly, the consequences are far beyond what you can imagine."
"If Your Highness marries only Yan Luo and not Yin Shuang, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction among the Three Great Tribes, leading to rifts. You must realize that although they have been settled now, they have only recently joined our Demon Dragon Empire; their loyalties are unsettled, and we must treat them with caution."
"." I hadn't realized the situation was this complex! But I had to admit their logic was sound.
"Is there truly no other way?" I felt incredibly frustrated by this predicament. I couldn't deny that I held a deep affection for Yin Shuang; she was a beauty who made my heart race, and she was my most capable partner. Yet, my mind was still burdened by the ingrained habits of my past life; subconsciously, I disliked this arrangement!
After all, in my view, it amounted to nothing less than being a stud!
However, the current circumstances seemed to preclude me from being picky!
"Extraordinary times demand extraordinary actions," Ninth Luminosity Chongyang said sternly.
And so, I, who was twenty-eight years old when counting both my lives, gloriously concluded my twenty-eight years of bachelorhood!
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures!
My departure from the King's Forbidden Ground was absolutely confidential, known only to a trusted few!
Consequently, the wedding banquet was surprisingly simple, attended by only a select few!
The wedding feast was held in Falling Sunset Palace within the Demon Dragon Imperial Palace!
Clearly, the Spirit Medium and Ninth Luminosity Chongyang were prepared; the moment I agreed, they hustled me into the groom's robes and dragged me straight into the main hall of Falling Sunset Palace!
The hall was already packed with guests!
Red Dragon, White River, Silver River, Lunar Luminosity, Rahu—even Jin Yao from Yuncheng had rushed back!
"Haha, congratulations, Your Highness, on taking a beautiful wife," Rahu was being so playfully inappropriate that it made my teeth itch with annoyance.
"." I was dumbfounded on the spot, maneuvered like a puppet by the Spirit Medium and seated on a stool!
Though the number of guests was small, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively! Mo Hui, Mo Cha, Shen Xu, Shen Yin, Shen Yi—those youngsters certainly engaged in their share of mischievous antics!
The elders, Silver River and Silver Xi, finally had the opportunity to meet my mother. It was evident these old guys were genuinely intimidated.
No wonder; it was because my mother was too beautiful and too young!
Having to address a beauty who looked about the same age as their own daughter as 'Mother-in-law' was an awkward affair!
The awkwardness wasn't limited to them; the two protagonists of the wedding banquet were both visibly uncomfortable, unsure whether to stand or sit!
Especially the moment Yin Shuang offered tea to my mother and Ninth Luminosity Chongyang—the scene was indescribably strange! They looked less like daughter-in-law and mother-in-law and more like two sisters.
Of course, they looked alike, but in reality, their ages were also close!
Mother was forty-two; Yin Shuang was forty-three! By age, she was actually one year older than my mother!
How should one describe this situation! It truly put Yin Shuang in a difficult spot!
To be able to address a woman one year her junior as "Mother!"—even I had to admire her fearless courage in making such a sacrifice!
What was even more amusing was that I, the groom, was only nineteen years old. By age, Yin Shuang could have been my mother, even though in the Mafa Continent, being around forty is definitely considered youthful prime!
Especially for a woman like Yin Shuang with some cultivation, she could maintain such an appearance for life, but her age was still a factor!
How should one label this!
It was truly... an old ox grazing on tender grass!
It’s just a shame that I, this great lord, was that blade of grass, and this feeling was truly something else!!
My mother, however, was delighted, her eyes narrowed into slits!
It seemed Yin Shuang and Mother had hit it off well during the year I was unconscious; this was just going through the motions now!
The lively wedding banquet continued until late into the night before finally concluding!
As for what came next!
Naturally, the bridal chamber!
April 20th, Year 3752
Faced with the unyielding stance of the Demon Dragon Empire, the Church finally decided to launch a purge, dispatching one Phoenix Sky War God and two Thunderclap Generals! towards the Demon Dragon Empire!
After eight hundred years, the people of the Mafa Continent finally had the chance to witness the legendary Thunderclap Generals and the Phoenix Sky War God!
And the rangers situated throughout the Demon Dragon Continent spontaneously headed towards the Demon Dragon Empire's capital, Demon Dragon City!
Everyone understood clearly that neither the Church nor the Demon Dragon Empire wished to expand the scope of the war!
Therefore, both sides tacitly chose the ancient method of duel—a confrontation between their strongest generals to decide the fate of each faction!
The battlefield for this duel was chosen as the central plaza of Demon Dragon City!
Opinions varied across the Mafa Continent regarding the outcome of this duel!
No one dared to underestimate the power of the Church; for centuries, the Church's Thunderclap Generals had been an almost unbeatable myth, let alone the Phoenix Sky War God, whose strength far surpassed them.
Similarly, no one could imagine that the Demon Dragon Empire's Ninth Luminosity Divine Truth would lose!
Yes! If the Phoenix Sky War God existed only as a legend, then Ninth Luminosity Divine Truth was a miracle alive and visible before everyone's eyes!
Countless times trapped in desperate situations, countless times escaping peril, countless times defeating powerful foes! And now, there were rumors that he had entered the King's Forbidden Ground, left behind by the ancient Dragon Empire era!
As a result, whenever people mentioned the name Ninth Luminosity Divine Truth, they subconsciously linked it to luck and miracles. Could such a person really lose?