Queen of Ten Thousand Demons Insists on Marrying Me - Chapter 75

The dome inside the palace soared incredibly high, with only twelve colossal pillars standing majestically in the hall. The pillars were carved from the purest white jade, crystal clear and radiating a warm luster. Each pillar was engraved with exquisite patterns, entwined with golden vines that seemed alive.

Lan Cang Yao Ji stood in the center of the hall, her back to the four visitors.

“For thousands of years, this secret realm has persisted for too long. Now, this wisp of my consciousness is about to dissipate, yet the Hàoyue Bracelet has never found its true master. Consider this a bargain for you,” Lan Cang Yao Ji said self-mockingly. “Fortunately, one person among you has decent talent and is acceptable in my eyes.”

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the four varied. Some lightly raised an eyebrow, a flicker of undetectable smugness and a subtle smile playing on their lips; others frowned deeply, revealing profound concern.

Yan Sihong was one of the delighted ones: “May I ask which person Lan Cang Yao Ji speaks of?”

However, Lan Cang Yao Ji did not reply to her. She slowly turned around and extended a hand, on which a jade bracelet suddenly appeared before them: “This is the Hàoyue Bracelet, which all demons in the world have longed for.”

The surface of the bracelet was intricately carved with complex patterns. The inner side was inscribed with a circle of delicate runes, within which light faintly flowed, sometimes twinkling like stars, other times gurgling like running water, as if it possessed a life of its own.

Yan Sihong’s eyes trembled slightly, as if she were suppressing her inner impulse.

Just as they were about to look closer, Lan Cang Yao Ji closed her fingers, retracted her palm, and the Hàoyue Bracelet vanished from sight.

Lan Cang Yao Ji continued, “Let me state the harsh truth first. This Hàoyue Bracelet was my magical treasure back then. It can be said to be on par with the human race’s Demon Locking Tower and the Cháoyuán Sword. To obtain it, one must be prepared to pay a certain price, not just be any demon. As your elder in the demon race, I am making this clear. Don’t regret it later.”

Lu Xiaoxiao found her words exaggerated and tentatively raised her hand to ask, “Senior, what exactly is this price? If it’s too severe, I won’t participate.”

Hearing this, Yan Sihong let out a sneer and glanced at her with contempt.

Lan Cang Yao Ji already had a poor impression of this human who inexplicably made it to the final stage. Seeing her ask such a question, she flicked her sleeve, and Lu Xiaoxiao instantly vanished from the spot.

Tantai Jing saw Lu Xiaoxiao instantly evaporate before her eyes and quickly stepped forward, saying, “Senior! You…”

“Silence. I merely sent her out. A mere human, yet she still attempts to obtain my demon race’s magical treasure.”

Only upon hearing Lan Cang Yao Ji’s words did Tantai Jing feel a little relieved.

“As for you, I had many talents during my time, and even some contemporary prodigies were inferior to you. If you wish to obtain the Hàoyue Bracelet, I would be very satisfied,” Lan Cang Yao Ji said, looking at Tantai Jing with approval.

Upon hearing this, the Yan siblings’ expressions instantly changed. Yan Gengshen interjected, “Senior, this matter should not be rushed. Please consider it further.”

Lan Cang Yao Ji raised an eyebrow at his words, a trace of displeasure flashing in her eyes.

She slowly turned her head, her gaze sweeping over Yan Gengshen like an ice blade. Though her voice was still soft, it carried an undeniable, chilling edge: “Oh? When did it become your turn to teach me how to conduct myself?”

Her tone was light, yet it seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, causing Yan Gengshen’s heart to sink. A hint of sarcasm flickered in Lan Cang Yao Ji’s eyes, and she said with a half-smile, “I, Lan Cang, always act according to my whims. When do I need others to point fingers?”

Before her voice faded, the aura around her suddenly changed, as if the entire space had solidified due to her emotion. Yan Gengshen felt an invisible pressure rush toward him. His breath hitched, and a trickle of cold sweat involuntarily beaded on his forehead.

Sensing Lan Cang Yao Ji’s icy gaze, Yan Gengshen’s heart immediately froze. He knew his rashness had already angered this senior.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the unease in his heart, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully with clasped hands, his tone sincere: “Senior, please forgive me. I was anxious just now, and my words were highly offensive. Please be magnanimous.”

He kept his head down, not daring to look directly into Lan Cang Yao Ji’s eyes, his voice conveying self-reproach and panic: “This junior fully understands that Senior’s actions have their own measures, and it is not for us juniors to comment on. What I said earlier was truly reckless. I beg Senior to overlook this junior’s fault and not take offense.”

Seeing this, Lan Cang Yao Ji gave a cold snort, her gaze returning to Tantai Jing, and her tone recovering its previous gentleness: “Young Friend Tantai, there is no need to pay attention to these idle words.”

Tantai Jing did not become conceited upon hearing this. Instead, she asked, “What does this junior need to pay?”

“Haha, well said! As expected of a clever person; it’s effortless to converse with you.” Then, her gaze suddenly became sharp, and she asked, “Is that human with the Cháoyuán Sword your Dao Companion?”

“Yes.”

“You are clearly a demon. Why would you become Dao Companions with a human, and one from the Xuantiān Sword Sect at that?”

The era in which Lan Cang Yao Ji lived was precisely when the Xuantiān Sword Sect was rising. She was repeatedly suppressed by the Xuantiān Sword Sect’s Old Ancestor, only gaining a foothold after the Old Ancestor ascended.

Tantai Jing replied calmly, “The Xuantiān Sword Sect has long been destroyed. My becoming Dao Companions with her is naturally the heart’s desire, the path of love.”

“What a ‘heart’s desire, the path of love.’ I’ve lived for so many years, but I haven’t seen many lasting couples,” Lan Cang Yao Ji scoffed. “How about I help you kill her? I also have a way for the Cháoyuán Sword to become yours. This way, the Cháoyuán Sword is yours, and the Hàoyue Bracelet is yours. How does that sound?”

Lan Cang valued a rare talent like Tantai Jing. If she possessed both the Cháoyuán Sword and the Hàoyue Bracelet, she would surely lead the demon race to rise again, thus fulfilling the painstaking effort Lan Cang put into establishing this Lan Cang Demonic Realm.

“This junior cannot comply!” Tantai Jing clasped her hands and bowed to Lan Cang Yao Ji.

Lan Cang Yao Ji’s face instantly darkened, the warmth in her eyes completely gone: “I have seen too many talented women like you who only care about momentary affection and ultimately lose everything. Everything in this world is illusionary; only strength is paramount. I advise you to think it over.”

“Thank you for your high regard, Senior. I feel unworthy. Since I am not fated to have the Hàoyue Bracelet, I will take my leave now.” Having said that, she quickly turned and headed for the door she came through.

She had only walked a few steps when an object suddenly flew at the back of her head. Tantai Jing immediately turned and reached out to catch it, hearing Lan Cang Yao Ji say, “This pill is called the Integration Pill. It may help you attempt to break through to the Integration Stage. Whether you succeed or not depends on your fortune.”

Tantai Jing knew this item was rare. She sincerely thanked Lan Cang Yao Ji and continued walking toward the door.

After Tantai Jing left, only the disappointed Lan Cang Yao Ji remained, along with the Yan siblings, who had slightly upturned lips, convinced victory was theirs.

Lu Xiaoxiao, after being moved outside the hall, saw a large hole had opened in the distant sky. Countless demons flew sorrowfully toward the hole in the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye. She figured this was because the owner of the Hàoyue Bracelet was decided, and they could now leave the place.

She found she could not enter again, so she waited outside the hall. Not long after, she saw Tantai Jing come out and quickly stepped forward to ask, “How was it? Did you get the Hàoyue Bracelet?”

Tantai Jing smoothly wrapped her arm around Lu Xiaoxiao’s waist and swiftly flew toward the hole in the sky. “No. She gave me a pill that can help me break through to the Integration Stage. The Hàoyue Bracelet will likely fall into Yan Gengshen’s hands.”

Seeing Tantai Jing’s serious expression, Lu Xiaoxiao also felt things were not good. Yan Gengshen’s ambition would certainly not stop at Dōngchāng City. If he obtained the Hàoyue Bracelet, it would likely stir up another storm of carnage between the two realms.

“That’s still very good. It is said that pills that can help break through to the Integration Stage have long been extinct.”

“Mm…” Tantai Jing composed herself and added, “This person harbors too much malevolence and is full of evil energy. We must hurry out and inform Godmother and… Palace Master Wan.”

Inside the hall, the Yan siblings looked at Lan Cang Yao Ji with anticipation. If Tantai Jing, someone who didn’t receive the inheritance, could get the Integration Pill, wouldn’t those who stayed behind have an even greater opportunity?

“Senior, you may not know this, but the destruction of the Xuantiān Sword Sect was my doing,” Yan Gengshen boasted, trying to win Lan Cang Yao Ji’s favor.

Lan Cang Yao Ji, having lost interest after Tantai Jing’s departure, glanced back and forth at the two of them. She didn’t respond to Yan Gengshen’s words, merely saying, “What a pity, what a pity.”

Lan Cang Yao Ji slowly turned, gracefully seating herself on the chair. One hand gently rested against her cheek, and the other lay casually open before her.

The Hàoyue Bracelet floated above her palm, emitting a faint, silvery-white light, like a miniature bright moon. It slowly rotated, glistening with brilliant colors.

“Do you know why this Hàoyue Bracelet can be listed alongside the Cháoyuán Sword and the Demon Locking Tower as one of the three Great Artifacts?”

Yan Gengshen’s eyes held undisguised greed: “According to ancient records, the Hàoyue Bracelet is a supreme treasure left behind by the Moon God in antiquity. It not only contains the power of moonlight but can also communicate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, condensing the essence of the sun and moon. The wearer of this bracelet can use its divine power to temper their physical body, purify their divine soul, and even greatly increase their cultivation in a short time, breaking through bottlenecks.”

Upon hearing this, Lan Cang Yao Ji gently brushed her fingers. The light of the Hàoyue Bracelet suddenly intensified, as if a layer of faint moonlight flowed from the bracelet, enveloping her body, making her figure appear increasingly hazy and sacred.

“Not only that, this Hàoyue Bracelet is the key to this Lan Cang Demonic Realm and the successor to this Lan Cang Demonic Realm. I don’t need to elaborate on the preciousness of this Lan Cang Demonic Realm,” Lan Cang Yao Ji said with a degree of arrogance. “And the most mysterious thing is that the Hàoyue Bracelet possesses the power of ‘Moonlight Retrospection.’ In times of crisis, the wearer can use the moonlight energy contained within the bracelet to reverse time, briefly reverting to the state from three seconds ago, thereby avoiding a fatal blow or turning the tide of battle.”

Yan Gengshen’s hands, hanging by his sides, trembled slightly. He knew clearly how crucial those three seconds were for cultivators of higher realms in a critical moment. If he obtained this treasure, it would essentially mean he had an extra life compared to other Integration Stage cultivators.

As Lan Cang Yao Ji’s words concluded, the light of the Hàoyue Bracelet gradually subsided, returning to its quiet appearance, floating above her palm.

“Junior Yan Gengshen, if I obtain this treasure, I will do my utmost to lead the demon race to reclaim its former glory and revive the supreme honor that Lan Cang Yao Ji commanded over the Three Realms a thousand years ago!”

Yan Gengshen’s voice was strong and resonant, his eyes gleaming with fervor. He fiercely lifted his robe, dropped heavily to his knees, and profoundly kowtowed to Lan Cang Yao Ji. Each time his forehead struck the ground, it made a dull thud.

Yan Sihong, seeing this, could no longer conceal the smile that overflowed from her eyes like spring water. She knelt down without hesitation, her posture respectful: “Junior Yan Sihong is willing to dedicate all her efforts alongside my brother for the revival of the demon race. I sincerely implore Senior to grant this.”

Their actions were utterly sincere. Lan Cang Yao Ji slightly narrowed her eyes, her gaze sweeping over the two of them, and the corner of her lips curved into a meaningful arc.

“Although your talent is insufficient, little junior, you have considerable courage. Since you were able to gather all nine Zi Wu Compass pieces to open the Lan Cang Demonic Realm, it indicates you are fated with me,” Lan Cang Yao Ji’s face was hidden in the shadows. “I just wonder about your character?”

Yan Gengshen paused slightly: “In what aspect of character does Senior refer to?”

Lan Cang, being a formidable figure who looked down upon one side a thousand years ago, had a strange and violent temperament. She certainly wouldn’t demand that he be a righteous gentleman, but he was momentarily unsure of her exact meaning.

Lan Cang Yao Ji chuckled, covering her lips with a fan, looking exquisitely alluring: “Of course, I mean your confidence in leading the demon race to resurgence.”

Yan Gengshen raised three fingers to swear: “Yan Gengshen swears by his Dào heart: even if the heavens fall and the earth collapses, this ambition shall not waver!”

Lan Cang Yao Ji leaned slightly forward, a playful smile on her lips, her gaze stabbing at Yan Gengshen like a blade: “Good… If that is the case, then kill the person closest to you to demonstrate your resolve.”

Yan Gengshen’s pupils instantly contracted. His face went pale, and he froze as if struck by lightning. He opened his mouth, his voice trembling: “This… why is this necessary? If I am to attack the human race, I need Sihong to assist me. I beg Yao Ji to show mercy!”

Lan Cang Yao Ji let out a cold snort, slowly rose, and her long sleeves billowed like clouds as she elegantly walked toward the back of the hall. Her voice carried a chill: “Then forget it. The Hàoyue Bracelet must recognize its master using their most extreme blood essence born from ultimate pain. Otherwise, why do you think I asked Tantai Jing to kill her Dao Companion just now?”

After a long silence, Lan Cang Yao Ji added, “I have the last Integration Pill in this world. Whether you want it or not is up to you. As far as I know, there are no more such pills in the world today.”

Yan Gengshen’s expression instantly twisted. The veins on his temples bulged. His fists were clenched tight, his nails digging deeply into his palms. His gaze flickered between his sister Sihong and the Hàoyue Bracelet in Lan Cang Yao Ji’s hand, his eyes filled with struggle and agony.

Yan Sihong frowned deeply. She gently raised her hand and placed it on Yan Gengshen’s shoulder, her voice soft: “Brother, let’s forget it then. I don’t believe there are no other ways in this world.” Her tone carried a degree of certainty, seemingly convinced that Yan Gengshen would never harm her.

Yan Gengshen’s body trembled slightly. The veins on his temples stood out like coiled dragons. His jaw was clenched tight, the sound of his teeth grinding almost audible.

His eyes were fixed on the direction Lan Cang Yao Ji had departed. His gaze was a mix of fury, pain, and resentment, and the knuckles of his clenched fists were white.

“Wait…”

His voice was low and hoarse, squeezed out from the depths of hell.