C390 The New Emperor Yan Gui

In Silvermoon City, the ancestral mansion of the Lee family stood in the eastern quarter, its pavilions echoing with anguished screams into the night. The neighboring residences, homes to the empire's elite, had all received word of the turmoil and promptly sealed their doors, turning a deaf ear to the chaos.

The Lee family's secret chambers, once safeguarded by intricate defensive formations, had been breached. The Yan family members poured in, ransacking the rooms for spiritual materials, medicinal herbs, an array of weapons, and cultivation techniques.

Yan Gui, clad in black, the current patriarch of the Yan family, was a figure of composure. His recent ascension to the Soul Wandering Stage was aided by the Devil Palace. He stood in a chamber filled with countless bottles and jars, flanked by Yan Lu and numerous Yan kin.

Among them was Xu Zixi, known as the Python Queen.

"The Imperial Advisor and the Devil Palace's envoys are presently quelling those in the palace loyal to Lee Yupan," Xu Zixi remarked with a smile to Yan Gui. "Congratulations. By dawn, the Devil Moon Empire will be under your dominion."

Yan Gui, his expression solemn and his grayish-white hair cascading over his shoulders, gave the impression of a man of few words. He nodded slowly, his voice steady, "I serve but to protect the interests of the Devil Palace and the Demon Palace, and to ensure the Devil Moon Empire thrives anew."

He was well aware that the true powers of the Boundless Land were the grand sects like the Devil Palace and the Demon Palace. The empires of the Profound Sky Continent existed to serve these cultivation sects, maintaining order in the mortal realm to prevent chaos that could disrupt the selection of disciples.

Even an emperor must bow with humility before the might of sects such as the Devil Palace and the Demon Palace.

"The Imperial Ruler's Seal will be in your possession by tomorrow morning," Xu Zixi continued, clearly holding Yan Gui in high regard. "Tonight, all those steadfast in their loyalty to Lee Yupan, especially those obstinate to enlightenment, will meet their end. As for the Lee family members unaware of her collusion with the Earth Demon and the Sky Demon, they may yet live. Those in the know, however, must be dealt with."

Curiosity piqued, Yan Gui inquired, "Master Imperial Advisor, how can you discern who has conspired with the empress?"

"She is no longer the empress of this empire. You may well consider a new title," Xu Zixi advised.

Yan Gui fell silent for a moment, then shook his head, "It's become habit." He paused before adding, "Once the Imperial Ruler's Seal is mine come morning, she will be relegated to history."

"That's good," Xu Zixi said with a smile, not insisting further. "Lee Yupan was apprehended by him. After using the Yang God technique to search her soul and comparing notes with the Lee family, he's uncovered everything."

"Is there any chance of sparing His Majesty's life?" inquired Yan Gui.

Xu Zixi looked at him, puzzled. "You practice the Devil Palace's spells, and from what I gather, you're not known for your mercy. Lee Yupan will always pose a threat to you if she's alive. The Devil Palace aims to eliminate that threat for good. Why would you want her to live?"

Yan Gui paused, then spoke with gravity, "The Silvermoon Empire and the malevolent spirits from the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area have had their secret dealings for years, and I'm well aware of it. Both of us know that His Majesty's downfall isn't solely due to his alliance with the Earth Demon, nor is it just the influence of the Moon Demon Clan."

"It was His Majesty's attempt to collaborate with the general and awaken the Asura from the Dark Domain, causing chaos across the Profound Sky Continent, that led to his current predicament."

"I wish for His Majesty to survive because I believe the disaster has not yet unfolded. During his reign, he was a wise sovereign, and I have taken note of his deeds."

"I'll speak on his behalf and take action within the Devil Palace. As for the Demon Palace, I don't have a say, but I'm aware of the significant contributions you've made there. If you can, I would appreciate it if you could also put in a good word for His Majesty."

At that moment, the Yan family members who had been following him had finished collecting all the various bottles and jars in the secret chamber.

Yan Gui commanded, "Everyone, out."

Hearing the order, the Yan family members promptly dispersed without any objection.

Once alone with Xu Zixi, Yan Gui produced a beautifully carved iron box and handed it over. "I wouldn't ask you to go to all this trouble for nothing."

Xu Zixi's eyes gleamed as he saw the box. Inside was a pulsating mass of flesh and blood, the vitality within it as potent and volatile as an imminent volcanic eruption—utterly formidable.

"What is this?" Xu Zixi inquired, intrigued.

"A piece of flesh and blood from a Ninth Level Demonic Beast," Yan Gui stated. "Given my limited abilities, this is the most suitable item I possess for your cultivation of the Demon Spell. The box seals any regenerative properties. Once you lift the lid, blood strands will slowly release, allowing you to refine and practice it."

"A Ninth Level Demonic Beast!" Xu Zixi exclaimed, then added, "I'll take it and do all within my power. Yet, there's someone at the Demon Palace whose word carries more weight than mine."

"I've already prepared a generous offering for the Imperial Advisor," Yan Gui mentioned.

"It's not him," Xu Zixi said with a smile, carefully storing the iron box. "It's that gaunt, dark-skinned girl from Absent Relic, Yu Zhu."

Yan Gui reacted with surprise. "I've heard the rumors. Does she truly have the potential to ascend as a Demon God, akin to Sky Tiger?"

"Both I and the Demon Palace share that belief. Barring any unforeseen events, she'll progress through the Absent Relic, eventually stepping beyond the heavens to emerge as a new Demon God," Xu Zixi confidently asserted.

Yan Gui inhaled sharply. "Could you advise me on how to approach her, to get her to speak?"

"In Darkmoon City, seek out the Yu family's young master, Yu Yuan," Xu Zixi suggested with a soft smile. "Yu Yuan brought that girl into Absent Relic after discovering her in the Jade Peak. Little did anyone know, she'd resonate with the Dao of Absent Relic and seize an incredible fortune from the Asura of the Dark Domain, forging her own destiny."

"Yu Yuan..." Yan Gui murmured, nodding thoughtfully. "Yan Lu has mentioned him repeatedly. He claimed that without Yu Yuan, all those so-called prodigies in the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area trials would have perished."

"Indeed, he could be instrumental in this matter," Xu Zixi affirmed.

"Thank you, I've got it. I'll send Yan Lu to Darkmoon City to speak with Yu Yuan on my behalf," Yan Gui said earnestly, bowing slightly in gratitude.

Xu Zixi gave the Yan family patriarch a penetrating look and ventured, "Is it because you love her?"

A flash of anguish crossed Yan Gui's eyes, his expression tinged with bitterness and resignation, yet he remained silent.

"I've heard that the throne would have been effortlessly yours had you chosen to contest for it. And without becoming the Silvermoon Queen, backed by the might of a nation, she wouldn't have surpassed you. Rumors even suggest that you did more than just step aside—you actively helped her ascend," Xu Zixi sighed. "Love is indeed the most compelling of forces."

Yan Gui remained silent for a long while before responding, "All I wish for is her survival."

"I'll do everything in my power to assist you," Xu Zixi offered.

...

Within Darkmoon City, Yu Yuan disengaged from all matters concerning the City Lord's Mansion, entrusting them to his grandfather before decisively stepping away.

As he made his way to the Yu family home, Qin Yun, trailing behind, remarked, "Your grandfather may not be the most gifted in cultivation, but he's always been adept at managing affairs."

Yu Yuan smiled, acknowledging, "Of course, I trust him."

"The nascent Devil Moon Empire is poised to surpass the Silvermoon Empire in strength. Yan Gui outmatches Lee Yupan in every respect—be it in realm, combat prowess, national power, or reputation. Once he ascends to the throne, his superiority will be undeniable," Qin Yun spoke softly. "The one the Scorching Sun Emperor truly fears is not Lee Yupan, but Yan Gui."

Qin Yun's insights came from his time in the Rainier Empire, where he was held in high esteem by the Scorching Sun Emperor and privy to many secrets—more so than many elders within the Silvermoon Empire.

"Is Yan Gui truly that formidable?" Yu Yuan inquired, intrigued.

"Indeed, if his heart wasn't with the Silvermoon Queen, he would've long since departed the Profound Sky Continent for deep cultivation within the Devil Palace," Qin Yun affirmed with a nod. "Yan Gui is greatly valued by the Devil Palace. In the past, he disregarded his clan's dissent to champion Lee Yupan's rise to power."

"With the resources of the Yan family and the Devil Palace's backing, Yan Gui would undoubtedly be the rightful emperor."

"For Lee Yupan, he sacrificed much, including the imperial crown and the chance for advancement in the Devil Palace, choosing instead to stand by her in silent vigil," Qin Yun continued. "Yan Gui is an enigma, his thoughts inscrutable. His significant contributions have been instrumental in the Silvermoon Empire's enduring stand against the Rainier Empire over the years."

Yu Yuan remarked, "That's for the best. His ascension to the throne as the new emperor, taking Lee Yupan's place, benefits everyone in the empire."

"Oh, I forgot to mention, Bai Shenshen from the Medicine Sect is at your family's residence," Qin Yun interjected suddenly. "I've informed her of your return. She's likely waiting for you as we speak."

"Bai Shenshen? What's her purpose for being here?" Yu Yuan asked with a furrowed brow.

Back at Jade Peak, he had held a certain respect for Bai Shenshen, given her connection to his parents in this life. However, her actions at the Absence Relic later on had left him with a profound distaste for her.

After Bai Shenshen departed on the Cloud Sail, Yu Yuan hadn't seen her since. He assumed she would have returned to Jade Peak, to the Medicine Sect.

To his surprise, she was now in Darkmoon City, waiting for him at the Yu family residence, which was utterly baffling.

"As for why she's seeking you out, I'm not entirely sure. It's probably something to do with medicinal herbs," Qin Yun offered.

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