C390 The New Emperor Yan Gui!

In the City of Silvermoon, nestled within the ancestral mansion of the Lee family, the eastern pavilion echoed with agonizing screams under the cover of night. The surrounding noble households, upon receiving the news, had promptly shut their doors, choosing to ignore the turmoil.

The Lee family's secret chambers, once protected by defensive rune circles, had been breached. Members of the Yan family freely entered, scouring the rooms for magic items, herbs, various weapons, and cultivation spells.

Yan Gui, clad in black, the current patriarch of the Yan family, was a man of composure. With the Devil Palace's aid, he had ascended to the Spirit Walk realm. He stood before a secret room filled with numerous bottles and jars, flanked by Yan Lu and several Yan family kin.

Among them was the Python Queen, Xu Zixi.

"The state preceptor and the Devil Palace's envoys are presently quelling the cultivators loyal to Lee Yupan within the Imperial Palace," Xu Zixi said with a smile to Yan Gui. "Congratulations. After tonight, the Shadowlight Empire will be under your dominion."

Yan Gui, a man of few smiles, with his grayish-white hair cascading over his shoulders, gave the impression of being reserved. He nodded slowly, stating, "My duty is to safeguard the Shadowlight Empire for the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep."

He was well aware that the true powers governing the vast Everlands were mighty sects like the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep. The empires of Aetherius served these cultivation sects, upholding order within the Human Empire to prevent chaos from disrupting their disciple selection process.

Even an emperor must demonstrate deference to esteemed sects such as the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep.

"The imperial jade seal will be in your possession by morning," Xu Zixi continued, clearly holding him in high regard. "Tonight, all those stubbornly loyal to Lee Yupan will perish. Those within the Lee family unaware of her collusion with the Terra Fiend and Sky Fiend may survive. Those in the know will be eliminated."

Curious, Yan Gui inquired, "How can you discern who has conspired with the former empress?"

"She is no longer the empress. You may address her differently," Xu Zixi replied.

"I've grown accustomed to it," Yan Gui said after a pause, shaking his head. "Tomorrow, once I receive the imperial jade seal, she will become history."

"Alright," Xu Zixi said with a smile, not insisting further. "Lee Yupan was captured, and with the Solar Spirit's search, compared against the Lee family's information, everything became clear."

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

Xu Zixi looked at him, puzzled, and replied, "You practice the Devil Palace's spells. From what I understand, you're not known for your mercy. If Lee Yupan remains alive, she'll always pose a threat to you. The Devil Palace wants to eliminate that threat permanently. Why would you want her to live?"

"The Silvermoon Empire and the alien souls from the Moonfall Sanctuary have been in secret communication for years, and I'm well aware of it," Yan Gui reflected, then added earnestly, "Both of us know that His Majesty's downfall wasn't solely due to collusion with the Terra Fiend, nor was it just because of the Moonfiend Clan."

"His Majesty attempted to ally with the military commander to awaken the Shura from the Dark Realm, causing chaos across Aetherius. That's the real reason for his current predicament."

"I hope His Majesty survives because I believe the disaster hasn't occurred yet, and the calamity hasn't manifested. When he ruled the empire, he was a wise sovereign, and I've taken note of all his deeds."

"I'll speak on his behalf and take action with the Devil Palace. As for Shadow's Keep, I have no influence, but I'm aware of the significant contributions you've made there. If possible, I hope you can also speak favorably for His Majesty."

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

Yan Gui commanded, "Everyone, leave now."

Hearing the order, the Yan family members promptly exited without hesitation.

Now alone with Xu Zixi, Yan Gui produced an intricately carved iron box and handed it to her, saying, "I won't have you make arrangements for nothing."

As soon as Xu Zixi saw the iron box, her eyes sparkled.

Inside the box was a pulsating mass of flesh and blood, brimming with vitality that was as potent and terrifying as an imminent volcanic eruption.

"What is this?" Xu Zixi inquired.

"It's a piece of flesh from a ninth-level Fellbeast," Yan Gui explained. "Given my limited abilities, this is the best item I have for your cultivation of the dark arts. The box is enchanted to prevent its regeneration. Once you open the lid, strands of blood will slowly release, allowing you to refine and cultivate it."

"A ninth-level Fellbeast!" Xu Zixi exclaimed, then added, "I'll accept this gift and do everything within my power. However, there's someone at Shadow's Keep whose word carries more weight than mine."

"I've also prepared a generous offering for the state preceptor," Yan Gui mentioned.

"It's not him," Xu Zixi said with a smile, carefully storing the iron box before continuing, "I'm referring to that lean, dark girl from the Forgotten Ruins, Yu Zhu."

Yan Gui responded with surprise, "I've heard the rumors. Does she truly have the potential to ascend as a Dark Deity, akin to Lord Astral Tiger?"

"Both I and Shadow's Keep believe so. Barring any unforeseen events, she'll progress through the ranks at the Forgotten Ruins and eventually transcend to the extraterrestrial realm to become a new Dark Deity," Xu Zixi confidently stated.

Taking a deep breath, Yan Gui asked, "Could you advise me on how to approach her and get her to speak?"

"Yu Yuan, the young lord of the Yu family from Asvetaesi," Xu Zixi said with a soft smile. "He discovered that girl in the Serpent Spine Mountains and brought her into the Forgotten Ruins. Little did anyone know, she would resonate so well with the Way of Heaven there and seize an incredible opportunity from the Shura of the Dark Realm, paving her path to divinity."

"Yu Yuan..." Yan Gui slowly nodded. "I'm familiar with him, thanks to Yan Lu's stories. He once said that without Yu Yuan's intervention in the Moonfall Sanctuary, all those so-called prodigies would have perished."

"Yes, he could be of assistance to you in this matter," Xu Zixi affirmed.

"Thank you, I understand now. I'll send Yan Lu to Asvetaesi to convey my message to Yu Yuan," Yan Gui said earnestly, bowing slightly in gratitude for Xu Zixi's counsel.

Xu Zixi gazed deeply at the head of the Yan family and suddenly asked, "Is it because you love her?"

A wave of pain flashed across Yan Gui's eyes, and a bitter, helpless smile crept onto his lips, though he remained silent.

"I've heard that if you hadn't stepped aside, the throne would have been yours. Without her becoming the Silvermoon Queen and gaining the support of a nation, she could never have surpassed you. Some even say that you didn't just yield the throne to her; you actively helped her ascend," Xu Zixi sighed. "Love is indeed the most compelling of emotions."

After a long silence, Yan Gui finally spoke, "All I wish for is her survival."

"I'll do everything I can to assist you," Xu Zixi promised.

...

In Asvetaesi.

Yu Yuan decided to leave all matters of the Keep to his grandfather, withdrawing from the affairs entirely.

As he headed toward the Yu family, Qin Yun followed and remarked, "Your grandfather may not have exceptional talent in cultivation, but he's always been adept at managing affairs."

Yu Yuan smiled in agreement, "Of course, I trust him."

"The nascent Shadowlight Empire will surpass the Silvermoon Empire in strength. Yan Gui is far more formidable than Lee Yupan. Whether it's his realm, combat prowess, national power, or reputation, he will surpass them all once he ascends to the throne," Qin Yun spoke softly. "The Sunfire Emperor truly fears not Lee Yupan, but Yan Gui."

During his time in the Crimson Sun Empire, he was greatly valued by the Sunfire Emperor and privy to many secrets.

Indeed, he knew more about the inner workings of the Silvermoon Empire than many of its elder statesmen.

"Is Yan Gui truly that formidable?" Yu Yuan asked with intrigue.

"Yes, if it weren't for his love for the Silvermoon Queen, he would have long since left Aetherius to delve into deep cultivation at the Devil Palace," Qin Yun affirmed, nodding. "Yan Gui is held in high esteem by the Devil Palace. He disregarded his clan's opposition and fervently supported Lee Yupan's rise to power."

"Had Yan Gui chosen to contest the throne, with the Yan family's resources and the Devil Palace's backing, he would have been the rightful emperor."

"He sacrificed much for Lee Yupan, including the imperial throne and the chance to advance his cultivation in the Devil Palace, choosing instead to stand silently by her side," Qin Yun explained. "Yan Gui is an enigma; no one can truly understand his thoughts. The Silvermoon Empire's ability to withstand the Crimson Sun Empire for so many years owes much to his significant contributions."

Yu Yuan remarked, "That's for the best. He succeeded Lee Yupan and ascended to the throne as the new ruler of the empire. It benefits everyone."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Bai Shenshen from the Sacred Hands is at your family's place," Qin Yun suddenly mentioned. "I mentioned your return, so she's likely waiting for you as we speak."

"Bai Shenshen? What does she want?" Yu Yuan asked with a furrowed brow.

Back in the Serpent Spine Mountains, he had held some regard for Bai Shenshen, given her connection to his parents in this life. However, her actions in the Forgotten Ruins had left him with a strong distaste for her.

After Bai Shenshen departed on the Nimbuswing, Yu Yuan hadn't seen her since.

He had assumed that Bai Shenshen would have returned to the Serpent Spine Mountains, back to the Sacred Hands.

To his surprise, she was in Asvetaesi, and even more unexpectedly, waiting for him at the Yu family's residence. It was utterly baffling.

"As for what she wants with you, I'm not sure. It's probably just something to do with herbs," Qin Yun added.

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