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 hasnt Fenger returned with you? Did something happen to him? Su Bei couldnt 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 hadnt returned from the otherworld.

He intended to ask Li Mo about the matter, but the demonic dragon forefathers 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 hadnt formally recognized his son, Zhuo Yifeng and Zhuo Liner were his only descendants. To Su Bei, Zhuo Yifengs life was more important than his own.

Zhuo Yifeng did experience an incident, but we can promise you that his lifes 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 Beis expression turned hopeful.

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

Although Fenger 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 wouldnt present itself now.

The demonic spirit will surely head to the Jiyuan continent in search of holy water to reforge its original body. Once Yaner gives birth, well 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 Beis feelings toward Zhuo Yifeng, especially now that he was about to become a father himself.

Thank you, Your Highness. I entrust my sons 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 wouldnt 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. Thats why Id like to settle the terms of our agreement before we start cooperating with each other

Ill hear you out, the demonic dragon forefather interrupted.

My terms are simple. After defeating the silver dragon clan, you cant 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 Ruoyans already the clan head of the demonic dragons. Shes participating in this plan in that capacity, not as your daughter-in-law.

Ruoyans become the clan head of the demonic dragon clan? Empress Xue Tong was shocked. Because Yun Ruoyan had so adamantly refused the demonic dragon forefathers 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 Tongs 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 hadnt proposed it as a condition.

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

If Empress Xue Tong werent 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 weve finished our negotiations, lets inform the two children of our plans, she suggested.

Because the Feilai Blade couldnt be too far apart from Yun Ruoyan, she and Li Mo had remained by the entrance to the underground chamber, awaiting Empress Xue Tongs summons. As they entered, Empress Xue Tong told them about the results of her negotiations with the demonic dragon forefather.

Ruoyan, why didnt 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 didnt agree to become the clan head.

Ruoyan, why not? In my opinion, this is clearly a good thing. Only when youre the clan head will you be able to help Li Mo deal with the silver dragon clan elders and solidify Li Mos 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 wasnt particularly enthused by Empress Xue Tongs words.

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

As soon as Yun Ruoyans 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 forefathers appointment. Li Mo and Yun Ruoyan bade Empress Xue Tong farewell, then left the Beast Kings 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 masters 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, youre finally back! Li Luo stepped forward to welcome Li Mo and Yun Ruoyan, her eyes a little reddened.

Yun Ruoyan tugged on Li Luos hands. Sister Li Luo, weve returned safely. You should be smiling, noy crying!

Yes, yes. Li Luos gaze then landed on Yun Ruoyans abdomen. And youve even brought back a little baby!

Sister Li Luo, Im tired and hungry. Have you made me anything tasty to eat? Yun Ruoyan asked.

Yes, but you cant have food thats too oily at night. Ive prepared your favorite lotus-seed soup and a few snacks, Consort Yun, and Ive 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 Ruoyans 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.

Yaner, the bathwaters almost ready. Didnt you want to take a hot bath? Li Mo whispered into her ear.

Yun Ruoyan scratched her ear, mumbling, Im 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, Ill help you out, Li Mo whispered. Yun Ruoyan didnt reply, so Li Mo stood up and carried her toward the bathroom.

Yun Ruoyan woke up in Li Mos 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.

Its still early. Sleep a little while more, and Ill accompany you to the Lin family when youre ready, Li Mo whispered.

Yun Ruoyan nodded, then closed her eyes once more.