Extra Bonus Chapter: A Very Villainous Christmas
(Non-Canon / Semi-Canon – Just for Fun!)
The snow falling over the Immortal Dynasty wasn't ordinary ice; it was frozen spiritual essence, drifting down in glittering flakes that tasted like mint and high-grade mana.
Inside the Second Prince's pavilion, the atmosphere was chaotic.
"I don't care about the 'Spirit of Giving'!" Hu Ruyan hissed, her nine tails currently decorated with hundreds of tiny, glowing spirit-lanterns. She looked like a sentient Christmas tree. "I only care about the 'Spirit of Receiving'—specifically, receiving more of Yanluo's time!"
"Behave, little fox," Yao Qingxue commanded. The Regent Consort was dressed in a festive, fur-trimmed version of her royal robes that left very little to the imagination. She was currently overseeing the placement of a giant 'World-Tree' branch in the center of the hall. "The Prince has decreed this a 'Day of Rest.' That means no fighting, only indulgence."
[System Notification: "Ling"]
[Observation: Host, you have successfully convinced an entire Immortal Dynasty that 'Christmas' is an ancient tradition where beautiful women must wear revealing red outfits and feed you grapes. Your level of gaslighting is truly divine.]
'It's not gaslighting, Ling. It's "Cultural Exchange,"' Yanluo thought, lounging on a massive pile of velvet cushions.
The Tribute of the Heroines
Yanluo was currently being "held hostage" by Mu Qinglan and Ling Yuechan. They had tied a festive green ribbon around his wrist, claiming he was their "primary gift" for the day.
"Your Highness," Qinglan whispered, leaning close so her green hair brushed his cheek. "In honor of this... 'Christmas,' I have brewed a special seasonal tea. It has a hint of cinnamon and a very potent aphrodisiac... I mean, 'stamina recovery' herb."
"I'll be the judge of that," Yanluo smirked, taking a sip and pulling her into his lap.
Suddenly, the doors burst open. Princess Xu Meiling walked in, dragging a sack that was definitely moving and making muffled "Mmph! Mmph!" noises.
"Brother! I brought you a present!" she chirped, dumping the sack.
Out tumbled the Sword God, Lin Feng, tied up in festive red ropes with a bow on his head.
"I found him moping in the arena," Meiling explained, taking a festive cookie from a tray. "I thought you might want to use him as a footstool for the party."
"Mmmph!! (I will kill you, Xu Yanluo!!)" Lin Feng muffled through his gag.
Yanluo looked at the Hero, then at his doting harem. "Put him in the corner next to the decorations. He adds to the 'pitiful' aesthetic of the room."
The "Dual Recovery" Carol
As the night deepened, the wine—distilled from thousand-year-old snow-lotuses—began to take effect.
The Fox Princess, Ruyan, had finally had enough of the "sharing" policy. She used her tails to sweep Yanluo off the cushions and into a private alcove decorated with mistletoe (which Yanluo had told them was a "Binding Array of Forced Kisses").
"Yanluo," she purred, her eyes glowing in the dim light. "I heard that on Christmas, if you stay under this plant, you have to grant me a wish."
"Is that so?" Yanluo teased, his hands finding her waist. "And what does a mischievous fox wish for?"
"I want a new cultivation technique," she whispered, her breath hot against his neck. "The one where we don't stop until the sun comes up."
[System Notification]
[Quest Triggered: 'The Long Winter Night']
[Objective: Satisfy the Fox's 'Wish' without waking up the Regent Consort.]
[Reward: Hidden Item 'Santa's Infinite Sack' (Storage Tool).]
"Challenge accepted," Yanluo smirked.
But before he could begin, the Regent Consort, Qingxue, appeared behind them, leaning against a pillar with a playful, dangerous smile. "Oh? Thinking of starting the 'festivities' without the head of the household? That's a very naughty list you're forming, Yanluo."
"The more the merrier," Yanluo laughed, reaching out a hand to pull her in as well.
The Mysterious Gift
Near midnight, as the villa finally calmed down into a pile of tangled silks and sleeping beauties, a golden light flickered on the balcony.
Yanluo, ever alert, stepped out into the cold air, a robe loosely thrown over his shoulders. Resting on the railing was a small, black box wrapped in silver chains. No note. No signature.
He opened it. Inside was a single, glowing shard of a Black Star.
[System Warning: !#@$!&]
[Ling: Host... that's not from this realm. That's a fragment of the 'Outer Heavens.' Someone—or something—from beyond the game's original code just sent you a Christmas present.]
Yanluo looked up at the stars. The "Game" was getting bigger than he had ever intended.
"Well," Yanluo whispered, a dark, excited glint in his red eyes. "I guess I'll have to thank them in person someday."
He closed the box and headed back inside. He had a harem to keep warm, and a "Sword God" footstool to trip over.