Chapter 20: The Emperor's Banquet and the Demon Queen's Shadow
The interior of the Imperial Carriage felt like a sanctuary of silk and sin. Having drained a significant portion of Empress Yaoyin's spectral essence, Xu Yanluo opened his eyes, feeling his meridians hum with refined power.
He didn't waste a second. He turned to Yao Qingxue, who was still cradling him, and pulled her flush against his chest. "I've recovered," he whispered, his voice vibrating against her neck. "But my cultivation is... unstable. I think I need a deep, private session with the Regent herself."
Qingxue's doting instincts flared like a wildfire. Her mature, elegant face flushed a soft pink as she peppered his cheeks with kisses. "Oh, darling... you're so greedy. But if it's for your 'stability,' I suppose I can't refuse. If you behave during the banquet, I'll let you explore my 'Secret Garden' tonight."
"Deal," Yanluo smirked. He then turned his gaze to the Goddess Tian Ling, who was sitting across from them. "And you, my Goddess of Fate? My future looks a bit... cold. Won't you warm it up later?"
Because of the "Logical Corruption" Yanluo had coded into her soul, Tian Ling couldn't even pretend to be indignant. She played with her starlight hair, her eyes shyly dropping to his lap. "If it is... written in the stars... then I shall obey."
Hu Ruyan let out a sound like a deflating balloon, her nine tails drooping in a massive pout. "Hey! What about the Fox?! I'm the one who blocked the swords!"
"Everyone gets a turn," Yanluo laughed, patting Ruyan's head. "It's an Empire, not a queue."
The Imperial Banquet: Royal Masks
The banquet hall of the lead Battle-Galleon was a masterpiece of opulence. Emperor Xu Tianhuang sat at the head of the table, looking like a man who had just won a lottery.
"Hah! My son!" the Emperor roared, lifting a cup of Dragon-Marrow wine. "I heard you captured the Goddess of Fate herself. Not bad, boy! You're only a few years later than our Third Ancestor, but he didn't have a Regent Consort and an Empress-Spirit helping him out!"
Yanluo sat beside Qingxue, looking every bit the 'Good Prince.' He nodded politely, his hands under the table busy 'testing' the silk of Qingxue's inner robes. She gasped softly, leaning into him while trying to maintain a royal smile for the Emperor.
"I aim to please, Father," Yanluo said, his face a mask of filial piety.
"Good, good," the Emperor said, his expression turning serious. "But listen. To truly stabilize the Immortal Empire, we need to secure the Northern Void. I've been in talks with the Asura Blood Realm. They want a political marriage. Their Demon Queen, Lilith, is looking for a consort who can survive her 'Yin-Devouring' physique."
System Intel: The Next Target
'Ling,' Yanluo thought, his eyes narrowing. 'Stats. Now.'
[System Notification: "Ling"]
[Target: Demon Queen Lilith]
[Cultivation: Sovereign Ascension (Peak)]
[Specialty: 'Succubus Queen's Kiss' — Drains 100% of a normal man's life force in 3 seconds.]
[Status: Currently bored. She has killed 12 potential suitors this month by 'accident.']
[Advice: Master, her 'Purity' is surprisingly 100%. Apparently, no one has been 'strong' enough to actually touch her without turning into a raisin.]
Yanluo's interest spiked. A Demon Queen with a 100% Purity rating? That was a challenge he couldn't pass up.
'Any other "Chosen Ones" nearby I should be worried about?'
[Ling: Oh, absolutely! There's a "Protagonist" currently hiding in the kitchens of this very ship. Name: Ye Fan. Status: "The Immortal Chef." He has a "God-Level Cooking System" and an "Ancient Alchemist Empress" spirit in his soup ladle. He's currently planning to poison your wine to "rescue" Ye Ziyun.]
Yanluo nearly laughed aloud. 'A Chef Hero? With a Ladle Empress? Is the universe running out of ideas?'
The Hook
"Father," Yanluo said, standing up and raising his cup. "I accept the marriage proposal. A Demon Queen sounds like she needs a firm hand to guide her."
The Emperor grinned. "That's my boy! We set sail for the Blood Realm at dawn!"
As Yanluo sat back down, he felt a cold chill. In the corner of the hall, a young servant in chef's whites was staring at him with murderous intent, his hand gripping an old, rusted ladle.
Yanluo leaned toward Qingxue, whispering in her ear. "Keep the bed warm tonight, darling. Tomorrow, I think I'm going to have a very... interesting dinner. I've always wanted to see how an 'Alchemist Empress' tastes."
[System: Ding! New Quest: 'The Gourmet's Downfall.' Reward: 'Eternal Stamina' Pill & New Harem Slot (Spirit-Ladle Edition).]