Chapter 101: Restoring the Authority of the Husband

Among those present, aside from Song Ye, only the Flute Immortal recognized the newcomer, for he had previously encountered this person briefly in the Nether Domain. Moreover, the Flute Immortal was well aware that he himself was the "turtle" being referred to.

"Xuan Yuan Demon Lord!"

The Flute Immortal suddenly raised his head and shouted into the layers of black clouds above, "I have no past grievances with you, nor recent enmity. Why do you insist on pursuing me relentlessly?"

He was yet unaware that Xuan Yuan Demon Lord, Qin Xuanxi, and the deceased Wine Immortal had shared a master-disciple relationship. Of course, he could surmise that the Demon Lord had come seeking the truth behind the Wine Immortal's death. For the Demon Lord to use the agreement between the Flute Immortal and Su Yunhe, the head of the Lone Jade Sect, to lure him into revealing himself here, going to such lengths, there must have been a profound bond between her and the deceased Wine Immortal.

Suddenly, from the sky, a pair of enormous black hands parted the clouds, and a colossal face emerged. This face bore golden eyes and fangs, with the character "Xuan" engraved in black upon each golden iris.

At the sight of this great visage, all the cultivators within the royal residence were struck with terror.

This was—the Supreme Xuan Heavenly Demon Aspect.

Now, nearly everyone present from the immortal sects was convinced of the Demon Lord’s identity.

"It’s that demoness’s Supreme Xuan Heavenly Demon Aspect!"

Though few had ever seen Qin Xuanxi’s Demon Aspect in person, its likeness was well known from myriad cultivation scrolls.

In an instant, the sound of knees hitting the ground echoed repeatedly as most of the disciples, and even several esteemed masters, fell to their knees.

The title "Demon Lord" alone was frightening enough, to say nothing of the fact that she was the infamous, bloodthirsty demoness. Though they had the Flute Immortal, an Imperial Immortal, among them, if Qin Xuanxi wished to slaughter them, it would take no more than a thought; the Flute Immortal could not guarantee their safety. Now that the Demon Lord had revealed her Demon Aspect, she was clearly prepared for a great conflict.

Moreover, the proud Demon Lord was not known for slaying those who knelt in submission before her. Thus, kneeling seemed the only hope for survival.

Of course, there were those with unyielding spirit who would rather die than kneel. Su Xiqiu was one such person; she said to her disciples, "If any of you dare kneel, I will break your legs myself and expel you from my tutelage."

Hearing this, Zhang Zixuan dared not kneel. She instinctively clutched Song Yan in her arms. Gu Xi, who had been drunken a moment before, sobered instantly and said solemnly to her three disciples, "Kneel before the Demon Aspect—at least this may save your lives."

To her, the lives of her disciples outweighed any so-called immortal pride.

At this moment, Duan Ling’s legs trembled with fear, but he gritted his teeth and declared, "I would rather die than kneel to such a demoness."

Zhou Nongshan and Chen Huaiyin, seeing their brother refuse to kneel, felt compelled to remain standing as well.

Song Ye, of course, did not kneel either; after all, who kneels to their bride on their wedding day? If he did, how could he ever assert his authority as a husband afterward? Yet given the circumstances, whether the wedding would even happen was uncertain.

"Demon Lord Xuan Yuan, if you have any grievance with me, please state it plainly," the Flute Immortal called once more into the depths of the clouds. He was reluctant to clash with Qin Xuanxi, not trusting he could defeat her. But the only reply was a mighty fist from the Demon Aspect crashing downward.

"Armored Black Turtle!"

The Flute Immortal immediately ordered the Armored Black Turtle to shield him from the blow. The Demon Aspect’s fist struck the turtle’s shell, shattering it instantly. With a wretched cry, the giant turtle’s form was obliterated to dust in the blink of an eye.

At that moment, the Flute Immortal summoned his own True Aspect—a feat only Imperial Immortals and Demon Lords could achieve. Behind him appeared a towering woman in white, dust brush in hand, yet faceless.

This was the Flute Immortal’s natal aspect: the Faceless Nun.

The Faceless Nun hurled her dust brush at one of the black pillars nearby. These pillars were imbued with binding power. The Flute Immortal cared not for battle; he sought only to destroy several pillars, create an opening, and escape.

As the dust brush neared a pillar, it emitted a blinding black light, unleashing a series of immense shockwaves. Within moments, a dozen or so nearby buildings were leveled to the ground. Zhou Junhao, caught in midair, barely shielded himself with his own energy. Unfortunately, the surrounding common folk lacked the strength to protect themselves.

He then noticed that everyone within the royal residence remained unharmed; even the teacups on the tables were untouched, showing no trace of the violent shockwave’s effects. Only then did he realize that a transparent barrier of magical force enveloped the residence, shielding all inside.

Zhou Junhao knew he lacked the power to cast such a formidable ward. Who, then, had secretly set it? His first thought was the Flute Immortal; only he possessed the cultivation to lay down such a defense here. Surely, it could not have been the bloodthirsty demoness herself.

Yet, in truth, it was Qin Xuanxi who had secretly woven this barrier—not to protect the crowd, but simply to shield Song Ye and Song Yan.

With the dust brush, the Faceless Nun quickly destroyed three black pillars, opening a gap. The Flute Immortal soared toward the breach, but as he passed through, he was instantly ensnared by dozens of chains crackling with lightning.

This was the Fortieth Thunder Technique—Prison of Lightning Chains.

Song Ye was familiar with this spell, as one of his own guardians wielded it: a powerful single-target control art.

The Flute Immortal shouted furiously, "Demon Lord Xuan Yuan, do not push me too far!"

With that, he unleashed his full power, shattering the binding chains by force. Clearly, Qin Xuanxi would not let him leave easily—a battle between them was now inevitable.

Water Technique Thirteen—Dragon’s Surge!

A massive water dragon burst from the Flute Immortal’s hands, crashing toward the depths of the clouds, aiming for Qin Xuanxi, still concealed within.

But the dragon was swiftly dispersed by a force within the clouds, its waters falling as rain, as though a sudden shower had begun.

Now, the immense body of the Supreme Xuan Heavenly Demon Aspect emerged fully from behind the clouds. Atop the Demon Aspect’s head stood a petite woman—it was none other than the Demon Lord, Qin Xuanxi.

She now wore her Violet Fiend Mask and the Xuan Yuan Nine Hells Gown.

Within the residence, Song Ye, seeing Qin Xuanxi finally appear, wanted nothing more than to shout up at her: Qin Xuanxi, do you still intend to marry or not? It’s already so late, yet you haven’t even changed into your wedding dress.

Of course, he didn’t need to ask; he understood. At this moment, Qin Xuanxi was not dressed for her wedding, but donned her battle attire to face the Flute Immortal. Clearly, she had never intended to proceed with the ceremony.

In truth, Song Ye had long suspected he would be deceived by her yet again. He could hardly blame her—after all, it was only to complete a fortuitous quest that he had agreed to marry her in the first place.

They had, in a sense, each gotten what they wanted.

Regrettably, it seemed he would never see Qin Xuanxi in her wedding dress after all.