「Several days later, within the territory of the Azure Bamboo Forest!」
Every Demon in the Yaoling Mountain Range knew the Azure Bamboo Forest was the territory of a Deep Mountain Demon King. Its Domain was vast and boundless, likely covering an area larger than several human provinces combined.
Many races lived here, all vassals under the Great White Demon King. Subject to his rule, one could say they lived and worked in peace and contentment.
This day was a grand occasion for the entire Azure Bamboo Forest. It was decorated with lanterns and streamers, with massive "Double Happiness" characters posted everywhere. It was the White Demon King’s wedding day. For a mighty Demon King to marry was naturally a sensational, large-scale event that stirred the entire Yaoling Mountain Range.
The Kings of various races came to offer their congratulations. Only those with a certain status and standing were able to attend; some kings of weaker races weren’t even qualified to come.
Within the Azure Bamboo Forest, one could see half-human, half-beast Demons everywhere, as well as Demon Spirits that had achieved complete Transformation.
Truly, guests came from far and wide to offer congratulations. Who would dare disrespect the Great White Demon King? All powers, vassal or not, came bearing lavish gifts.
It was rumored that the other Deep Mountain Demon Kings would also come to offer their good wishes. This meant everyone would be able to see these Demon Kings, who were usually incredibly elusive. It was an absolutely thrilling prospect.
What many Demons couldn’t understand, however, was why the great and noble Great White Demon King was marrying a human woman. Although humans were the rulers of the mainstream world, they were generally far too weak.
Most Demons had also heard that this human woman the White Demon King was marrying was utterly powerless—she wasn’t even a Cultivator.
But there was one thing everyone understood: to have caught the eye of a Demon King who had lived for countless ages, this human woman must be as beautiful as a Celestial Immortal, absolutely radiant.
Then again, what was a mere beauty? In the Yaoling Mountain Range, any Female Demon who could achieve Transformation was bound to be attractive. This was especially true for the Fox Race—pick any one of them at random, and she would be as beautiful as a Celestial Immortal.
Besides, the lifespan of an ordinary human woman was far too short. A fleeting hundred years, and she would be nothing but a pile of bones.
A fling would be one thing, but the White Demon King was holding such a massive wedding for her. This was clearly no dalliance; he was marrying her in the most formal and official way possible.
’She’ll die in a hundred years. Is it really necessary to make it so grand?’
’The minds of Demon Kings are just too hard to fathom.’
Countless Demons from various races, who had come to offer their congratulations, gathered in clusters to gossip. This was one hot topic, but another was even more intriguing.
Rumor had it that the White Demon King had also invited the newly ascended Snake King of the Snake Race to the wedding feast. Now *that* was interesting.
Everyone in the Yaoling Mountain Range knew that the new Snake King had faced a tribulation of certain death on Monkey Mountain. The moment he succeeded in Crossing the Tribulation, the White Demon King himself had tried to kill him.
This had clearly forged a blood feud between the Azure Bamboo Forest and the Snake Race.
Since they were mortal enemies, inviting him to the wedding feast was a move that left many people baffled.
But when it came to this new Snake King of the Snake Race, he was an absolute legend. Recently, tales of that Snake’s exploits had spread throughout the entire Yaoling Mountain Range.
Most terrifying of all, he had scared off another Deep Mountain Demon King. For a time, his fame was completely unrivaled.
Even though the new Snake King of the Snake Race had only just ascended by Crossing the Tribulation, his true combat strength was said to be on par with a Deep Mountain Demon King. Otherwise, how could he have scared off the Gray Demon King?
’Terrifying. The rise of the Snake Race is unstoppable.’
There was also a juicy rumor: the human bride-to-be and the new Snake King supposedly shared a secret past.
The White Demon King’s invitation wasn’t a peace offering, but a ploy to humiliate his rival.
"Do you think the new Snake King of the Snake Race will dare to show up for the wedding feast today?"
One of the race kings asked another, kicking off a discussion on the interesting topic.
"Hard to say. This is no ordinary feast. It’s clearly a trap. If he comes, he probably won’t be leaving. This is the Azure Bamboo Forest, after all."
"I bet he’ll come," an eager onlooker chimed in. "Knowing that new Snake King’s personality, he’s completely lawless and fears nothing. He’ll definitely show up."
"Did you hear what happened a few days ago? That new Snake King helped his Battle Companion with its Tribulation. And guess how he did it? He took a three-foot Treasure Sword, charged right into the Celestial Tribulation, and shattered it with a flurry of strikes!"
"Incredible! He dares to challenge a Celestial Tribulation itself, showing no regard for the Law of Heaven and Earth. If he doesn’t even fear the heavens, why would he be afraid of the White Demon King?"
"We’re in for a good show today."
"Heh, I’ve already sent my people to keep an eye on the new Snake King’s movements. The moment he sets foot in the Azure Bamboo Forest, I’ll be the first to know."
As the discussion progressed, a dozen or so race kings had gathered together. The gossip was flowing, and they chattered with all the fervor of a gaggle of busybodies in a marketplace.
A closer look at these race kings revealed a diverse group, representing those who flew in the sky, ran on the ground, and swam in the sea.
Today was not only the White Demon King’s wedding day but also a grand gathering for the vassal lords of every race. The atmosphere was incredibly boisterous.
........
In a room decorated in festive wedding red, Su Rushi sat quietly before a dressing table in her bridal gown. Her exquisite makeup and ethereal, elegant features perfectly highlighted her unparalleled beauty. She was truly, indescribably lovely.
As Su Rushi sat there, she stared at her reflection in the mirror as if looking at a stranger. She couldn’t quite understand how she had ended up so confusedly in this bridal gown.
She felt as if she’d been carried off by bandits to be their chieftain’s wife.
"Where is Brother Bai? He said my grandfather would come today. Has he arrived yet?"
Su Rushi only wanted to ask her grandfather one question in person: ’Is he really making me marry a Demon?’
’Her grandfather has hated Demons his entire life. How could he possibly let her marry one?’