Night descended upon the Demon Palace like a velvet curtain, wrapping the towering black structures in quiet majesty. Crimson lanterns ignited one by one along the grand corridors, their warm glow dancing across polished obsidian floors. The palace, which commanded fear during the day, now held an air of elegance and controlled celebration.
Tonight was the banquet.
Inside the grand ceremonial hall, a long table stretched across the chamber, adorned with rare delicacies, glowing spirit fruits, and fine wine that shimmered like liquid rubies. Musicians played softly in the background, their melodies gentle but haunting.
Mo Zhu and Li Feng sat at the head of the table.
Despite their true ages surpassing forty, neither of them looked older than twenty-five. Their immortality had preserved their youth, their flawless features untouched by time. Their presence alone made the entire hall feel smaller.
On either side sat Mo Yanluo and Xu Tianming, both calm, both observant.
Across from them sat Princess Bai Xueyin… and beside her, Bai Chenxi and Bai Yuchen.
The mortal brothers sat with perfect posture, their expressions respectful. Yet beneath their calm exterior, their hearts were anything but steady.
Because they could feel it.
The Demon Lord and the Shadow Emperor were watching them.
Not with hostility.
Not with anger.
But with something far more unsettling.
Interest.
Chenxi could feel Mo Zhu's gaze resting on him again and again.
Yuchen could feel Li Feng's eyes lingering on him.
It made their skin prickle.
They did not dare ask why.
They did not dare assume anything.
They simply endured it.
Mo Zhu finally spoke, his voice calm and smooth.
"Bai Chenxi."
Chenxi immediately straightened.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mo Zhu's eyes studied him carefully.
"You are not married, are you?"
The question struck Chenxi by surprise.
He blinked once.
"…No, Your Majesty."
He hesitated slightly before asking carefully,
"Why does Your Majesty ask?"
Mo Zhu leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable.
"No particular reason. I was simply curious."
His tone was casual.
Too casual.
Chenxi could not understand it.
Mo Zhu continued.
"…In that case, tomorrow morning, after your sister and your younger brother return to the Central Kingdom…"
He paused briefly.
"…Would you be willing to stay here for a while?"
The words fell like quiet thunder.
Chenxi froze.
Stay… here?
In the Demon Palace?
"…Your Majesty," Chenxi said carefully, trying to remain respectful despite his growing unease. "Why would Your Majesty want me to stay?"
Mo Zhu's lips curved slightly.
Not quite a smile.
"…I will tell you tomorrow."
Chenxi's heartbeat quickened.
He did not know whether to feel honored… or afraid.
Beside him, Bai Yuchen felt similar unease.
He glanced briefly at Li Feng.
And found Li Feng already looking at him.
Their eyes met.
Yuchen immediately looked away.
His chest tightened.
He did not understand why these rulers were so interested in them.
They were only mortals.
The banquet continued.
Wine was poured.
Conversations flowed.
The elders spoke with Princess Bai Xueyin.
Xu Tianming laughed occasionally.
Mo Yanluo watched everything calmly.
But Li Feng…
He drank.
One cup.
Then another.
Then another.
His tolerance was high, but tonight, he did not stop himself.
The warmth of the wine spread through his body, blurring the sharp edges of his control.
His gaze kept drifting back to Bai Yuchen.
Yuchen's quiet demeanor.
His calm eyes.
His steady presence.
It stirred something unfamiliar.
Something dangerous.
By the time the banquet ended, Li Feng had drunk far more than usual.
The hall slowly emptied.
Guests were escorted back to their chambers.
Lanterns flickered in the quiet corridors.
Li Feng rose from his seat.
The world tilted slightly.
His mind was not fully clear.
He walked through the halls, guided by instinct more than awareness.
Left.
Right.
Another turn.
He stopped before a door.
Without thinking, he pushed it open.
Inside, Bai Yuchen was sitting at the edge of his bed, having just removed his outer robe. He had been preparing to rest after the exhausting evening.
The sudden sound startled him.
He turned quickly.
His eyes widened.
"Your Majesty—?!"
Li Feng stood in the doorway.
His silver-dark hair fell loosely around his face.
His usual cold composure was softened by intoxication.
His eyes locked onto Yuchen.
"Yuchen…"
His voice was quieter than usual.
Yuchen immediately stood up, nervous.
"Your Majesty… what are you doing here?"
Li Feng stepped inside slowly.
The door closed behind him.
Yuchen's heart began to pound.
This was the Shadow Emperor.
One of the most powerful beings in existence.
Why was he here?
Why alone?
Li Feng stopped in front of him.
Close.
Too close.
His gaze was intense, yet unsteady.
"Yuchen…"
He spoke again, his voice lower.
"…Can you stay here tomorrow?"
Yuchen froze.
"…Your Majesty?"
Li Feng continued, his words softened by wine and truth.
"I like you."
The words struck like lightning.
Yuchen's mind went blank.
"I want you… to stay."
He stepped closer.
"To become my male concubine."
Yuchen's breath caught.
"I will not treat you badly," Li Feng said quietly.
His voice was sincere.
"If you stay with me… you will never have to live as an ordinary mortal again."
His hand lifted slightly, as if wanting to reach out—but he stopped himself.
"I will give you everything."
Silence filled the room.
Yuchen's thoughts spiraled.
Male… concubine?
The Shadow Emperor…
Liked him?
His heart pounded violently in his chest.
He had never imagined this.
Never even considered the possibility.
He stared at Li Feng, unable to speak.
Confusion.
Fear.
Shock.
And something else.
Something he could not yet understand.
Li Feng watched him quietly, his breathing slow.
Waiting.
Not commanding.
Waiting.
For an answer.