Chapter 175: A Stage For Blood (1)
Midnight settled over the Azure Dragon Clan like a living breath.
The wind carried laughter, music, the rich aroma of delicacies drifting through the palace halls. Lanterns glowed like fallen stars, casting warm light over the grand gathering of beasts.
Above, the full moon loomed vast and luminous, so close it felt as though it might descend upon the world itself.
Within the grand hall, the banquet was in full bloom.
At the head of it all, upon the elevated throne, Jun Yongrui sat with a smile, his fingers loosely curled around his cup as his gaze rested upon the dancers moving gracefully below.
He was completely elegant, controlled and unbothered ...until his eyes shifted.
Shen Taiyu had entered. Not alone, but with the three partners who had long since distanced themselves from him. Now they stood together again, speaking lightly among themselves, dressed in flawless elegance.
Jun Yongrui’s smile faded. He cleared his throat and looked away, returning his attention to the dancers as though nothing had happened.
Moments later, Jun Shanyuan entered the hall alongside An Moshang.
They moved with quiet grace, offering polite nods and greetings to familiar faces as they passed through the crowd.
Then, another figure swept in.
Jun Shenzhen.
He was dressed immaculately, his presence as flamboyant as ever, every step radiating effortless confidence. Beside him stood Bai Ziru, composed and striking, his quiet strength contrasting Shenzhen’s brightness.
The moment Shanyuan saw him, "Shenzhen?!"
She rushed forward without hesitation, grabbing his arm before he could escape.
"I knew you were back," she said, narrowing her eyes, "but how dare you not come to me first?"
Shenzhen winced, attempting, unsuccessfully, to pull away. "Ah... sister, must you expose me like this in public?"
Shanyuan ignored him entirely and looked at Bai Ziru.
Both he and An Moshang exchanged polite bows, measured and respectful.
Shanyuan leaned in closer to her brother, lowering her voice. "...Why is the wolf beast prince here?"
Shenzhen leaned in as well, a grin already forming. "He’s my husband."
Shanyuan gasped. Her hand flew to her lips, eyes wide with pure shock.
"Oh my...! How did you even—" Her words cut off abruptly.
"We welcome the Great Divine Beast Prince, Jun Haoxuan... and his husband, Su Ningyan." An announcement rang out, clear and commanding, echoing through the vast space.
All eyes turned as they entered together.
Jun Haoxuan walked at an unhurried pace, regal and composed, his presence steady as a mountain. At his side, Ningyan moved with equal grace, his white robes catching the lantern light, his aura both gentle... and quietly dangerous.
Together, they were overwhelming. A perfect union of power and beauty.
The hall seemed to hold its breath.
Shanyuan clutched Shenzhen’s arm tighter, practically glowing with excitement, while Shenzhen himself leaned forward slightly, eyes sparkling.
"...He really did it," Shanyuan whispered.
Shenzhen smiled, softer this time. "He did."
For a moment, It felt unreal. Their brother, who had always stood above others, distant and untouchable, was standing beside someone.
At the head of the hall, Jun Yongrui rose to his feet. A cup of wine rested in his hand.
"Let us toast," he declared, his voice carrying easily across the space, "to this union."
Cups were raised, voices echoed in agreement and the celebration resumed.
Ningyan and Haoxuan moved to their seats, settling side by side.
Servants stepped in and out like shadows, placing dishes, pouring wine, adjusting details that needed no adjustment.
From across the hall, Shenzhen suddenly straightened.
"I’m going," he took a step forward and immediately felt a hand latch onto his sleeve.
"Shenzhen."
He turned.
Jun Shanyuan was already looking at him with a sharp, knowing expression. "What are you doing?"
Shenzhen huffed softly, lips forming a slight pout. "I want to introduce Ziru to him."
Shanyuan sighed, her gaze flicking briefly toward the head table, toward Haoxuan, who was leaning toward Ningyan, saying something low that made Ningyan glance around as if searching for something unseen.
Then she looked back at Shenzhen.
"Not now," she said gently. "This is not the right moment. You can do it after the banquet."
Shenzhen’s shoulders dropped a little.
"You’re ruining my confidence," he muttered. "What if he.."
"He won’t," Shanyuan cut in softly, her expression warming. "You know he would never be against your happiness."
Shenzhen hesitated. Then, slowly, he smiled. "...I know."
Shanyuan’s expression softened further at that.
"Good." She nudged him lightly. "Then stay here. And try, just try, to ignore Father."
Then, more lightly, she added, "If you must do something, go to the others. The ones who actually care about us. You can introduce your husband to them."
Shenzhen let out a small chuckle, some of his earlier tension easing. "I already did."
Shanyuan gasped dramatically, hand flying to her chest.
"You what?" she whispered, scandalised. "Now I’m truly offended. You didn’t come to me first?"
Shenzhen grinned, entirely unapologetic.
"Yunyi-jie is already angry too," he added, clearly entertained.
Shanyuan clicked her tongue, though amusement flickered in her eyes as she glanced around the hall, searching.
"Speaking of..." she murmured. "Where is she?"
Her gaze swept past the crowd, thoughtful. "Perhaps she’s still with the children."
At that moment, a suffocating, viscous darkness poured into the grand hall like ink spilled across silk, swallowing the music mid-note, strangling laughter in throats, freezing dancers where they stood. Smiles vanished. Breath stilled.
Silence followed.
Then... Murmurs as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
He had arrived.
Lan Yunlai stepped into the hall as though he owned it.
Each step was unhurried, yet the power spilling from him surged like a living tide. Thick, oppressive demonic energy coiled around his form, licking the air, pressing against every beast present with suffocating intent.
Behind him, to his left, walked Lan Shiyu, his gaze sharp, serpent eyes gleaming with restrained malice.
To his right, a guard followed silently, his blazing red eyes devoid of anything remorseful.
The crowd parted instinctively. No one dared block his path.
Lan Yunlai smiled. It was... pleasant. Too pleasant as he walked straight toward the throne... Toward Jun Yongrui.
"It is admirable to see you well, Jun Yongrui," Lan Yunlai said, his voice smooth, almost warm.
His dark emerald eyes flickered, glowing faintly. "Very admirable."
Jun Yongrui’s expression darkened instantly.
"The feeling isn’t mutual," he snarled, his voice carrying across the now deathly silent hall. "You know you are not allowed in my territory."
A soft chuckle escaped Lan Yunlai’s lips.
"I am here for my son," he replied calmly. "It would seem our sons have chosen... a rather interesting path."
His gaze flickered briefly toward Ningyan. Then back.
"A mutual lover," he continued, lips curling faintly. "It is hardly my fault such a situation arose. It is only natural that I come to... celebrate such a union."
A scoff tore from Jun Yongrui.
"A son you cast aside," he snapped, his tone laced with venom. "Stripped of his titles. Disowned."
His gaze shifted sharply to Lan Shiyu. "And replaced with that... crawfish of a son you parade around."
The insult landed.
Lan Shiyu’s serpent eyes flared, hazel burning into deep, furious red as he stepped forward.
"How dare..."
He didn’t finish. A single cold glance from Lan Yunlai.
Lan Shiyu froze. His lips snapped shut instantly, his body stiffening before he stepped back into place without another word.
Lan Yunlai’s smile returned, unbothered.
"Do not allow me to dull what is meant to be a beautiful celebration, old friend," he said lightly.
But the weight behind his words pressed like a blade.
Jun Yongrui rose to his feet slowly. A violent, steel-gray aura exploded from his body, crashing through the hall like a storm unleashed. The very air trembled beneath it, pillars groaning faintly under the pressure.
"You dare walk into my clan," he growled, each word heavy with killing intent, "after the chaos you have sown, after the deaths, the abominations you reek of—"
His eyes blazed. "You think I would let you leave?"
The ground beneath his feet cracked. "You will die here tonight, Lan Yunlai!"
In a flash of overwhelming force, Jun Yongrui charged forward, his killing intent tearing through the air as he lunged straight for Lan Yunlai.