Although some, led by Lu Hai and Jing Zi’ang, were eager for HuLü Yan to quickly assume the position of Demon Lord, the role had remained vacant since Lin Chong’s death, leaving it no simple task to reinstate someone to the throne.

However, Lu Hai and Jing Zi’ang had already prepared. Once HuLü Yan agreed, they promptly dispatched messengers to inform the various city lords of the demon realm, urging them to come swiftly to Drunken City.

At the same time, Mi Lu was also preparing to leave Drunken City.

He indeed had plans to visit the Wen family with HuLü Yan, but first, there was something he needed to do—he wasn’t sure if Jing Lan and Li Huai were still waiting for him inside the formation. Either way, he had to go back to check.

If Jing Lan and Li Huai were dead set on following him, he could only arrange for them to stay in Drunken City for the time being.

And then there was the Seven Star Kunlun Sword left behind in the Capital City.

Mi Lu wasn’t certain if the voice that had awakened HuLü Yan had come from the Seven Star Kunlun Sword, but with those three youths from the Wen family that Wu De mentioned, he and HuLü Yan had to pay them a visit.

With a pile of tasks on hand, there was no need to rush.

Mi Lu took his time, preparing for the journey while waiting for the other city lords to arrive. As for the duties of the city lord of Drunken City…

He’d just discovered the overwhelming workload it entailed!

Not only the various affairs within Drunken City but also the interactions with other towns and the dynamics between the demon and righteous sides were meticulously reported by the steward.

HuLü Yan delegated most of the work to the steward, and those who had bullied Wen Liuli were captured without exception and brought before him.

HuLü Yan instructed the disciples of Wu Wang Gang to whip them to death with long whips, then hung the bodies beside Hao Xuri’s on the high tower, lined up in a grim display.

As May arrived, the demon realm grew hotter and drier.

Hao Xuri’s corpse, exposed to sun and wind for some time, had begun to rot and stink, filling the air inside and outside the city gate with a nauseating stench. Whenever passersby came by, they couldn’t help but cover their noses and hurry on.

Yet no one dared utter a word of complaint; no one dared to resist the actions of the new city lord. All they thought of was “obedience.”

Watching the number of corpses hanging on the tower grow, fear spread through the people’s hearts, grateful they hadn’t laid hands on that pitiful mother and son.

The few city lords staying in the city lord’s mansion were equally anxious.

They had watched as Wu Wang Gang’s disciples beat those people to death, dragged their bodies out like dead pigs, leaving only bloody stains on the ground.

At that moment, no matter how much turmoil they had experienced, they couldn’t help but feel their legs go weak.

Looking at the tall, beautiful city lord’s “wife,” they couldn’t hide the faint trace of fear in their eyes.

HuLü Yan noticed their glances, lifted his gaze slightly, and turned to look at them. “Is there something you’d like to say, gentlemen?”

The city lords immediately shook their heads as if their lives depended on it.

They were almost in tears.

How could they dare say anything!

“Good,” HuLü Yan squinted, flashing a smile that revealed pearly white teeth. Though his smile was lovely and innocent, the coldness in his eyes was undeniable. “Because if there is, I fear we may run out of whips here.”

The few city lords: “…”

They looked at Mi Lu with pitiful expressions.

Mi Lu sat composedly, sipping tea as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

In truth, he couldn’t help them; after all, he wasn’t the real HuLü Yan.

Luckily, the steward appeared quietly to break the tense atmosphere, bowing his head as he spoke, “City Lord…”

HuLü Yan cast him a cold glance. “Hm?”

The steward broke into a cold sweat, stuttering before he reflexively changed his address, “Madam, Lord Yan Fu of Qi City and Lady Wan have arrived together.”

“Let them in.”

“Yes.”

“Wait—” HuLü Yan suddenly stopped the steward, paused, and asked in an odd tone, “Just the two of them?”

The steward was puzzled for a moment before answering cautiously, “There are a dozen servants accompanying them, but only the two lead.”

HuLü Yan raised an eyebrow. “Yan Fu’s adopted daughter didn’t come?”

The steward shook his head. “According to this old servant, apart from Lady Wan, there was no other young lady by Lord Yan’s side.”

Upon hearing this, HuLü Yan’s expression visibly brightened, and he smiled. “That’s just as well. Quickly, let them in.”

The steward, startled by the “please,” hurriedly left.

Although Yan Fu and Lady Wan had mentally prepared themselves, the scene they witnessed on the way through Drunken City left them with somber expressions.

As they followed the steward into the city lord’s mansion, Yan Fu and Lady Wan exchanged a look, each understanding what the other was thinking.

They had intended to support HuLü Yan’s rise, but now it seemed the situation had exceeded their expectations.

On one hand, they had underestimated HuLü Yan’s strength.

On the other, they might have misjudged him…

Yet, at this point, they had little say in the matter; the initiative had long since slipped from their hands.

Passing through a lush garden and winding corridors, they finally arrived in the reception hall of the mansion.

The bloodstains in the hall had been cleaned, though a faint metallic smell lingered.

Yan Fu’s eyes swept over the floor in the middle of the hall, his brow furrowing slightly, though he said nothing as he stepped forward.

Lady Wan followed closely behind.

The hall was filled with people, all city lords who had arrived before them. A quick scan showed that every city lord of the demon realm was present; with Yan Fu and HuLü Yan included, there were thirty in total.

As soon as Yan Fu and Lady Wan entered, every gaze fell upon them.

Sitting in the main seat, HuLü Yan and Mi Lu also looked their way.

Upon noticing Mi Lu, Yan Fu showed no reaction, while Lady Wan’s gaze lingered on him a bit, somewhat surprised.

If she remembered correctly, the young man in HuLü Yan’s embrace was the same young man who had accompanied HuLü Yan out of the Thousands Serpent Pit years ago—Mi family’s young master.

To think, four or five years had passed, and that Mi young master was still by HuLü Yan’s side.

And seeing their intimate posture…

Lady Wan wasn’t entirely clueless; she immediately sensed something intriguing about their relationship.

For a moment, her curiosity grew.

No wonder HuLü Yan had once turned her down without hesitation, showing no mercy, and remained glued to that Mi young master in such a subtle way—so this was their relationship…

Lost in thought, Lady Wan couldn’t help but stare at Mi Lu a bit longer, only to meet HuLü Yan’s cold, unblinking gaze.

Lady Wan: “…”

Alright, alright. She’d stop looking!

Feeling guilty, Lady Wan quickly lowered her gaze.

To Lady Wan, this was just a trivial interlude, but to the other city lords present, it was no small matter!

There had long been rumors about HuLü Yan and Lady Wan’s unusual relationship; some even speculated that they were secretly engaged and already had a child.

Though these rumors were exaggerated and unverified, there’s no smoke without fire; if there was truly nothing between HuLü Yan and Lady Wan, how could there be so much gossip?

Of course, while people thought so, they dared not confirm it.

But seeing the expressions exchanged between Lady Wan and the lord up there, everyone understood, remaining silent on the surface but with their minds racing.

As expected!

It seemed the rumors were true, entirely true!

Look at Lady Wan’s surprised gaze, at the lord’s evasive glance, and at the “city lord’s wife’s” expression, as if catching them in bed together.

What a dramatic scene!

Unfortunately, Lady Wan remained oblivious to the crowd’s thoughts. She and Yan Fu walked up to HuLü Yan and nodded. “City Lord…”

HuLü Yan interrupted them, “The city lord is right here.”

Lady Wan and Yan Fu froze, then followed his gaze to the blank-faced Mi Lu.

Mi Lu sighed and said, “Did you mistake me for someone else? I am HuLü Yan, the lord of Drunken City.”

Yan Fu turned back to HuLü Yan, stunned. “Then who is he?”

With a pleased expression, HuLü Yan snuggled against Mi Lu’s shoulder, his narrow eyes bending into a smile as he clung to Mi Lu’s arm, his voice unexpectedly lighthearted. “I am the city lord’s wife.”

Yan Fu: “…”

Lady Wan: “…”

The two looked as if they’d been struck by lightning.

The steward by their side gave them a sympathetic glance, shaking his head slightly.

Finally, after a long moment, Lady Wan and Yan Fu’s stunned minds began functioning again.

They couldn’t understand what HuLü Yan and Mi Lu were up to, but they reluctantly went along and addressed them, “City Lord, City Lord’s Wife.”

Mi Lu nodded, “Take a seat.”

Lady Wan and Yan Fu, still bewildered, found their seats.

Seeing everyone assembled, Lu Hai, who’d been given advance notice, stood up and addressed the crowd in a loud voice, “I’m sure everyone here knows why we’ve gathered. With the growing tension between the demon and righteous realms, war could break out at any moment. If we win, all is well, but if we lose, have you all thought about the fate that awaits us?”

The hall fell silent.

The crowd exchanged glances, none willing to speak up at this critical juncture.

Sitting in the main seat, HuLü Yan seemed even more detached, idly holding Mi Lu’s hand while his other hand traced over Mi Lu’s thin back through his clothes, as if something about him was irresistibly alluring.

Mi Lu squirmed uncomfortably.

Though the city lords appeared attentive to Lu Hai’s speech, Mi Lu sensed their prying glances toward him and HuLü Yan.

And HuLü Yan’s hand felt like a spark of fire, roaming freely over him, making his skin tingle.

After enduring a while, Mi Lu couldn’t take it any longer. He caught both of HuLü Yan’s hands and held them together.

He glared at HuLü Yan. “Behave yourself.”

HuLü Yan let him hold his hands, resting his chin on Mi Lu’s shoulder and chuckling softly. “I am behaving.”

Mi Lu, exasperated, retorted, “How is that behaving?”

HuLü Yan paused, then leaned in to whisper, his voice low enough for only Mi Lu to hear, “Do you want to see what it’s like when I misbehave?”

As he spoke, his warm breath brushed Mi Lu’s ear.

In an instant, Mi Lu felt as if a spark had ignited inside him, the heat spreading through his body.

He gripped HuLü Yan’s hand tightly, his heart pounding, his lashes trembling.

He kept his gaze forward, afraid that turning to meet HuLü Yan’s dark eyes would reveal his blushing face.

Luckily, HuLü Yan didn’t expose his embarrassment, chuckling quietly before leaning against him like a loyal dog.

After a moment, Mi Lu couldn’t help but say, “Don’t say such things outside; others can hear.”

HuLü Yan stifled a laugh. “Alright.”

Mi Lu hummed lightly, ending the conversation.

Though HuLü Yan appeared to focus on Lu Hai, his gaze remained fixed on Mi Lu, as if memorizing every detail, counting each eyelash.

This wasn’t his first time counting Mi Lu’s eyelashes.

He found Mi Lu incredibly beautiful, with delicate features and fair skin, fitting perfectly into his heart, more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen.

He couldn’t get enough.

He even wanted to lock Mi Lu away in a place no one could find, where he alone could gaze at, touch, and hold him.

But he knew—

If he did that, he and Mi Lu could never go back to how things were.

So, unless it became absolutely necessary, he would suppress that desire.

He needed to act normal.

Otherwise, Mi Lu would be angry.

Though Mi Lu was unaware of HuLü Yan’s thoughts, he had noticed some subtle changes in HuLü Yan since the Wen Liuli incident.

HuLü Yan seemed more sensitive, more suspicious, and incredibly insecure, panicking if Mi Lu wasn’t immediately visible upon waking.

Mi Lu could only adjust to these changes.

He pressed his lips together, calming his mind.

Just then, Lu Hai concluded his speech, and Jing Zi’ang took over with a fervent tone, “In the past, we’ve retreated again and again, ending up in this barren wasteland, but what has that yielded us? Their endless encroachment! They intend to annihilate us and seize our last bit of peace. If we remain inactive, we’ll become fish on their chopping block, helplessly awaiting slaughter!”

Jing Zi’ang went on passionately, finally reaching his point. “Therefore, I propose that City Lord HuLü assume the position of Demon Lord and lead us in reclaiming the territories we once lost!”

As soon as he finished, Yan Fu stood up and said, “I agree with City Lord Lu and City Lord Jing’s words. The demon realm cannot go leaderless, and perhaps City Lord HuLü’s arrival is our chance to turn the tide.”

“Lord Yan speaks the truth.” Lu Hai nodded, scanning the room before asking, “Does anyone present have any objections?”

Everyone looked at each other, reluctant to speak up.

From his seat, HuLü Yan appeared even more detached, holding Mi Lu’s hand, his fingers tracing Mi Lu’s back as if Mi Lu’s presence captivated him more than anything Lu Hai was saying.

After a while, Mi Lu grew uncomfortable, glancing at HuLü Yan with a silent plea.

HuLü Yan let him be but didn’t release his hand.

Seeing no objections, an elderly city lord finally spoke up, breaking the silence in the hall, “I believe the city lords may be mistaken.”

“Lord Kang?” Lu Hai forced a smile, unable to hide a touch of pity in his gaze. “And what wise insights might Lord Kang have?”

“I wouldn’t call them wise, just a few doubts,” Lord Kang said, glancing between HuLü Yan and Mi Lu before continuing, “The Demon Lord’s position is no trivial matter, nor can it be given to just anyone. The previous Demon Lord, Lord Lin Chong, earned his position through his own abilities, winning the respect of all sect leaders and city lords. Now, with Lord Lin Chong long gone and the demon realm having grown, if not exactly brimming with talent, there are many capable figures. For a few city lords to so casually determine the next Demon Lord raises questions about their motives.”

The statement hit like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring ripples across the hall.

Though no one dared openly agree with Lord Kang, they couldn’t deny he had voiced a concern they all shared.

Seeing no rebuttals, Lord Kang grew bolder, sitting straighter as he returned Lu Hai’s taunting smile. “City Lord Lu, wouldn’t you say my words make sense?”

Lu Hai chuckled and waved a hand dismissively, not answering but casting an increasingly sympathetic look at Lord Kang.

Even Jing Zi’ang across from Lu Hai looked at Lord Kang with an expression bordering on pity.

Lord Kang glanced between Lu Hai and Jing Zi’ang, confused, before asking, “Am I wrong?”

“You’re right.” The voice came from the main seat. “You’re absolutely right.”

Relieved, Lord Kang turned toward the speaker, only to see a stunning face, so beautiful it made flowers seem drab by comparison, which caused him to frown.

Wasn’t that young man HuLü Yan’s lover?

Though HuLü Yan cherished him, openly bringing him into the fold and having everyone respectfully call him “City Lord’s Wife,” a lover was still a lover, not the legitimate spouse brought home in a grand procession—how could he have a place here?

Besides, HuLü Yan hadn’t spoken, so what right did a lover have to speak?

“City Lord’s Wife, we’re discussing major matters regarding the demon realm. With all due respect, you may not understand the details, so it might be best not to involve yourself,” Lord Kang said, masking his disdain but unable to fully hide his condescension.

Unexpectedly, HuLü Yan turned and asked Mi Lu, “City Lord, am I not allowed to join in?”

Mi Lu sighed, “Fine, speak as you wish.”

HuLü Yan’s eyes sparkled with joy, and he asked with excitement, “Really?”

“Of course. You are the City Lord’s Wife. If you can’t speak, who can?” Mi Lu patted HuLü Yan’s hand soothingly before turning to the room with a stern gaze. “From now on, his words are my words, his thoughts are my thoughts. Understood?”

Everyone answered reluctantly, “Understood.”

Only Yan Fu and Lady Wan looked bewildered, eventually raising their teacups in a shared, silent agreement that some things were best left unspoken.

Lord Kang, however, hadn’t expected HuLü Yan to elevate a mere lover, nor that he’d be silenced by one. His face darkened.

After a long pause, he forced a smile. “Well, since the City Lord insists, I’d look petty if I didn’t let the City Lord’s Wife have his say. Does he have something to add?”

HuLü Yan rose leisurely, descending the few steps toward Lord Kang with a measured smile. “Lord Kang, you’re absolutely correct. The position of Demon Lord isn’t one for just anyone.”

Only when HuLü Yan reached him did Lord Kang realize the lover he’d looked down upon was a head taller, forcing him to look up to meet his gaze, an uncomfortable posture that made him instinctively step back.

“Oh, so the City Lord’s Wife thinks the same,” he sneered.

“Yes, which is why I wanted everyone to see if our city lord could indeed handle the role of Demon Lord,” HuLü Yan smiled, his eyes curving like crescent moons as he held out a Corpse Transformation Pearl. “First, why don’t you take a look at this—”

Lord Kang’s eyes widened. “Isn’t this… Ming De Yi’s…”

Before he could finish saying “Corpse Transformation Pearl,” black water began dripping from HuLü Yan’s hand, splattering onto the ground.

In the next moment, several rotting hands reached out from the black water, dragging Lord Kang into it without a sound.

A peak-stage Golden Core demonic cultivator…

Just like that, he was gone.

The crowd stared in shock at the Corpse Transformation Pearl in HuLü Yan’s hand.

Only now did they remember the many rumors about HuLü Yan, as well as the rotting corpses they had seen upon entering Drunken City, one of which belonged to Hao Xuri.

Overwhelming terror washed over them, drowning them in a wave of fear.

Only then did they realize how dangerously close they’d come to sharing Lord Kang’s fate.

The entire hall froze in silence.

HuLü Yan didn’t put away the Corpse Transformation Pearl but strolled around the hall, black water gathering wherever he went. Countless rotting hands reached out from the water, filling the hall with a terrible stench.

The most shocked among them was Lady Wan, who, due to Ming Sui’s connections, knew the Medical Hall well and was more familiar with the Corpse Transformation Pearl than others.

In her memory, Ming De Yi’s Corpse Transformation Pearl had never been so powerful.

HuLü Yan tilted his head, grinning as he asked, “Does anyone else object?”

No one dared make a sound.

Finally, under Lu Hai and Jing Zi’ang’s lead, the crowd slowly knelt down and, as if awakened from a dream, all cried out in unison, “Greetings, Demon Lord!”