"We've arrived, everyone." We descended upon the New Capital of Tielaisheng from over 300 years ago. Everything here was still so familiar. Gazing at the palace before her—one that she had once overseen—Enis couldn't help but look out with deep emotion. "Let's go. Badi should be inside working. We'll go pay our respects to him first," I said, resting my hand on her shoulder.
"What a peculiar architectural style. Is this what the scenery of Big Sister's home planet looks like~" Zi Mi and the little girls all looked around curiously. Suōshā had visited a few times, so she was already used to it. "It is. Welcome to my hometown, the New Capital of the Demon Race. Let me show you around~" With that, she volunteered to be our guide. We arrived at the main palace gates. Seeing Enis and me, the demon guards quickly saluted and opened the doors. "Welcome back, Lady Enis and Lord Bai. We are terribly sorry for not greeting you sooner since it's been so long~ Please step inside~ His Majesty Badi is currently on the top floor handling state affairs."
"Long time no see, everyone. No need to be so formal. We're just here for a visit today, so please don't constrain yourselves," I waved my hand with a smile. With that, our group entered the palace to meet Badi.
Led by the guards, we arrived at the top-floor executive office. "We're back, Uncle!" I called out a warm greeting the moment we stepped through the door.
"It's you two?! You truly didn't disappoint this old man!" Seeing our sudden visit, Badi quickly stood up to welcome us.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Uncle. The matter has been completely resolved, and everyone returned without a single scratch~" I stepped forward, shaking Badi's hand to catch up. "Badi~" Enis also stepped forward and hugged him tightly. Ever since Batian passed away, Badi had raised Enis single-handedly; the two had long since shared a bond like father and daughter, a sentiment I naturally felt deeply as well.
"Three years have already passed since that farewell. This old man has been waiting day and night, and finally, I've lived to see your return." Badi gestured for us to sit down to the side. "And they are?" Zi Mi and the little girls entered his line of sight.
"Badi~ Badi~ Mighty and overbearing~" "Badi~ Badi~ We want snacks~"
The little girls started up again, which actually made Badi burst out laughing. "They must be your new members as well. I'll have the maid bring over some tea and pastries."
"No need to go to any trouble, Uncle. This is Zi Mi, uh... she's my third partner. And they are the little girls, named Luomei, Ximei, Wumei, Yamei, Yemei, Sumei, Lumei, and Dimei. They are Demon Gods created by me. They can be a bit mischievous at times, so please bear with them..." Hearing this, Badi couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"You've taken this playboy streak a bit too far."
"Uh, sorry about that, Uncle. It's a long story. I was pretty much forced to accept it," I scratched my head helplessly.
"Forget it, I won't interfere too much in your private matters. Returning safely this time is a joyous occasion in itself. Besides, your timing is perfect. The hero Kaia and his companions are about to hold their wedding—the date is set for tomorrow. I've been invited to attend, so you all should come along tomorrow as well." Just then, the maid delivered the tea and pastries, and Badi invited everyone to dig in. "So delicious~ That piece is mine!" The little girls began scrambling for the food. My wives and I could only offer embarrassed, polite smiles, but Badi didn't mind in the slightest.
"Haha, what a lively bunch of brats. Tomorrow's wedding will definitely be even more boisterous."
A Night in the Demon Capital
With that settled, our entire group stayed the night in the palace instead of returning to Eden. In the evening, we took everyone out to stroll through the night market district, witnessing all sorts of Demon Race residents going about their lives. "Big Sister's hometown is really interesting~" Zi Mi browsed the streets with great interest. "Planet Dodado hasn't developed an interstellar civilization yet, but the residents of this planet excel at using energy techniques called magic. Although it isn't on the same level as The power of the universe, it's another pathway of development," I explained to her.
"Do we need to bring any gifts for the wedding tomorrow, Hubby?" Suōshā suggested at this moment.
"Right, there's still the matter of gifts! I completely forgot. What should we prepare?" Enis also suddenly realized.
"Don't worry, I have my own arrangements when the time comes," I said with a highly confident expression.
"Oh? What are you going to give?" Enis pressed curiously.
"Hee hee, it's a secret," I kept the suspense alive without revealing it.
"Hubby is so sneaky~"
"Alright, I'll tell you guys. It's this," with that, I materialized two glowing energy spheres from my hand.
"These are...? I can feel The power of the universe energy inside them. Could they be similar to the energy spheres you refined before?" Suōshā leaned in close.
"Exactly. I promised Kaia before that I would teach them how to acquire The power of the universe. Consuming these two energy spheres will unlock their soul potential and grant them The power of the universe. Back when I was refining the energy spheres, I used my leftover strength to make two extra ones. Now that I have lost all my The power of the universe, I can never refine them again," I explained with a smile.
"I see. That is indeed a remarkably precious gift," Suōshā nodded.
"There seems to be a barbecue stall over there, let's go check it out~" Zi Mi pointed ahead.
"Let's go," I led everyone as we happily walked over.