I will not have a powerless witch as my wife. You will accompany me daily to understand how I rule this realm. A teacher will be assigned to instruct you in politics and witchcraft. Master your abilities well."
Feng Ling said nothing, her eyes fixed elsewhere as if his words were nothing more than a passing wind.
His jaw tightened. Rising from his chair, Mo Tian crossed the space between them in a few strides. Before she could react, his hands braced against the arms of her chair, caging her in place.
His long fingers traced a slow line from her cheek to her chin, the touch deceptively gentle. A shiver slipped down her spine, but she clenched her fists, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
If he tried anything, she would strike—without hesitation.
"Little witch," Mo Tian's voice dropped low, his gaze sharp as steel. "I do not enjoy being ignored. When I speak, you will listen. I despise repeating myself… and if you disobey, you will face punishment. Trust me—you do not want to learn what that means."
He leaned closer, each word brushing against her lips like a threat and a promise combined.
Feng Ling's body tensed. Disgust burned in her eyes as she tried to shove him away. "What are you doing? Let me go, you evil bastard!" she snapped, her voice trembling with both fear and defiance.
Mo Tian's smirk deepened. "So feisty. It seems my little witch still needs to be… disciplined." His breath brushed against the corner of her lips before he pulled away deliberately, denying her the chance to bite him.
"You're feistier than I expected," Mo Tian murmured coldly, leaning back into his chair as though nothing had happened. His crimson eyes lowered to the stack of reports before him, his tone steady but commanding.
"There are only five concubines in this palace—two from the demon realm, one from the devil realm, one from the witch realm, and one from the spirit beast realm. As empress, it is your duty to keep them in line."
"Zhǐlán is a witch, and she will serve as your personal handmaid," Mo Tian said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Her duty is to ensure you behave and to teach you about this realm and palace. Do as I say, little witch. I have other ways to bend you to my will… and trust me, you won't want to experience them."
He waved a hand dismissively. "You may go. Do not cause trouble."
Feng Ling rose to her feet, her eyes burning with restrained fury. "Mo Tian, don't think that because you hold my maid captive, I am powerless. I am not some obedient witch who bows to your every command. The moment you slaughtered my family, you forfeited any chance at peace with me." Her voice trembled with rage as she turned toward the door.
But just as her hand touched the handle, his voice slithered across the room like venom.
Mo Tian's voice dropped to a chilling murmur, his words curling like venom. "Little witch… I've been thinking of crafting some new dolls. Male ones, this time. Perhaps I should begin with your precious Bai Chen of the Witch Realm."
His lips curved into a slow, merciless smile. "I could stretch my muscles a bit—conquer his kingdom, butcher his family, and tear him apart piece by piece for daring to dwell in your heart. Let him learn one truth… Mo Tian does not share what is mine."
Feng Ling froze, her chest tightening. She turned back, her eyes blazing with hatred. "Mo Tian—don't you dare! If you so much as touch him, I will kill you!"
A low, mocking laugh echoed through the chamber. "Then practice well, little witch," he sneered. "With that pitiful power of yours, even Zhǐlán could defeat you in three moves."
Her face flushed, caught between shame and fury. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again—if you lay a hand on him, I will kill you, Mo Tian!"
With that, Feng Ling threw the door open and slammed it shut behind her, the resounding crack echoing through the hall like her vow.
Mo Tian burst into laughter, the sound low and dangerous as his crimson eyes glinted with dark amusement. What a spirited little witch… he thought. Her anger only makes her more entertaining.
The heavy doors creaked open, and Yin Zhi stepped inside. He bowed deeply before lifting his head, his expression grave.
"Your Majesty," Yin Zhi said, his voice steady but laced with urgency, "you were right. I just finished investigating one of the guards assigned to watch the Portal, and he confessed that one of the Great Elders helped the Second Master go through the Portal and enter the palace undetected.
That elder, a loyal member of the previous Supreme Demon Emperor's faction, has been whispering to some of the old supporters, plotting to bring you down and restore the previous emperor to the throne." Yin Zhi shook his head. "Not even bothering to call the previous Supreme Demon Emperor, Mo Tian, Father."
"Your Majesty, what do you think should be done with the Great Elder and those loyal to the previous Supreme Demon Emperor? We can't keep tolerating them.
Before, your throne was unstable, and you had just claimed it, so we let them slide. But now, there's no reason to let these traitors run wild," Yin Zhi said, his face burning with anger.
"Let them be for now. They're in my territory and can die whenever I choose. But send skilled guards to watch their every move. If they try to act against me, we'll play them right into their own game," Mo Tian said, his lips curling into a smile that was far from gentle.
The air thickened as demonic qi seeped from his body, coiling like a storm-tide. Mo Tian's killing intent surged through the chamber, pressing down with a suffocating weight.
Yin Zhi's brows furrowed. He stepped forward, lowering his voice in caution. "Your Majesty… you must suppress your demonic qi again. It grows stronger by the day, and if the other demon kings discover your instability, they will use it as an excuse to challenge your throne."
His words lingered in the cold air, the weight of treachery and looming danger pressing down on them both.
Mo Tian's eyes darkened, his voice sharp as a blade.
"Suppress my demonic energy? Of course I know that. But even if I don't, do you truly take me for a weakling, Yin Zhi?
"The wound that man left me may not have fully healed, and though the poison still lingers in my body, I am no longer the powerless fool I was three years ago. Few in this realm could challenge me now… and live."
Without another glance, he strode out of the study, his expression cold and unreadable.
Yin Zhi clenched his fists at his sides, his teeth grinding in frustration. If only that wound and poison from three years ago had never happened…
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