The entire Demon Palace had transformed overnight.
Black stone pillars were wrapped in crimson silk. Golden lanterns floated midair, casting a warm glow that softened even the coldest corners of the palace. Spiritual flowers bloomed along every corridor, their petals shimmering faintly with demonic energy.
It was not just a celebration.
It was a declaration.
Mo Yanluo stood in the middle of the courtyard, staring at the decorations with disbelief.
"This is unbelievable."
Xu Tianming stood beside him, arms crossed.
"You're surprised?"
"I didn't know our fathers had this side," Yanluo said dramatically. "The entire palace looks like a wedding hall."
Tianming smirked. "That's because it is one."
Yanluo blinked.
"…Wait."
Tianming leaned closer.
"Today is the day."
"The day for what?"
Tianming lowered his voice.
"They're officially turning them into demons. And announcing them as male consorts."
Yanluo's eyes widened.
"Officially?"
Tianming nodded.
"The Central Kingdom has been invited. Other clans too."
Yanluo was silent for a moment.
Then he shrugged.
"Whoever comes or doesn't come… I don't care."
Tianming narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"I just care about the food."
Tianming sighed.
"You're hopeless."
Yanluo grinned proudly.
"Celebrations exist for eating."
Inside the grand hall, preparations continued at full speed.
Servants hurried back and forth. Musicians tuned spiritual instruments. High-ranking demons adjusted ceremonial banners.
At the center of the hall stood two elevated platforms.
Twin thrones.
Reserved.
The doors opened.
Mo Zhu entered first.
His presence alone silenced the hall.
His long black robes had been replaced with ceremonial attire — deep crimson layered with gold embroidery, intricate demonic patterns glowing faintly along the fabric.
Beside him walked Bai Chenxi.
No.
Not Bai Chenxi anymore.
Not entirely human.
His aura was different.
Stronger.
Refined.
Earlier that morning, before any guests arrived, Mo Zhu and Li Feng had given them the transformation pills privately.
The Demon Pills.
They were not ordinary.
They were foundation-establishment pills meant to reshape mortal bodies into demonic vessels.
The process had been intense.
Painful.
But controlled.
And now—
Chenxi stood tall.
His once gentle mortal aura had deepened into something darker, more powerful, yet still elegant.
Li Feng entered next.
Wearing black and silver ceremonial robes.
Beside him—
Yuchen.
His aura had changed the most.
Still sharp.
Still disciplined.
But now carrying a faint demonic undertone that blended perfectly with Li Feng's energy.
Whispers spread through the hall.
"They've truly transformed…"
"Their aura…"
"Incredible…"
From the far end of the hall, the delegation from the Central Kingdom stepped forward.
Among them—
Their parents.
Their mother's eyes were already wet.
Their father stood straighter than usual, pride barely concealed.
Chenxi stepped forward first and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Lord Mo Zhu."
His voice was calm.
Steady.
"Our parents are very happy."
Mo Zhu's gaze softened slightly.
"I did this for you."
A faint smirk curved his lips.
"If you wish to thank me… you may do so tonight."
Chenxi froze instantly.
His face flushed.
From beside them, Li Feng chuckled quietly.
Yuchen elbowed him slightly.
"My Lord…"
Li Feng leaned closer and whispered near his ear.
"You look more beautiful like this."
Yuchen's heart skipped.
"Please behave."
"I am behaving," Li Feng replied calmly.
The ceremony began.
Ancient demonic drums echoed through the hall.
A high priest stepped forward, chanting in the old demonic tongue.
Golden light rose beneath Chenxi and Yuchen's feet.
Their transformed aura expanded outward.
Powerful.
Steady.
Unmistakably demonic.
Gasps filled the hall.
Mo Zhu and Li Feng each stepped forward, placing a hand over their companions' shoulders.
The declaration echoed across the palace.
"From this day forward, Bai Chenxi shall stand as the official consort of the Demon Lord Mo Zhu."
"And Bai Yuchen shall stand as the official consort of the Shadow Emperor Li Feng."
Spiritual energy flared.
The bond seals activated.
Not ownership.
Not slavery.
But connection.
Equal.
Binding.
The hall erupted into applause.
Even the Central Kingdom delegation bowed respectfully.
Their father stepped forward.
"I entrust my sons to Your Majesties."
Mo Zhu inclined his head slightly.
"They will be honored."
Li Feng added quietly,
"And protected."
Meanwhile—
Mo Yanluo had already located the banquet section.
He stood in front of a table filled with roasted spirit beasts, glowing fruit, layered pastries infused with demonic essence, and countless rare delicacies.
"Brother!" he called toward Tianming. "Over here!"
Tianming walked over, shaking his head.
"The ceremony just finished."
"And the important part has begun," Yanluo declared seriously.
He grabbed a plate and piled it high without hesitation.
Tianming stared.
"You're unbelievable."
Yanluo shrugged.
"Tell me something."
"What now?"
Yanluo spoke while chewing.
"Do you prefer girls… or boys?"
Tianming nearly dropped his cup.
"Why are you asking that here?!"
Yanluo grinned.
"Well? Seeing today's ceremony… I'm thinking we might need to start looking too."
Tianming sighed.
"I haven't thought about it."
Yanluo nodded seriously.
"Me neither."
A pause.
Then Yanluo added,
"But if they love someone enough to decorate the entire palace like this…"
He glanced toward the central platform where Mo Zhu stood beside Chenxi, speaking quietly to him.
"…maybe it's worth figuring out."
Tianming followed his gaze.
For once—
Even Yanluo seemed thoughtful.
Then—
Yanluo immediately grabbed another skewer.
"Still. Food first."
Tianming laughed.
"You'll never change."
The celebration continued late into the evening.
Guests from various clans presented gifts — rare weapons, ancient artifacts, spiritual herbs, priceless treasures.
Music filled the air.
Dancers performed beneath floating lanterns.
Even the usually stern demon generals relaxed.
For the first time in centuries—
The palace felt warm.
Alive.
Not ruled by fear.
But by bond.
As the final guests began to depart, offering congratulations and blessings, Chenxi stood beside Mo Zhu quietly.
"Are you tired?" Mo Zhu asked.
Chenxi shook his head.
"No."
He looked around at the glowing hall.
"At first… I was afraid."
Mo Zhu said nothing.
"But today," Chenxi continued softly, "I feel like I belong here."
Mo Zhu's fingers brushed lightly against his hand.
"You do."
Across the hall, Li Feng leaned close to Yuchen.
"No regrets?"
Yuchen looked up at him.
"…None."
Li Feng smiled faintly.
"Good."
Fireworks of demonic energy burst above the palace sky, painting it crimson and gold.
The Crimson Ceremony had been a success.
The bonds were sealed.
The titles declared.
And the Demon Palace—
Had gained not just consorts.
But family.