Two weeks had passed after the Trial of Blood.
The Demonic Sect's disciples and members had started to calm their whispers about the trial now. But after seeing the fighters actually give a challenge to Yuxan, the only man to rival the Grand Marshall, respect and curiosity was warranted.
Today was a day of celebration for it was the birthday of Lianhua, and so. The usual dark, and rather gothic structures of the Sect were now adorned with flowers and colorful lanterns.
There was now a large tower in the center of the base, between the other buildings, the Grand Marshall's family had vacated the Ashen Hall to make space for the new disciples and members to live in.
Lianhua was walking around in the interior of the tower, a small mischievous grin on her face. She was wearing a long maroon robe adorned with small white flowers.
Her long hair was styled up like usual noblewoman would do so, light golden jewelry adorned her neck and hair.
"I miss Jinshen... It felt reassuring to have a pretty boy like him~" She mumbled to herself as her eyes scanned the interior of the tower.
The golden marbled flooring and black walls, the light from the jade stones on the ceiling and the occasional guard walking past her with haste due to the immense amount of work left to be done.
"Hurry up!" She yelled after one of guards. Her voice rang out like an unstrung instrument, off-tune and piercing
The guard nodded with fervor before running off like his life depended on it—Which it did. He was carrying some decorations for the main hall of the tower.
Curious about what the main hall looked like, Lianhua sneakily walked towards the main hall, but the guards could see her quite easily but they were far too busy to mind.
She arrived at the large maroon and black gate of the hall, which was the place where most important or elite people gathered to meet The Grand Marshall to receive missions.
"Lets see my decorations!" She exclaimed with excitement pouring from her eyes as she pushed the gate open with a small slam—Despite her small size, Lianhua still harbored immense strength.
The inside of the hall was immensely large, the same color scheme repeated inside but the lighting was a bit more dim—leading to a more calm and peaceful environment.
"How can there be peace when Mo Lianhua is here!"
Lianhua stomped around the empty hall, as her eyes gleamed at something at the far end of the room.
The throne of the Grand Marshall himself, it was a dark seat for The Grand Marshall. Carved from blackened wood, the throne pulsed with ancient Qi—crimson veins running through it like a slumbering beast that was just waiting for its master to give the command before it ravaged the lands.
It was a traditional high-back throne with jagged edges like stylized flames licking up the sides. The backrest stretches high—towering over anyone who kneels before it—symbolizing the unreachable power of a Saint.
The legs of the throne resemble stylized dragon claws, gripping the black stone platform it's set on.
And besides it, there was a near exact copy of the throne on its right side—and on its left side. A small miniature one with a plump cushion, perfect for Lianhua's rather small size.
Lianhua grinned widely before she jumped towards the throne, but before she could land and sit on it, she was caught by the back of her robe by a woman.
She had long, charcoal black hair a contrast to the Grand Marshall's near perfectly white ones. Her skin was smooth and almost glowing pale—like jade kissed by winter frost. No blemishes at all.
She was quite tall for a woman—she would reach around the shoulder of Mo Yuxan which was an exceptional feat in it of itself. She was wearing a long, layered black robe that seemed to glisten in the dim lighting of the hall and she had a stern expression on her face.
"Mo Lianhua, what are you doing? The Guests are about to arrive."
Lianhua's grin fell off her face as she pouted, looking up at the woman as she tried desperately to wriggle out of her firm grip.
"Grandmother!~ I wanna sit on Grandfather's throne!" she said in a whiny and demanding tone, her pout increasing in size in an adorable manner.
The woman—Bai Yelan— One of the few female Saints in history and the wife of the Grand Marshall looked down at Lianhua with a firm and somewhat annoyed expression.
"That pout would work on your Grandfather but not on me, so just wait. The guests are about to arrive."
Lianhua sighed deeply, getting let down by Yelan as Lianhua sat down on her own miniature throne, her arms crossed over her chest and crossing her legs.
Yelan just sighed softly, running a hand through her hair before sitting down on her own throne, patiently waiting for the Grand Marshall.
Almost as if on cue the room's lighting started to grow, becoming more bright until everything was perfectly clear, and then—The Grand Marshall walked in with Mo Yuxan.
Both of them were wearing a matching pair of a layered and regal blue robe with golden embroidery of flames on their sleeves, both of their hair tied up neatly with a black dragon pin.
Mo Yuxan sat down a step below the platform on a normal black and gold seat that was spread across the hall while The Grand Marshall sat down on his throne, his movements precise and calculated.
He looked at Lianhua as an uncharacteristic warm smile spread across his face before he spoke, his expression not cold or sarcastic.
"I hope everything's to your liking my lovely granddaughter."
Lianhua grinned in response jumping up to hug The Grand Marshall as she looked up at him, her mischief still there but tamed—for now.
"It's perfect!"
The Grand Marshall patted her head with a now enlarged smile as the gates opened once more, a guard walking and taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Grand Marshall.. The guests have arrived, shall I let them in."
The Grand Marshall instantly turned stoic and calculating as he adjusted Lianhua on his lap so that she was facing the gates.
"Yes. Go ahead."
The guard nodded in nervousness, opening the gates as one by one the guests poured into the hall, conversation and gifts now filling the room. The guard was announcing each and every one of the guests name and title.
After a few minutes, just as the guard was about to close the gate, a hand stopped them, squeezing itself in between the gate, a deep and authoritative voice coming through behind it.
"Four people have yet to come and you're already closing the gates."
The guards expression immediately tensed up— he opened the gates right back up, revealing the four people behind it.
One of them was wearing a black hanfu with bright red flames on the shoulders with an inner gold color. He had medium length brown hair that was tied into a small ponytail, a few strands of hair let loose reaching his shoulders.
"Lord Yanwei Zuanshi, the Vice-Captain of the Serpent's Venom has arrived to congratulate the Princess Of The Demonic Sect." The guard announced as all eyes fell on the group.
There was a pair of two young men, one with black eyes and short silver hair and the other had crimson eyes and long, silky white hair that reached below his ankles.
There was one cloaked in a robe blacker than darkness itself, with crimson flickering like dying embers, but the other was wearing the same robe but in a perfect white. On both of them there was a waning blood red moon on the chest.
They had mask on their waist, a smooth, expressionless crimson mask resembling a full moon with a faint, almost glowing, black crescent carved onto the cheeks.
They were wearing thin, obsidian bracers that coiled up both of their arms like a serpent trying to choke its prey. Their robes billowing behind them as they walked into the room.
"Sir Ruoxue! And Young Master Jinhai, two elite members of The Blood Moon has arrived to congratulate the Princess of The Demonic Sect!" Announced the guard as the room was getting more and more surprised.
Whispers spread across the room, but most of the elite members could hear them with ease.
Whispers like,
"Those three are absolute powerhouses, especially the two from the Blood Moon." and "If those three are here, then he must be here too!"
There was just one last man remaining, wearing a long, flowy outer black robe darker then midnight itself, tight-fitted storm-gray tunic with subtle crimson lines running across the chest and arms, he was wearing fitted black leggings that were reinforced with leather on his knees. Thin, black leather gloves with the fingertips left open. On the knuckles, faint crimson sigils were visible
He was wearing a white half-cape with the insignia of the Demonic Angels at the top, black, downward curving wings with a flaming sword in between them.
We Are The Wings Of Hell and The Sword Of Heaven. embroidered across the cape in golden, silk threads that glistened in the bright light.
The guard took a deep breath before putting his hand on his chest and announcing one last time.
"Greetings be to the Vice-Captain of the Demonic Angels! Lord Jinshen Zhe has arrived to congratulate the Princess of the Demonic Sect!"
The air grew cold and a bit tense as Jinshen walked in, his expression completely stoic and small eyebags under his eyes, showing his immense exertion.
He was holding a small scroll in his hand as the people watched him fearlessly approach Lianhua sitting on The Grand Marshall's lap, walking past Mo Yuxan who gave him a small nod.
Leyan watched in a mix of intrigue and amusement, tilting her head as she saw Lianhua's expression lighten up immediately at the sight of both Jinshen and the scroll.
"Pretty boy! You're still wearing my bracelet!" Lianhua said with excitement as her eyes were glued onto the bracelet Jinshen was wearing, it had grown a bit damaged but it was nonetheless, the same one.
Jinshen simply nodded, a faint smile on his face. One that both felt and looked tired.
"Yep." Jinshen replied, his voice deep and much more authoritative but he was trying to be as gentle as possible while putting forward the scroll he was holding.
Lianhua grabbed the scroll, it was sealed up properly with a seal of black and white wax, bearing the insignia of the Demonic Angels in the middle.
"Thank you! You can go ahead and sit wherever you want!"
Jinshen nodded in response, looking at The Grand Marshall, making eye contact. One thing not many would do. He walked down the platform, taking a few steps away before sitting down besides Ruoxue and Yanwei on his right side while Jinhai was on his left side.
Jinshen gently pinched Yanwei's thigh, a small dry smirk on his face before he spoke in a whisper.
"Guess everyone's back together."
Yanwei almost let out a yelp as out of reflex, he knocked over Ruoxue's seat, making a small commotion and making the three of them earn a few giggles from the disciples that were standing at the gates.
Ruoxue gave them both a small embarrassed glare as he quickly sat down, clearing his throat before speaking through clenched teeth.
"Fuck you both, I swear to god. I'll shave both of your heads bald!"
Yanwei sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, pointing his thumb at Jinshen who was sitting nonchalantly, like nothing had ever happened.
"He started it.." Yanwei mumbled, trying to defend himself.
Ruoxue clenched his teeth and jaw, putting his hand on the armrests, trying to remain calm despite his face being as red as a tomato from the embarrassment.
Jinhai just shook his head in a mix of resignation and , a smirk on his face as he muttered under his breath.
"These idiots might make even a funeral embarassing for Ruoxue.."