On the Sacred Lunar Day
Second Prince Xiao Yu Song placed the imperial crown upon Princess Xiao Yufan's head, officially declaring her the Empress of the Shuilu Kingdom—the strongest, the kindest, and the one chosen by Emperor Xiao Yu Qing before his death to protect their realm.
Everyone in the palace bowed deeply.
All: "May the gods bless Your Majesty with a long and prosperous life!"
After the Ceremony
Prince Long Hua approached her with a gentle smile.
Prince Long Hua: "Congratulations, my empress."
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Prince Long Hua: "How do you plan to rule the realm now?"
Empress Xiao Yufan: "I… don't know yet. But I will learn. All I wish is to become a kind ruler."
Prince Long Hua: "Then may fate guide you. I'll take my leave now—I must return."
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Goodbye, Your Highness."
Evening Banquet
A grand dinner was held in her honor.
Princess Li Long raised a cup.
Princess Li Long: "A toast to Your Majesty. Congratulations on ascending the throne!"
Everyone toasted together.
Empress Xiao Yufan thanked them, but as the night went on, she became drunk.
Princess Li Long helped her back to her chamber.
Empress Xiao Yufan (drunk): "Li Long… you know how much I love Long Hua. But he's so stupid—he doesn't care about me…"
Princess Li Long: "Yufan, you're drunk. Sleep now—we'll talk tomorrow."
Moments later, the Empress fell asleep.
Princess Li Long quietly left.
In the Dark Domain of Xie Lingyu
A masked man kneeled before the shadowed throne.
Man in black: "Your Majesty, Emperor and Empress Xiao are dead. Xiao Yufan is now the ruler of Shuilu."
From the shadows, the unknown leader let out a chilling laugh.
Unknown Leader: "Good… very good. Now attack Shuilu Kingdom again. After that, we'll move to our next target."
Man in black: "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Next Morning
Long Feixiang rushed into the Empress's room, breathless.
Long Feixiang: "Your Majesty! An urgent matter has arrived—you must come to the palace immediately!"
Empress Xiao Yufan dressed at once and hurried to the throne hall.
Royal Palace – Under Attack
A soldier burst into the hall.
Soldier: "Your Majesty! We are under attack—they will reach the palace soon!"
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Gather all armies. Defend the Shuilu Kingdom!"
She rushed to the battlefield without hesitation.
On the Battlefield
A masked attacker lunged at her. Their swords clashed, but he was far stronger. He struck her hard—
And at that moment, green light flashed. Princess Lin Zhang, the Green Demon Princess, blocked the blow.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Princess Lin Zhang: "You're welcome. Stay close."
They fought side by side—swift, fierce, fearless.
Moments later, Prince Long Hua and the Demon Prince Wen Yili descended from the sky, joining the battle.
The masked leader shouted,
"Retreat!"
The attackers vanished like shadows melting into the wind. Prince Long Hua immediately rushed to the Empress and pulled her into his arms.
Prince Long Hua: "Are you hurt?"
Empress Xiao Yufan: "No… I'm alright."
Princess Lin Zhang stepped forward, her expression unreadable…
To be continued.