Chief God Hei Ping: "He is the elder demon, Prince Chau Yili."
Chief God Attendant: "My lord, I've heard he can control any spirit animal. Could he be behind all of this?"
Chief God Hei Ping: "Yes, he can control them. He is the only one in the Four Realms with such power. But no… he cannot be the mastermind behind all this."
Attendant: "Why, my lord?"
Hei Ping (with a deep, measured breath): "He cannot orchestrate all of this alone. Rumor has it that no one can kill the leader of Xie Lingyu. If he were the mastermind, he would be vulnerable—and I could eliminate him myself. Yufan and Long Hua would not even be necessary."
Attendant: "My lord… you seem troubled."
Hei Ping (sighing deeply): "I am worried. We do not yet know what Xie Lingyu is planning next. Soon, however, we may discover the identity of their leader."
In the Demon Realm:
Princess Lin Zhang remained secluded in her room. Her brother, Green Demon Lord Yamada Zhang, heard of it and went to check on her.
Yamada Zhang (knocking): "Lin, open the door. Your brother has come to see you."
She opened the door, and he stepped inside.
Yamada Zhang: "What's going on? Are you feeling unwell?" (He gently touched her forehead.) "You have a fever. Someone calls the doctor."
The doctor arrived promptly and checked her pulse.
Doctor: "It's nothing serious. Just a cold. Give her this medicine—she should recover in a few days."
After the doctor left, Princess Lin Zhang spoke, "Brother… may I go to see Yufan?"
Yamada Zhang: "No, you should rest. There's no need to go now. I will send her a message. You must sleep."
He sent word to Empress Xiao Yufan, informing her that Princess Lin Zhang was unwell. Upon receiving the message, Empress Xiao Yufan hurried to the demon realm.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Brother Zhang, how is Lin Zhang?"
Yamada Zhang: "She is resting now. You may see her. She is in her room."
Empress Xiao Yufan rushed to Princess Lin Zhang's room.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "How are you, Lin?"
Princess Lin Zhang (tearfully): "I… I am fine. I called you here today because…" (her voice broke) "…I need to tell you something."
Empress Xiao Yu Fan: "It's okay. Don't cry. Tell me what happened."
Princess Lin Zhang recounted everything that had transpired between her and Prince Wen Yili. Empress Xiao Yufan listened in shock, then hugged her tightly.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Stop crying. Everything will be alright."
After some time, Empress Xiao Yufan returned to her kingdom.
In Shuilu Kingdom:
Long Feixiang: "Your Highness, the God Love Year festival is approaching. What are your plans? Shall we send an invitation to Prince Long Hua?"
Empress Xiao Yu Fan: "No need. We will wait for his invitation first."
Next morning arrived…
To be continued.