Inside the hall, waves of laughter echoed through the atmosphere. Lady Wang Ayi approached the Grandmaster, followed by Lady Shiyan Lee. With a gentle smile, Lady Wang Ayi spoke, "Master, Yu Sui is the son of Princess Wan Yi. And he is also the beloved son of Lady Shiyan Lee."

  Upon hearing that Yu Sui was the son of Wan Yi, the Grandmaster looked slightly embarrassed. He bowed his head in silent apology toward Lady Shiyan Lee. However, Lady Shiyan Lee gently raised her hand, stopping him before he could apologize further.

  Outside in the open courtyard, a playful scuffle was taking place between Duie and Yu Sui. Yu Sui had grabbed Duie by the ear, scolding him with a mischievous smirk, "You still haven't changed, have you? Still the same troublemaker!"

  Duie yelped, "Brother! Let go of my ear! It hurts!"

  After a moment, Yu Sui released him and stood there, smiling warmly. But then, Duie’s expression turned solemn. "Brother Yu...!" he said softly. "We all truly missed you. Especially... we missed your terrible cooking."

  They both shared a laugh. Then Duie spoke again, "Brother, tell me the truth. Where did you go? And are you and Mo Yan...?"

  Yu Sui suddenly clamped his hand over Duie’s mouth, glancing around. Seeing no one else was there, he slowly nodded his head a silent confirmation to the unspoken question Duie was about to ask.

  Duie’s eyes widened in shock. Yu Sui began to walk away, teasing him over his shoulder, "If your mouth opens about this, you'll have to eat my extra-spicy chili porridge." Duie grinned and followed him.

  But as Yu Sui reached the threshold of the door, his eyes suddenly filled with tears. His steps froze. Inside, Mo Yan was seated upon the throne. The moment Mo Yan saw Yu Sui at the door, he stood up instantly and walked toward him. Yu Sui stood mesmerized; the regal sword in Mo Yan's hand only added to his majestic aura. Yu Sui gave him a smile filled with pride and looked at him with pure affection.

  Duie, standing right behind them, noticed the two lost in each other's eyes. He let out a loud, forced cough as he entered the hall. Startled back to reality, Mo Yan and Yu Sui followed him inside.

  Everyone was busy congratulating one another on this grand occasion. They were so immersed in their joy that they failed to sense the approaching danger.

  On the main path leading to the Xuemo Sect, a massive convoy of horses galloped at high speed, kicking up dust in the moonlight. More than a hundred riders were charging straight toward the sect. Leading them with eyes filled with burning rage was Wui Guan. Her face was stern, her horse seemingly flying through the air as she guided the convoy forward with fierce determination.

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  Back at the palace, the atmosphere shifted. As the crowd began to leave the hall, Wuzu suddenly materialized before them in a crimson aura. The disciples immediately drew their swords, but Mo Yan gave a silent, sharp signal to stand down. They sheathed their blades instantly.

  Wuzu ascended the countless stairs to reach them. Seeing her, Yu Sui felt a strange conflict; he was happy to see his follower, yet he couldn't ignore the truth Wuzu was not among the living.

  Wuzu bowed deeply to Yu Sui. "Patriarch Yu Sui. It brings me great joy to see you safe." Then, she bowed to Mo Yan.

  Hearing Wuzu address Yu Sui as "Patriarch," everyone turned to him with questioning gazes, especially Lady Shiyan Lee. She stepped closer to him. "Yu... who is this?"

  Yu Sui stammered a lie, "Aah! This... she is my friend. She just has a habit of joking around, right Wuzu?"

  But Wuzu lowered her eyes. She was a spirit, and spirits cannot lie, even if they wish to. Sensing the tension, Duie intervened, "The coronation ceremony ends here. You may all depart now."

  The guests began to leave, though many cast suspicious glances back at Yu Sui. Once they were alone, Wuzu performed a hand seal, and a crown materialized in her palms. Everyone Mo Yan, the Grandmaster, Lady Shiyan Lee, Lady Wang Ayi, and Duie was struck with horror.

  The crown had a terrifying appearance, emitting a deep, dark aura.

  Wuzu held it out. "This crown was forged to grace your head, Patriarch Yu Sui. Please, adorn it. The position of the Black Heaven King awaits you."

  As soon as the words "Black Heaven King awaits you" escaped Wuzu's lips, the faces of everyone present turned ghostly pale. Lady Shiyan Lee actually stumbled back, her strength failing her, while Duie stood there in a state of absolute shock.

  But the greatest tragedy struck within Mo Yan's chest; it was as if his deepest, darkest fear had suddenly manifested into reality. For the Black Heaven was no ordinary realm. Stories of it's horrific laws and its chilling atmosphere had been whispered for centuries tales so gruesome that merely hearing them was enough to make one's soul tremble with terror.

  And now, the truth was laid bare: Yu Sui was the King of that very realm.

  Yu Sui knew all too well that once he wore this crown, there would be no turning back. He looked at Mo Yan, who was staring at the crown with a piercing gaze. But Yu Sui also knew the price of refusal. Reluctantly, he took the crown, which had long red ribbons attached to it, and tied it into his hair. There was no joy on his face.

  As he turned to leave, Mo Yan grabbed his hand. "Yu... wait."

  Yu Sui gently pulled his hand away and said with a faint smile, "Mo Yan, you know where you stand now, and you know where I must go. Let me go, Mo."

  Upon hearing this, Mo Yan’s eyes welled up, and tears began to flow. Yu Sui finally broke the hold and walked away. Wuzu glanced at Mo Yan, gave him a final bow, and followed her leader. Mo Yan stood there, frozen. He watched as Yu Sui vanished from their sight.

  Mo Yan felt as if his heart had shattered like glass. Tears streamed down his face. Duie, who had remained silent the entire time, watched as Mo Yan slowly began to move. Without looking at anyone, Mo Yan walked silently toward his chambers. Lady Wang Ayi tried to stop him, but Duie held her back, signaling her to let him be. As they walked away, Duie kept looking back at Mo Yan, his own eyes brimming with tears.

  On a desolate, rugged path, Wuzu and Yu Sui walked in silence. Wuzu finally spoke, "Patriarch Yu Sui, the crown upon your head was forged according to the laws of the Black Heaven, using the soul of the former Sect Leader whom you defeated. From now on, you can command anything through this crown from illusions and mesmerism to shifting your very form. And one more thing... your throne awaits you, Patriarch."

  With those words, Wuzu bowed and vanished into thin air.