Chapter Seven: The History of Magic, and Heartache

She had intended to close the book she picked up, but the words "Lord Xuan Yi" caught her attention, filling her with curiosity. Why would a book from the Demon Realm mention someone from the Divine Realm? She opened it and read a few pages, only to be astonished: the former Demon Lord had been killed by the current Divine Lord—Feng Yun, ruler of the Divine Realm.

Lord Xuan Yi had fallen in love with the Demon Lord Qi Yan, master of the Demon Realm. Though gods and demons were meant to be worlds apart, they had thrown caution to the wind and chosen to be together. Cang Yi was their child, but as a half-divine, half-demon, he was rejected by both realms. Only by becoming strong could he hope to survive.

The chronicles recorded that he appeared out of nowhere one day, defeated three demon kings, and ascended to the throne of Demon Lord. But how had he lived before that?

She read further: "Qi Yan, year 153,888." Qi Yan had perished on Yan Yi Mountain in the Immortal Realm, leaving the Demon Realm leaderless. Lord Xuan Yi, the Demon Queen, was cast into the mortal world, never to regain her divinity. The former Demon Lord met a tragic end, and Lord Xuan Yi was stripped of her divine status, denied a peaceful fate. No wonder the demon princess had spoken so bitterly.

Xuan Yi, Qi Yan—Qing Lan studied these names closely. They sounded familiar, as if Cang Yi had mentioned them before. Shen Xuan Yi, Xiao Qi Yan—weren’t these the names of Ah Yi’s parents in the mortal world? Was it possible that Shen Xuan Yi was Lord Xuan Yi’s mortal identity, and Xiao Qi Yan was the Demon Lord? That explained why he practiced medicine in the mortal realm, why he once asked, "Do I deserve to live?" It all made sense now.

But thinking of their fate, Qing Lan suddenly thought of herself—would she and Cang Yi meet a different end?

Lost in thought, she was anxious, unable to continue reading.

Seeing her distress, Cang Yi rose and approached Qing Lan, looking at the book in her hands.

"Ah Lan, these things are all in the past."

"You say they're past, but I can't seem to move beyond them." Qing Lan worried. Being cast into the mortal realm was nothing, but for him? He must have suffered much in childhood to attain such cultivation and become the Demon Realm's supreme leader. And because he loved someone from the Divine Realm, he was forbidden. If they followed in their parents’ footsteps, would he suffer again?

"I know all this, and I've spoken to my father. He knows my choice. Like him, I have no regrets. If I can have even a moment of happiness, that's enough." Cang Yi drew her into his arms, his eyes brimming with tears yet filled with joy.

"Ah Yi, can you tell me about your past?"

"If you want to know, I'll tell you everything."

Cang Yi gently lifted Qing Lan and placed her on a chair, sitting beside her to recount his story.

"From birth, I was without parents. Jin Han took me away and hid me, and my father's seal concealed my aura. The Divine Realm couldn't find me, so I grew up safely.

In the Immortal Realm, demon cultivation was frowned upon. People always looked at me strangely. I disliked them, so I cultivated fiercely, only wanting to ascend and leave, to find a place without such looks.

When I learned of the Demon Realm, I realized there was more than just the Divine Realm—there was the Demon Realm too. I wondered why there were no demon cultivators in the Immortal Realm.

So I wandered the mortal world, cultivating while seeking answers. Eventually, I understood that immortal cultivation was a tradition spanning millennia, ingrained in people’s minds.

In the Demon Realm, Jin Han’s protection allowed me to survive and become Demon Lord. I rarely managed affairs; the three kings handled most things. Overall, I lived rather leisurely.

Later, in the mortal world, I felt the pull of blood and found my parents. When free, I accompanied them, fulfilling filial duty.

Seeing that their fate was always tragic, I practiced medicine to save lives, as a form of redemption, hoping their outcomes would improve."

"Was cultivation very hard?" Qing Lan’s eyes were full of pity.

"Not at all. Demon cultivation is faster than immortal cultivation, so I ascended quickly. Ah Lan, you needn’t worry." Cang Yi comforted her.

"And becoming Demon Lord—it must have been difficult?"

"To become the strongest, I just had to defeat three demon kings. It was easy."

Jin Han, who was outside with a report, overheard this and sighed. Matters of love were the hardest. To please the Demon Queen, he made it sound effortless.

He too had ascended from the mortal world to the Demon Realm; it was never as simple as Cang Yi claimed. Even with noble blood, survival was a struggle.

"Are you sure you're not just saying this to make me happy?"

"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "I even feel lucky. Jin Han said Father didn’t make me strong for revenge, but so I could protect myself. That’s why I didn’t attack the Divine Realm, and why I met you."

"Alright, alright, you’re the luckiest." Qing Lan looked at his calm demeanor and wanted to hit him. He really did live life with clarity.

I hope my little bit of luck can keep you safe, Cang Yi wished silently, burying this blessing in his heart.

"How are your parents in this life in the mortal world?" Qing Lan relaxed, thinking of Ah Yi’s parents, and asked.

"It’s not too tragic. At least they can be together."

"And Qing Yue?"

"Her final days will be very hard."

"That can’t be changed?"

"No."

"Let’s go to the mortal world—let’s be with them, shall we?"

"Alright."

At that time, the mortal world was deep in winter, snow falling heavily.

Qing Lan sensed spiritual energy around her—the heavier the snow, the better for her.

They prepared to return to the Xiao residence, where worry had grown after two years without a trace of them.

They had spent two full days in the Demon Realm’s library; in the mortal world, winter, spring, summer, and autumn had passed. No wonder the Xiao family was anxious.

Suddenly, a woman in purple entered the Xiao residence, politely inquiring after someone.

"Excuse me, have you seen this person?" The woman in purple held out a portrait, asking gently.

"Isn’t that my daughter-in-law?" Shen Xuan Yi exclaimed in surprise.

"Madam, you say she’s your daughter-in-law?" The woman in purple was shocked, wondering how Qing Lan could have married a mortal.

At that moment, Qing Lan and Cang Yi entered through the main gate. Qing Lan held two candied hawthorns; Cang Yi carried pastries from 'Yu Ji.' Qing Lan swallowed her treat and called out,

"Father, Mother, Ah Yi and I are back!"

Xiao Qi Yan and Shen Xuan Yi were surprised, but the most astonished was the woman in purple, who turned to see the familiar face—wasn’t it Qing Lan, that troublesome girl?

"Lan Lan, you’ve been gone so long—do you know how worried we were?" The woman in purple began to scold Qing Lan.

"Yu Zhi sister, we lost track of time reading. Please don’t tell my parents," Qing Lan pleaded, recognizing this as Lord Yu Zhi—why was she in the mortal world? She realized she had forgotten to inform her parents after two days and quickly acted coy.

"They already know," Yu Zhi cut her off without hesitation.

"Lan’er, who is this?" Xiao Qi Yan and Shen Xuan Yi were full of questions.

"This is my elder sister, named Yu Zhi," Qing Lan explained.

"Why don’t you share the same surname?" Shen Xuan Yi wondered.

"Well, I’m Lan Lan’s sworn sister," Yu Zhi quickly replied, the silence stretching before she found an excuse.

"I see," Shen Xuan Yi finally had no more questions.

"Yes, yes, that's it." Qing Lan and Yu Zhi both smiled awkwardly.

"Father, Mother, I need to step out for a moment."

"Come back quickly."

Xiao Cang Yi left the residence, heading to a corner where he met Chi Yan.

"Has Lord come to the mortal world for business?" Xiao Cang Yi asked politely.

"No, I’m just here to find Lan’er—the God of War is very worried for her safety," Chi Yan replied.

"There are no ferocious beasts here. If anything happens, Ah Lan will send word to the Divine Realm."

"Demon Lord, that’s unwise. If someone with ill intent forges a message, it’ll be hard to explain to the God of War."

"Alright, I’ll speak to her."

"That won’t do. Qing Lan’s status is too distinguished. Not a single mistake can be made. I must see her safe before I leave."

"I’m only polite because you’re from the Divine Realm—don’t push your luck."

"Then today I shall persist. What will you do?" Chi Yan sneered, knowing what Cang Yi feared.

"We’ll see if you can get inside." Cang Yi turned to re-enter, setting a barrier that blocked only Chi Yan.

Chi Yan waited outside, sensing Qing Lan’s spiritual power fly out from the residence, only to be destroyed by another force.

Xiao Cang Yi returned to find Yu Zhi reprimanding Qing Lan, with his mother defending her at every turn.

He bowed to Yu Zhi, who was unimpressed and said bluntly,

"You spirited away my sister and didn’t send a word. Do you know how worried I was?"

"Sorry to trouble you, elder sister," Xiao Cang Yi softened, for Qing Lan respected Yu Zhi.

"Yu Zhi sister, don’t scold him. I was the one who chose him at first sight and took him away," Qing Lan’s voice grew quieter.

"I said only a word, and you’re already defending him. You’re quick to turn against your own family, aren’t you?"

"Shouldn’t I stand with my husband?" Yu Zhi remarked.

"Did you really marry?" Yu Zhi whispered in her ear.

"Yes, I thought to wait for my parents’ approval and then hold another ceremony in the Divine Realm," Qing Lan sent her a message.

"Since what’s done is done, I can’t say anything more. Take good care of her. I may not be your true sister, but she means more to me than my life."

"Of course."

Suddenly, a servant reported,

"Madam, a man is at the gate requesting an audience. He says—"

"Leave," Xiao Cang Yi cut him off, feeling uneasy and wanting the man dismissed.

"What did he say?" Shen Xuan Yi asked, curious.

"He says the young lady is his future wife."

"Who dares say such nonsense? That’s slander against Lan Lan’s reputation!" Yu Zhi flared up, having never heard Qing Lan was betrothed. Who would dare covet her?

"I agree, Mother. Someone is slandering her. Better not see him, lest we believe lies and wrong Ah Lan," Cang Yi added.

"We can’t let it pass. Slander deserves to be dealt with." Yu Zhi did not realize the visitor was from the Divine Realm and assumed he was a villain from the mortal world.

"I agree with you, in-law. I want to see who dares slander my daughter-in-law," Shen Xuan Yi instructed, "Bring him in."

Soon, a man entered, clad in red and yellow robes embroidered with flame patterns, his hair bound with a fire-shaped crown, features sharp and handsome—save for his lifeless eyes, devoid of emotion.

Chi Yan followed the servant inside, meeting his parents.

"Handsome enough, but your words are baseless. ‘Righteous appearance’ fits you well," Shen Xuan Yi said after a glance.

Yu Zhi was shocked to see Chi Yan—how could it be him?

"I grew up with Lan Lan, and her parents are pleased with me. Calling her my future wife is hardly unreasonable. What do you think, Madam?"

"Words alone mean nothing. What evidence do you have?" Shen Xuan Yi trusted her daughter-in-law. A stranger causing trouble—did he think the Xiao residence was a marketplace? She despised such people.

"Miss Yu Zhi should know well," Chi Yan replied calmly.

"Well..." Yu Zhi was at a loss; the God of War and Lord Yu Zhi treated him differently.

"Yes, Yu Zhi sister knows, but what she knows is my parents held you in regard. As for me, I’ve only met you twice. What right do you have to come here and slander me to my mother-in-law?" Qing Lan’s impression of him worsened.

"If I hadn’t said so, would you have let me in? Your mother is frantic searching for you," Chi Yan smiled.

"I’ve sent word already. You may leave."

"Very well, I take my leave," Chi Yan departed swiftly, without hesitation.

Yu Zhi sighed in relief as he left.

"I’ve never met your parents. You always said they weren’t from this country, busy with other matters. Now that they’re looking for you, surely I can meet them?" Shen Xuan Yi regarded Qing Lan without any change in affection.

"I’ll send word to them. If they’re free, they can come," Qing Lan agreed.

"Then I must prepare properly," Shen Xuan Yi said, leaving the room to ready gifts for the in-laws.

"What should I do?" Yu Zhi fretted, pacing. The God of War guarded the border and couldn’t leave his post, lest he be accused of dereliction.

Lord Ling Xi certainly couldn’t come; the God of War watched over her like his own eyes, afraid she might be harmed.

"I don’t know either," Qing Lan admitted.

Xiao Cang Yi was equally uncertain, worried his identity might be exposed, implicating her as happened with his father.

"I’ll go check on Father and Mother. You two guard my room so they don’t discover I’m gone."

"Alright," Xiao Cang Yi never refused her.

Qing Lan left before hearing his reply, heading to the border between gods and demons.

"Father, why aren’t you here?" Qing Lan greeted.

"Because you wander everywhere," the God of War scolded.

"I lost track of time reading and worried you both."

"Where’s your mother?"

"I haven’t seen her."

"You know to return—if anything happened to your mother, I’d punish you."

"Father, you can’t hit me. Mother would scold you," Qing Lan replied, fearing punishment. She’d hoped to ease into the topic, but given the situation, she needed to placate her father first.

"You dare use your mother as a shield?"

"You know Mother loves me most, and you’re wrong; Mother’s a Lord and your wife—she would never be harmed."

"I really can’t punish you. Next time, even with your mother’s protection, I won’t spare you," the God of War warned.

"I knew Father was the best—couldn’t bear to," Qing Lan coaxed.

"Hmph," the God of War snorted. If not for Xi’er, he’d have already disciplined her, but she was his daughter; how could he not care?

"Father, if I have someone I like, would you agree?"

"I agree completely," he hoped to marry her off quickly, so Xi’er would worry less and the son-in-law could keep her in check.

"And if his parents want to meet you, will you?"

"I’ll meet them, unless he’s joining our family. Otherwise, he must come to my manor to propose."

"Oh, I understand. I’ll discuss it with him now."

The God of War watched her disappear, sighing. Daughters truly don’t stay; though he worried for Xi’er, she was his own, and he couldn’t help but care.

In the study of the mortal world, Xiao Qi Yan and Xiao Cang Yi were talking.

"Father, I don’t know how to handle this."

"I understand; I heard everything today. This needs careful consideration."

"The God of War has met me; if he learns the truth, he’ll recognize me."

"The God of War? She’s the daughter of the God of War?" Xiao Qi Yan exclaimed.

"Yes."

"It’s a fateful entanglement."

"What do you mean, Father?"

"Your mother, Lord Xuan Yi, was the daughter of the former God of War Tian Yu."

"Tian Yu, I’ve heard of him."

He had been betrayed by villains, and Lord Xuan Yi’s love for the Demon Lord confirmed it. Both suffered the punishment of heavenly thunder.

His wife, Lord Qin Yu, was implicated as well—how absurd.

"They died early, so we never considered this."

"Then Father, do you have no solution?"

"It depends whether the God of War and Lord Ling Xi mind your identity. I don’t know how they handle such matters. If you can persuade them, the problem will be solved."

"Then I’ll think it over for a few days."

But time ran short. Lord Ling Xi found the Xiao residence in the mortal world without error, and, observing mortal customs, sent word ahead.