Chapter 1311: Change of Events

The Junior Demon Empress?

Zu An's expression was strange. He had just been wondering if there was a Senior Demon Empress, would there be a Junior Demon Empress? He hadn't expected such a coincidence.

At this moment, Xing Nu's voice quietly came, evidently to clear up their confusion: "The Demon Emperor's original wife, the Senior Demon Empress, passed away many years ago. Later, he appointed another woman as empress, whom people now call the Junior Demon Empress."

"The Senior Demon Empress was the Crown Prince's birth mother, but she had few children and died young. The Second, Third, and Fourth Princes were all born to different concubines and, by rights, should be considered illegitimate sons. The youngest prince was born to the Junior Demon Empress."

As Yu Yanluo's personal head maid, she would be akin to a company secretary in a previous life. Naturally, she would collect all this information beforehand and present it for her mistress's reference when needed.

Zu An suddenly understood. No wonder the Second Prince seemed at odds with the Crown Prince's faction. He just didn't know which faction the Junior Demon Empress belonged to, or if... she formed her own faction.

Just then, a soft, enchanting voice came from inside the carriage: "What's happening here? Why all this commotion?"

As soon as the words were spoken, all the men in the vicinity felt a tremor. The voice was utterly seductive, yet its tone was surprisingly dignified and normal. But if one were to call it dignified, it also involuntarily made one think of a bed, making them long to embrace her and dote on her.

However, everyone quickly snapped out of it, realizing this was the Demon Emperor's woman, someone they absolutely could not harbor improper thoughts about. So, one by one, they focused their gaze downwards and bowed in salute.

From the Snake Tribe's carriage, Yun Jianyue's phoenix eyes lifted: "Another one skilled in enchanting arts."

Yan Xuehen also nodded: "Indeed, a demoness, full of demonic charm."

She instinctively looked at Zu An, thinking that with so many stunning beauties around him, and even having recently... been with her, he surely wouldn't be captivated by this Junior Demon Empress.

Who knew Zu An was staring straight into the carriage, infuriating her almost to death.

Rage points from Yan Xuehen +233 +233 +233...

Noticing the rage points in the system, Zu An chuckled, unperturbed. Instead, he felt a little pleased; at least she still had emotional reactions because of him.

Of course, he wasn't staring at the figure in the carriage because he genuinely coveted the Junior Demon Empress's beauty. Rather, his spiritual perception had just detected that the other party seemed to be focusing on him, which was why he looked back in confusion.

Although Black Tooth was from the Senior Demon Empress's faction, the Senior Demon Empress was already deceased. Now, the Junior Demon Empress was the legitimate empress, so he dared not disrespect her. He quickly gave a rough account of what had just happened, being careful not to appear too biased.

The Junior Demon Empress pondered for a moment, then softly said, "Queen Medusa is the head of her tribe. If she were to receive unfair treatment, it could easily discourage other tribes. In my opinion, today's incident was merely a small misunderstanding that can be resolved with an explanation. Lion Tribe princes, what are your thoughts?"

Lion Min and the others were naturally displeased, but they didn't dare openly refute the Junior Demon Empress's words. They could only say in a deep voice, "The Junior Demon Empress is absolutely right."

In any case, these people would be in the royal court, and they would have plenty of opportunities to settle scores with them later.

"That's good." The voice from the carriage nodded with satisfaction, then looked towards Yu Yanluo and said, "Queen Medusa, I heard you've just returned to the demon race. This is a good opportunity to get closer to the various tribal leaders."

"Thank you for the advice, Junior Demon Empress." Since the other party had helped, Yu Yanluo's words were naturally polite.

The Junior Demon Empress hummed in acknowledgment, then gently waved her hand, signaling for the convoy to continue.

Black Tooth had just made an enemy of the Snake Tribe. Now, due to the Junior Demon Empress's presence, he had to back down. Staying to face them would have been too awkward, so he simply used the excuse of escorting the Junior Demon Empress back to the palace to leave.

Although Lion Min and the others were eager for a confrontation, with so many people watching, it would be difficult to openly defy the Junior Demon Empress's command.

They sneered at Zu An and the others: "Consider yourselves lucky today. Next time, let's see who can save you."

Zu An sighed: "Actually, you should thank the Junior Demon Empress. Her appearance saved you."

"We'll see if your mouth is still so tough next time we meet." Lion Min and the others snorted repeatedly, then rode off on their lions.

Not only the Lion Tribe princes, but also people from other surrounding tribes, simply took him for someone boasting to save face.

Zu An didn't explain further, returning to the carriage to discuss with the women.

Yan Xuehen was the first to speak: "This demon race truly has no regard for rules; they'll resort to violence at the slightest disagreement. You've offended so many people; I'm afraid trouble lies ahead."

Yu Yanluo, however, smiled slightly: "I don't think so. This situation is much better than we initially expected."

Yan Xuehen was startled: "What do you mean?"

Yu Yanluo explained: "Initially, we worried that A'Zu would be targeted for revenge by the Demon Emperor and the Golden Crow Crown Prince after entering the royal court, which is why we had to change our appearances. But what we just saw shows that the Golden Crow Crown Prince isn't the sole dominant power. The Second Prince is clearly at odds with him, and although the Junior Demon Empress didn't state her stance, her intervention on our behalf indicates that she is definitely not aligned with the Golden Crow Crown Prince."

"Ice Stone Woman, the societies you've encountered throughout your life have been too perfect; naturally, you can't see through these petty schemes," Yun Jianyue snorted. "Actually, a little thought makes it clear. The Golden Crow Crown Prince was born to the Senior Demon Empress, while this Junior Demon Empress is a stepmother. She might even be younger than the Golden Crow Crown Prince. If the Golden Crow Crown Prince truly becomes the Demon Emperor, how would she, as a young empress dowager, position herself? Furthermore, she has a prince, one of only two legitimate sons. Although he's young, any mother would plan for her own son."

This time, Yan Xuehen didn't refute. She knew her understanding in this area was indeed far inferior to Yun Jianyue's. Primarily, she practiced the 'Supreme Forgetfulness' cultivation method, which emphasizes keeping one's mind pure and untainted, so she naturally preferred not to delve deeply into interpersonal relationships that might affect her mental clarity.

Yu Yanluo praised, "Sister Yun's analysis is excellent. Now, in this royal court, at least two forces counterbalance the Golden Crow Crown Prince, so the risks we face are considerably less than initially anticipated."

"Of course, we shouldn't be blindly optimistic. The Demon Emperor's succession ceremony is approaching, and once it concludes, everything will be settled. Therefore, if these factions genuinely contend for something, it will surely erupt fiercely in the coming days. We must be careful not to get inadvertently caught up in it."

As she spoke, she looked at Zu An, as if knowing he would stir up trouble.

Zu An smiled: "I'm afraid it won't be up to us. I have a feeling that ever since we arrived at the royal court, even if we don't want to be, we are destined to be drawn in."

The women fell silent, all knowing that what he said was highly likely to happen.

When the group approached the royal city gates, the guards at the entrance began to check and register everyone's identity, as this grand ceremony was of great importance.

Zu An had naturally prepared a new identity. Then, the soldiers asked for Yan Xuehen's and Yun Jianyue's names.

As human Grandmasters, their names were well-known among the high-ranking demon race members, so they naturally couldn't use their real names. Thus, Yun Jianyue directly said, "My name is Yun Zouyan."

Yan Xuehen, standing nearby, felt her eyelids twitch, then had a flash of inspiration: "My name is Yan Chouyun."

The registering soldier looked bewildered. Such strange names! He then asked the two women to remove their veils.

As for Yan and Yun, what kind of individuals were they? Of course, they refused. Just as the situation grew tense, a hearty laugh rang out: "These are my friends; I can vouch for them."

Zu An looked back and found it was Kong Qing. Beside him was a woman dressed as a peculiar bride—Paper Bride.

"It's Lord Kong." Clearly, Kong Qing held a significant position there. The soldiers, seeing this, no longer made difficulties and and let them pass directly.

After entering the city, Yu Yanluo softly said, "Thank you, Mr. Kong."

"You're too kind, Lady Yu," Kong Qing smiled. "I came specifically to greet you. Oh, where is Brother Zu?"

The Paper Bride behind him also couldn't help but crane her neck to look around, but unfortunately, she didn't see Zu An and reverted to her usual lifeless demeanor.

Yu Yanluo was prepared: "He returned to Cloud County."

Kong Qing nodded: "That's a wise choice. It would be too dangerous for him to come to the royal court. Oh, I haven't seen these individuals before?"

Yu Yanluo gave a brief introduction, and Kong Qing commented with some admiration, "The Snake Tribe truly is full of talent."

He found he couldn't discern the true strengths of these individuals. Did the Snake Tribe truly possess such profound hidden power?

Ever since the incident with the previous Medusa Queen, the Snake Tribe had fragmented. He hadn't heard of such masters still existing.

"You flatter us, Mr. Kong." Yu Yanluo didn't elaborate. "We've long heard of the Peacock Bright King's great reputation. This is a good opportunity to pay a visit."

Kong Qing smiled bitterly: "I'm afraid that won't be very convenient."

"Why?" Yu Yanluo was puzzled. If he intended to avoid them, why send Kong Qing to greet them?

Kong Qing sighed: "Right now, not to mention our Peacock Bright King, even if you wanted to see the Golden-winged Great Peng King or the Elf King, you wouldn't be able to."