Luo Qingshan tightly clasped Ye Xingchen's hand, and their hearts drew closer and closer at that moment.
What followed proceeded according to the customs of the Demon Race.
Hand in hand, Luo Qingshan and Ye Xingchen began walking from the Empress Palace to Phoenix Perch Palace. This was a custom of the Demon Race: along the way, they accepted congratulations from its people and drank the toasts they offered.
Ye Xingchen had to admit that he simply could not enjoy the wine brewed by the Demon Race.
Not only was it bitter and flavorless, but its alcohol content was also extremely low. Drinking it felt more like taking a mouthful of herbal medicine to dispel internal heat.
Yet these members of the Demon Race seemed to relish it. With no other choice, Ye Xingchen refused no one and treated it as medicine to dispel internal heat.
After a great deal of bustling about, the two finally returned to Phoenix Perch Palace. At this point, the wedding was over, and the remaining time belonged to them alone, until the early hours of the next morning.
During this time, no one except Luo Qingshan's personal maid, Qing'er, could remain inside Phoenix Perch Palace. Everyone else could only stand guard outside.
By now, Luo Qingshan's cheeks were faintly flushed. However low the wine's alcohol content, she still felt slightly tipsy.
But according to the customs of the Demon Race, she could not use the magical power within her to dispel it. The purpose went without saying.
Looking at Luo Qingshan's faintly flushed, lovely face, Ye Xingchen showed no reaction. He gently took her hand and led her into their bridal chamber.
Inside, red candles flickered, filling the room with light.
The bridal chamber was exquisitely decorated, with large red characters for double happiness pasted on the windows, proclaiming the joy of their marriage.
On the bed, a brocade quilt embroidered with a hundred children gleamed amid the festive surroundings, giving off wafts of delicate fragrance.
On the antique dressing table, the bronze mirror shone brightly, while jade hairpins and gold hair ornaments glimmered softly in the faint candlelight.
A lavish spread of food had already been prepared on a table made of ancient agarwood.
Holding Luo Qingshan's hand beneath her shy gaze, Ye Xingchen slowly sat down at the table with her.
Their eyes met, and Luo Qingshan actually lowered her head shyly, her fingers unconsciously twisting her brocade handkerchief.
Luo Qingshan looked so alluring, her whole body radiating captivating charm, that Ye Xingchen stared, entranced.
When Ye Xingchen remained silent for a long time, Luo Qingshan shyly raised her head to look at him, only to discover him gazing at her with an utterly besotted expression. The deep affection in his eyes made her give a coy little "hmph" before instantly turning away.
Only then did Ye Xingchen come back to his senses. Looking at Luo Qingshan's graceful back, he smiled tenderly.
He rose, came before Luo Qingshan, and slowly crouched down. Taking her hand, he said softly:
"My wife, we've been busy for so long and had so much wine. Why don't we have something to eat first?"
Only upon hearing Ye Xingchen's words did Luo Qingshan feel a wave of hunger in her stomach.
She burst into a giggle, then felt it was improper. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and she softly murmured, "Mm."
Seeing Luo Qingshan's shy expression, Ye Xingchen finally stood. Looking over the tableful of dishes, he picked up a wine cup, filled it, and placed it before her. Then he poured himself another cup, looked at her, and said:
"My wife, your husband offers you a toast. Thank you for what you did for me today."
Hearing Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan said:
"You... h-husband... you knew!"
Hearing Luo Qingshan call him husband made flowers bloom in Ye Xingchen's heart. Gazing at her affectionately, he said:
"You were afraid that, with my meager strength, the people of the Demon Race would look down on me. To build my prestige, you had your trusted people spread word among the crowd that I was a gifted scholar of the human race. Your husband isn't stupid. How could I fail to see it?"
Hearing Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan lowered her head, her lovely face faintly flushed.
Ye Xingchen stood, came before Luo Qingshan, and raised his arm to link it with hers, saying:
"My wife, among humans, drinking like this is called drinking cross-cupped wine. It signifies that from now on, husband and wife will share sweetness and bitterness, facing hardship together. Would you be willing to drink this cross-cupped wine with your husband today?"
At Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan's eyes brightened slightly. She nodded firmly, and the two drank the wine in their cups together.
Looking at Luo Qingshan's alluring expression, Ye Xingchen smacked his lips and said with a wry smile:
"My wife, when I have some free time over the next few days, I'll brew some wine for you to try. The winemaking of our Demon Race really leaves much to be desired!"
Hearing Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan nodded joyfully, her lovely face faintly flushed. She had once spent a long time gaining experience among humans and had tasted their wine. It truly was fragrant and mellow, sweet yet strong on the palate, beyond comparison with wine brewed by the Demon Race.
The two ate their meal in tender affection. By now, the sky had gradually darkened. After having Qing'er clear away the dishes, Ye Xingchen took Luo Qingshan's hand and went to the window, where they exchanged frequent glances, enjoying a tender moment that belonged to them alone.
Only then did Ye Xingchen remember that he had not signed in today. With nothing to do right now, he had better hurry and sign in! Otherwise, he would have no time for it later. So he said to the system in his mind:
"System, today's sign-in!"
"Ding, system sign-in in progress. Congratulations, host. You have received the reward-Chaos Furnace."
The Chaos Furnace had no grade and was forged from Chaos Divine Iron. When used to refine pills, it guaranteed a hundred percent success rate, regardless of the pill. For the same kind of pill, those refined with the Chaos Furnace would be of higher quality.
"Ding, the system has detected that today is the host's wedding day. The host has been specially awarded one newlywed gift package, which has been deposited in the system space."
Hearing the system's voice, Ye Xingchen smiled faintly. This system had actually rewarded him with a newlywed gift package. How personable!
"Ding, please note, host: this system is unique across the myriad worlds and possesses every emotion. Please do not make such a fuss."
Ye Xingchen: ...
The two stood affectionately by the window, gazing at the natural lake in the distance as their hearts drew ever closer.
The moon rose above the willow tips; lovers met after dusk.
As time passed, Luo Qingshan gently rested her head on Ye Xingchen's shoulder. Holding her slender, willow-like waist, Ye Xingchen whispered into her ear:
"My wife, it's late. Let's retire!"
At Ye Xingchen's words, Luo Qingshan shyly buried her head in his chest. Looking at her captivating, alluring appearance,
Ye Xingchen scooped her up in his arms amid her startled cry and walked toward the large red bed.
He gently laid Luo Qingshan on the bed, then hurried impatiently to her side, gazing affectionately at the breathtaking woman before him.
Ye Xingchen silently vowed that he would protect and care for the woman before him, making her happy and joyful.
Looking at the man gazing at her with such affection, Luo Qingshan bravely met his eyes.
Looking at Luo Qingshan's alluring appearance, Ye Xingchen slowly lowered his head, his eyes full of affection as he gazed at her and thought:
I finally have a home. This is my wife.
Seeing the deep affection in Ye Xingchen's eyes, Luo Qingshan said softly:
"Husband, it's late. Let's go to bed!"
With that, she casually waved her hand, and the entire room instantly went pitch-black.
In the sky outside the window, the moon shyly hid among the dark clouds.