The stolen magic is a bit magical

The First Elder spoke up: "It is said that the Thirteen Gangs of Cangyuan are directly under the jurisdiction of the Abyss Lord, and they do not obey the arrangements of the Cangyuan Elder Council."

Now, the situation has become even more confusing.

As a top-tier sect, they have a communication channel with Cangyuan.

If it's a normal matter, they can find out with a simple investigation.

However, things get complicated when it comes to the Thirteen Gangs of Cangyuan.

The Thirteen Gang are all at the level of the Third Rank, and they are not just ordinary Third Rank fighters.

They obey only Lord Yu Yuan.

Their actions also differed greatly. Cang Yuan Liu Ye's actions were inherently extreme, and people still couldn't tell whether Cang Yuan Liu Ye's participation in the destruction of the Demon Emperor's Palace was his own decision as the Eighth Gang, or whether it represented the opinion of the most mysterious Abyss Lord...

Let's turn our attention back to the small town.

It was late at night in the town.

In the small garden, all kinds of flowers are in full bloom...

Outside the small garden, the north wind howled, and heavy snow fell...

The Moon Demon asked softly, "Does the young master wish to return to the desolate capital for the New Year?"

"Yes."

"Is there someone in the desolate capital that you, young master, find so hard to part with?" These words trembled slightly, like a tender flower quietly unfolding its form in the wind, revealing its captivating stamen.

"Not at all!" Lin Xiaosu said, "In fact, I have no one I can bear to part with in this world. If I return to the Marquis's mansion, I will probably spend the New Year alone."

The moon demon's face shone with brilliance: "Then why doesn't the young master spend this Spring Festival here?"

Lin Xiaosu was slightly taken aback.

He hadn't thought about this...

"Sister Hanyan is here too. Let's spend this Spring Festival together, young master... is that alright?" Yueyao's voice was full of hope.

A gentle and affectionate "Young Master" was uttered.

A simple "How are you?"
Twists and turns...

Lin Xiaosu turned her gaze to Han Yan: "Isn't Fairy Han going home for the New Year?"

Han Yan pouted: "My house was ransacked this year, so I guess I won't be in a good mood for the New Year. Forget it, I won't go back and upset my parents..."

"Sister Hanyan, why are you like this?" Yueyao said, "Do you really care about those businesses outside? I'll make it up to you, okay?"

"My God, Sister Yue, you're taking his side in everything now. He hasn't even agreed yet. If he refuses you later, you'll feel the chill of the north wind," Han Yan said.

"Are you waiting for me to refuse? Why should I refuse? I'm not refusing!" Lin Xiaosu glared at her and stood up: "Where is my room?"

The Moon Demon smiled broadly and chuckled, "You can stay in my room, and I'll stay with Sister Hanyan."

The next morning.

Lin Xiaosu woke up in bed and stepped out of the room, and he was surprised.

The small garden outside has changed.

There are no peach blossoms, but there are plum blossoms.

Snow covered the small garden, leaving a trail of footprints leading towards the gate.

The Moon Demon has disappeared.

Only one person sat in the small pavilion, sipping tea.

It was cold mist.

Lin Xiaosu stepped into the pavilion, picked up the teapot in front of her, and poured herself a cup: "Where is she?"

He was referring to the Moon Demon, of course.

"Sister Yue has gone mad!" Han Yan gently sipped her tea.

"crazy?"

"Yes, the mighty Demon King, this morning, carrying a small basket and walking with the gait of a village girl, went out to buy things. She said she wanted to buy red paper to decorate the windows, buy big red lanterns to hang high, buy wine, meat, and vegetables... She doesn't want the peaceful life of a fairy; she wants to celebrate the New Year like a mortal woman." Han Yan said, "I think she's gone mad, don't you think?"

"You think that a fairy descending to the mortal realm is crazy?"

"If it's not madness, what is it?"

"She's adorable! So endearing!" Lin Xiaosu took a sip of tea.

The teacup blocked his view, so he didn't see Han Yan rolling her eyes.

"I suddenly feel that it would be very awkward for me to spend this New Year here. Maybe I should leave?" Han Yan's voice came.

"Sure, I'll tell her when she gets back!" Lin Xiaosu said.

You want to kick me out?
What are you up to, you bastard?

Han Yan slowly gritted her teeth: "Lord Su, may I give you some advice?"

"No way!" Lin Xiaosu said, "Look at your gritted teeth, your advice to me is definitely not pleasant to hear. It's the New Year, don't be such a spoilsport."

"Even if you don't want to hear it, I'm still going to say it!" Han Yan let out a long sigh: "These days, a true gentleman doesn't expect anything in return for a favor."

"A gentleman? Why are you talking to me about a gentleman? Do you think I look like one?" Lin Xiaosu looked a little surprised. "Please, everyone in the Jiangnan region knows that I am a far cry from the word 'gentleman'."

Han Yan gritted her teeth: "So, you've made up your mind to ruin her, is that it?"

“How could I possibly harm her?” Lin Xiaosu asked.

"..."

Han Yan really wanted to break down the topic with him and tell him clearly that he could cause trouble for the various sects in Jiangnan, but he had better not cause trouble for her best friend. He shouldn't think that just because he helped her, he could manipulate her. However, it was difficult to say these words.

Since no one has said it outright, is it inappropriate for me to bring it up?

Never mind, I'll just remind Sister Yue later. Let's change the subject: "The Demon Emperor of the Demon Realm has been destroyed, but there will eventually be another Demon Emperor. Lord Su has always been good at controlling the political arena. Could you predict in advance what kind of behavior the new Demon Emperor will have?"

“That’s obviously much gentler than the previous Demon Emperor,” Lin Xiaosu said.

“Moderate? Obviously moderate?” Han Yan frowned slightly. “You don’t even know who the new Demon Emperor is. How can you be so sure he’ll be moderate? Perhaps this new Demon Emperor is even more radical?”

Lin Xiaosu smiled faintly: "Who says I don't know who the new Demon Emperor is?"

Han Yan was truly surprised: "You know? Who is it?"

"Most likely, it's the Valley Master of Flying Flowers!"

"That's impossible, absolutely impossible!" Han Yan said, "Although the Valley Master of Flying Flower Valley is also a Great Demon King, his strength is not superior in the entire Demon Realm, and he has no foundation in the Demon Sect."

“You say it’s impossible, but I say it’s possible. Shall we take a gamble?” Lin Xiaosu said.

"Bet? What to bet?"

"If I win, take me to Tiandu and let me meet the Lord of Tiandu in a warm and friendly atmosphere," Lin Xiaosu said.

"What if you lose?" Han Yan asked.

“If I lose… you’ll have to set the terms!” Lin Xiaosu said.

Han Yan said, "If you lose, I want to hear three songs from you: one joyful, one sorrowful, and one serene."

"Deal!" Lin Xiaosu said.

Han Yan laughed: "Now you can think about your three pieces, because you have no chance of winning!"

Lin Xiaosu laughed too: "Let's put winning or losing aside for now. I'm more curious to know why you still want me to play a tune for you?"

"The one who tied the knot must untie it; that's all!"

Lin Xiaosu understood.

This woman isn't actually stupid.

Her Daoist injury was caused solely by Lin Xiaosu's music. Most people, once bitten by a snake, would be afraid of ropes for ten years. But she, on the other hand, grasped the life principle of "getting up where you fall," or rather, the great Dao principle, and became even more determined to hear his three songs: one joyful, one sorrowful, and one tranquil.

The three pieces represent three extreme emotions, and also represent a progressive process in the way of music...

With a whoosh, it was as if flowers were blooming in the air.

A figure descended from the sky.

Lin Xiaosu looked up and was taken aback.

It's normal that the person who came down was a moon demon.

She was dressed like a young girl, which was perfectly normal, because she had made it clear that she intended to spend a unique Spring Festival as a human woman.

She went out to buy groceries early in the morning, and instead of taking flight, she left a trail of footprints in the snow, which is clear evidence of this.

However, at this moment, she descended from the sky without taking any steps out of the human world.

why?
As soon as the Moon Demon returned, she exclaimed softly, "Young Master, there's some big news coming from the Demon Capital. You'd never guess, but my brother-in-law... my brother-in-law has become the new Demon Emperor!"

"What?" Han Yan jumped up.

The reaction was very strong.

The Moon Demon grabbed her: "Sister Hanyan, you can't believe it, can you? Who would have thought such a strange thing would happen? The entire Demon Realm is stunned. The news just reached the town, and everyone there is speechless..."

Han Yan took a deep breath: "But...but someone thought of that! They just used this to gamble with me."

"Huh?" Yue Yao was also dumbfounded.

Han Yan's gaze slowly turned to Lin Xiaosu: "Lord Su, your information network in the Demon Realm is quite impressive. You even received news faster than the new Demon Emperor's sister-in-law. That's fine, but using information you already have to gamble with me, isn't that a bit excessive?"

Moon Demon's heart skipped a beat. Was this even possible?
My brother-in-law's appointment as the Demon Emperor just happened. There was no prior warning. As soon as it was announced, my sister shared the information with him remotely. Theoretically, no one in the world could have known this earlier than her.

Lin Xiaosu put down her teacup: "In the Demon Realm, the only person I know is Fairy Moon Demon. I don't know anyone else, so how could I pass on any information?"

This is true!
Han Yan's eyes flashed: "Then how did you determine that the new Demon Emperor is most likely the Valley Master of Flying Flower Valley? His strength is not superior, and he has no foundation in the Demon Sect."

The Moon Demon's gaze also fell upon Lin Xiaosu.

Yes, Han Yan's question is the same as hers.

Even his sister and brother-in-law were stunned when they received the appointment. They hadn't expected it themselves, but Young Master Su had. Was that even possible?
Just as Han Yan said, although her brother-in-law was also a great demon king, his strength was not outstanding in the entire demon realm. There were at least dozens or hundreds of people with similar strength to him.

Considering that the flower fairy is not good at fighting, he would probably be at the bottom of the group of hundreds of people if a real fight broke out.

In terms of the foundation of the demonic sect, he was practically nonexistent.

What exactly is the reason that Young Master Su has his eye on his brother-in-law?

What exactly caused my brother-in-law's glorious leap?

Lin Xiaosu said, "The position of Demon Emperor in the Demon Realm is similar to that of Emperor in the Human Realm, but also different. These similarities and differences together make him who he is..."

He offered an explanation.

The Demon Emperor of the Demon Realm is essentially an agent of the Demon Sect's organization in the human world.

In the vast demon realm, the affairs of the mortal world are controlled by this demon emperor, so he is very much like the human emperor of this world.

Human emperors don't actually focus too much on personal combat strength; they value the foundation of the people.

Therefore, choosing someone who can represent the interests of the majority as emperor is most in line with the setting of an emperor. Historically, it has been disadvantageous for a minority to rule a large country, and it is not considered legitimate. Only when the representative of the majority is the emperor is it in line with legitimacy.

In terms of population alone, flower fairies constitute the vast majority of the demon realm. Therefore, having a flower fairy as the demon emperor would better win the hearts of the people and establish legitimacy.

In the early stages, the Heavenly Demon was the Demon Emperor, which actually violated the rule of the imperial way that the majority of the races should be emperors. This is why there were so many drawbacks later on. If the demon sect had any knowledge, they would not have made the same mistake again.

After I explained my reasoning, both women were stunned.

His reasoning sounds absurd, but upon closer examination, it makes perfect sense.

Human emperors either conquer by force or win the hearts and minds of the people; they must choose one of the two.

However, the Demon Emperor's Palace is not purely a human emperor; it is more like an external agency of the Demon Sect. In reality, it is impossible to truly conquer it by force, as it is appointed by the Demon Sect.

Since the Demon Sect's fundamental goal is to rule the entire Demon Realm, the position of Demon Emperor should naturally be filled by someone who can represent the interests of the vast majority of people.

As for low strength and not being ambitious, are those weaknesses?
Is that an advantage?

At least the Demon Sect can use it with peace of mind!

As for the other powerful celestial demons in the Demon Realm, no matter how powerful they are, can they possibly surpass the Demon Sect? They can forget about becoming emperors; being great generals under an emperor is enough for them...

This is what we call making the best use of people's talents and resources.

Having grasped this profound truth, Han Yan sighed, "No wonder you were able to enter officialdom from humble beginnings in just half a year, easily becoming a third-rank official and a marquis. You've truly seen through the imperial power and officialdom..."

Lin Xiaosu smiled gently: "Moon Fairy, your brother-in-law has become the Demon Emperor, and your sister is now the Empress. This Spring Festival, aren't you going back to the Demon Capital to reunite with your family and share in the glory?"

Moon Demon panicked: "I've already bought all the groceries. I...I...I'm spending the New Year here. I've already told my sister, and she agreed. You've all agreed too. We'll all keep our word, okay, young master?"

"Alright!" Lin Xiaosu turned her gaze to Han Yan.

"Okay!" Han Yan replied.

Moon Fairy happily picked up her little basket: "Sister Hanyan, let's go pick vegetables."

Lin Xiaosu sat in the pavilion, drinking tea.

Lin Xiaosu was quite moved as the two women busied themselves in the kitchen.

A demon emperor's sister-in-law and a Heavenly Capital's second holy maiden were busy in the kitchen, while the brother was leisurely lounging in the pavilion with his left leg up and his right testicles crossed. Who would have thought?
It's unusual that these two women in the kitchen didn't say anything, only the sound of them picking vegetables. They must have communicated telepathically.
If the lips do not move when transmitting a message through the mind, it cannot be deciphered through lip reading.

But is there really no way to find out?

Lin Xiaosu's heart stirred slightly. Perhaps there was something that could come in handy. Let's see if this thing really has such great power.

With a thought, a window seemed to open in his mind.

A beam of light, invisible to the naked eye, shone out and covered the kitchen.

This is a lamp.

His light of humanity.

Under the lamplight of humanity, the Heavenly Dao is shielded.

In other words, in this space under the lamplight, he is the master of the Heavenly Dao.

If the Heavenly Dao can hear the spiritual transmissions of cultivators, then can this temporary ruler also do so?
If that were truly possible, this lamp would be truly terrifying.

Its applications will be incredibly wide.

His detective skills will shine brightly in this world.

This was a trial of the skill. Lin Xiaosu could swear on her long-lost innocence that this was not an intentional attempt to pry into the two women's private affairs.

Under the lamplight, he heard...

The Moon Demon transmitted her voice: "You just mentioned gambling, what did you gamble with him on?"

Han Yan said resentfully, "I just wanted to hear a few of his wonderful songs."

"A wonderful melody! Great! I want to hear it too..." Moon Demon was very excited.

“If you want to hear good news, then bring it back. If you send this message back, he’ll have won, and the music project is ruined,” Han Yan said.

Moon Demon was a little exasperated: "News is news, do I have a choice? Who told you to misjudge the situation? If you had, wouldn't you have won?"

"You make it sound so easy. How could you have thought of that beforehand?" Han Yan said irritably.

“I never imagined anyone could be as smart as him…” Yueyao’s tone was full of pride.

“Something’s not right, sister. His intelligence made me feel defeated, but you are full of pride. Whose side are you on?” Han Yan said.

The Moon Demon glanced at her sideways but did not answer.

Han Yan said, "Furthermore, I must warn you, Sister Yue, you are an exception among flowers, you are the representative of holiness. If your Dao heart is corrupted and you do something inappropriate for children during this Spring Festival, your 'Sky Patrol Avenue' with the moon as your eye will become a dead end."

“I know, I…” Yue Yao took a deep breath: “I’ve been controlling myself all along!”

"You're trying to control yourself? Then why did you insist on keeping him over for the New Year? I think you're indulging yourself."

"He...he helped me so much, I...I...I just...just wanted to do my part, really." Yueyao's voice was a little incoherent.

Han Yan looked at her quietly: "Sister Yue, you're not someone who's never seen a man before, and you know the truth that 'love is the poison of the path,' so there's no reason for you to jump into this pit, right?"

“I know this is true, but, but… I just love him, I love him so much. I feel that if he leaves my world like this, even if I cultivate the ‘Moon of the Sky’, it will be meaningless.”

"Sister Yue, you...you're hopeless!!" Han Yan said each word with utterance, each sentence revealing her helplessness and profound speechlessness.

They could never have known that this conversation, which was originally a private whisper between best friends, was anything but private in the face of Lin's magical artifact.

All of this reached Lin Xiaosu's ears.

God is my witness, he did not spy on us intentionally.

He was genuinely trying to verify the power of the lamp and explore its uses, but he overheard this by chance. What else could he do besides having a strange thought in his mind?

It seems I'm having a run of bad luck with women.

Even a trip to the demon realm can lead to encounters with a lovestruck peach blossom demon.

From this perspective, the Moon Demon appears somewhat distorted.

This girl possesses the dual characteristics of a fairy and a demoness.

It looks incredibly holy, yet its entire being exudes a mysterious allure.

This upcoming Spring Festival looks like it's going to be a real physical ordeal...

The following Spring Festival was a completely new experience for all three of them.

As the Holy Maiden of Tiandu, Han Yan was someone who valued transcendence. All human customs were things that should be shielded from her. The more thoroughly she shielded herself, the closer she was to "immortality" and "the Dao".

However, this Spring Festival, she was still swept up in the mundane realities of daily life.

She really wanted to leave, but she was genuinely worried about Yueyao. Yueyao was acting so strangely, like a woman deeply in love. She was afraid that if she left, Yueyao would turn her back and give herself to that scoundrel to ruin.

This best friend is her friend, a true friend who stands by you through thick and thin.

Could I really leave her in such a desperate situation without caring for her?
So, during this Spring Festival, she could only eat human food, look at the red lanterns hanging on the trees, and watch the Moon Demon and him cutting paper flowers.

By the way, cutting paper snowflakes is such a childish thing to do.

As a Taoist priest, decorating the courtyard is such a simple matter. Why bother cutting this red paper into the shape of window decorations just to add a touch of festive color?

But everything became exceptionally warm and cozy as New Year's Eve arrived.

Outside, snowflakes were falling.

Inside, a small red clay stove.

The three sat around the stove, enjoying local pastries. Han Yan slowly realized that the New Year had a certain warmth to it, a warmth that shone through the ordinariness.

If her experience was merely that of a fairy occasionally descending to earth.

The Moon Demon's experience was ten thousand times more profound than hers.

This was the first time she had ever celebrated the Spring Festival.

This was the first time in her life she had ever cut paper snowflakes.

For the first time in her life, she lit a stove; for the first time, she warmed wine and cooked dishes for a man.

During these seven days, she was not a high and mighty moon goddess, but a mortal woman who had walked on the yellow earth of the human world, her cheeks covered in the dust of the world, celebrating the Spring Festival with her beloved.

Every word, every action, every glance.

One dish and one soup, one New Year's celebration.

It was the first time for her, and it left a mark on her heart.

Looking at the fire in front of her, and hearing her best friend's reminder, she felt completely flustered.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, and he's leaving tomorrow...

From then on, they disappeared without a trace, scattered all over the country.

From that moment on, the two of them were lost forever.

The more beautiful tonight is, the more longing will come tomorrow.

This longing will be poured into the next ten thousand years; when will it end?

"Young master, are you really leaving tomorrow?" Yue Yao gently looked up.

"Yes!"

"After this... will you ever return to the Demon Realm?"

Lin Xiaosu looked up and met her eyes, which were filled with reluctance and anticipation, looking forward to a reunion.

However, life is like a game of chess, missions are like a taut rope, and the world is unpredictable; who can truly know what lies ahead?
How could he betray a genuine expression of emotion in this world by using an uncertain timeframe and a promise that could not be fulfilled?
He didn't answer.

No answer is also an answer.

The expectation in Yueyao's eyes slowly faded, and she smiled gently: "Young master, let me play a tune for you on the zither!"

That smile was so poignant...

Her fingers gently touched the guqin in front of her.

The sound of the zither flowed like water throughout this New Year's Eve.

This piece is not "The Song of Martyrdom for the Moon," but is titled "Thoughts."

It's like a terrace for one person, like a whisper for one person. The terrace is desolate, the moonlight is cold and clear, and the person gazes into the distance...

The peach blossoms outside have bloomed again, and the drifting petals are like the tears of those who have parted.

The moon demon's body gently split in two.

One moon demon plays the zither with a gentle, flowing grace, while another moon demon dances alone in the garden.

Her dance was graceful and delicate, her eyes were like threads of love, her tears turned into dewdrops, and her emotions were sublimated to the extreme here.

A solo dance in the snow.

As the moon rises, my heart is like the moon.

Han Yan stared blankly, her reminder ultimately remaining unspoken.

Only a sigh escaped his lips. (End of Chapter)