At the bottom of the Nether Abyss, a ten-thousand-year-old sealing array cracked open.
Pitch-black demonic energy surged from the fissure, sweeping across heaven and earth. A figure with crimson eyes and silver hair slowly stepped out from within. Clad in dark robes, his sleeves fluttered in the wind, and the earth beneath his feet withered to dust. The spiritual energy of the world trembled in his presence.
Qi Yan, the Demon God who once dominated the six realms, had returned.
He lowered his gaze, turning his palm to reveal a faintly glowing jade pendant—a seal formed from her heart's blood, carrying a weak yet familiar aura, guiding him to the mortal world.
"Xi Yao..."
His voice was low and hoarse, like a demonic whisper from the depths of the underworld, carrying the scent of blood and fire.
"Did you think sealing me away would let you escape?"
The corner of his lips curled into a smirk, madness flashing in his eyes.
"The first thing I will do upon awakening—is make you my wife."
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Mortal World · Qingxi Town · Backyard of the Zhao Estate
"Cough... No, no, I need to catch my breath..."
In a dilapidated woodshed in the backyard, a young girl frantically fanned herself with a palm-leaf fan. Before her sat a wooden basin filled with water, reflecting her delicate but plain face—her name was Xi Yao, an orphaned mortal servant girl with no one to rely on.
"Why does my body feel so hot, like I'm being roasted alive...?" She hugged her thin arms, curling into a ball. "Should I dump another basin of water on myself?"
Just then, the sky darkened abruptly. Clear daylight was swallowed by rolling black clouds, thunder rumbled, and fierce winds howled. The woodshed door slammed open with a *bang*, and an overwhelming wave of demonic energy crashed in like a tidal wave.
Terrified, she instinctively shrank into the corner, trembling. "An earthquake? A monster attack? Am I still fever-dreaming?"
Suddenly, a hand pierced through the storm, reaching out from the chaos to effortlessly grab the back of her collar and lift her into the air.
"W-Who are you?!" Xi Yao flailed wildly, legs kicking at nothing. "Put me down!!!"
The man before her was tall and imposing, his silver-white hair cascading to his waist, his crimson eyes burning like blood. Demonic energy roiled around him like a living thing.
"You don't remember me?"
Qi Yan lowered his gaze, studying her delicate features, his voice dropping to a whisper so close to her ear it carried a mocking edge.
"Fine. If you've forgotten, I'll make you remember."
"Y-You must have the wrong person!" Xi Yao waved her hands frantically. "I'm just a mortal! My name is—uh, what was it again?"
"Xi Yao," he said coldly.
"Right, right, my name is Xi Yao!" She slapped her thigh. "See, you even know my name, so you've definitely got the wrong girl!"
Qi Yan: "..."
Her logic was like a bird that had flown into a wall.
"Enough nonsense. Time for the wedding."
"WHAT?!"