# Chapter 1658: Burning Moon God Emperor
With the Burning Moon God Emperor's command, the Burning Moon Royal City's barrier opened wide, and the atmosphere suddenly fell quiet.
Fen Daocang, a peak ninth-level Divine Lord and the foremost of the eleven Moon Devourers under the Burning Moon God Emperor, was also the Burning Moon God Emperor's great-uncle.
As the royal city's barrier opened, he quickly arrived at the Burning Moon God Emperor's side: "God Emperor, what great matter is this?"
The Burning Moon God Emperor still looked up at the sky, his brows frozen with cold: "The Demon Empress."
"What!?" Fen Daocang was greatly startled.
"What must come will eventually come." The Burning Moon God Emperor muttered in a low voice.
He had been concealing the theft of the Thousand Wilds Divine Cult's Primeval Divine Marrow, and the Seventh Demoness had detected it. He knew Chi Wuyue would come knocking sooner or later.
But for her to come in person... This was too grand a scale.
The last time Chi Wuyue had personally visited the Burning Moon Realm was several thousand years ago.
"God Emperor, how should we respond?" Fen Daocang asked.
The Burning Moon God Emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "How many Moon Devourers are currently in the realm?"
Fen Daocang replied: "Including this old one, a total of seven."
"Have them all wait in the main hall." A dark light flashed in the Burning Moon God Emperor's eyes: "The Demon Empress is treacherous and cunning—we must never clash head-on. But... this is Burning Moon Royal City. We must not show weakness in momentum either!"
"Yes." Fen Daocang accepted the order and as he turned around, he let out a very light breath.
The Burning Moon God Emperor's words were tough and forceful, full of imperial might... but in truth, just the command for all Moon Devourers in the realm to immediately wait in the main hall was already an unconscious admission of weakness.
To put it more bluntly... it was being scared.
Thinking back ten thousand years ago, when the Jiehun Realm was still the Zhoutian Divine Realm under the rule of the Zhoutian God Emperor, every time the Zhoutian God Emperor came to visit in person, at most he would send a single Moon Devourer to welcome him.
The air currents of Burning Moon Royal City stirred, but the approaching aura of the Demon Empress was exceptionally slow, as if deliberately giving them ample time to react and prepare.
This almost arrogant leisureliness was also a form of intangible pressure.
A full quarter-hour later, a faint, ethereal demonic voice descended from above Burning Moon Royal City: "Burning Moon God Emperor, you are well as always."
There was no self-introduction, no statement of purpose—just a greeting slammed down bluntly.
This greeting was directed solely at the Burning Moon God Emperor; it would be wholly inappropriate for anyone else to welcome or respond.
The Burning Moon God Emperor deeply furrowed his brows, then personally rose to his feet... and as he stood, his face was already flushed with cheerfulness, his smile carefree:
"Hahaha! Yesterday, the demon flowers in the Burning Star Pool bloomed fully, and a black star shone in the sky. I knew a distinguished guest would arrive, but I never expected it would be the Demon Empress herself!"
His figure rose into the air as he personally greeted Chi Wuyue, his gaze sweeping over those behind her in an instant, his smile growing even wider: "With the Demon Empress's personal visit, the Burning Moon Palace shines throughout. After so many years apart, the Demon Empress's bearing and demonic aura are indeed far superior to before—I am truly in awe."
"The Burning Moon God Emperor doesn't seem to have improved much." Chi Wuyue smiled faintly, as if amused. "These years, have you been spending all your time on women's bellies?"
The Burning Moon God Emperor's insatiable lust was well-known throughout the Northern Divine Region.
But the only one who dared to mock him so bluntly to his face was essentially Chi Wuyue.
The Burning Moon God Emperor showed no anger at all. Instead, he laughed heartily and said: "A man in this world chases nothing but power and women. Though I am the Emperor of the Burning Moon, at heart I am but a shallow mortal—how could I compare to the Demon Empress?"
Chi Wuyue chuckled softly, her voice slow and languid: "It's rare for the Burning Moon God Emperor to have such self-awareness."
"~!@#%..." The corner of the Burning Moon God Emperor's eye twitched slightly. If this had been anyone else, he would have blasted them to dust with a single palm strike.
He knew that Chi Wuyue's personal visit meant ill intent, but the degree of "ill intent" still exceeded his expectations.
It seemed that the matter of the Primeval Divine Marrow had indeed enraged her... And unless she had absolute leverage, why would she come in person?
It seemed today would be difficult to resolve peacefully.
Giving a faint glance at the turbulent thoughts within the Burning Moon God Emperor's mind, Chi Wuyue said: "Is the Burning Moon God Emperor not curious about the purpose of my visit this time?"
"Heh heh," the Burning Moon God Emperor laughed. "The Demon Empress and I have not seen each other for many years. Even mere reminiscing could take ten days and ten nights. The feast is already prepared—shall we enjoy it while we talk?"
"Very well, I won't stand on ceremony then."
"Please."
For this visit to the Burning Moon God Realm, Chi Wuyue had brought only four people.
Yun Che, Qianye Ying'er, the Eighth Demoness Yu Wu, and the Ninth Demoness Chan Yi.
She had not brought the Great Demoness but instead the two weakest demonesses—this indeed lessened the Burning Moon God Emperor's internal pressure considerably.
In the grand hall, the banquet had already been laid out. Though the hall was vast, only a few dozen people were seated, and every single one of them was of the highest status.
After all, how many people in the entire Northern Divine Region were qualified to sit at the same table as the Demon Empress?
The Burning Moon God Emperor personally led the Demon Empress and her party into the hall. Everyone already waiting inside immediately rose and bowed in welcome. At the same time, the terrifying pressure that had condensed within the hall pressed down silently and formlessly.
Within the hall were seven Moon Devourers, twenty Burning Moon Divine Envoys, and a group of imperial princes and princesses with the highest cultivation and talent.
With so many top-tier powerhouses of the Northern Domain gathered in one place, there was no need for them to deliberately release their auras. The naturally released and fused might alone was enough to easily shatter another's will, preventing them from daring to take even half a step forward.
Although their opponent was the Demon Empress of the Northern Domain, this was the royal city of the Burning Moon God Realm!
Among them, the Burning Moon Imperial Prince Fen Jieran, who had seen Yun Che at the Heavenly Imperial Tower, was present. The moment he spotted Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er, he was stunned for a moment, then quickly lowered his head, his heart in turmoil.
Chi Wuyue stood before the hall, her gaze sweeping across, her brows slightly arching, and a strange curve tugging at the corner of her lips: "It has been many years since I last came. Your Burning Moon's hospitality has become more and more delightful. Such grand courtesy and warmth almost make me feel overwhelmed with honor."
The words of a God Emperor should be like heavenly thunder, each syllable carrying the weight of divine authority.
But Chi Wuyue's voice was soft as cotton, seductive as a demoness. The moment it entered the soul and invaded the mind, everyone in the hall trembled, their blood surging... especially the few imperial princes and princesses with relatively lower cultivation, whose bodies swayed to varying degrees, their vision blurring.
The originally terrifying Burning Moon pressure instantly became chaotic.
"Hahahahaha!"
A great laugh, like the morning bell and evening drum, shocked everyone's souls and quickly restored their clarity. The Burning Moon God Emperor declared loudly: "For a guest as distinguished as the Demon Empress, even welcoming her with the entire realm would not be excessive. Such a small gathering and humble feast—I hope the Demon Empress does not find it too lacking and shabby."
"Please, take the honored seat."
Chi Wuyue smiled faintly and stepped into the hall. Wherever she walked, everyone bowed their heads... This was not a gesture of welcome, but a fear ingrained in the depths of their souls.
Those imperial princes and princesses were already drenched in cold sweat. They had long heard of the Demon Empress's reputation but had never seen her in person. Today, with just a faint, ethereal demonic voice, their hearts and souls still trembled uncontrollably.
The Burning Moon God Emperor took his imperial throne, while Chi Wuyue sat in the honored seat. Yu Wu and Chan Yi did not sit but stood to Chi Wuyue's left and right, ignoring all gazes as if they didn't exist.
Yun Che sat beside Chi Wuyue, with Qianye Ying'er standing behind him.
Neither of them had spoken a single word since entering the Burning Moon God Realm. As for the Burning Moon God Emperor, one of the Three Emperors of the Northern Domain, he was quite different from what they had imagined.
"Demon Empress, if I am not mistaken, this one here must be the demoness you recently took in, named 'Chan Yi'?"
The Burning Moon God Emperor's gaze fell on the demoness Chan Yi behind Chi Wuyue.
Among those traveling with Chi Wuyue, the ones who should have drawn the most attention were undoubtedly Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er.
Ten months ago, a person named "Ling Yun" had completely defeated the peerless Tian Guhu at the seventh-level Divine Sovereign realm in the Heavenly Imperial Tower, and then killed Yan San Geng, the Yama Ghost King of the Yanmo Realm with a single sword stroke. The "Ling Qianying" who traveled with him had also severely wounded the Fourth Demoness, Yao Die.
This matter had shocked ten thousand realms, and its impact was enormous. And by now, given the Burning Moon Realm's capabilities, how could they not know that Ling Yun was Yun Che, and Ling Qianying was the Fandi Divine Maiden of the Eastern Domain who had fled with him to the Northern Divine Region?
After that, both Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er had stayed in the Jiehun Realm. Some said they had gone there voluntarily, while others said that at the Heavenly Imperial Tower, they had offended the Demon Empress with their words, wounded a demoness, incurred the Demon Empress's wrath, and were captured by the Jiehun Realm to face punishment.
Given his understanding of Chi Wuyue, the Burning Moon God Emperor was more inclined to believe the latter.
The Yanmo Realm clearly thought the same.
But today, Chi Wuyue, who had come in person to the Burning Moon Realm, was actually bringing Yun Che and Qianye Ying'er!
Even stranger, from the seating arrangements and their various postures, the Burning Moon God Emperor clearly sensed that... Yun Che's status seemed to surpass that of the demonesses.
He was extremely suspicious.
By common sense, in such a situation, one would naturally probe through introducing the attendants. Even the Moon Devourers and Burning Moon Divine Envoys in the hall believed the Burning Moon God Emperor would immediately question Chi Wuyue about the accompanying Yun Che.
But he did not.
He did not ask about Yun Che, nor did he ask about the purpose of Chi Wuyue's visit. Instead, he first inquired about the accompanying Ninth Demoness. His gaze did not even flicker toward Yun Che's position, as if he were completely unconcerned about their presence.
Chi Wuyue's arrival today was clearly not benevolent. No matter how suspicious the Burning Moon God Emperor was, he would never allow himself to fall into Chi Wuyue's rhythm.
With a guilty conscience, his first course of action was to establish momentum and dominance from the very beginning.
And this newly acquired Ninth Demoness of Chi Wuyue's instantly became his chosen opportunity.
"Correct." Chi Wuyue said. "Chan Yi became my demoness only seven years ago. She is very obedient, and I am quite fond of her."
Chan Yi: "..."
"I see," the Burning Moon God Emperor nodded with a smile. "I have often heard that the Demon Empress selects her demonesses based on beauty first and aptitude second. Over the years, I have always doubted this. Now that I see it with my own eyes, I know the rumors are not false. It seems this newly promoted demoness must possess a city-toppling, nation-ruining beauty."
These words seemed to praise the Ninth Demoness's appearance, but in truth... they were mocking her aptitude and Chi Wuyue's judgment.
Having inherited the power of a demoness, her cultivation was at the mid-stage eighth-level Divine Lord... undoubtedly the weakest demoness.
"Naturally. I fear even the Burning Moon God Emperor would be enchanted and have his soul stolen away." Chi Wuyue seemed not to have caught the sarcasm in his words as she smiled leisurely. "I have also heard that in recent years, the Burning Moon Realm has produced its youngest Moon Devourer, whom the Burning Moon God Emperor even took in as an adopted son as an exception?"
The Burning Moon God Emperor had asked about the Ninth Demoness precisely to bring up his newly adopted son. Chi Wuyue's seemingly casual question struck squarely on target.
The Burning Moon God Emperor's heart stirred, but his face remained unchanged, instead showing surprise: "Oh? The Demon Empress has long resided in the Jiehun Sacred Domain, unwilling to bother with worldly affairs. I am surprised you have heard of such a trivial matter."
Chi Wuyue smiled faintly. "The Burning Moon God Emperor adopting a son shook half the Northern Divine Region. It would be harder for me not to know than to know. Besides, there is no such thing as a trivial matter concerning a Moon Devourer."
"Hahaha." The Burning Moon God Emperor laughed heartily, then called out: "Daopian!"
At the imperial command, a stern-faced, stalwart man stepped out from the seats and bowed respectfully: "What does Father Emperor command?"
His life aura was not intense—he was almost the youngest among the Burning Moon attendees. But his profound energy aura was extremely fierce and majestic—he was actually an eighth-level Divine Lord! And already at the late stage of the eighth level.
The "Moon Devourer" profound pattern on him marked his identity as a Moon Devourer.
The Burning Moon God Emperor smiled. "It is rare that even the Demon Empress has heard of you. Quickly pay your respects."
"Yes." The man acknowledged, then turned to Chi Wuyue and bowed neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Junior Ji Daopian pays respects to the Jiehun Demon Empress."
"You are the Burning Moon God Emperor's newly adopted son and the newly promoted Moon Devourer?" Under the black mist, Chi Wuyue's gaze looked him up and down, seemingly quite interested.
"Yes." Ji Daopian answered with his head lowered.
"Ji?" Chi Wuyue's crescent brows slightly lifted as she spoke slowly and softly: "Being a Moon Devourer and also the Burning Moon God Emperor's adopted son, yet not changing your surname to 'Fen'—that is somewhat unusual."
"..." A certain Yun who had no presence lowered his head and closed his eyes, as if he had already fallen asleep.
Ji Daopian's gaze was sharp and cold. Even facing Chi Wuyue, his bearing was as steady as a mountain. Though he had inherited the Burning Moon Divine Power not long ago, he already possessed the authority of a Moon Devourer: "Father Emperor's mind is as vast as the sea. Not only did he graciously bestow the Burning Moon Divine Power, but he also permitted this junior to keep my ancestral surname for a hundred years."
"I see. The Burning Moon God Emperor's art of governance is truly admirable."
Before the Burning Moon God Emperor could respond, Chi Wuyue shifted her tone: "It's just that his judgment is far too poor. With such meager aptitude, he was granted the Burning Moon Divine Power and even adopted as a son. Have the Moon Devourers of today fallen to such a low standard?"