Chapter 1138: Passing the Test |
"Your Majesty Undying?" Tang San said in surprise.
Yes, the figure standing in the center of the grand hall was the very Undying Demon Emperor, the Immortal Flame Phoenix whose power was second to none in the Empyrean Dominion.
The Undying Demon Emperor regarded Tang San with a serious expression. "You've passed White Tiger's trial. Now you have to pass mine. As for why I am here, well, you'll be part of the family soon, and you are entitled to find out some things. In short, Little Mei has acknowledged me as her grandfather, which makes you my grandson-in-law. As a grandfather, I have to test whether you're worthy."
Tang San had long known of the relationship between the Undying Demon Emperor and Mei Gongzi. That the former chose to reveal it at this moment was clearly meant to tell Tang San that the phoenix race and the Peacock Demon clan were no longer enemies, and that he stood on their side.
"I see. Greetings, Grandfather," Tang San said, instantly bowing with a smile.
A faint smile finally appeared on the Undying Demon Emperor's face. "Heh, don't think you're out of the water just yet. No matter what you call me, you still have to pass the test. We'll do it the opposite way, so you attack me three times. I'll lower my cultivation to the eleventh order, and if you can force me to take even one step back, you pass. Ah, make sure not to damage anything here."
Tang San nodded. "Alright."
You'll seal your power? You sure are confident, Brother Undying. The White Tiger Demon Emperor snickered to himself but said nothing. He simply smiled and stepped aside to watch.
No damage meant Tang San would have to keep his power contained and not let it leak, but that was really not a matter of concern for him. He stepped forward slowly and pushed out a palm toward the Undying Demon Emperor.
The Undying Demon Emperor didn't even lift a hand, simply smiling at him.
But just as Tang San's palm was about to land on his chest, the target suddenly became… insubstantial. Tang San's strike passed right through, and the holy energy flared instantly.
Not good! Tang San's heart sank—the blast would hit the wall.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor winced. You undying old chicken, are you sure you're not actually an old fox in disguise?
But the next instant, both Emperors' expressions shifted.
Tang San's palm abruptly curved inward. The holy energy that had already burst out and was about to hit the wall suddenly reversed course, flowing back into his palm. It then struck the Undying Demon Emperor from behind instead.
Flames surged to life—scarlet fire, unbearably hot. Tang San staggered backward, and the holy energy instantly consumed.
"That was not an eleventh-order attack, Your Majesty," Tang San said cheerfully, even as he steadied himself.
The Undying Demon Emperor shook his head with a wry smile. "It seems that even after all you've shown me, I still underestimated you. Your control is incredibly precise. I don't think I could've done that as a Great Demon King."
"You are too kind, Grandfather," Tang San replied, grinning. "Can I go get the bride now?"
The Undying Demon Emperor smiled and nodded.
Tang San took a deep breath and walked further inside.
The two Emperors exchanged a knowing smile, but neither followed him. With divine consciousness, there was no need for a guide. Tang San could find Mei Gongzi on his own.
Before long, he reached a set of double doors standing open. Luo Qingzhu stood there in full ceremonial attire, smiling as she waved him over. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Tang San said, bowing politely.
The room was lavishly decorated, and Su Qin was sitting on the side. Su Qin wore a pale green gown that fully showcased her unmatched beauty. She looked rather radiant, although her slightly red eyes betrayed the fact that she had been crying.
To Tang San's surprise, another figure stood nearby: Xiao He.
He was speaking softly to Su Qin, seemingly comforting her. Of course, his presence made sense; he’d raised Mei Gongzi for so many years, so how could he not be here for her wedding?
Tang San greeted him first before stepping up to Su Qin. His gaze slid past her to the figure behind.
Mei Gongzi was dressed in a silver-white gown and had a silver veil covering her face. Her whole body radiated a faint silver glow. As she looked back at him, she seemed to quiver slightly.
"Greetings, Auntie. Are you alright?" Tang San asked softly.
"It's good to see you." Su Qin nodded gently, smiling. "I'm fine, it's just that… My daughter is getting married, and I can't help feeling reluctant. I've seen how good you are to Little Mei. I won't say anything else. I just wish for you to always be of one heart, and to be healthy and safe."
"Thank you… Mother," Tang San said quietly.
She was, after all, Mei Gongzi's mother, and she deserved to be called so. Without her, he would never have met his love again.
Hearing him change the way he addressed her, Su Qin's smile deepened, but tears welled up again and slid down her cheeks.
She had suffered so much, endured so much for Mei Gongzi. Now, it all felt worth it. Her heart was full of joy.
Tang San turned to Xiao He, but the man waved a hand. "No need to act so polite with me, you're my boss now. It's enough for me to see you two finally together. I won't be at the ceremony, so… Well, just know that I give you my blessing."
Mei Gongzi had stepped down from her seat and joined Tang San in bowing deeply to Xiao He.
Xiao He tried to step aside, but Su Qin held him back. "You deserve this. Without you, we—"
She stopped suddenly and turned sharply toward the doorway.
A figure stood there silently with tears streaming down his face, unable to step inside.
Tang San had sensed him long ago, but he had refrained from commenting on it.
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor's gaze was filled with unspeakable emotion as he looked in. He ignored Xiao He entirely; his eyes were fixed on Su Qin.
Their eyes met, and tears ran freely down his face.
Su Qin turned away without a word. After all, it was her daughter's wedding day; it was not her place to start trouble.
Tang San gently nudged Mei Gongzi. She shivered, took a deep breath to calm herself, and walked toward the door.
Su Qin only wept quietly, saying nothing. No matter what she felt about him, this man was still her daughter's father.
Mei Gongzi stopped before the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor. "You came. Please… come inside."