Free Web NovelChapter 137: Chapter 137: System’s Advice
With Han Qiaone finally gone, the suffocating pressure in the room vanished.
Yue Yue let out a long, shaky sigh and turned her full attention back to the little bundle in her arms. The tiny black snake was still trembling slightly, his small claws clutching her dress.
"It’s okay, my little one," Yue Yue cooed, rubbing her cheek against his smooth, obsidian scales.
"The scary man is gone. Mama is here."
The cub let out a soft, rhythmic purr and looked up at her with his big violet eyes.
Han Soi stepped closer, his stony expression melting into one of pure warmth. He reached out a finger, and the baby snake immediately coiled his tail around it.
"He’s strong," Han Soi said, his voice thick with pride. "He recognized the threat and stayed quiet. He’s a true warrior of the Winged Serpent."
"We should hold a celebration for him," Yue Yue said, her eyes shining. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
"He hatched so early, and he’s so healthy. We need to introduce him to the world...properly, this time."
Han Soi nodded in agreement. A hatching ceremony was a tradition for high-grade beastmen.
It was the moment the child was officially named and recognized by the heavens. "I will arrange everything. It will be the greatest celebration the world has ever seen."
As the two of them doted on the baby, Feng Yansheng watched from the sidelines.
For a few minutes, he enjoyed the peaceful scene, but soon, a familiar pang of jealousy began to gnaw at his heart. He felt like a ghost in his own place.
He stepped forward, his long robes rustling, and wrapped his arms around Yue Yue from behind, pulling her back against his chest.
He ignored the warning growl from Han Soi and leaned down to whisper in Yue Yue’s ear.
"Yue’er, you’re so focused on the cub," he murmured, his voice low and silky. "Have you forgotten something very important?"
Yue Yue blinked, her head tilting back to look at him. "Forgotten what? The doctor said he’s healthy and very powerful..."
Feng Yansheng’s grip tightened slightly, and he gave her a look that was both possessive and intense.
"The cub’s celebration can wait a few days. Before we announce him, you have to hold a ceremony with me first."
Yue Yue was stunned. "A ceremony? With you? For what?"
Feng Yansheng smiled, though his eyes remained serious.
"To become my wife, of course. Did you think I would let you stay as just a ’guest’ after everything we’ve done? The High Priest of the Temple does not take a mistress. You will be my official consort."
"Wait, what?!" Yue Yue’s jaw dropped. "When did we decide this? I never agreed to a wedding ceremony!"
"I decided it the moment I laid eyes on you," Feng Yansheng replied shamelessly.
He looked over at Han Soi, who was glaring at him. "And don’t look at me like that, Brother Han Soi. If she is my wife, it makes your son’s status even more untouchable. It’s a win for everyone."
Feng Yansheng didn’t look bothered at all by Yue Yue’s shock or Han Soi’s murderous glare. Instead, he adjusted his hold on her waist, looking like the most reasonable man in the world despite his shameless words.
"Yue’er, don’t be so heartless," he said, his voice dripping with fake hurt. "Think about the perks. As my wife, you gain the absolute protection of the Temple. No empire and no clan would dare to breathe in your direction without my permission."
He then turned his gaze toward the broken doors, his eyes darkening slightly. "Do you truly think that if not for me, the Clan Master of the Winged Serpent would have left this room so quietly? He didn’t leave because he grew a conscience; he left because he was standing on my territory."
Han Soi’s jaw tightened. He wanted to argue, but he knew the fox was right. His father feared the Temple’s ancient power and the High Priest’s influence more than anything else.
Feng Yansheng leaned closer to Yue Yue, his breath tickling her ear.
"You’ve already used my spiritual energy to hatch your cub. You’ve used my domain to hide him. You’ve even used my bed. You didn’t think you could just use me and then abandon me, did you? I’m not a disposable tool, Yue’er." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Yue Yue’s face turned a deep shade of crimson. "I...I didn’t use you! You were the one who kept insisting!"
"Details, details," Feng Yansheng dismissed with a wave of his hand. "The point is, the world already thinks you are mine. If you don’t marry me, people will say the High Priest was toyed with and tossed aside. My reputation will be ruined."
Han Soi let out a harsh, disbelieving bark of laughter. "Your reputation? You’re the most shameless man I’ve ever met. You’re literally blackmailing her into a wedding."
"It’s not blackmail; it’s a mutual benefit," Feng Yansheng countered smoothly. He looked at Yue Yue with a gaze that was suddenly very sincere.
"Become my wife, and I will give you and the cub the world. No one will ever threaten you again."
Yue Yue looked at the baby snake in her arms, who was currently chewing on a piece of her sleeve, oblivious to the political storm.
She looked at Han Soi, who looked frustrated but wasn’t actually saying ’no’ anymore. Then she looked at the High Priest, who was waiting for her answer with a smug yet expectant smile.
She hated to admit it, but he was right. Without the Temple’s official backing, Han Qiaone would never stop hunting them.
Just as Yue Yue was about to protest further, the system’s voice chimed in her head, sounding more frantic than usual.
"Host, stop hesitating! Marry him immediately! Do you have any idea what’s happening outside those gates?"
"The emissaries from the four empires haven’t left. In fact, more are arriving every hour. They are like a swarm of hungry locusts ready to descend on this temple."
Yue Yue’s heart sank. "Are they really that persistent?"
"Persistent? They are demanding you take at least two husbands from each empire! The only reason they haven’t broken down your bedroom door is because the High Priest is holding them back with his absolute influence."
"If you reject him, he has no official reason to keep them out. You’ll be handed out like a prize at a banquet! Marry him, and you get absolute power and safety."
