The night was quiet.
Far beyond the mortal world, where the sea met the sky, soft silver light spread across the water. The waves moved gently, glowing under the moonlight.
In a hidden place—
Away from the eyes of both Heaven and the Nether Realm—
Two figures stood facing each other.
Moyan Jue.
And Yu Hai Xinyue.
The Demon Prince and the Princess of Coral.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Only the sound of the waves filled the silence.
Yu Hai Xinyue stepped forward slowly.
"You came," she said softly.
Moyan Jue looked at her.
His expression, usually calm and controlled, softened slightly.
"I always do," he replied.
There was no hesitation in his voice.
She lowered her gaze for a moment.
"We should not meet like this," she said.
Her voice carried a quiet sadness.
Moyan Jue gave a faint smile.
"And yet… we are here again."
Yu Hai Xinyue looked back at him.
Her eyes were filled with emotions she could not hide.
"Do you remember," she said slowly, "how many years it has been?"
Moyan Jue's gaze did not leave her.
"Centuries," he answered.
The word felt heavy.
Time had passed.
Wars had come and gone.
But they—
Had not changed.
Yu Hai Xinyue took another step closer.
"Everyone says the same thing," she said. "That this… is wrong."
Moyan Jue's expression darkened slightly.
"They are not wrong," he said quietly.
Silence fell between them.
The truth was simple.
Demons and gods—
Were never meant to be together.
Yu Hai Xinyue's voice trembled slightly. "Then why… do we keep meeting?"
Moyan Jue looked at her.
This time, his voice was softer.
"Because I cannot stop."
The words were simple.
But they carried everything he felt.
Yu Hai Xinyue closed her eyes briefly.
Her heart tightened.
"This path…" she whispered, "will only lead to pain."
Moyan Jue stepped closer.
"So be it."
She opened her eyes, looking at him in shock.
"You say it so easily," she said.
"It is not easy," he replied.
His gaze was steady.
"But it is the truth."
A long silence followed.
The waves continued to move gently around them.
Yu Hai Xinyue's voice was soft.
"Love between us… was never meant to exist."
Moyan Jue did not deny it.
He simply said—
"Even so… it exists."
Her breath caught slightly.
She looked away.
"If the heavens find out…" she said.
"They will," he replied calmly.
"And the Nether Realm…" she continued.
"They already suspect," he said.
Yu Hai Xinyue's hands tightened.
"Then why are we still doing this?"
Moyan Jue looked at her one last time.
"Because even if the world stands against us…"
He paused.
"…I will still choose you."
The words stayed in the air.
Yu Hai Xinyue could not speak.
Her eyes slowly filled with tears she refused to let fall.
The moment was quiet.
Fragile.
But real.
For now—
That was enough.
In the Mortal Kingdom—
Inside the grand palace—
The atmosphere was calm, but serious.
Emperor Xuan Wu Hei sat on his throne, his presence steady and powerful. His eyes were sharp, reflecting the authority he held.
Before him stood Consort Lady Zhou Yinzhen.
Her posture was graceful, her expression composed.
"Your Majesty," she said softly.
Xuan Wu Hei looked at her.
"You wished to speak," he said.
She stepped forward slightly.
"Yes."
There was a brief pause.
Then she spoke carefully.
"It is about the Crown Prince."
The Emperor's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Continue."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen lowered her eyes for a moment, then raised them again.
"He wishes to marry Qiu Ying'er," she said.
The Emperor remained silent.
She continued, "The Grand Chancellor's daughter."
Xuan Wu Hei leaned back slightly.
"A powerful alliance," he said.
"Yes," she replied. "It will strengthen his position."
The Emperor looked at her.
"And what do you think?"
Lady Zhou Yinzhen met his gaze calmly.
"I believe… it is the right decision."
Her voice was steady.
There was no hesitation.
Xuan Wu Hei studied her face.
Then he asked, "Is this what you want?"
A small pause.
Then she nodded.
"Yes."
Silence filled the hall.
The Emperor's expression softened slightly.
He stood up slowly.
His voice, when he spoke, was calm.
"If it is what you wish…"
He paused.
"…then I will allow it."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen lowered her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xuan Wu Hei stepped closer.
"You have always thought carefully," he said.
His tone was softer now.
"And I trust your judgment."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen remained still.
The Emperor looked at her for a moment longer.
It was clear—
He valued her words.
More than others.
"Make the arrangements," he said.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She bowed once more.
The decision had been made.
A marriage would move forward.
Not just for love—
But for power.
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