Ascension of The Unholy Immortal

"We will have to thank your son-in-law regarding this." Dong Tian Wang shot Liang a peculiar glance before averting his eyes.

"It's indeed true; we wouldn't have succeeded in time without him," Dong Tian Di chuckled, not objecting to Tian Wang's words. On the other hand, Liang observed the exchange with a strange expression but felt too indifferent to comment.

"Since I've fulfilled my mission, Senior Tian Wang should uphold your end of the bargain," Liang stated calmly.

Upon hearing this, Dong Tian Wang nodded and tossed a jade slip to Liang. Scanning it with his divine sense, Liang verified the information, finding everything in order before pocketing it.

"Since everything is settled, I shall take my leave," he said, cupping his hands in farewell as he turned to go.

"Why such a rush? Why not return with us to the Dong Clan for a celebration?" Before Liang could respond, Dong Tian Di suggested smoothly.

Hearing this, Liang shot him a surprised glance. "Father is absolutely right—Brother Liang should join us to celebrate," Dong Tian Shu added, seemingly understanding his father's intentions.

Observing their persistence, Liang scoffed inwardly, fully aware of their ulterior motives. "Since you insist, this Liang won't decline," he replied faintly, accepting the invitation with a small smile.

***

The Void Integration Matrix shimmered and rippled as the group stepped through, their forms vanishing in a flash of light. On the other side, they materialized within the grand courtyard of the Dong Clan headquarters.

Liang paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. Memories flooded back—it had been years since he last set foot here, yet everything remained unchanged. A fleeting pang of nostalgia struck him, though he quickly suppressed it.

Dong Tian Di approached with a warm smile. "I trust you remember your way around? Your palace remains untouched, and you must wish to rest after such arduous efforts."

Liang inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Indeed, I do recall the way." Without waiting for further guidance, he turned and made his way toward the district where his palace was located. The others watched him go, their expressions ranging from curiosity to mild amusement.

As he entered the palace, he couldn't help but notice how everything remained exactly as he remembered. Without hesitation, he walked into the main hall, where his attention was drawn to a figure standing near the window.

Her back was turned to him, but even so, Liang recognized her instantly. His eyes narrowed slightly, flashing with a mix of emotions—yet beneath it all, his gaze remained indifferent.

"Dong Rui," he murmured softly under his breath, though she couldn't possibly have heard him.

She must have sensed his presence, for she slowly turned around, her movements deliberate and graceful. When she faced him fully, her features came into sharp focus: delicate brows, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with intelligence, and lips curved into a knowing smile. Time had only enhanced her beauty, transforming the youthful innocence of her younger years into something far more captivating.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it, Brother Liang? hope you haven't forgotten about me."

Liang studied her carefully, his expression unreadable. Decades had passed since their engagement, arranged by Dong Tian Di as part of some political maneuvering. Back then, he had gone along with it, seeing no reason to resist. Now, however, things were different. He wasn't the same man he once was.

"Indeed, it has been a while," he replied evenly, his tone betraying nothing. "For me, nearly a decade. You've grown… more beautiful with time."

Her lips twitched at his compliment, though there was a hint of mischief in her gaze. "And you, Brother Liang, have become even more enigmatic. Tell me, is your return today purely coincidental, or did Father summon you?"

He tilted his head slightly, amused by her directness. "You ask questions as if you don't already know the answers. Do you stand here because your father ordered you to, or is this your own doing?"

Dong Rui took a step closer, her heels clicking softly against the polished wooden floor. She stopped mere inches away from him, close enough that he could feel the warmth radiating off her body. Her eyes locked onto his, searching for any sign of vulnerability—or perhaps resistance.

"You should understand better than anyone, Brother Liang," she said softly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If I didn't want to be here, not even my father could force me."

There was truth in her words, and Liang knew it. Despite her upbringing as a daughter of one of the most powerful clans, Dong Rui possessed a will of iron. If she chose to defy her father, no amount of pressure would sway her. And yet, here she was, willingly stepping into this reunion.

Before he could respond, she reached up, placing a hand gently on his chest. Her touch was light, almost teasing, but it sent a subtle jolt through him. Without hesitation, Liang wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a kiss that was neither gentle nor rushed—just raw and consuming.

Dong Rui responded with equal fervor, her fingers threading through his hair as the world around them faded into insignificance. For a brief moment, there was no clan politics, no hidden agendas, no calculations. There was only the present, the two of them lost in each other.

When they finally broke apart, Liang rested his forehead against hers, his breathing slightly uneven. "You play a dangerous game, Dong Rui, Do you truly think you can manipulate someone like me?"

A faint smirk played on her lips. "Who says I'm manipulating you? Perhaps I simply enjoy your company."

He chuckled darkly, releasing her but keeping his hands loosely on her shoulders. "Enjoyment or manipulation—it matters little to me. What matters is that you're here, and I won't turn away something so… tempting."

Her laughter echoed softly in the room, filled with genuine amusement. "Always so confident, aren't you, Brother Liang? Let's see how long that confidence lasts."

As the night deepened, the two retreated deeper into the chamber.

***

The chamber was dimly lit, the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the partially drawn curtains. Liang lay on his side, propped up by one elbow as he gazed at the sleeping figure beside him. Dong Rui's features were serene in slumber, her lashes casting soft shadows against her cheeks. Her breathing was steady and rhythmic, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Liang's mind.

"The old man Tian Di is indeed meticulous," Liang murmured under his breath, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

He already knew Dong Tian Di's intentions—there was no point pretending otherwise. If this had been years ago, after successfully completing the formation, they would have likely dismissed him without hesitation, perhaps even turning their backs entirely once his usefulness waned. But now? Things had changed.

Liang tilted his head slightly, studying her peaceful expression. It wasn't hard for him to piece together the puzzle.

Dong Tian Di probably knew about his appearance in the Devil Realm and his subsequent affiliation with the Divine Spirit Palace. He hadn't gone out of his way to conceal it either; in fact, some part of him had done it intentionally. The more powerful factions became aware of his presence, the better leverage he held. And if the Dong Clan sought to forge ties with the Divine Spirit Palace—or failing that, gain someone of his caliber—it made perfect sense for them to extend an olive branch.

Dong Tian Di's invitation back to the clan headquarters wasn't just a gesture of gratitude or camaraderie. It was a calculated move, carefully crafted to draw him closer into their orbit. Whether it served as a bridge to the Divine Spirit Palace or merely secured his loyalty, it mattered little to Liang. He understood the game being played all too well.

His gaze softened momentarily as he watched Dong Rui shift slightly in her sleep, her brow furrowing ever so slightly before smoothing out again. Despite her upbringing within the confines of the Dong Clan, She wasn't bound by her father's commands, yet here she was, willingly entangled in this web of politics and intrigue.

Liang reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Did she truly come here of her own volition, or was she acting on her father's orders? Or perhaps....Both.

"Tell me, Brother Liang, do you regret returning?"