Demon Lord and His Unknown Child With the Empress

Luo Ruying had a persistent feeling that a mysterious force was lurking in the city—something she couldn’t detect. She could only hope it wouldn’t involve her. All she wanted now was to live a peaceful, ordinary life with her family.

Noticing Luo Ruying’s furrowed brows and worried expression, Ning Yechen gently reached over to hold her hand and offered her a warm, reassuring smile. A sense of calm washed over her heart, and she returned his smile with a faint, soft one of her own.

Qi Yuan, who had been quietly observing the couple, smiled like an affectionate aunt when she saw them holding hands under the table. Is it just my imagination, or has the bond between Big Sister Luo and Big Brother Ning grown even deeper?

Not wanting to disturb the sweet atmosphere, Qi Yuan shifted away from discussing troubling topics and instead asked, "By the way, Big Sister Luo, Big Brother Ning, did you go see the fireworks display last night?"

"Yes, we did," Luo Ruying replied with a smile. "It was truly beautiful."

She felt grateful to Qi Yuan for recommending the fireworks display to her.

"Umm… Did you go up the hill?" Qi Yuan asked curiously.

"Yes. Is something wrong with that?" Luo Ruying asked, puzzled. The hill was a designated viewing spot for fireworks, so she didn’t understand why Qi Yuan asked this.

Qi Yuan sighed and clenched her fists in frustration. "There’s nothing wrong with the spot, Big Sister Luo. But last night, the fireworks display was suddenly moved earlier without notice! The people responsible for lighting the fireworks were found asleep in a tree grove this morning. They don’t remember anything that happened!

"And to make it worse, someone set up a fog formation at the entrance to the hill. No one could make it up there!

"Some people spent the entire night flying in circles inside the fog and were found passed out at the base of the hill at dawn.

"Now, many cultivators in the city are searching for the culprit who pulled this prank!"

Because of the fog, not a single person from the city had made it up the hill to watch the fireworks. Hearing Luo Ruying had been able to, Qi Yuan was surprised. Perhaps Big Sister Luo could do it because of her extraordinary strength. The fog couldn’t trap her.

Luo Ruying, however, was quite curious about who could orchestrate such a prank. Her gaze instinctively shifted to Yue Qingyou, who had been the one to inform her of the change in the fireworks schedule last night. How did she know about it…?

Yue Qingyou sipped her tea gracefully, maintaining a calm, detached demeanor, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

Only Ning Yechen knew full well that it was absolutely her doing.

"Daddy, mmm…" Having eaten her fill, Luo Hongye climbed out of her chair and nestled herself into Ning Yechen’s lap, settling comfortably.

Ning Yechen held her lovely and stroked her small, round head. The child’s head was soft and smooth, fitting perfectly in his hand. Luo Hongye squinted her eyes in delight, her face radiating happiness. She only displayed such joy and contentment when she was in the arms of Ning Yechen or Luo Ruying.

From observing their interactions for a while now, Qi Yuan noticed that Luo Hongye rarely left the side of her parents. She was extremely shy around strangers and didn’t like to interact with others, let alone play with children her age.

It had taken Qi Yuan a long time and plenty of delicious snacks to earn a sliver of closeness with Luo Hongye. She’s far too reliant on Big Sister Luo and Big Brother Ning…

"Big Sister Luo, Big Brother Ning, the New Year will soon be over, and Nanli Academy’s annual enrollment season is about to begin. The academy offers not only advanced cultivation classes but also elementary school classes and even a special kindergarten program for young children.

"Why don’t you consider enrolling Little Yeye?" Qi Yuan suggested.

Nanli Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions in the Southern Province, and its kindergarten program would be perfect for a child like Luo Hongye.

Hearing this suggestion, Luo Ruying and Ning Yechen both paused and exchanged hesitant glances. They were well aware of Luo Hongye’s dependence on them and her aversion to strangers, which stemmed from her traumatic childhood. She had spent her early years either hiding alone in desolate places or locked in dark dungeons, with little to no interaction with others.

It was no wonder she found it difficult to trust or connect with people outside of her parents. @@novelbin@@

Because of this, Ning Yechen and Luo Ruying had always doted on her, eager to make up for the love and security she lacked growing up. Although they adored her clinginess, they also hoped she could open up to others and experience more of the world.

What parent wouldn’t want their child to grow into a cheerful and outgoing person?

While Qi Yuan’s suggestion made sense, the idea of sending Luo Hongye away from them, even for a few hours, made both parents reluctant and worried. Especially Luo Ruying, the thought of not having Luo Hongye within her line of sight filled her with anxiety.

Noticing their hesitation, Qi Yuan smiled reassuringly and patted her chest confidently. "Big Sister Luo, Big Brother Ning, don’t worry! I’m enrolling in Nanli Academy as well. I’ll make sure to take good care of Little Yeye!"

Her declaration immediately drew a disdainful look from Yue Qingyou. This mere ant dares to claim she can protect the most precious princess of the Demon Realm? Laughable.

Qi Yuan noticed Yue Qingyou’s gaze and felt an inexplicable sense of defeat. Why does it feel like this beautiful older sister is looking at me like she’s looking at an insect…?

"Miss Qi, are you planning to enroll in the academy instead of taking over your family business?" Luo Ruying asked curiously, surprised by Qi Yuan’s decision.

Qi Yuan straightened her posture, and her expression turned serious as she replied, "Thanks to you and Big Brother Ning, my family’s business is thriving. Even without me, everything will run smoothly. More importantly, thanks to Big Brother Ning, I’ve regained my ability to cultivate!

"Now that my meridians are fully healed, I want to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a powerful cultivator, just like you, Big Sister Luo!"

In the past, her damaged meridians had made cultivation nearly impossible. But now that she had recovered completely, she was determined to join Nanli Academy and follow the path of cultivation.

"The path of cultivation is not easy. I wish you the best, Miss Qi," Luo Ruying said with an encouraging smile.

She could tell Qi Yuan’s determination was genuine, and with her natural talent, she believed Qi Yuan might one day make great strides in cultivation.