"See? The Demon Emperor has returned."
"Yes, not only returned, but also brought back a human woman."
"That snake demon is just stupid and reckless, daring to provoke the Demon Emperor directly."
There were fifteen female demons presented as tributes, with the top three in terms of family influence being Hua Yun the snake demon, Lu Meng the lion-spotted demon, and Lian Shuiyue the crane demon.
A young woman in yellow stood smiling, her skin like snow, her eyes like clear water, scanning everyone's faces.
This maiden was exceedingly beautiful, truly like a pearl with a rosy blush, or jade with a lustrous glow.
She was Lu Meng, the eldest daughter of the Lu family, a lion-spotted demon.
Lu Meng smiled charmingly and said, "If we can please this human woman, perhaps we can stay."
She narrowed her eyes as she looked at Bai Ran. From what she could see, the Demon Emperor's demeanor towards this woman did not seem like romantic love.
Hua Yun, the snake demon, had been so rash in confronting this human woman; she would likely face difficult times ahead.
Lian Shuiyue's white hair flowed smoothly, a cinnabar dot between her brows, making her appear divine and ethereal, like an exiled immortal.
She had always preferred quietude and wished to avoid conflict. This tribute was only because she was reluctantly put forward by her family.
Lian Shuiyue sighed softly, her gaze towards Bai Ran filled with complexity. Even with the Demon Emperor's protection, a human entering the demon realm would likely face much bullying.
Ah well, she could barely protect herself in this perilous palace; how could she worry about others?
Lian Shuiyue turned and left, the gazes following her behind filled with venom.
"Why pretend to be so proud? Aren't we all here for the prosperity of our families?"
"Exactly. So what if she's the eldest daughter of the most prominent Lian family? If she doesn't meticulously curry favor with those in power, her family will soon decline."
Lu Meng watched Lian Shuiyue's retreating back, her eyes darkening, a fierce glint appearing.
Xiao Zi looked annoyed and spoke to Hua Yun with an unfriendly tone, "Who summoned you all during my absence?"
Hua Yun pursed her lips, her head bowed low. "It was... it was Deputy General Lu Ji, who was temporarily acting as Demon Emperor."
Lu Ji? Xiao Zi's eyes narrowed, his expression turning cold.
Before he had even left the demon realm, Lu Ji had been trying to find ways to rebel. Now, it seemed his wish had come true.
These tribute women were likely summoned by him to satisfy his own desires.
However, it just so happened that Xiao Zi returned, and they became tributes to the Demon Emperor.
Bai Ran glanced at Hua Yun and then looked at Xiao Zi playfully, "You said the demon race has no names? Why does she have a name, Hua Yun?"
Xiao Zi stiffened, his mind racing to figure out how to gloss over this topic.
He cleared his throat and pretended to be serious, "Yes, I have no name."
As soon as he said this, the surrounding demons looked confused. The Demon Emperor... don't you have a name?
But under Xiao Zi's intimidating gaze, they silently suppressed their questions.
At this moment, a rat demon pushed through the crowd and respectfully bowed before Xiao Zi.
"Your Majesty the Demon Emperor, greetings. Deputy General Lu Ji learned of your return and has specially organized a welcoming banquet, sending me to escort you."
Xiao Zi's expression instantly turned grim. Knowing of his return, yet not coming to welcome him personally, and immediately giving him a show of force?
It was as if he were belittling Xiao Zi. During his absence, Lu Ji had already become the highest authority in the demon realm; Xiao Zi was no longer important.
"Little one, you go east straight ahead and stay in that courtyard with the garden. If you need anything, come find me."
Bai Ran gestured towards the easternmost part, the magnificent courtyard built of transparent crystal. "Mm, no need to worry."
Surrounded by the demon subjects, Xiao Zi followed the rat demon towards the welcoming banquet.
Only the snake demon Hua Yun and Bai Ran remained standing.
Hua Yun scanned Bai Ran from head to toe, blatant disdain filling her face. "You, a mere human woman, I advise you not to meddle in the affairs of the demon race!"
Her golden, vertical pupils stared fixedly at Bai Ran, a killing fury in her eyes.
Before Bai Ran could speak, the lion-spotted demon emerged from behind a nearby stone pillar, followed by the other tribute women.
"Hua Yun, how can you be so rude? His Majesty the Demon Emperor said this woman is a distinguished guest of our demon race and must not be neglected."
Lu Meng's voice was laced with a smile, but her eyes held deep disgust for Hua Yun.
Bai Ran tilted her head, amused by Lu Meng's expression. Compared to this lion-spotted demon, the blunt snake demon seemed less malicious.
Hua Yun, seeing Lu Meng and the other women, her golden eyes flashed with even more ferocity. "Utterly hypocritical!"
Lu Meng was not angered. She simply turned to Bai Ran, her expression filled with flattery.
"Human, we demons have always been hospitable. Hua Yun was merely impulsive; I apologize to you on her behalf."
Bai Ran chuckled. On the surface, these words seemed harmless, but the hidden meanings were plentiful.
Clearly, though they were all tribute women, she considered herself superior to the snake demon and apologized to Bai Ran on her behalf.
Furthermore, sensing that Bai Ran was someone not to be trifled with, she was quick to curry favor.
A smooth-talking demon. This was becoming interesting...
Bai Ran pursed her lips and played along. "I am just an ordinary woman. There's no need to be insincere with me."
"I have no power, no influence, and no background. I was simply saved by the Demon Emperor who happened to pass by."
Lu Meng stared at her suspiciously, as if judging the truth of her words.
Hua Yun, however, frowned. "You were just coincidentally saved by His Majesty the Demon Emperor? Is that true?"
If so, had she been too harsh just now...
Bai Ran's gaze drooped, appearing somewhat wronged. "Why would I lie to you? I've been an orphan since childhood. The little money I managed to save was stolen by robbers."
"Just as I was about to die at their hands, the Demon Emperor happened to pass by and rescued me. Seeing I had nowhere to go, he brought me back to the demon realm."
Hua Yun knitted her brows, feeling a flicker of sympathy for the human woman. "Um, I spoke rudely just now. Please don't take it to heart."
Bai Ran nodded, looking pitiful. Lu Meng stared at her intently, still harboring some disbelief.
"Since you are just an ordinary human, why does His Majesty the Demon Emperor protect you so fiercely?"
Bai Ran lowered her head, her expression dejected. "I don't know either. But if the Demon Emperor truly valued me, he wouldn't have left me alone here..."
Lu Meng observed Bai Ran's expression, finding no flaws. She didn't seem to be lying.
There was some logic to her words. If the Demon Emperor truly cared about this human, why would he leave her alone here to be bullied by them?
The surrounding sounds were noisy. Just moments ago, they had been fawning over Bai Ran, but now the tide had turned completely, their gazes filled with disdain and annoyance.
"I thought this person had some great background. She's just a lowly human."
"Yes, I was counting on her to protect us, to give us a foothold in this palace."
"What a waste of my effort."