With that, the Demon Emperor turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a trail of dark energy and an eerie silence. Yueling felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched him go, her heart still pounding from the encounter.

As the darkness dissipated, Yueling's parents, the Emperor and Empress, stepped forward. They hugged her tightly, their faces filled with love and concern.

"We're proud of you, Yueling," the Emperor said, his voice choked with emotion. "We'll always be here for you, no matter what."

With that, they turned and left, returning to the Mortal Realm, leaving Yueling to her new life in the Phoenix Realm.

As they disappeared from view, the atmosphere in the square shifted, and the celebration that had been put on hold began in earnest. Music and laughter filled the air, and the inhabitants of the Phoenix Realm gathered around Yueling, congratulating her on her newfound powers and her marriage to Xie Feng.

Fenghuang smiled, her eyes shining with happiness, as she raised her hands to quiet the crowd. "Let us celebrate our beloved Yueling, the true heir of the Phoenix Realm, and her union with Xie Feng, our noble prince!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Yueling blushed, feeling a sense of belonging and joy that she had never known before. Xie Feng took her hand, his eyes burning with love and adoration, and together they danced into the night, surrounded by their friends and allies.

Xie Feng took Yueling on a boat ride in the mortal realm

As they glided across the lake, Xie Feng's eyes locked onto Yueling's, his gaze burning with intensity.

"So, you love me?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Yueling's lips curved into a subtle smile, but she said nothing.

Xie Feng's eyebrows furrowed, his expression puzzled. " you said I am your true love, to your mother," he pressed, seeking clarification.

Yueling's smile deepened, but still, she said nothing. The silence between them grew, filled only by the gentle lapping of the water against the boat.

Xie Feng's face inches from hers, his breath whispering against her skin. "Yueling?" he whispered, his voice laced with longing.

But Yueling remained silent, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint, leaving Xie Feng to ponder the depths of her emotions.

Yueling's gaze met Xie Feng's, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "You haven't given enough effort," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xie Feng's face fell, his eyes widening in surprise. "Not enough effort?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Yueling nodded, her smile growing. "You've swept me off my feet, taken me to the Phoenix Realm, and shown me wonders beyond my dreams. But," she paused, her eyes glinting with challenge, "you've yet to prove your love in the ways that truly matter."

Xie Feng's face set in determination, his jaw clenched. "I see," he said, his voice low and husky. "Then let me show you, my love. Let me prove my devotion to you, in every way possible."

Yueling's heart skipped a beat as Xie Feng's eyes burned with intensity, his gaze promising a depth of passion and commitment that left her breathless.

Xie Feng and Yueling strolled hand in hand through the winding streets of the Mortal Realm, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling markets. They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company as they navigated through the crowds.

As they turned a corner, the sweet aroma of candied fruits wafted through the air, enticing them to a nearby vendor. Xie Feng's eyes lit up with excitement as he pulled Yueling towards the colorful stall.

"Tanghulu!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike wonder. "My favorite!"

Yueling laughed as Xie Feng eagerly selected a few sticks of the sweet treat, handing one to her with a smile. They walked on, sucking on the tanghulu, the sweetness exploding in their mouths as they savored the moment together.

The vendor, noticing the loving couple, smiled and offered them a bag of tanghulu as a gift. "For the happy couple," he said with a wink.

Xie Feng and Yueling exchanged a tender glance, their hearts full of joy and love as they continued their stroll, hand in hand, through the vibrant streets.

As they walked, they came across a beautiful lantern stall, the soft glow of the lanterns illuminating the surrounding area. Xie Feng's eyes sparkled with excitement as he led Yueling to the stall.

"Let's write our wishes on a lantern," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Yueling smiled, and together they selected a delicate, pink lantern. Xie Feng took a brush and began to write in elegant, cursive script:

"Forever with Yueling, my love, my heart, my everything."

Yueling's heart fluttered as she read the words, her eyes meeting Xie Feng's. She took the brush and added her own wish:

"Forever with Xie Feng, my true love, my soulmate, my destiny."

As they finished writing, the vendor helped them light the lantern, and it soared into the night sky, carrying their wishes with it. Xie Feng and Yueling watched, hands clasped together, as their lantern joined the sea of twinkling lights above.

"May our wishes come true," Xie Feng whispered, his eyes shining with hope.

Yueling nodded, her heart full of joy. "They already have," she said, squeezing his hand. "I've found you."