THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 18

    Fú Róng hurriedly stood up and wiped the tears and snot off his face before brushing his robe down and making himself more presentable. He bowed properly to his grandfather then to Immortal High God Xíng Zhǐ. “What an unexpectedly joyous occasion to have Lord Xíng Zhǐ here with us.”

Xíng Zhǐ lightly smiled and said, “Young people are so energetic.”

The Immortal emperor heaved a sigh out of helplessness. “This person behaved disgracefully.” He stopped talking and looked at Fú Róng with a solemn expression. “Well, what happened to make you come all the way here?”

“Grandfather. . . ” Fú Róng was so aggrieved he couldn’t keep his eyes from tearing up again. He tried to speak but felt deeply embarrassed with a stranger in the room. He thought twice before continuing, but upon reflection, he realized it would lower the likelihood of him being scolded. He glanced up then plowed ahead in a more formal tone.

“Imperial Grandfather, this grandson simply can not take the Demon realm’s Azure Sky king as a wife!” He cried bitterly before continuing. “Ah! This grandson is sick. It will adversely affect the relationship between the two realms.”

At this, the Immortal emperor slammed his hand down and stood up. He was livid with anger at his grandson. “You must take me for a joke. What kind of flimsy excuse is that!?” He pointed to Fú Róng. “Sickness indeed! Considering the way you behaved before. You. . . you . . .”

The Immortal emperor gritted his teeth and stopped himself from saying anything more in front of Xíng Zhǐ. Unable to vent, his anger only grew and his heart became stifled; so much so that he had to grip the edge of the table to remain still. Finally, unable to endure, he grabbed a book on the desk and threw it at Fú Róng.

“Disgraceful! The wedding date is already set. You dare try to interrupt it? You listen to my words. Even if you have to break a leg, you are going to get married, make a proper house with your wife and give me a great-grandchild. That’s final!”

“Imperial Grandfather!” Fú Róng cried out. “The Azure Sky king is also unwilling! You saw. She ran away to escape the marriage. If this grandson marries her, she will surely vent her anger on my person! This grandson won’t be able to take it!”

“You – !” The Immortal emperor felt like exploding! He hated that this grandson never seemed to live up to expectations!

“Immortal emperor.” Lord Xíng Zhǐ broke into their conversation. “This . . .”

The Immortal emperor laughed a bit nervously before saying, “Lord Xíng Zhǐ you were amusing yourself in the Mortal realm these last few days, so you’re probably not aware, but your proposal for the Demon realm and Immortal realm be joined by marriage . . . ah. . .  the two youngsters who are to wed . . . they have some resistance to the marriage. The younger generation, they’re frivolous. When difficulty arises, they tend to run away and create a disturbance for others. Both sides have already discussed and settled the matter. It’s definitely not a problem! Since it’s Lord Xíng Zhǐ's suggestion neither parties will dare renege. Both will live together and start a family. Naturally over time they will develop affection for one another.”

At these words, Fú Róng swore to himself that he would absolutely not have children with that tigress, the Azure Sky king; nor would he ever develop any affections for her. But wait! The marriage was Lord Xíng Zhǐ’s idea? He was the one who came up with it?

Fú Róng was stunned but it didn't stop his mind from whirling. Lord Xíng Zhǐ lived in solitude for so long, did he know who was who in the Immortal realm anymore? Never mind the Immortal realm. What did he even know about the residents of the Demon realm? Ah! What criteria did he use to choose the candidates?! This lord. . .  ah . . . His random proposal just ruined my life . . . But since it’s him, I can see why grandfather was angrier than usual. Probably just doesn’t want to offend Lord Xíng Zhǐ and go against his intentions. But since I know who’s behind it now . . . I can just beg him directly, right!?