The woman from the Dark Shadow Empire, coupled with Duoduo’s pointing at a certain guy and calling him ‘daddy’ made the harem girls already determined that Liliz was Chen Rui’s ‘first woman’. However, Ms. Duoduo’s 2 subsequent ‘mommy’ immediately subverted the girls’ previous concept, or in other words, subverted the cognition of all relatives and friends.

That ‘woman of the Dark Shadow Empire’ isn’t Liliz, but… Catherine, the Dark Shadow Empire’s empress?

Whether it was scheming Isabella, fake daze Zola, indifferent and calm Shea, or others… They were all stunned. Even Catherine’s cousin, Roman’s mistress, Medilu, was also stunned.

The only one who was a little ignorant was Ms. Black Dragon, who wanted to imitate Zola to join in the fun and say ‘what’, but she was frightened by the strange atmosphere.

Chen Rui didn’t know that the little phoenix, whom he missed badly, was not annihilated, but she was reincarnated in the form of a real daughter, let alone that Ms. Duoduo’s calling of ‘daddy mommy’ had caused the harem to face the biggest earthquake. His eyes were set on Catherine who appeared on the opposite side.

The Dark Shadow Cape, 1 of the 7 artifacts, was not seen behind Catherine. The blue and white gown seemed to be for a ceremony rather than a duel. The white covering her face was also much thinner than usual, which allowed her exquisite and perfect facial features to be faintly seen.

Catherine was the first to speak, “You’re here.”

At the beginning, it seemed that there was an intent of turning passive to active, which was also in line with Catherine’s style.

“En.” Chen Rui replied, and he immediately found that the voices of the 2 seemed to be amplified by some kind of device. It actually spread far away, probably through special transmission, spreading to the entire estate. He could not help frowning.

Catherine smiled nonchalantly, “For the individual outcome, there is no suspense or meaning in this final. The real final was over 2 days ago.”

This sentence made Chen Rui slightly stunned. Before starting the battle, Catherine said this frankly when the transmission of her voice was spreading. Is this the rhythm of admitting defeat?

When she made the appointment in advance so solemnly, is it just to admit defeat in public? Just as Chen Rui was puzzled, Catherine shook her head again, and her tone changed, “However, for the Dark Shadow Empire, the 3 empires and even the entire Demon Realm, the ‘final’ has just begun. Today will be the decisive moment.”

Chen Rui asked tentatively, “Why do you say that?” Catherine looked him in the eye, “I said before, the final will be the time to reveal everything.”

“You mean the ‘multiple choice question’?”

“It should be the last time, a multiple-choice question between us.”

The conversation between the 2 was transmitted through Catherine’s set-up in the arena, at the Iron Fist Estate, and broadcast live throughout the Demon Realm on television. The first few sentences still sounded like mind tactics before the hands-on, but the latter words sounded a bit different. Many sensitive people had strange expressions on their faces.

Multiple choice between ‘us’?

When the harem troupe in the VIPs restroom of the arena heard these, it sounded particularly flirtatious. The girls who were still skeptical at first were finally completely determined. Catherine no doubt is the ‘woman of the Dark Shadow Empire’!

The Demon Realm’s first beauty, top sage empress!

A certain bastard hides it so well!

Liliz and Terdila simultaneously shivered when they sensed the terrifying aura.

“Before this, I have a few questions to ask.” Catherine was not in a hurry to say the ‘multiple choice question’ that made the harem troupe extremely anxious. “Last time during the 3 empires’ peace talk. You have proposed the 3 empires form the ’empire alliance’ in the true sense that allows all the people of the Demon Realm to stay away from war and enjoy peace. I would like to hear a specific explanation. “

The specific terms of the negotiation between the empires were originally secret, but now Catherine was asking this publicly in front of the Demon Realm. This made Chen Rui startled.

Catherine added, “What are you hesitating about? Or is that offer just a trick to delay when you’re weak?”

“No, I’m just thinking about how to phrase it.” Chen Rui had already vaguely understood Catherine’s intention, “This empire alliance can be called a ‘confederation’. The confederation itself is not a sovereign empire, and each empire member is still a sovereign and independent empire with their own legislative, executive, diplomatic, military, financial and other powers. All empires will achieve comprehensive cooperation and sharing in technology, economy, resources as well as other aspects. Sharing wealth and woe as well as common interests. The resolutions relating to the alliance can be approved by the leaders’ meeting to take effect…”

Chen Rui eloquently explained what he knew as ‘confederation’. On the earth where he was originally located, the British commonwealth and the Commonwealth of Independent States belonged to the confederation system.

Although both confederation and commonwealth belong to the compound empire structure, there was a big difference between them. Simply put, confederation was ‘the union of the empires’ whereas commonwealth was ‘combined empires’. In terms of the form of 3 empires, confederation was the most suitable form of alliance.

The confederation system was Chen Rui’s ultimate goal to achieve the unification and peace of the Demon Realm. The economic war and military parade that he planned, plus this competition were all for this purpose. Show his fists first and then reason. Unexpectedly, Catherine actually took the initiative to bring up this on such a high-profile occasion.

The current situation of the Demon Realm was not optimistic. The Fallen Angel Empire had achieved an overwhelming absolute advantage both economically and militarily. The next step was definitely the Bloody Empire and the Dark Shadow Empire unite against the Fallen Angel Empire, which would cause war.

The people definitely didn’t want a war to happen, especially after seeing the terrifying force of the Fallen Angel Empire at the military parade ceremony. Coupled with the impact of the currency crisis, they were even more afraid. The proposal of this ‘confederation’ brought an unexpected turn of events, enabling the people of the Demon Realm to see the hope of true peace. Most importantly, this new system was personally proposed by the Prince Consort ‘Aguile’ of the Fallen Angel Empire.

Catherine asked some crucial questions, and Chen Rui answered them one by one. In some public places, more and more people gathered in front of magic television as they all listened carefully, seeming to forget that this was supposed to be a heated battle.

After the Q&A, Catherine took a few deep breaths and nodded, “Thanks for your clarifications. Now, you have 2 options. First, declare war on the Dark Shadow Empire and the Bloody Empire with mighty strength and start your absolute domination ruling. Perhaps you can also take off the mask to show your true face that will shock the entire Demon Realm – Even if you don’t count individual force because super powerhouse doesn’t participate in the war, with your terrifying means of manipulating the economy, coupled with the incomparably powerful military strength at hand, you are also a well-deserved number 1 in the Demon Realm. Of course, the Dark Shadow Empire will not surrender, and I believe Raizen will be the same. Even if you can win the final victory, you will also pay a considerable price. The second option is that the 3 empires form a confederation alliance, but you must swear by your soul that you will never interfere in any government affairs of the confederation. As long as the confederation truly exists, you will forever give up the war and give up domination as well as control over the Demon Realm. The control I’m talking about is not only force and military; it is including your unfathomable economic warfare tactics.”

One is war and absolute domination while the other is giving up war and domination. Judging from Catherine’s words, ‘Aguile’ is the real mastermind of the Fallen Angel Empire. In other words, the prince consort can fully represent his wife, Shea the Great.

As soon as these 2 choices were mentioned, many people whispered to each other.

“Give up domination forever?” Chen Rui pondered slightly. “I wonder if there is a third option.”

Catherine was silent for a moment before she answered, “There is, which is to kill me in this duel. Or I’ll spend my life fighting you to the death. As long as I’m dead, you don’t have to make any choice.”

“It turns out that you came with the determination to die. If I choose the first one, you will do the same, right?” Chen Rui looked at Catherine’s robe and nodded slightly, “No wonder the Dark Shadow Cape is not there. It seems that in the past 2 days, you have entrusted a lot of things. Since you have completely arranged your successor and funeral, considering the hidden rule that the super powerhouse cannot interfere with the ordinary war, your death will not radically impact the Dark Shadow Empire’s combat power, but it will boost the morale of all soldiers instead. An indignant army is bound to win… However, sacrificing your most precious life like this… Apart from the throne, your responsibility, and your people, what else do you have? Do you think it’s worth it?”

Catherine looked at him quietly, and she solemnly gave the answer word by word, “It’s worth it.”

The arena, which was still a little noisy initially, was suddenly silent. The same was true for the VIP room. At this moment, Athena, Zola, Isabella… including Liliz and her husband, were all silent. Looking at the woman wearing the veil and her lonely and determined figure, they suddenly understood many things.

Shea resonated the most; a deep sadness flashed across her indifferent purple eyes.

“Daddy, mommy…”

Duoduo, who had just calmed down, suddenly struggled, and Athena was caught off guard. Duoduo bounced away and rushed out of the VIP room. The small body suddenly turned into a flame that rushed into the sky. Zola responded the fastest. A red light flashed in her hand, intending to restrain fire with fire and stop Duoduo without hurting her. At this time, a phoenix chirp sounded, and the flame suddenly turned into a phantasm of a little phoenix. Zola’s strength not only failed to stop it, but the phoenix even took advantage of it as it bounced away more quickly, disappearing from their vision in the blink of an eye.

Looking at the image of the little phoenix, Athena showed an unbelievable expression as she suddenly thought of something.

“You’re still so persistent… You gave up too many things, even your own life, for the tens of thousands of people behind you, for the responsibility on your shoulders.” Chen Rui sighed and put his hand to his mask, “In honor of you, I will give you the real answer.”

At this moment, everyone held their breath and stared at the hand holding the mask.

Take off the mask, reveal your true face, and shock the entire Demon Realm? Declare war on the Dark Shadow Empire and the Bloody Empire with mighty strength and begin absolute domination?

Is it finally time to face war? Many people were extremely nervous.

The mask was slowly removed. It was a familiar face; the face that appeared in the Dark Shadow Empire’s mechanic contest and the Fallen Angel Empire’s potioneer contest – Master Arthur.

This was not his true face.

Catherine’s heart shuddered as she already understood the meaning of the face.

Immediately, that face showed her a vaguely familiar smile as he said 2 words, “You won.”

These 2 words spread far and wide and in everyone’s ears.

“I swear by my soul that as long as the confederation truly exists and as long as the Demon Realm can be truly peaceful, I will forever give up war as well as the domination and control of the Demon Realm.” Chen Rui smiled while looking at her, “What I want to say is that this is actually my greatest wish.”

This oath was equivalent to publicly announcing the abandonment of the war. As long as Raizen and Catherine agree to establish that kind of confederation of peace and mutual benefit, the war that the people were most worried about would not happen again. The true peace was really happening.

In an instant, the entire arena, the entire estate, and the entire Demon Realm burst into thunderous cheers. Even from the distance of the ancient battlefield, the cheers could be heard.

Seeing that smile and hearing the distant cheers, Catherine’s body trembled. It seemed that some kind of strong strength that had been supporting her was quietly going away.

She stood up straight again, “I want to know the name of that song.”

She listened to ‘that song’ when she went directly to the Dark Moon as Christina to give Chen Rui an ultimatum. Although she only heard it once, she liked this song very much. That deep sentimental music with somber sadness had repeatedly echoed in her dreams.

Chen Rui suddenly realized what was going to happen, but he wasn’t sure. There was a strange look in his eyes as he said the answer.

“‘Eternal Guardian’.”

Catherine closed her eyes gently, and the lingering notes seemed to play in her ears again.

Silent Night Wetland. This man used his last strength to teleport with Broc.

Crystal Valley. He crushed his own heart without hesitation.

Jergal Fortress’ small plain. Facing the incomparable Raizen, he grinned and said to her “Run away quickly”.

In the deadly Flame of Nirvana, he desperately embraced her who almost annihilated. “I caught you.”

“If your persistence is to protect everyone, then my current persistence is just to protect you.”

Eternal Guardian.

Catherine opened her eyes and all the ‘he’ overlapped before combining into 1 person, that was the man in front of him. Just like Castle in the Sky under the moonlight, the person in her dreams and memories had become a real existence that could be touched.

Catherine’s vision became hazy, and the veil on her face suddenly disappeared, revealing that perfect face.

For the first time, she showed her face in front of everyone, facing him.

The breathtaking beauty coupled with the strength of 5th nirvana made her appearance and temperament perfect. Even Zola was slightly inferior to her now.

This made the audience who was in a commotion just now become quiet again.

Catherine suddenly smiled, “The eternal guardian? Can I understand it as foolish as always?”

Chen Rui also smiled, “Of course.”

Catherine watched Chen Rui quietly without restraining the tears slowly flowing down from her eyes, “Then, are you still willing to accept such a woman who is not only foolish, but also stubborn, selfish, everchanging and ruthless?”

She never thought that one day she would ask such a question to a man on such an occasion.

However, now she simply asked like this, putting aside all hesitation.

She never imagined that she would admit defeat to this man in front of the Demon Realm.

However, when he smiled and said the words ‘you won’, she knew that she had lost.

Completely lost to this man.

Everyone in front of the arena and magic television was shocked again, even more shocked than when they heard about the confederation system. Even a fool could see the relationship between the 2.

The Demon Realm’s top beauty, the top sage, the empress of the Dark Shadow Empire, actually…

And that man is the prince consort of the Fallen Angel Empire’s empress!

Chen Rui’s eyes were filled with tears as he stared deeply at those beautiful twinkling eyes. He took a deep breath, lowered his head slightly, and stretched out his hand, “As always, this is my honor.”

Catherine stretched out her hand gently. She seemed to be trembling, but she finally grabbed his hand. There was no passionate hugging and kissing; it was just holding hands like this as if they were holding the most important thing in each other’s lives.

“I’ve always been afraid that we will pass by and gradually drift apart. I’m afraid that I can’t stand the test of time, and the memory of you will gradually fade away. Fortunately, you caught me again.”

“Apart from the throne, the responsibility, and the people, I… I finally have you.”

“Thank you as always, my love, my only man, my daughter’s… father.”

The last few words shocked Chen Rui. He suddenly felt the heat of his left arm was unprecedentedly strong. As soon as he tore off his clothes, he saw a circular mark on it. The totem in the center of the mark was a phoenix spreading its wings.

Fire phoenix.

Chen Rui’s heart beat violently. When he raised his head suddenly, he saw a flame flying in the air. In the flame was actually the shadow of the little phoenix.

“Daddy!”

Chen Rui was dumbfounded for a moment as if he was struck by lightning. The small flying figure came to him in the blink of an eye and transformed into a lovely little fair-skinned girl who rushed into his arms.

Unfamiliar face, but with a familiar feeling. Especially the familiar voice; the familiar action.

Chen Rui stretched out his hand tremblingly and gently touched the little girl’s tearful face in disbelief. It is actually so real, so warm.

“Duoduo!” Without the slightest hesitation, he hugged the small body tightly. He could no longer hold back the tears and they poured out frantically.

No matter how Duoduo is resurrected, whether she is a phoenix or what, fortunately, I did not lose her in the end.

Catherine was slightly surprised. Without any introduction or guidance, the daughter who had never seen her father directly found Chen Rui and Chen Rui also directly called out the daughter’s name.

This human once told some stories. Perhaps as the story said, in the past life, they were relatives – father and daughter.

Zola and others who came from a distance looked at Chen Rui, who was hugging Duoduo tightly and bursting into tears. Everyone was silent, and no one made a sound.

TL: Finally 😭…