My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

"Niu Laosan, the punishment we are about to administer is for your clandestine practice of forbidden arts!"

"Do you have any objections?"

The speaker remained the same elder who had previously supported Niu Er's rise to power.

He appeared imposing, wearing a facade of impartiality, but in truth, he sought to pin a colossal charge on Niu Laosan.

Among the elders, he held the highest position of authority.

Thus, the other adjudicators merely furrowed their brows in response, refraining from further comment.

The occult techniques rumored to originate from the Demon Prison were strictly taboo.

For the Bull Demon Clan to delve into such practices could lead to dire consequences. Therefore, Niu Laosan's punishment for dabbling in forbidden arts left little room for dispute.

"I refuse to accept this!"

"I did not practice forbidden arts!"

Niu Laosan seethed with indignation, his nostrils flaring as he adamantly opposed the elder's judgment.

Unfortunately, his dissent proved futile. He had never cultivated his own influence within the Bull Demon Clan.

Officially, he held the position of the third-in-command, but in reality, he was a lone wolf.

Now that trouble had arisen, no one stepped forward to defend him.

Even if there were those within the Bull Demon Clan who admired him, they wouldn't risk incurring the wrath of Niu Er and the elder by speaking out at this juncture.

The female members of the Bull Demon Clan who held affection for Niu Laosan clenched their fists in silence.

They couldn't accept his punishment, nor could they reconcile that Niu Laosan might be the person depicted by the accusations. The lines between right and wrong remained blurred...
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Meanwhile, Gu Lan frowned slightly from the sidelines.

Just as he was about to intervene, the ground began to tremble.

Thud, thud!

Rhythmic, muffled sounds echoed from a nearby location, heralding the arrival of a contingent of Bull Demon Clan guards clad in armor.

"It's the retinue of the Grand Elder!"

"What could have happened to stir his attention? It's unprecedented for him to intervene."

"Could it be because of Niu Laosan? It's inconceivable that a family sparring match could prompt the involvement of the highest authority."

"The Grand Elder has refrained from meddling in clan affairs for many years. There must be a significant event to compel his presence!"

As the orderly ranks of Bull Demon Clan guards marched into view, astonishment filled the eyes of every member, whether on or off the stage.

The Grand Elder was not only the most respected figure within the Bull Demon Clan but also one of its most formidable individuals.

Observing this, other demon clans present were equally taken aback. The Grand Elder was a figure shrouded in rumors, known to leave a lasting impression on the Bull Demon Clan's adversaries.

It was rumored that the Grand Elder wielded only three simple techniques, yet these seemingly basic skills had once failed a formidable demon clan expert in a single stroke.

Amidst the ranks of the Bull Demon Clan guards, a towering figure clad in silver armor emerged.

His countenance, with its blackened features and snowy beard, exuded an aura distinct from that of the typical Bull Demon Clan member.

This figure was none other than Bull Demon Clan's Grand Elder, Niu Biao.

"Greetings, Grand Elder!" Bull Demon Clan members saluted as they caught sight of Niu Biao, with many who had long sought to curry favor with him now seizing the opportunity to do so.

"Enough with the pleasantries. I have pressing matters to attend to. Make way!" Niu Biao's actions matched his reputation for boldness.

Several individuals who attempted to ingratiate themselves were swiftly rebuffed with a slap from him.

While striking these individuals, Niu Biao's crimson eyes scanned the crowd, searching for someone.

"Elder, I'm here!" Niu Laosan called out eagerly from the stage, believing that the Grand Elder had come to support him.

In the past, the elder had treated him kindly within the clan, often praising him for his simplicity and honesty.

However, to Niu Laosan's disappointment, Niu Biao paid him little heed this time.

In the crowd, Niu Biao immediately locked onto the positions of Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan.

Upon seeing Gu Lan, he approached with a smile without a word of hesitation.

"I am Niu Biao, the Grand Elder of the Bull Demon Clan. I once received guidance from Emperor Feng Yang himself and have never forgotten his benevolence. If there have been any lapses in hospitality due to the ignorance of those below, I humbly beg for forgiveness, Your Excellency," Niu Biao said respectfully as he bowed before Gu Lan, displaying no trace of arrogance.

His straightforward manner and words exuded sincerity rather than haughtiness.

This was not only because of Emperor Feng Yang's favor towards him but also because, upon surveying the assembly, he found himself unable to gauge the true strength of anyone other than Gu Lan and the empress herself.

Even if Gu Lan's cultivation was average, as long as he possessed the token of the Heaven Emperor, Niu Biao would treat him with due respect. However, he wouldn't be this deferential.

"Heaven Emperor's token? So, this scholar is actually the Heaven Emperor's emissary from the Immortal Realm!"

"Just now, I entered the city alongside the Heaven Emperor's emissary. I missed the opportunity to establish a connection with him. What a regret!"

"Why would the Heaven Emperor's emissary visit Moyun City? Could there be some significant event brewing between the Immortal Realm and the Demon Realm?"

Demon clans began to speculate fervently. In both the Immortal and Demon Realms, Emperor Feng Yang's reputation resounded loudly, and consequently, those bestowed with the Heaven Emperor's token were highly esteemed.

Many gazes fell upon Gu Lan, pondering the origins of his status within the Immortal Realm.

Of all present, Niu Laosan was the most excited. His expression turned dumbfounded upon seeing Gu Lan, and after a moment of hesitation, he excitedly waved his thick arms and shouted, "Senior! Senior! Have you come to see me?"

"Niu Laosan, have you practiced forbidden arts to the point of losing your wits?" Niu Er sneered at Niu Laosan's enthusiasm, feeling that Niu Laosan was attempting to curry favor with the Heaven Emperor's emissary.

In such a situation, he might have done the same, but not as foolishly.

Now, he pondered how to establish a connection with the Heaven Emperor's emissary. Once that bond was forged, his position within the Bull Demon Clan would be unassailable. And dealing with someone like Niu Laosan would be child's play.

"What a foolish ox. The Grand Elder's assessment of you was indeed accurate," Niu Er shook his head, casting a flattering glance toward Gu Lan as he began contemplating his strategy for befriending the Heaven Emperor's emissary.

Acting familiar and presenting a gift would be much wiser than feigning acquaintance; after all, powerful individuals weren't easily fooled, and one's appearance of simplicity didn't necessarily elicit favor.

Meanwhile, Niu Biao shot Niu Laosan a stern glare from the sidelines before turning to explain to Gu Lan. In truth, he rather liked Niu Laosan and was subtly defending him.

Seeing Niu Laosan, Niu Biao couldn't help but see a reflection of his own youth, albeit a bit too simple-minded for his liking.

It made him slightly apprehensive about entrusting the future of the Bull Demon Clan to him.