Rebellious Lord of All Realms: Su Chen's Dark Harem

Chapter 201 With all preparations for the grand ceremony complete, the beauty gazes intently awaiting the emperor’s arrival.Spirit City in early summer was enveloped in a solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere. With only one day left until the enthronement ceremony of the Reverse Lord Emperor, the entire city was already decorated with lanterns and streamers. Black-gold banners intertwined with seven-colored radiance and holy golden light, stretching from the city gates to the central plaza. The bluestone steps along the palace roads were polished spotless, and both sides were lined with rare flowers and exotic plants brought from the Star Dou Great Forest. Blue Silver Grass wound its way up the flagpoles, its pale blue flowers contrasting beautifully with roses and peonies, adorning Spirit City with both majesty and warmth. Within the Nishen Imperial Palace, everything was prepared, all arrangements in order, merely awaiting the auspicious hour tomorrow for the bells to toll and the reign to begin.

During these days of preparation, no one in the palace was idle, yet there was no hint of chaos; everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. Although Su Chen was the soon-to-be-enthroned Emperor, he still personally oversaw the work, though his gaze never left the fifteen beauties by his side. Every detail of the preparations was made with them in mind—the Nine Dragon High Platform was not a solitary design for a lone monarch; its body was carved with Nishen Runes alongside the Spirit Markings of the fifteen beauties. Xiao Wu’s Soft Bones Rabbit, Zhu Zhuqing’s Hell Civet, Ning Rongrong’s Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Qian Renxue’s Seraphim, Ah Yin’s Blue Silver Emperor... each was engraved in a well-arranged manner, symbolizing that his world had always featured their presence from start to finish. The Imperial Crown and the fifteen Phoenix Crowns were crafted by the world’s top artisans. The Imperial Crown, based on black jade and inlaid with a Dragon Soul Pearl, was understated yet majestic. The Phoenix Crowns each had unique features matching the temperament of each beauty: Xiao Wu’s was adorned with a white jade rabbit pattern, Zhu Zhuqing’s with an ink-colored civet, Ning Rongrong’s with seven-colored glaze, Qian Renxue’s with Holy Light Crystals, and Ah Yin’s was entwined with Blue Silver Grass patterns... in every detail lay Su Chen’s treasure and indulgence.

The fifteen beauties of the inner palace also participated in the preparations, each showcasing their strengths and infusing the grand ceremony with their unique tenderness.

Xiao Wu, in her pink and white ceremonial attire, curiously held her Phoenix Crown, her fingertips lightly brushing the white jade rabbit pattern, her eyes sparkling. As the palace attendants helped her try it on, she couldn’t help but turn to ask Su Chen, ”Brother Su Chen, does it look good? Is it too heavy?” Su Chen walked to her side, gently steadying the Phoenix Crown and adjusting its position. His fingertips caressed her cheek as he said dotingly, ”It looks beautiful. My Xiao Wu looks good in anything. If it’s heavy, just lean on me; I’ll support it for you.” Xiao Wu smiled until her eyes curved into crescents, hooked her arm through his, and skipped along with him to inspect the high platform like a joyful young girl, though she didn’t forget to remind the attendants to arrange the Blue Silver flowers more neatly, as they were Sister Ah Yin’s Spirit.

Zhu Zhuqing wore a suit of ink-colored martial attire, shedding her usual gentleness and regaining the efficiency of a Shadow Knight. She personally inspected the defense arrangements of Spirit City and the palace. The Shadow Guards, all trained by her, were hidden in the shadows, inseparable and ready to isolate any potential disturbances. She moved through the palace roads and the high platform with swift steps and sharp eyes; no defensive blind spot could escape her gaze. Once finished, she walked slowly to Su Chen’s side, shedding all her sharpness, and said softly, ”Everything is arranged; there will be no accidents.” Su Chen reached out to grasp her cool fingertips, transferring his warmth to her, and whispered, ”Thank you for your hard work, my Shadow Knight.” Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head slightly, her cheeks flushing, but she shook her head gently. ”For you, it is no hardship.”

Ning Rongrong, in a seven-colored brocade dress, held the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda floating gently in her palm. Seven-colored divine light cascaded down, coating the Nine Dragon High Platform and the palace roads in a soft halo. She used the Seven Treasure Divine Light to nourish the plants by the platform, ensuring they would bloom even more brilliantly on the day of the ceremony. She also personally decorated the platform’s railings with glazed beads, each one brought from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, crystal clear and reflecting brilliant light in the sun. As she worked, she chattered to Su Chen, ”Brother Su Chen, look! With these decorations, the platform is both beautiful and majestic. When the people see it tomorrow, they’ll surely think our ceremony is the grandest!” Su Chen rubbed the top of her head and chuckled, ”Yes, our Rongrong is indeed skillful, making everything so beautiful.”

Qian Renxue, in a holy golden dress with a faint divine light surrounding her, was personally polishing the Imperial Crown and the fifteen Phoenix Crowns with holy light. The holy light was gentle and steady, brushing away every speck of dust and making the black jade, glaze, and crystals even more lustrous. Her movements were gentle and earnest, as if she were polishing the most precious treasures in the world. She had been accustomed to the coronation ceremonies of divinities, yet she had never been so dedicated, for this time, it was for her lover and for their shared glory. Su Chen walked to her side and watched her quietly, his eyes full of tenderness. Qian Renxue turned and smiled, the holy light flowing like a blooming snow lotus. ”They are all clean. Tomorrow, you will be the most noble Emperor in this world.” Su Chen leaned down and kissed her forehead. ”With you here, I am truly complete.”

Ah Yin, in a green dress, tapped her finger, and countless strands of Blue Silver Grass spread from the ground, gently winding around the pillars and railings of the Nine Dragon High Platform. Pale blue flowers bloomed in layers on the pillars, infusing the cold platform with vitality and warmth. She also had the Blue Silver Grass form a green carpet in the central plaza, stretching from the platform to the city gates, so that when the people entered the plaza, they could feel the breath of life. She leaned against Su Chen, looking at her Blue Silver Grass decorating the platform like a fairyland on earth, and said softly, ”This way, the whole world will know that I am by your side, that we are all with you.” Su Chen put his arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace, his nose brushing against the top of her head. ”Yes, let the world know that my world is shared with you all.”

The other beauties also did their best, making the preparations perfect.

Karin, in a light red dress, was brewing Soothing Ointments and Nourishing Tonics in the bedchamber. Her fingertips glowed with a faint red light as she carefully controlled the heat. She knew the ceremony would be tedious and everyone would be exhausted, so she prepared the ointments in advance to soothe their muscles and nourish Su Chen’s body. She also thoughtfully added Spiritual Fruit Honey to the ointment, giving it a sweet taste unlike the usual bitterness. Occasionally looking toward Su Chen, her cheeks would flush slightly, her eyes full of adoration.

Hinata, in a pure white dress, silently stood guard at the boundary between the Nine Dragon High Platform and the palace. With her Byakugan active, she vigilantly observed the surroundings, keeping all unauthorized persons away. She wasn’t flashy or loud; she simply used her own way to protect the stability of the ceremony and guard Su Chen and the sisters. Wherever her gaze fell, it was on Su Chen; as long as he was well, she was at peace.

Kushina, in a fiery red dress, was busy in the imperial kitchen, personally overseeing the food for the day of the ceremony. From the Blessing Cakes for the people to the exquisite dishes for the inner palace, she tasted everything and adjusted the flavors, ensuring the people ate safely and Su Chen and the beauties ate happily. Her laughter echoed in the kitchen, carrying the warmth of home, adding a domestic touch to this solemn ceremony.

Zi Yan changed her usual lively self and obediently followed Su Chen, no longer acting spoiled for candy. She just quietly held onto the corner of his clothes, occasionally helping the attendants pass small items. Her purple eyes were full of anticipation as she watched everything, whispering, ”Brother Su Chen, after you are enthroned tomorrow, can you take me to eat all the candy in the world?” Su Chen pinched her cheek and laughed, ”Yes, I will take you to eat all the candy in the world from now on.” Zi Yan immediately smiled until her eyes curved, returning to her usual cheerful self.

Hanabi, in martial attire and full of energy, helped arrange the guard of honor. She followed the attendants in placing the ceremonial equipment and carrying banners, her steps light and her face full of seriousness. Occasionally, she would practice the ceremonial steps with the guards, her eyes bright and determined. ”Brother Su Chen, tomorrow I want to stand at the very front to protect you!” Su Chen patted her head approvingly and said, ”Good, our Hanabi will be the bravest guard.”

Medusa, in a crimson Phoenix Robe, sat in the bedchamber as attendants helped her try it on. Her snake tail brushed lightly against the floor, her eyes seductive as silk, yet with less of her usual allure and more solemnity. She personally inspected the Phoenix Robes of the fifteen beauties; every piece had to pass her inspection, with every stitch, pattern, and accessory required to be perfect, allowing no errors. She looked at herself in the mirror and then at Su Chen beside her, her voice lazy yet firm: ”Tomorrow, we shall stand with you at the peak of this world.”

Xiao Xun Er, in a gentle and plain dress, was carefully attending to Su Chen’s Imperial Attire. Her fingertips were gentle as she smoothed out every wrinkle, pairing the attire with a jade belt and pendant, handling every detail meticulously. She also sewed Su Chen’s favorite sachet into the inner side of the robe, filled with soothing herbs and a faint floral scent, so that Su Chen could feel a familiar sense of peace on the day of the ceremony. She looked up at Su Chen with a shallow smile, her eyes tender. ”Everything is ready. When you wear it tomorrow, you will surely look magnificent.”

Xiao Yi Xian, in plain clothes, was organizing emergency pills in her medicine box—healing pills, soothing pills, nourishing pills... all categorized and neatly arranged. She also personally placed medicine boxes on the Nine Dragon High Platform in case of any emergencies during the ceremony. Her mind was meticulous and her considerations thorough. She walked to Su Chen’s side and whispered a reminder, ”The ceremony tomorrow is complex. If you are tired, take a soothing pill; do not force yourself.” Su Chen grasped her hand and said warmly, ”Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Yun Yun, in a plain sword-dress, held a long sword and personally arranged the patrol routes for the Sword Guards. The Sword Guards were all handpicked by her, each with superb swordsmanship and unwavering loyalty. She divided them into twelve teams to guard the twelve directions of the Nine Dragon High Platform. She even performed a sword dance by the platform, her blade’s light flowing with a momentum like a rainbow, adding a touch of heroism to the ceremony. She sheathed her sword and looked at Su Chen with a slight smile. ”The Sword Guards are all arranged; they will surely protect you and the sisters.”

Qing Lin, in a light green dress, led several Spirit Snakes on patrol through the streets and alleys of Spirit City. The Spirit Snakes were small and swift, capable of detecting the slightest movement. She controlled the snake swarm to inspect every corner of the city, ensuring no accidents would occur on the day of the ceremony. Her small figure moved through the streets, earnest and focused. When she met Su Chen, she said softly, ”Brother Su Chen, all is well in Spirit City. The people are all looking forward to tomorrow’s ceremony.”

Su Chen held the hands of the fifteen beauties as they walked on the Nine Dragon High Platform, looking down at the attendants and guards ready for action, at the people in the distance waiting expectantly, and at the entire Spirit City, decorated with both majesty and warmth. His heart was full of emotion and peace. Beside him were fifteen beauties who had given him their hearts; each had her own style and tenderness, yet all had poured their efforts into this ceremony for him. This affection was more precious than all the treasures in the world.

As the sun set, the evening glow dyed the sky crimson, painting the Nine Dragon High Platform in a warm red. The fifteen beauties surrounded Su Chen, each leaning against him, their gazes fixed on the stars in the sky, their eyes full of longing and expectation. The evening breeze blew gently, fluttering their dresses and the Blue Silver Grass by the platform, the scent of flowers and greenery intertwining around them.

”Brother Su Chen, tomorrow, you will be the Reverse Lord Emperor,” Xiao Wu whispered, leaning in his arms.

”Yes, tomorrow, we shall stand together at the peak of this world.” Su Chen lowered his head and kissed her forehead, his gaze sweeping over every beauty beside him, his voice deep and solemn, echoing in the evening breeze. ”I once defied heaven, crushed powerful enemies, settled the continent, and sealed the God Realm. What I sought was never the status of the world’s supreme ruler, but to be able to spend my life with you all in peace. To me, tomorrow’s enthronement is not about being the sole ruler of the world, but about receiving the world’s blessings together with you. From now on, I shall be the Reverse Lord Emperor, and you shall be my Empresses. Together, we shall protect this continent and stay by each other’s side through the years, never to be parted.”

Hearing this, the fifteen beauties looked up at Su Chen, their eyes filled with tears, yet all smiling brilliantly. They reached out and tightly grasped Su Chen’s hands; sixteen pairs of hands were held together, hearts and affections intertwined.

As the night grew darker, the palace lanterns in Spirit City lit up one by one, their warm yellow glow swaying and enveloping the entire city in warmth. The people returned home, waiting for the auspicious hour tomorrow. The palace also gradually grew quiet as the fifteen beauties accompanied Su Chen back to the bedchamber to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s grand ceremony.