Douluo Dalu 5: Rebirth Of Tang San

Today was an extremely important day for her and the entire Peacock Demon clan, as it would determine the future of their entire race.

Kali City was unusually quiet today. Yes, quiet.

The change of the clan leader was undoubtedly the most important event for Kali City. However, many days ago, rumors had already begun to spread that the successor chosen by the Peacock Great Demon King was a human. How could a human lead the Peacock Demon clan? How could a human become the ruler of Kali City? This was something the Ancestral Court would not tolerate, a disgrace to Kali City.

Various scattered rumors were flying around, and the Peacock Demon clan's officials did not clarify anything.

Then, the event was postponed for five days.

The previous intense energy fluctuation over the sea was rumored to be heavenly punishment, a divine retribution for the Peacock Demon clan's wrong decision. Thus, even though today was the appointed day, there was no bustling scene. Anyone with eyes could see that this was going to turn into a very serious internal conflict. Hence, many great nobles had strictly ordered their clansmen not to go out today and to stay at home.

The great nobles of Kali City were now divided into three factions. One faction naturally supported the Peacock Great Demon King. For example, the Aetherhorn Deers and Golden Deers were part of this faction—they had been closely tied to the Peacock Great Demon King since the beginning, and they would share in his glory and loss.

Then there was the neutral faction, which was the largest. Some didn't fully understand the situation and only knew that the Peacock Great Demon King's chosen successor was a daughter with human blood, not a pureblooded descendant.

Lastly, there was the opposition faction. The opposition came from within the Peacock Demon clan, and their voices had been present for a long time but were always suppressed by the Peacock Great Demon King. And today, as the inheritance ceremony was about to begin, all conflicts would have no other choice but to erupt.

Therefore, Kali City was seething with undercurrents at this moment, and these undercurrents could turn into monstrous waves at any time.

***

Mei Gongzi put on a silver gown, the most authentic noble attire of the Peacock Demon clan. It was long enough that it trailed behind her, and silver patterns adorned every corner of the luxurious gown.

The Peacock Great Demon King had told her that their ancestor, the Peacock Demon Emperor, wore a similar gown when inheriting the throne.

When the tall and graceful Mei Gongzi donned the gown, she looked stunningly beautiful.

"Are you ready?" The Peacock Great Demon King was also dressed in grand attire today, wearing a silver robe and a crown on his head. This was the crown of the Peacock Demon clan's leader, the supreme symbol of the position—a divine artifact known as the Celestial Star Crown.

Mei Gongzi looked at her father and smiled, "There's nothing to prepare."

"Good! After today, you will be the leader of the Peacock Demon clan. Remember your promise to me: no matter what happens in the future, you must protect our clan."

Mei Gongzi nodded. At this moment, her emotions were also surging. But amidst the excitement, she felt a tinge of sadness. She couldn't forget the vision she saw when she first gained the approval of the Celestial Plume, where he was by her side as she was admired by all and other clans submitted to her. Unfortunately, now he was bedridden.

Taking a deep breath to calm her emotions, she thought, Let's finish this so I can return to him.

In front of the ancestral castle of the Peacock Demon clan was a wide plaza, trapezoidal in shape. It was now richly decorated, as appropriate for such a ceremony. A high platform stood on the plaza near the castle, facing Kali City. A red carpet extended from the castle to the platform, and on both sides of the platform, seats were neatly arranged. The left side was filled with members of the Peacock Demon clan, while the right side had representatives from the various noble families of Kali City.

The weather was excellent today. Sunlight bathed the plaza, and the grand castle and mountains behind it created a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere.

The most prestigious Kali City figures and the highest-ranking members of the Peacock Demon clan sat in the front rows on either side of the plaza. However, the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive and heavy.

The noble spectators whispered among themselves, but kept their voices low. Their expressions were varied—some worried, some excited, and some frowning.

On the side of the Peacock Demon clan, the atmosphere was particularly heavy. The elders sitting in the front row had solemn expressions and spoke little.

Sitting in the first seat in the front row was a beautiful woman who appeared to be in her forties. She wore a splendid silver gown, her eyes closed as if in meditation. Even just sitting there, she exuded a majestic aura that spoke volumes of her strength and status.

This was the consort of the Peacock Great Demon King—second only to the Peacock Great Demon King in terms of status.

Many of the great nobles across the plaza frequently glanced in her direction. Whether today's ceremony would proceed smoothly depended greatly on her. This consort held a pivotal position in the clan, as she was the one who inherited the direct bloodline of the former Peacock Demon Emperor.

Yes, although the Peacock Great Demon King was also from the main bloodline, he was not actually a direct descendant of the Peacock Demon Emperor. In other words, he had not been chosen to inherit the throne because his ancestors were the most outstanding. Rather, his ability to secure the throne was inseparable from this consort, a direct descendant of the clan’s only Emperor. The Peacock Great Demon King had secured his position with her support.

This consort was also the chief elder of the Peacock Demon clan, and a peak-level Great Demon King second only to her husband in power.

Thirty-six burly bear race warriors blew thirty-six horns, the deep reverberations marking the prelude to the ceremony.

Immediately, the entire plaza fell silent, and the consort sitting in the first seat on the left finally opened her eyes. Her gaze was very calm, and no emotions were visible on her fair visage.

The second horn resounded, its sound carrying far, clearly audible even in the farthest corners of Kali City.

The third horn resounded, and all the nobles present, including those from the Peacock Demon clan, stood up.

The three horn blasts signified the official start of the ceremony. The castle gates slowly opened at this moment, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Elegantly dressed, Mei Gongzi held the Peacock Great Demon King's arm, walking slowly out of the castle and toward the back of the platform.

The horns sounded once more. The Peacock Great Demon King walked up the platform with the support of his daughter. On their side, the Peacock Demon clan members displayed their magnificent tail feathers in full bloom.

As they ascended the platform, all the spectators present slightly bowed their heads to the Peacock Great Demon King. Only the consort remained upright, her gaze calm as she watched the father and daughter onstage.

The horns sounded one final time. The Peacock Great Demon King's gaze swept over all the spectators present, first looking to the left at the members of the Peacock Demon clan, and then to the right at the nobles from the clans associated with them.

"Today is the most important event for our clan. I am thankful to all the guests who have come to witness it!" The Peacock Great Demon King's voice was deep and carried far. The nobles on the right side bowed once more in salute.