My Celestial Ascension Chapter 881: Duke Hexryn

The receptionist was struck with utter amazement after counting the funds, discovering that the small pouch was packed to the brim with exactly one hundred gold coins.

’A-A hundred gold coins... you have to be kidding me!! Is this truly just a tip for the food they consumed?!’ The receptionist gaped at Yuan in total shock, her mind screaming in disbelief.

"I am deeply grateful for your incredible generosity, honored guest. Please, do not hesitate to visit us again whenever you wish to dine at our establishment," the receptionist remarked, a radiant and joyful beam spreading across her face.

"We shall, if time permits," Yuan replied with a nod and a smile, leading his group out of the private dining area.

The moment they exited the room, Yuan and his wives were greeted by the sight of a massive assembly of people gathered before the restaurant, nearly obstructing the doorway entirely.

Utilizing their heightened senses, they could catch the sound of endless whispering from across the hall. It appeared that a confrontation with the waiting crowd outside was unavoidable.

Their striking looks had drawn far too much gaze. Regardless of how much they desired to sidestep needless trouble, it was not always a situation they could dodge.

Just as Yuan’s group prepared to depart the building, a magnificent carriage came to a sudden halt right at the entrance.

The crowd outside dispersed in a frantic rush the instant the carriage arrived, as if a predatory beast had appeared among them. The insignia displayed on the vehicle was instantly recognized by everyone.

"F-Flee! It is Duchess Hexryn!"

"What?! For what reason would the Duchess arrive in the city so suddenly without any warning?!"

"C-Could she be conducting a personal inspection?!"

Fear rippled through the onlookers in a heartbeat. People scrambled in every direction, their expressions twisted with terror as if they were running for their very lives.

Click! A sharp sound rang out as the carriage door was flung open, and a woman stepped out with elegant poise, a wide grin on her face.

Her mere aura sent shivers down the spines of those watching. Clad in a military uniform that was both menacing and alluring, her smile exerted an invisible weight that forced others to lower their gaze instinctively.

She was draped in an aura of absolute authority, making it difficult for anyone in her vicinity to even draw breath comfortably.

"Is this the location where the humans are rumored to be?" she inquired with a subtle smirk, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Indeed, my Lady. This is the exact restaurant our informants mentioned. Those humans remain inside at this moment—likely still finishing their meal," the butler, who wore spectacles, answered in a composed and stately manner while standing loyally at her side.

"Still dining? Their hunger must be vast if they have been eating for over an hour. That seems quite hard to believe," Lady Hexryn remarked, her brows knitting together as a flicker of doubt crossed her features.

"The report stated that a massive amount of food was delivered to their private chamber. Our source also noted that they have consumed more than what a hundred people could manage." The butler provided this information with steady professionalism.

"Incredible... I have never encountered a human capable of such a feat. Even for me, this is quite startling," Lady Hexryn whispered, a look of skepticism on her face.

’Is it possible they aren't human at all? They might just be masking their true forms as humans... but what sort of entity would have the power to create such a perfect disguise?’ She pondered deeply, her gaze turning pensive.

"I am going in. You lot remain here and secure the perimeter," she commanded her guards before walking into the restaurant.

Upon entering, she immediately spotted Yuan and his wives standing in the foyer, observing her with tranquil expressions.

She was momentarily stunned by their looks. Every woman possessed a celestial beauty that could rival the goddesses of the High Heavens. As for Yuan, the young man meeting her gaze so calmly was the most handsome male she had ever laid eyes on.

’If I weren't already a wife with a family... I would have claimed this young man for myself without a second thought,’ she mused, her heart fluttering at Yuan’s immense charm.

"What is your purpose in looking for us?"

A serene voice suddenly vibrated from the front, causing her to stop dead in her tracks and look at Yuan with a hint of unease.

’What was that?! I am a veteran of war who serves His Highness the Demon Emperor! How can a simple voice freeze me in place?!’ She stared in shock, having never faced such a sensation before.

’This youth before me... he is far more than he seems. He is powerful—there is no doubt about it,’ she realized, instantly sharpening her guard.

"What is the matter? Why have you gone quiet? Have you lost your tongue?" Lily questioned with a heavy scowl, her eyes fixed on Lady Hexryn.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Raveline Hexryn, one of the four Dukes of the Demon Empire. You may call me Duke Hexryn—I have a preference for the title of Duke over Duchess." Lady Hexryn presented herself with a boastful smile, her poised stance hiding her internal agitation perfectly.

"And what does the Duke of Hexoria require from us? I suspect we have nothing of value for you," Yuan answered steadily, lifting an eyebrow as he observed her.

"It appears you have misread my intentions. I have come simply to invite you all to my estate as distinguished guests—nothing more," Lady Hexryn explained with a gentle smile, trying to soften the tension filling the room.

"Is that so?" Yuan gave a slight smile before saying, "Well, we happen to have some free time, so why not? We shall accept your invitation today, Duke Hexryn."

"Excellent. Let us depart; my carriage is waiting just outside," Lady Hexryn said, a look of satisfaction on her face.

Stepping out, Yuan and his wives saw a highly ornate carriage stationed nearby, surrounded by a perimeter of guards.

"Mmm, Duke Hexryn, I doubt that carriage can accommodate all of us. Why don't you proceed first, and we will follow behind?" Vanessa suggested with a mild smile.

"Follow me? Do you possess a carriage of your own?" Lady Hexryn asked, turning to scan the area.

However, she saw no other carriage parked near the establishment. This left her confused as to how Yuan and his group intended to keep up without one.

"We lack a carriage, but do not worry about our travel. We will be right behind you," Yuan stated with a relaxed smile.

"If you insist, but do not complain later that I failed to offer a seat," Lady Hexryn laughed before entering her carriage, which the butler promptly closed.

A moment later, the carriage began its journey—moving slowly at first before picking up speed.

Lady Hexryn’s curiosity peaked regarding how Yuan and his wives intended to follow without any transport.

She peeked through the rear window of the carriage, and the sight she beheld shocked her to her core, her eyes widening so much they looked ready to pop out.

"T-They are flying... H-How can this be possible?!" she cried out in a soft, shaky voice, her face pale with shock.

"They are not ordinary! They cannot be human! No human holds such power! Even those who call themselves gods cannot fly by their own strength!"

Throughout the trip, Lady Hexryn watched as Yuan and his wives trailed the carriage through the sky like silent ghosts.

Nearly an hour passed before the carriage finally stopped in front of a colossal mansion—the magnificent Hexryn Family estate, a grand legacy of many generations.

As Lady Hexryn stepped down, dozens of demon sentries immediately bowed and saluted with flawless military precision.

Moments later, Yuan and his wives descended from the heavens and touched down beside the carriage, instantly paralyzing every demon present with visible disbelief.

With a smile, Lady Hexryn approached Yuan and remarked, "This is my residence... it is quite lovely, is it not?"

"Indeed. It is very beautiful," Yuan agreed with a nod.

"Let us go inside to converse. I have many questions for you. You have already provided me with more than enough shocks for one day," Lady Hexryn said, gesturing for Yuan and his group to follow her.

Once settled on the sofas inside, Lady Hexryn immediately commanded the servants to serve tea to their visitors.

"Since I have introduced myself, why don't you all do the same?" Lady Hexryn suggested with a faint smirk, resting her hands. "After all, I am very interested in how you managed to cross the barrier that protects this continent."

Yuan raised his eyebrows at this, but he remained calm. The woman before him was no threat to him or his companions.

He sensed no evil intent from Raveline; she simply seemed genuinely inquisitive about them. Nevertheless, Yuan chose to remain cautious and kept a close eye on her.

"I am Yuan," he replied after a short silence to collect his thoughts. "And since you have already surmised our background, we will not hide it. We truly did come from beyond the Demonic Continent."

He then introduced the rest of the group to Lady Hexryn, leaving her deeply stunned.

’So nearly all of these women are his wives... except for three?’ She screamed internally in shock. ’Just how did he get so many women to fall in love with him?!’

"I must admit, you are a very impressive man," Lady Hexryn laughed softly before adding, "Now that we are acquainted, shall we get to the heart of the matter?"

"I am not one for idle talk. I prefer to address things directly."

"I share that sentiment," Yuan nodded calmly, responding, "Ask whatever you wish. Provided it is reasonable, I will give you a truthful answer."

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I want to offer my sincere apologies for the recent delays in chapter updates. About a month ago, I was in a serious bike accident that resulted in fractures in both arms and severe injuries to my fingers. The chapters released during this period were written with help from my sister and girlfriend. However, they can only help for a short time due to their upcoming exams.

I have mostly recovered now and can type on my phone again, though it is a slow process. I will do my absolute best to return to a regular update schedule. Thank you so much for your support, patience, and kind words during this tough time.