Transmigration:The Villain Wants A Happy End Without His BeastHusbands-Chapter 161: Isn’t He The Divine Beast King?

Ningyan studied Jun Shanyuan carefully. There was no hostility in her expression. Not even a trace.

And yet her words lingered.

He exhaled slowly. "Is that so?"

The earlier nervousness had already faded from his voice.

Jun Shanyuan’s smile deepened, as though pleased by his composure.

Without warning, she reached out and took his hands in hers.

Her grip was warm and.. gentle.

"Don’t worry," she said softly. "My brother will protect you."

Her lips curved into an amused smile. "And Lan Meishan... I believe he is more than capable of protecting himself."

Her gaze softened further. "I am glad you chose him. Chose them."

Ningyan blinked, caught off guard.

"I never imagined A-Xuan would marry," she continued lightly. "I thought he would spend his immortal life alone buried in cultivation and duty."

There was no mockery in her tone. Only quiet sincerity.

Ningyan hesitated.

Was he... supposed to simply move past what she had said earlier?

"...Is your father truly going to try to kill me?" he asked again.

Jun Shanyuan let out a clear and unbothered laugh.

"You don’t look afraid," she observed.

Then, more casually, "My father is no longer the one ruling the clan."

She released his hands and turned, already walking ahead.

"Come with me. I was about to take a medicinal soak. It will warm your body and keep you from catching a chill."

Ningyan blinked and hurried after her.

"Wait... what do you mean?" he pressed. "Isn’t he the Divine Beast King?"

Jun Shanyuan stopped and glanced back at him.

There was a flicker of something in her eyes this time. "Ah... It seems A-Xuan hasn’t told you anything."

She sighed, then waved it off. "Of course he hasn’t."

Turning fully, she fell into step beside him again, closer this time, her sleeve brushing his as she casually hooked her arm through his.

"Then you should hear it from me." Her tone brightened again, almost instantly.

"And honestly, I should have visited you sooner. I heard about the marriage, but I’ve been occupied with preparations for Father’s return."

She wrinkled her nose slightly. "And, for a few days, I finally had peace. The children were sent to my cousin in Wind City."

A soft laugh escaped her. "It was... quiet."

Then she glanced up at him again, smiling. "But now you’re here."

Ningyan blinked, letting himself be pulled along.

As they moved through the winding corridors, Jun Shanyuan spoke without slowing.

"A-Xuan has been ruling the Azure Dragon Clan for three years now," she said. "Officially, Father still holds the title. It keeps appearances intact. But everyone who matters knows the truth."

Ningyan’s gaze flickered toward her.

"Even when he was at the academy," she continued, "he returned. Handled matters. Stabilized what Father would have gladly let burn."

There was no hesitation in her voice.

"My father..." she exhaled lightly, as though the subject itself was tiresome, "has no interest in ruling. What he wants—"

Her eyes darkened slightly. "—is war."

Ningyan stilled.

"He believes the clan has grown weak," she went on. "That internal conflict should be purged... through blood."

A small, humorless smile touched her lips. "He would rather see dragons slaughter each other than tolerate dissent."

Ningyan swallowed.

"That is what A-Xuan has been holding back all this time."

Silence lingered between them for a moment.

Then she added, more lightly, "So, if he threatens you... feel free to call him a foolish old beast."

Ningyan blinked. "Oh.."

That was not what he had expected. Not at all.

Jun Shanyuan glanced at him, amused.

"You should still be careful," she added. "The court is divided. Half stand with my brother. The other half... with my father."

Her gaze shifted forward again. "And that side has been growing since Lan Yunlai began the demon qi commotion."

They turned into a quieter corridor.

The air changed... Softer and warmer.

Servants moved gracefully along the walls, their presence subtle but attentive. Curtains of sheer azure silk parted as they approached, revealing a chamber bathed in gentle blue light.

The calm, grounding scent of incense lingered.

Inside, low tables, fine mats, and layered cushions were arranged with careful elegance. Lanterns burned with soft blue flames, casting a tranquil glow over everything.

Ningyan stepped in and felt it immediately.

The tension in his body eased. Just slightly. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Before he could take in more, efficient and quiet hands moved. His outer robes were slipped from his shoulders, leaving him in loose trousers, his bare scarred, defined torso exposed.

There was a flicker of surprise in Jun Shanyuan’s eyes but she said nothing. She only cleared her throat softly as her own attendants stepped forward, removing the heavier layers of her robes until she remained in light inner garments.

They settled opposite each other on the cushions.

Tea was poured. Steam curled into the air.

Behind her, attendants worked deftly... removing the golden ornaments from her hair, brushing through the long dark strands with practiced care.

Across from her, Ningyan felt the warmth of a cloth press gently against his damp hair.

A hot soothing towel.

Another servant stepped forward, offering him loose azure robes.

He slipped them on, the fabric light and comfortable against his skin.

Jun Shanyuan smiled at him. "Are you enjoying yourself, Ningyan?"

Ningyan nodded, lifting the teacup to his lips.

He hesitated just for a breath. The memory of poison still lingered too close beneath his skin.

But... Jun Shanyuan had no hostility. No hidden edge...

He took a sip. Warmth spread through his chest, slow and steady.

The tea was rich, fragrant... Comforting.

"Yes," he said softly. "Thank you."

Jun Shanyuan’s smile brightened, faintly pleased.

"I should have come sooner to welcome you into the family," she admitted. "But things have been... occupied."

She tilted her head slightly. "My parents will not come. They reside in separate quarters within the palace. And A-Xuan has already forbidden them from approaching you."

Ningyan blinked. "Huh..."

Jun Shanyuan’s gaze softened, studying him.

"He is... excessively protective of you," she continued lightly. "Though, given what I have learned... I understand why."

Ningyan stilled. "...Learned?" he echoed.

She smiled faintly. "I made some inquiries. About your background."

Her tone remained gentle. "You have not had it easy. But did something happen recently?"

Ningyan’s grip tightened slightly around the teacup.

"I don’t think so." The lie was smooth.

Jun Shanyuan’s smile didn’t change. But her eyes did.

She knew. She simply chose not to press. "Well, I—"

"Shanyuan?" A familiar voice suddenly cut through the room.

Ningyan froze. His fingers tightened around the cup before he could stop himself.

Jun Shanyuan turned toward the entrance, her expression lighting up. "Here, Yunyi-jie."

The curtain shifted. And then she stepped in.

Yunyi.

A soft smile rested on her lips, gentle, composed, until her gaze landed on Ningyan.

The air in the room shifted. Instantly.